45th Illinois Medical History Page

Medical History

James R. Gaskill M.D.

Doctor Gaskill served as 1st Assistant Surgeon and later Surgeon of the 45th Illinois Infantry Regiment from May 6, 1864 to July 12, 1865 when he was mustered out. The following is what we know of Dr. Gaskill:

He studied medicine for two years in Madison, Wisconsin. At the time there were no medical schools in his home state of Minnesota. After writing a dissertation and apprenticing with another doctor, for nine months, he became a doctor. The cost for two years of Medical School amounted to $285. Upon graduation, he was licensed to practice medicine anywhere in the United States.

Dr. Gaskill's services were recommended to Colonel Charles H. Adams, of the 45th Illinois, through a mutual friend. The Colonel endorsed the recommendation and forwarded it to Illinois Governor Richard Yates, for appointment.

As Surgeon he was required to monitor the entire operation of the Regimental Hospital for the 45th Illinois. This included the first aid station 500 yards behind the main lines. At this location the Assistant Surgeon bound the wounded and sent them off by ambulance to the regimental hospital. When performing surgery in the regimental hospital, he anesthetized the soldiers with Chloroform prior to surgery. He also supervised the surgery performed by the Assistant Surgeons. It was his responsibility to order all Regimental medical supplies and medicines for the sick. His duties included hiring the washer women and monitoring the nurses and hospital stewards. Sick call in the 45th Illinois Regimental Hospital was held daily at 7:00 a.m., 12 noon, and 9:00 p.m.

For every one man that died from a bullet wound, two died from disease. The three big killers were chronic dysentery, chronic diarrhea, and typhoid fever.

As Head Surgeon Dr. Gaskill was paid $163 per month. Out of this pay he was required to buy his meals, feed any servants he employed and tend to his horse. The average soldier made $13.00 per month.

Upon his muster out on July 12, 1865 Dr. Gaskill returned to Maine Mills, Minnesota and set up practice once again. He remained a successful doctor an active member in his GAR Post until his passing on .........

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