Everett Daily Herald
4-6-1920
Civil War Veteran
Permanent memorial for Dr. E. C. Folsom, the first physician to locate in Snohomish and the second to practice medicine in Snohomish county, will be placed by the Snohomish Medical society. This was the announcement made Wednesday morning following the monthly meeting held Tuesday evening. Dr. Folsom is buried at G.A.R. cemetery at Snohomish. Dr. Smith, who resided on Smith island, was the first physician in Snohomish county. He later moved to Seattle, locating at Smith cove, now the site of the large terminals of the port of Seattle. Dr. Folsom practiced for thirteen years at Snohomish, where he established his home in November 1872. He died in that city in June, 1885, he was first buried along Pilchuck creek and later the body was moved to G.A.R. cemetery. A monument to Dr. Folsom was erected by residents of Snohomish through popular subscription. In discussing plans, members of the society indicated desire to change the lettering on the monument and to add to the memorial. Memorial plans were considered following a report by Dr. W.C. Cox, chairman of the committee handling the matter. An interesting part of the evening's program was the reading by Dr. A.P. Duryee of a paper in which he reviewed the cancer situation. The library committee reported on the effort in progress to make possible participation in the state library now in King county. Resolution of condolence on the death of Dr. Oscar H. Upstad, who died recently at Stanwood was passed and spread upon the minutes of the meeting.
Snohomish County Tribune
4-7-1927
ERECT MEMORIAL TO LOCAL DOCTOR
A permanent memorial to Dr. E.C. Folsom, the first physician to locate in Snohomish and the second to practice medicine in Snohomish County, will be erected, the Snohomish County Medical association announced Wednesday. Dr. Folsom is buried the the G.A.R. cemetery here. Dr. Folsom establised his profession in Snohomish in 1872. A monument to Dr. Folsom has already been erected and the memorial will be added.
SnoCo: "The Karyn Project"
Snohomish GAR Cemetery:
Folsom A. C. "G.A.R. Veteran, First Physician in Snohomish County"
Researching Dr. E. C. Folsom noted as first physicain to locate in Snohomish and the second to practive medicine in Snohomish County. E.C. died 1885. He is buried at Snohomish GAR cemetery and is noted as a GAR soldier. Would any one have information on this Dr. as to weather he is a Civil War Soldier and if so from where.
Your query was for Dr. E.C. Folsom, however Ref. History of Skagit and Snohomish Counties Washington 1906 Illus History 1117pp. gives his Biog Sketch on p 844.
It is an excellent sketch thanks to our Snohomish Pioneer, Eldridge Morse, Snohomish County's first practiciing atty who was a friend of Dr. Folsom.
This Bio is a fascinating story about what is known of Dr. Folsom and is well worth reading. He was connected with the Mexican War in its closing days. He was 7 yrs service in the Army at CA & AZ. He saw service with the govt. secret service relating to San Francisco & Panama.
Indeed he was in service during the Civil War as a medical inspector. He came to Snohomish in Nov 1872. He was a nephew of Salmon P. Chase, U.S. Senator from Ohio, a member of Lincoln's cabinet & later Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He d. about 1844 according to this Bio and was buried by the Masonic fraternity. There is much more to know about this illustrious doctor who contributed so much to humanity wherever he resided. It is no wonder that Eldridge Morse wrote of his life, for it is because of Morse that we are able to know some things about this wonderful man, and pioneer physician. Dr. Folsom was a grad of Phillps-Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, and he studied at Harvard university where he contacted Professor Louis Aggasiz, the famous Swiss naturalist, inspiring in Folsom into scientific research.
Carroll in Snohomish
--------
https://www.civilwarvetswastate.com/veterans/detail.html?veteranid=291
PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:
The son of a physician, Albert Chase Folsom was born in Illinois 7/14/27. Thereafter the family moved to Cambridge, MA where, as a young adult, Albert entered Harvard University. He graduated from that School’s medical department in 1847 and, in 1848, received a regular army commission as Second Assistant Surgeon of the 4th U.S. Infantry.
Late that same year he received orders from Captain Robert E. Lee to transport to New Orleans, LA where he received further orders to report to the Presido in San Francisco, CA. Arriving in California in June 1849 “Doc” became a true “49er.”
