History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 81

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 840

USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 81
USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 81

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bravery and greatness of heart, he went among the sick and dying, and especially among the poor, win- ning, by his promptness of decision, his skillful treat- 'been for months subjected had not the desired effect ment and generous charities, the esteem and confi- upon the doctor's health. He returned by the Isth- mus route to his friends and patients, who received him with open arms and prolonged expressions of joy and gratitude. dener of the whole community. It is said of him that while he never neglected the most disagreeable and profittess vall, he seldom exarted his legal fees. but oftener contributed from his own pocket the Although an earnest politician of the Jackson school of Democracy, Dr. Darey was by no means a socker after office. It is true that in early life he was a member of the State Legislature, and under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren was United States marshal of the District of New Jersey, but he had a means of securing for his needy patients the ne- cessaries, and even the luxuries, which their condition demanded. The prenliar circumstances under which he began the work of his profession in Newark brought to him almost immediately an extensive

Johnd. Darcy

practice, and year by year it became so large that had strong dislike to entering the political arena as a con- he collected all he earned he would, it is believed, restant for honors. lle was the first president of the New Jersey Railroad Company, and held that posi- tion till the time of his death-a period of more than thirty years. In the interests of this corporation he was very active, and to it he rendered many valuable services. For many years he was a prominent men- ber of the Masonic fraternity, holding for a long time the office of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Distinguished for his geniality, his be- nignity and munificence, he died Oct. 22, 1863, lamented by the whole community. have become one of the wealthiest men in his profes- sion. llis arduous labors, notwithstanding hix powerful frame and vigorous constitution, began finally to make their impression upon him, and this. together with his natural love of adventure, led him, in 1849, to project an overland journey to California. He was the leader of the party, which was composed chiefly of acquaintances, and the journey was per- formed on foot, while wagons, drawn by oxen, trans- ported the provisions, the clothing and whatever was needed on so long a march over a country inhabited LOUIS A. HALL was born in Salem County, N. J., Oct. 2. 1790. His medical education was acquired only by wild beasts and Indians.

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY. NEW JERSEY.

in Philadelphia, where he studied under the distin- firmness in the treatment of the diseased and injured. guished physicians, Drs. Parrish and Physick, and was graduated from the Pennsylvania University in 1820. The following year he was licensed by the Medical Society of New Jersey, and for thirty years thereafter

His skill and learning in his profession obtained for him a large practice, and he was incessant in his labors, ready for duty at any moment, by night or day. It has been also said of him that "he died of practiced medicine in Middlesex and Essex Counties, "his profession," continuing its active practice till making his residence in Newark in 1834. Here he within a few days of his death, which occurred June 14, 1869, when he quietly slept away his life, with no evidence whatever of disease. He was a gentleman, a patriot and a Christian, of whose memory his pro- fession may well be proud. remained, and enjoyed a high reputation as a physi- cian and surgeon for nearly twenty years. About the year 1852 he removed to Trenton, where he gave his attention chicdly 10 agricultural chemistry. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he took an active part in the establishment of military hospitals, and was for a time in charge of one at Norfolk. Dr. Hall was a man of more than ordinary acquire- ments, both literary and scientific, and by his gentle- manly deportment, his generosity and fine social qualities, secured the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He died in Philadelphia, May 23, 1872, in his seventh-eighth year.

JOSEPH SMITH Dopp was born in Bloomfield. Essex Co., N. J., January 10, 1791. He was gradu- ated from the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, in 1813, and commenced the practice of medicine in his native place in 1816. Being a man of studious hab- its, and much devoted to his profession, he soon gained the confidence of the community, not only as a learned and skillful physician, but as a man whose judgment could be relied upon in matters of either a private or a public nature. It is not therefore strange that he should have been called upon, as he was in 1842, to represent the people in the Council (now called the Senate) of New Jersey. Of that body, during two terms, he was an active and a leading member, and greatly to his exertions are we indebted for the estab- lishment of the State Lunatic Asylum. Dr. Dodd was not, however, ambitious of holding public posi- tion. To the practice of his profession and to the gratification of his scholarly tastes he paid the nobler devotion ; and, perhaps, the ardnous labors which a faithful performance of duty demanded of him short- ened a life which at no time gave promise of great length. Ile died, greatly lamented, on the 5th of September, 1847. He was the father of cx-Vice- Chancellor Amzi Dodd, of Newark, N. J.

