Medical Practitioners of Gadsden County, Florida

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BARNES 

Birth 28 FEBRUARY 1877 • Monticello, Florida 

Death 11 SEPTEMBER 1959 • Dothan, Alabama 

Dr. Barnes spent his boyhood on a farm, acquired a country school education, attended the high school at Monticello, and spent two years, 1895-96 and 1896-97, in the South Florida Military and Educational Institute. In 1897 he began the study of medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, spent two years there and one year in the University of Maryland. He received his medical degree in 1901, from the Marion Sims College of Medicine in St. Louis. Dr. Barnes returned to Monticello in June, 1901 and was in general practice there two years. In 1903, he moved to Chattahoochee where he continued general practice until 1910. He was then appointed the first assistant physician to the Florida State Hospital in 1910-1914, and again in 1921.  He then resigned this post and resumed his private practice at Chattahoochee. Dr. Barnes owned the River Junction Drug Store. He was a member of the Gadsden-Leon County Medical Society and the Florida State and American Medical Associations. He was actively interested in the Red Cross and other movements during the World War I.   In the interval between his services with the State Hospital, Dr. Barnes was local physician for the Louisville & Nashville, Seaboard Atlantic Coast Line and the Apalachicola Northern Railroads. He was instrumental in incorporating the town of River Junction and served as mayor and as the director of the Gadsden County Chamber of Commerce. He married Lena Johnson in 1903. 

Children: Mary Olivia, Benjamin F., Jr. and Marjorie 

JULIUS CAESAR DAVIS, SR. 

Birth 27 JUNE 1886 • Iron Duff, North Carolina 

Death 26 FEBRUARY 1960 • Quincy, Gadsden, Florida 

A native of North Carolina, Dr. Davis graduated from the Atlanta School of Medicine in 1911. Dr. Davis began his practice riding horseback through the mountains in North Carolina.  After one cold winter that gave him both pneumonia and a broken ankle, he decided to move south and began practicing medicine in Quincy in 1911. His 1st office was on the second floor of the 

Wagon-Buggy agency building (later the May Tobacco Company.)  In 1913 he helped organized the Leon-Gadsden County Medical Society and was the first president of the Second District Medical Society. Dr. Davis performed extensive research in intravenous injections and authored five medical books.  He served as clinical director of surgery at the Florida State Hospital, medical referee or the Florida Industrial Commission and chairman of the Florida Medical Association legislative and policy committee.  He led in the organization of the Gadsden-Liberty County Health Department, and that of the Gadsden County Hospital. He served as the Hospital’s business manager and medical director for 23 years.  He was in the Medical Corps in World War I and was later medical examiner for the Veterans administration. Dr. Davis married Bonnie Jean Marquardt. Children: Louis P., Lora Frances and Julian, Jr. 

OTHO WINTON GARDNER 

Birth 11 DECEMBER 1874 • Camilla, Mitchell, Georgia 

Death 29 JANUARY 1953 • Greensboro, Gadsden, Florida 

After graduating Emory School of Medicine, Dr. Gardner came to Greensboro 1901, when only five families lived in the area. He served the families in the western part of Gadsden County, Florida during the early-to-mid 20th Century. He helped with the organization and incorporation of the town in 1907 and with the exception of three terms was the town’s mayor until 1950. He practiced in Greensboro over 50 years and delivered over 3000 babies.  His first baby delivered in 1901, was Irene Kemp, his last Betty Sue Smith in 1943.   Dr. Gardner’s first wife, Eliza Miller, died of typhoid fever shortly after their marriage in 1902. He then married Lillian Ethel Gibson in 1904.  He was honored in 1951, on his 77th birthday in Greensboro, with a parade and reception at Greensboro High School Gymnasium. Over 1000 people attended and during the celebration, the newly constructed Town Hall was named in his honor. It continues to be known as Gardner Hall. Dr. Gardner never retired from practice, serving his patients until his death. Dr. Gardner’s greatest strain endured during his career was the 1918, typhoid epidemic when he worked around the clock for three weeks taking care of his patients. During his birthday party, he was quoted, “I don’t think I will ever retire, I like to stay close to my people, He then looked out over the packed school auditorium and added, “I guess you want it that way, don’t you.” 

