April 14, 1881 a son was born to F. M. and Martha Jane Cummins
Fisher, who was named Joseph Allen Fisher. He spent his boyhood
on the farm in Johnson County, attending the Mt. Pleasant School.
In later years he was among those who organized and carried on
an association and reunion of former pupils of this school.
Deciding that his life's work should be the practice of medicine,
he enrolled in the Marion
Sims - Beaumont College of Medicine. During his student days this
school was incorporated with St. Louis University, from which
he graduated in the year 1905.
He opened his first office in Samoth, ( Massac Co.)but
a few months later moved to New Brownfield, ( Pope Co. )
here he maintained a practice for 15 years.
October 12, 1905 he was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Poor.
No children were born to this union but in the home several children
were reared at least three of whom were present at the services.
Dr. Fisher was always progressive with his practice and attended
a number of Post -Graduate Schools of Medicine and Surgery. Several
years ago he moved to Metropolis where he founded the Fisher Hospital.
He died suddenly at his home, early in the morning of November
1, 1944 being 63 years, 6 months and 17 days of age. He was a
member of the First Methodist Church, the Masonic and Elk lodges
and a charter member of the Kiwanis Club, and the first president
of the latter organization. Also he was a member of the Massac
County Medical Association, the Tri-County Medical Association,
the Southern Illinois Medical Association and had served each
of these associations as president.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Lillie Fisher; one brother, Dr. Robert
W. Fisher of Metropolis; four sisters: Mrs. S. M. Stewart and
Mrs. Myrtle Ridenhower of Metropolis, Mrs. Harry Cummins and Mrs.
Marion Trout of Vienna. His mother and father, one sister and
brother having preceded him in death.
Besides his sisters and one brother, he leaves four nephews, Robert
L. Cummins, overseas in France, Lindell Cummins, New Guinea, Joseph
A. Trout in Italy and Marion Trout in Louisiana; three great-nephews,
Robert Lindsey "somewhere in England,"
Billy Easton and little Bobbie Wayne Cummins, Vienna, Ill.
He also leaves four nieces, Ruth Lindsey, Mildred Easton, Elizabeth
Cummins of Vienna, Ill., Lucille Routson, Chicago, Ill., and two
great-nieces, Jean and Joan Rouston, Metropolis.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock
at the Methodist church. His uncle, Dr. J. W. Cummins officiated,
assisted by Rev. E. M. Dycus, Rev. W. L. Cummins and Rev. Otto
Horsely. Mrs. Charlie Walker and Mrs. Robert Compton sang several
request numbers, Mrs. Bauer Johns, accompanist. Active casket
bearers were members of the Kiwanis Club and honorary bearers
were brother members of his profession.
The love Dr. Fisher had built up through the years with the family
and friends was attested by the crowded church, the lovely flowers
and the tear dimmed eyes of the great number gathered to pay him
the last tribute of respect. Many doctors and friends came great
distances, several from army camps to pay homage to this physician
and surgeon who had done so much for the community.
Interment was made in the Vienna Cemetery.
____Copied from Vienna Times Nov. 16, 1944