In March 1850 Dr. Folsom became Acting Medical Inspector for the command of a Major Bowman. From that time, until leaving the service in 1865 he was assigned to a number of posts throughout California and the American southwest. In 1855 A.C. went on “Secret Service” for the U.S. Government in Costa Rica and Grenada.
That same year he tendered his resignation as Surgeon U.S. Army. The following year his Army resignation was accepted and he received his commission as an officer in The Secret Service of the U.S. Army.
In 1862, following the onset of the American Civil War, Dr. Folsom reentered the U.S. Army as a surgeon while retaining his commission in The Secret Service. It appears that throughout the years of The Rebellion he served as Acting Medical Inspector for troops stationed in northern California. He resigned both government commissions in 1865.
Standing six feet tall and weighing one hundred ninety pounds, the dark complexioned Folsom arrived in Snohomish City, Washington Territory in 1872. By one account the month was November. Exactly why he chose to settle in the Puget Sound wilderness is unclear. As the 4th U.S. Infantry had elements stationed in this area prior to the Civil War, perhaps he’d had a chance to travel here and liked the area. However, since there are indications he may have been fleeing “an unfortunate second marriage” entered into following the death of his first wife, he could have been seeking an out-of-the-way location where he could “get lost.”
Doc Folsom was the second physician to practice in Snohomish County and the first to reside in Snohomish City. The fact that his services were free to all regardless of ability to make payment immediately endeared him to the local populace. However, the kindly doctor’s practices did not sit well with other medicos attempting to set up practice in the area. Newcomers “bitterly” complained that his habit of collecting only what a person could voluntarily pay spoiled the area for those who desired to make a living by their profession.
Over the next five to six years all went well for Doc Folsom. As a respected member of the community he was elected county coroner and sat as co-superintendent of the local school district.
Unfortunately, the beginning of the end was around the corner. During the winter of 1877/78 a severe diphtheria epidemic hit western Washington. Although Harvard had provided Doc with the best professional training possible for the time, this unfortunate epidemic occurred prior to full development of the science of bacteriology.
As such, while the good doctor scanned current medical literature for information to assure his patients as correctly as he could, “by the autumn of 1878 all but two children of twelve in the local school district had died.” This tragedy, coupled with an injury sustained in a fall prompted Doc to terminate his practice and, for all practical purpose, his life. Doc Folsom’s final three or four years were, for the most part, not pleasant.
Failing both physically and mentally, he seemed to have no desire of life and made no effort to “prevent the approach of death.” Eldridge Morse noted, “His last sickness was long and painful and when death came it was welcome by his friends as a real relief from his suffering.”
Albert Chase Folsom died 5/15/85 of dropsy (kidney failure). His age was 57 years, ten months and one day. Initially buried in the old “Pioneer Cemetery” along Pilchuck Creek, some time between 1898 and 1927 his remains were moved to their present gravesite.
There is one documented entry that he was survived by at least one child, a daughter. In closing it should be noted that a brief biography of Doc Folsom compiled in 2000 to commemorate the dedication of his reconstructed headstone lead to the “Adopt-A-Vet (Snohomish) project.” In this sense over one hundred years after his “death” Albert Chase Folsom is still bringing “life” to his Civil War Comrades.
Contributor: The Seakers (50146847)
4-6-1920
Civil War Veteran
Permanent memorial for Dr. E. C. Folsom, the first physician to locate in Snohomish and the second to practice medicine in Snohomish county, will be placed by the Snohomish Medical society. This was the announcement made Wednesday morning following the monthly meeting held Tuesday evening. Dr. Folsom is buried at G.A.R. cemetery at Snohomish. Dr. Smith, who resided on Smith island, was the first physician in Snohomish county. He later moved to Seattle, locating at Smith cove, now the site of the large terminals of the port of Seattle. Dr. Folsom practiced for thirteen years at Snohomish, where he established his home in November 1872. He died in that city in June, 1885, he was first buried along Pilchuck creek and later the body was moved to G.A.R. cemetery. A monument to Dr. Folsom was erected by residents of Snohomish through popular subscription. In discussing plans, members of the society indicated desire to change the lettering on the monument and to add to the memorial. Memorial plans were considered following a report by Dr. W.C. Cox, chairman of the committee handling the matter. An interesting part of the evening's program was the reading by Dr. A.P. Duryee of a paper in which he reviewed the cancer situation. The library committee reported on the effort in progress to make possible participation in the state library now in King county. Resolution of condolence on the death of Dr. Oscar H. Upstad, who died recently at Stanwood was passed and spread upon the minutes of the meeting.
