Obituary: Dr. F. P. Strickler, Hardin County, KY Article / SPRING Issue 1999, Ancestral News Quarterly From: The Elizabethtown News, March 20, 1923 Submitted by Mary Jo Jones, Elizabethtown, KY Ancestral Trails Historical Society, INC Vine Grove, KY www.aths.com Dr. Frank P. Strickler, a physician in Elizabethtown for nearly a half century, and former Mayor of the city, died at his home at 9:05 o’clock Saturday evening. The end, long anticipated, came peacefully. His strength was slowly sapped by an illness which developed six months ago and was regarded as fatal from its beginning. Last July his health began to fail, but he continued to practice his profession until he was seriously stricken three months later. A course of treatment at a Louisville hospital failed to improve his condition, and in January, after a second stay at the hospital, he returned home to spend his last days. Though subject to periods of delirium, he was conscious almost to the last, and fully realized that death impended. The immediate cause of his death was pulmonary edema, with a tumor of the chest as a contributing cause. His Character The death of Dr. Strickler, though long expected, is a serious blow to the town and county. No man in its citizenship was more deeply loved or highly respected. He maintained a high standard of honor in every relation of life, and never hesitated to put his stamp of disapproval upon what was mean or dishonorable. His mental characteristics consisted of an unbending will, an intense loyalty to his friends, and indefatigable industry. There was no compromise in his make-up, and he was never a neutral. While he was so devoted to his profession that the social side of his life was crowded out, his keen powers and observation and a droll humor made him an engaging companion to his intimate friends. To his duties as a member of the City Council and Mayor, he brought a full sense of responsibility. Though never ultra-progressive, he took a deep interest in the welfare of the town, and he had intelligent views upon all public questions, though he rarely extended his activities beyond the confines of his practice. In the family circle he was generous, kind and devoted. Upon his wife and his children he lavished affection without stint. In the language of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “He was a man, take him for all in all.” As A Physician A physician in Elizabethtown for forty-six years, he rose to a position attained by a few country doctors. For a quarter of a century he stood at the head of his profession in Hardin County, and his reputation was by no means confined to his own country. In his practice he combined a thorough technical knowledge with an abundance of common sense, and the combination brought to him unusual success. While he clung, with characteristic tenacity, to many of the old methods of practice, he kept fully abreast of the times in the field of medicine and his library was constantly replenished with the latest volumes upon this branch of science. The trite expression that he spread cheer in the sick-room can hardly be applied to him, but he did something that was more important - he inspired confidence. Among his patients of long standing, confidence in him was implicit, almost absolute, and his death brings to hundreds a deep sense of personal loss. It was well established among his patients that he gave little heed to minor ailments. He was, in fact, almost impatient of them, but a serious case provoked his best talents, and received his most careful and painstaking attention. When disease was creeping upon him and impaired his strength, he continued with indomitable purpose to minister upon him until he could go no longer. No man ever did a wider charity practice than Dr. Strickler. In season and out, draining his time and energies, he made hundreds of calls for which he knew he would never be paid. He gave to the poor and unfortunate the same careful attention that marked his entire practice. Although an intelligent and successful business man, Dr. Strickler was apparently wholly unconcerned with any enumeration for his work. He rarely ever presented a bill, and when he did it was usually of so small a sum as to astound the patient. He was a member of the Hardin County, State and American Medical Associations, and also belonged to the National Railway medical Association by reason of his connection with the L&N Railroad as local surgeon here for many years. Sketch Of His Life Frank P. Strickler was born August 20, 1855, on the farm near Elizabethtown where his brother, A. J. Strickler, now resides. He was one of seven children of George W. and mrs. Ellen C. (Johnson) Strickler. Obtaining his early education at Hamilton College, in Elizabethtown, he was graduated in the class of 1877 from the medical department of the University of Louisville. Returning to Elizabethtown, he began his practice with the late Dr. Robert B Pusey. After a few years the partnership was dissolved, and Dr. Strickler continued in the practice alone. He was married in 1881 in Louisville to Miss Anna Jones, of Jefferson County, who survives him two sons, Capt Edward J Strickler, U S Medical Corps, now stationed at the Presidio, San Francisco, and Dr. Frank P Strickler, Jr., of Louisville. Their daughter, Miss Jennie Strickler, died in 1911, and one child died in infancy. Dr. Strickler’s only other survivor is his brother, A. J. Strickler. In 1901 he took a post-graduate course at the Chicago Polyclinic. After serving, for several terms as a member of the City Council he was elected Mayor of Elizabethtown in 1909, and retired voluntarily at the close of his term. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and of the Masonic fraternity. The Funeral Every business house in Elizabethtown was closed yesterday during the funeral as a mark of respect to Dr. Strickler. Services were held at the Methodist Church at two o’clock by the Rev. J. H. Nicolson. The edifice was filled to its capacity. The pall bearers were as follows: Active; J. W. Goddis, J. F. Nall, J H Sweets, F. G. Corley, C M Vertrees and H T Jones. Honorary; Dr. J. M. English, Dr. J. C. Mobley, Dr. R. T. Layman, Dr. D. E. McClure, Dr. S. T. Hubbs, Dr. W. F. Alvey, Dr. J. C. Montgomery, W. C. Montgomery, H A Sommers and G. E. Castleman. Services were concluded with the Masonic rites. They were in charge of Fred W Hardwick, of Louisville, grand secretary and past grand master of the Masons of Kentucky.