My Genealogy Hound

Dr. J. H. Seegraves, a prominent physician and leading citizen of Clay County, Ark., was born in Surry County, N. C., August 1, 1832, and is the son of Gilbra and Sarah (Wilson) Seegraves. Gilbra Seegraves was born in Virginia in 1800, of Scotch-Irish descent, and was a brick-mason and farmer by occupation. He immigrated to Macon County, Tenn., in 1839, and was one of the pioneers of that locality. In 1874 he removed to Arkansas, settling in Clay County, and there died May 27, 1887, in his seventy-seventh year. Sarah (Wilson) Seegraves was born in Ashe County, N. C., and was reared and married in that State. The nine children born to this union are named as follows: Louis, William, Maxwell, Samuel T., Henry, Gilbra, Sarah. Martha and John H. Mrs. Seegraves died December 31, 1885. Dr. J. H. Seegraves, the subject of this sketch, was principally reared in Tennessee, and had good school advantages. Later he studied for three years under I. M. Livingston, M. D., of Lafayette, Tenn., and then practiced in partnership with him for four years. About this time the war broke out, and he enlisted in the Federal army, as recruiting officer. There being vacancies to fill, he, among others, applied as assistant acting surgeon, of the United States army, which required a man to be a graduate of some reputable college. There were four who applied for the position, but three failed to pass. Dr. Seegraves claimed an examination, and passed with honor, and although not a graduate, was appointed to the place. His commission was as below:

Headquarters Department Tenn., Medical Director’s Office, Nashville, Tenn., September 21, 1865. Special Order 33: — Surgeon Thaddeus Donahue, One Hundred and Tenth United States Cavalry Troops, in charge of Post Hospital, Gallatin, Tenn., will be relieved of that charge without delay by Acting Assistant Surgeon; J. H. Seegraves, United States Army, and return to duty with his regiment. He will turn over his property to his successor. By order of the Medical Director. John E. McGuire, Assistant Surgeon, United States Volunteers.

Following this Dr. Seegraves was ordered to report the sale of property without reporting to superior officers, a new departure in military affairs. He then took charge of the hospital, after the abandonment of which he received orders to sell and turn over the proceeds, which was done, thus showing his standing. Below may be found his discharge from duty, and his standing:

Property Division, Surgeon General’s Office, Washington, D. C., May 1, 1866. Sir: — I am instructed by the Surgeon General to inform you that your returns of public property belonging to the Medical and Hospital department of the Army, for a period commencing September 22, 1865, and ending December 31, 1865, with vouchers thereto pertaining, have been examined in this office, and found to be correct, and finally settled. Relating to Gallatin, Tenn. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. C. Spencer, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.

Dr. Seegraves served in the medical department from 1864 until April 10, 1866, participating in the battle of Nashville, and was honorably discharged at Louisville. He then located in Illinois, began the practice of his profession, and was offered the position of chief surgeon of the West, but declined. Later he settled in Clinton County, Ill., practiced six years, then came to Arkansas, and settled in Clay County, where he has since practiced his profession. He is also engaged in the drug business, and is the local surgeon of the St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas Railroad, which is an honor held by few physicians. Dr. Seegraves is also president of the Clay County Medical Examining Board. He was married, in 1859, to Miss M. A. Atkerson, a native of Macon County, Tenn., and the daughter of John W. Atkerson, now a resident of Macon County, Tenn. To the Doctor and wife were born four children living: Lydia A., Ida L., John O. and Cora E. Those deceased were named Clara R., Ethel, J. O., and an infant. The Doctor and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a member of the G. A. R. and I. O. O. F., joining the last-named organization in Gallatin, Tenn., while surgeon of the army, and while almost a stranger, being struck by the grandeur of a procession. He also belongs to the K. of H. Aside from his profession and the drug business, Dr. Seegraves is one of the prominent farmers of the county.