Dr. Samuel C. Meriwether   [TMSI #8682]

As near as can now be ascertained, Dr. Samuel Meriwether was the first physician to settle in Jeffersonville, [Indiana.] He was a native of Jefferson County, Kentucky, and pursued his medical studies in Philadelphia under Dr. Rush. He married his cousin, Mary Meriwether, in Kentucky, and soon after marriage entered the army as a surgeon’s mate, serving during the War of 1812. For some time he was stationed in Vincennes, and for a period of three months was unable to communicate with his young wife, who was greatly alarmed for his safety. Finally, obtaining a short leave of absence, he visited his home and on his return trip to Vincennes was accompanied by his wife. The hardships of the lonely ride through the forest can only be appreciated by those who have had a similar experience, and they are few in these days of steam ___ and steamboats. Mounted on a safe horse and husband preceding her, and a faithful servant following, they rode until late at night before reaching a frontier post, where she was obliged to sleep in a room filled with rough soldiers, yet the first ray of light from that lonely post in the woods was one of the most welcome things she ever saw.  Dr. Meriwether remained in the service until 1815, when he resigned on the urgent entreaty of his wife, though offered permanent service. Soon after resigning he settled for a time in Jeffersonville, remaining until 1823 or 1824 when he removed to Louisville. In 1830 he again returned to Jeffersonville and made his permanent abode, becoming one of its best respected and most prominent citizens. As a medical practitioner he was very successful, and in addition to being well-read in matters a time to the healing art, he possessed the happy faculty of bringing relief to many sick beds by means of his cheerful ways.  When a young man he became the owner, through inheritance, of several slaves, but believing the system wrong he gave them their freedom.  He was an earnest Christian and a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was one of the first members and founders. His family consisted of four children, three daughters and one son. The latter, Walter [Waller] Meriwether, yet lives, at the present time with a son in another part of the country. But one daughter, Mrs. McCampbell, wife of Mr. J. H. McCampbell, now lives.  Mrs. Meriwether died in 1847. Dr. Meriwether survived until 1853. A case of surgical instruments used by him during the War of 1812 is now in possession of Dr. Beckwith, of Jeffersonville, who was his pupil.