V. R. Bridges, M. D., physician and surgeon, Mattoon; was born in Rockingham Co., Va., June 4, 1832; his father settled in Ross Co., Ohio, near Chillicothe, in 1836; in 1841, he came to Illinois and settled in Newton, Jasper Co.; he was engaged in contracting on public works, both in Ohio and Illinois. Dr. Bridges acquired a good academic education, mainly through his own exertions, and at the age of 14, began life for himself. At the age of 17, he taught his first school; in 1851, he was employed in the drug store of Dr. H. H. Hayes, at Lawrenceville, Ill., and began the study of medicine under him. He next came to Marshall, and completed his studies under Drs. Payne and Duncan. In the spring of 1854, he located in Salisbury, Coles Co., and began the practice of his profession. In 1860, he came to Mattoon, his present residence. He entered the U. S. service as Assistant Surgeon of the 62d Regiment, I. V. I; in 1863, he was promoted to be Surgeon of the 126th Regiment, and was mustered out in 1865, after the close of the war; soon after his discharge from the service, he was appointed Examining Surgeon for the Pension Bureau-a position he still holds. In 1876, he attended Rush Medical College, from which he graduated Feb. 27, 1877. He was married Jan. 8, 1856, to Mary E. Boyd, a native of Indiana; four children have been the fruits of the union-Flora J. and Charles M., living, Edward L. and Emma, deceased. Has been a member of the City Council a number of terms, and was President of the Board two terms.
