George H. Tichenor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Humphrey Tichenor
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George H. Tichenor, as U.C.V. Louisiana Division Commander, 1916–1918
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| Born | April 17, 1837 |
| Died | January 14, 1923 (aged 86) |
| Known for | Antiseptic surgery |
| Medical career | |
| Profession | Physician |
George Humphrey Tichenor (born April 12, 1837 – died January 14, 1923) was an American doctor. He was born in Kentucky. Dr. Tichenor is famous for bringing a new way of doing surgery called antiseptic surgery during the American Civil War. Later, he created a special formula that became known as "Dr. Tichenor's Antiseptic." This product is still used today!
Contents
Early Life and War Service
George Tichenor was born in Ohio County, Kentucky. He went to private schools when he was young. Before he became a doctor, he was a businessman in Franklin, Tennessee. When the American Civil War started in 1861, he joined the army. He was part of the 22nd Tennessee Cavalry Regiment.
A New Way to Treat Wounds
In 1863, Dr. Tichenor became an assistant surgeon for the Confederate States Army. During this time, he started using a new method for surgery. He is believed to be the first person in the Confederacy to use antiseptic surgery. This means he used special liquids to clean wounds and surgical tools. This helped stop infections.
Dr. Tichenor experimented with using alcohol to clean wounds. He was badly hurt in his leg in 1863. Doctors thought they might have to remove his leg. But Dr. Tichenor insisted on treating his wound with his own alcohol-based solution. His leg healed, and he was able to use it again!
Developing His Antiseptic
After the war, Dr. Tichenor moved to Canton, Mississippi. There, he worked on his special antiseptic formula. Later, he practiced medicine in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 1869 to 1887.
He started bottling his product, called Dr. Tichenor's Patent Medicine, in New Orleans. The formula was made of alcohol, peppermint oil, and arnica. It was first sold for many different uses, both inside and outside the body, for people and animals. He registered a patent for his formula in 1882.
The company that makes Dr. Tichenor's Antiseptic was started in 1905. It is still in business today! Now, the product is mainly used as a mouthwash and a topical antiseptic (something you put on your skin to kill germs).
Personal Life
Dr. Tichenor married Margaret A. Drane of Kentucky. They had three sons: Rolla A. Tichenor, George H. Tichenor Jr., and Elmore Drane Tichenor. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Baptist Church. He was also a leader in the United Confederate Veterans in Louisiana.
Dr. Tichenor passed away on January 14, 1923. He is buried in Roselawn Memorial Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Images for kids
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An advertisement for Dr. Tichenor's Antiseptic from 1895.
