Cyrenius Chapin

America's geographic and ideological frontier as lived by Buffalo's first physician, renegade militia officer, and founding citizen.

America's geographic and ideological frontier as lived by Buffalo's first physician, renegade militia officer, and founding citizen.

Cyrenius Chapin tells the story of life in the young American republic through the experiences of a local physician, land speculator, and patriotic citizen. Chapin arrived in Buffalo in 1803 blessed with a forceful personality, infuriating gall, and a caring nature. He became a leader in the growing community, tending to its sick, training its future doctors, and engaging in local politics. A determined Federalist, he challenged Joseph Ellicott of the Holland Land Company, raised a family, and was a personal friend of Native American leaders. During the War of 1812, Dr. Chapin single-handedly resisted the British advance on the city but ultimately failed to prevent Buffalo's burning by the royalist forces. Pneumonia struck him down in 1838 following his third attempt to drive the British out of upper Canada. Extensively researched, this is the story about the age of revolution and a time when American independence and self-determination were inseparable.

Thomas C. Rosenthal is Emeritus Professor of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. He is the author of Bloodletting and Germs: A Doctor in Nineteenth Century Rural New York and coeditor of Office Care Geriatrics.

Thomas C. Rosenthal is Emeritus Professor of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. He is the author of Bloodletting and Germs: A Doctor in Nineteenth Century Rural New York and coeditor of Office Care Geriatrics.

"Cyrenius Chapin is a local history book that appeals to a general reading audience. The author's enthusiasm for his subject comes through strongly. He found Chapin interesting, and he makes him engaging." — Richard Hamm, Professor of History, University at Albany, State University of New York

"This book provides insight into the evolution of medical care during a critical time in American history. While much is written about Civil War medicine, less is written about earlier times. It also provides fairly deep insight into the history of Buffalo during its early development. The status of Buffalo, and its proximity to Canada, provide good insights into the War of 1812." — Nicholas Turkal, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine