History of Monmouth county, New Jersey, Part 58

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Swan, Norma Lippincott. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia, R. T. Peck & co.
Number of Pages: 1148

USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth county, New Jersey > Part 58

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ROBERT WOODRUFF COOKE, M.D .- Dr. Robert Woodruff Cooke was born in Newton, Sussex County, N. J., on the 21st day of Janu- ary, 1797. His father, Dr. Ambrose Ellis Cooke, with whom he commenced the study of medicine, was a physician of character and dis- tinction, whose professional life was mostly spent in Somerset County. Dr. Robert W. Cooke subsequently went to the city of New York, en- tered the office of Dr. Valentine Mott, and was graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in that city. In July, 1820, he com- menced the practice of his profession in Mon- mouth County, . where he spent the remainder of his life.

The most fitting tributes to his memory are taken from the address of the pastor of the de- ceased on the funeral occasion, and from those expressed in the county papers.

From the sermon :

" His father and mother taught their children truth, virtue and the fear of God. This is worthy of special mention as an important element in the formation of character not only, bnt of success in life. Dr. Cooke was a gentleman, both at home and abroad. With kindness and gentleness he ruled his own house, and he ruled it well. His hospitalities were generous and liberal, and dispensed with a freedom that made the stranger feel at home.

" In his intercourse with the world he was modest, unassuming and deferential. Possessing great sim- plicity of character, he was accessible to all, and met every one with kindness and affability. He never exulted in the pride of opinion, as though he would impress his views upon others, but as a man of taste and culture was satisfied to enjoy his own.

" But it was in his profession-in that specialty to which he had devoted his life-that he stood at his full height ; to this he gave all his energies. It was not that he had no taste for literature, or art, or the abstract sciences, that he turned from them, for he had a taste delicate and refined, but a stronger bond held him and he made the sacrifice. All his reading and study had but one view -- the better to qualify him for the discharge of his duty. With his books he conversed in his leisure hours and in hours when other men slept; so it was that he never suffered himself to become antiquated in his profession, but kept himself'fully abreast of all the advances made, and was sometimes able to anticipate them. But rising still higher than professional excel- lence, Dr. Cooke was a conscientious man. In his modes of thought on moral and religious subjects could be plainly seen the influence of early parental training. His views of moral obligation and duty were those inculcated in the Scriptures, and by these his aim was to regulate his conduct.

" He was a firm and fast friend of the church, always manifesting an interest in its prosperity, and con- tributing to that end. As a hearer of the Gospel he was earnest and attentive, always as constant as his professional duties wouldl admit.

"His closing illness was short. During this time, when asked whether he was apprehensive of death, he re- plied that his race was almost run, and he had hope in Jesus Christ as his Saviour; he also said that in his body he suffered, but his mind was in peace.

" And so he passed away."

From the Monmouth Democrat :

" Dr. Robert W. Cooke, one of the most able and ex- perienced physicians of this county, departed this life on Friday evening. The funeral services were held

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HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

in the Reformed Church, Holmdel, Tuesday morning, December 31st. The day was extremely cold, but an immense gathering of the substantial citizens from every part of the county assembled at an early hour and filled the church to its utmost capacity. At twelve o'clock the mournful procession entered the church ; the remains were borne by six carriers, and attended by Drs. T. J. Thomason, Smith English, Al- fred B. Dayton and H. Longstreet, who acted as pall- bearers. The leading practitioners of medicine in our county were present, testifying their high esteem and affection for their esteemed friend. Rev. Dr. Reiley conducted the funeral services, assisted by Rev. Ralph

careful teaching and an exemplary life ; he was a man of eminent worth as to his general influence and Christian bearing ; he was an earnest supporter of the church and all its institutions, and a kind friend to his pastor. In his last sickness he gave evidence of the most confident hope that, through the mercy of God, his future would be blessed. The sad and tender ser- viees closed, and the remains were carried to their last resting-place, in the family plot at Brick Church, Marl- borough. The funeral services of the Reformed Church were read at the grave by Dr. Reiley, and the honored, beloved physician was left to sleep with the kindred dust until the beautiful morning of the resurrection."