Snohomish County Tribune
4-7-1927
ERECT MEMORIAL TO LOCAL DOCTOR
A permanent memorial to Dr. E.C. Folsom, the first physician to locate in Snohomish and the second to practice medicine in Snohomish County, will be erected, the Snohomish County Medical association announced Wednesday. Dr. Folsom is buried the the G.A.R. cemetery here. Dr. Folsom establised his profession in Snohomish in 1872. A monument to Dr. Folsom has already been erected and the memorial will be added.
SnoCo: "The Karyn Project"
Snohomish GAR Cemetery:
Folsom A. C. "G.A.R. Veteran, First Physician in Snohomish County"
Researching Dr. E. C. Folsom noted as first physicain to locate in Snohomish and the second to practive medicine in Snohomish County. E.C. died 1885. He is buried at Snohomish GAR cemetery and is noted as a GAR soldier. Would any one have information on this Dr. as to weather he is a Civil War Soldier and if so from where.
Your query was for Dr. E.C. Folsom, however Ref. History of Skagit and Snohomish Counties Washington 1906 Illus History 1117pp. gives his Biog Sketch on p 844.
It is an excellent sketch thanks to our Snohomish Pioneer, Eldridge Morse, Snohomish County's first practiciing atty who was a friend of Dr. Folsom.
This Bio is a fascinating story about what is known of Dr. Folsom and is well worth reading. He was connected with the Mexican War in its closing days. He was 7 yrs service in the Army at CA & AZ. He saw service with the govt. secret service relating to San Francisco & Panama.
Indeed he was in service during the Civil War as a medical inspector. He came to Snohomish in Nov 1872. He was a nephew of Salmon P. Chase, U.S. Senator from Ohio, a member of Lincoln's cabinet & later Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He d. about 1844 according to this Bio and was buried by the Masonic fraternity. There is much more to know about this illustrious doctor who contributed so much to humanity wherever he resided. It is no wonder that Eldridge Morse wrote of his life, for it is because of Morse that we are able to know some things about this wonderful man, and pioneer physician. Dr. Folsom was a grad of Phillps-Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, and he studied at Harvard university where he contacted Professor Louis Aggasiz, the famous Swiss naturalist, inspiring in Folsom into scientific research.
Carroll in Snohomish
--------
https://www.civilwarvetswastate.com/veterans/detail.html?veteranid=291
PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:
The son of a physician, Albert Chase Folsom was born in Illinois 7/14/27. Thereafter the family moved to Cambridge, MA where, as a young adult, Albert entered Harvard University. He graduated from that School’s medical department in 1847 and, in 1848, received a regular army commission as Second Assistant Surgeon of the 4th U.S. Infantry.
Late that same year he received orders from Captain Robert E. Lee to transport to New Orleans, LA where he received further orders to report to the Presido in San Francisco, CA. Arriving in California in June 1849 “Doc” became a true “49er.”
In March 1850 Dr. Folsom became Acting Medical Inspector for the command of a Major Bowman. From that time, until leaving the service in 1865 he was assigned to a number of posts throughout California and the American southwest. In 1855 A.C. went on “Secret Service” for the U.S. Government in Costa Rica and Grenada.
That same year he tendered his resignation as Surgeon U.S. Army. The following year his Army resignation was accepted and he received his commission as an officer in The Secret Service of the U.S. Army.
In 1862, following the onset of the American Civil War, Dr. Folsom reentered the U.S. Army as a surgeon while retaining his commission in The Secret Service. It appears that throughout the years of The Rebellion he served as Acting Medical Inspector for troops stationed in northern California. He resigned both government commissions in 1865.
Standing six feet tall and weighing one hundred ninety pounds, the dark complexioned Folsom arrived in Snohomish City, Washington Territory in 1872. By one account the month was November. Exactly why he chose to settle in the Puget Sound wilderness is unclear. As the 4th U.S. Infantry had elements stationed in this area prior to the Civil War, perhaps he’d had a chance to travel here and liked the area. However, since there are indications he may have been fleeing “an unfortunate second marriage” entered into following the death of his first wife, he could have been seeking an out-of-the-way location where he could “get lost.”
