By: Mark Holtsberry
Dr. Ella Thompson Fast
Dr. Ella Thompson Fast was one of, if not thee, first woman doctor in Paulding County. She was born March 10, 1871 in Ohio. She was one of eight children born to William and Nancy (Clemens) Thompson. Both her parents were born in Ohio. While she was young, her mother passed away, April 27, 1881. Her father passed away on October 2, 1886. They both are buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wilmington, Clinton County, Ohio.
She met a gentleman named Dr. Leroy Fast, born September 3, 1867, Center Township, Mercer County, living in the Grover Hill area, after a courtship, he proposed marriage. They were married June 5, 1890, in Clinton County, Ohio then moved to Cecil, Ohio, with this marriage, two daughters were born: Edith Francis Fast, September 3, 1892, in Cecil, Ohio. Then Bernice Ella Fast, April 17, 1893, in Paulding.
The happy family lived in Paulding, Ohio. Ella then entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine, where she graduated in 1896. She started the practicing of medicine in a partnership with her husband. She was a beautiful woman and the Fast’s had a lovely home at 216 North Williams Street, in Paulding, where they entertained their large circle of friends. The girls went to school in Paulding where they also graduated.
Edith went onto College at the University of Michigan, 1912-1915. For some unknown reason, Edith did not finish college. She met a gentleman named, Anthony Royce Grierson, he was serving in the United States Army, enlisted in the Reserve Corp, Cincinnati, Ohio, December 21, 1917. Edith and Anthony were married June 30, 1918. Anthony served with Medical Department in Chicago until he was honorably discharged, January 4, 1919. Edith and Anthony settled in Sandusky, Ohio.
They had a daughter named, Phyllis Edith Grierson, born February 21, 1926 in Sandusky, Ohio. Edith being such an independent woman, traveled to Cherbourg, France, and England June 4, 1928 on the ship “Carmania” and returning to America, on the ship “Berengaria”, September 14, 1928. Something happened with the marriage, and Edith moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to live with her daughter. Anthony remarries a woman named, Elizabeth A. Clemons.
Edith passed away November 27, 1963, in Las Vegas. Her body was brought home to be buried in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding, Ohio. Anthony passed away March 4, 1965, in Sandusky, Ohio. He was buried in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky, Ohio.
The daughter, Phyllis will passed away, April 1, 2006, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her burial site is unknown. She never married. Edith’s sister Bernice was married to Manford F. Hoover, from Oakwood, born July 30, 1890, son of Andy and Mary (Taylor) Hoover.
Manor was serving in France in World War I. Corporal Company L. 162 Infantry. He was honorably discharged June 19, 1919. They were married July 20, 1919. Bernice did graduate from College, but not sure where from. They lived in St. Joseph, Indiana before moving back to Paulding, and lived on Harrison Street. Manford and Bernice were self employed. They never had children,
Bernice passed away May 22, 1957. Manford passed away June 13, 1973. They are buried in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding, Ohio. Dr. Ella Fast and her husband, Dr. Leroy Fast were separated for a while, on January 23, 1918, Dr. Leroy Fast was serving as a Medical Doctor, during World War 1, with the rank of Captain, serving in the Officer Reserve Corp at Fort Riley, Kansas, then he was sent off to Dallas, Texas, where he was honorably discharged, on August 24, 1918. They both practiced medicine until their deaths. Ella, December 31, 1945 and husband, Leroy, November 24, 1949. They are buried side by side in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding, Ohio. Ella set the standard for the opportunity for woman to succeed in the medical field.
Until Next Time!
