Pitcher, Zina, 1797-1872

Professor in the Medical School of the University of Michigan.

U.S. Army surgeon, and Detroit resident for many years.

Born Apr.14, 1797, in Washirgtcn Co., N.Y., the son of - Nathaniel and Margaret (Stevenson) Pitcher. Received a sound education in the local schools, studied medicine with neighboring physicians, and took a medical degree at Middlebury College in 1822. He then entered the Army as a surgeon and spent the next eight years at posts in Michigan, and several more years at other posts. Resigned in 1836 to take up private practice in Detroit. Immediately took a prominent part in Detroit life, fill-- ing many important civic positions: University of Michigan egent, mayor, county and city physician, hospital surgeon. Active in establishing public schools; founder of the Medical Dept. of the University; an incorporator of the Michigan Historical Society, and a member of several medical societies, to which he contributed many scholarly articles. A study of the practices of Indian tribal medicine men was published as a chapter in Schoolcraft's 6-volume work on the Indian tribes of the United States. Pitcher was married, first, to Anne Sheldon, and second, to Emily L. (Montgomery) Backus. He died in Detroit, Apr.4, 1872. -- (from Cf. D.A.B.; MPHC, 4:432; Farmer, p.1036.) (blue index cards)