(1907-1998)
Born in 1907 in Newport, Kentucky. Known by everyone by his nickname: Chippy. Lived in several places with his family before they moved to the West End in Cincinnati in 1915 and remained there until 1927. Graduated from Cincinnati University Medical School in 1931 and worked as an internist in private practice until he had a stroke at 70 years or so. Married Helen Grad in 1937. They had two children, Lois and Jane. Served as Lieutenant Colonel in the Army in the Second World War—stationed in Battle Creek, Michigan from 1942 to 1946. Chippy died in March 1998 at 92 years.
Biography
Henry Felson, later to be known as “Chippy”, was the fourth of nine Felson children. He was born in 1907 in Newport Kentucky and grew up in different small cities in the Cincinnati area. He spent his high school years on the east side of Cincinnati, where he was active in athletics. Chippy graduated from The University of Cincinnati Medical School after which he set up a private medical practice.
When Chippy was an eligible bachelor, his siblings worked to introduce him to women of their choice. Here is how his brother Ben reflected back on that effort:
I have always been very fond of Sel and believe she is one of the nicest people it’s been my pleasure to know. As I’ve told you before, it’s too bad she and Chippy never got together. She is the only gal I’ve ever known who might have been the ideal wife for him. And they would have got on so well together. Strange, they each told me how well they had liked each other (long after Chippy was married) but Sel placed too much importance on Chippy’s small stature. Oh, well, life is full of disappointments (Ben to Ginny, February 18,1944.)
Chippy eventually found a life partner, Helen Grad. He was introduced to her by his brother Walter and sister-in-law Ros. On May 30, 1937, he married her. They had two daughters, Lois and Jane:
Relationships between Chippy and his Siblings
His advisory role and collaborations with his brother Ben:
Chippy has always been very helpful in his suggestions and when he advises me on a matter (which is seldom), it is inevitably sound. (Ben to Ginny, February 19, 1945)
His big brother role, especially to Edith:
Chippy’s sister Edith didn’t become a nurse, today’s family members recall, because Chippy said it was too difficult to be a nurse.
Chippy’s professional activities
While his primary focus as a physician was clinical, Chippy was also known for his research activities. He and his brother Ben identified a sign in chest ex-rays that served important diagnostic purposes. They published a much cited article on what is now known as the silhouette sign. https://radiopaedia.org/articles/silhouette-sign-x-rays
Excerpts from an obituary on Chippy’s expertise as a physician appeared in March 17, 1998:
Dr. Henry ”Chippy” Felson’s expertise was so well known that other Cincinnati physicians often sent their families to him when they were sick.
He was an outstanding clinician…He was of the old school that made the diagnosis based on careful clinical history and careful clinical exam.
In an era lacking CT scanners and other modern equipment, Dr. Felson was best known as an expert in physical examination and the use of the hands to feel a patient’s organs through the skin.
World War II activities
In 1942, just after Pearl Harbor, Chippy, along with three of his brothers, enlisted in the US Army. He served as lieutenant colonel until his release in August of 1946. He was stationed in Battle Creek Michigan throughout the war. His family was with him throughout his military service. His daughter, Lois, and his sister-in-law Ros described that period as frustrating for him:
Chippy and family (including me) spent the war in Battle Creek, Michigan at the Percy Jones Army Medical Center, taking care of very seriously injured soldiers who were sent home. He wanted to go overseas, but his boss (a Colonel or higher, I think) refused to let him go. I think he felt very guilty about this. (Lois Mock, January 28, 2015)
It seems that Chip isn’t too happy in his present set-up and he seems to be getting a raw deal, in regard to his promotion, which his superior officer isn’t putting thru. There is also the ever-present antisemitic feeling there too. (From Ros to Walter, May 28, 1945)
Heart attack
Chippy continued in private practice for a number of years, until he had a heart attack, 30 years before his death.
Following his attack he retired from his medical practice, while remaining active on a volunteer basis working with medical students well into his 80th year.
Henry (Chippy) Felson died at age 92 on March 9, 1998.
The Felson Family 