Biographies

ERNEST W. SALTER, M. D., a leading young physician of Stronghurst, is numbered among Henderson County's native sons, for he was born on a farm within the borders of the county, October 13, 1869. The family is of English origin.

The father, Paul D. Salter, who was a native of New Jersey, emigrated westward in 1856, and settled upon land in Henderson County, Ill. On the 30th of June, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Edwards, daughter of David and Eliza (Bell) Edwards. Eight children were born to them, namely: William E., now a grocer of Stronghurst; David P., who is engaged in farming in Henderson County; Abbie B., wife of Sidney Gridley, an agriculturist of the same county; John N., who carries on farming in Warren County; Harriet C. , wife of F. Ackerman, a lawyer of South Chicago; Ernest W., of this sketch; Chalmer N., a pharmacist of Kirkwood, Ill.; and one who died in infancy.

During his boyhood, Dr. Salter worked upon his father's farm. His early education, which was acquired in the district schools, was supplemented by study in the schools of Kirkwood, which he entered in 1884. In 1886 he went to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and became a student in Howe's Academy, of that city, where he remained for eighteen months. From early youth he displayed special aptitude for study, and it became his earnest desire to acquire an excellent education.

In 1888 he went to Champaign, Ill., and spent fifteen months as a student in the State University. This completed his literary education, but he at once began fitting himself for the practice of medicine, wishing to make it his life work. It was in March, 1889, that Dr. Salter began studying in the office of Dr. McClanahan, of Kirkwood, where he remained for six months. In September, 1889, he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York City, where he continued to pursue his studies until March 28, 1892, when he was graduated with the degree of M. D. On the 23d of May following, he opened an office in Stronghurst, and has since been engaged in practice in this place. In February, 1893, he also established a drug store, which he conducts in connection with his other business interests.

The Doctor was married June 22, 1892, the lady of his choice being Miss Flora Hobart, by whom he has one child. Mrs. Salter's parents were Frederick and Louisa (Ford) Hobart. Her mother was a daughter of the daughter of Brig. Gen. Kean, one of the heroes of the War of 1812.

Socially, Dr. Salter is connected with Lily Lodge No. 553, I. O. O. F.; Magie City Lodge No. 397, K. P.; and Stronghurst Camp, M. W. A. He proudly cast his first Presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison, for he is a warm advocate of Republican principles. He holds membership with the Presbyterian Church, and his wife belongs to the Episcopal Church.

The Doctor is one of the leading and highly-respected citizens of this community, and now enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.