Will County ILGenWeb Biographies..... 
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File contributed for use by:
Dori Leekly & Margie Glenn

Author: History of Will County IL, 1878

R. B. WIGHT, M. D., renovator, Plainfield; was born in Kinderhook, N.Y. March 27, 
1825; removed with his parents to Chicago, IL, in 1831; in 1832, his parents removed 
to what is now Naperville in Du Page Co.; his father, Dr. E. G. WIGHT, being one of 
the pioneers and founders of that place; Mr. W. resided with his parents until he was 
30 years of age; during that time he studied medicine, and was one of nine who composed 
the first class in Rush Medical College; soon after graduating, he commenced the practice 
of medicine, during which time he also opened a drug store (in 1838, the first in 
Plainfield). Was married to Miss Elizabeth T. BRADLEY Jan. 23, 1853; she was born in 
Genesee Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1834; have had seven children, six of whom are now living - 
Lillie Agnes, Adelaide Harriet, Lucia, Nettie, Burtie, Willie and Mary (deceased). Dr. W. 
was the organizer of the Plainfield Light Artillery in 1855, which organization continued 
to exist until after the war, during which time they achieved memorable distinction in 
many hard-fought battles. Dr. W. was born in Richmond, Mass., Oct. 2, 1793; died in 
Plainfield Oct. 13, 1865; he graduated in New York; came to Chicago in 1831; to Naperville 
in 1832, and to Plainfield in 1837; he practiced medicine until the time of his death; 
twenty years prior to his death, he lost his sight; was obliged to have his horse led 
when going to visit his patients; this ride extended over a space of 120 miles, from 
Chicago to Mineral Point; he was the first physician that ever practiced in Northern 
Illinois west of Chicago.


Additional Comments:
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS; Chicago: Wm LeBaron Jr & Co, 186 Dearborn Street, 1878.