Doc Folsom was the second physician to practice in Snohomish County and the first to reside in Snohomish City. The fact that his services were free to all regardless of ability to make payment immediately endeared him to the local populace. However, the kindly doctor’s practices did not sit well with other medicos attempting to set up practice in the area. Newcomers “bitterly” complained that his habit of collecting only what a person could voluntarily pay spoiled the area for those who desired to make a living by their profession.
Over the next five to six years all went well for Doc Folsom. As a respected member of the community he was elected county coroner and sat as co-superintendent of the local school district.
Unfortunately, the beginning of the end was around the corner. During the winter of 1877/78 a severe diphtheria epidemic hit western Washington. Although Harvard had provided Doc with the best professional training possible for the time, this unfortunate epidemic occurred prior to full development of the science of bacteriology.
As such, while the good doctor scanned current medical literature for information to assure his patients as correctly as he could, “by the autumn of 1878 all but two children of twelve in the local school district had died.” This tragedy, coupled with an injury sustained in a fall prompted Doc to terminate his practice and, for all practical purpose, his life. Doc Folsom’s final three or four years were, for the most part, not pleasant.
Failing both physically and mentally, he seemed to have no desire of life and made no effort to “prevent the approach of death.” Eldridge Morse noted, “His last sickness was long and painful and when death came it was welcome by his friends as a real relief from his suffering.”
Albert Chase Folsom died 5/15/85 of dropsy (kidney failure). His age was 57 years, ten months and one day. Initially buried in the old “Pioneer Cemetery” along Pilchuck Creek, some time between 1898 and 1927 his remains were moved to their present gravesite.
There is one documented entry that he was survived by at least one child, a daughter. In closing it should be noted that a brief biography of Doc Folsom compiled in 2000 to commemorate the dedication of his reconstructed headstone lead to the “Adopt-A-Vet (Snohomish) project.” In this sense over one hundred years after his “death” Albert Chase Folsom is still bringing “life” to his Civil War Comrades.
Contributor: The Seakers (50146847)
Everett Daily Herald
4-6-1920
Civil War Veteran
Permanent memorial for Dr. E. C. Folsom, the first physician to locate in Snohomish and the second to practice medicine in Snohomish county, will be placed by the Snohomish Medical society. This was the announcement made Wednesday morning following the monthly meeting held Tuesday evening. Dr. Folsom is buried at G.A.R. cemetery at Snohomish. Dr. Smith, who resided on Smith island, was the first physician in Snohomish county. He later moved to Seattle, locating at Smith cove, now the site of the large terminals of the port of Seattle. Dr. Folsom practiced for thirteen years at Snohomish, where he established his home in November 1872. He died in that city in June, 1885, he was first buried along Pilchuck creek and later the body was moved to G.A.R. cemetery. A monument to Dr. Folsom was erected by residents of Snohomish through popular subscription. In discussing plans, members of the society indicated desire to change the lettering on the monument and to add to the memorial. Memorial plans were considered following a report by Dr. W.C. Cox, chairman of the committee handling the matter. An interesting part of the evening's program was the reading by Dr. A.P. Duryee of a paper in which he reviewed the cancer situation. The library committee reported on the effort in progress to make possible participation in the state library now in King county. Resolution of condolence on the death of Dr. Oscar H. Upstad, who died recently at Stanwood was passed and spread upon the minutes of the meeting.
Snohomish County Tribune
4-7-1927
ERECT MEMORIAL TO LOCAL DOCTOR
A permanent memorial to Dr. E.C. Folsom, the first physician to locate in Snohomish and the second to practice medicine in Snohomish County, will be erected, the Snohomish County Medical association announced Wednesday. Dr. Folsom is buried the the G.A.R. cemetery here. Dr. Folsom establised his profession in Snohomish in 1872. A monument to Dr. Folsom has already been erected and the memorial will be added.
SnoCo: "The Karyn Project"
Snohomish GAR Cemetery:
Folsom A. C. "G.A.R. Veteran, First Physician in Snohomish County"
Researching Dr. E. C. Folsom noted as first physicain to locate in Snohomish and the second to practive medicine in Snohomish County. E.C. died 1885. He is buried at Snohomish GAR cemetery and is noted as a GAR soldier. Would any one have information on this Dr. as to weather he is a Civil War Soldier and if so from where.
