My Genealogy Hound

DR. JULIA H. SPALDING, a leading physician of Cortland village, is a native of Rome, Bradford County, Pa. After receiving a common school and academic course, she determined to enter the realms of a professional career. That her choice was excellent is alone proven by her success, which was accomplished by a thorough preparation. She graduated from the Chicago Homeopathic College in 1877, obtaining the practical part of her education in the Cook County Hospital of Chicago. She has made a special study of children’s diseases, and the way they are treated, but woman has been her principal study. A lady physician has a certain advantage over her male competitors, for the innate modesty and retiring disposition of women render them unwilling to be treated or operated upon by one of the opposite sex. Her first field of practice was in Rome, Pa., where she remained for seven years, after which she located in Cortland, which has since been her field of successful practice.

Dr. Spalding’s ancestors are of Irish descent. She is a daughter of Dr. W. W. Kinney of Rome, Pa. Her paternal great grandfather’s name was Joseph Kinney. He was born in Ireland, and was one of three brothers who came to this country and settled in the State of Connecticut, where he probably lived the rest of his days. He was a leading citizen and a man high in public favor. Her grandfather’s name was George Kinney. He became a prominent politician, being an avowed Republican. He held various offices, and the duties of every position to which he was chosen were faithfully and honestly discharged. His home was in Bradford County, Pa. The highest office with which he was honored was the representation of his district in the State Senate.

Dr. W. W. Kinney, our subject’s father, was born in Bradford County, Pa. He was one of the very brightest physicians in the county, and had a large practice. His professional attainments were superior, while toward all he manifested a kind and gentlemanly demeanor, which gave him the good will and respect of the entire community. He had fine natural abilities and a good education, which well fitted him to become a popular and successful physician. His useful career was ended at the early age of thirty-seven years. His political views were patterned after those of his father. Socially, he was an active member of the I. O. O. F. Dr. Kinney married Elizabeth Chaffee of Catskill, N. Y., a daughter of Sullivan Chaffee, and the results of the union were six children, the eldest of whom was Dr. Julia H. Spalding, the subject of our sketch. She married Edgar E. Spalding, October 14, 1863. They have reared one child, namely: Grace L., born January 8, 1866, who is the wife of Charles H. Miller. Dr. Spalding is a member of the Medico Chirurgical Society of Central New York; and the American Institute of Homeopathy.

Julia Scott, widow of Dr. Scott, a sister Dr. W. W. Kinney, and for whom our subject was named, was a woman of scholarly attainments, a great writer, and was endowed with a poetical mind. Several books were the products of her thought. She was a woman of many virtues, excellent qualities, and largely contributed to the success of her husband. She lived but thirty-two years.