History of Monmouth County, New Jersey. Pt. 1, Part 60

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia : R.T. Peck & Co.
Number of Pages: 974

USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth County, New Jersey. Pt. 1 > Part 60

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Athird Common

islature, to which he was elected the same year [ having purchased a valuable property at Long by his Democratic constituents. He was, in Branch, made it his residence, meanwhile spending the winter months in Florida. In 1877 he returned to Freehold, which has since been his home. The doctor is a member of both County and State Medical Societies. He has also filled the office of bank director and been identified with other important enterprises, though since his retirement from professional and public life these responsibilities have been in a measure relinquished. 1849, made surrogate of Monmouth County, which necessitated the abandonment of his prac- tice and his removal to Freehold, where he filled the latter office for a term of ten years. Dr. Conover was married, on the 6th of October, 1831, to Miss Eliza A., daughter of David R. Van Derveer, of the same county. Their chil- dren are Ellen V., married, in 1859, to Philip J. .Ryall, whose only child is Juliet Scudder ; Da-

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The common ancestor of the Conover family in America was Wolfhert Gerretsen Van Cov- enhoven, who emigrated from the province of Utrecht, in Holland, in 1630, and settled in Al- bany, N. Y. He later engaged in farming on Manhattan Island. He had three sons,-Gar- ret, Jacob and Peter,-of whom Garret settled as a farmer in Flatlands, and married Altje Cornelipe . Cole. He had four children, of whom a son William, born 1636, married, for his second

Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Ely), Helen (Mrs. Ho- ratio Ely), and Emma.

JOSEPH C. THOMPSON, M.D., was born October 23, 1804, in the township of Manala- pan, the home of his youth. Here he pursued his early studies under exceptionally favorable circumstances, and later the classics and higher branches at the academy at Lawrenceville, N. J. On the completion of his course he entered the office of Dr. Gilbert S. Woodhull,

Joseph b. thompson

wife, Jannetje Montfoort, in 1665. In the di- [ of the same township, as a student of medicine, rect line of descent was John I. Conover, grand- continuing with the latter two and a half years, during which time he attended lectures at the medical college in Duane Street, New York, from which institution he was graduated in 1828. He at once engaged in the practice of his pro- fession in Manalapan township, from whence, a few years later, he removed to Tom's River, Ocean County, N. J., then within the bound- aries of Monmouth County, and continued professionally occupied for six years. At the father of Dr. Arthur V., a farmer in Manalapan township, whose children were three sons,- John, Robert and William I.,-and two daugh- ters,-Leah (Mrs. William Ten Eyck), and Elizabeth (Mrs. James Robinson). William I., born on the homestead, married Jane, daughter of Tunis Van Derveer, and was the father of children,-Tunis, John, Arthur V., Jane, (Mrs. John Van Mater), Ann (Mrs. William Ely),

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HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

expiration of this period, having abandoned practice, he returned to Manalapan and pur- chased his present residence, near the homestead of his father and opposite the ground made historic as the field of the battle of Monmouth. Here he has since been actively engaged in farming, giving much attention to the breeding of Durham cattle and Southdown sheep. As advancing years admonished him to relinquish labor, the management of the farm has been relegated to his son. Dr. Thompson was, on the 23d of February, 1834, married to Miss Elizabeth R., daughter of Elijah Combs, of Manalapan township. Their only son, William A., was born July 16, 1837, and is married to Lydia M., daughter of Robert H. Conover, of the same township, whose children are Adelaide C., born April 18, 1872; Augusta R., born April 6, 1874; Joseph C., born February 6, 1877. Their only daughter, Anna Elizabeth, born October 13, 1856, is the wife of Frank T. McDermott, whose children are Frank and an infant. Dr. Thompson, though an ardent Re- publican in politics, has never been active as a politician. He is identified as director with the Freehold and Englishtown Turnpike Com- pany, and with other public enterprises in the county. He has been for many years connected with the Monmouth County Medical Society, as also by membership with the Monmouth Grange; No. 92. The doctor has been for thirty years a trustee and for more than forty years a member of the Old Tennent Church, in Manalapan township. The death of Mrs. Thompson occurred on the 26th of September, 1868. Joseph Thompson, the grandfather of Dr. Thompson, was born December 11, 1743, and married Sarah, daughter of Peter and Leah Conover. To this marriage were born nine children, of whom William I., whose birth occurred March 19, 1779, married Margaret, daughter of Denise Denise, whose children were six in number, inclusive of the subject of this biographical sketch.

