Westell Willoughby Recommends a Third Term for Jefferson
Westell Willoughby, Jr. was a physician in Upstate New York who served in the early House of Representatives.
Willoughby sent a letter to Thomas Jefferson with a very interesting proposition.
Westell Willoughby, Jr.
After growing up in Connecticut and training as a doctor, Westell Willoughby moved to Upstate New York.
Settling in Herkimer County, Willoughby became a prominent citizen.
Westell served as a county judge for almost twenty years and spent time as Clerk on the County Board, when he made an interesting recommendation to the President of the United States.
A Letter To Jefferson
By 1807, Thomas Jefferson was coming to the end of his second term as President.
In modern times, we expect Presidents to only serve two terms...a precedent set by George Washington.
At the time, however, this was not firmly established. Although Jefferson was preparing for retirement, there was nothing to demand that he refuse a third term in office.
The Herkimer County Board voted to support Jefferson’s candidacy for a third term and send him a letter suggesting he put his name on the ballot.
Westell Willoughby, as Clerk of the county, was charged with writing the letter to the President, which he did.
A Fight For Congress
We know now that Westell’s recommendation was not followed.
Willoughby himself would run for office just a few years later.
His opponent was William Stephens Smith, a son-in-law to former President John Adams.
It appeared that Westell lost the election, but after demanding a recount, it turns out he had won. The House of Representatives voted to change the results of the election, and Willoughby went on to join their ranks.
College of Physicians and Surgeons
Westell had been continuing his medical practice this whole time, and had grown extremely successful.
Willoughby helped found the College of Physicians and Surgeons which would later become a part of Syracuse University and is still around as a well known doctor training facility known as Upstate Medical College.
His legacy still lives on in the physicians who heal patients across the country today.
Here are some other Founding Physicians:
Richard Bayley Survives the NYC Doctors Riots
Thomas Young Distracts the Crowd…So His Friends Can Tea Party
Snake Oil and the Placebo Effect…Elisha Perkins’ Metallic Tractor
The field of medicine was quickly developing around this time.
‘Medicine and the American Revolution’ is a great look at how the changing knowledge of disease coincided with the winning of the war.
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
