USA > New Jersey > Salem County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 1 > Part 38
USA > New Jersey > Gloucester County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 1 > Part 38
USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 1 > Part 38
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A warmer-hearted and kindly, generous man than he never lived,-a true friend and brother to all in need of help and sympathy. His practice was very extensive and extended over a large space of country, keeping him on the road nearly all the time, his noble and estimable wife and students, of which he had many, being employed in compounding and pre- paring his medicines in his absence for his next day's necessities. For a long time he kept five horses, all fast drivers, and they had as much as they could do to carry him his rounds among his many patients. As a diagnostician and prognostieian he was remark- able, seeming to see almost intuitively just what was the matter, and the probable results. Was an earnest though humble Christian, feeling himself or his doings to be nothing, but resting unwavering in his faith in Jesus Christ.
Ile was a very successful practitioner, a great reader, a close, logieal thinker, most of his reading being accomplished while riding over the country visiting his patients. He always kept himself well booked up in his profession as well as in general lit- erature and the current topics of the day. Was an
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HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
earnest, thorough Republican, and took the deepest interest in everything pertaining to the late civil war. Was at one time in 1862 very anxious to volunteer as a surgeon, and drew lots with Dr. Halsey as to which of them should go, the lot falling on Dr. Halsey. Few leave this world with more warm-hearted friends to mourn his loss. He associated his son,
DR. JOSEPH FITHIAN GARRISON, with him in practice in 1845, and they together controlled the practice in all this part of the county. The latter was born in Fairton, Cumberland Co., Jan. 20, DR. JEREMIAH J. FOSTER settled in Woodbury, and practiced there extensively and very successfully, and was very popular with his patrons and the whole community ; was one of the founders of the Gloucester County Medical Society. 1823; was especially noted as a hard student, a perfect book-worm, always preferring the compan- iouship of his father or his books to anything else. His health not being good, his father bought him a boat, hoping he would by this be induced to take ex- DR. CHARLES F. CLARK practiced in Woodbury for ahont fifty years; graduated from the I'niversity of Pennsylvania; joined the County Medical Society May 4. 1836; was quite a noted surgeon, and a very able, successful, and popular practitioner. He was greatly beloved by all who knew him, and was es- pecially noted as a friend and helper to all young practitioners; hence did probably the largest consul- tation practice in this part of the State. He had many students, some of whom became the most able and eminent men of the country. ercise in the open air. With this he would row him- self to some secluded part of the mill-pond which skirted the town, and there spend the greater part of the day poring over his books, his most congenial, chosen companions. His health becoming more en- feebled he gave up practice, which he found too laborious and exposing for him, and commenced the study of divinity, and was admitted to orders early in 1855, and was immediately called to the rectorship of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, of Cam- den, N. J., where he has been, and still is, rector Drs. Ezra Baker, Bowman, Hendry, Samuel Har- ris, Lorenzo Tisler. Thomas Hendry, William Hunt, John C. Warner, Charles D. Hendry, I. P. Thorn- ton, and I. S. Mulford all lived in or practiced in the county, and were members of the County Med- for the past twenty-six years. He graduated from Princeton College with high houors, the president remarking that he was fitted to take the highest posi- tion in any profession he might choose. He is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Medical , ical Society, and were active and efficient practi- tioners of medicine.
Department. Ile is a Mazon of high standing, and has written the most elaborate treatise on symbols . and history of Masonry ever produced, which artiele he has delivered before many large bodies of that fraternity.
DR. LUTHER F. HALSEY succeeded Dr. Joseph F. Garrison in the practice of medieine in Swedes- boro, in January, 1855 ; was born in Bucks County, Pa .; prepared for college at Woodbridge Hall, at Perth Amboy, and entered Rutgers College, at New Brunswick ; afterwards studied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. C. S. Baker,-than whom there does not exist a clearer-headed or more erudite physi- cian,-and graduated from Jefferson Medical College. After which he spent some time in Europe perfect- ing his knowledge, aud upon returning home was urged to settle in Swedesboro, where he has lived ever since, except the three years he spent as surgeon in the army, where he occupied important positions. generally as one of the chief operators in his corps. It has been often said of him, " he is a natural-born surgeon," in which department especially he has been most successful.
