History of Monmouth County, New Jersey. Pt. 1, Part 61

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

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THOMAS JAMES THOMASON, M.D., has an enviable place in the recollection and regard of Monmouth County people. He lived at Perrineville, and practiced medicine there and in the surrounding region from 1854 until his death, in 1880, a period of twenty-six years, including the whole of his mature and active life. Both professionally and socially, as the skilled physician and the high-minded, honor- able man, he was esteemed and loved by a wide circle of acquaintances. Of a quiet, un- demonstrative nature, and taking no active part in public affairs, he was not generally known beyond the region in which his life of labor was spent, but among his professional brethren his fame extended throughout the State and even beyond, and such eminent physicians as Dr. D. Hayes Agnew, and the late Dr. S. W. Gross, of Philadelphia, and other equally prominent practitioners in New York and else- where were his warm friends and admirers.

Dr. Thomason was of English descent. His father, Rev. Denny Ray Thomason, was born in Thaxted, Essex County, England, January 9, 1799, graduated from Highbury College, near London. Married, October 16, 1828, Eliza- beth, daughter of William White, banker, of Deal, Kent County, England (born June 16, 1803), and in 1830 immigrated with her to America, soon thereafter locating in Phila- delphia. He was a Presbyterian clergyman, and occupied the pulpits of several leading churches of that denomination very satisfactorily until 1841, when a bronchial affection incapac- itated him for public speaking. He was a deep classical scholar, and the remainder of his life was devoted to literary pursuits. He left many fruits of his labors in the form of commentaries upon the Gospels and Epistles, some of which have been published, while others exist only in manu- script. His death occurred September 16, 1879, while he was visiting at his son's house, in Per- rineville, preceded by his wife's, July 24, 1875.

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HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Thomas James Thomason was the fourth in sided in Philadelphia. As has already been the family of seven children, the first three of indicated, he obtained prominence and popu- larity. The esteem in which he was held by his professional brethren is, in some measure, attested by the fact that he was made the presi- dent of the State Medical Society of New Jer- sey and occupied that station during 1873-74, while he was a prominent member and official of the County Society, and held the position of its

whom died in infancy, and the three who were his juniors being William White, Henry Frederick Priestly and Mary Eveline Gurney, of whom only the first-named is now living. Thomas James was born October 11, 1833, in Philadelphia, where his youth was passed and his literary and professional education received. He had a predilection for medicine, studied it | treasurer at the time of his death. He was gener-

YO. Thomason M.

assiduously and graduated with honor from the [ ally conceded to have stood at the head of his pro- Medical Department of the Pennsylvania Col- fession in the county. As to his sterling qualities as a physician but little need be said, they being so well and widely known. He was a man wrapped up in his profession, giv- ing all his time, energy and great ability to it, and many a past sufferer, now living, can bear testimony to his skill. In the midst of his hurried and laborious cares he always was ready with a courteous and kindly word for those who came in his way, and he always lege in the spring of 1854, before he was twenty- one years of age. Very shortly afterward, and in the same year, he came to Monmouth County, and selecting Perrineville as a favorable loca- tion for the practice of his profession, settled there. Prior to this time, upon December 22, 1852, he had married, in his native city, Anna M. Gaston, a lady of education and refinement, who survives him, and since his death has re- .

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found time and took care to keep apace with sequently he read medicine with Dr. Valentine Mott, of New York, where he attended lectures all that was new in the world of science, letters and art. His last days strongly evinced his at the University from which he was graduated in 1842. After serving for a short time at the hospital on Blackwell's Island, he, in March, 1845, settled in Keyport, N. J., where he has since continued the practice of his profes- sion, and won a foremost place among his medi- cal brethren. He is an old member of the County Medical Society, and was at one time its president. In 1864 he represented his sec- tion in the American Medical Association.

characteristic, calm fortitude and moral bravery. The disease which ended his career was a can- cerous affection of the tongue. He had been a successful surgeon as well as a physician, and his skill had frequently relieved others of the evil which was fatal in his own case. For over a year no one but himself, not even his most intimate friends, knew that his life was threatened ; when surgical operation proved unavailing, none knew better than he what must be the final result of the disease, but he smiled and lost none of his accustomed cheer- fulness when speaking of it to the surgeon, and no change in his bearing or the demeanor of his daily life was observable. And so he passed calmly and without fear to his death, which, after much suffering, came upon the 20th of August, 1880. He was not a member of any religious organization, but was a very regu- lar attendant and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church, and his life and death were a sufficient earnest that he was strong in the essential spirit of the faith.

