The biographical encyclopaedia of New Jersey of the nineteenth century, Part 21

Author: Robson, Charles, ed; Galaxy Publishing Company, publisher
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy publishing company
Number of Pages: 924

USA > New Jersey > The biographical encyclopaedia of New Jersey of the nineteenth century > Part 21

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.

of the Essex County Medical Society. He was married, May 9th, 1850, to Fanny H. Baldwin, of Philadelphia.

ATSON, BERIAH A., M. D., of Jersey City, the third son of Perry and Maria, nee Place, Watson, was born at Lake George, Warren county, New York, March 26th, 1836. Perry Watson, a native of Rhode Island, was descended from a pioneer family of New England, and was named after his grandfather, who had participated in the battle of Bunker Hill. In early youth he removed to Greenwich, Wash- ington county, New York, where his wife was born. He subsequently led the life of a farmer in this and the adjoin- ing county of Warren, and was highly respected by all who appreciated his stern qualities of industry and honesty. When seven years of age their son was sent to the country district school, which he attended regularly during the summer and winter months, i. e., about eight months during the year, until he was fourteen years of age. His services were now demanded on the farm, as his time was thought too valuable to be spent in the school-room during the summer months. But in this new occupation, to which he reluctantly turned himself, it was soon discovered that he took neither pleasure nor interest. Arrangements were then made with Isaac Streeter whereby he was enabled to con- tinue his studies uninterruptedly. His innate desire for knowledge was such that he never failed to improve every moment by study when not engaged in farm work. Gladly did he take advantage of the stormy weather, which enabled him to leave the irksome duties of farming for his agreeable recitations. These were indeed days of real enjoyment, and the progress made in his studies during this period was even greater than that at any previous time. In the follow- ing autumn, just prior to the opening of the winter session of the district school, young Watson took up his residence with the family of Jonathan Streeter, father of Isaac, previously mentioned. Attending the district school, doing whatever was required of him on the farm, passing the evenings in reading and studying his books, thus he occupied the winter months. To understand the advantages of a residence with this family, to which the doctor attributes very largely his success, it may be proper to mention some facts in regard to their peculiarities. Jonathan Streeter and family were strict members of the Society of Friends, Though in early life he had been obliged to labor with his hands for his daily bread, and had been enabled to obtain scarcely four months' instruction at school, he was, however, in the elementary branches far more thorough than many collegiates of the present day. He had, in fact, by his studious application and untiring industry, acquired not only a good education but also enough of this world's goods to be considered wealthy by the community in which he lived. At the time young Watson resided with him he had

attained his sixtieth year, but was still strong and remark- ably industrious. There were during this period two other young men living with the family. All were required to be ready for the duties of the day promptly at five A. M. during the whole year. In winter, at this early hour, Mr. Streeter never failed to be seated before the, blazing wood-fire, provided with his in-door work, which frequently was the making of a broom from a hickory or birch stick. The moment he was seated he required one of the young men of his household, properly supplied with a book, and with works of reference near him, to read aloud while he himself plied his work. The same system was adopted in the evening, and thus work never ceased till ten o'clock. The reading was conducted with great care; the reader was never allowed to hurry; he was required not only to make his reading intelligible to Mr. Streeter but to understand it himself. If a word were found that he supposed the reader did not understand he was stopped, asked to give its mean- ing, and if unable to do so, he was requested to refer to the dictionary and read aloud the definition. A similar method was followed with regard to geographical names, the reader being required to locate the place, give all the important facts pertaining to its surroundings and its history, or obtain them by reference before proceeding further. The gram- matical construction of sentences was also criticised, and Mr. Streeter was frequently heard citing the rules from Lindley Murray's grammar ; a copy of this work at one period in his life he had constantly with him, to be studied at every available opportunity, even when working behind his team in performing his agricultural duties. This work of reading for the old gentleman fell principally to the lot of young Watson. On the closing of the district school he entered a private school, conducted by Warren Fleming, where he remained a few months. During the following summer he left this school and assisted his friend and patron on his farm, still pursuing his studies with the assistance of Isaac and Annie Streeter. In this family the strict rules enforced prohibited all frivolous conversation, but en- couraged discussions on scientific subjects. After a resi- dence of two years with this kind-hearted Quaker, who was continually laboring for the advancement of his neighbors' interests, and thus frequently sacrificing his own comfort, he left this hospitable home for the purpose of engaging in a new sphere of activity as a teacher of a public school. The next six months were occupied in teaching, after which he entered the State Normal School, at Albany, New York. From this time until he had attained his twenty-first year he was engaged in study either at school or under a private tutor. A portion of his time, however, was employed in teaching. The object of this was two-fold : firstly, to pro- cure the means necessary for a present livelihood ; secondly, that he might secure the funds necessary for the prosecution of his future studies. When he had arrived at his majority he entered the office of the late Dr. James Riley, at Sucka- sunny, Morris county, New Jersey, where he devoted his

