Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia (Volume 14 ) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1903. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... NOTES ON THE LIFE OF DR. WILLIAM EDMONDS HORNER. A. D. 1793-18. BY JOSEPH WALSH, M. D., AND CHARLES H. GOUD1SS. The life of quiet usefulness, of unostentatious effort, is the life that is apt to go unrecorded. Its contemporaries seldom recognize its real worth, and fame does not grasp it as its own. Yet when such a life is viewed in perspective, when its fruits are realized, its true greatness is appreciated. Such a life was that of Dr. William Edmonds Horner, who half a century ago ranked among Philadelphia's eminent physicians. In that memorable eulogy delivered before the faculty and students of the University of Pennsylvania, shortly after Dr. Horner's decease, Dr. Samuel Jackson said of him: "It was in the qualities that constitute character that lay his strength. Nature had endowed him with a firm heart that never failed him in difficulties; he was armed with a resolute determination not easily shaken and a perseverance and application unwavering from fatigue. His ardor in the pursuit of knowledge was not abated by the labor it cost; he knew the range of his powers and concentrated his efforts within them; he had, in high degree, order, method and economy--there was a time and a place for everything; there was no waste of time or means; his probity, conscientiousness and sense of truth were such that none who knew him ever doubted his word, questioned his statements or refused to accord to him the fullest confidence. The impressions he made and the friends he won were from the convictions of his sincerity, integrity and worth." William Edmonds Horner was born at Warrenton, in Fauquier county, in Virginia, on the 3d of June, i793, of highly respectable parentage. His paternal grandfather, Robert Horner, was an Englishman by birth, who came to America in sea...