Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Dr. Barton B. Bridge, endowed by nature with strong intelligence, has so used his native talents and powers that he is ranked today as one of the most successful physicians of Buena Vista county. He is located at Albert City, where he has a large and growing practice, his comprehensive energy and knowledge of the medical science well qualifying him for the onerous duties that devolve upon him in this connection.

A native of Canada, he was born in Ontario, November 29, 1871. His father, Andrew Bridge, residing at Utica, New York, was formerly owner of an extensive aviary but is now living in retirement. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mahala Ann Smith, also yet survives. Dr. Bridge traces his ancestry back in unbroken line to Anetje Jans Webber, who was born in Holland in 1604, and was a granddaughter of King George III or IV of Holland. She was married first in Holland to John Roelloffson in 1628, and in 1630 they came to America. They had four children and John Roelloffson died in 1637, after which his widow, in 1638 became the wife of the Rev. Everadus Bogardus. There were four children by this marriage, of whom William Bogardus was born December 15, 1639. He married Wgntie Sybrant August 30, 1659, and they had a daughter, Anetje Bogardus who was born October 3, 1663, and was married January 29, 1682, to Jacobus Brower. Of this marriage there was a large family including Adam Brower, who was born May 29, 1696, and was married July 15, 1717, to Deborah Allen. Their son, Lazarus Brower, who was born June 23, 1731 wedded Frances Morris and had a son Aaron Brower, born January 30, 1760. Aaron Brower had a daughter Elizabeth, who became the wife of William Jackson, and their daughter, Elizabeth Jackson, born February 18, 1819, married William Smith, in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the grandparents of Dr. Bridge of this review. Their daughter, Mahala Ann, born May 22, 1850, was married September 17, 1869, to Andrew Bridge. Of this marriage there were born six children: Lucy Amerilla Celestine, born July 21, 1870, is now the wife of Andrew Howie a resident of Ontario. Barton Brower is the next of the family; Fergus Ross, born December 2, 1878, is a resident of Utica, New York. Edna Florence Pearl, born October 21, 1881, is now deceased. Olive Edith Mabel, born February 18, 1884, is at home. Harold Gordon Salem, born January 11, 1891, is a baker by trade now living in Kingston, Ontario.

Dr. Bridge was educated at Queen’s University in Ontario and after a thorough course was graduated from the medical department with the class of 190. He took honors in all of his studies, manifesting especial aptitude in their mastery and receiving a gold medal – one of the two medals awarded in the medical and surgery department. This is the highest honor that any student can attain and but one medal can be awarded to an individual student.

In the year of his graduation Dr. Bridge came to Albert City, where he opened an office and has since been engaged in practice. His labors are effective forces in checking the ravages of disease. He has studied broadly and has comprehensive knowledge of the principles of medicine and surgery, keeping in constant touch with the advancement that is being made by the profession.

On the 25th of December, 1899. Dr. Bridge was married at Battersea, Ontario, to Miss Carrie Mayhew, a daughter of Lucas and Martha Mayhew, but the former is now deceased. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Bridge have been born two sons, Floyd Curson and Barton Lloyd.

Dr. Bridge is serving as president of the public school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend. He gives his political support to the republican party and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community, being a cooperant factor in many measures for the public good. In his profession he has made substantial progress. If the minister is austere we think it is because he is engaged in the contemplation of things which are beyond our ken; if the lawyer is brusk and crabbed we are apt to regard it as a mark of genius; but we demand of the physician a genial nature and cordial spirit that will promote a spirit of hopefulness. Dr. Bridge is lacking in none of the requirements of a successful physician, and he is doing good work for mankind, public confidence in his ability being attested by the liberal patronage that is now accorded him.