People: James S. Green, MD

From the creation of a Free Dispensary for the Treatment of Surgical Diseases of the Poor to the groundbreaking of the new Elizabeth General Hospital & Dispensary on E. Jersey and Reid St., Dr. James S. Green has been credited as one of the founders of organized health care in Elizabeth, N.J. Along with fellow physicians Alonzo Petit, MD, J. Otis Pinneo, MD and Thomas McLean, MD, the Free Dispensary was essentially a storefront clinic they founded that was open to the public for several hours each week. It was located near the corner of Jersey St. and Broad St., within walking distance of the train station. The success of that endeavor convinced the doctors that a larger facility was needed. Working with other civic-minded businessmen and physicians, a house on Jaques St., just off Elizabeth Avenue, was secured and furnished, and for many years this was Elizabeth's only hospital. However, it was quickly determined that an even larger facility was needed, and fundraising and planning began to establish the Elizabeth General Hospital & Dispensary's complex on E. Jersey St. and Reid St., which finally opened in 1894.

During this time, Dr. Green was a central figure in all of the efforts to establish the new hospital. He was recognized at the groundbreaking for the new hospital in May, 1892. Shortly thereafter, in July, Dr. Green passed away at his home and never got to see the fulfillment of his vision. However, his son James, also a physician, and the Elizabeth community carried through on the project and the new complex was opened in 1894 and the house on Jaques St., known affectionately as "Jaques Folly" for the way the house was remodeled for use as a hospital from its previous use as a private home, was abandoned. It was later razed to make way for a public school that opened on the premises in 1900.

Dr. Green was a charismatic figure who was prominently featured in Ricord's "History of Union County." Here is a transcription of what was published at that time.

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY ILLUSTRATED (F.W. RIcord)
1897 East Jersey History Company
JAMES S. GREEN, M. D.
The subject of this sketch was, at the time of his death, and for many years prior thereto, one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons, not only of the city of Elizabeth, but of the state of New Jersey, his reputation, in fact, extending beyond the state; for he was regarded by the profession generally, as a high authority in surgery and in the general practice of medicine.

Dr. Green was born at Princeton, New Jersey, on July 22, 1829. He was a son of Hon. James S. Green, who was one of the most distinguished members of the New Jersey bar, reporter of the supreme court decisions, published in his name, in 1831-6, and was United States district attorney under appointment from President Jackson, and was also professor of law in Princeton.

Dr. Green's grandfather was Rev. Ashbel Green, D. D., Lh- D., a distinguished Presbyterian clergyman, and one of the presidents of Princeton College. His mother's maiden name was Isabella McCulloh.

He received a collegiate education at Princeton College, graduating in June, 1848. His taste leading him toward the medical profession, he became a student of medicine, under the direction of Dr. John Neill, of Philadelphia, and attended lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, medical department, from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in April, 1851. Twelve months prior to graduating he had been appointed resident physician of the Wills Hospital for Diseases of the Eye, Philadelphia. This position he retained for six months after receiving his degree.

In the winter of 1850-51 he was appointed assistant administrator of anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania, and continued as such for three years. During the summer of 1853 he was resident physician of the Pennsylvania Hospital. In November, 1853, he removed to the city of Elizabeth and commenced general practice. Having enjoyed exceptionable advantages for study and practice, and having thoroughly improved them, he soon acquired a high professional reputation. For a period of seven years he was associated in practice with Dr. Job S. Crane.

Dr. Green was not only eminent in his profession, but was also a man of large public spirit, and from his settlement in the city of Elizabeth he always manifested an earnest and active interest in its affairs.

When the city was incorporated he was made the president of the first city council, and in the development of the city from that date he bore a prominent part. He not only served a number of years in the city council, but in 1878 succeeded Robert W. Townley as mayor. In the administration of the affairs of the city he evinced more than ordinary executive ability, and was instrumental in carrying out wise measures in municipal government. From the beginning he was one of the city's Stanchest friends, and through the dark days of its financial embarrassment his advice was invaluable.

In politics Dr. Green was a Democrat, and, while liberal in his views, he was firm in his convictions. He was a leader of the party in this city, and his counsel was often sought and heeded by a large number.