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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.

whole time and attention to the study of the profession he had chosen. In the autumn of 1859 he matriculated in the medical department of the University of New York, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1861. After leaving the medical school he located at White House, New Jersey, where he practised his profession for a short time. In the fall of 1862 he entered the United States service as a Contract Surgeon, after having passed an examination be- fore the Board of Examiners appointed by the Surgeon- General for the Department of New York, of which Dr. Valentine Mott was President, and was ordered to report for duty, September Ist, at Newark, where he was engaged in the army hospital service until March 26th, 1863. He then received a commission from Governor Parker as Assistant-Surgeon of the 4th New Jersey Volunteers, and reported promptly to the commandant of his regiment, but very soon after was detached from that command and ordered to report to Dr. Asch, Medical Director of the Ar- tillery Reserve, and by him directed to take charge of the 4th Artillery Brigade, then located at Falmouth, Virginia. Ile remained with that command until after the battle of Gettysburg, when he received orders to return to his regi- ment (the 4th New Jersey), of which he was commissioned Surgeon, with the rank of Major, on November 4th. Shortly after this latter date he was detailed as one of the operating surgeons to the Ist Brigade, Ist Division, of the 6th Army Corps, stationed in front of Petersburg, Virginia, at this time. In this capacity he had remained but a few months when he was ordered to take charge of the Ist Division, 6th Army Corps Hospital, and at the same time made Acting Medical Purveyor to the corps. He retained this latter position and continued to discharge the duties of the office until the close of the war, retiring from the service July Ioth, 1865. Returning to civil life he made choice of Jersey City as his future residence, and renewed the practice of his profession, which has become large and lucrative. Al- though actively engaged in practice he still finds time for study, and very few men at any period of life enter into it with more ardor or better success. He has frequently been heard to say to members of his profession : " If you would spend less time in the drug stores; less time in places of amusements ; devote every moment, not actually required for the attendance of your patients or the performance of other necessary duties, to study, then, in due time, you would · be rewarded and your profession honored." He has little respect for the plea often made by members of the medical profession that the weather is now too cold or too hot for study, and is probably inclined to think that such men are too lazy for their profession. He has not only endeavored to advance himself but has also endeavored to advance the interests of the profession. The passage of the act legaliz- ing dissection of human cadavera in this State was secured principally through the efforts of the doctor and his friend, Dr. J. D. McGill. The same may be also said in regard to the formation of the New Jersey Academy of Medicine.

