18 Facts About Federal Vanderburgh

Federal Vanderburgh was an American doctor, researcher and a pioneer in the field of homeopathy during the early-to mid 19th century.

One of the pupils of Dr Hans Burch Gram, Vanderburgh contributed a number of valuable research papers and essays in the field as well being credited for introducing homeopathy in Connecticut.

Federal Vanderburgh was one of the oldest and most successful practicing homeopathists in the United States at the time of his death.

Federal Vanderburgh was one of nineteen children born to Revolutionary War veteran Colonel James Vanderburgh, his father having remarried, and whose family were among the many Dutch-Americans who settled Dutchess County.

Vanderburgh was supposedly named in honor of the adoption of the Federal Constitution, suggested by voting lawyer Chancellor Kent, although his mother objected to the full name of Federal Constitution Vanderburgh.

Federal Vanderburgh received a limited and elementary education from public schools, however he was able to study medicine under noted physician Dr Wright in New Milford, Connecticut, at the age of 17.

Federal Vanderburgh remained with Wright only a short time before moving on to New York City, which gave him access to work in major city hospitals and allowed him to attend lectures at medical colleges.

Federal Vanderburgh entered the office of Dr Stephen Smith, a leading physician in the city at the time, and underwent the usual curriculum of studies graduating before he was 21 years old.

Federal Vanderburgh married Hester Orinda Boardman, who belonged to a prominent family in New Milford, and together moved to Geneva, New York, in 1812 or 1813.

The area's climate was believed at the time to be beneficial for people suffering from pulmonary disease, much like Minnesota and the Lake Superior regions, and Federal Vanderburgh enjoyed remarkable health well into old age.

Federal Vanderburgh remained in Geneva for ten years until turning over his practice to Dr Martyn Paine, then living in Montreal, and moving back to New York City.

Federal Vanderburgh was the corresponding secretary of the New York Homeopathic Society.

Federal Vanderburgh opened a successful practice, many of his patients belonging to New York high society, and was often requested via telegraph for house calls to country villas during the summer.

Federal Vanderburgh continued his research into homeopathy publishing a number of valuable papers on the subject and, in 1844, sent a formal letter to Judge Cowen in defense of Dr Henry D Paine, outlining the legal rights of homeopathic physicians.

Federal Vanderburgh became a noted philanthropist in his later years, especially to the poor, and was consulted in various social issues.

Federal Vanderburgh served as the first president of the Dutchess County Society and held the position until his death.

In 1867, the 79-year-old Federal Vanderburgh came down with severe pleuro-pneumonia as a result of traveling in poor weather performing house calls.

Federal Vanderburgh's health began to fail and started suffering from paroxysms dyspnoea, with a sensation of impending suffocation, and was described as "utter prostration of all muscular power".