Horace Jacobs

Horace Jacobs (April 5, 1816 – May 3, 1884) was a notable eclectic physician in Springfield, Massachusetts, a pioneer in his field.

He was born one of nine children of Simeon Jacobs and Mary Kenney in Royalston, Massachusetts. His paternal great grandfather was Rev. Whitman Jacobs, an influential Baptist preacher, while his maternal grandfather was also a noted Baptist preacher.

His father died when he was young and he moved to live with his uncle, Dr. Isaac Jacobs in Exeter, Maine. where he began to learn about medicine. He moved to South Hadley, Massachusetts to study with his brother Sumner Jacobs. He then moved to Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and practiced there until 1855. He studied in Westfield, Massachusetts for two years, then moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was one of the first eclectic physicians. He had a very successful practice, with patients from all around. He became the leader of his practice in the area, respected by his peers. This was difficult at first, as others were unwilling to accept differing methods.

The Springfield Republican said at his death; "A steadfast sense of right determined his convictions and laid the course of his action. For this quality, together with his dignity, sound judgment and genuine good sense, he was much esteemed in his community."

He was an instructor at Harvard in 1845. He served in the City Council, and was president of the Holyoke Paper Company, He helped develop West Springfield, where he had substantial real estate. He had been raised a Baptist, but became a Methodist, and was a trustee of the Pynchon Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and later Trinity Methodist Church in Springfield.

He married Emily Laura Owen, daughter of Abijah Owen of Westfield on December 23, 1849. They had 5 children: Chauncy, Mary, Miriam, Rachel, and Horace H. Jacobs. He died in Salt Lake City while returning from a trip to California. He is buried in the Springfield Cemetery.