He is a Fellow of the New Jersey Academy of Medicine; Permanent Member of the American Medical Association ; Member of the New York Neurological Society, and also the Jersey City Pathological Society. He is now President of the New Jersey Academy of Medicine, and he like- wise held at one time the office of President of the District Medical Society for the County of Hudson, New Jersey. He was appointed Attending Surgeon to the Jersey City Charity Hospital at the time of its organization in 1869, and also appointed Attending Surgeon to the St. Francis Hos- pital in 1873, and still continues to discharge the duties of both positions at the present time. He has, from time to time, contributed essays and reports of cases to medical literature of the day, among which may be mentioned the following : "A Case of Facial Neuralgia Treated by Extir- pation of the Superior Maxillary Nerve; " The Medical Record, October 16th, 1871; "A Case of Hæematoma of the Thigh, Two Operations : Death ; " The Medical Record, February 20th, 1875; " The Pathology and Treatment of Chronic Ulcers; " New York Medical Journal, July, 1875; "A Supposed Case of Rabies Canina Treated with Strychnia and Woorara : Recovery ; " The American Journal of Medi- cal Sciences, July, 1876; " Femoral Ancurism Treated by Plugging the Sac: Death, Caused by Hemorrhage from Deep Epigastric Artery, on the Eighteenth Day; Autopsy ; Remarks;" The American Journal of Medical Sciences, October, 1876. He was married, September 24th, 1868, to Phebe A., only daughter of H. M. Traphagen, of Jersey City, and has two children, Myra M. and Henry M. T.

ORTON, REV. LEVI WARREN, Rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Metuchen, was born in Genesee county, New York, October 17th, 1819. His father, Elijah Norton, came of New England parentage, being a native of Connecticut ; he was a contractor and builder. His mother, Mary M. Beardley, was a native of New York State. The prelim- inary education of the subject of this sketch was obtained at Lowville Academy, Lowville, Lewis county, New York. From that institution he proceeded to the Cherry Valley Academy, Otsego county, in the same State, where he pre- pared for college. In 1840 he entered Union College, Schenectady, where he spent three years. Then, becoming a candidate for holy orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church, he pursued the study of theology for one year under Rev. E. A. Renouf, of Lowville. Thereafter he entered the General Theological Seminary of New York, where his ministerial studies were completed. lle grad- uated in 1846, and on July 26th, of the same year, he was ordained by Bishop Delaney, of New York. His first pas- torate was at Watertown, Jefferson county, New York, in which place he officiated for seven years as Rector of Trinity Church, Receiving a call from Jamestown, Cha-

BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.

tauqua county, in the same State, he removed to that field of labor, in which he remained engaged for seventeen years. During this period his church was twice destroyed by fire, but each time it was rebuilt. In September, 1870, he re- moved to Metuchen to accept his present charge. He was married, October 15th, 1846, to Elizabeth P. Leonard, of Lowville.

OUGHTON, CHARLES HENRY, Brevet Colonel United States Volunteers, and Collector of Customs for the District of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was born, April 30th, 1842, in McComb township, St. Lawrence county, New York, and is the second son of William and Eliza A. ( Bent- ley) Houghton, both of whom are natives of that State. His father's family trace their descent from one of three brothers who emigrated from Houghton Tower, Lancashire, England, a few years subsequent to the landing of the Pil- grims, and who settled in Massachusetts, Colonel Charles HI. Houghton being the eighth .in descent from one of the three brothers. He received a fair education, both in the district and private schools, occasionally assisting in his father's store. In 1853 his father died, leaving a widow and six children without much means. Shortly after this young Houghton found a position in an union store at De Peyster Corners, where he remained several years, winning the confidence and esteem of all. Owing in part to failing health, he left the position, and after active work on a farm obtained a situation in a large dry-goods house in Ogdens- burg, where he continued until the outbreak of the rebellion. Although but nineteen years of age he resolved to volunteer, and having obtained his mother's permission, both he and an elder brother commenced raising a company, which was, however, too late to be accepted in the first call for troops. Shortly after the second call was made the company (H of the 33d Regiment, National Guard, State of New York), to which both himself and brother had belonged for four years previously, volunteered in a body, and was the first to reach Camp Wheeler, at Ogdensburg, which camp was named in honor of the Republican candidate for the Vice-Presidency in 1876. Though he enlisted only as a private, yet he was at once promoted to First or Orderly Sergeant of his com- pany, in which capacity he served for over a year. The regiment was designated as the 60th New York Volunteers, and was ordered to proceed to Washington, but was finally posted at the Relay House, where it performed guard duty on the railroad until the spring of 1862, when the regi- ment was ordered to reinforce General Banks' Corps, after it had been forced back on Harper's Ferry by Stonewall Jackson. While in the section of Virginia around Little Washington, much sickness prevailed in the command ; and he had a taste of the malarial fever which seemed indigenous to the locality. The regiment had a narrow escape from capture after the second battle of Bull Run, but eventually tle of the Wilderness. Captain Houghton commanded the

