JOHN A. LETHERMAN, M. D. When we pause to compare the relative value of each profession to general humanity, there is none superior, and few that are equal to that of a true physician. His opportunities for good are unlimited by sect or creed, as in the case of the clergyman, and, when so disposed, those who possess the art of healing the body can also bring messages of peace to the weary mind or storm-tossed soul, exhausted in the battle of life. The noblest instances of disinterested heroism have been found in the ranks of the profession, which is filled with those who have braved for the sake of suffering humanity the most horrible forms of death. Unlike the soldier on the battle-field, their heroism is seldom the result of an excited impulse or heated passion, but in the silent watches of the night, with no blare of trumpet, or thrilling war cry to inspire their courage, these patient martyrs give their lives as willing sacrifices to relieve the pain of their fellow creatures. It is both a useful and deeply interesting task to trace the history of such unselfish lives, and following the spring of its fountain head, we find in the ancestry of our leading men the various traits of character which have combined to give us the leaders of to-day. John Letherman (the grandfather of Dr. John A. Letherman) was a native of Maryland, and coming to Washington county, Penn., was there married to Christina Myers. The young couple settled on a farm in West Bethlehem township, this county, and reared the following children: Demas M., Joseph, Sarah (wife of H. Richardson), Lydia (married to Solomon Tombaugh), Lucy (wife of Byron Clark), and Jane (wife of Mathias Tombaugh). The grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812, and in the political opinion first affiliated with the Whig party, afterward becoming a Republican. He was an organizer of the Brethren (or Dunkard) Church in West Bethlehem township.
Demas M. Letherman, son of John and Christina Letherman, was born March 8, 1817, in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. His elementary education was obtained at the subscription schools of the neighborhood, and after attending the educational institutions of Belle Vernon, Washington Co., Penn., he taught school and did some farming on the home place. In early manhood he was married to Jane B., daughter of Joseph Munce, and she bore him eight children, namely: Florence, deceased wife of Adam Tombaugh; John A.; Joseph W., a physician of New Market, Ohio; Milo F., of Fallowfield township; Horace Biddle, deceased; Lucy B.; Ida, deceased wife of Daniel Gayman, and Demas V. Mr. and Mrs. Letherman always resided on their farm in West Bethlehem township. He was actively identified with the Republican party, and in 1872 was elected to the Legislature from the districts of Washington and Beaver counties, serving two terms. In religious faith he was a zealous member of the Dunkard Church. He died in 1878.
Dr. John A. Letherman was born February 28, 1848, on the home place in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. After attending the home schools he entered Waynesburg College, and one year later came to the normal school at California, remaining there two years. He then went to Long Island College Hospital at Brooklyn, N. Y., graduating in 1873, and finally took a course at Bellevue Medical College, receiving his degree of M. D. in 1874. After his professional training was completed, Dr. Letherman came to California, Penn., in July, 1874, and entered into partnership with Dr. James McDonough (his preceptor, who died not long afterward), in the practice of medicine. Since the death of his colleague, Dr. Letherman has filled his place and acquired a large practice. On December 25, 1879, he was married to Berta A., daughter of James Ward, of Coal Centre, and she has borne him one son, Ralph W. Politically Dr. Letherman is a stanch Republican, and has served his borough as a member of the council and school board almost continuously.
Text taken from page 350 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed January 1997 by LuShelle Fletcher of Grand Island,NE as part of the Beers Project.
Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]