My Genealogy Hound

EDWIN G. STEMMETZ, M. D., who has engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Hokendauqua since the spring of 1873, was born in Bethlehem, Pa., February 15, 1846, being a son of Joseph and Sarah A. Stemmetz. On his father’s side he is of German descent, his paternal grandfather having been born in Germany; and through his mother he traces his lineage to Scotland. His great-grandfather Stemmetz was an early settler of Northampton County, Pa., and both the father and mother were born in the Keystone State.

Upon a farm in Northampton County the subject of this notice was reared to manhood. He was the recipient of excellent educational advantages, and after completing the studies of the district schools entered Weaversville Academy, where he took an academic course. After having taught school for a short time, he commenced in the fall of 1865 to read medicine with Dr. Joseph P. Engelman, of Cherryville, Pa., continuing under his preceptorship for a time. In 1866 he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York, where he took two courses of lectures. Later he took a final course at Long Island College Hospital, which at that time was connected with the other institution.

Graduating in 1867, Dr. Stemmetz entered upon the practice of his profession at Weaversville, Pa., where he remained until the fall of 1872. During the winter of 1872-73 he took a special course in operative surgery in the Jefferson Medical College, and in the spring of 1873 opened an office at Hokendauqua, where he has since conducted an extensive and profitable practice. In the winter of 1883-84 he took a six-months course in treatment of diseases of the eye under the famous oculist, George Strowbridge, who was connected with the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. As a physician he is skillful in the treatment of difficult cases, as well as in the diagnosis of diseases, while as a surgeon he has an enviable reputation.

Socially Dr. Stemmetz is identified with the Northampton County Medical Society, which he has served as Vice-President. He is connected with the Lehigh Valley Medical Association, and is a permanent member of the American Medical Association, also of the State Medical Society. In Masonic circles he is prominent in Porter Lodge No. 284, at Catasauqua. His political views bring him into connection with the Republican party, the principles of which he loyally supports. A man of generous and benevolent disposition, he is ever ready to contribute to philanthropic measures, and is an active member of the Presbyterian Church.

Upon the last day of the year 1867, Dr. Stemmetz and Miss Harriet M. Kuntz were united in marriage. Mr. Stemmetz was born in Northampton County, Pa., and died in Hokendauqua January 6, 1884, mourned by all who knew her. She had for years been a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, and was a lady of amiable disposition, kind heart and noble character, who was to her neighbors a true friend and to her husband a devoted helpmate.