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EDGAR B. DICK, M. D. Starting out in life with his sole capital the heritage of a good name, supplemented with courage to endure, strength to labor and patience to wait, Dr. Edgar B. Dick, of Christopher, Illinois, has fought his way to a place among the eminent medical men of his part of the state, and as a representative of the self-made man presents in his career an example to the younger generation which it would do well to emulate. Dr. Dick, who was born September 12, 1874, had the good fortune to be born of worthy parents, his father, James F. Dick, being an early physician of Union county, Illinois, and a native of Calloway county, Kentucky, and his mother a member of an honorable Southern family. James Dick, his paternal grandfather, was a son of Irish parents, and was born in Pennsylvania, from whence he removed to Ohio and later to Kentucky, engaging there in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of eighty-five years. On the maternal side, Dr. Dick's grandfather was David Furchase, also of Irish parentage, who was born in Kentucky and spent his life in that state, dying at the age of ninety years. Dr. James F. Dick was born in 1837, in Calloway county, Kentucky, and there early took up the practice of medicine, which he followed from the time he came to Union county, Illinois, in 1875, until his death, December 5, 1910. A well-known physician, he became influential in the ranks of the Democratic party, and at one time was a candidate for the office of coroner of Franklin county. His religious belief was that of the Episcopal church, while his wife, a native of Graves county, Kentucky, died in the faith of the Presbyterian church in 1881.
Edgar B. Dick secured his early educational training in the common schools of Union county, which he left at the age of seventeen years to work as a telegrapher. After spending seven years in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, in the meantime saving his wages carefully he started studying medicine, and when he had been under his father's preceptorship for one year, entered Marion Sims Medical College, St. Louis, and was graduated therefrom in 1896. He began the practice of his profession in the northeastern part of Union county, where he continued for seven years, and then came to Christopher, which has since been his field. He has been remarkably successful in his practice, which is now conceded to be the largest in Christopher, is ranked among the most skillful and efficient surgeons of his county, and has earned the respect and gratitude of his patients. A thoughtful, studious man, whose absorption in his profession is remarkable, he is also a man of broad outlook on life, and is thoroughly versed not only in his profession, but also upon all matters of general interest to his community. He is a valued member of the Franklin County and Illinois State Medical Societies and of Goode Lodge, No. 704, A. F. & A. M. Dr. Dick has manifested
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his belief in the future prosperity of Christopher by investing in valuable real estate here, and is the owner of a fine home.
In 1892 he was married to Blanche Maude Rowan, daughter of Samuel and Catherine Rowan, early settlers of Jackson county. Mr. Rowan, who was an agriculturist and a veteran of the Civil war, was for some years prominent in Republican politics, and died in 1891. Five children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Dick, namely: Hannau, Ohmann and Gaston, all of whom are attending school; and Alred and Neoma Marcella, at home. The family is conected with the Christian church.