Obituaries C-D

Above photo of Dr. Comstock and his car; photo from archives of David A. Howe Library, Wellsville, NY

Veteran Wellsville Physician Stricken by Heart Attack

Dr. Francis E. Comstock Dies Suddenly in Hospital Last Night.

Dr. Francis E. Comstock, veteran Wellsville physician is dead.  Stricken suddenly ill in Jones Memorial Hospital, where he had struggled on innumerable occasions to save or prolong the lives of others, the 71 years old doctor succumbed to a heart attack despite the efforts of his son, Dr Edwin F. Comstock  and other physicians at the hospital who were at his bedside when the end came.  Although complaining that he was ill during the early evening, Dr. Comstock worked with his son in Tullar Maternity hospital to save the life of a mother and child, and it is believed that overexertion aggravated the fatal illness.  At 9 o’clock last night, the doctor was put to bed in the hospital, and at 10:25 heart failure brought the end.

Thus passes one on the most colorful members of the medical profession in this section and one of the most widely known and honored physicians and surgeons of Western New York; whose death will be mourned by a host of friends and clients. Practiced here 35 Years.  Dr. Comstock, whose practice was conducted principally in offices at his home, 22 West State Street, had been a resident of Wellsville for 35 years, during which time he enjoyed unusual success in his medical practice.

He was born in Andover, September 3, 1860, a son of M.D. and Naomi Whitmore Comstock.  He came from Andover to Wellsville in June 1896.  Prior to that time, he was united in marriage to Sarah Hanks on November 27, 1895.  Dr. Comstock graduated from medical school, New York University, with his medical degree in 1883.  He did post graduate work following in London Hospital, London, England and in Poly Clinic, New York City, before taking up his private practice.

Funeral Sunday

Besides his widow, he is survived by the following sons and daughters:  Rock L. Comstock, Crawford, NJ, Miss Mildred Comstock, Buffalo, Mrs. K. C. Richmond, Garden City, L.I.,  Dr. Edwin F. Comstock, Wellsville, and Mrs. R. J. Ostrander, Pittsburgh.  He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Charles P. Suttin, Footchaw, China, and Mrs. W. H. Phillips, Miami Fla.  He was a member of  F & A.M. Lodge No. 230, Wellsville and of the First Methodist Church of this place.  Funeral services will be held in the late home at 3:30 pm Sunday, the Rev. T. Garland Smith officiating.  Interment will be made in Woodlawn Cemetery.