Page:History of Southeast Missouri 1912 Volume 1.djvu/796

 690 HISTORY OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI tried systems whose value has stood the test of years. There is in his record much that is wortliy of the highest commendation, for limited j^rivileges and financial resources made it necessary that he personally meet the expenses of a college course. In doing this he displayed the elemental strength of his character, which has been the foundation of his success. He now stands very high in the medical profession of the state and is in the fullest sense of the term a self-made man. Dr. Wichterich is also engaged in the drug business at Cape Girardeau, where he has resided during most of his life thus far. A native of this city, Dr. Robert Felix Wichterich was born on the 23d of ilareh, 1868, and he is a son of Nicholas Wichterich, whose l)irth occurred at Biinn. Germanv, on the 12th of March. 1827. Reare'd and' edu- cated in Germany. Nicholas Wichterich at- tended the gymnasium and University of Biinn, making a special study of astronomy. He was a school mate of Carl Schurz and par- ticipated in the Rebellion of 1848, coming to America immediately after the close of that struggle. Shortly after his advent in the United States he located at Cape Girardeau. Mis.souri, where in 1860 he engaged in the milling business, continuing in that line for thirteen years. He was active in politics, be- ing eit.y treasurer for thirty-two years, thus demonstrating the respect and esteem ac- corded him by his fellow townsmen. He died January 9. 1900. He was lieutenant of the Home Guards at the time of the Civil war and his political allegiance was given to the Democratic party. He married Miss Eliza ]Iolitor and to them were born three children, of whom the Doctor is the youngest. The others are Kathryn, who is now Mrs. An- tone Kammer, and John H. Mrs. Wichterich is still a resident of Cape Girardeau, being eighty-three years of age. Dr. Robert F. Wichterich received his rudimentary educational training in the pub- lie and parochial schools of Cape Girardeau and as a young man he attended St. Vincent's College. Subseqaiently he was matriculated as a student in the Memphis Hospital IMed- ieal College and still later he attended the St. Louis College of Physicians & Sui'geons. and the Barnes ^ledieal College, in which lat- ter institution lie was g'raduated as a mem- ber of the class of 1899. duly receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Wichter- ich was registered as a pharmacist in April, 1889, before the state board of pharmacy and thereafter he was engaged in the drug busi- ness at Cape Girardeau for a time in com- pany with Dr. J. H. Rider. For three years, from 1885 to 1887, he was engaged in the drug business at JMarshall, Texas, where he was connected with the Texas & Pacific Rail- road Hospital. After being graduated in Barnes Medical College Dr. Wichterich set- tled permanently at Cape Girardeau, where he initiated the active practice of his profes- sion and where he soon succeeded in building up a large and lucrative patronage. In 1907 he again engaged in the drug business in conjunction with his professional work and he is now the owner of a very fine drug store. In his practice Dr. Wichterich makes a spe- cialty of internal medicine, never advising surgery except in most urgent ca.ses. He is an ardent follower of the unwritten code of professional ethics and by reason of his splendid ability and straightforward methods has won the imqualified regard and admira- tion of his fellow practitioners. In June, 1902, was recorded the marriage of Dr. Wichterich to ]Iiss Elma Taylor, wlio was born and reared at Cape Girardeau and who is a daughter of J. W. Taylor, long a prominent and influential citizen of ths place. Dr. and Jlrs. Wichterich have no children. In his religious faith the Doctor is a devout communicant of the Catholic church and a liberal contributor to many philanthropical organizations. In politics Dr. Wichterich is aligned as a stanch supporter of the cause of the Demo- cratic part.v and while he is not desirous of political preferment of any description he manifests a deep and sincere interest in all matters aifecting the general welfare. After liis father's death, in 1900, he filled out the latter's unexpired term as city treasurer. For the past eight .vears he has been a member of the board of health of Cape Girardeau and in that connection he has been a means of improving the sanitary conditions of the city. He was president of the Cape Girardeau Med- ical Society for one year and he is also con- nected with the Missouri State Medical Soci- ety. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Benevolent & Protect- ive Order of Elks and the Knights of Co- lumbus. Dr. Wichterich is a man of high ideals and generous impiilses. He is consid- erate of others' opinions and sensibilites and