W.L. Eddy

Warner L. Eddy M.D.

"Doc Eddy"

One of the sucessful medical practitioners of Rock Island County is the subject of this review, who for fifteen years has followed his profession at Milan with a steadily increasing business. Dr. Eddy is a nativeof the Empire State, having been born in Madison County, New York, December 17, 1869.

He is a son of Homer and Edith S. (Townsend) Eddy. His father was born in Madison County, New York, May 22, 1842, and his mother in Cape May County, New Jersey, May 17, 1846. The parents were married in New Jersey, and after a residence of several years in New York settled permanently on a farm in Cape May County, New Jersey, where they still reside. They are the parents of three children, Lucien C., Arthur and Warner L., of whom this sketch treats. The last named grew to manhood on the farm, obtaining his education in the public schools and under a private tutor. In 1887 he began reading medicine under the instruction of Doctor Julius Way of Cape May Court House, New Jersey. Two years later he took up a regular course at Rush Medical College at Chicago, graduating in March, 1892. After a few months spent in Chicago he came to Milan and was the doctor there for 55 years

Dr. Eddy was married April 5, 1893, to Miss Alice V. Fellows, the ceremony being performed in Chicago. Mrs. Eddy is the daughter of Jonathan H. and Charlotte A. (Rich) Fellows. She was born July 13, 1865, at Arlington Heights, Illinois. Two children have been born to the couple: Allen T., May 7, 1895, and Edith L., May 5, 1900.Alice Eddy died Aug. 11, 1924. On May 4, 1938 he married Mrs. Bertha Diseron of Milan. Doctor Eddy is a member of the Rock Island County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church of Milan.He was one of the oldest members of that church.

He had recieved many honors. He also served as mayor. He served two terms as the President of the R.I. County Medical Association. He also served as a member of the Village Council and board of health.

During the influenza epidemic of 1918, he worked for days and nights without any sleep. During his medical career, he helped bring over 2,200 babies into the world. It's believed that over 4/5 of the citizens of Milan and R.I. County were delivered by Doc. Eddy. Many families looked to him not only as a doctor but also a trusted friend.

"Doc Eddy" died on February 9,1848 and is buried in Chippiannock Cemetery.

Historic Rock Island

Submitted by Wini Caudell

*Footnote: Almost all of my ancestors were delivered by Doc Eddy. Many of their birth certificates(even my mothers)as well as death certificates were signed by W.L. Eddy.

Illinois Ancestors