[Source: Georgia and Florida Biographies,
Containing Biographical Sketches of the Representative Public, and many
Early Settled Families in These States. F. A. Battey & Company, 1889]


John M. R. Westbrook, one of the leading practitioners of the medical profession in southwest Georgia, was born in Macon County, Ga, January 5, 1835. His father, Thomas W. Westbrook, was born in Jones County, NC, June 12, 1808, went to Georgia in about 1820 and settled in Twiggs County, where he lived until 1840, when he moved to Sumter County, Ga, where he farmed until the time of his death in 1862. He was for many years a member and firm supporter of the Baptist Church, and was a man who was highly respected by all who knew him. His wife, Bicy Walters, was born near Goldsborough, NC, in about 1814. They were married in about 1829, and had born to them eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the third. He was brought up as a farmer boy in sumter County, and educated at LaGrange, Ga, at the bronwood Institute. After arriving to maturity he chose the medical profession, and in 1852 commenced to read medicine with Dr. M. L. Barron, of Dooly County, Ga, and in 1854-55 attended the University of Pennsylvania. He continued his studies there until 1856, when he entered the medical department of the University of Nashville and graduated in 1857. He then practiced until the outbreak of the war, when he joined the Confederate army as a private in company A, of the Twelfth Georgia regiment. In December, 1861, he was transferred to Cutt's artillery as first lieutenant of company C, and served in that capacity until 1863, when he was detailed to look after the soldiers' families in Sumter County, in which capacity he served until the close of the war. He then continued the practice of medicine in Sumter, and in 1873 graduated from the Atlanta Medical College, and in 1884 settled in Americus, where he enjoys a lucrative practice. He is a liberal and genial gentleman, and takes special pride in helping the poor and is a liberal contributor to all charitable organizations. He has been married three times; his first wife was Ann A. Raiford, to whom he was married April 20, 1858, and who bore him one child, viz: John H. She died October 17, 1865, and May 20, 1866, he was married to Mrs. Louisa J. Duncan, daughter of Alexander Daniel, of Sumter County. To this union were born three sons: Cooper H., William B., and John A. This wife died August 17, 1874, and February 7, 1875, he was married to Miss Mary F. English, of Macon County. To this union are born three children, viz: Myra L., Bicy E., and Paul E. The doctor is a member of the F. and A. M. fraternity, and is, politically, a Democrat.


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