The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, a Tribute to Courtland Saunders

From Wikipedia.

PENN PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER

Is a hospital located in the University City section of  West Philadelphia.  It was founded by Reverend Ephraim D. Saunders in 1871 and formally joined the Pennsylvania  Health System in  1995.

Presbyterian was founded  in 1871 by the  Alliance of Philadelphia Prebyteries as a 48-bed facility on 2.5 acres.  The Reverend Dr. Ephraim D. Saunders, a Presbyterian minister, dedicated the land  in memory of his son, Courtland, who was shot and killed as a captain in the 118th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Shepherdstown on September 20, 1862.

He also gave a $400,000 endowment to it.

Reverend Saunders said the dedication, "A few days before the Battle of Antietam ... he[Courtland] passed with me  from his tent in the forest....  In view of the perils of war ... he recommended that in the case of his death ... the property should all be donated to some prominent ... charity."

So, the father donated the land and $400,000 to the memory of his son.

The incorporators of the Presbyterian Hospital declared its purpose was "to provide medical and surgical aid and nursing for the sick and disabled..."  Care and nursing was granted to the indigent of Philadelphia, funded by donations from individuals and Presbyterian churches.

It is now a 300-bed institution on 16.5 acres of land.

So, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Owes Its Start to Capt. Courtland Saunders and His Father.  --Old Secesh


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