JAMES N. BEMIS, M. D. The Bemis Family, who are among the leading and cultured citizens of Hopewell township, were originally natives of the Green Mountain State. David Bemis was born and reared in Dummerstown, Vt., where he was married to Rhoda Sargeant, who bore him children as follows: Erastus, Daniel (deceased), Samuel (a physician living near the home place in this county), and Horace (deceased). The father followed agricultural pursuits, and in politics was a worker in the Democratic party. Erastus Bemis was born October 3, 1817, near the city of Brattleboro, Vt., and his early life was passed in his native State, where he received an elementary training in literary knowledge. Not content, however, with the educational opportunities of the vicinity of his birthplace, he began to educate himself, and entered the profession of a teacher at an early age, following a course of study during his vacations. He afterward came to Washington county, locating on Pigeon creek, and later he entered the office of Dr. Emery, remaining there some time; then attended Dartmouth College one year, after which he entered the University of New York, graduating in 1842. On February 14, 1844, he was married to Ruth McCullough, daughter of Isaac McCullough, who was born in Somerset township, Washington Co, Penn., a son of Patrick McCullough, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and who at the age of eighteen years came to America, locating in Somerset township, Washington Co. ,Penn.,where he purchased 600 acres of land and made a permanent home. He (Patrick McCullough) was married to Hannah Smith, and they reared the following children: James, Elizabeth, John, Ebenezer, Mary and Isaac. The father was actively interested in religious work, and was the first elder of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. He was an enterprising man, and in politics voted with the Whig party. Isaac McCullough was born on the home farm in Somerset township, this county, receiving a rudimentary education in the public schools. While yet a young man, he was wedded to Margaret, daughter of William McMillen, by which union there were four children, viz.: William, Mary (Mrs. John Hattery), Ruth (wife of Erastus Bemis, M. D.), and James (a citizen of Chicago). Mr. McCullough was a Whig and a Republican in politics, and in religious faith was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. After his marriage to Miss McCullough, Dr. Bemis settled in the village of Buffalo, Hopewell township, Washington county, where he practiced his profession five years, at the end of which time he removed to West Middletown, same county, where the remainder of his life was passed. He became one of the most successful and well-known physicians of the county, and in educational matters was the peer of any citizen in his vicinity. Politically he was a Whig, and a leader in the Abolition party, taking also an active part in the "Underground Railway," of which West Middletown was then a "station." In religious faith he was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and he was an earnest temperance advocate. He died July 14, 1866, leaving three children: James N., Mary and David H. James N. Bemis was born June 20, 1845, in Hopewell township, this county, where he was reared. He received his elementary training in the common schools, which was supplemented with a course at Washington and Jefferson College. He then entered Ann Arbor Medical College, remaining one year, after which he took a course at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, graduating in 1870. Dr. Bemis began to follow his profession in West Middletown, this county, where he and his brother David have secured a lucrative practice. On September 7, 1876, he married Dora, daughter of A. C. Chapman; she died in July, 1877, and for his second wife Dr. Bemis was united in marriage, in September, 1884, with Jennie B., daughter of John Brownlee. Three children have blessed their union: Newton (deceased), Ruth and Janet. In his political preferences Dr. James N. Bemis is a stanch Republican. David H. Bemis, M. D. (a brother by the double tie of blood and profession), was born June 17, 1852, in Hopewell township, this county, and attended the common schools, also Washington and Jefferson College, retiring in his junior year on account of poor health. Afterward he took a course at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he graduated in 1879. He is a skilled physician, and an intelligent and energetic citizen. In politics he votes the straight Republican ticket.

Text taken from page 574 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed June 1997 by George A. and Mary Ann Plance of Gainesville, FL as part of the Beers Project. Published June 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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