Christian Linde

Background

Christian Linde was born on February 19, 1817, on the family estate near Copenhagen, Denmark. He was of a noble Danish family.

Education

Linde was educated in the Royal University of Copenhagen, from which he graduated in 1837.

Career

Linde started ro work in the hospitals of the Danish capital and became involved in the political troubles that were disturbing all Europe. In 1842 he emigrated to America. He chose the vicinity of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where there was good hunting, as the place to establish a landed estate and live the life of a country gentleman.

In a new community, where medical knowledge was at a premium, he was called upon to treat neighboring settlers and Indians, among whom he quickly established a wide reputation as a healer. Many local traditions are current regarding his early professional work among the Indians of the Fox River valley. Possessed of great physical strength and courage, qualities strongly appealing to the Indian mind, he was highly regarded as a mighty hunter and medicine man. In adopting him into their life and confidence they gave him the name of Muckwa (White Bear), a tribute to his size and blonde complexion. A campaign of vaccination which he was compelled to institute against a smallpox outbreak put to a severe test the Indians' confidence and the doctor's tact and ingenuity. Insistent demands for his professional services compelled him to give up his country home and to settle for practice, first in Green Bay, then in Fond du Lac, and finally in Oshkosh, where he made his home for the remainder of his life.

He was the pioneer surgeon of that section of the state, a skilful operator, of sound judgment and original ideas. In addition to his medical attainments, he was a classical scholar and a linguist, able to converse in seven languages, though he never achieved any great mastery of the English tongue. Exposure incident to country practice in the inclement winters of Wisconsin made him a chronic sufferer from bronchitis, which caused his death, in Oshkosh.

Achievements

• Linde was credited with having discovered the value of animal tendons for surgical suture material and with having first applied them to the treatment of wounds.

Membership

Linde was a member of county, state, and national medical societies. He served as president of the Winnebago County society and vice-president of the Wisconsin organization.

Connections

Linde was married three times: to Sarah Dickinson in 1843, to Sarah Davis in 1852, and to Mrs. Huldah Henning Volner in 1858. A son, Fred, issue of the first marriage, studied medicine, and until his death in 1880, was associated with his father in practice. Two daughters survived him.

Spouse:

Huldah Henning Volner

Spouse:

Sarah Dickinson

Spouse:

Sarah Davis

Son:

Fred Linde