Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1649:
STRICKLETT, JOHN G., M. D. (deceased) - Those who had the good fortune to be ministered to by the old time physician contend that the present schools are not producing the kind of doctors who graced the profession years ago. These physicians had no well-equipped hospitals in which to gain a costly experience, but were forced into general practice, where the lives of their patients hung upon their own individual efforts. They had no runabout or automobile to take them from one patient to another, nor did they sit back in richly appointed offices and conduct an office practice only. The physicians of an older day rode on horseback or drove behind a plodding mare, to patients miles apart, in all kinds of weather, never thinking of their own comfort, but anxious to reach the suffering ones. They brought countless children into the world, guiltless of the many modern appliances, and kept the sick and aged alive without calling upon experts and specialists to aid them. This class of physician is passing, but here and there one is still found. One of those most honored for his past work and genial affability, was the late venerable Dr. John G. Sticklett, who during his last days lived in well-earned retirement at NO. 1023 North Ninth Street, Springfield. He was born in Lewis County, Ky., January 16, 1823, a son of Jacob and Frances (Griffith) Stricklett, natives of Kentucky. The father, who was a farmer, died in Kentucky, but in 1852 the widowed mother came to Illinois with her family of five children, settling on a farm in Clark County. The sons, four in number, grew up hardy and strong, and three of them helped her conduct her farm. There the mother passed her declining years. The Stricklett family had been founded in Kentucky by the grandfather, Jacob Stricklett, a native of Pennsylvania, a soldier in the Revolution, and a personal friend of George Washington. The Great-grandfather Stricklett was born in Holland, while the Grandfather Griffith was a native of Sweden.
Dr. Sticklett attended the country schools of Lewis County and worked on a farm during his boyhood. Later he learned the shoemaker's trade, but worked at it only a short time, when he began studying medicine under Dr. Thomas O'Marshon. He later attended medical college in Cincinnati, Ohio, taking the eclectic course and receiving his diploma from this college. He then went to Clark County, Ill., and practiced there for several years, then moved to Linn County, Iowa, locating near Cedar Rapids. Soon thereafter, however, the war broke out and he enlisted in Company G, Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving until he was mustered out November 16, 1863, at Jackson, Tenn. Returning to Iowa, he practiced at Palo that State, for fifteen years, during which time he held the position of Town Clerk, being elected on the Republican ticket. His next change was made when he moved to Oakford, Ill., but after three years there, he moved to Clark County, Ill. where he continued in practice until 1903. In that year he came to Springfield, which was his home up to his death, May 8, 1910. He was a Mason and a consistent member of the Christian Church.
Dr. Stricklett was married in Burlington, Iowa, to Virginia David, on November 27, 1862. She was born in Burlington, in 1840, and he parents were natives of Kentucky, who moved to Iowa at an early date. They made Burlington their home until death claimed them. Dr. and Mrs. Stricklett became the parents of five sons and one daughter: Sherman, Harry A. and Roy, of Springfield; and Minnie, wife of Samuel Watkins of Petersburg, Ill. (all children are not named) Dr. Stricklett owned his home. He was one of the most charming of gentlemen, with the native courtesy of Kentucky, and had a host of warm personal friends wherever he had resided.