My Genealogy Hound

Dr. Alonzo V. Thorpe, Sr. (deceased), was born in Rochester, N. Y., January 23, 1820, his parents, Elihu and Sophronia (Osborn) Thorpe, being born in Maine and New York in 1789 and February 9, 1805, and died in December, 1852, and January 12, 1888, respectively. The father was a prominent millwright, and after moving to Brown County, Ill., in 1832, was also engaged in farming. They resided in Versailles for some time, then moved to a farm, on which they resided until the father’s health began to fail, then moved back to Versailles, where he spent the remainder of his days. In 1865 his widow came to California, Mo., and made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ella M. Owens (now Mrs. Wolf), until her death. Four of her five children lived to be grown: Servetus M., Dr. Alonzo (deceased), Ella M., Adelia C. (Mrs. Hand, of Topeka, Kan.), and an infant, deceased. Dr. Alonzo Thorpe resided in Rochester, N. Y., until eleven years of age, then was brought to Illinois, where he attended school, and was married, at the age of nineteen years, to Martha J. Dearborn, who was born in the State of Ohio, and died November 15, 1852. After her death the Doctor completed the study of medicine, and graduated from the McDowell Medical College, of St. Louis, in 1855, and soon after came to California, Mo., becoming one of the eminent practitioners of the State, and being especially skilled in surgery. His cases received his devoted attention, and unbounded confidence was reposed in him by his patrons. He was a leading member of the Democratic party, and showed his brotherly spirit by becoming a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married thrice, his second wife being a Miss Sarah Taylor, of St. Louis, who died eleven months after their marriage, and for his third wife he took Miss Abbie Shoen, a native of Missouri, now deceased. His first union resulted in the birth of two children: Dr. Alonzo V. and Jonathan (deceased). The former was born in Brown County, Ill., March 15, 1852, and was reared by his grandmother, Mrs. S. Thorpe, his mother having died, leaving him an infant eight months of age. His grandmother sent him to school at Wapello and Clinton, in De Witt County, Ill., until they came to California, Mo., in 1865. At fourteen years of age he chose Samuel H. Owens as his guardian and curator, making his home with him. He attended school in California until he entered the St. Louis University, at St. Louis, Mo., in 1869, becoming an ardent student. Ten months in that institution of learning made inroads on his health to such a degree that it was not deemed advisable to send him the following year. He is a Royal Arch Mason, having united with the Masonic fraternity soon after his majority. He engaged in merchandising in 1873, but discontinued this business in 1875, spending his leisure time in the law office of Owens & Wood. He was elected city attorney of California, Mo., serving two terms by re-election, and was also city registrar and clerk of the council. He was appointed notary public for the county of Moniteau during Gov. Phelps’ administration. He was prompt in his business relations and discharged the duties of his office in a highly satisfactory manner. Law was more of a pastime with him, as he much preferred medicine. Regaining his health he entered the American Medical College, at St. Louis, Mo., graduating February 28, 1884, and soon after located in Jamestown, where he has built up a large and paying practice, and has won an enviable reputation throughout the county. Like his father, he has the confidence of all, and the success which has attended his efforts speaks volumes as to his ability and a thorough knowledge of his profession. He is a member of the Eclectic Medical Society of Missouri, and has been honored by that body in an official capacity in a high degree, as secretary, corresponding secretary and vice-president.