SAMUEL LAWRENCE WARD was likewise a native of Bloomfield, where he was born in 1791, and where he received his early education. It seems that he was prepared for, and entered college, but did not graduate. His medical studies were pursued partly in Newark and partly in New York, and his course completed in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the latter city. His first settlement was in Newark, where, however, he remained but one year, and then removed to Belleville, in which place he continued to practice during the remainder of a long and useful life. It has been said of him that he "seemed born a physician," so great was his desire to alleviate human suffering, and such was his gentleness and

LYNDON ARNOLD SMITH was born in Haverhill, N. H., Nov. 11, 1795, being of Puritan blood, and his father, Rev. Ethan Smith, being a clergyman of learn- ing and high position. Ile attended the common school at Hopkinton, N. H., also Phillips Academy, in Exeter, N. Il., and in 1817 was graduated from Dart- mouth College, whence he also received his medical degree in 1822. His first settlement was in Wil- liamstown, Mass., where he remained but a short period, and then removed to Newark, N. J., in which city he continued to reside until the time of his death.

Dr. Smith was always active and carnest in every work in which he took a part. The records of the Essex District Medical Society and of the New Jersey Historical Society, to say nothing of many other asse- ciations, show the interest, which he took in whatever concerned the well-being of his fellows. We could not give here a more faithful portrait of this worthy man than is contained in the resolution passed by the Essex District Society at the time of his death, which occurred Dee. 15, 1865.

" Resolved, That in the death of Dr. Smith this society suffers na com- mon bereavement. Eminently social and genul in the feelings, cordial in his friendship, kad to his equals in age, fatherly towards his juniors, anel ingenuous and open in all his intercourse, he lind won a warm place in our fraternal regard. Elucated at one of New England's oldest sents of learning, and trained for his profession in one of our best medical schools, he united with a grucrons general culture a thorough knowledge of the principles of the liberal science to which he proposed to devote his life, nul, under the guidance of his discriminating judgment and a con- scientions sense of responsibility, he applied this knowledge with dis- tinguished skill unt success to the relief of suffering humanity through u period of more than forty years. Holling in just appreciation the noble mission of his profession and its exalted rank among srenlar pur- suite, he was warmly interested in every effort to add to its store of knowledge, to extend the limitsof its resources, and elevate the standard of literary and scientific preparation to be wquired of those who would week ulmnisdon to its mysteries. Hence the various associations, local and national, instituted with reference to these objects found in him an ardent and constant helper. . . . . a patriotic atul loyal citizen, he gave his whole heart to his country's cause, and in the day of her calamity laid the son of his old age a sacrifice upon the altar."

ABRAHAM CANFIELD was born in Newark, Aug. 9, 1797, and died Aug. 24, 1846. He studied medicine under the supervision of Dr. John Ward, and it is said that while thus occupied, he was confined to his bed with a "white swelling." His ability as a physi- cian was good, and he was greatly liked for his social qualities. When he died the District Medical Society held a special meeting, and after passing the usual resolutions, attended his funeral in a body.

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THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF ESSEX COUNTY.

J. G. GoBLE was born in Newark, N. J., Nov. 13, 1799, and was the son of Luther Goble, elsewhere noticed in this volume. His father having destined him for one of the learned professions, great pains was taken with his early education, and when properly prepared he was sent to Hamilton College, from which institution he was graduated in 1819. Soon after he entered, as a student, the office of Dr. Isaac Pierson, of Orange, N. J., and subsequently became a pupil of Dr. David Hosack, of New York. His degree of M.D. was received from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of that city, where, while a student, he dis- tinguished himself as a member of the Medico-Chi-

ity, but which he always sought to render pleasant and profitable. To the State Medical Society he was repeatedly sent as a delegate, and of that body he was successively a member of the standing committee, corresponding secretary, vice-president and finally, in 1840, president. Before it he frequently read papers replete with interest and learning, and during all his connection with it was regarded as a devoted and valuable member of the profession which he had so wisely chosen.

