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This biography is from ANNALS of the Medical Society of the County of Albany, 1806-1851, by Sylvester D. Willard, M. D.

Nelson L. Hungerford

Nelson L. Hungerford was a native of Swinton, Vermont, and born in the year 1805. He began the study of medicine with Dr. Alva Rockwell, of West Troy. He was licensed in 1830, and became a partner in business with his friend and preceptor. In 1837, upon the death of Dr. Rockwell, he succeeded him as surgeon to the United States Military Post, at the Watervliet arsenal.

In the spring of 1839, Dr. Hungerford made a pleasure visit to the Falls of Niagara, and while listening to the roar of the mighty waters, and surveying the magnificent, awe inspiring spectacle, a portion of rock fell, by which he was suddenly hurled to the frightful precipice below. Instantaneous as thought, he passed from the sublime majesty of the created, to the glorious presence of the Creator; from the admiration of His works, to the adoration of His omnipotence! Awful and sublime transition! The event occurred on the 29th of May, 1839; Dr. Hungerford being at the age of thirty-four years. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church, and one of its consistory, a man of exemplary life, and the future, in his profession, was full of promise. Dr. Hungerford left no family.



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