Your query was for Dr. E.C. Folsom, however Ref. History of Skagit and Snohomish Counties Washington 1906 Illus History 1117pp. gives his Biog Sketch on p 844.
It is an excellent sketch thanks to our Snohomish Pioneer, Eldridge Morse, Snohomish County's first practiciing atty who was a friend of Dr. Folsom.
This Bio is a fascinating story about what is known of Dr. Folsom and is well worth reading. He was connected with the Mexican War in its closing days. He was 7 yrs service in the Army at CA & AZ. He saw service with the govt. secret service relating to San Francisco & Panama.
Indeed he was in service during the Civil War as a medical inspector. He came to Snohomish in Nov 1872. He was a nephew of Salmon P. Chase, U.S. Senator from Ohio, a member of Lincoln's cabinet & later Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He d. about 1844 according to this Bio and was buried by the Masonic fraternity. There is much more to know about this illustrious doctor who contributed so much to humanity wherever he resided. It is no wonder that Eldridge Morse wrote of his life, for it is because of Morse that we are able to know some things about this wonderful man, and pioneer physician. Dr. Folsom was a grad of Phillps-Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, and he studied at Harvard university where he contacted Professor Louis Aggasiz, the famous Swiss naturalist, inspiring in Folsom into scientific research.
Carroll in Snohomish
--------
https://www.civilwarvetswastate.com/veterans/detail.html?veteranid=291
PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:
The son of a physician, Albert Chase Folsom was born in Illinois 7/14/27. Thereafter the family moved to Cambridge, MA where, as a young adult, Albert entered Harvard University. He graduated from that School’s medical department in 1847 and, in 1848, received a regular army commission as Second Assistant Surgeon of the 4th U.S. Infantry.
Late that same year he received orders from Captain Robert E. Lee to transport to New Orleans, LA where he received further orders to report to the Presido in San Francisco, CA. Arriving in California in June 1849 “Doc” became a true “49er.”
In March 1850 Dr. Folsom became Acting Medical Inspector for the command of a Major Bowman. From that time, until leaving the service in 1865 he was assigned to a number of posts throughout California and the American southwest. In 1855 A.C. went on “Secret Service” for the U.S. Government in Costa Rica and Grenada.
That same year he tendered his resignation as Surgeon U.S. Army. The following year his Army resignation was accepted and he received his commission as an officer in The Secret Service of the U.S. Army.
In 1862, following the onset of the American Civil War, Dr. Folsom reentered the U.S. Army as a surgeon while retaining his commission in The Secret Service. It appears that throughout the years of The Rebellion he served as Acting Medical Inspector for troops stationed in northern California. He resigned both government commissions in 1865.
Standing six feet tall and weighing one hundred ninety pounds, the dark complexioned Folsom arrived in Snohomish City, Washington Territory in 1872. By one account the month was November. Exactly why he chose to settle in the Puget Sound wilderness is unclear. As the 4th U.S. Infantry had elements stationed in this area prior to the Civil War, perhaps he’d had a chance to travel here and liked the area. However, since there are indications he may have been fleeing “an unfortunate second marriage” entered into following the death of his first wife, he could have been seeking an out-of-the-way location where he could “get lost.”
Doc Folsom was the second physician to practice in Snohomish County and the first to reside in Snohomish City. The fact that his services were free to all regardless of ability to make payment immediately endeared him to the local populace. However, the kindly doctor’s practices did not sit well with other medicos attempting to set up practice in the area. Newcomers “bitterly” complained that his habit of collecting only what a person could voluntarily pay spoiled the area for those who desired to make a living by their profession.
Over the next five to six years all went well for Doc Folsom. As a respected member of the community he was elected county coroner and sat as co-superintendent of the local school district.
Unfortunately, the beginning of the end was around the corner. During the winter of 1877/78 a severe diphtheria epidemic hit western Washington. Although Harvard had provided Doc with the best professional training possible for the time, this unfortunate epidemic occurred prior to full development of the science of bacteriology.
