University of the City of New York

Department of Medicine

(New York University Medical College)

1855-56, 1856-57

Page 14

Medical Student: Edward Kelly

The following is biographical  information was provided to the Navy board of examiners when Edward Kelly applied to serve in the Navy in 1862.  It is not known if he was accepted. (Biography and exam courtesy of the Norman  L. Herman collection)

 

April 7^th 1862      I was born the city of St. John, province of New Brunswick, on the 26^th day of August 1836, and I am now 25 years, 7 months, and 12 days old.  I came to the United States at the ages 17 and am a citizen of this country.

 

My classical knowledge is not very extensive, having in the bustle of life forgotten a great deal; I read the books of Caesar, Sallust, Virgil, and Horace, and through a part of Xenophon in Greek, I studied a little of French, but have almost forgotten it not having to use it.

 

I finished my preliminary education in the Seminary of Quebec Canada, I began the study of medicine in 1853, by entering a drug store as clerk in the city of New York, I remained in the store until the fall of 1855, when I entered the Medical School of New York, and from this institution I graduated in March 1857.

 

During the period of my study in the college, I had for my preceptor Dr. John Burke of New York, who was also a graduate of the University of the class of 1849; I attended the hospitals of the city, where I had it fine opportunity of witnessing operations performed by eminent Surgeons of New York, as Drs.  Wood, Van Buren, Carnochan etc.

 

I practice medicine in the city of New York, in company with my preceptor Dr. Burke for about two years, I afterwards practiced in Brooklyn, until the excitement attending this war induced me, to accept a position in a battery, to which I am at present attached.                                   

 

Edward Kelly,  297 Degraw St., Brooklyn,  New York    See: The full text of his Navy exam questions and answers