To Be broke

Willis and other clergymen who were present. A selection of Scripture was read from 15th chapter of 1st Corinthians. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Wil- son, pastor of the Baptist Church. Dr. Reiley an- nounced his text, Ps. xc. 15-' Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast afflicted us,' ete. He alluded with mneh tenderness to the afflictions which the family had endured, and to the death, in the early part of the year, of the beloved and only daughter of Dr. Cooke, which sad event was still fresh in the memory of his hearers, and was considered an appro- priate eulogy of the departed. Dr. Cooke gave evi- dence of the principles of the Christian religion by

" To the Editor of the Monmouth Democrat :

"I expected to see, in last week's issue, a more ex- tended obituary notice of the death of Dr. Robert W. Cooke, long a prominent and leading physician of the county of Monmouth, for seldom have they been called upon to chronicle the death of a man of such marked character.

" Dr. Cooke was suddenly and unexpectedly called alike from the field of his labors and the field of his triumphs. We are no less taught an impressive and instructive lesson in the death of such a man. As an act of justice to the distinguished character of the lamented dead, and in order that the living may profit

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by the example of his life and influences, I may be permitted, through these columns of your paper, to briefly allude to some of the more prominent facts in his life, and at the same time pay the tribute of a friend to his memory.

"I do not propose in this brief narrative to indulge in the language of eulogy. My respect for the dead and regard for the living would alike forbid the attempt.

" Dr. Cooke breathed his last December 27, 1867, at his home in Holmdel, surrounded by the members of his family and affectionate friends ; it was evident for some hours previous to his decease, to those who were watching at his bedside, that he could not recover ; but all that science or affection could suggest was done to relieve his sufferings and gently smooth his path- way to the grave.

"Dr. Cooke, while a young man, came to this county in the year 1820. Being endowed by nature with a keen perception and thrown upon his own energies, he soon realized and acted upon the fact that, under the laws of our country and the genius of our institu- tions, the road to wealth, to honor and fame is the re- ward of merit. After a few years of practice that was extremely flattering to a young man, he became acquainted with and married Miss Susan Gansevoort of Albany, N. Y., who survives, and, with three sons, mourns his loss. The whole country also deplores the sad event. Dr. Cooke had been assiduously devoted to the practice of his profession for over forty- seven years, and was eminently successful ; although having a very extensive practice, lie was a close student; he kept himself thoroughly informed of the progress of the science of medicine, and the development of that noble science was the object, aim and ambition of his life. The confidence in his skill was unbounded, the estimation of his honor and candor never overrated.

" Dr. Cooke was an enthusiast in his profession. He was never known to refuse a call ; the high or low, the rich or poor, were always met with the response, 'I will come.' I have heard it confessed on all sides that he was a marked man in his profession. In con- versation with a highly-esteemed and eminent physi- cian of this town (Freehold), a long, warm and inti- mate friend of the deceased, and of whom Dr. Cooke entertained the utmost confidence and esteem, he re- marked, that he had never felt more sadly than when he stood by the side of his grave and heard the solemn and impressive words, ' Earth to earth, dust to dust ashes to ashes ;' but he added, 'death has chosen for a victim a man by head and shoulders taller than all the rest of us; and how can we but feel impressed with the fact that the glories of our mortal state are but shadows, and not substantial ?'

" H."

The grandfather of the deceased, Dr. R. W. Cooke, Colonel Ellis Cooke, of Morris County, N. J., was a very prominent publie man, and

maintained the respeet and confidence of a large constituency for many years. He was member of the Council for three years, and of the House of Assembly for fourteen years. He was a delegate from Morris County to the first. Pro- vincial Congress.

JOHN MORFORD, M.D., son of Thomas Mor- ford, of Shrewsbury township, was born in 1803. His medical preceptor was Dr. Jacobus Hubbard, Jr., of Tinton Falls. He was grad- uated at the University of New York, and licensed, after examination by the censors of the Monmouth Medieal Society, in April, 1824. Two years afterwards he was admitted to mem- bership in the society. In 1825 he located at Squan village, where he remained in practice until his death, in December, 1839, at the age of thirty-six years. 1lis practice was extensive, and he was exceedingly popular as a physician, and respected and esteemed as a citizen.