DI :. FRANCIS HOOVER, father of Joseph Hoover, the celebrated ink man, who was one of the founders of the Gloucester County Medical Society in Decem- ber, 1818, practiced in Swedesboro, and afterwards re-
moved to Philadelphia. At one time, while living in Swedesboro, some one sent for him in a great hurry to come and >et a broken leg. ITe immediately attended the call, and found it was a turkey who-e leg wa- broken. lle expressed no indignation, but proceeded to set and splint the leg. and gave explicit direction- how to care for the patient, and left very soon there- after, sending in a bill for his professional services, -- which was eontested, but which he recovered by pros- eeution.
DR. THOMAS J. SAUNDERS graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and settled in Wood- bury, and was a very successful and acceptable practi- tioner. Joined the County Medical Society June 16, 1846, and was a very earnest, active member.
He removed to the western country about 1856 or 1857, and was much mi -- ed by his many friends, and especially his professional brethren.
DR. JOHN P. SICKLER graduated March 18, 1829, from Jefferson Medical College. Settled in Mantua, formerly called Carpenter's Landing. Joined the County Medical Society, June 16, 1846. Was ap- pointed judge of the court for several terms, and his judgments were very seldom disputed or reversed by higher courts. He always leaned to merey's side. feeling and knowing the imperfections of humanity. lle always kept open hou-e, and very often enter- tained his profesional brethren at his truly hospitable house and table. Was elected president of the State Medical Society in 1859, which body, as well as the county society, he very often repre-entel as delegate to national and other State societies. He was quite an active politician, and was elected State senator.
DR. BENJAMIN P. HOWELL. - Truly "a gentle- man of the old school," always dignified, courteous, and scrapulously polite in all his intercourse, and
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Jamal . Millard
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GENERAL HISTORY.
any one passing him on the street would instinctively turn around after passing and take a prolonged look at him.
A graduate of the I'niversity of Pennsylvania, and became a member of the county society, June 16, 1846.
DE. BENJAMIN F. CHATHAM practiced a short time at Mullica Hill, then removed to Delaware. Joined the County Medieal Society in June, 1846. Understand he has since died.
DR. ELIJAH WILEY graduated from Jefferson Medical College, settled in Swedesboro, and was a very excellent and successful practitioner, and would have ranked very high in the profession had he not been elaimed so young as a victim of consumption. Joined the County Medical Society, June, 1846. Died in February, 1847, and was succeeded by his brother George. He continued active practice up till within two days of his death, and even tried to dress and ride the day before he died. but was wholly unable. A man of great character and indomitable persever- ance.
DR. GEORGE WILEY graduated from Jefferson Medical College; settled in Swedesboro after his brother Elijah's death, but in about three years there- after removed to Bridesburg, Pa .; again back to Swedesboro in 1862, and again baek to Bridesburg in 1865.
DR .- PURDEE settled in Swedesboro in 1840, but only remained here some four months.
DR. JOHN GILLMAN also practiced in Swedesboro for a short time, and boarded with Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Talman, as did also Drs. Elijah and George Wiley, . Purdee, and Reeves.
SAMUEL T. MILLER, M.D .- The ancestors of Dr. Miller were of Irish birth. His grandfather was John Miller, who married Betsey Borough, and had chil- dren,-Borough, John B., James, Sarah ( Mrs. Elias Kaign, of Camden), Abigail (Mrs. William Beck, of Philadelphia), and Ann ( Mrs. William Henderson ). John B. was born on May 12, 1797, in Gloucester County, and during his active life engaged largely in farming and the shipping of produce, principally in Greenwiel: township. He was early a Democrat, but later esponsed the principles of the Republican party, and was honored by both parties with official position, having been thrice representative in the State Legislature and judge of the County Court, as also an early justice of the peace. He married Miss Elizabeth A., daughter of Samuel Tyler and Grace Ambler, of Salem, and had children,-Abigail W. (Mrs. A. W. H. Hall), Samuel T., Lydia A. (Mrs. James MI. Roe), Emily (Mrs. George H. Gaunt), Anna (Mrs. Z. Siekler), Edward G., Lizzie (Mrs. Daniel V. Summerell), Charles F., and John Mason (deceased). Mr. Miller died April 6, 1858, in his sixty-first year. His widow still survives, in her eighty-fourth year. Their son, Samuel T., the sub- jeet of this brief biography, was born Nov. 21, 1826, in Greenwich township, Gloucester Co. Ile enjoyed