Children: Eloise. Grace, Christine, and Marguerite 

ROBERT FAIN GODARD 

Birth 19 JUNE 1876 • Milner, Georgia 

Death 03 NOVEMBER 1950 • Quincy, Gadsden, Florida 

Dr. Godard was a native of Milner, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia Medical College at Augusta in 1900, and practiced for two years in Citra, Florida. He moved to Quincy in 1903.  For a time, he was on staff of the State Hospital in Chattahoochee and an officer for the State Board of Health but resumed his practice in Quincy in 1906. Dr. Godard married Mamie Furlow (Susie) Davis in December 19, 1906. He served as a physician for 40 years and helped found the Gadsden County Hospital. Children: Fain, J. Davis, Martha and Sarah 

JOHN METTAUER GRIFFIN, JR. 

Birth 11 APRIL 1917 • Jewel, Liberty, Florida 

Death 30 JUNE 1993 • Quincy, Gadsden, Florida 

Dr. John Mettauer Griffin, Jr. was born in Liberty County, Florida, where his father worked with Graves Brothers as a manager of naval stores. Dr. J.M. Griffin was raised in Quincy and graduated from Quincy High School, Emory University School of Medicine and Emory University Business School. He lived in Quincy the majority of his life and was a physician for more than 40 years. Dr. Griffin married Lawson Livingston May October 5, 1952. Children: Mary Howard, Helen and Ethel 

TAYLOR WOOD GRIFFIN, SR. 

Birth 11 JANUARY 1910 • Van Cleve, Harrison, Mississippi 

Death 11 JANURAY 1984 • Quincy, Gadsden, Florida 

Taylor Wood Griffin, Sr. was born in Mississippi and moved to Quincy at the age of 4. He was a graduate of Quincy High School, of Emory University and in 1934, graduated from the 

Emory University School of Medicine. In 1934, he married Helen Etheridge and began practicing medicine in Quincy in 1936. Dr. T. W. Griffin served in the Navy during World War II from 1941 to 1945. After the war he returned to his medical practice in Quincy and served as a member of the Panhandle Medical Society, the Florida Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He practiced medicine for 48 years and retired in 1983. Children: Deborah and Taylor, Jr. 

SIDNEY WALTER LEVY 

Birth 12 AUGUST 1905 • New York City, New York 

Death 20 MAY 1986 • Tallahassee, Leon, Florida 

Sidney Walter Levy was born in New York City to Dr. Abraham and Ray Levy and graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School. He graduated from Cornell University Medical College in 1931. 

Dr. Levy was a captain in the Army Medical Corps. He married Rose Irene May in Franklin County, Florida, 12 June 1943. After the service, they relocated to Quincy where he served as a physician for 33 years. Children: Rachel Dorothy, Irene Teresa and Edward Abraham  

WILLIAM WALTON MASSEY 

Birth 19 MARCH 1888 • Barwick, Brooks, Georgia 

Death 04 OCTOBER 1950 • Quincy, Gadsden, Florida 

A native of Barwick, Georgia, Dr. Massey received his medical degree from the University of Georgia in 1911. He began his practice in Morven, Georgia and moved the next year to Moultrie where he practiced for 10 years.  He also served in the Army during World War I, 1917-1919. He came to Quincy in 1923. He married Margaret Ward.  Two of his sons also became doctors and resided in Quincy. Children: Dr. James Lloyd Massey, Dr. George M. Massey, W.W. 

(Jack) Jr., and James W. 

JAMES LLOYD MASSEY 

Birth 26 SEPTEMBER 1912 • Morven, Brooks, Georgia 

Death 06 DECEMBER 1969 • Gadsden County, Florida 

Born in Morven, Georgia, he moved with his family to Quincy in 1923. He received his medical degree from Tulane University and served his internship at Hillman Hospital in Birmingham.  He was a member of the American Medical Association, American Geriatric Society, the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons, the American Academy of General Practioners and a fellow of the Southeastern Surgical Congress. He married Mary Wyatt. Children: Mary Martha, James L, Jr. and William Walton

GEORGE HAROLD MASSEY SR. 