GRANDIN LLOYD, M. D., was born October 13, 1807, in Freehold, where, a little more than twenty years later, he became a medical student in the office of Dr. John B. Throckmorton. He attended lectures at the University of Penn-

sylvania, was licensed by the New Jersey Medical Society June 12, 1833, and located in Freehold, where he remained in practice until his death, May 30, 1852. He was a successful practitioner, enjoying the confidence of his patients to a very great extent, and his mem- ory is still cherished for his many good qualities, particularly for his kind and ready attention to the poor, who never called on him in vain for attention and aid. He became a member of the Monmouth Society in April, 1844, was its vice-president in 1845 and president in the following year.

C. C. BLAUVELT, M. D., was a member of the Monmouth Society, though only a short time in- practice within the county. He was born at New Brunswick, August 20, 1806, and educated at Rutgers College, after which he went to Vir- ginia as a school-teacher, and while there studied medicine in the University at Charlottesville. Returning to New Jersey, he was licensed by the State Medical Society, and commenced practice at Holmdel, Monmouth County, where he mar- ried and remained for two years, during which time he became a member of the County Society. From Holmdel he removed to Hightstown, Mercer County, still retaining his connection with the Monmouth organization, of which he was elected vice-president in 1833, president in 1834 and treasurer for 1840. In or about 1854 he was elected president of the State Medical Society. He remained in practice in Hights- town until his death, March 28, 1855. Dr. Blauvelt was a man of fine personal appearance, being above the middle height, with a decidedly intellectual cast of face, and remarkably easy and gentlemanly in manner. His deport- ment in the sick-room was singularly happy, inspiring love, respect and confidence. A good conversationalist and writer, a natural and cultivated musician, of social and obliging disposition, and honorable as well as skillful in his profession, he could not fail to be, as he was, exceedingly popular as a physician and as a man. Few had more or warmer friends.

ALFRED B. DAYTON, M.D., was born at Basking Ridge, Somerset County, N.J., Decem- ber 25, 1812. He came of that family, so distinguished in the history of the State, which

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MONMOUTH MEDICAL SOCIETY.

gave to its service and that of the nation the late Hon. William L. Dayton, his brother ; another is James B. Dayton, of Camden.

He enjoyed educational advantages of a su- perior character, and completed his preparatory training at Princeton College. Having chosen the medical profession, he was accorded the most esteemed aids in his study, and was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, in the spring of 1835. After a short term of practice at Chester, Morris County, N. J., he settled at Matawan (then Middletown- Point), where he opened an office in July, 1835. In this location he continued in active practice for thirty-five years, achieving large success, and enjoying the high esteem of a very wide circle of patients and friends. He became a member of the District Medical Society in April, 1841, the same year was chosen its vice-presi- dent, and the following year its president. He was also a member of the State Medical Society, and in 1854 elected its president. Upon the roll of the National Medical Association his name was registered as a permanent member. Dr. Dayton possessed oratorical and rhetorical powers of a high order, being a graceful speaker and a polished writer. To the medical press he contributed many papers, all of which com- manded the respectful attention of the profession. Among them may be specially mentioned the following : "Review of the Principles and Practice of Thompsonianism," " Mollities Os- sium," " Inversion of the Uterus, with Method of Reduction, and Case Illustrated," " Cerebro- Spinal Meningitis," and "Dry Gangrene." A refined and cultivated gentleman, his deport- ment in all the relations of life was dignified and pleasing. To his medical brethren he was kind, courteous and honorable, regarding the ethical rules regulating professional intercourse with scrupulous care. He died July 19, 1870. coolly remarked: "I never saw you when you His wife was Elizabeth R. Vanderveer, a native of Somerville, N. J. A son, Rensselaer W. Dayton, was graduated at Princeton College in 1863, read law with Hon. Henry S. Little, of Matawan, and is practicing his profession at that place.

ber 1, 1788. At seven years of age he was adopted by a maternal aunt, and removed with her to Shelburne, Nova Scotia, where he en- joyed the benefit of a classical school of high reputation. On the death of his aunt he re- turned to his native county, and continued his literary studies with the Rev. John Woodhull, D.D., pastor of the Tennent Church, until he was fitted to enter the office of Dr. Aaron Pit- ney as a medical student, at the same time at- tending lectures in the Medical Department of Columbia College, New York. He was a fel- low-student with Dr. Francis, whose confidence and friendship he enjoyed through life. He received his degree and was licensed by the State Society in 1810, and commenced practice at Squan ; but in 1811 removed to Eatontown, where he continued in practice until his death. He was admitted to membership in the Mon- mouth Society in 1820, and was its president in 1853. His essay read on that occasion was much admired.