WILLIAM FORMAN, M. D., was born in Mon- mouth County, near New Egypt, on the 17th of August, 1796. He studied medicine with Dr. Samuel Holcomb, of Allentown, attended two courses of lectures at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in New York, in 1819. He was licensed by the board of eensors April 24, 1820, and admitted a member of the Men- mouth Society in the same year. He was its pres- ident in 1829 and president of the State Society in 1833. He occupied in succession several important fields of labor, commencing with New Egypt; removed thence to Spottswood, Middlesex County ; thence to Eatontown, Mon- mouth County ; thence to Paradise, Lancaster County, Pa. ; thence to Allentown, Monmouth County, N. J. ; and thence to Princeton, where he died of typhoid fever February 22, 1848. He is mentioned as a man of remarkable talent, a fine scholar and a writer of much merit, and as a very skillful physician, having among his patrons some of the best families in Princeton.

ARTHUR V. CONOVER, M.D .- Dr. Arthur V. Conover was born on the 30th of January, 1809, in Manalapan township, and remained until the age of fourteen under the paternal roof. He then became a pupil of the academy at Law- renceville, N. J., and at the expiration of the

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HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

third year entered both the Classical and Medical vid V., married, in 1863, to Miss Charlotte B. Read, whose children are Florence V. and Ar- thur V .; William A., of Hackettstown, N. J., a graduate of the College of Physicians and Sur- geons, New York, married, in 1875, to Miss Laura M. Read, whose children are Madeline M., Carlton R. and William A., Jr ; Jacob C., who graduated from the Georgetown Medical College, Washington, D. C., and was married, in 1877, to Miss Laura G. Abendroth, whose only Departments of Princeton College. One year later he became a student of medicine in the office of Dr. William Van Duzen, of New Bruns- wick, N. J., and graduated from the Duane Street Medical College, in New York, in 1829. He began the practice of his profession in Man- alapan township, which was continued with suc- cessful results for several years. A taste for public life influenced him, in 1837, to accept the nomination for Representative in the State Leg- I daughter is Alice V. Dr. Conover, in 1866,

islature, to which he was elected the same year having purchased a valuable property at Long by his Democratie 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 I in a measure relinquished. 1849, made surrogate of Monmouth County, which necessitated the abandonment of his prae- 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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MONMOUTHI MEDICAL SOCIETY.

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, reet line of descent was John I. Conover, grand-"continuing with the latter two and a half years, father of Dr. Arthur V., a farmer in Manalapan " during which time he attended lectures at the township, whose children were three sons,- 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- John, Robert and William I.,-and two daugh- ters,-Leah (Mrs. William Ten Eyck), and Elizabeth (Mrs. James Robinson). William I., fession in Manalapan township, from whence, a born on the homestead, married Jane, daughter few years later, he removed to Tom's River, of Tunis Van Derveer, and was the father of Ocean County, N. J., then within the bound- children,-Tunis, John, Arthur V., Jane, (Mrs. aries of Monmouth County, and continued John Van Mater), Ann (Mrs. William Ely), professionally occupied for six years. At the

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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 Elijalı 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, thongh 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 Connty 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, danghter 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 Connty, 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 ber 1, 1788. At seven years of age he was late Hon. William L. Dayton, his brother; 'adopted by a maternal aunt, and removed with another is James B. Dayton, of Camden.

Ile 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. Ile 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 ; once gaining confidence, had a salutary effect on 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 serupulous care. He died July 19, 1870. His wife was Elizabeth R. Vanderveer, a native of Somerville, N. J. A son, Rensselaer W.

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 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 coolly remarked : " I never saw you when you were so quiet ; better leave it so, I guess." He however reduced the dislocation, and her first Dayton, was graduated at Princeton College in remark, as he retreated, was, "Get out, you old

1863, read law with Hon. Henry S. Little, of Matawan, and is practicing his profession at that placc.

her to Shellmrne, 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. IIe 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.

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

JOHN P. LEWIS, M. D., was born at the Nave- are all right now." On another occasion a sink Highlands, in Middletown township, Oeto- 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.

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History of Monmouth county, New Jersey, Part 58

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Swan, Norma Lippincott. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Philadelphia, R. T. Peck & co. Number of Pages: 1148

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Swan, Norma Lippincott. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia, R. T. Peck & co.
Number of Pages: 1148