rejoined the Union forces at Centreville, making a forced march of twenty-eight miles through the rain and mud, and arrived in time to support General Phil Kearny at the battle of Chantilly, September Ist, 1862. He was recommended for promotion to the grade of Second Lieutenant by his colonel shortly before the latter's death at the battle of An- tietam, where young Houghton greatly distinguished him- self for bravery and coolness while under fire. His regiment became separated from the main body of the Union army, and in joining the latter lost heavily. Young Hougliton, seeing the lieutenant-colonel in danger, interposed his own body as a shield, though without that officer's knowledge. The rest of the autumn was passed at London Heights and Harper's Ferry, whence the regiment marched, December Ioth, for Fredericksburg, where they passed their time in marching and countermarching, interspersed with an occa- sional skirmish. They finally removed to Acquia Creek Landing, where they encamped and erected several forts. In the spring of 1863, being desirous to return home on business, Lieutenant Houghton solicited a leave of absence, which not being granted, he for a second time tendered his resignation, which was accepted, the first having been re- turned him by General Hooker with this indorsemen! : " Disapproved ; the services of this officer cannot be spared." His regiment accompanied Hooker to Sherman's army, with which they served until the close of the war, his brother and step-brother remaining as privates during the entire two terms of the regiment's service, refusing promo- tions tendered them. Young Houghton returned home, married, and re-entered the mercantile house at Ogdens- burg, in which he had previously held a position; but he did not continue there any length of time. The 14th New York Artillery was then organizing at Rochester, and its colonel, learning through his recruiting officer of young Houghton's presence in Ogdensburg, immediately tendered him a Captaincy if he would organize a company. About this time he also received a letter of authority from the gov- ernor to raise a company, and he accepted the same. The requisite number was soon raised, and among them came his former captain, in whose favor he wished to withdraw, accepting a subordinate position ; but the latter would not permit it and only asked for a lieutenancy. The company thus recruited was probably the largest in number and stature that left the State during the war, numbering 172 officers and men. The regiment performed garrison duty . in the forts of New York harbor until the spring of 1864, when they were ordered to the front. At the opening of the great Sanitary Fair in New York city, 1600 officers and men of the regiment participated in the public demon- stration, and the whole corps came together for the first time in dress parade at Alexandria, Virginia, numbering nearly 2,300 officers and men. On their arrival at the seat of war they joined the 9th Corps, under General Burnside, and were in time to participate in the first day's fight at the bat-

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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPÆDIA.

