Jabez Campfield (c. 1748 – June 22, 1844) was an American physician and surgeon who served with the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is noted for his medical service at the Morristown encampments, his contributions to early American medical practice, and his later role as a civic leader in Morristown, New Jersey.
Early Life and Education
- Born in New Jersey, likely in the mid‑1740s; exact birth date varies among sources.
- Trained in medicine through apprenticeship, the common path to physician licensure in colonial America.
Military Service
- Appointed surgeon’s mate in the Continental Army in 1776.
- Served with the 3rd New Jersey Regiment and later as a full surgeon at the winter encampments of 1777 and 1779–1780 in Morristown, which were critical periods for the army’s health and logistics.
- Provided care for wounded soldiers during the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth, among others.
- Kept a diary and correspondences that have been used by historians to illustrate medical conditions, treatment methods, and camp life during the war.
Post‑War Career
- Returned to civilian practice in Morristown after the war, becoming one of the town’s leading physicians.
- Served in local civic capacities, including as a member of the town committee and a trustee of community institutions.
- In 1798, constructed the “Campfield House” at 12 South Street, Morristown, which later became part of the Morristown National Historical Park. The house is preserved as an example of late‑18th‑century domestic architecture and reflects Campfield’s status in the community.
Legacy
- Recognized for his contributions to Revolutionary War medicine and for the preservation of his home as a historic site.
- His papers, including medical notes and personal letters, are held by the New Jersey Historical Society and have been cited in scholarly works on colonial and early American medicine.
References
- New Jersey Historical Society archives, “Papers of Dr. Jabez Campfield.”
- Morristown National Historical Park, “Campfield House” documentation.
- Contemporary military records of the 3rd New Jersey Regiment, National Archives.