in youth liberal advantages of education at Penning- ton. N. J., where his studies were continued until his twenty-first year. He then decided upon a pro- fessional career, and choosing that of medicine, en- tered the otlice of Dr. Joseph C. Weatherby, of Clarks- boro, where his studies were continued for three years, meanwhile attending lectures at the medical depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1850. The village of Harrisonville, in Gloucester County, first offered an inviting field, where he remained one year, and then became estab- lished as a practitioner in Paulsboro, his present residence. His quick intuition, discretion in prac- tiee, and thorough knowledge of the science of medi- cine readily obtained for him an extended and protit- able practice. He has recently relinquished the arduous labors of his profession, and devoted his " time to the management of his three productive farms, and to the interests of the Delaware River Railroad, of which he is secretary and treasurer. The doctor, in 1862, entered the army as assistant surgeon of the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, and served for three years, during which time he was delegated to hospital duty, and participated in many engagements, his services having ended with the close of the conflict. He is an active member of both State and County Medical Societies. Dr. Miller is in poli- tics a Democrat. Ife has been identified with his township as freeholder for successive terms, and was appointed by Governor MeClellan judge of the Court of Common Pleas, as also a second term by Governor Ludlow. He has for years been actively interested in the cause of education, and officiated as superin- tendent of schools for his township. The doctor was married, March 4, 1856, to Miss Fannie M., daughter of Jacob and Mary D. Price, of Paulsboro. Their children are John B. and Mary E. Mrs. Miller having died Oct. 26, 1879, he married, Jan. 11, 1882, Miss Jennie L., daughter of John F. Forepaugh, of Philadelphia, and his wife, Jane Leaming, of Cape May County, N. J.
DR. R. S. GRAHAM was son of Rev. - Graham, Presbyterian minister of Woodbury, where he settled in practice after graduating, but soon removed to Chester, where he became a very popular and highly respected practitioner.
DR. ROBERT S. SMALLWOOD graduated from Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, and practiced for a short time in Woodbury, but was soon carried off by that fell destroyer, consumption.
DR. SAMUEL F. FISLER graduated from Jefferson Medical College in spring of 1844; settled in Clay- ton, formerly called Fislerville or town; has ever proved a very popular and successful physician, elear. elose thinker, and close observer; joined the county society in 1851.
DR. HENRY C. CLARK graduated from the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, and joined the county so- eiety in 1854; settled in Woodbury in practice with
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HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY
his father, Dr. C. F. Clark. In 1856 he wrote an elabo- , all of which were destroyed during the Revolutionary rate essay on "Amputations," which is among the war. He espoused the cause of the colonies, and in papers of the county society, being so requested by said society. In 1861 he went out as volunteer sur- geon in the late war of the Rebellion, in which ser- vice he filled many prominent positions, and both there and at home he has been ever held in the highest esteem and confidence.
DR. JAMES B. WARE graduated from the University of Pennsylvania ; settled in Mullica Ilill; after a few year: removed to Davenport, Iowa. Returned after some years and settled in Pedricktown, Salem Co., where he became quite popular, and gathered quite a fortune. After the death of his most estimable wife he removed to Bridgeton, Cumberland Co., but not
succeeding very well he returned to Pedricktown, . where he grew to manhood, and in 1794 married Abi- much to the satisfaction of many of his patrons.
DR. JOHN H. ASHCRAFT graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1855; joined the county society the same year ; first settled in Auburn, formerly Sculltown, Salem Co., but soon removed to Mulliea . Wilmington, Del., where he served as presiding elder
Ilill, Gloucester Co., where he has resided ever since, and is a very sensible, judicious, popular, self-reliant, and no better man living to meet in consultation.
DR. JACOB T. FISLER graduated in 1855 from Jef- ferson Medical College, and settled in Harrisonville, Gloucester Co., where he became very popular and successful as a practitioner ; was a great horseman, and always drove a magnificent team.
DR. ANDREW J. MCKELWAY graduated from Jef- ferson Medical College; became a member of the Gloucester County Medical Society, April, 1859. He first practiced in Trenton, N. J., afterwards at Black- woodtown, and then went out as volunteer surgeon of the Eighth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers. On his return from the war he settled in Williams- town, where he still resides, though now much broken in health. One of the most companionable, genial, and thoroughly-posted gentlemen I ever met. Has probably one of the most extensive libraries of any member of the profession in the State.
