Henry Ward Beecher and Dr. Morris Townsend

During the Civil War (1861-1865), it was a Mary Esther Townsend who suggested that the Clarysville Inn, located just east of Frostburg, be used as a United States Government Hospital. Her husband, Dr. Morris Miller Townsend, was instrumental in having this accomplished and served as the first hospital superintendent.

After the war Dr. Townsend became somewhat wealthy selling a medicinal tonic. Dr. Townsend's elixir was prepared in Frostburg, trademarked 1880, and sold as a cure for Hay Fever, Asthma, and Autumnal Catarrh.

The top of this medicine bottle notes that this is, "the only remedy used and recommended by the Reverend Henry Ward Beecher". Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887), was a famous abolitionist, clergyman, reformer, orator, and brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe who wrote, "Uncle Tom's Cabin".