After more than twenty years of continuous service Dr. Goble began to withdraw gradually from practice, and finally abandoned it altogether. It was, doubtless,

I. E. Goble

rurgieal Society. Soon after graduation he began the practice of medicine in his native town, and rapidly acquired the reputation of a skillful and successful physician. For several years he filled the office of resident physician of Newark, a position which, at that time, imposed upon him the duties and respon- sibilities at present shared by the health physician, the district physicians, and the jait physician. Dur- ing his medical career Dr. Goble was warmly at- tached to his profession, and left nothing undone which could add to its dignity and usefulness. He was a prominent and active member and officer of the District Medical Society of Essex County, the meet- ings of which he not only attended with great regulir-

his wonderful activity and great efficiency in any en- terprise in which he might be engaged that drew the attention of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, then in its infancy, towards him. This growing corporation felt the need of a master-spirit in the State of New Jersey, and fixing upon Dr. Goble :8 the man who would meet all its requirements, propo- sitions were made by the company to him to act as the medical examiner and general representative in the State of New Jersey, which, after repeated and pressing solicitations, he was induced to accept. Cloverned, as he always was, by the injunction, " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do with thy might." it is very easy to believe that Dr. Goble an-

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY. NEW JERSEY.

swered all the expectations of this now magnificent institution, and, beyond a doubt, it was vastly in- debted to him for the firm foothold which it obtained in the State of New Jersey.

In all affairs of public interest he took a prominent and active part, always manifesting a most philan- thropic spirit. From 1841 to 1814, inclusive, he was a member of the Common Council of the city of New- ark, and during the year 1844 was president of that body. In 1846 he was a member of the General As- sembly of the State. In these positions he was an earnest advocate of whatever measures tended to pro- mote the public good, and an uncompromising foe to everything that was adverse thereto. He was a warm friend of public-school education, and did all in his power to give popularity to the cause and to elevate the standard of learning. In works of Christian benevolence and charity he was always anxious to perform his part, and to a great extent, the coloniza- tion cause was indebted to him for its success in New Jersey.

Dr. Goble died, after a very short illness, Feb. 7, 1859. His loss was universally regretted. The Es- sex County District Medical Society, of which he never ceased to be an interested member, held, on the

CHRISTOPHER GOTTFRIED EYRICH was born in Nuremberg, Bavaria, June 20, 1802, and came to the United States in 1844. His medical studies were pursued at Erlangen, in his native country, and that day before his funeral, a special meeting in respect to ' he was proficient was proved by the fact that he his memory, and culogistie addresses were pronounced by Drs. S. H. Pennington, L. A. Smith, J. F. Ward, 1. W. Woodhull and others. The following resolu- tions were also adopted :

" Resolved, That this society has heard with sincere sorrow of the de- cease of Dr. J. G. Golle, late of this body, and for many years a promi- neut member of the profession of this city and State.

"Resolved. That we tender our respectful sympathy to the family of the deceased, und in testimony of our regard for his memory will attend his funeral and wear the usual badge of morning for thirty da vs."

Resolutions expressive of sorrow were adopted by various other sorieties and institutions of which the deceased had been a member.

his native land. Before, however, resuming the practice of medicine, he went to Philadelphia, where he attended a course of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, and now, after practicing eighteen years as an allopathic physician, resolved to become a homeop- athist. With this determination, he went to Pater- son, N. J., but at the expiration of six months re- moved to Newark, N. J. This was in 1846, and trom that year until the day of his death Dr. Lafon continued the practice of his profession in the latter city. His practice became very extensive and very lucrative, and his attention thereto was unremitting ; in fact, he met his death at the house of a patient, to whom he was administering, and at whose bedside he was smitten down with apoplexy, Mar. 20, 1876.

