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DR. GERSHOM JAYNE - Gershom Jayne, son of Jotham Jayne, was born in October 1791, in Orange county, New York. He served as surgeon in the war of 1812, then engaged in the practice of his profession in Cayuga county, in his native State. He removed to Illinois in 1819, and settled in Sangamon county, where he continued to practice in Springfield for forty-seven years. When he commenced his vocation here, he was the first practitioner this far north in the State.

At that early day the practice of medicine was exceedingly laborious. Dr. Jayne was indefatigable. He often rode fifteen and twenty miles to see a patient, and some times as much as sixty miles, and that in all kinds of weather. Those who employed him could depend on his punctuality, notwithstanding the wide extent of his medical practice. He fulfilled his engagements at the hour appointed, day or night. His practical acumen was as marked as his fidelity. His judgment was rarely at fault. Always moderate in his charges, he was very benevolent to the poor. In politics, he belonged to the Whig party. He never sought office, but being appointed, without any solicitation on his part, by Governor Ninian Edwards, as one of the first Commissioners of the Illinois & Michigan canal, he accepted and acted in that capacity. As a Christian, he never united with any denomination; his large head and broad views refused to subscribe to any sectarian creed. He was familiar with the Scriptures and an attentive listener to the preaching of the gospel. He was the friend of the church and the school-house, and cordially contributed of his means to the support of both.

He was a great reader, and possessed a retentive memory. Poetry was his especial delight, and he knew how to quote it readily and with effect. The great aim and object of his life was in the line of his chosen profession, to that he gave the enthusiasm and energy of an acute mind and a sound body; - his practice was large and reasonably lucrative - his career was eminently successful.

He was married to Sibyl Slater in 1822, whose father, Elijah Slater, had moved from Massachusetts. Of their six children born to them, four were reared to adult age. The oldest child, Julia Maria, married Senator Lyman Trumbull, the oldest son, Dr. William Jayne, adopted the profession of Medicine, as also Dr. Henry Jayne. Mary Ellen, the youngest daughter, resides in Springfield.