Dr. Colburn was of Puritan ancestry, former generations having resided in Connecticut. He was born in Rome, N. Y., September 13, 1813, early in life showed signs of unusual brilliancy, and although reared as a merchant, in early manhood determined to devote himself to a professional career. Going to Buffalo, N. Y., he was graduated from the Medical College in 1837, and removing to Bloomington, Ill., began the practice which he continued for more than half a century. His talents soon won for him a high place, not only in medical practice, but in the fields of literature and science. He was a close and constant student, who, by a long and careful study of the great authors, both ancient and modern, acquired a broad literary culture, and his years were prolific in scientific research. In 1850 he removed to Peoria, continuing his practice until disabled by a fall which developed into progressive paralysis and eventually caused his decease.

Dr. Colburn was the leading spirit of the Peoria Scientific Association and for seven years its President. He gave the society the benefit of his knowledge, being a constant source of information to his co-workers. The “great object of his life was to arrive at the real truth of things, just as God made it, and to him all truth was sacred, whether of the earth, of the air, or of the sky.” His fame as a scientist was such as to win for him an honorary fellowship in the Association for the Advancement of Science and in the American Academy of Social and Political Science, of Philadelphia. His life was a model for the young men, the highest honor that can be paid to his memory being to emulate his wisdom, purity and reverential faith.

At a meeting of the medical profession of Peoria, May 31, 1890, the following resolutions were adopted: “Whereas, our old friend and co-laborer, Dr. E. M. Colburn, has departed this life, therefore, Resolved, That in his demise the medical profession has lost one who always had its good at heart and maintained its dignity and honor. Resolved, That in his demise the sick have lost one of their kindest and truest friends—one who was ever ready to sacrifice his personal comfort to give them the most able counsel and to sympathize with them in their afflictions. Resolved, That Peoria has lost one of its best citizens, one of its most genial and dignified gentlemen—one who for forty years has been a leading member of society, whose integrity was unimpeachable and whose character was unsoiled. Resolved, That we tender to his family our heartfelt sympathy in this their great bereavement.”

At the regular monthly executive session of the Scientific Association soon after the death of Dr. Colburn, no formal program was prepared, no stereotyped resolutions offered, but the occasion was converted into a memorial where each of the intelligent audience was privileged to speak freely, and where earnest tributes to the memory of the deceased member of the society found utterance.

Dr. Colburn was married November 21,1841, to Mars. Mary Angeline (Phelps) Parcells, the only living representative of their union being Walter P. Colburn, of the firm of Colburn, Birks & Co., wholesale druggists. Mrs. Colburn died in this city October 9, 1873.

A portrait of the late Dr. Colburn appears in connection with this sketch.

Pages 329-330