William H. Draper

Dr. William Henry Draper was one of the old school general medical practitioners who, not without substantial contribution to science, were wont to attain a position of peculiar confidence and affection in the hearts of those they served with skill and fidelity, and to take an essentially intimate and helpful part in the life of the circle to which they ministered. To the influence thus won Dr. Draper added that of a teacher of long experience and rare gifts, and to this again the influence, not readily measured, but of very great importance, of hospital service and counsel. It was a noble career, involving constant and anxious responsibility and patient and vigilant toil. Dr. Draper met its varied and unintermitted requirements with the energy of a strong mind and the cheerfulness and courage of a devoted and sympathetic and well-balanced nature.

He was born in Vermont in 1830, graduated from Columbia College in 1851, and from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1855, and afterward studied in Paris and in London. In 1869 he was appointed Clinical Professor of Diseases of the Skin in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and in 1880 Professor of Clinical Medicine, which position he held until 1898, when he was appointed Emeritus Professor and served until his death. His connection with the New York Hospital was even longer. He was appointed Attending Physician in 1862; in 1889 he was made Consulting Physician, but in 1893 returned to the more active post of Attending Physician and served until 1900, when he was again appointed Consulting Physician, which he continued to be until his death. This constituted an uninterrupted service of thirty-nine years, and was surpassed only by that of his friend and associate, the late Dr. Markoe. Besides these institutions, Dr. Draper was connected with the Presbyterian Hospital, St. Luke’s, the New York House of Mercy, Trinity Hospital, Roosevelt Hospital, and the Northwestern Dispensary. He was at one time President of the Alumni Association of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was connected with all the useful associations pertaining to his profession. He was passionately fond of music, and his home was for years the resort of lovers and makers of music. “Dr. Draper’s force of character,” said one who knew him well in professional and private life, “and the charm of his personality, will live in the hearts and lives of unnumbered men.”

Edward Cary
1902 Century Association Yearbook