| “Francis Preston Wellford, Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, September 12, 1839.” |
On the beautiful memorial window in St. Peter’s Church, Fernandina, Florida, erected by Dr. J. H. Upham, of Boston, who felt that their memory should not be neglected, one reads:
| “Francis Preston Wellford, M. D. Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Sept. 12, 1839, James Carmicheal Herndon, M. D. Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Sept. 22, 1821, Died in the faithful discharge of their duties at Fernandina, Florida, Oct. 18, 1877.” |
Dr. James C. Herndon
When surgeons were needed for the Confederate Army, the Dr. Herndon above mentioned left his practice and went, although exempted by law. He served through four years of war, and when peace was declared, made his home in Florida.
He was state physician there, when Fernandina was stricken by the dread yellow fever, and the population was almost helpless.
Deeming it his duty, Herndon voluntarily went into the city of the dying. He had worked but a few days when he was stricken, and death followed.
He died as bravely as a man may die, and few have died for so good a cause. He sleeps in the silent cemetery in Fredericksburg, his home.
Hon. A. Wellington Wallace