My Genealogy Hound

DR. FELIX BRUNOT. Among the early physicians of Pittsburgh who are entitled to a special notice in this work, because of the close relation which they sustained to the development of affairs, and on account of their high professional standing, was Dr. Felix Brunot. Born in the parish of Morey, France, January 9, 1752, member of an old Huguenot family, and a foster-brother of Gen. Lafayette, he was originally designed by his uncle, a Catholic bishop, for orders in the church, but, experiencing an aversion to this calling, he was permitted to enter upon the study of medicine. After graduation he joined Gen. Lafayette in his noble espousal of the patriot cause in America, and coming to this country in 1777 served as a surgeon in the army of the Revolution. He participated in the battle of Brandywine and other important engagements, and after the close of that eventful struggle, which established the independence of this nation, he located in the practice of his profession at Annapolis, Md., subsequently removing to Philadelphia, and finally, in 1797, settled in Pittsburgh, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying May 23, 1838, at the age of eighty-six years and five months. He resided on what is now known as Brunot’s island, where he entertained Lafayette, Blennerhassett and other celebrated men. Later on he disposed of the island by sale, and resided on Liberty avenue, Pittsburgh, in a house which one of his sons, who died, had the building of. He was one of the noted physicians of his day, and enjoyed an extensive practice for many years, having an especial faith in the therapeutic properties of electricity. As a public-spirited citizen he was always deeply interested in the development of the city. He was a man of integrity and uprightness of character, and his life was devoted to the performance of good deeds. The doctor was first married at Annapolis, by which union he had one child, who married, but died without issue. His second wife, whom he married December 17, 1789, was Miss Elizabeth Krieder, of Philadelphia, by whom were born the following named children, six sons: Britain, Casper, Felix, Hilary, James M. and Sanson, and one daughter, Louisa. Mrs. Brunot died September 5, 1845, aged seventy-eight years. Two of the sons were educated as physicians, while others entered the legal profession, settling in different portions of the south. Sanson became a clergyman of the Episcopal Church, organized and officiated at a small church which his father built for him, on land which he also donated, and from which Christ Church, Allegheny, ultimately sprang. Afterward he had a parish at Greensburg, and later at Blairsville. His health failing, he went to Florida, organized an Episcopal church in Key West, which is now in a flourishing condition.