Collection: Lyman Watkins, M.D.
Dr. Lyman Watkins was one of several physicians who has practiced in Blanchester over the years. One of his distinctions was he was the son of a Blanchester physician & the father of another.
Watkins was born on May 1, 1854, the son of Dr. Jonas & Anna Hocket Watkins. He was educated in the public schools of Blanchester. After graduating he became a telegrapher until 1874 when he entered Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. From there he entered the Eclectic Medical Institute & upon graduating he returned to Blanchester and entered practice with his father, Dr. Jonas Watkins.
He married Lida Baldwin, on April 7, 1877, the daughter of Jonathon & Clorenda Covalt Baldwin.
In 1888 he was elected secretary of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Association and in 1889 was made president. He also was successively secretary and vice president of the Cincinnati Eclectic Society.
In 1890 he entered the faculty of his alma mater to teach histology & microscopy.
In 1891 he was promoted to the chair of physiology and in 1898 was made professor of pathology and physiology. For about ten years of his early connection with the college, he practiced in Cincinnati, but subsequently returned to Blanchester where he held an extensive practice.
Until the end of 1911, he filled his chair at the Eclectic Medical College.
Dr. Watkins was a member of the Universalist Church, a member of the Knights of Pythias, and a thirty-second degree Mason. He was also a valuable member of the National Eclectic Medical Association & a leader in that body.
Lyman & Lida Watkins were the parents of three children: Anna C. who married James M. Hudson, Baldwin who died in 1907, and Raymond who also became a physician.
Dr. Watkins died at the Seton hospital on Sunday, January 21, 1912, from complications of diabetes after a minor operation and is buried in the Blanchester cemetery on section 2, Lot 33.
Find a Grave memorial: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125727222/lyman-watkins
Photo: Dr. Watkins photo as a past Worshipful Master is courtesy of the Blanchester Masonic Lodge.
