Laurens Hull (1779-1865) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree

Dr. Laurens Hull

Born 6 Jun 1779 in Bethlehem, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States

Ancestors

Son of Titus Hull and Olive (Lewis) Hull

Brother of Althea (Hull) Hill, Charles W. Hull, Elias Hull [half], Betsy Hull, Olive Hull, Lucy Olive (Hull) Starr, Olive Experience (Hull) Morse, Andrew Clark Hull, Leverett Hull and Rufus Lewis Hull

Husband of Dorcas (Ambler) Hull — married 3 Oct 1803 in Bethlehem, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States

Descendants

Father of Lucia (Hull) Fish

Died 27 Jun 1865 at age 86 in Angelica, Allegany, New York, United States

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Biography

Dr. Laurens Hull was born on 6 Jun 1779 in Bethlehem, Litchfield, Connecticut to Dr. Titus Hull and Olive Lewis. He married Dorcas Ambler on 30 Oct 1803 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Children: Lucia, Delia, Henry Laurens, Julia, Laurens, Charles Andrew, Azel Backus, Marcus Ambler, Henry Davis. He died on 27 Jun 1865 in Angelica, New York.

Obituary: "Doctor and politician. He was a surgeon in the New York State Militia during the War of 1812, President of the NY State Medical Society, and a member of the NY state senate. What follows is his obituary in the Transactions of NY State Medical Society, 1867:

"Inasmuch as no fitting tribute to the memory of one whose life ever exhibited the highest virtues that should adorn the medical profession, has as yet appeared in the published Transactions of the Medical Society, I have prepared the brief and imperfect sketch which I trust will be received by the family and numerous friends of the deceased in the spirit in which it is offered --not as being what it should be, but as the best I can accomplish under the circumstances.

Laurens Hull, M.D., was born in Woodbury, Conn., June 6, 1779. His father was Dr. Titus Hull of that town. The attention of young Laurens was directed early to medical subjects, from the fact that from his minority, his health was extremely delicate, and even so late as his 32nd year, he had frequent attacks of haemoptysis. It was on this account that he determined to make the science of medicine his study and his occupation. His early education was limited, but he made the best possible use of the ordinary advantages of a common school, to which was added some 21 days under a private tutor, which completed his preparatory instruction. At the age of 19, he entered the office of Dr. David Hull of Fairfield, Conn., remaining there about 2 years. He received his diploma as a Doctor of Medicine in 1802, and soon after removed to Augusta, Oneida County, N.Y., where he entered the office of Dr. Amos G. Hull, and continued his medical studies.

In 1803, he was married to Dorcas Ambler, of Bethlem, Conn., by Rev. Azel Backus. In September, 1804, he removed to Bridgewater, Oneida County, and commenced the practice of medicine on his own account. In 1806, he took part in the organization of the Oneida Co. Medical Society. Of the members present at that organization, Dr. Hull was the only survivor in 1864. In 1817, he was a delegate from Oneida county to the State Medical Society. In 1824, he was elected a permanent member of this Society. In 1826, he was elected Fellow of the University, and in 1827, received the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Regents. During the same year, and also the year following, he was Vice President of the State Medical Society.

Dr. Hull was President of the State Medical Society in the years 1839 and 1840. His annual address in the former year was on the subject of 'Quackery,' and it may be boldly asserted that there are few papers in the published Transactions of the Society showing a more logical mind and a clearer view of the subject treated of. Those members of the Society who have the volume of the Transactions for 1839, will find themselves well repaid by perusing it. His subject the following year was 'Improvement in Medicine,' an eminently sensible, practical and ably written paper proving clearly that Dr. Hull was no anti-progressive clog upon the wheels of advancing science, but who believed fully in the doctrine of progress.

Although the subject of this memoir achieved much in the noble profession to which he devoted the best part of his active life, accomplishing enough to satisfy a moderate ambition, he also won triumphs in civil and practical life. In 1813, and again in 1825, he was elected a member of the Assembly from Oneida County, filling the position with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In 1816, he was a delegate to the first State convention held in this state to nominate a governor and lieutenant governor. In the year 1836, he removed to Angelica, Allegany county, and became interested in manufacturing pursuits, pretty much abandoning the practice of medicine. In 1837, he was elected State Senator from the Sixth district, then comprising nine counties. This position he filled with great credit. Those who were associated with him in senatorial duties and in the court for the correction of errors, of which Senators were then, ex officio, members, bear testimony to the zeal and fidelity with which he discharged every public duty, carrying with him in the responsible position he had been called to fill, the same steady virtue and unbending integrity that had ever characterized his private life.

About 1856-57, Dr. Hull retired from active business, hoping to spend the remainder of his days in the quiet walks of domestic life. In May, 1858, he was greatly afflicted by the death of his estimable wife, after a union of nearly 55 years. In August, 1862, he met with a severe accident, by which he fractured the neck of the femur within the capsuler ligament, thus rendering him permanently disable, and sadly interfering with his previously active habits, and dooming him to the use of crutches. Though a severe trial to one of his disposition and activity, he bore his affliction with a patience and fortitude alike remarkable and commendable.

During the years 1864-65, the Doctor's health began to decline more rapidly, and he was finally confined to his room. With the failure of his physical energies, his mental faculties gradually grew weak, his mind frequently wandering, dwelling much upon friends and scenes in the long past. On his 86th birthday, however, he conversed rationally and clearly for some hours with his family and friends, listened attentively to the reading of a letter from Dr. Mccall, of Utica, an old and valued friend, and soon after sank into delirium which continued till an hour or two previous to his death, which occurred June 27, 1865.

Dr. Hull was a firm believer in the truths of christianity, and was ever able to give 'a reason for the hope that was in him.' He united with the Congregational Church soon after his marriage, and at the time of his death, and for several years previous, he was president of the Allegany County Bible Society. He was always a friend and contributor to the various benevolent operations of the time. Politically, he was first a Federalist, then a Whig, and lastly, a Republican. He was gratified in the often expressed and cherished desire of his heart, to live long enough to see the great rebellion crushed, and the Federal Union preserved. The interest he took in the State Medical Society is known to all the older members, who will bear testimony to the fidelity and zeal with which he labored in the Society and in the Senate to promote its interests.

Dr. Hull was in every proper sense a self-made man -- the architect of his own fortunes and position. He possessed a remarkably retentive memory, great perseverance and energy. What he did, he 'did with his whole might.' His industry was untiring, his faith unswerving, his integrity unyielding. As a physician, he performed every duty his position imposed, as a politician in public life, he was animated by the same high purposes; in private life, his virtues shone conspicuous; as a christian, he was devoted and faithful, dying with all its hopes of a blessed immortality. Few men, starting out upon a journey of life with the same limited advantages, have filled so many positions of honor and trust, and finished up so perfect a life. May we all, while honoring his virtues, emulate his example."