Dr J R Heath
Dr. J. R. Heath, who sold out to Dr. L. E. Wills, was practicing at 88 Years.
We have just learned of the death of Dr. J. R. Heath, who in the "gay nineties." Practiced his profession in the village of Omega. Prior to the Doctor's study of medicine he taught several terms of school in Pike County, teaching a portion of this time in the old "Gregg" school and also in the Omega schools.
While teaching in Omega he met and later married Nora Pancake, daughter of Harvey and Abigale Pancake, prominent Scioto Valley farmers. After his marriage he decided to enter the study of medicine and enrolled in the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio and which since was merged with the Ohio State University. He was a graduate of the class of 1887. After graduating from college he originally located in Waverly but after a few short months he moved to Omega where he practiced for period of approximately ten years. While in Pike County, Dr. Heath took a very active part in politics and was three times elected corner on the Democratic ticket.
Dr. Heath in leaving Pike County sold out to Dr. Wills and located in the village of Grover Hill, Paulding County, Ohio, situated in the extreme northwestern part of the state. As evidence of his popularity in this community it might be well to say that he was three times elected corner of Paulding County, which is a Republican stronghold. Also he was twice elected president of the Tri-County Medical Association, comprised of Paulding, Van Wert and Mercer Counties and for a number of years held the office of County Health Commissioner.
Not withstanding his advanced age - being 88 years at the time of his death - he was still very active. Tuesday prior to his dismisses he was calling on the sick as usual. He still responded to calls whether day or night and what is more remarkable he did his own driving.
Waverly Watchman
June 1947
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Pike Co. Genealogy & Historical Society
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