picket line on the extreme right of the Union army ; at his front were rebel cavalry, and being allowed to reconnoitre, he advanced his line of skirmishers over a mile, and finding no infantry, re-established his line. General Grant's great flank movement to Spottsylvania was next executed, and to Captain Houghton was again assigned the command of the skirmishers, with whom he advanced and drew the fire of the enemy. The latter attempted to dislodge him, but he retained his lines until his ammunition was exhausted, losing heavily, but inflicting greater loss upon the enemy. In an attack, May 31st, near Tolopotamy creek, his bat- talion was almost surrounded by the enemy, but was happily withdrawn by the major, who followed the suggestion of Captain Houghton. On June Ist the flank movement on Cold Harbor was executed, when his line was the last to be withdrawn, as it was detailed to protect the ammunition trains and artillery. In rejoining the main line they were attacked by the rebels, and a severe engagement, lasting far into the night, ensued. Twice were they driven hy a flank attack from the position they sought to hold, until the trains were safe within our main line. Each time they fought their way back, retaking the position again, Captain Houghton being conspicuous in leading the movement of his men, though he had received a contused wound in the left leg, and twice he was in the enemy's la ids that night, escaping through the darkness. Next followed the great flank movement to City Point, and the 9th Corps was ordered to take the rebel works with the bayonet. This was executed, though great loss ensued, Captain Houghton's company losing heavily, and in the entire regiment but four captains remained. The three battalions were consolidated into two, the first of which Captain Houghton commanded until March 25th, 1865. During the first siege of Petersburg, his regiment occupied the advanced lines and exposed portions during the greater part of the summer of 1864. On July 30th the mine was sprung, when Captain Houghton led the charge upon the works, capturing prisoners and two guns, which he turned upon the rebels, while the other battalion charged beyond the rebel works and captured a stand of colors from a South Carolina regiment. The regiment, not being prop- erly supported, was obliged to withdraw, having suffered a loss of 127 officers and men. Throughout the remaining portion of the year his regiment was continually engaged in the most exposed situations and hazardous operations, espe- cially in the attack and capture of a portion of Mahone's Division, and where he properly won his Majorship. In November, 1864, with his battalion, he assumed command of Fort Haskell, in front of Petersburg, and so continued until March 25th, 1865, the date of the attack on Fort Steadman. The rebels having captured the latter, his posi- tion at Fort Haskell became very precarious, as the enemy not only turned the guns of Steadman on him, but also all the batteries lying between those works, which they also captured, and all the guns in their main line. The bom- bardment of Fort Haskell was terrific ; as many as fifty shells

were seen at one time to fall within it. While repelling the enemy's charge on the works Captain Houghton received his supposed fatal wounds. Before he was removed to the bomb-proof he was again wounded in the head. The attack on Fort Haskell was repulsed, though the rebels outnum- bered the Union men ten-fold, and they were driven back to Fort Steadman, from which it was death to reach their own lines again, aud they ultimately surrendered to the re- mainder of the 14th Regiment, his battalion having made a sortie from Fort Haskell and recaptured the works. Cap- tain Houghton's death was reported among the list of casualties, but his life was spared, though he lost his right leg. After remaining at the field hospital until after the fall of Petersburg, he was removed to City Point, and eventu- ally to Washington, which city was reached on the day President Lincoln died. He remained at Armory Square Hospital for many weary weeks, hovering between life and death, attended by his faithful wife. But his strong will asserted itself and he recovered. Governor Fenton, learn- ing that he had been thrice recommended for promotion, which he did not obtain at the hands of the Democratic Executive, conferred upon him the brevet rank of Lieu- tenant-Colonel, for gallantry at Forts Steadman and Haskell and general good conduct ; and subsequently he was again brevetted as Colonel, for gallant and meritorious services in the field and general good conduct during the war, he hav- ing distinguished himself by some act of bravery in every battle of his regiment, never having been, during his term of service, whether as an enlisted man or commissioned officer, under arrest or court-martial. While at the hospital he was asked if he desired to return home on leave of ab- sence ; but he replied that he would prefer returning to his regiment for duty. The necessary order was given in pen- cil by Secretary Stanton to the adjutant-general, so that the latter could issue it in proper form; but that official de- clined to make such order, as Major Houghton's condition was such as to be unable to perform any duty ; that there was no precedent for such a course. Again the Secretary of War issued the memorandum, but the adjutant-general de- clined. In the meantime Major Houghton contrived an- other plan, and resolved to put it into execution. On the same day General Marshall (his colonel), commanding the brigade, asked him if he desired to return to camp, saying that he had a position on his staff which he had reserved for him. To this the Major replied by narrating his own efforts to secure a return to duty, and the difficulties in the way. Finally General Marshall, by adopting a certain course, which the Major had studied out, managed to get him returned to duty, and as a member of his military family. It was altogether an exceptional case, and reflects great honor on the then Major for his persistent efforts to return to the field, where others who had lost a limb were discharged from the service. He left the hospital in an ani- bulance, and was heartily greeted and welcomed by his comrades in bivouac and battle, who were then stationed in

