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Emmott Howd, M. D., F. A. C. S. City of Troy |
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Emmott Howd, M. D., F. A. C. S. City of Troy |
EMMOTT HOWD, M. D., F. A. C. S.—A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and one of the most distinguished surgeons of Rensselaer county, New York, Dr. Howd has had a very interesting career. He was born at Schenectady, New York, April 5, 1872, son of Harvey W. and Isabella (Mowers) Howd. His father, who is now
dead, was a businessman, and had many connections in Schenectady, in
both business and social affairs. Dr. Howd's mother, who was a member
of an old New York family, died some years ago.
Dr. Howd received his preliminary education in the public schools of Schenectady. After having completed the grammar school course, he
proceeded to the Union Classical Institute, now known as the Schenectady
High School, where he was prepared for college. He was graduated from the Union Classical Institute as a member of the class of 1889, and in the autumn of the same year was enrolled as a student at Colgate University. As a student, Dr. Howd won the approval of his instructors and fellow undergraduates, who admired his manifest devotion and ability. He took an especial interest in the humanities and in certain scientific subjects and established something of a record for scholarship. At the end of his third year, however, he was compelled by adverse circumstances to give up his collegiate career and to find work. In spite of this misfortune, he decided to continue his education along professional lines, and after careful consideration of his abilities and inclinations determined to become a physician. He found congenial employment which would enable him to finance himself and at the same time leave him sufficient leisure time in which to attend his classes and prepare his assignments. He then entered the Albany Medical College in order to acquire his professional training and found his studies no less interesting than he had hoped. He completed the full course of study and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine as a member of the class of 1898. Immediately after his graduation he was appointed assistant surgeon at the Troy Hospital, and during the time he spent there he acquired a great deal of valuable practical experience, which supplemented his theoretical training. During the period of his work at the Troy Hospital he decided to engage in post-graduate study in New York City and spent some time in special work at St. John's Hospital and the Lying-in-Hospital in New York. Finally, in 1899, being fully qualified by training and experience for the management of an independent practice, he returned to Troy and opened an office in the city. At first, his practice was general, but his tastes and abilities were markedly surgical, and before long he devoted himself to surgery exclusively. In 1900 he was appointed assistant surgeon at the Troy Hospital, and in this capacity he served the hospital until 1914, when he became surgeon and was given charge of the surgical department of the Leonard Hospital. His private practice has grown steadily in size and he has become known as one of the leading surgeons of the county. Many of his operations have attracted widespread attention among members of the medical profession, and his powers of quick diagnosis and his unerring technical skill have enabled him to save many lives. Nowhere is this more true than in the case of workers for the various corporations for which he acts as surgeon. He has charge of the industrial hospitals of the Ludlow Valve Company; Cluett, Peabody & Company; Earl & Wilson; and the Adams Laundry Machine Company, all of whom maintain plants at Troy. The cares connected with his work for these industries, in addition to his private practice and hospital work, demand a large part of his time; yet he takes the greatest pains to keep abreast of the latest scientific developments, not only in the theory and practice of his own profession, but also in those of various allied branches, such as dentistry and chemistry, in-so-far as it relates to human health and the discovery of disease bacteria. Dr. Howd serves on the staff of the Leonard Hospital, and on the staflf of St. Joseph's Maternity Hospital, where he acts as obstetrician. He also serves as lecturer at these hospitals. Dr. Howd's attainments are generally recognized and his judgment is regarded with the highest respect by all ranks of the medical
profession. His success has been due from the beginning to his wholehearted devotion to his work, his unquestioned ability, and his tireless energy, and his efforts in behalf of the community are deeply appreciated by his fellow-citizens.
Dr. Howd is a member of many professional fraternal, and social organizations. He belongs to the American Medical Association ; the New York State Medical Society; the Rensselaer County Medical Society; the Third District (New York State) Medical Society; and the American College of Surgeons, of which he is a fellow. His college fraternities are the Beta Theta Phi; the Theta Nu Epsilon; the Beta Delta Beta; and the Nu Sigma Nu, and he retains a lively interest in the work and meetings of these organizations. He is a member of Trojan Lodge, No. 27, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to the Troy Club. He is a Mason of high standing, having attained the thirty-second degree, and holds membership in Mount Zion Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; the Apollo Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Apollo Council, Royal and Select Masters; Apollo Commandery, Knights Templar; the Mystic Shrine; and the Albany Consistory. In spite of the many cares and demands of his professional career. Dr. Howd takes great pleasure in outdoor recreations. He is
especially fond of hunting, fishing, and mountain climbing, and whenever he can find time for a vacation, whether long or short, he devotes it to
one ot these sports. He is well acquainted with Eastern mountains, and knows the best trails in the White Mountains and the Adirondacks. He is a great believer in the National parks of America, and never wearies of praising the unrivalled advantages they offer to those in search of recreation and rest. The National forests, with their beauty, freedom, and forms of wild life, which only too frequently can be found nowhere else, appeal to him greatly and he finds no vacation comparable to the one which may be spent in these national playgrounds. He is no less fond of the hunting and fishing afforded by the hills and streams of his native State, and never fails to take advantage of the open season for game. As a keen sportsman, Dr. Howd is a vigorous advocate of conservation measures, and regards it as the duty of each individual sportsman to support and aid the government and the State Conservation commismissions by scrupulous observance of hunting and fishing rules and regulations and by the prompt denunciation of sportsmen using illegal or questionable methods or poaching upon public preserves. As a sportsman, Dr. Howd has become widely known for his skill in marksmanship, and his ability with rod and line is no less well established.
Dr. Howd married, in 1900, at Watervliet, New York, Sarah E. Powers. Mrs. Howd is a native of Watervliet, and spent her life in that town until her marriage. Dr. and Mrs. Howd have two sons: Helmer Powers, who is a student in the class of 1925 at Colgate University; and Emmott, Jr., who is also attending Colgate University, being a student in the classof 1927.
