FRANK CARL BOURSCHEIDT. The reputation of Dr. Bourscheidt as a scholar, chemist, and medical exponent, is undoubtedly largely due to the depth of scientific research required of the German student who would enter the ranks of the professionally great, a consummation rendered practically certain of accomplishment, owing to the luminously profound and philosophical mind of the upper class scholar of Teutonic ancestry. In contrast therewith is the more or less superficial training received in the money-getting atmosphere of many American institutions, and where concentration and singleness of purpose are drowned in a multiplicity of distracting influences. The calm, trained and reflective intelligence of such men as Dr. Bourscheidt is, therefore, of incalculable benefit to any community, and sure of the recognition and appreciation of all thoughtful people.
A native of Cologne, on the Rhine, Germany, Dr. Bourscheidt was born, January 15, 1851, a son of Frank C. and Christina Bourscheidt, the former of whom was a furrier for many years, but has long since retired from business. The parents appreciated the benefits of a thorough education, and their son graduated from the scientific and classical courses at the Gymnasium in Cologne, in 1868. He then spent one year at Dolhain-Limbourg, France, and devoted himself to acquiring a knowledge of the French language. In 1869 he came to America, locating in Saint Louis, where he began the study of medicine at Pope's College, but in 1871 removed to Kansas to practice medicine, and, at the same time, conducted a drug store at Howard City, Elk County. Owing to the prevalence of malaria in the region in which he had located, he came to Peoria in 1874, and accepted a position as clerk in the drug store of W. H. Davis, where he remained for two years. A similar position was afterwards maintained for the same length of time with the late A. W. H. Reen. In January of 1879, Dr. Bourscheidt opened a drug store in the old library building, and conducted the same until he disposed of his interest in the drug business to W. M. Benton in 1885. Desiring then to return to the practice of medicine, he attended Rush Medical College in Chicago for two years, graduating therefrom in 1887. From that period until the present time, he has devoted himself to his chosen profession. While engage in general practice he makes a specialty of gynecology, or the diseases of women.
In his younger days Dr. Bourscheidt devoted much thought and study to microscopical and analytical chemistry, and was ranked among those who are more than ordinarily proficient in these directions. The knowledge thus acquired has been particularly efficacious in many of his most important services to the State of Illinois, for the best interests of which he has labored long and faithfully. He was one of the founders in 1879 of the Illinois State Pharmaceutical Association, of which he served as President in 1881, and was one of the committee which drafted and helped to pass the State Pharmacy Law. From 1880 until 1890 he was a member of the committee on the revision of the United States Pharmacopoeia—which revision takes place once in ten years, the treatise being issued by official authority, and everywhere accepted as an authoritative standard in reference to drugs and their preparations. From 1899 until 1901 the Doctor was the Health Commissioner of Peoria, and during his administration, a high order of service was maintained, and more accomplished in the way of systematizing the work of the office and rendering it efficient, than by any other incumbent of the office in the history of the city. Dr. Bourscheidt is Gynecologist to Saint Francis Hospital; is a member of the Peoria Medical Society, of which he was President for one year; and Secretary for two years, and is also a member of the American Medical Association.
The marriage of Dr. Bourscheidt and Dora Stewart, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, occurred June 14, 1873. in Kansas, and of this union there are two children, Frank Carl. Jr., and Jennie M. Dr. Bourscheidt is a Republican in national politics, and has ever been an active participator in the undertakings of his party. Fraternally he is associated with the Masons, having joined that organization in 1872. He is affiliated with the Episcopal church. Like the majority of his countrymen, he has derived much consolation from music, which noble art has been a relaxation from the worry and struggle of an unusually active life. He was an active member of the Peoria Choral Union, which was disbanded in 1881, was also one of the organizers of the Peoria Chorus and has been one of its most ardent and stanch supporters. He is a believer in the beneficent and uplifting influence of music, and has earnestly labored to secure its dignified elevation among the residents of his home town. In all ways this disciple of medicine and all-around medical expert has contributed, to the extent of his ability, to the improvement of the conditions of the city, and his purse and counsel are at the disposal of all worthy appeals. (Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, 1902, page 484, submitted by Janine Crandell)