JOSEPH E. ARROWSMITH, M.D., of Keyport, was born in Middletown, Monmouth County, N. J., January 26, 1823. He is descended from a family that has distinguished itself in the service of the State. His father, Hon. Thomas Arrowsmith, was for many years one of the judges of the Court of Errors, and at an earlier period worthily held the office of State treasurer. His mother, Emma Van Brakle, a native of New Jersey, was a daugh- ter of Matthias Van Brakle, a substantial and much respected farmer, who represented his dis- trict in the State Legislature, where his sterling qualities won the gratitude of his constituents. Dr. Arrowsmith obtained his early education in the academy at Flatbush, Long Island, then presided over by Professor Campbell, the accom- plished scholar and eminent teacher, who subse- quently was the honored president of Rutgers College, New Brunswick. Evincing a taste for medicine, he began his studies in the fall of 1838, with Dr. Edward Taylor, an old and suc- cessful practitioner in his native town, and sub-

STEPHEN MORGAN DISBROW, M.D., was born October 2, 1812, in Brooklyn, N. Y., and in childhood removed with his parents to Mata- wan, N. J., the climate of that portion of New Jersey being regarded as more favorable to the lad, then in delicate health. At the age of twelve he returned to the city of his birth and pursued his rudimentary and classical studies, eventually entering the office, of Dr. John C. Fanning, of Brooklyn, as a student of medicine. He meanwhile attended lectures, and after an interval of practice became a student of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at which he was graduated. In 1832 he received the appointment of superintendent and interne of the Brooklyn Cholera Hospital, and continued thus to act during the epidemic, meeting with much success in the treatment known as " trans- fusing with saline fluids." Dr. Disbrow la- bored with unceasing ardor during this critical period, and was forced by impaired health, as a consequence of his devotion, to tender his re- signation, on which occasion a donation was voted and paid him by the Brooklyn Board of Health for his services. In the spring of 1834 he settled in Howell township, where, with the exception of some unimportant change of lo- cality, he has since resided, his present home being the village of Farmingdale, where his practice has been extended and his labors ardu- ous. He was one of the earliest members of the American Medical Association, and is an honorary member of the Monmouth County Medical Society, as also president of the Board of Health and health inspector of Howell township. Though often solicited by his Demo- cratic constituents to hold office, he has invari-

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ably declined such honors. Dr. Disbrow was, in 1832, married to Anna, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Bennett, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Their children are Elizabeth M. (Mrs. J. M. Wainright), deceased; Rem Lefferts, a practicing physician at Tom's River, N. J .; Andrew Jack- son, deceased, a physician formerly in practice at Spottswood, Middlesex County, N. J .; Ste- phen Adolphus, associated with his father in practice at Farmingdale; Mary Alathea; Anna .Augusta, deceased ; Edwin Clarence, a practic-

hoef, and his wife, Phoebe Hunn. Their children are Mary (Mrs. John Denyse, deceased), Stephen Morgan, Andrew Jackson, John N., Delia Anna (Mrs. Charles Fardon), Catharine L. (Mrs. Richard Van Brackle), William W., Ed- win Clarence and Peter C.

WILLIAM DUNHAM NEWELL, M. D.,1 fifth and youngest son of James H. and Eliza D. Newell, was born at Black's Mills, Monmouth County, on the 20th of February, 1823, and died at Imlaystown on the 22d of November, 1869, --

