J. Adams Allen, M.D., LL.D.
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Dr. Allen, the President of Rush Medical College, died at his residence in this city on Friday, August 15th. He was born in Middlebury, Vt., January 16th, 1825. By descent Dr. Allen was connected with the celebrated Adams family, whence he derived his Christian name. His father was for many years among the most widely known and distinguished professional men of New England, both as a physician and a surgeon.
The son was, in accordance with the system prevailing during the early decades of the present century, prepared for admission to college at a very early age. He was only nine yeas old when he was initiated in the classical course. As a result, the boy's health failed, and he was placed by his father on a farm, where he was required to work during six months of the year, attending the academy during the winter season.
At the age of sixteen Mr. Adams entered college. He graduated in 1845 as A.B., and in December, 1846, as M.D. Dr. Allen immediately came West, and in January, -1847, was married to Miss Mary Marsh, of Kalamazoo, Mich. From that period up to his recent illness Dr. Allen was engaged in his professional duties, with scant and rare vacations.
During the second year of his practice Dr. Allen was honored by being elected professor of materia medica, therapeutics and medical jurisprudence at the Indiana Medical College, at La Porte, then a flourishing institution. While still holding this position he was elected professor of physiology and pathology in the medical department of the Michigan University, flling this position for four sessions. When this famous school was reorganized in 1854, Dr. Allen, at the request of the board of regents, drafted the general plan of the literary department. Soon after this he returned to Kalamazoo, and engaged again in active practice until September, 1859.. During this period he was largely engaged in literary pursuits and was appointed lecturer on physiology and chemistry at Kalamazoo College.
After declining many offers from medical colleges, Dr. Allen was induced by the late Professor Brainard to accept the position at Rush Medical College, which he held up to his death. The doctor was a permanent member of the American Medical Association, and in January, 1859, was elected President of the State Medical Society of Michigan.
