Lang, H. O., ed. "The History of the Willamette Valley, Being A Description of the Valley and its Resources, with an account of its Discovery and Settlement by White Men, and its Subsequent History; Together with Personal Reminiscences of its Early Pioneers." Portland, OR, Geo. H. Himes, Book and Job Printer, 1885. p. 1425. FREDERICK WILLIAM PRENTICE, M.D. To Dr. F. W.Prentice, of Eugene, medical science is a realm of intricate and interminable avenues, lit with prophetic and alluring lamps, under which the wayfarer travels reverently, intelligently, and always with uplifted, expectant eyes. Because at a certain mile-post in his journey he is given license to use his knowledge for the benefit of others, the true scientist continues his way without note of any stopping-place, and his life, however long or well ordained, goes out with great questions still unsolved, and the illuminated ways and mysterious shadows still beckoning. Thus, this scholarly practitioner has evinced something of the spirit of the old master painters, whose indestructible masterpieces breathe an appreciation for their work far beyond any remuneration which a grateful world might tender them. When to this singleness of purpose is added a wholesome attitude towards the exigencies and comforts of latter-day life, a genial spirit, and harmonious disposition, one is constrained to believe that this town in the far northwest is reaching, through the lives of her adopted sons, the acme of advancement in a noble science. Dr. Prentice has had the advantage of the best possible medical and surgical training, and he comes of an ancestry of which much may reasonably be expected. Authentic records trace the family history back in the fourteenth century, when those bearing the name pursued their various vocations in Suffolk, England, from which county later members removed to Essex county. Near Wivenhoe, Essex, Dr. Prentice was born July 1, 1844, his father, George Alexander Prentice, being a native of Boxstead, Essex, while his mother, Caroline (Ellis) Prentice, a daughter of Henry Ellis, was born in Suffolk. The elder Prentice came to America in 1871, and both himself and wife died on their farm in Caroline county. Md. They had ten children, eight of whom were daughters, Frederick W. being the oldest in the family, and the only one to establish a name and home in the northwest. The successful career of his brother-in-law, Dr. Charles J. Worts, a surgeon of Essex, had much to do with fashioning the career of Dr. Prentice. After leaving the home farm and being graduated from the Royal Grammar School of Colchester, he began to study under his gifted relative. Subsequently he attended two courses of lectures at the University of Edinburgh, and in 1871 came to Toronto, Canada, the following year removing to Urbana, Champaign county, Ill. Here he engaged in a general medical and surgical practice, and at the same time filled the chairs of anatomy, physiology, pharmacy, and materia medica at the University of Illinois at Champaign. In 1877 leave of absence from the university was granted him, and he took a course at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, being graduated in 1878. Returning to Urbana, he continued to practice and instruct, and finally entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, being graduated in the class of May, 1887. Since coming to Eugene in the fall of 1887, Dr. Prentice has continued his professional researches with unabated enthusiasm, and in 1903 took a course at the Illinois College of Electro-Therapeutics in Chicago. He is a great believer in the efficacy of electricity, and his many modern office appliances include a standard static machine with an X-ray attachment. The doctor is fortunately appreciated in his adopted town, his patrons including many families who have depended upon his services for many years, and many who unstintingly credit him with the preservation of their lives under most discouraging and often seemingly hopeless circumstances. His scholarly papers are listened to with greatest attention at the meetings of the medical societies in which the county and state abounds, and he is associated as a member with the American Medical Association, the Oregon State Medical Association, and the Lane County Medical Society. Here, as in the state of Illinois, he is a member of the United States Board of Examining Surgeons, and has served as treasurer of the same for many years. The doctor is a Republican in political affiliation, but the many demands upon his time have never permitted more than necessary participation in the affairs of his party. Formerly associated with the Urbana (Ill.) Masons, he is now a member of Eugene Lodge No 11, A. F. & A. M., and has been transferred from the Urbana Royal Arch Masons, which he joined in 1874, to the chapter in Eugene. He is a member of the Eastern Star, as is also Mrs. Prentice, whom he married in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1886, and who was formerly Mrs. Elizabeth (Burch) Fickle, of Rochester, Ind. Mrs. Prentice is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is especially active in the Fortnightly Club. The family occupy one of the pleasant and hospitable homes in Eugene, and the doctor and his wife represent the highest social and intellectual life in the northwest. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in February 2009 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.