O. M. Desbrown A. D.

ing physician at Tom's River; Phebe Eliza; [ in the forty-seventh year of his age. He re- Van Derhoef Morgan, a physician in Farming- ceived a classical education at New Brunswick, studied medicine with his brothers, Azariah D. Newell, M.D., and William A. Newell, M.D .; graduated at the Medical College of the District of Columbia in 1844, and began the practice of his profession at Imlaystown, where he continued to reside until the time of his death. dale; and an infant, deceased. The Disbrow family are of English extraction, the grand- father of the doctor having been John Disbrow who resided in South Amboy, N. J., where he followed the employments of a farmer. He married Susannah, daughter of General Mor- gan, of the latter place. Their son, Nicholas . Morgan Disbrow, a citizen of Brooklyn, mar- ! This sketch of Dr. Newell was furnished by his brother, Dr. William A. Newell, to Dr. T. J. Thomason in 1871. ried Mary, daughter of Cornelius P. Van Der-

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During the War of the Rebellion he enlisted as a private in the Union army, but was soon after appointed surgeon of the Twenty-eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, a position which he filled with great skill and acceptance until the expiration of his term of service. He was present at the first and second battles of Fredericksburg, at that of Chancellorsville, and also in several minor engagements; was repeatedly exposed to the fire of the enemy, but always performed his duties on the field with coolness and courage, never shrinking from danger. His life was devoted exclusively to his professional business, and he had at all times a large and lucrative practice. His thorough knowledge of disease, extensive ex- perience, keen perception, sound judgment and close application combined to render him eminently successful as a practitioner, and gained for him a widespread and well-deserved reputation as a physician, not only with the people, but also with his medical brethren, with whom his relations were most friendly and intimate. He was possessed of extraordinary delicacy of touch and mechanical talent, and was a dextrous manipulator. These qualities rendered him a successful surgeon, so that in the adjustment of wounds, luxations, fractures, applications of splints and bandages, and in the management of such other surgical cases as came in his practice he had no superior. He was a constant reader, keeping pace with the most advanced ideas and improvements in the medical profession ; was a close student of history, familiar with the best poetry of the language, and was thoroughly versed in current literature. He was an accomplished musician, performing well upon almost every variety of instrument. As a delineator and painter he especially excelled, and many of his off-hand productions challenged the admiration of masters. He was large-hearted and liberal, and never turned the poor empty away. He was a vigor- ous and athletic gymnast, rapid as a flash, and of unerring aim. In person he was dignified and imposing, and in mien and manner carried the attributes of a true gentleman. During his term of service in the army the exposure to which he was subjected induced several severe

attacks of pneumonia, which, together with a violent injury received at the first battle of Fredericksburg, undermined his health, and resulted in his death. He died where he had lived during all the years of his manhood, be- loved by the people, and at peace with God and all mankind. His remains were interred in the cemetery attached to the Presbyterian Church at Allentown, attended to their final home by a multitude of loving and sorrowing friends.

HENRY G. COOKE, M.D., the son of Dr. Robert W. Cooke, of Holmdel, was born on the 3d of February, 1833, on the homestead in Holmdel. He enjoyed superior advantages of instruction under William Woodhull at Freehold, and in 1850 entered Rutgers Col- lege, New Brunswick, from which institution he was graduated in 1853. His inclinations led to the choice of his father's profession, and begin- ning his studies under his direction, he later be- came a student of Dr. Willard Parker, of New York. He was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, in 1857, and at once entered upon the practice of medicine at Holmdel, sharing with his father his extensive practice. In 1862, Dr. Cooke en- tered the army during the late civil war, as sur- geon of the Twenty-ninth New Jersey Regiment Volunteers, serving nine months and partici- pating with the Army of the Potomac in the en- gagements at Fredericksburg and Chancellors- ville. He subsequently responded to the call of the Governor of New Jersey for volunteer surg- eons, and shared in the conflicts at the Wilderness and Cold Harbor. On returning, he resumed the practice of his profession at Holmdel, where he has since resided and been actively engaged. The doctor's practice is among the largest in the county, and may be spoken of as more than ordinarily successful,-the result of a thorough and careful training, combined with those gifts which are absolutely essential to the skillful and successful practitioner. In the demand made upon his services and the strong hold he has upon the affections of the community, the man- tle of his honored father may be justly said to have fallen upon him. The doctor is a member of the Monmouth County Medical Association, of

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which he has been president, of the New Jersey State Medical Society and of the American Medi- cal Society. In connection with his professional labors, he finds leisure to devote to the cultiva- tion of a fine farm, upon which he resides. He is a member and elder of the Reformed (Dutch) Church of Holmdel. Dr. Cooke was, in 1876, married to Maria B., daughter of the late Peter A. Cowdrey, Esq., of New York. Their children are Sara, Maria, Robert and Susan.

born in Princeton, the 29th day of September, 1827.