DR. JOHN SHOEMAKER, a bright, active, energetic physician, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in Bridge- port and practiced two or three years, and the war breaking out, he entered the army as a surgeon, and served with much distinction.
A. A. SMITH, MI.D .- John Smith, the progenitor of the Smith family to which belongs Dr. A. A. Smith, came to America in 1772, and settled in Atlantic County, N. J. ; he had sixty thousand acres of land, which were granted to him by the English erown, in the connties of Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, and Atlantic. The title-deeds to this land are now in the possession of his descendants, held by them as heir- looms. As shown by the grant made to him, he was in the mother-country a man of prominence. He was also very wealthy, which gave him a prominent posi- tion in the colonies. He established on Staten Island and in Philadelphia silk-lace- weaving establishment-,
connection with his family fitted out two vessel- as privateers, which did good service on the Jer-ey coast. As soon as the English government learned of his disloyalty his estates in England were conti -- cated and he was disinherited by his father, which, with the destruction of his property in Philadelphia and on Staten Island, reduced the family from wealth and affluence to abject poverty. He married Mary Ireland, also of English descent, who bore him chil- dren as follows,- Edward, Christiana, Margaret. Mary. John, Micajah, Fannie, Asa, Leah, Sarah, Ruth, and Daniel.
Of the children, Asa was born in Atlantic County. gail Dennis. Their children were Absalom, Mary. Sarah, Martha, John, Charles, William, and Thoma -. He became a Methodist preacher, and was one of the pioneer itinerant preachers of Jersey. He moved to
of the Wilmington Conference. His son Charles was born in Wilmington, Del., Nov. 10, 1810. He ( Charles) learned the trade of wheelwright in Phila- delphia, and became superintendent of a large manu- facturing establishment in that eity, which position he held three years. He was then induced by Sur- geon John B. Mcclellan to study medicine and sur- gery under his instruction at the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, after which he practiced medicine in that city and Wilmington until 1 30, when he removed to Malaga, in Gloucester County, N. J .. where he practiced until his death, which oc- curred June 6, 1872. He married Miss Sarah Clark. of an old English family, in 1837. Their children were Asa, Malissa, Isaac P., Matilda, Sarah T., Thomas J., Martha Jane, Charles F., and Mary A.
Asa, the subject of this sketch, was born in Malaga, March 20, 1838, where he grew to manhood. The foundation of his education was laid at the district school of his native town and from private teachers. His father intended he should enter the navy, but the opposition of his mother frustrated the plan. He studied engineering and architecture, but it being decided that he should adopt his father's profession. he, in October, 1861, entered the University of Penn- sylvania as a medical student, and in less than two weeks thereafter was offered a commission as acting assistant surgeon United States army, which he de- elined. In November he was appointed acting " med- ical cadet," United States army, at Satterlee, United States general hospital, West Philadelphia, where he remained until the close of the war. After graduating, March, 1864, he was then appointed acting assistant surgeon United States army. A- a token of their good will and appreciation of his skill and care the members of his ward presented him with a beautiful sword, which the doctor keeps as a memento of by- gone days. In 1866 he came home to Malaga and
Autmuitoms
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GENERAL HISTORY.
Commenced the practice of medicine with his father. Ster his father's death the entire practice fell to him, : al he has kept it ever since. ITe still remains in Malaga, where he has a beautiful home and an ex- tensive and successful practice. On the 23d day of Auzu-t, 1870, he married Miss Mary P., daughter of Daniel IT. and Elizabeth ( Hathaway ) Howland. She w . born in South Dartmouth, Mass., June 10, 1840. They have had one child, Sarah HI., born June 6, 172, died April 19, 1879.
DR. AUGUSTUS V. HERMANN, a Pennsylvania German, impulsive and of a very quick temper, nerv- ou-ly constituted, while out gunning one day first discovered he was blind in one eye. He soon lost the sight of the other, which so depressed him that he is supposed to have committed suicide by poison. Hle practiced at Bridgeport, and joined the County 1 resign in 1872.
Medical Society, October, 1866, and was allowed to . war he began the practice of medicine at Glassboro,
DR. EDWARD L. REEVES settled in Paulsboro in 1866, joined the society in October the same year, ' joint, and many of the miuor operations of surgery. and was dropped from the rolls in 1874.
DR. ANDREW P. GLANDEN settled at Mantua in 1867, and joined the county society the same year. Afterwards studied divinity, and acted as a lay reader for two or three years. Afterwards removed to Cum- berland County, N. J., and resumed the practice of medicine.