Dr. Lewis was a very successful practitioner. In surgery he excelled, adding discretion to skill. For a time he was recognized as the sur- geon of the entire middle and eastern portions of the county. He was always a student in his profession, appropriating new discoveries in medical science and incorporating them in his . practice. He was exceedingly mirthful and social,-given to practical jokes and humorous sayings, many of which are traditional in the neighborhood of Eatontown. His cheerful manner, combined with the rare faculty of at once gaining confidence, had a salutary effect on his patients. From his large fund of anecdotes he was always sure to draw one applicable to the occasion. Once, on being called in haste to see an old lady who had the reputation of being a scold, he found her with a dislocated jaw, and

were so quiet ; better leave it so, I guess." He however reduced the dislocation, and her first remark, as he retreated, was, "Get out, you old fool ; you come here to insult me." The doctor departed, laughing, and observing as he went, " It works just as well as ever, don't it ? You are all right now." On another occasion a

JOHN P. LEWIS, M.D., was born at the Nave- sink Highlands, in Middletown township, Octo- | physician, who had failed in his treatment of a

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HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

case which Dr. Lewis had afterwards treated successfully, met the latter in a narrow road, and coming to a full stop, shouted : " I never turn out for quacks." To which Dr. Lewis replied, coolly and without hesitation, " I always do!" and rode on. Scores of similar incidents and sayings of his are still remembered. He died on the 27th of February, 1861, and was interred in the Episcopal burial-ground at Shrewsbury, his funeral being attended by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, F. and A. M., of which he was a Past Grand Master.

DANIEL POLHEMUS, M. D., was a medical student in the office of Dr. Gilbert S. Wood- hull, and graduated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in New York, in the spring of 1828, and was at that time twenty-two years of age. In April of the same year he was licensed by the censors of the Monmouth Medi- cal Society, and located in practice at English- town. In October of the same year he was admitted to membership in the Society; was elected its vice-president in 1831, and president in 1832. He filled the office of secretary dur- ing sixteen years. He was of delicate constitu- tion and spare frame, yet by care and regular habits was enabled to withstand for thirty years the exposure incident to a country practice, but finally succumbed to a disease which he had always feared would prove fatal to him. He died of pneumonia, after a short illness, at English- town, on the 1st of March, 1858, at the age of fifty-two years. He was buried in the old Ten- nent Churchyard, where a handsome monument marks his last resting-place. He was a man of irreproachable character, kind and gentle in manner, and he enjoyed in the highest degree the respect and esteem of the community among whom his professional life was passed.

WILLIAM L. DEBOW, M. D., was a native of Englishtown, born in 1845. He studied medi- cine with Dr. Daniel Polhemus, and graduated at the Massachusetts Medical College in 1836. He was attached to the Northern Dispensary of the City of New York for six years, as apothecary and physician. His health became impaired, and in 1840 he removed to English- town, where, for several years, he was associated with his brother-in-law, Dr. Polhemus. He

became a member of the Monmouth Society April 28, 1845; was vice-president in 1847, and president in 1848. Not long after his re- turn to Englishtown his health improved and was afterwards fully restored, so that he was enabled to perform the arduous duties of his profession, and he acquired an extensive prac- tice, enjoying an enviable reputation for skill as a physician and surgeon, both with the com- munity and the profession. He remained in practice at Englishtown until his death, which came suddenly and unexpected, on the 31st of of October, 1858, at the age of forty-three years, leaving a widow and a large circle of warm personal friends to mourn their loss. His remains were interred in the Tennent Church- yard.