As such, while the good doctor scanned current medical literature for information to assure his patients as correctly as he could, “by the autumn of 1878 all but two children of twelve in the local school district had died.” This tragedy, coupled with an injury sustained in a fall prompted Doc to terminate his practice and, for all practical purpose, his life. Doc Folsom’s final three or four years were, for the most part, not pleasant.
Failing both physically and mentally, he seemed to have no desire of life and made no effort to “prevent the approach of death.” Eldridge Morse noted, “His last sickness was long and painful and when death came it was welcome by his friends as a real relief from his suffering.”
Albert Chase Folsom died 5/15/85 of dropsy (kidney failure). His age was 57 years, ten months and one day. Initially buried in the old “Pioneer Cemetery” along Pilchuck Creek, some time between 1898 and 1927 his remains were moved to their present gravesite.
There is one documented entry that he was survived by at least one child, a daughter. In closing it should be noted that a brief biography of Doc Folsom compiled in 2000 to commemorate the dedication of his reconstructed headstone lead to the “Adopt-A-Vet (Snohomish) project.” In this sense over one hundred years after his “death” Albert Chase Folsom is still bringing “life” to his Civil War Comrades.
Contributor: The Seakers (50146847)
4-6-1920
Civil War Veteran
Permanent memorial for Dr. E. C. Folsom, the first physician to locate in Snohomish and the second to practice medicine in Snohomish county, will be placed by the Snohomish Medical society. This was the announcement made Wednesday morning following the monthly meeting held Tuesday evening. Dr. Folsom is buried at G.A.R. cemetery at Snohomish. Dr. Smith, who resided on Smith island, was the first physician in Snohomish county. He later moved to Seattle, locating at Smith cove, now the site of the large terminals of the port of Seattle. Dr. Folsom practiced for thirteen years at Snohomish, where he established his home in November 1872. He died in that city in June, 1885, he was first buried along Pilchuck creek and later the body was moved to G.A.R. cemetery. A monument to Dr. Folsom was erected by residents of Snohomish through popular subscription. In discussing plans, members of the society indicated desire to change the lettering on the monument and to add to the memorial. Memorial plans were considered following a report by Dr. W.C. Cox, chairman of the committee handling the matter. An interesting part of the evening's program was the reading by Dr. A.P. Duryee of a paper in which he reviewed the cancer situation. The library committee reported on the effort in progress to make possible participation in the state library now in King county. Resolution of condolence on the death of Dr. Oscar H. Upstad, who died recently at Stanwood was passed and spread upon the minutes of the meeting.
Snohomish County Tribune
4-7-1927
ERECT MEMORIAL TO LOCAL DOCTOR
A permanent memorial to Dr. E.C. Folsom, the first physician to locate in Snohomish and the second to practice medicine in Snohomish County, will be erected, the Snohomish County Medical association announced Wednesday. Dr. Folsom is buried the the G.A.R. cemetery here. Dr. Folsom establised his profession in Snohomish in 1872. A monument to Dr. Folsom has already been erected and the memorial will be added.
SnoCo: "The Karyn Project"
Snohomish GAR Cemetery:
Folsom A. C. "G.A.R. Veteran, First Physician in Snohomish County"
Researching Dr. E. C. Folsom noted as first physicain to locate in Snohomish and the second to practive medicine in Snohomish County. E.C. died 1885. He is buried at Snohomish GAR cemetery and is noted as a GAR soldier. Would any one have information on this Dr. as to weather he is a Civil War Soldier and if so from where.
Your query was for Dr. E.C. Folsom, however Ref. History of Skagit and Snohomish Counties Washington 1906 Illus History 1117pp. gives his Biog Sketch on p 844.
It is an excellent sketch thanks to our Snohomish Pioneer, Eldridge Morse, Snohomish County's first practiciing atty who was a friend of Dr. Folsom.
This Bio is a fascinating story about what is known of Dr. Folsom and is well worth reading. He was connected with the Mexican War in its closing days. He was 7 yrs service in the Army at CA & AZ. He saw service with the govt. secret service relating to San Francisco & Panama.
