The Unsung Heroes of the Frontier by Jill Dewhurst
Thank you for inviting me to be your guest! Though now a historical Christian fiction author, my first profession was an RN in cardiac critical care. Because of my nursing experience, medical subplots tend to find their way into my manuscripts. Researching physician education in the United States during the westward has been enlightening. When my husband studied to be a cardiologist, he invested fourteen years of post-secondary training between medical school, internship, residency, and fellowship.
In 1820, however, only four medical schools had been established in the US: Harvard, Columbia, Dartmouth, and the University of Pennsylvania.
All four are located on the northern Atlantic Coast, and most graduates never strayed far from these medical centers. Those in the frontier who truly had an aptitude for healing and helping the hurting usually had neither the resources for the arduous and expensive journey east nor the connections to be accepted into one of the four prestigious medical schools.
Photo Credit: By J.R. Penniman – Harvard University, Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10300112
In lieu of formal academic training (only two years of classes, by the way!), prospective frontier doctors would apprentice under a practicing physician, both observing and assisting, all while immersing themselves in copious amounts of reading. By necessity, their scope of practice was much broader than the academically trained doctors in the East, for they were often the only medical practitioners in their region. These doctors would treat everyday ailments, as well as pulling teeth, delivering babies, setting broken bones, performing surgery, administering various herbal and mineral remedies, and sometimes caring for livestock and other veterinary patients.
These doctors were the unsung heroes of the frontier, for they would be on-call day and night, ready to travel several miles if necessary. They willingly put themselves at risk during epidemics of cholera and influenza, tending the sick when no cure had yet been found. By necessity, much of their apothecary treatments were made from herbs, roots, and bark native to their region with the knowledge of the collection and administration gleaned from the experience of the Native Americans in their area.
One example of a plant-based medicine frequently found in historical fiction is willow bark tea, a treatment for fevers and minor pain for over 4,000 years (first recorded use was during the Sumerian civilization, then later in Mesopotamia, China, and Ancient Greece). In 1853, the isolated active compound was discovered to be acetylsalicylic acid, and the Bayer Company purchased the patent and mass produced it. When you read of a patient receiving willow bark tea, think Aspirin.
In my Rugged Cross Ranch series, the Harvard-trained doctor in Prairie Hills invites one of the brothers on the ranch with an aptitude for medicine to train under him. Watching Luke grow from an eager learner of veterinary medicine into a physician and surgeon made my author’s heart swell with pride. Luke’s compassion does not dim his fortitude to make the right decision even when it is the hard decision. He is intelligent and well-read with steady hands and neat stitches. He has great skill in determining a patient’s diagnosis—well, unless that patient is his wife. Then he is rendered utterly clueless. (Referencing a humorous moment in Heidi’s Faith)
Meet Luke Hamilton in Julie’s Joy, the first book in my Rugged Cross Ranch series.
Many of the homeopathic remedies we have today have their roots (pun intended) in generations of well-tried tradition. The medical side of me is pleased that many of the most common remedies are now being included in well-constructed medical studies. One of my personal go-to natural medicines is a blend of elderberry, echinacea, zinc, and Vitamin C to boost immunity during cold and flu season.
Julie’s Joy
WHEN JULIE’S TENACIOUS JOY IS TESTED BY LIFE-SHATTERING TRAGEDY, HER INTENSE SORROW MIGHT LEAD HER TO UNEXPECTED LOVE.
Julie Peterson had been born into a family of faith and privilege, but when her dad decided to move his family West to homestead near his sister’s ranch in northeastern Oklahoma, disaster struck, leaving Julie a nine-year-old orphan. Rescued and cared for by a migrating Kiowa village until her uncle found her years later, Julie has learned to find joy even when navigating the inherent challenges as a blind woman destined to remain unmarried.
Buck Matthews, the second oldest brother on the ranch, has given up dreams of a family, knowing no woman would accept his heritage. When Julie arrives on the ranch, their friendship reveals they have a great deal in common. Would Julie be willing to accept his love?
When tragedy overwhelms Julie, will sorrow extinguish her joy forever or will her faith in her loving Father lead to hope? Follow God’s sovereign hand through this story of faith, family, and redeeming love and be inspired to trust the One who loves us all unconditionally.
What is one of your favorite natural remedies? Was it recommended by a friend or passed down through your family? Be sure to chime in! I’d love to meet you! You’ll be entered in a drawing for an autographed copy of Julie’s Joy and a $10 Amazon gift card to one winner.
About Jill:
Jill Dewhurst’s is a Selah Award Bronze Medalist, Christian Author Award Winner, Will Rogers Medallion Award Gold Medal Winner, and bestselling author of historical Christian fiction, Jill Dewhurst writes novels that seamlessly weave a page-turning story with the truth of God’s unconditional love. With her varied experience as an RN, a musician, and a homeschool mom, Jill creatively weaves a part of herself into each story. When not writing, she enjoys playing her flute and thanking God for the hubby who lassoed her heart for keeps. Publishing her Rugged Cross Ranch series has been a dream come true. http://www.jilldewhurst.com