DR. WILLIAM H. TURNER, a native of Mantua, Gloucester Co., when but a small boy determined to get a good education, and spent all his leisure time from farm work in study, borrowing works of the best authors. Graduated from the University of Penn- sylvania in 1867, and was admitted to membership in the county society same year. He did his own thinking, and was one of the brightest and most highly-esteemed physicians of the county; wrote and read several very interesting and instruetive essays, which were read before the county and State so- cieties, and copies requested for publication. He was a prominent member of several secret societies. Not being well, he took by mistake about five grains
DR. WALTER MI. WAY settled for a few months in Mullica Hill, joined the society, but soon left the county.
JOHN DOWN HERITAGE was born at Hurffville, Gloucester Co., N. J., Sept. 14. 1837. He received a common-school education, and afterwards spent two years at Pennington Seminary. He was then employed for some time as teacher of the school at the place of his nativity. Upon deeiding to study medicine, be entered the office of Charles C. Clark, M.D., of Woodbury, one of the most distinguished surgeons and skillful practitioners of medicine in Gloucester County, and after pursuing his studies for three years graduated at the University of Pennsyl-
vania in March, 1862, having been employed during the last year of his studies as medical cadet at Satter- lee General Hospital. After practicing medicine a short time at his home he was commissioned assistant surgeon Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, joining the regiment at Falmouth, Va., and remaining with it , until it was mustered out of service at the close of the war. He was taken prisoner at Ream's Station, and sent to Hill's Corps Hospital, where he was put in charge of three Inmdred Federal wounded who had been taken prisoners at the above battle, and : gave them attention until they were sent to Rich- mond for exchange, after which he reported to Libby prison, and was soon after exchanged. He served with his regiment at Gettysburg, Manassas Gap, Wil- derness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and battles and skirmishes before Petersburg. At the close of the N. J., where he still resides. He has performed sue- cessfully several amputations, one at the shoulder-
He is a society man, and was elected Grand Chan- cellor of the State Knights of Pythias, and served i two terms as representative of the State to the Su- preme Lodge; is a member of the Grand Lodge of Masons, Grand Lodge of Red Men, a member of the I. O. of O. F., American Mechanics, Heptasophs, State Medical Society, Gloucester County Medical Society, and Salem County Medical Society.
IIe married, May 26, 1869, Elizabeth Fi-ler Shivers, of Swedesboro township, and has three children.
DR. PAUL S. HERITAGE, brother of the above, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania in March, 1872. Settled first in Huffville, but upon the death of Dr. Turner removed to Mantua, where he estab- lished himself in a good practice, and was deservedly popular and successful. He died in the autumn of 1883.
DR. L. A. D. ALLEN, graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Studied pharmacy first, and settled in Woodstown, Salem Co., though his practice ex- tended into Gloucester County, whose society he of sulphate of morphia instead of sulphate of quinia, joined in October, 1869. Wholly and enthusiastically as he supposed, and died from its effects, in August, 1876.
devoted to his profession. Very popular as a physi- cian, and as a citizen and gentleman. Has written several articles on professional subjects read before the society, which were thankfully and acceptably received.
Drs. Hugh Davis, Edward Hance, Andrew J. Mc- Pherson, I. P. Bennett, J. E. Clawson, E. Hance, Jr., T. B. Castle, John MI. Summerill, J. E. Garrison, William B. Chri-tiue all practiced in different parts of the county, but only for a short time, and were pleasant gentlemen.
DR. CHARLES HITCHNER practiced at Elmer, Salem Co. Joined county society in 1870, but soon gave it up and went into the drug business.
DR. ALBERT PORCH practiced at Hardingville, and since removed to Clayton. Graduate of Jefferson
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HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
Medical College, and admitted member of society in October, 1871.
DR. GEORGE C. LAWS, a native of Pennsylvania, first studied the homeopathie system, but seeing its unreliability in critical cases, gave it up and gradu- ated from the University of Pennsylvania, March, . 1871, and was admitted into the society, January, 1872. He settled in Paulsboro, and worked himself into a large and lucrative practice. A thoroughly conscien- tious Christian gentleman, strong Episcopalian, and was the main mover in establishing the church of that town. His especial forte is chemistry. A great reader and a thorough student, a warm-hearted and true friend, loving always to do some one good.
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