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Surnames: O'Ferrall, Jewett
Classification: Obituary
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Message Board Post:
Lafayette Morning Journal, pg. 5
December 14, 1896
Lafayette, Indiana
ENTERED INTO REST
Dr. Robert M. O'Ferrall Dies from an Attack of Peritonitis
The well-rounded life of DR. ROBERT M. O'FERRALL completed its measure of existence at
3:50 o'clock yesterday morning and the separation of the mortal and immortal elements
of life took place in the presence of the members of the family of the deceased. They
dying man was conscious to the last. His favorite nephew, DR. ROBERT M. O'FERRALL, of
Piqua, O., had been summoned to his bedside. He had not come at midnight. DR.
O'FERRALL at that hour placed his finger on his own pulse and a moment later, calmly
exclaimed, "I don't believe I can last till he comes." He met death with
the same confidence and coolness that he had so often displayed in his long professional
career in prescribing for critical cases. DR. O'FERRALL had been failing in health
gradually for several years. An affection of the bladder caused him much suffering and
was the primary cause of death. He had taken every remedy for the ailment that his
experience could suggest, but had not found relief. As a !
last resort he went to one of the younger physicians of the city and obtained a
prescription. Some time after that they physician met him and asked him what result he
had obtained from the medicine. "I'll tell you," he replied, "your
medicine is so bad that I have only taken one dose." On last Thursday afternoon DR.
O'FERRALL visited his office on South Street for the last time. On Friday an attack
of peritonitis had prostrated him and the verdict of a consultation held by DRS. BEASLEY
and WEBSTER was that his case was hopeless. He lingered until early Sunday morning and
then passed away quietly.
ROBERT M. O'FERRALL was born in Miami County, Ohio, near Piqua, on Jan. 17, 1826. His
early tastes were in the direction of medicine, and after receiving a collegiate education
at home, attended the University of New York, graduating from the medical department of
that institution in 1848. The year of his graduation he came to Lafayette and entered the
office of DR. LUTHER JEWETT for a short time. He was married in this city on Jan. 1,
1849, to MISS SARAH FARMER, who, with one daughter, MISS ELMA, survives. When the Civil
War came and the Fortieth Indiana Infantry regiment was organized here, DR. O'FERRALL
went to the front as its surgeon and remained on the field for one year. The proverbial
modesty of the doctor prevented him from speaking of his military career and but few knew
of this interesting chapter in his life.
DR. O'FERRALL was one of the oldest members of the Tippecanoe County Medical Society
and was held in the highest regard by its members. He took an active interest in the
commercial welfare of the city and was president and one of the promoters of the Belt
Railway Land and Improvement Company enterprise. He had a large and lucrative practice
and amassed considerable money. He had faith in the future of the city and his money was
largely invested in real estate, his holdings representing some of the most valuable
property in the city. He was a practical, capable businessman and his energy and success
were commendable.
DR. O'FERRALL ranked high as a physician. He had a thorough medical education and a
natural bent. He took a personal interest in his cases and exerted every effort to
conquer disease. He was always reliable and could be depended upon to do his utmost. He
had a high regard for the ethics of his profession and was on friendly terms with every
member of the profession in Lafayette. He was often called in consultation and never
betrayed a confidence or resorted to any deceit. He was a man of polished manners, was
quiet but affable and was easy to approach. He possessed a pleasing personality and his
courtly and dignified bearing mad him a conspicuous figure on the street. He had entre to
the best social circles, was trusted as a physician and honored as a citizen. He had made
excellent use of his opportunities and passed away after achieving all that a man could
wish to achieve. He was at the head of his profession and will be missed not only by
those who have relied u!
pon his skill for years, but by those who have been associated with him in practice and
have benefited by his counsels. He will be missed as a citizen who was alive to the
interests of the city and was ever ready to lend a hand to public enterprise.
The funeral arrangements have not been completed but the services will probably be held at
the residence, No. 133 South Street, on Wednesday morning. Rev. James H.W. Blake will
officiate. The remains will be interred in Springvale cemetery.
The physicians of the city are requesting to meet in the annex of the city treasurer's
office, court house basement, this evening at 8 o'clock to take action on the death of
DR. O'FERRALL.