MCCLUER, Benjamin

MCCLUER, Benjamin. (Franklinville, NY, May 8, 1824--Dubuque, IA, Nov. 4, 1894). McCluer entered the Genesee Weslenian Seminary at Lima, Livingston Co., New York, where he completed his literary course. He began reading medicine with W. C. Dwight, M. D.; attended lectures in Boston during the winter of 1849-50, and, during the winter 1850-51, attended lectures in Cleveland. In 1851, he traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts and the Lawrence Scientific School. He graduated from the medical department of Harvard University in 1852.

McCluer practiced medicine in Middlesex Co., Massachusetts four years and then moved to Dubuque in October, 1856. Upon the start of the CIVIL WAR, he was commissioned by Gov. Kirkwood as Surgeon of the 9th I.V.I.; the 3d Iowa Battery, under Co., Wm. Van Dever. He was called into the service again and ordered to duty as Surgeon of Volunteers. He was commissioned by President Lincoln and served as executive officer of the Madison U.S. General Hospital at Madison, Indiana was promoted Surgeon, and afterward had charge of the hospital boat Jacob Strader, at Louisville.

On Feb. 20, 1865, McCluer was ordered to report to Gen. J. H. Wilson, at the headquarters of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. He was then ordered to Gen. Croxton, as Surgeon-in-Chief of the division. He remained on duty and served as Post Surgeon and Health Officer at Macon, Georgia. On June 30, 1865, he was made Medical Director of the cavalry corps, Medical Director of the District of Columbus headquartered at Macon, and had charge of matters involving the Freedmen's Bureau in that locality until December 16, 1865 when he was mustered out of service with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

McCluer moved to New York City to study medicine and then returned to Dubuque to reestablish his practice.

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Source:

"Obituary-Dr. Benjamin McCluer," Daily Herald, November 6, 1894, p. 1