Dr. Lafon was a man of very quiet and reserved manners, but of strong religious feeling and great decision. Wherever known he was highly respected and esteemed, as well for his excellent judgment and skill as a physician as for his great kindness and benevolence.

passed a thorough examination before the board of censors and received a diploma from the Medical Society of New Jersey. His knowledge of English on his arrival in this country was very imperfeet, but his aptness to learn, together with his great determina- tion, soon gave him such perfect mastery of it that he became quite a eritie, as well in regard to its spoken as to its written expression. Among his medical brethren he soon began to be respected and esteemed for his learning and his skill, and in 1859 was made president of the District Medical Society of Essex County. He was a great reader, especially of English literature, and never grew tired of talking about his favorite authors, nor did he ever weary others thereby, for his conversation was always bright and his ideas original. As a man he was a model of uprightness, and as a physician skillful, vigilant and tender. He died, lamented by all who knew him, on the 12th of November, 1876.

THOMAS LAFON was born near Petersburg, Va., Dec. 17, 180]. Losing his father at an early age, he was thrown to some extent upon his own resources, but by dint of great industry and perseverance succeeded in acquiring a very good education. This being accomplished, he resorted to teaching and to survey- ing in order to obtain a profession, and such was his JOSEPH BLOOMFIELD JACKSON was the son of Rev. Abel Jackson, of Bloomfield, Essex Co., where he was success that he entered, as a student, Transylvania Medical College, and there received the degree of | born May 11, 1803. His preliminary education hav- M.D. About this time he became the possessor, by ing been acquired, he began the study of medicine under the supervision of Dr. John Ward, of Newark. HIc attended medical lectures at the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, New York, whence he received his degree in 1824. Immediately thereafter he chose Newark as a place of settlement, and in that city spent the remainder of his life, engaged for more than fifty years in a successful practice. Although not a robust man in appearance, he possessed great activity, and up to the very last day of his life was engaged in the discharge of his professional duties. The evening of inheritance, of a number of slaves, and going to the newly-opened State of Missouri, with a view to find- ing a proper place for settlement, he fell under strong religious influences, and was converted. His first act in this new state of mind was to set free his slaves, and his second was to offer his services to the Ameri- can Missionary Association as a missionary physician. He was immediately sent to the Sandwich Islands, where he remained several years, but on account of the failing health of his wife was obliged to return to

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THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF ESSEX COUNTY

that day, June 22, 1878, he spent in pleasant social converse with his family, and, cheerfully bidding them good night, went to bed and to sleep, to wake no more on earth. Dr. Jackson was regarded as a physi- vian and surgeon of great ability, and of great assiduity in the discharge of all the duties of his profession He was distinguished for the promptness with which he answered every call for his services and the great solicitude with which he watched over every patient committed to his care. The church of which he lad been for many years an officer, and the Essex District Medical society, of which he was a prominent member, paid distinguished honors to his memory.

WHITFIELD NICHOLS was born in Newark, Feb. 6, 1807. At the age of sixteen years he entered the junior class in the College of New Jersey, at Prince- ton, where he became the companion of Ho-ack, Rush and others, who afterwards attained to eminence in the medical profession. He studied medicine with Dr. Samuel Hayes, and having received his diploma from the medical faculty of Geneva College, began the practice of his profession at Newark, where, after a short time, he entered into partnership with Dr. John S. Darcy. Dr. Nichols, although a large, well-built man, possessed a feeble constitution, and only a few years after entering upon his profession was obliged to give up practice and repair to the West Indies, in the hope of regaining health and strength. From the disease under which he was laboring he never, how- ever, fully recovered, and finally died Dec. 9, 1851. He held the office of vice-president of the State Medical Society at the time of his death. He was a man of learning and of excellent judgment in his profession.

LYMAN M. CRANE was born at Bloomfield, Essex Co., N. J .. in Is10, and, having been graduated from Williams College, Massachusetts, began the study of medicine with Dr. Joseph Smith Dodd, of his native place. He attended lectures at the f'ollege of Physi- cians and Surgeons in New York, and in 1836 was licensed to practice by the New Jersey Medical Society. His first settlement was in Orange, N. J., but he was induced soon after to remove to Bordentown, in the same State, where, however, he remained but two or three years, when he returned to Orange, and in that place continued to practice his profession to the end of his days.

