Dr. William H. Dewing, one of the best known physicians in Oneida county, New York, was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, New York, on June 4, 1858, the son of George and Mary (Ball) Dewing. George Dewing, a native of Herkimer county, died in 1889. He was the son of Solomon Dewing, who came to Herkimer county early in 1800. Mary (Ball) Dewing died in 1892. Her family was founded by Joseph Ball, who was captain in the training camp during the War of 1812.
William H. Dewing was educated in the public school of Litchfield, and at Whitestown Seminary, from which he was graduated in the class of 1878. He then entered Hahnemann College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from that institution in 1882, with the degree of M. D., and soon after began the practice of his profession in Oswego, New York, later moving to Silver Lake, and in June, 1886, came to Clayville, where he now resides.
On May 21, 1884, in Oswego, New York, Dr. Dewing was united in marriage to Miss Olive Van Auken, daughter of Sidney and Frances J. (Boyd) Van Auken, the family name of Van Auken being an old and honored one in Pennsylvania. Sidney Van Auken, a sash and door manufacturer, moved to Oswego in 1869. Dr. and Mrs. Dewing became the parents of three children: Ethel Dewing, now the wife of Prof. M. D. Proctor, assistant superintendent of schools of White Plains, New York; George Tracy Dewing, who married Mrs. Florence Shults Hoke, and now resides in Schenectady; and Luella Dewing, who died in infancy. Mrs. Dewing is a member of Maple Valley Lodge, No. 393, Eastern Star; of Calvary White Shrine, No. 10, of Utica; and also of the Cornell Club. There are three grandchildren: Ethel Jean Proctor and Morris Dewing Proctor of White Plains; and William Edwin Dewing of Schenectady.
Dr. Dewing has been health officer for the village of Clayville and the town of Paris, New York, since 1894. He is also a member of the Medical Reserve Board and of the Homeopathic Medical Society of Oneida county. During the World war he was active in the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives. His church associations are with the Universalist church, and his political affiliations are with the republican party. Dr. Dewing is sincerely devoted to his profession and conscientious in the discharge of every duty and has many friends in the community where he resides.