EDMUND W. ALLEN, M. D., who practiced as a physician at Shrewsbury for fifty-five years, was a native of that township, born on the 14th of August, 1788. He studied medicine with Dr. Samuel Tenbrook ; attended lectures at the University of Pennsylvania ; was examined, April 11, 1810, by Drs. Tenbrook and Charles Smith, and received license on the same day at the hands of Andrew Kirkpatrick, chief justice, and William Russell, second justice of the State of New Jersey. Locating in practice at Shrews- bury village, he became a member of the Mon- mouth Medical Society in or about the year 1817; was its vice-president in 1822-23, president in 1824, secretary in 1821 and 1827. Constitutionally delicate, he was, nevertheless, by judicious care, enabled to preserve unbroken his professional labors through the long period above mentioned, with the exception of a single interruption of two or three months in 1850, the result of an accident which nearly proved fatal. He mistook the condition of a draw- bridge at Rahway in the darkness of the night, and was precipitated into the river. Recovering from the effects of this accident, he finally fell a victim to catarrh, resulting in phthisis, from which he died May 17, 1867, after a confine- ment of two or three months to his room. His mind was bright and clear to the last.

Dr. Allen was, both in his professional and social life, a gentleman of the old school. He was friendly without familiarity ; always kind,

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yet dignified, and remarkably prudent in speech. First acquaintance with him always inspired esteem and confidence. To a strong will was added warm feelings, always, how- ever, under admirable control. His judgment was sound and his memory tenacious. Entirely devoted to his profession, all other claims were held subservient to its calls. Rich and poor received his attention alike. Firm and self- reliant, he was also singularly modest, never boasting of his attainments or his successes. In

recommended for license by the board of cen- sors of the Monmouth Medical Society, April 24, 1820, and admitted a member of the society April 30, 1821. He was associated in practice with Dr. Woodhull for one year, then removed to Hopewell township, Mercer (then Hunter- don) County, where he acquired a good practice. He died in or about 1868, respected and regret- ted by the community in which he had lived and practiced for more than forty years.

WILLIAM H. HUBBARD, M.D .- Dr. Hub-

Wir H. Hubbard

his years of health he had been a regular attend- ant at the services of the Episcopal Church, and during his final illness he became one of its communicants, and his remains were interred in its burial-ground, where his grave is marked by a beautiful monument.

JAMES H. BALDWIN, M.D., was born near the " Burnt Tavern," in Millstone township, about the year 1807. He was an office student of Dr. Gilbert S. Woodhull ; attended two courses of lectures at the University of Pennsylvania ; was

bard is a descendant of Henry Hubbard and Margaret, his wife, who lived in the town of Langham, county of Rutland, England, the youngest of whose eleven children was James, familiarly known as "Sergeant James." The latter, together with six other families, accom- panied Lady Deborah Moody to the United States in 1643, and settled in New England. Religious intolerance influenced their removal again to Gravesend, Long Island, where Ser- geant James Hubbard was made a magistrate of

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the town for the years 1650, 1651, 1653 and 1663, and represented the town in a convention held at New Amsterdam, November 26, 1653, " to devise and recommend measures for the public security and put a stop to the piracies and rob- beries of one Thomas Baxter." He married, on the 31st of December, 1664, Elizabeth Bailies, and died prior to 1693. His son James was born December 10, 1665, and married Rachel The other children of James and Elizabeth Hubbard were Rebecca, Elizabeth, John and Elias. James and Rachel had among their children a son James, who married and had several children, one of whom was Jacobus, born May 23, 1744, and married to Rebecca Swart, of Monmouth County, N. J., on the 17th of November, 1765. Their chil- dren were Jacobus, Samuel, Tunis, Elias and John. Elias married Nelly Hendrickson, whose children are five sons and two daughters,-Wil- liam H. and James D. (twins), born September 30, 1812, Tunis, John S., Rebecca Ann, Mary C. and Elias. William H. received an aca- demic education at the Baptisttown Academy, and in 1829 began the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. Jacobus Hubbard, Jr., at Tinton Falls, N. J., and Dr. C. C. Blauvelt, at Holm- del, the former of whom was a successful prac- titioner for over half a century. He (William H.) was graduated in 1834, and at once became associated with his uncle and preceptor in the profession. On the retirement of the latter, he continued in practice for twenty years at Tinton Falls. Dr. Hubbard was married, October 10, 1836, to Miss Ellen, daughter of John and Mary Cook, their three children being Charles, Mary Ellen (Mrs. Stephen S. Williamson) and Eliza, who died in 1882 .. The doctor, in 1856, removed to Gravesend during an epidemic of yellow fever, and remaining until 1862, returned to Monmouth County, making Red Bank his residence, where he engaged in active practice. His labors in this field have been arduous, ex- tending over a vast area of territory and requiring long rides and unceasing industry. Dr. Hub- bard has recently relinquished his practice, advancing years rendering it no longer ex- . pedient to undergo the fatigue and constant activity necessary to gratify his many patients.