Dr. Crane was said to be "a man of extensive reading, a conscientious and skillful physician, unas- suming in manner, kind-hearted, self-sacrificing and of unbounded generosity, particularly to his patients among the poor, and died respected and beloved by all who knew him."

His death occurred Nov. 25, 1850, on which day the Essex District Medical Society happened to be in session, and his sudden decrase having been an- nounced, the following minute was placed upon the records: " Dr. Lyman M. Crane died at Orange, in his seventieth year, on the 25th instant, after a brief illness.

He had been a practitioner of medicine in Orange for about forty-five years, and for about the same period had been a regular attending member of this society. In his death we lose one whom we delight to remember as a skillful physician, and one marked in all his walks of life by unselfishness and uprightness of character."

STEPHEN PERSONETTE was born in Verona, Essex Co., N. J., in the year 1813. He received a good common-school education, and, with a view to becom- ing a physician, first entered as a clerk in a drug- store in the city of Newark, and subsequently became a student of Dr. Joseph B. Jackson. He attended methical lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, but did not graduate. After- ward- he served a term of duty in the old New York Hospital, and was licensed to practice by the Medical Society of New Jersey in 1831. Throughout the county Dr. Personette was regarded as an able and skillful practitioner. He was at one time president of the Essex County Medical Society, served also a tormn in the State Legislature, and held various minor offices in the county. He died Feb. 3. 1850.

J. HENRY CLARK was a native Jerseyman, born in Essex County, June 23, 1814, and was a relative of Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Inde- pendence. His father was the Rev. Daniel A. Clark, an author and a clergyman of some distinction. lle pursued his academic studies at Bennington, Vt., and at the Round Hill Classical School, at Amherst, Mass. Deciding upon medicine as his profession, he entered the office of Dr. James C. Bliss, in New York, as a pupil ; but, his health failing somewhat at this time, he went to Europe, where he took advantage of every opportunity to increase his knowledge of the medical art. On his return he received the degree of M.D. from the New York University, and began to practice in the city of New York, but soon after made another voyage to Europe on professional business. In 1×46 he settled in Newark, where he made the treatment of diseases of the eye and car a specialty, and became prominent not only as a practitioner, but as an active laborer in everything that could add to the welfare and dignity of his profession. Ile was a man of great industry and sound discretion. The Essex District Medical Society recognized his services by making him president thereof in 1867, and both Amherst and Princeton t'olleges honored him with the degree of A.M. Dr. Clark was a prolific and interesting writer. In 1s50 he published a " History of the Cholera as it appeared in Newark in 1849;" in 1855, a " Biography of Rev. Daniel A. Clark, D. D., 'his father ; in 1856, a work entitled "Sight and Hearing:" in 1861, "The Medical Topography of Newark and its Vicinity ; " in 1868, " The Medical Men of New Jersey, in Essex District, from 1666 to 1866." His regard for the interests of religion was great, as was abundantly shown by the active part which he took in founding the Park Presbyterian Church, in Newark, N. .. During the last five years of his life, being of feeble

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

health, he resided upon a farm which he had pur- chased in Montelair, and from which he rode daily to his office in Newark. Here he died March 6, 1869. llis remains were taken to Newark, where he was buried in Mount Pleasant t'emetery.

JAMES NICHOLS was born in Newark, Jan. 30, 1815. and died Jan. 17, 1849, at the early age of thirty-fonr years. He attended medical lectures in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, and was graduated therefrom in 1839. Soon after being ad- mitted to practice he became a partner in the business of Drs. John S. Darey and Whitfield Nichols, and rose rapidly in public estimation as a skillful and accomplished physician and surgeon. Possessing but a feeble constitution, he nevertheless gave such great attention to his business that he was always regarded as a man in the enjoyment of ordinary health. But his work proved to be too much for him, and he died while in the active discharge of his duties to his patients and to the District Medical Society, of which he was at the time president.

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 81

Author: Shaw, William H Publication date: 1884 Publisher: [United States :] Number of Pages: 840

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 840