My Genealogy Hound

DR. SAMUEL F. SANDERS. J. T. Sanders, the father of Doctor Sanders, was a native of England, who came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. He was a lawyer of eminence, and, embracing Christianity while the “warm and liquid dews of youth were full upon him,” he became an expounder of the common law, devoting a great deal of his time in the advocacy of his Master’s cause. His hospitable home was the resort of the ministers of his acquaintance and was justly termed the “Shepherds’ Rest.” He was an exemplary christian gentleman and his dutiful son is following in the footsteps of his pious father. In 1878 he was called to that rest, the preparation for which he had devoted a long and useful life.

The mother of Doctor Sanders is a sister of Judge J. M. Beck, Iowa’s most eminent jurist, and is still living at Bushell, Ill. She is a member of the Primitive Baptist church, an organization noted for the pure, sweet devotion of its members to the teachings of the Bible. At a ripe age she is waiting for the summons to come when she shall join her devoted husband in the enjoyment of the fruition of hope in the great beyond.

The subject of this sketch was born April 16, 1845, and received his literary training at Abingdon, Ill. He studied medicine with Dr. W. T. Wright, of Bushell, Ill., attending the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa, and graduated in the spring of 1868; afterwards he graduated at the Missouri Medical College at St Louis in 1872. His desire to avail himself of later discoveries in the science of medicine and surgery prompted him to take a course of instruction at the renowned Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in the spring of 1881. He began the practice at the town of Goodhope, McDonough county, Ill., where he continued to enjoy the fruits of a liberal patronage till 1888. He decided to move West at that date and accordingly came to this state, settling in Holdrege, Phelps county. He at once took a high stand in his profession where he located and he has enjoyed a constantly increasing practice. So rapidly has his business grown that he has of late confined himself to the practice in Holdrege and to office work.

On May 8, 1871, Dr. Sanders married Miss Matilda A. Morris, daughter of Thomas Morris, of McDonough county, Ill. Three children have been born to this union, Ula M., Frederick M., and Roy A.

Dr. Sanders and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, in the affairs of which they take an active and conspicuous part, contributing to its support and otherwise aiding in the promotion of its work. Dr. Sanders is an elder in this church, a Knight Templar Mason, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Not only does he stand high in his profession, but he occupies a front rank as a citizen and moves in the highest circles of society, culture and refinement. Dr. Sanders has a pleasing address, refined manners, and is a constant student. When not engaged in business connected with his profession, he can always be found among the books of his well selected library. Generous, without being extravagant, he is always ready to aid any legitimate enterprise, and responds to all calls for charity. Holdrege is fortunate in being able to number such a man among her thriving and enterprising citizens.