Birth 07 OCTOBER 1919 • Moultrie, Colquitt, Georgia 

Death 03 MARCH 1991 • Quincy, Gadsden, Florida 

Dr. George Harold Massey was born in Moultrie. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1941 and from Duke University Medical School in 1944. He was a captain in the Army Medical Corps for four years, then interned at Gorgas Memorial Hospital in Panama.  He was a member of the Capital City medical Association and the Florida Medical Association. He married May Randall. Children: George, Jr., Richard and Michele 

HILLIARD RISHER REDDICK 

Birth 10 NOVEMBER 1922, in Greenville, Florida 

Death 23 MARCH 1986 in Tallahassee, Florida 

Hilliard Risher Reddick was born in Greenwood, Florida. He spent his childhood in Chipley, Florida. He graduated from high school in 1940, and enrolled at Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama. He married Mary Virginia Gilbert, his high school sweetheart, in 1945.  

His studies were interrupted by World War II and he served in the 39th Infantry/9th Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he returned to Birmingham Southern. Before he finished his graduation requirements, he was accepted to medical school at Temple University in Philadelphia. (He finished medical school without having a college degree and went to TCC after he retired to finish his last two classes.) While doing his internship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he learned that one of the physicians in Quincy had passed away and that the community was looking for a new doctor. He moved to Quincy in the summer immediately after getting through with his studies. He opened his office in 1951, in the building that had been Dr. Goddard’s office at 21 W. Washington Street. He then relocated to his newly built office at 21 N. Love Street in 1960. Dr. Reddick served as the President of the Five County Medical Society which was composed of Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Wakulla and Jefferson Counties. He practiced in Quincy for 30 years until his retirement in 1981. Children: Hillard R., Jr. (Dick) and Jane 

HUGH HARMON SAPP 

Birth 17 FEBRUARY 1872 • Camilla, Georgia 

Death 14 JULY 1960 • Gadsden, Florida 

Dr. H. H. Sapp Was a native of Camilla, Ga., he moved to Havana in 1910, and began his medical practice that continued for 48 years. He served as Mayor of Havana. Children: Rosalie, Hugh Harmon, Jr., James Winston and Helen 

JAMES WINSTON SAPP 

BIRTH 16 JULY 1906 • CAMILLA, Georgia 

Death 12 JANUARY 1969 • Gadsden, Florida 

Born in Camila, Georgia, James Winston Sapp was the son of Hugh Harmon Sapp. Dr. Sapp graduated of Emory University Medical School in 1934.  Dr. J.W. Sapp joined his father in practice in Havana in 1935. He was a member of the American Medical Association and the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons. Dr. Sapp married Helen Pearl Brown. Children: Winston, Jr., Sylvia, Sandra and Allen 

WILLIAM SPENCER STEVENS

Born in Tallahassee in 1882 

Died in Quincy in 1949 

Dr. Stevens attended Florida State Normal and Industrial College and graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. After medical school, Dr. Stevens moved to Quincy where he made history as the first black doctor to open his own medical practice in the area. Dr. Stevens also operated a community hospital for blacks and a drug store. In 1914, Dr. Stevens became the supervisor of the Quincy City Schools. In this role, he sought to enlarge the reach of Dunbar High School and oversaw a four-year improvement project in the late 1920s. After completion, the school’s name was changed in his honor. He married Annie Kent. Children: Robert M., Inez A., Lucy K., William S., Wallace H., Marion E., Jerome O. and Charles M. 

KENNETH WAYNE RICHARDSON 

Birth 10 SEPTEMBER 1933 • Eustis, Lake, Florida 

Death 10 APRIL 2004 • Chattahoochee, Gadsden, Florida  

A native of Eustis, Florida, Dr. Richardson graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1959. He joined the Thompson Clinic in Chattahoochee in 1960 and remained there 

40 years until his retirement in 1987. Dr. Richardson married Betty Jo Minshew. Children: Deborah, Kenneth W., Jr., Thomas and Steven  

JAMES ELSWORTH THOMPSON, SR. 

