American Medical Biographies/Baker, Alvah H.
Baker, Alvah H. (1806–1865)
Born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on November 3, 1806, he came with his family to Plattsville in 1820 and at the age of eighteen opened a school to obtain means to study medicine. While teaching he went on studying medicine, and in 1830–31 attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, graduating in 1831. In 1833 he removed to West Alexandria, Preble County, Ohio, where he remained about three years. Afterward he went to Eaton, Ohio, where he practised until another removal to Cinicnnati, Ohio, in 1846. He was one of the founders of the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery and was its first professor of surgery.
In January, 1860, Dr. Baker issued the first number of the Cincinnati Medical News. Starting with that name in 1858 it became the Cincinnati Medical and Surgical News in 1860. It was a monthly and suspended in 1863. Baker was energetic and had a singular charm of personality but was crude and lacked polish as a teacher. He was a practical organizer and presided over the Medical Convention of Ohio, in 1847.
He died in Cincinnati, July 30, 1865.