Jacob Ebersole, M.D.
It is difficult to determine how broad is the field of usefulness of such a man as Dr. Jacob Ebersole, who found in his profession an avenue for the expression of the broad humanitarianism which was ever one of the characteristics of his life. In his later years he did not practice but the same kindly, genial spirit actuated him to so large a degree that all men were glad to call him friend and felt genuine sorrow when, on the 28th of July, 1905, he was called to his final rest. He had then passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred near Eaton, in Preble county, Ohio, May 15, 1820. His youthful days were spent upon his father's farm and were divided between the duties of the farm and the work of the fields, for from an early age assisted in the cultivation of the crops. Believing, however, that he would prefer professional services to agricultural life, he left the farm in early manhood and took up the study of medicine which he completed in the University of New York in New York city. He sought the west, however, as a field of professional labor, and removed to Aurora, Indiana, where for more than twenty years he practiced over a wide territory as a most successful and able physician.
Then came the period of the Civil war and Dr. Ebersole, aroused by a spirit of patriotism, offered his services to the government, enlisting in April, 1862, as surgeon of the Nineteenth Indiana Regiment in General Bragg's famous Iron Brigade. He remained in this service until the close of the war and won distinction and honorable mention as a skillful and efficient surgeon in the aid which he rendered the boys in blue. During the battle of Gettysburg and in General Grant's campaign of the Wilderness he had charge of the brigade and division hospitals at various times. With the close of the war Dr. Ebersole removed to Cincinnati, where he maintained his residence throughout his remaining days. He immediately became connected with the house of William Glenn & Sons, with which he was associated for many years. His later years were passed in retirement at his large and beautiful country place on South Crescent avenue, Avondale, where he found enjoyment and interest on following the pursuits of horticulture and agriculture, practicing scientific methods in the cultivation of fruits and cereals.
On the 4th of September, 1845, Dr. Ebersole was united in marriage to Miss Frances Glenn, a daughter of William Glenn, at one time a resident of Cincinnati. Six children were born of this marriage, William V., James H., Joseph G., Mrs. Henry W. Crawford and Mrs. Edwin L. Martin, all of whom were with the father during his last illness, except Charles A., who died after his fourth year at Yale. The home life of Dr. Ebersole was always a most attractive and happy one. The years brought renewed confidence and love between husband and wife and had he lived until the 4th of September, 1905, they would have celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary. To him was given the priceless gift of undiminished intellectual powers to the last and he never ceased to feel a deep interest in the affairs of the world which indicated progress and improvement. He was always an entertaining conversationalist, his vigorous mind finding ready expression in speech that always held the attention of his hearers. He was an honored member of the Ohio Commandery of the Loyal Legion and was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church, his membership being with the Avondale church after his removal to Cincinnati. He was active in the work of the church and in its support, and served for many years as trustee and steward. To him there came "the blest accompaniments of age-honor, riches, troops of friends." His broad forehead was indicative of intellectual strength and from his eyes beamed forth kindly light which gave proof of a warm and generous interest in sympathy for others. He stood as a high type of citizenship and Christian manhood.
From Cincinnati, The Queen City, Volume III, by Rev. Charles Frederic Goss, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1912