JAMES HERVEY STUDDIFORD, M. D.
Dr. JAMES HERVEY STUDDIFORD was born Sept. 12, 1832, in Lambertville,
New Jersey, where his father, the late Rev. P. O. Studdiford, D. D., was for forty-five years the pastor of the
Presbyterian church. After a thorough course of preparatory study, under the supervision of his father, he entered
the college of New Jersey, where he stood among the foremost in his class, and graduated with high honors, in 1852.
Immediately upon graduation he commenced the study of medicine, in the office of his uncle, Dr. Josiah Simpson,
of the Medical Staff U. S. Army, who was then stationed at Bedloe's Island, New York Harbor. He attended his first
course of Lectures at the University of Pensylvania, {sic} and his second course at the University of New York,
from which he received his diploma as Doctor of Medicine, in June, 1854. He then entered the hospital on Blackwell's
Island as assistant house physician, and remained there nearly two years, improving the advantages of his situation,
and gaining an invaluable experience.
In May, 1856, he settled in Quakertown, Hunterdon County. Although he at once entered upon a lucrative practice,
he concluded in August of the following year to remove to St. Paul, Minnesota. The prospects of that place were
then most flattering. But hardly had he reached there, when the great financial revulsion took place, which disturbed
the moneyed interests of the whole land, and which was the most severely felt where, owing to speculation, the
increase in population had been the most rapid.
Notwithstanding the discouragements of his situation, Dr. Studdiford made many warm friends there, and had he remained,
no doubt would have received a large share of patronage. He, however, was induced to return to his native place
in Sept. 1859, to practice his profession. Here he constantly grew in favor, and found the maxim not applicable
to himself, that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country." Always studious from childhood,
he was never satisfied with past attainments in medical knowledge, but kept constantly adding to his stores, and
thus continued abreast with the progress of his profession.
Versed in all the branches of medical study, he gave particular attention to female diseases, and was often consulted
and was especially skillful in their treatment. Remarkably gentle and kind, yet firm and decided, he was always
a favorite in the sick room.
He formed his opinions calmly and deliberately, soundly and sagaciously, as frequently evinced in the diagnosis
of disease. He was ever courteous in his intercourse with his brethren, and observed punctiliously the limits of
professional etiquette.
From early years he manifested a marked conscientiousness. His early companions and intimate friends can testify
that they never knew a purer-minded man. Profanity and indecency never polluted his lips. He was charitable in
his opinions of others, kind and considerate towards all, envious of none.
This beloved physician,-this pious and loyal friend,-this dutiful son, was also a decided and consistent Christian.
His religion was not that of ostenta-tation ; but of humble, child-like faith. In May, 1868, he was made a ruling
elder in the church of which his father was so long the pastor. His health, never vigorous, had, from much exposure,
been failing for the last few years. He died of pulmonary disease, sweetly falling asleep in Jesus on the morning
of March 23, 1870. His remains were borne to the grave by six of his professional brethren, and followed by a large
concourse of friends.
[Source: Transactions of the Medical Society of New Jersey By Medical
Society of New Jersey; 1868. Newark, N.J.; Printed at the Evening Courier Office, 309 Broad St. 1868, pg. 98-99,
submitted by Michelle Byrd]
