Franklin Isaac Saemann (1865-1937)

Newspaper Articles
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, 1900

[Handwritten: HERALD Dec 29 / 00]

No More Plaster Casts

On January 2nd, Dr. James G. Hughes and Franklin I. Saemann who have been associated together for some time in introducing and manufacturing pneumatic splints invented by the doctor, will move to Chicago and occupy rooms, corner State and Wash. Sts., Stewart building. The splints which they manufacture is new in all its mechanical details, but the principles involved in it have long been well established in the medical profession. It does away with the plaster casts, and the recumbent position in the treatment of fractures, which is always painful and never satisfactory. In the use of the splints, in no case has any shortening or deformity occurred, nor is it possible for such to occur by the use of this method. They have been used in this county on Mr. Wm. Dewrye of Mitchell, by Drs. O�Neil of Dundee and Nutt of Plymouth. Mr. Dewrye on last July fell 26 ft. from his barn and fractured both legs below the knees, the right one being broken in three places and the bones penetrated the skin in five different places; the left was broken in two places and compound in three. The fragments telescoped each other and were badly splintered, several fragments having to be removed. The attending physicians after trying plaster casts applied two of the pneumatic splints, when the pain which had been previously unbearable ceased at once and did not recur. The splints were worn for 33 days when they were removed and Mr. Dewyre has ben moving about ever since, his legs being as good as ever. Mr. P. Gannon of Greenbush attended the county fair and went daily to Plymouth drawing lumber for his house which he was building at the time wearing a pneumatic splint for broken leg. He was on the road every day after splint was applied, and the union was perfect. They are now being used in the Hospitals and Colleges in Chicago, where the walking treatment of fractures and deformities, with the Dr. Hughes pneumatic splint, is accorded the highest commendation and approval, the treatment being pronounced ideal and perfect, even for fractures of the hip. The doctor has been working at the development of the appliance for the past three years, and with the glowing testimonials they have received from both surgeons and patients who have used them, we predict for them success in a large measure.

FRANK SAEMANN IN CHICAGO

He Retires from the Sheboygan Light, Power & Ry. Co., to Engage in a Business Venture in the World�s Fair City

It has been quietly known among the family friends of Frank I. Saemann, one of the directors and treasurer of the Sheboygan Light, Power & Ry. Co. that he was looking toward a business venture in Chicago, and quite recently the contemplated removal to the latter city has become a reality. Dr. James G. Hughes has invented a self-adjusting pneumatic splint for use by surgeons and a patent thereon has been granted to Dr. Hughes in this and in foreign countries. Plaster casts are no longer the �latest�, and the wound or fracture can be treated without removal of the �splints�. This invention will be hailed with delight by all sufferer who may be unfortunate enough to require �splints� and surgeons can by their use, more speedily effect cures of fractures and wounds. It is claimed that by the use of these splints the usual pain, as well as deformity that so frequently attends fractures, is eliminated. Dr. Hughes and Mr. Saemann will manufacture and sell the appliances under the style of the �Pneumatic Splint Co.,� with offices in Stewart Building, 507 State street. Mr. Saemann will bring to the enterprise, intelligence, industry, business acumen, integrity and excellent personal habits. The business should prove a great success from the standpoints of humanity and �cash�. Mr. Saemann is already in Chicago �buckled down to business�.

FRANKLIN I. SAEMANN IS GOING TO CHICAGO

Franklin I. Saemann has decided to go into business in Chicago. He will form a partnership with Dr. James G. Hughes and the firm will be known as the Pneumatic Splint Co. The firm will manufacture and sell pneumatic splints for the legs, arms and body for the ambulatory treatment of fractures or deformities. The offices and sales room will be at 507 Stewart building, on State street. These will be sold only to doctors, hospitals, colleges and surgical supply houses. The splints are patented in this and foreign countries and will soon be introduced abroad.

Mr. Saemann will go to Chicago early in the new year and the manufacture and sale of these goods will be begun at once. He will still retain his interests in the Sheboygan Light, power & Railway company, with which he has been connected as treasurer for the past fourteen years. He will resign, however, as a member of the board of directors. He will be succeeded by Harry E. Thomas, who has been connected with the company for the past five years.

[Harry Thomas married F.I.S.�s sister, Jennie Saemann.]

GOES TO CHICAGO
F. I. Saemann to Engage in Business in the Windy City

Franklin I. Saemann one of Sheboygan�s energetic young business men of sterling worth, connected with the street railway and real estate interests of this city and treasurer of the company for the past fourteen years, will resign as a member of the board of directors and treasurer shortly, to engage in business with Dr. James G. Hughes, under the firm name of the Pneumatic Splint Co., with offices and salesroom at 507 Stewart building on State St. Chicago from which point they will manufacture and sell pneumatic splints for the legs, arms and body for the ambulatory or walking treatment of fractures and deformities.

Under this treatment there is absolutely no pain, shortening, deformity etc. which is so often the case with the most approved methods known of up to now.

The splints have been severely tested in Sheboygan county and by such eminent surgeons as Dr. J. B. Murphy Chicago, who speak very highly of them, even for fractures of the neck of the femur as being perfect and ideal, after having used one for six months.

They will be sold only to doctors, hospitals, colleges and surgical supply houses. The splints are patented in this and all foreign countries, and will soon be introduced abroad.

Mr. Saemann will leave for Chicago after New Year. He will still retain his interests in Sheboygan.

Harry E. Thomas will suceed [sic] him. He has been connected with the company for the past five years, and is well qualified, and has a host of friends.

[Handwritten: HERALD Dec 29 / 00]

The news of Frank Saemann�s intended removal to Chicago will awaken much regret among those who are closest to the gentleman and who therefore know him best. According to the reports he is about to engage in business in that metropolis, and will no longer be actively engaged in traffic here. Well, it is the way Chicago has � this making of reprisals upon the smaller cities and enticing away many of the best we have. But we will all wish that Frank may find Chicago congenial soil, and not only that but that the city mentioned may make amends for taking him away from us by giving him large financial returns. He will still be connected with our street railway system so the papers state.

[Same writer]

Mr. Franklin I. Saemann left Sheboygan for Chicago last Wednesday morning, there to engage in business. I expressed my sorrow last week over the removal, I now expressed deeper sorrow that the event has taken place. We shall miss the gentleman very much from our city, but I certainly wish him the very greatest success in his new venture.