Dr. Julian A. Smith.
Dr. Julian A. Smith is a native of Illinois. He was born Jan. 7, 1847. As his father was a physician he became interested in that profession quite early in life and during his boyhood school days had made some progress in that direction. When the rebellion broke out, however, and its consequent wave of enthusiastic patriotism spread over the north he caught the spirit of union and yielded completely to its dictates by enlisting in the army. His experience as a soldier was perhaps similar to that of most of his comrades who were imbued with a desire to faithfully serve the country. When the war closed he returned to the pursuit of his medical studies.
Progressive public opinion was beginning to demand that the state should examine and pass upon all graduates of medicine before permitting them to practice. Believing in the justice of this demand and desiring to merit the confidence of his patrons, Dr. Smith applied to the Illinois State Board of Health for examination. He successfully passed the Board. In addition thereto he is a regular graduate of medicine and surgery.
He located in El Paso Jan. 1, 1888. The liberal patronage he had received during his residence here is a source of pleasant reminiscence and of personal gratitude. If he needed additional incentive to keep fully up with the times it would furnish it. While his motto is "Grasp the latest improvement," he does not forget the maxim, "In medio tutissimus ibis."
Lumber.
One of the oldest firms now in El Paso, having been in continuous business, is that of McKinney & Co., lumber dealers. This firm was established in 1868 and was composed of A. S. McKinney and James M. Hotchkiss. Coming here from Peoria, they purchased the stock then owned by Gibson Bros. (George L. and Cyrus), located in the east part of town where the tile factory formerly stood. In 1870 James M. Hotchkiss sold his interest to Jos. Elder, also of Peoria. Under this management the firm remained for about twenty years, when Mr. Elder retired, leaving A. S. McKinney the sole owner, although the firm name has not been changed.
Since the firm was first organized in 1868 some eight or nine other
firms have been started and did business with more or less success for
from three months to three years, but each have in turn been disssolved
into the old established firm. In 1872 the location was changed to the
present one south of the T. P. & W. and west of the Central. New drying
sheds have recently been erected and other improvements added to their
yards.
Page 95