At the age of thirteen years young Higgins commenced his preparatory course at the Pen- ington Seminary, in Mercer County, N. J. He was among the first to enter that new institution, which opened in summer of 1840, under the professorship of Howard Bishop, A.M., having but three scholars, including himself. But the school rose in public estimation and became an

Hey Cooke

ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER HIGGINS, M.D., | important seat of learning, which it continues to be at the present day.

was a son of Henry Higgins, of Princeton, Mercer County, N. J., a gentleman well-known in his day throughout the counties of Monmouth, Burlington, Somerset, Middlesex and Mercer as the general agent of the Mercer County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, the office of which was located at Pennington. He gave to that institution life and popularity, as he was a man highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him.

His son, Archibald Alexander Higgins, was .

He remained at that institution until the summer of 1844, when he completed his studies and graduated with high honor, being selected to deliver the validictory address on that occasion.

In the autumn of 1844 he entered the junior class in the College of New Jersey, and grad- uated at the commencement of 1846.

In the fall of that year he opened a school in the village of Vincentown, Burlington County,

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N. J., and taught for five years with much success, the regrets being many when he closed his school for other labors more suited to his taste.

Having a great desire to enter the medical profession, he commenced the study of medicine, in 1851, with Dr. J. S. Schenck, of Princeton, and soon after removed to Philadelphia to pur- sue his studies in the offices of those eminent physicians, Dr. John Neal and John B. Biddle, attending lectures at the University of Penn- sylvania, and, in addition to his medical studies in the office, enjoying the advantage to be de- rived from attendance at the various city hos- pitals during the winter and summer.

After spending three years in the pursuit of his studies in Philadelphia, he graduated with honor in 1854, receiving his diploma of M.D. from that old and distinguished medical in- stitution, the University of Pennsylvania.

Soon after graduating, in the fall of 1854, he located at Squan village Monmouth County, N. J., and commenced the practice of medicine, of which profession he is still a representative at this place.

On March 17, 1858, he married Miss Eliza A., daughter of Josiah H. Sage, E=q., of Litch- field County, Conn. Their children are Henry H. (deceased), born August 9, 1860, and Archi- bald S., whose birth occurred February 9, 1867.

Dr. Higgins has taken a prominent and active part in advancing the cause of education in the vicinity of his adopted home. Soon after his settlement he was elected a trustee of the village school, and succeeded in having a new school-house built in 1855. He held the position of school trustee for ten years, the duties of which were performed with ability and entire satisfaction. He was elected one of the trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Squan village, which position he held for fifteen years.

He was one of the first promoters and active workers in projecting the Building and Loan Association of Squan Village. Upon its organi- zation (in 1874) he was elected president of the association, which office he still continues to hold. Heaided very materially in securing the extension of the Long Branch turnpike from Deal to

Squan village. The road is an excellent one, and vastly improves the section of country through which it passes.

But the great aim of Dr. Higgins' life has been to secure for the citizens of his adopted home cheap and speedy railroad communication with New York via Long Branch. He labored for years with the Pennsylvania Company to ex- tend their road from Squan to Long Branch, and and at one time the project looked very encour- aging, but it was finally abandoned. He then endeavored to prevail upon the New Jersey Southern to extend a branch of their road to Squan. More than once the project appeared to be successful, but it also failed, as that road was not in a position to undertake so expensive an enterprise, although seemingly a profitable investment.

At length the project of the New York and Long Branch Railroad began to assume a reality. Dr. Higgins and the citizens of Squan were again encouraged and hopeful that, if the road should be built, their long-desired wish would be gratified. It was completed, and the whole section of country, from Squan to Long Branch, and to New York, now enjoys superior railroad facilities, not excelled by any in New Jersey.

Although strong in his political faith, and inclined to Democratic principles, Dr. Higgins has never been an office-seeker ; consequently we do not find him holding any political positions. He is unassuming and retired in his manner, and in no way boastful of any good he may have accomplished. The citizens of his adopted home honor and appreciate his merits.

