Joseph L. Gaston

       Joseph L. Gaston, M. D., is a son of Mitchel and Jane (Wilson) Gaston, both natives of East Tennessee, where they were married and have since passed their days. They now reside near Chattanooga, and the father cultivates the soil. Joseph L. was born in McMinn County, Tenn., January 26, 1848, and passed his youthful days on the farm. He received his literary education at the Grant Memorial University, at Athens, Tenn., from which institution he graduated in 1871. He then taught school and read medicine for two years. He then entered the University Medical College of New York, and graduated there in 1875. He practiced medicine at Harrison, James Co., Tenn., until 1880. Then, on account of failing health he virtually relinquished the practice of medicine and was elected State senator. In 1882 he resigned that office to accept the position of collector of customs at the port of Chattanooga, which position he held until the change of administration in 1885. In January, 1885, he was elected city treasurer for the city of Chattanooga, and served his time-one year-in that capacity. Having by this time regained his health, he again resumed the practice of medicine in Chattanooga. He is now, in 1887, city physician and secretary of the Board of United States Pension Examiners. In December, 1878, he married Celestia Lamon, and to them have been born two children, Fred and Harry. He and Mrs. Gaston are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Goodspeed's "History of East Tennessee" 1887