Dr. Francis M. Gunnell, Surgeon General (1884-1888)

Francis M. Gunnell (1827-1922) was appointed assistant surgeon by President Zachary Taylor in1849. He served in the Pacific Squadron and, during the Civil War, was attached to the North and South Atlantic Blockading Squadrons and to the Washington Naval Hospital. He became Surgeon General in 1884. During his term a naval hospital at Widows Island, ME, was commissioned which accommodated yellow fever patients until 1903. He retired from active duty in 1889, but performed special duty at BUMED for three months. He later came back for additional duty at age 80.