Myron J. Whitford, son of Asa M. and Catharine Coon Whitford, was born at Adams Center, N. Y., August 31, 1858, and died at his home in Dunellen, N. J., April 24, 1922, following a stroke of paralysis.
"He descended on the maternal side, from Captain John Greene, of the Revolutionary Army, who served first with the Rhode Island troops, and later with the New York troops. His great-grandfather, Joshua Whitford, also served in the Revolutionary Army, and his grandfather, Captain Edward Whitford, served with New York troops during the war of 1812."
In 1876 he entered the preparatory department of Milton College, Milton, Wis., and graduated in the Classical Course in 1881. He also received the degree of A. M. from Milton College in 1884.
Following his graduation from college he entered the Homeopathic Medical College of Chicago, graduating with honors in 1883. He then practiced medicine four years in Walworth and Milton, Wis. In 1887 he located at New Market, N. J., and a few years later he moved about a half mile to Dunellen, so that with the exception of about one year that he was absent in Oklahoma, he has practiced medicine in this vicinity for thirty-five years. During these years he has served unnumbered sick, frequently being the family physician in homes where the father or mother, or both, were doctored by him when they were children. For several years he had been the physician employed for the Dunellen schools.
In 1894 he was elected to the Piscataway Township Board of Education, and served several years. He was president and secretary of the board at different times.
Doctor Whitford served his district in the State General Assembly in 1902.
In early life he made a profession of religion and united with the Farina Seventh Day Baptist Church. When he came to New Market he united with the Piscataway Church and continued an honored member till called from us by death. He served the church as a trustee for several years.
Doctor Whitford was married to Miss Myrta Larkin at Milton Junction, Wis., July 14, 1883. Mrs. Whitford died January 12, 1888. Their son, Clarence, lives at Whitehall, N. Y.
On April 10, 1889, Doctor Whitford was married to Miss Minnie Drake. To them were born eight children, Dorothy, the fourth child, died in early life. The sons, Raymond and Adelbert live at New Market, and Paul at Dunellen. The daughters, - Mrs. Frank Burdick lives at Dunellen, Mrs. Harold Spicer at Milton, Wis., Mrs. Russell Burdick at New Market, and Miss Helen Whitford lives at the parental home. Doctor Whitford has two brothers living, Adelbert A. Whitford, at Milton, Wis., and Edward Whitford, at Farina, Ill.
The funeral services were held in the Seventh Day Baptist church on April 27, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Willard D. Burdick, assisted by Rev. Edwin Shaw. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Plainfield.
Of the leading business men of Dunellen said to me, when speaking of the large attendance at the funeral, "Doctor Whitford will be greatly missed, particularly by the poor people."
The Dunellen Call said of him, "His genial and easy-going ways, amiable disposition and cordial greeting of friends and acquaintances made him a lovable character that will be greatly missed."
W. D. B.
