Dr. Stanton Bryan: Pioneer Physician
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Mrs. Adelaide Bryan
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Stanton Pierce Bryan was born in 1827, the son of Dr. Edmund and Lettie Pierce Bryan and had 14 siblings. Three of the 15 children followed their father’s profession and became medical doctors, Bryan being one of them. At 22, Dr. Stanton left his family home in Wayne County and traveled to Louisville in hopes of entering medical by earning money for his tuition teaching at a country school. He found a job in Oldhamsburg (now Skylight) for a summer term and there he met a student who would become his future wife, Adelaide Thomas. He was admitted to medical school for the season of 1851-52 and received his degree in medicine. He and Adelaide Thomas were married in 1853.
In January of 1854 Bryan took over the practice of Dr. Kellar in Brownsboro and was the practicing physician there for the next 40 years. The following are some stories and excerpts from diaries and stories from the Bryan’s experiences in Oldham County that were compiled by his granddaughter, Adelaide Bostick.
“On one dark night, Dr. Bryan was trying to reach a place somewhere near Buckner. He was riding, he thought, on the right trail when suddenly his horse stopped short and no amount of urging would induce him to take another step. There was nothing to do but to give him the reins. The animal immediately turned in the opposite direction, and finally their destination was reached. Next morning, the doctor went over the same ground and found that he had ridden to the very verge of a point where another step would have precipitated both horse and rider to probable destruction.”
The lack of dentists also expanded Bryan’s practice into dentistry and he took a special course in dentistry and fitted his office with full dental equipment. One of the doctor’s favorite stories was about a slow-spoken, old gentleman who announced to the doctor: “Doc, you know I’m a pore [sic] man and we can’t afford a mouthful of gold plugs like some; but I’m willing to do my part by my family, and I’ve told my three girls they can have one apiece.”
To further his education, Bryan took a trip to Europe for six months to attend lectures and clinics at a number of different hospitals from November 1856 to May 1857. The following are some letters written by wife, Adelaide to her husband in Europe about news from Brownsboro:
Feb. 21, 1857
(excerpt) Mrs. James Allen is sick, has the chills. They have not called a physician. Mrs. Allen says she wishes very much your were here and said I must tell you to come as quick as possible for her benefit. Feb. 22 (continuation of same letter) Josie has been right sick all day –has a severe cough, pain in her breast and side. I put a mustard plaster on her breast and have been giving her some cough drops you left. I have given her enough cough drops to vomit her and she has breathed easier since. I did not go to church today. Brother went. Cousin John Milton and his little girl took dinner with us and little Fannie had a chill. So you see we need you at home badly, yes very badly. Feb. 24th (still same letter) We are alone tonight. Brother (went to Westport) and has not gotten home and it is too dark and rainy to send for Mr. Caldwell. I am a little afraid to stay here without some gentleman in the house. However, I will try to be brave and not think of fear…Lou Carroway is very sick. Dr. James says she has Winter Fever. Cousin John Milton thinks she has pneumonia, and is talking about sending for some other physician—he is wishing very much you werer here.
March 23rd…..Tuesday evening I went up to Mrs.Bottorff’s on the omnibus and a rough ride we had. Bettie [infant daughter] was afraid of the cars and seemed badly frightened when they whistled. I have been gardening today, planted peas, radishes and lettuce and set my onions. Mr. Barrackman has promised to plant my Irish potatoes tomorrow. He broke up my garden while I was in Indiana.