Birth 22 OCTOBER 1922 • Lamar, Colorado 

Death 1 DECEMBER 1992 • Gadsden County, Florida 

Dr. Thompson was a native of Lamar, Colorado, and graduated from Emory University in 1948 and Emory School of Medicine in 1952.  He served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. In 1953, he moved to Chattahoochee where he founded the Thompson Clinic. He was a member of the American Medical Association and was a consultant for the State Department of Corrections. Children: James, Jr., Gerald, Carol and Pamela 

BEECHAM LAMAR WATSON 

Birth 18 NOVEMBER 1923 • Sneads, Jackson, Georgia 

Death 12 February 1956 • Chattahoochee, Gadsden, Florida 

B. Lamar Watson is the only veterinarian honored in this exhibit. Dr. Watson grew up in Sneads, Florida, and graduated from Auburn University School of Veterinarian Medicine in 1947. He was well known in Gadsden County as the County Veterinarian and worked from the Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee. Dr. Watson served in the Army during World War II and was a member of the American Veterinarian Medical Society. Dr. Watson married Mary Lillian McDonald in 1945. 

STERLING EDWARD WILHOIT 

Birth 29 SEPTEMBER 1890 •Orange County, Virginia 

Death 25 JULY 1967 • Pensacola, Escambia County, Florida 

A Virginia farm boy, Dr. Sterling Wilhoit established his practice in Quincy because it reminded him of his native state where he found the winters too cold. Dr. Wilhoit first came to this part of Florida as a student at Palmer College in DeFuniak Springs. He later attended Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and interned at the U.S. Marine Hospital in Boston. He then served as the company doctor of his uncles, the Graves brothers, who had a big sawmill near Hosford. He served with the British Army, part of the Canadian Medical Corps at the start of World War I. Once the United States entered the conflict, Dr. Wilhoit transferred to the U. S. Army Medical Corps and served at the U.S. Queens Military Hospital in Wallen, England. After military discharge in 1919, he returned to Florida and opened his medical practice on East Jefferson Street. In 1962, Dr. Wilhoit was honored for his 50 years as a general practitioner in Gadsden County, who served many who could not afford doctor bills. One of those who honored Dr. Wilhoit was the first baby he delivered, Dr. J. M. Griffin. Married Alice Hoyt Corry 1920 Children: William Merrill Corry, and Sterling Edward, Jr. ; Married Mary Elizabeth Sapp 1939 Children: Madeleine Elizabeth 

PAT MUNROE WOODWARD, SR. 

Birth 16 OCTOBER 1936, in Quincy, Florida 

Pat Woodward was born in Quincy to Bob and Julia Woodward. He Married Mary Jane May of Quincy June 11, 1960. Dr. Pat graduated from Gadsden County High School in 1954 and received a B.S. degree from Davidson College in 1958. He earned his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 1962. He participated in a Rotating Internship at Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Texas from 1962-1963; then did Pediatric Residency at the University of Florida Teaching Hospital, Gainesville, Florida 1963-1965. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp, stationed at the 20th Station Hospital in Nurnberg, Germany 1965-1967. After military service, he returned to Quincy, where he practiced Pediatrics from 1967 to 2001, providing pediatric services to the children of Gadsden County for 34 years. Dr. Woodward is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Capital Medical Society. He has received professional awards from Capital Medical Society I.B. Harrison Humanitarian Award, 2001; Florida Pediatric Society John H. Whitcomb M.D. Outstanding Pediatrician Award, 2001; Tallahassee Memorial Family Practice Residency Program Teacher of the Year Award, 1979 & 1988.  His community Involvement includes being a member and elder of First Presbyterian Church, Member of the Quincy Rotary Club, past board member and president of the Gadsden Arts Center and past board member of the Tallahassee Community College Foundation. Pat and Mary Jane’s children: Pat Munroe, Jr., Frederick May, Daniel Love and Edward Curry and 11 grandchildren.