Dr. Reginald Campbell Edson

Notes:

Reginald developed infantile paralysis (polio) in 1907. He needed to wear a brace on his left leg that went all the way to his hip. When he was seven, a Dr. Roberts operated on his leg and he was then able to walk without the brace.

In 1920 there was a polio epidemic. Reg, believing that since he had already had polio, he was now immune, went to a friend's house that was quarantined and sat chatting on the front porch until his father came along and dragged him home.

When Reginald was about ten years old, he went to visit his Aunt Hattie and Uncle Fred who owned an ice cream shop in Deposit, New York. He traveled by train and was so proud that he was big enough to travel all by himself. He later learned that his father had slipped the train porter some money to keep an eye on him.

In 1918, influenza was wide spread and many people died from it. Reginald and four other members of his family became very ill with it. Fortunately, everyone recovered.

Reginald graduated from New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn, New York, after attending eight different grade schools in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York. He received his AB degree in 1927 from Lafayette College - Easton, Pennsylvania. In 1931 he received his MD degree at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During 1931 and 1932, he was engaged in a rotating internship at Methodist Hospital, Philadelphia.

It was difficult for Reginald (Ed) and Thelma (Fez) during the depression. Doctor Edson took a full time position at the State Tuberculosis Hospital in South Mountain, Pennsylvania. He was hospital physician from 1932 to 1934. From 1934 to 1936, he was in private practice in Newville and Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania. Then in 1936, he became senior physician, assistant superintendent and medical director at Hopemount State tuberculosis Hospital in West Virginia. During this same time he was an instructor in medicine at West Virginia University Medical School.

Ed and Fez moved to Connecticut in 1942 where he was Assistant Director of Tuberculosis control for the State of Connecticut. In 1952 he became Superintendent and Medical Director of Cedarcrest Hospital in Newington, Connecticut. In 1961 he was promoted to the position of Deputy Hospital Care and Rehabilitation for the Connecticut State Department of Health. Reginald maintained his medical license in both Connecticut and Pennsylvania until after he retired.

Obituary Notice
The Hartford Courant
Tue, 9 Dec 1997

Dr. Reginald C. Edson, 92, died Sunday, December 7, 1997 at his daughter's home in West Simsbury. Dr. Edson was born August 5, 1905 in New Milford, PA, son of George C. and Isabelle (Campbell) Edson. He graduated from Lafayette College before earning his MD from Jefferson Medical College in 1931. After his marriage to Thelma Adell Fesmier, who predeceased him earlier this year, Dr. Edson interned at Methodist Hospital, Philadelphia. He then entered private medical practice, before accepting a position as assistant superintendent and medical director at Hopemont Tuberculosis Hospital in West Virginia.

Dr. Edson moved to Connecticut in 1942 to accept appointment as assistant director of the state Tuberculosis commission. He later became superintendent of Cedarcrest Hospital in Newington before being appointed deputy commissioner of health in 1961. During his long career of state service in Connecticut, he also served as president of the Hartford County Medical Association, president of the Connecticut Thoracic Society and secretary of the Connecticut state Medical Society. In 1971, "Ed," as he was known to his close friends and associates, and his wife "Fez" retired from their home in West Hartford to Florida. They enjoyed many active years at their home in St. Augustine Shores.

He leaves three daughters: Barbara Dell of Martinsburg, W. VA, Elizabeth Crawford of Atlanta, GA and Jean Perreault of West Simsbury in addition to three younger sisters: Isabelle Gould of Freeport, L.I., and Katherine Moore and Joan Huffman, both of Waynesburg, PA. He also leaves 12 loving grandchildren and 20 great grand-children.

Cremation arrangements were made through Carmon Funeral Home, Granby, Connecticut. The ashes were scattered at sea.

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

(Medical):Dec 1907 - Infantile Paralysis (polio)
1907-1912 - Wore brace on left leg to hip
1912 - Surgery on left leg - brace was no longer needed
1918 - Flu
1928 - Appendectomy
1948 - Hernia
1974 - Fracture of left hip
1980 - Hernia
1987 - Compressed fracture lower lumbar 1 & 2
1988 - Arthritis attack lower spine
1990 - Bilateral lumbar femoral angiography
1991 - Fractured pelvis
17 Jan 1992 - Prostate cancer

Reginald lost the will to live after his wife died.

