Dr. Littel
Dr. Littel was the son of Captain Littel, of New Jersey, a patriot distinguished for his services and sacrifice in our Revolutionary struggle, and was born in Essex County, December 1, 1776 – a year memorable in the annals of mankind. Having completed his early education, he entered upon the study of medicine, and, after practicing his profession awhile in his native State, emigrated to the Northwestern Territory about the beginning of the present century, and stopped in the city of Cincinnati. Here he remained for a brief period, when, following the guidance of circumstances, and failing, in common with all others, to penetrate the brilliant futurity which was res erved for a place whose claims to pre-eminence were disputed by the neighboring village of Columbia, he removed some thirty miles into the interior, and fixed his abode in Butler County, at Trenton, which was then called Bloomfield. Before leaving New Jersey, the doctor had married Mary, one of the daughters of Michael Pearce, who also came out here. Mr. Pearce was a farmer in good circumstances, and had a large family of daughters, who were much sought after, as their manners and acquirements were much more than were then usual in the backwoods. Dr. Littel practiced in Trenton from his first going there until a short time before his death, when weakened by age and infirmities. He devoted himself to the cultivation of his farm and the still more laborious duties of a profession, the calls of which, in the scattered population of the country, expanded occasionally to a circle of some sixty miles in diameter, extending from Dayton on the one hand, and to Cincinnati on the other. As a medical practitioner, he was remarkable successful, being distinguished by his sagacity and observation, qualities which enabled him, in several important instances, to anticipate the discoveries and improvements of later times, and to secure for him a wide range of popularity. Notwithstanding the engrossing nature of his avocations, he was repeatedly chosen by his fellow-citizens to offices of local trust and influence. In 1813 he was appointed surgeon of the First Regiment, Third Detachment, of Ohio Militia, having for his assistant Dr. Jacob Lewis, who came to Butler County very soon after he did, but had not engaged actively in practice. Colonel James Mills commanded the regiment, which rendezvoused at Dayton. They were ordered to St. Mary’s, when the regiment was divided into three divisions. Soon after this, Dr. Littel resigned and came home. His personal appearance was very striking. He was a tall man, perhaps a little over six feet, and full in figure, even in youth. As his years increased he attained a size truly colossal, with accompanying weight. To accommodate himself, he brought hither a spring-wagon, the first ever seen in this portion of the country, and used that ever after, discarding horseback riding, which was the usual method of traveling for physicians fifty years ago. Arrived at home, after a visit, he would cast himself upon the carpet, preferring this posture of perfect repose to the more dignified but less easy arm-chair. This habit became almost a necessity. His weight increased until it reached three hundred and fifty, and he became the largest man in Butler County. Dr. Littel was of a fiery disposition, and used to domineering. He had a piercing black eye, that seemed to read the very secrets of the soul, and he was possessed of great weight of character. Whatever he desired he generally accomplished. He was a virulent Jackson Democrat, never speaking in public, but using his influence in private. When fair words would not avail, he used harder ones. He was postmaster at Trenton in 1837, having been appointed by Van Buren, through the influence of John B. Weller, and against the wishes of the majority of the inhabitants of that village, who had petitioned for another person. Dr. Littel was also an associate judge of this county, being chosen in 1834, and holding for a term of seven years. This was about the time he had acquired his greatest obesity; and for the other associate judge he had Dr. Daniel Millikin, whose weight could not be less than two hundred and fifty, the sheriff of the county at that time being Sheely, who was also of herculean proportions, not inferior to Millikin. Dr. Littel remained in Trenton until the ravages of age, aggravated by corpulency, caused him to retire. He went to Winchester, Preble County, where soon after died, at the close of 1849. He had accumulated some means, which he divided among his nephews, whom he had brought up. Of these there were three. Dr. Squier Littel, now of Philadelphia, was the second. He is a man of high attainments, well read, and has published several medical works. Eliakem was the oldest. He first lived in Philadelphia, published a magazine called the Museum, which was very successful, and then going to Boston, where he began the Living Age. It is a magazine of compilation from European periodicals, and contains a vast treasury of facts and fancy. A complete set is contained in every public library. He is now dead, and his sons are carrying on the publication. John was the youngest nephew. He studied law, but never practiced much. He began publishing law books, and in that pursuit amassed a fortune. He was at one time a candidate for Congress from Philadelphia, and came very near being elected, lacking only a few votes. He contested the election, but it was decided against him. He formerly lived in Germantown, a handsome suburb of the City of Brotherly Love, but is now dead.
Mrs. Littel, the wife of Dr. Squier Littel, the elder, survived him. She was a most excellent woman, and had great power over her husband. Even in his greatest fits of rage she was able to pacify him. The doctor brought up one of the daughters of the Rev. Stephen Gard, his brother-in-law. This was Mary, who afterward married Ezra Potter. He also brought up another niece, Rachel Taylor, who married William Potter.
From A History and Biographical Cyclopædia of Butler County Ohio, With Illustrations and Sketches of its Representative Men and Pioneers, Western Biographical Publishing Company, Cincinnati Ohio, 1882.