He is a member of the Monmouth County Medical Society, and was on one occasion delegate to the meeting of the State Medical Society. He has for years been connected with the Masonic and the Odd-Fellows' fraternities.

JOHN R. CONOVER, M.D., was born near Freehold in the year 1813. Having received a liberal education, he studied medicine with Dr. Howell, of Princeton, and attended lectures at Fairfield Medical College, in the State of New York, and afterwards at the University Medi- cal College, in New York City, where he re- ceived his diploma. He first located at Red Bank, where he built up a large practice. In

1841 he was elected to the State Legislature, where he served three terms. In 1856 he was elected surrogate of Monmouth County, which office he held for two consecutive terms. In the spring following his first election as surro- gate he removed to Freehold, where he again entered upon the practice of his profession, which he pursued until his death, March 26, 1871. Throughout his professional life he was a successful practitioner, and possessed the con- fidence, to a high degree, of those who entrusted themselves to his care. He became a member of the Monmouth Medical Society in 1852.

ROBERT R. CONOVER, M.D., was born in Freehold township, Monmouth County, on the 3d of October, 1824. His father, Colonel Robert Conover, who died in 1826, was a na- tive of the same township, and followed agri- cultural pursuits, having served with ability and distinction in the War of 1812. The mother of Robert R. Conover was Gertrude Sutphen, also of Monmouth County, and granddaugh- ter of David Sutphen, one of the Revolu- tionary patriots who fought in the battles of which old Monmouth was the scene Dr. Conover's early education was chiefly obtained in a boarding-school and academy at Mt. Holly. Being destined for the medical profession, he commenced his studies in 1843 under the tuition of his brother, the late Dr. John R. Conover, then of Red Bank. After two years of diligent study he matriculated at the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons in New York, where he attended the winter course of 1845-46. The next course he took at the University of New

Eng oy A.H. Ritchie.

Sobert Blommor

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York, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1847, receiving therefrom his degree of M.D. During this session he was also an attendant at the celebrated private school of medicine of Dr. William Detmold. Locating at Red Bank, he, from 1847 until his death on the 28th of August, 1884, was engaged in active practice, being associated with his brother until that gentleman's removal to Freehold, in 1858. During the long period in which Dr. Conover practiced in Monmouth County he was exclu- sively devoted to his profession, securing a very extensive patronage, enjoying the entire confi- dence of his numerous patients, as well as the community at large, and commanding the respect of the most distinguished of his professional brethren. He was for many years member of the Monmouth County Medical Society, and for one year its president, as also several times delegate to the New Jersey State Medical Society. Dr. Conover was, on the 25th of No- vember, 1863, married to Anna Maria, daughter of Edmund Throckmorton, of Red Bank. Their only daughter is Anna T. Conover.

DE WITT W. BARCLAY, M. D., was born at Cranbury, Middlesex County, on the 8th of February, 1818. His preliminary education was received at the academy of his native place. He pursued his medical studies in the office of Dr. Grandin Lloyd, of Freehold, and at the Crosby Street Medical College, in New York, where he graduated in 1847. Being licensed by the State Society in the same year, he com- menced practice in partnership with his precep- tor, locating himself at Turkey, Monmouth County, where he acquired an extensive practice, to which he assiduously devoted himself for several years, until his health failed, when he purchased a farm and removed to it. Into his agricultural pursuits he carried the same energy which characterized his medical career. After a few years, thinking his health re-established, he sold his farm and returned to his former location and practice; but the laborand exposure incident to an active professional life soon revived the old disease, and after many attacks (with inter- vals of comparative health), he died, of phthisis pulmonalis, March 20, 1867. Dr. Barclay was a man of small stature, exceedingly well formed,

with a quick, nervous movement, a handsome face, a remarkably fine expressive eye, and of gen- erous, impulsive feeling and temperament. He was admitted to membership in the Monmouth Society April 24, 1848 ; was made its vice-presi- dent in the following year, and president in 1850.

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History of Monmouth County, New Jersey. Pt. 1, Part 60

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885 Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Philadelphia : R.T. Peck & Co. Number of Pages: 974

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia : R.T. Peck & Co.
Number of Pages: 974