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Forts Mansfield, Sumner, Reno, etc. He was ordered the | He had him removed at once to a place of safety and cared next day to report to General Marshall for duty on his staff for ; and Captain Este ever after considered that his life had been saved by Hamilton, for he doubtless would have perished had he remained in his suffering condition much longer. Twenty-five years after the occurrence, Alexander Hamilton himself related these facts to. the captain's son, Judge Este, who, in turn, nearly seventy years after the battle was fought, made a narration of the rescue to those of the present generation. Young Mills received a thorough academical education at the Morristown Academy, and then matriculated at Yale College in 1844, from which institution he graduated in 1847. He shortly afterwards commenced the study of the law in the office of the late Chief-Justice Edward W. Whelpley, at Morristown, and was licensed as an attorney in 1851, and as a counsellor-at-law in 1854. He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession in his native town, where he has since continued to reside, and where he is engaged in the control of an extensive and lucrative line of business. He has ever been a member of the Republican party; and during the civil war took an active part in sustaining the government both with money and influence. He was appointed Prosecutor of the Pleas for Morris County in 1867, and served in that position for five years. In 1874 he was elected by the Republicans Mayor of Morristown, and served in that capacity until 1876. In the latter year he was the nominee, also of the Republicans, for the Forty-fifth Congress at the election in November, but the Democrats carried the State. He is a Director of the First National Bank of Morristown, and also one of the Managers of the Morristown Savings Bank ; and has been since its commencement a Director in the new Library. He was married, September 24th, 1857, to Cath- arine, daughter of Judge Aaron Coe, of Westfield, New Jersey, who died the same year. as Inspector-General of the Ist Brigade, Hardin's Division of the 22d Army Corps. Entering immediately on his duties, he remained until he received an order from General Auger, detailing him upon a General Court-Martial, and also upon a Military Commission at the old Capitol Prison in Washington. While engaged in these duties, his regiment received orders for being mustered out of the service; and, upon learning this fact, he decided at once to request the authorities to be relieved from the duty he was performing so that he might accompany his regiment home. He was urged at head quarters to remain on duty and in service, when he could have been transferred to the regular army, and, in fact, he was so informed. But the war was over, and conscious that his whole duty had heen performed ac- ceptably to the government and to his own credit, and also believing that his services were no longer necessary, he in- sisted on being relieved in time to join the regiment, which was granted, and he reached the depot in time to take the special train that was to convey his regiment homeward. Here again he was heartily cheered by his men. Having reached Rochester the regiment was disbanded, and in tak- ing leave of his men for the last time, many stern and brave hearts softened, and bronzed cheeks were moistened with tears of affection. After a brief sojourn at home, and receiv- ing several offers to engage in business, he was tendered by HIon. Preston King, who had heen appointed collector of customs for the district of New York, a position in the civil service, and he entered upon his duties there October Ist, 1865. He remained in the New York Customs Depart- ment for about eight and a half years, and where, by strict attention to his duties, he was several times promoted. On April Ist, 1875, he entered upon the duties of his present position as Collector for the District of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, his fitness for the post being conceded by the leading men of the State and indorsed by the press. He was mar- ried, August 18th, 1863, in Michigan, to Lavonia, fourth daughter of Colonel John Anderson, the latter being the first white male child born at Paulus Hook (now Jersey City), and the great-grandson of General Schuyler, of revo- lutionary renown.

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The biographical encyclopaedia of New Jersey of the nineteenth century, Part 21

Author: Robson, Charles, ed; Galaxy Publishing Company, publisher Publication date: 1877 Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy publishing company Number of Pages: 924

Author: Robson, Charles, ed; Galaxy Publishing Company, publisher
Publication date: 1877
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy publishing company
Number of Pages: 924