D.B. Fonda, M.D., physician and surgeon, was proprietor of Dr. Fonda's medicines, and a gifted speaker and writer; he took a full classical course at the Lisha's Kill Academy in Albany, and after graduating removed to central NY, where he engaged in teaching some four years, at the same time pursuing advanced studies in mental and moral philosophy under Professor F.D. Pierce. He subsequently took the agency in Chicago of the West Elgin Flour Company, a position he retained until the stoppage of the mills in the spring of 1858. He then engaged in teaching at Rose Hill (Academy, Versailles, KY) until 1862, when he enlisted in Civil War Co.C, 89th Regiment IL Volunteer Infantry. After the battle of Perryville, KY he was placed in charge of an ambulance train and shortly afterward appointed to one of the hospitals at Bardstown, KY. In July, 1863, he was honorably discharged and, returning to Rose Hill, shortly afterward entered Rush Medical College in Chicago, attending lectures from 1863-1866. The breaking out of the cholera epidemic and consequent death of Dr. Brainard (founder of RMC) and other members of the faculty caused him to quit the college. In 1867 he engaged in medical practice, at the same time being appointed Cook County physician, a position he retained until 1871. During this time he attended lectures at the Bennett Medical College in Chicago, from which he graduated. He was elected a member of the Board of Trustees for Jefferson Township in 1874, a position he retained until 1877, being president of the board during the entire period. He then graduated from the Bennett College of Eclectic Medicine and Surgery in 1878. He was elected health officer when the tire ordinance passed in 1880, and elected a member of the school board in the spring of 1883, still filling both of these latter offices. In 1885 he removed to Cook County, IL, where he engaged in railroading for a time, his health necessitating outdoor employment. Source: "Early Chicago, and The Northwest" by Albert D. Hager, page 756.