My Genealogy Hound

JOHN D. GREENAMYER, M. D., a resident of Niles since 1876, the subject of this biographical review, has gained a position among the foremost practitioners of the city. Throughout the entire county of Berrien he is regarded as a physician unsurpassed in the diagnosis of cases and knowledge of specific remedies to be applied in the treatment of diseases. Not only is he thorough in examination and accurate in judgment, but in addition thereto he is a genial companion, pleasant conversationalist and considerate friend, so that he enjoys the confidence of his patients to an unusual degree.

The early home of the Doctor was in the vicinity of Berlin Centre, Mahoning County, Ohio, where he was born on the 16th of October, 1846. He is descended from sturdy and worthy ancestors, who emigrated from Hanover, Germany, to the United States in 1701, and thenceforth were identified with the growth of this country. The grandfather of our subject, Jacob Greenamyer, was born in Gettysburg, Pa., and removed thence to Ohio, where the closing years of his life were passed. In Columbiana County, Ohio, on the 3d of April, 1816, was born Benjamin Greenamyer, the father of our subject. Early in life he became familiar with the duties of an agriculturist, and upon starting out in life for himself, he chose the occupation of a farmer, which he follows at the present time.

Tracing the Doctor’s ancestry on the maternal side, we find that he is of German descent. His mother bore the maiden name of Eliza Snook, and was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, August 10, 1824. Her father, John Snook, was born in Frederick County, Md., m 1798, and her grandfather, whose name was also John Snook, was born in 1761. Our subject was reared in the Buckeye State, and after completing a common-school education in his native village, he entered the academy at Salem, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1868. He then taught school for a short time, after which he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. William Lyon, a resident physician of Salem, Ohio. Subsequently, he entered the medical department of the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated in 1871.

Opening an office for the practice of his profession at Three Oaks, Mich., the Doctor soon found himself in possession of a good practice, which increased steadily during the five years he remained at that place. Thence he removed to Mansfield, Ohio, and there filled the position of surgeon for the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railway Company for two years. Later he returned to Salem, Ohio, and took charge of the practice of Dr. J. L. Firestone, during that gentleman’s absence in Europe. In 1876 he came to Niles, where he has since conducted a profitable practice, and was also for a time engaged in the drug business.

The Doctor first married Miss Mary Moore, of Three Oaks, Mich., who died three months after marriage. Afterward he was united in marriage with Miss Alice A. Powers, an estimable lady, who is highly regarded in the social circles of Niles, Dr. Greenamyer is identified with St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M., and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In his religious belief he worships, with the Methodists, has served as Superintendent of the Sunday-school for the past twelve years, and has also filled the positions of Steward and Trustee of the church. His wife is also identified with that denomination, and is an earnest worker in behalf of all religious enterprises. The Doctor has served as Supervisor of Three Oaks, and was for seven years a member of the School Board, being its President for one year, and Director four years.