George S. DeGroot, M.D.

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Fully a third of a century has elapsed since Dr. George S. deGROOT added his name to the scroll bearing the coat-of-arms, as it were, of the medical practitioners of Mendham, Morris county, New Jersey. His career of professional helpfulness incurs the admiration, and has won the respect of his contemporaries, and in a calling in which one has to gain reputation by merit he has advanced steadily until he is acknowledged as the superior of most of the members of the profession in this county, having long since left the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few. He is actively interested in community affairs, and at the present time, 1913, is a member of the town council and is serving on the board of health.

In the year 1856, at Mendham, New Jersey, occurred the birth of George S. deGROOT, a son of George W. and Marindah (BRISTOL) deGROOT, both of whom are now deceased. The father was born and reared in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and the mother was a native of the State of Connecticut. In early life George W. deGROOT became interested in the general merchandise business and for many years he ranked as one of the foremost merchants of Mendham; he lived in partial retirement during the fourteen latter years of his lifetime at Bayonne, New Jersey. They were staunch Methodists in their religious faith and to them were born three children: Laura, deceased, was the wife of Charles S. WOODRUFF, D. D.; Dr. George S., of this sketch; and a son who died in infancy.

In a home of particular charm and refinement Dr. George S. deGROOT grew to years of maturity. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Mendham and in a private school conducted by William RANKIN. In 1876 he was matriculated as a student in the University of Columbia, New York City, and in 1880 was graduated in the medical department of that renowned institution, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. After a short time Dr. deGROOT returned to his home town of Mendham and here initiated the active work of his profession. His splendid success as a physician and surgeon is due as much to his kindly, encouraging disposition as to his innate talent and acquired ability in the line of his chosen work. He stands as a monument of strength and hopefulness to the ailing inhabitants of Mendham and the surrounding territory and during his residence here has accomplished many remarkable cures. In connection with his chosen work he is a valued and appreciative member of the Morris County Medical Society and the American Medal Association and for years past he has been a member of the Auxiliary staff of the Memorial Hospital of Morristown as well as All Souls Hospital, Morristown. He was township physician of Mendham township for twenty-five years and is now president of the local board of health. His political affiliations are with the Republican party and as a member of the town council he is an important factor for progress and advancement. In a fraternal way he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and he and his wife are regular attendants of the Presbyterian church, in which they are enrolled as members.

June 13, 1883, marks the marriage of Dr. deGROOT to Ella YOUNG, a native of Stanhope, New Jersey, and a daughter of Abijah and Amanda (ROSE) YOUNG, both of whom have since died. Mr. and Mrs. YOUNG were the parents of two children: Laura, widow of Ridgeway KING, and a resident of Stanhope, New Jersey and Mrs. deGROOT.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)