It is seldom that a physician finds time to devote himself to anything outside of his profession. David E. Bostwick was born February 22, 1821, in New Milford, but his parents soon removed to Morris where he grew up as a farmer’s son. Deciding upon a medical profession he studied under Dr. Reuben M. Woodruff of Litchfield. He then attended Albany Medical College and graduated in 1846. His shingle was hung out first in Morris and later in Litchfield. A general practitioner he always remained and with great success.

In 1851 he married Miss Adelaide McKinley of Westchester, Pennsylvania. He was an ardent politician and more than once represented his town in the Legislature.

Raised in St. Paul’s Lodge, No. 11, in 1850, he became Master in 1854 and served continuously for twelve years. Starting in the Grand Lodge as Grand Junior Deacon in 1857 he filled all the chairs and presided in the Grand East from May, 1864, to May, 1865. Although a member of Darius Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M., and of Buel Council, No. 20, R. & S. M., he did not attain prominence in the Grand Bodies.

As a physician he stood high among his professional brethren. His were the habits of a scholar rather than of a business man. He is said to have been of a warm and genial nature and to have had a wealth of humor. These traits doubtless account in great part for his success as a physician. When he died March 17, 1872, after a protracted illness, it was said that the poor had lost a friend whose kindliness never failed to respond to their appeals.

His picture appears in the 1905 Proceedings.

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