VanSandt, William Harrison - M.D. - Putnam

Devoting his time and attention to his professional duties, William H. Van Sandt has built up and extensive and remunerative practice, and is widely known as one of the most skillful physicians of this part of the county. A native of Ohio, he was born May 20, 1840 in Butler County, about 12 miles above Cincinnati being a son of John N. Van Sandt. John N. Van Sandt was born in Fleming CO Ky of Dutch ancestry being descended from one of three brothers, natives of Holland, who emigrated to America directly after the Revolution and settled in NJ. Learning the trade of a millwright when young, he followed his trade in different places and had the distinction of building the first grist mill ever erected in Cincinnati. An ardent abolitionist, his house was the first underground railway station north of the Ohio River and through it many a slave passed to freedom among others being Eliza, whose story is so vividly portrayed in Uncle Tom's Cabin. In the book Mr. Van Sandt is known as "Van Trump. " Owning a farm in Butler County, he resided on it until his death in 1848. He was twice married, by his first wife, whose name was Priscilla Northcut, having 17 children, 7 of whom grew to maturity: Northcut; Elisha; Nathan; John; Benjamin; Nancy and Jane. He married second Nancy Bowen, who was born at Maysville, KY a daughter of Robert Bowen. She survied her husband and in 1849 came with her family to Indiana, locating at New Maysville, Jackson Township, Putnam County where she spent the remainder of her days. Of her six children, 4 grew to maturity: William Harrison; Lewis; Hiram and Lydia. A boy of 9 when he came with his mother to this state, William H. Van Sandt clearly remembers his early home in Ohio and the thrilling scenes of those trying time when slaves were fleeing from their pursuers, and when to be an abolitionist meant ostracism and persecution. Mrs. Stowe and other noted abolitionists were frequent visitors at the Van Sandt home, and the boy William often assisted the slaves by carrying them food when they were in hiding. After coming to Indiana he attended a pioneer school which was taught in a roughly constructed frame building, the seats being made of saplings split in halves, with wooden pegs for legs. Completing his studies in the common schools, he began the study of medicine with Dr. Long, of Maysville, subsequently attending lectures at Rush Medical College at Chicago, Ill. Dr. Van Sandt then began the practice of his profession at Maysville, in the meantime, in 1869 and 1870, pursuing his studies at the Indiana medical College in Indianapolis, where he was graduated with the degree of MD In 1870 From 1868 until 1871 the Dr. was located at Brunerstown, Putnam County but since that time has been in active practice at Carbon. He has won an excellent patronage, his wisdom and skill in dealing with the many ases entrusted to his care having gained for him the confidence of the community in which he has so long resided. Dr. VanSandt married April 17, 1867 Orlena ELLIS who was born in Bainbridge, Putnam County Indiana a daughter of James and Sally (Ogle) Ellis, and they became the parents of 3 children: Mary who die din youth; Vallie and James W. Vallie, the wife of Thomas Stevenson, has one son, Menzies. James W. is a member of the Sophomore class at DePauw Univeristy. Dr. and Mrs. Van Sandt are highly esteemed by their neighbors and friends and are valued members of the Baptist Church.