Magnificent trio of labeled bitters. From left to right: E. DEXTER LOVERIDGE’S WAHOO BITTERS, DR. WALKINSHAW’S CURATIVE BITTERS and a STEELE’S NIAGARA STAR BITTERS – Stecher Collection
Dr. Maxwell George Walkinshaw
Batavia, Genesee County, N.Y.
Dr. Maxwell George Walkinshaw was a graduate of the Buffalo Medical College and Medical Department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He practiced medicine throughout his career and moved to Batavia in 1872. For the last few years of his life, he was a clerk at the drug store (Walkinshaw Drugs) of brother James M. Walkinshaw. It was here that he introduced Dr. Walkinshaw’s Curative Bitters which was patented in 1879 (see patent records below). Dr. Walkinshaw died at his home on Seaver Place September 14, 1887. Maxwell was married to Adelaide Homelius Walkinshaw.
“The labeled Dr. Walkinshaw’s appeared at the Rochester show a couple years ago, and I was fortunate enough to get it. Several Walkinshaw’s bitters were dug in the Batavia, NY area several years ago and showed up in Rochester shortly after. Not an easy one to acquire as the “cure” collectors also seek it.”
Jack Stecher
The Carlyn Ring and W.C. Ham listing in Bitters Bottles is as follows:
W 14 DR. WALKINSHAW’S CURATIVE BITTERS, Circa 1870 – 1880 (should be !879 – 1887 or so)
DR. WALKINSHAW’S // CURATIVE BITTERS // BATAVIA N.Y. // f //
9 7/8 x 2 1/8 (5 1/8) 3/4
Square, Amber and Yellow, LTC, Applied mouth, 3 sp, Scarce
Prepared by Walkinshaw, Hewitt & Co. Batavia, New York
Label: Purifies the blood, invigorates the liver, promotes digestion and is a general remedy for rheumatism, eruptions of the skin, dyspepsia, dizziness of the head, loss of appetite, liver complaint, biliousness and general debility.
Yates County Chronicle (August 12, 1880).
“For the last few years of his life, he was a clerk at the drug store (Walkinshaw Drugs) of brother James M. Walkinshaw. It was here that he introduced Dr. Walkinshaw’s Curative Bitters which was patented in 1879.”
BATAVIA DIRECTORY – 1883-84 listing a Maxwell G. Walkinshaw, physician, 63 Main, h. Explange pl.
James W. Walkinshaw Biographical Record. James was the brother of Dr. Maxwell G. Walkinshaw (see next document). Maxwell Walkinshaw was a clerk at his brothers drug store. It was here that Dr. Walkinshaws Curative Bitters was marketed.
‘Smoking Gun Document’ with confirmation that Dr. M. G. Walkinshaw was brother of James M. Walkinshaw in Batavia, New York. – Ruth McEvoy Collection
Trade Mark Patent Application: M. G. WALKENSHAW and HENRY HEWITT, of Batavia, N.Y., title, “Dr. Walkinshaw’s curative bitters.” – Application filed 21st October, 1879. I can not find any information on Henry Hewitt.
Walkinshaw listing in Batavia Directory in assoc1ated time period. Maxwell Walkinshaw is James Walkinshaws brother. Here is the first place I see ‘Maxwell’.
Honey amber DR. WALKINSHAW’S CURATIVE BITTERS – Meyer Collection
Label on a DR. WALKINSHAW’S CURATIVE BITTERS – Stecher Collection
Exterior shots of a DR. WALKINSHAW’S CURATIVE BITTERS – Stecher Collection
Exterior shots of a DR. WALKINSHAW’S CURATIVE BITTERS – Stecher Collection