Indeed he was in service during the Civil War as a medical inspector. He came to Snohomish in Nov 1872. He was a nephew of Salmon P. Chase, U.S. Senator from Ohio, a member of Lincoln's cabinet & later Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He d. about 1844 according to this Bio and was buried by the Masonic fraternity. There is much more to know about this illustrious doctor who contributed so much to humanity wherever he resided. It is no wonder that Eldridge Morse wrote of his life, for it is because of Morse that we are able to know some things about this wonderful man, and pioneer physician. Dr. Folsom was a grad of Phillps-Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, and he studied at Harvard university where he contacted Professor Louis Aggasiz, the famous Swiss naturalist, inspiring in Folsom into scientific research.
Carroll in Snohomish
--------
https://www.civilwarvetswastate.com/veterans/detail.html?veteranid=291
PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:
The son of a physician, Albert Chase Folsom was born in Illinois 7/14/27. Thereafter the family moved to Cambridge, MA where, as a young adult, Albert entered Harvard University. He graduated from that School’s medical department in 1847 and, in 1848, received a regular army commission as Second Assistant Surgeon of the 4th U.S. Infantry.
Late that same year he received orders from Captain Robert E. Lee to transport to New Orleans, LA where he received further orders to report to the Presido in San Francisco, CA. Arriving in California in June 1849 “Doc” became a true “49er.”
In March 1850 Dr. Folsom became Acting Medical Inspector for the command of a Major Bowman. From that time, until leaving the service in 1865 he was assigned to a number of posts throughout California and the American southwest. In 1855 A.C. went on “Secret Service” for the U.S. Government in Costa Rica and Grenada.
That same year he tendered his resignation as Surgeon U.S. Army. The following year his Army resignation was accepted and he received his commission as an officer in The Secret Service of the U.S. Army.
In 1862, following the onset of the American Civil War, Dr. Folsom reentered the U.S. Army as a surgeon while retaining his commission in The Secret Service. It appears that throughout the years of The Rebellion he served as Acting Medical Inspector for troops stationed in northern California. He resigned both government commissions in 1865.
Standing six feet tall and weighing one hundred ninety pounds, the dark complexioned Folsom arrived in Snohomish City, Washington Territory in 1872. By one account the month was November. Exactly why he chose to settle in the Puget Sound wilderness is unclear. As the 4th U.S. Infantry had elements stationed in this area prior to the Civil War, perhaps he’d had a chance to travel here and liked the area. However, since there are indications he may have been fleeing “an unfortunate second marriage” entered into following the death of his first wife, he could have been seeking an out-of-the-way location where he could “get lost.”
Doc Folsom was the second physician to practice in Snohomish County and the first to reside in Snohomish City. The fact that his services were free to all regardless of ability to make payment immediately endeared him to the local populace. However, the kindly doctor’s practices did not sit well with other medicos attempting to set up practice in the area. Newcomers “bitterly” complained that his habit of collecting only what a person could voluntarily pay spoiled the area for those who desired to make a living by their profession.
Over the next five to six years all went well for Doc Folsom. As a respected member of the community he was elected county coroner and sat as co-superintendent of the local school district.
Unfortunately, the beginning of the end was around the corner. During the winter of 1877/78 a severe diphtheria epidemic hit western Washington. Although Harvard had provided Doc with the best professional training possible for the time, this unfortunate epidemic occurred prior to full development of the science of bacteriology.
As such, while the good doctor scanned current medical literature for information to assure his patients as correctly as he could, “by the autumn of 1878 all but two children of twelve in the local school district had died.” This tragedy, coupled with an injury sustained in a fall prompted Doc to terminate his practice and, for all practical purpose, his life. Doc Folsom’s final three or four years were, for the most part, not pleasant.
Failing both physically and mentally, he seemed to have no desire of life and made no effort to “prevent the approach of death.” Eldridge Morse noted, “His last sickness was long and painful and when death came it was welcome by his friends as a real relief from his suffering.”
Albert Chase Folsom died 5/15/85 of dropsy (kidney failure). His age was 57 years, ten months and one day. Initially buried in the old “Pioneer Cemetery” along Pilchuck Creek, some time between 1898 and 1927 his remains were moved to their present gravesite.
There is one documented entry that he was survived by at least one child, a daughter. In closing it should be noted that a brief biography of Doc Folsom compiled in 2000 to commemorate the dedication of his reconstructed headstone lead to the “Adopt-A-Vet (Snohomish) project.” In this sense over one hundred years after his “death” Albert Chase Folsom is still bringing “life” to his Civil War Comrades.
Contributor: The Seakers (50146847)
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