Calvin Anderson, M.D.

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

In professional life success depends so entirely upon individual merit that when one has attained a position of prominence it is an unmistakable indication of ability, natural and acquired. Influential friends and wealth cannot aid him in a career the foundation of which must be intellectual acquirement. In the late Dr. Calvin ANDERSON we have a worthy illustration of this truth, he having won an enviable position in professional ranks, gaining not only an extensive and lucrative patronage, but the esteem and respect of all with whom he was brought in contact.

Dr. ANDERSON was a descendent of a family of English origin, members of which emigrated to this country in the early part of its history. Rev. William ANDERSON, father of Dr. ANDERSON, was a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, his death occurring in the year 1887. He was a minister of the Dutch Reformed church, entering upon his first charge at Peapack, New Jersey, in 1847, and later was transferred to Fordham, New York, then to the State of Illinois, where he remained from 1856 to 1858, after which he returned to New York, and there spent the remainder of his days. He was an earnest and conscientious preacher and exerted a powerful influence over the congregations placed in his charge. He married Sarah Louisa RYERSON, a native of Meads Basin, and a daughter of Abraham RYERSON, and they were the parents of ten children, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, Calvin being the second in order of birth.

Dr. Calvin ANDERSON was born in New York City, June 10, 1841. His literary education was obtained by attendance at the schools of Norwich, Connecticut, and the Norwich Academy, from which institution he graduated in the class of 1859. Desiring to follow a professional career, and choosing that of medicine as the best suited to his tastes and inclinations he entered as a student in the office of Dr. E. J. RAPELYE, of New York City, under whose competent preceptorship he gained a vast amount of knowledge pertaining to the profession of medicine, and he supplemented this by a course in Columbia Medical College, of New York, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1865. He at once located in Hanover, Morris county, New Jersey, where he engaged in active practice, remaining until 1868, and then removed to Madison, same state, where the remainder of his life was passed. The success which attended his efforts in both places was a natural sequence of his ability, his sterling integrity and his devotion to his profession and the interest he displayed in the welfare of those to whom he ministered. His heart was in his work, and he gained not only the respect and confidence, but the appreciative affections of his patients, his humanity being ever paramount to his professional instincts. In addition to his private practice, he was a member of the medical staff of All Souls’ Hospital in Morristown, president of the board of health of Madison, and president of the Morris County Medical Society, thus keeping in touch with his professional brethren in the advanced thought and study of the day. He served as a member of the common council, and twice filled the office of mayor of Madison, serving in that capacity at the time of his death, being elected on the Republican ticket, the principles of which party he firmly advocated since attaining his majority. He attended the services of the Presbyterian church, and was ever an active factor in every enterprise that had for its object the betterment of his adopted city and vicinity.

Dr. ANDERSON married, January 14, 1873, Mary BOUKER, of Jersey City, New Jersey, daughter of John A. and Sarah E. (SIMMONS) BOUKER, both representatives of old New Jersey families. Children: Mary, married a Mr. CASE; Jane, married a Mr. BENNETT; Elizabeth, married a Mr. SERVOSS; John Bouker ANDERSON. Dr. ANDERSON died at his home in Madison, New Jersey, May 26, 1910, leaving behind him a name honored and revered, and his influence will be felt for many years to come, his career being well worthy of imitation.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)