ISAAC S. LONG, M.D .- Dr. Long is of Eng- lish parentage, his grandfather having been Judge William Long, of Durham, Bucks County, Pa., who married Jane Smith, and had children,-Samuel, Thomas, James M., Justice K., Charles, Madison, Jane (wife of Hiram A. Williams), Mary (married to James R. Boileau) and Rachel (wife of Abram Houpt). James M. was born in Durham, Bucks County, Pa., September 30, 1804, and studied civil engineer- ing, in which he became proficient. He mar- ried Salome M., daughter of Henry Stover, of Bucks County, Pa., whose children are Henry W., Isaac S., Jennie (wife of Dr. C. Shepherd,

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of Trenton), Harriet M. and Barbara (married to Watson F. Shepherd, of Pottsville, Pa). In 1834, Mr. Long having removed to Hughesville, Warren County, N. J., erected an extensive flouring-mill, which was operated in connection with a farm he cultivated. He was for some years associated with George Law, of New York, in the construction of canal-locks, hav- ing employed the latter as a journeyman, and later admitted him to a partnership. Mr.

with the labor of the farm, and at the age of eighteen began the employment of a teacher, which was continued for five years at Hughes- ville. In 1863 he entered the office of Dr. C. Shepherd, of Trenton, as a student of medicine, and was graduated from the University of Penn- sylvania in March, 1866. Dr. Long the same year began his professional career at Eng- lishtown, N. J., and in the spring of 1872 removed to Freehold, where his ability was

& I Long

Long's death occurred March 17, 1865, at his home in Warren County, and that of his wife in Monmouth County on the 10th of Septem- ber, 1883, in her seventy-second year. Their son, Isaac S., was born June 28, 1839, at Hughesville, Warren County, N. J. His edu- cation was received at the neighboring public school, where he pursued the study of Latin and the higher mathematics, and later at Easton, Pa. He meanwhile became familiar

speedily recognized. His practice, which is general rather than special, is both extended and successful. He has been president and is now treasurer of the Monmouth District Medical Society, and is a member of the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Dr. Long, on the 12th of June, 1872, married Jennie E., daughter of Malford and Esther Drummond, of Monmouth County. The doc- tor's arduous professional labors have precluded

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an active interest in political matters. In religion he is a Presbyterian and a member of the Presbyterian Church at Freehold, as also is his wife.

FRANK K. TRAVERS, M. D., was born in Dorchester County, Md., about eight miles from Cambridge, the county seat, in June, 1840. At an early age he manifested a fondness for the science of medicine, and after completing his educational course he commenced the study of it, and graduated at the Maryland University, Baltimore, in the session of 1860. After re- ceiving his diploma he practiced for a time in Baltimore, then removed to Seaford, Del., where he remained until invited to become a partner with Dr. A. B. Dayton, of Matawan, N. J., in the winter of 1869-70. In this partnership he continued until the death of Dr. Dayton, in July, 1870, after which he remained in charge of the practice. Up to the fall of 1872 he was in possession of apparently good health ; but his labors weighed upon his constitution, and devel- oped a rapid hereditary consumption. For more than six months he was unable to attend to business, and he died on the 24th of July, 1873.

As a physician and surgeon, Dr. Travers gave evidence of ability and love for the profession. In his personal relations he was friendly and courteous, just and upright in his dealings, and a firm advocate of professional etiquette. He was held in high esteem by his professional brethren, and by a large circle of sympathizing friends and patrons.

JAMES HOLMES M.D., was a native of Allen- town, Monmouth County, a son of Edward T. Holmes, and by his maternal side a great-grand- son of General John Beatty, who was the first president of the New Jersey State Medical So- ciety after its interregnum, occasioned by the Revolutionary War James Holmes received his preliminary education chiefly at Tennent School, Hartsville, Pa., under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Long. From that institution he entered the United States Naval Academy at Newport, R. I., in July, 1863. He resigned his position there in 1865, and studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. A. A. Howell, of Allentown, and graduated at Jefferson Medical College,

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History of Monmouth County, New Jersey. Pt. 1, Part 61

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