Reginald married Thelma Adell Fesmier on 19 Sep 1931 in Glenside, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania, USA. Thelma was born on 28 Jul 1908 in Glenside, Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania, USA; died on 8 Sep 1997 in Saint Augustine, St. Johns Co., Florida, USA; was buried in At Sea. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Both Ed and Fez were very active during and following their working years. Their strong, yet congenial, personalities earned for them a wide circle of friends. They particularly enjoyed a good evening of conversational bridge with their friends. After their daughters left home, their spirit of adventure took them to many places around the globe, including Australia, the Caribbean Islands, Egypt, Greece, Hawaii, Mexico, Norway, Sweden and South America.

Fez and Ed retired to St. Augustine Shores, Florida in 1971, where they continued to enjoy an active life well into their later years. They were avid square dancers and shared a love for Florida's fresh citrus and warm sunshine.

Fez and Ed maintained a strong sense of independence, yet dedication to family, throughout their long lives. Perhaps this family spirit is best captured by the following words of appreciation presented to them by their daughters on their 60th wedding anniversary:

A tribute to Fez and Ed

Your 60th wedding anniversary is as important to you as you both are to all of us. On this special occasion, your family thanks you for the patience, love and kindness you have given us through the years. Happy Anniversary! - 19 Sep 1991

1. Living
2. Living
3. Living

Notes:

George was the son of Willis and Catherine (Clements) Edson. After the death of his first wife, George married (2) Gertrude Abbe.

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

George married Isabella Irene Campbell in Jun 1902 in Marshall, Lyon Co., Minnesota, USA. Isabella (daughter of Angus Campbell and Mary A. Munro) was born in Jul 1879 in , , Ontario, Canada; died on 1 Jun 1910 in Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

(Medical):Peritonitis following childbirth

Notes:

Married:
The following is from a clipping from the Marshall, Minnesota newspaper, Jun 1902.

"Marriage: George Clements Edson and Miss Isabelle Irene Campbell were united in the sacred bond of matrimony in the Presbyterian church last Monday evening, June 16th, in the presence of quite a large number of friends and relatives.

The ceremony was performed by Ralph Elmo Clark, an intimate associate and for seven years a classmate of Mr. Edson, assisted by Rev. Coates, Presbyterian pastor here.

After the conclusion of the ceremony a large number of invited guests assembled at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Lines where the evening was spent in a social way with plenty of dainty refreshments. A great many beautiful and costly presents were received which certainly presented a most beautiful appearance at the reception.

Mr. Edson is a young man of excellent character and social standing and is highly educated. He graduated from the Macalester Classical Academy with the class of 95. continuing his studies he became a graduate of Macalester College with the class of 99. With the beginning of the next school year he commenced a three years course at the Princeton Theological Seminary from which institution he was ordained on May 6th last. Mr. Edson is an exceptionally bright young man of very pleasing address and would be a credit to any profession. Soon after his ordination he received a call from the field at Carversville, Pa., where he now resides.

Miss Campbell is one of our favorite young ladies here, where she has resided, except when in school, since childhood. She became a graduate of Macalester Classical Academy with the class of 97 and graduated from Macalester College with the class of 01. After graduating she came with her mother to Cottonwood where they have since resided and during which time Miss Campbell has made many friends. She was always a favorite and made friends wherever she went. No young lady in our midst would be missed more than she as everyone seemed to be her friend.

Mr. and Mrs. Edson left on the afternoon train Tuesday for their new home at Carversville, Pa., and a large delegation of friends escorted them to the train and with many a warm hand shake wished them happiness and prosperity as they journey through life together."

Notes:

Angus was the son of Malcolm and Catharine (McKenzie) Campbell.

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

(Medical):The duration of Angus' final illness was 4 weeks.

Angus married Mary A. Munro on 25 Dec 1871 in Malta, Bruce Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of William Munro and Catherine McFarlane) was born on 16 Feb 1854 in , , Ontario, Canada; died on 8 Dec 1929 in Modesto, Stanislaus Co., California, USA; was buried in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., California, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

(Medical):Acute bronchitis was cited as a contributory cause of Mary's death.

Notes:

Married:
Angus Campbell, 30, residence Kincardine township; born Nova Scotia, bachelor, farmer, Baptist, son of Malcolm Campbell & Catherine McKenzie, married Mary Munro, 17, residence Bruce township; born Ontario, spinster, Presbyterian, daughter of William Munro & Catharine McFarlane. Witnesses Daniel S. McLaren, Bruce township and Duncan Campbell, Kincardine township. Married on 25 Dec 1871 by John Anderson, Presbyterian Minister, Tiverton, by license., place of marriage - Malta, division of Bruce, Bruce County.

Notes:

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

William married Catherine McFarlane about 1847 in , , , Canada. Catherine was born about 1825 in , , Nova Scotia, Canada; died in in , , , USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA