On August 28, 1881, Dr. Samples’ buggy hurried through the countryside of Canoochee, probably in the dark of night. He had a special delivery to make. He arrived just in time for the birth of the first son of Elizabeth Medlock and Amos Moses Proctor. They were so thankful for the care of the doctor that they honored their son with the name, Lewis Samples Proctor. Throughout his life, my father told the story of the doctor who had brought him into the world. There were no hospitals at that time, and most babies were delivered at home by midwives and often family members or friends. By 1935, no hospital was available for the birth of the child of Lewis Samples. She was born at the home of her grandmother on North Main Street by a young doctor who had recently completed medical school. He was not only well trained but known to be skilled with the care of deliveries and newborns. Dr. Ennis Powell had returned to his hometown, and other than service in World War II, he continued to be a foremost physician in Swainsboro. He was my doctor for as long as I lived in Swainsboro. World War II took away all of the young doctors who had planned to practice in Emanuel County. We were without Dr. Wilder Smith, Dr. Randall Brown, and Dr. Ennis Powell. During these years, dear Dr. Dessie Smith carried the heavy load of our health. He knew our health care was up to him. Dr. Chandler and Dr. Youmans were still in practice but near retirement. After VJ Day, the young doctors returned to Swainsboro. These veterans had learned much advance medical knowledge and skills on the battlefield and caring for wounded. All three were now qualified to make diagnosis of conditions previously unknown and to perform non complicated surgery. It was no longer necessary to go to Augusta or Savannah for either. They also knew the need for a well-equipped and staffed hospital and from this came the beginning of Emanuel County Hospital. This encouraged young doctors to become attracted to Emanuel County. When I see the large complex of Emanuel County Hospital today and the doctors and specialists who are here to serve Emanuel County, I am astonished and so proud at how far we have progressed in health care and saving lives.
