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 R. V. R. BRIDGES, physician and surgeon at Mattoon, was born in Rockingham County, Va., Jan. 4, 1832. His parents, Thomas and Nancy (Wiltshire) Bridges, were natives of the same county and the father a miller by trade, which occupation he followed through life. He left the Old Dominion in 1836, and settled in Ross County, Ohio, where he lived five years, then migrated farther westward to Jasper County, Ill. From there, in 1859, he came to Mattoon, where he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring in 1872. During the war he served as Overseer of the Poor and was a member of the Board of Education for several years. Upon first becoming a voter he had identified himself with the Democratic party, but in 1856 joined the Republicans, with whom he affiliated until his death. Both parents were worthy members of the Baptist Church. Their family included four children, three now living, namely, our subject, Mary and Roe. The younger days of Dr. Bridges were spent mostly in school near Chillicothe, Ohio, and after coming to this State he continued his studies until seventeen years old, then commenced teaching in Jasper County. Afterward he worked for a time at the carpenter’s trade and also was clerk in a store. In 1851 he began in earnest the study of medicine, at Lawrenceville, and officiated as drug clerk in order to pay his expenses, having his clothes laundered at home forty miles away. After completing his studies he began the practice of his profession in Hutton Township, being associated with Dr. Neal, and six years later came to Mattoon, which has since remained his abiding-place. During the late war he was Assistant Surgeon of the 62d Illinois, and was subsequently promoted Surgeon of the 126th, remaining with this regiment until it was mustered out in August, 1865, after which he returned to Mattoon, and since then has practiced uninterruptedly, with excellent results. Dr. Bridges was first married to Miss Mary B. Boyd, in 1856. They became the parents of four children, two of whom filled early graves, and the mother passed to her long home on the 15th of February, 1881. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married Oct. 19, 1883, was formerly Miss Jannie Cushman, of Mattoon. They have one child—Marion C. The Doctor has accumulated a comfortable property, including 100 acres of good land in Lafayette Township. He is a Republican, politically, and has filled the offices of Alderman, President of the School Board and Mayor of the city. Socially he belongs to the Knights of Honor. |
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