In business enterprises his earnest spirit and good sense in executive management made him invaluable. He was the originator and moving spirit in the formation and promotion of the Metropolitan Gas Light Company, the formidable opposition to the Elizabethtown Gas Light Company.

Dr. Green was a member of the American Medical Society, the Union County Medical Society, a fellow in the New York Obstetrical Society, a member of the New Jersey State Medical Society, occupying the position of president of that society during the last year of his life, and, at its annual convention at Atlantic City, delivering an address of great interest to the profession, only a week prior to his decease.

For four years Dr. Green was one of the board of managers of the New Jersey Asylum for the Insane, at Morris Plains, and was vice president of the board.

He was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and the first Worshipful Master of Washington Dodge, to which he belonged, and of which he was one of the founders. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of the state.

It was through the instrumentality of Dr. Green that the Elizabeth General Hospital was founded and has reached its present standard of excellence and prominence. {Vide article upon Elizabeth General Hospital and Dispensary).

His death occurred suddenly at his residence on Westminster Avenue, on Saturday, July 2, 1892. On April 27, 1854, he was married to Fanny Winchester, daughter of Samuel Winchester, of Baltimore, Maryland, who died in May, 1884. He left surviving a daughter and son.

An accounting of the groundbreaking ceremonies can be found on our page called Laying the Cornerstone, and it was one of the last (if not the last) public appearances made by Dr. Green. Fortunately, he was able to celebrate this remarkable achievement even though his health was failing.

Following Dr. Green's death, Dr. Norton Wilson, another major figure in the history of the hospital, wrote this obituary...

James S. Green, Sr., MD
by Norton Wilson, MD

James S. Green, A.M., M.D. was born at Princeton, N.J., July 22, 1829. He was the son of James S. Green and grandson of the Rev. Ashbel Green, of Princeton College. He was graduated from that college in June, 1848, and engaged in the study of medicine at Philadelphia, with Dr. John Neill. He was graduated at the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania with high honors in April, 1851. He was resident physician for eighteen months at the Wills’ Hospital for Diseases of the Eye and Ear, and for three years was assistant demonstrator of anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania. He went to Elizabeth in November, 1853, and at once attained the front rank in his profession there. Dr. Green was for four years one of the Board of Managers of the Morris Plains Lunatic Asylum. He was one of the founders of the Elizabeth General Hospital and Dispensary, and was president of the staff of that institution at the time of his death. He was also instrumental in the establishment of a training school for nurses, and was its first lecturer on surgical emergencies. He practiced medicine and surgery in the City of Elizabeth for nearly forty years, and his skill and wisdom in his profession secured him a name, not only in Elizabeth and vicinity, but his ability was recognized and appreciated among the best medical talent in this state and New York. Being a public-spirited citizen, he did much to advance the interests of the community in which he lived. He was chosen the first president of the city council when Elizabeth became a city, and served several times in that body. He was elected mayor of Elizabeth in 1877 and served one year. A man of strong personality, his word and example carried weighty influence in public affairs as well as in private. He was a strong and faithful friend, but just even to those with whom he disagreed. With his loyalty to the profession he was ever faithful to the sacred work of alleviating suffering, and his gentle qualities of mind and heart added to his ability, made him a friend in sickness and in health.

He was prominent in Masonic circles and at the time of his death was the oldest Past Master of Washington Chapter, and a member of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey.

He had just returned from the annual convention, at Atlantic City, of the State Medical Society, and was feeling somewhat improved in health, but was stricken suddenly on the afternoon of July 2, 1892, with oedema of the lungs. Dr. Green was elected President of the State Medical Society in 1890, and on retiring from that office, delivered at the annual meeting, at Long Branch, in 1891, an able address* entitled “A View of Modern Surgery from the Standpoint of a General Practitioner” (see Transactions of 1891, pages 63 to 82). Dr. Green was also a permanent member of the American Medical Association.

(* President’s Address, June, 1891)

This information was last reviewed or updated on November 12, 2025. Adjustments may be made to this page as new information is added, making this a continual work in progress