Lovejoy, George Edwin (1831-1906)

Unidentified photographer’s Portrait Photograph of George Edwin Lovejoy

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THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: Unidentified

THE SITTER:

Name: George Edwin Lovejoy (1831-1906)

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Biographical Note: George Edwin Lovejoy was born in Vasselborough, Maine in November, 1831. He went to Boston as a young man where he studied dentistry under a renowned Dr. Hichcock. Upon completion of his training, he went to Northampton, Massachusetts where he secured a contract to provide the dental services to patients at Round Hill Hospital operated by a Dr. Halstead. This was the most celebrated hydropathic hospital in the United States and provided a type of water cure.

In 1859 he studied medicine under Dr. Roberts. The same year he married Mary Heffner, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. T. Heffner of Findlay, Ohio. In 1860 he was initiated into the Masonic Lodge at Saxon River, Vermont.

At the outbreak of the Civil War Dr. Lovejoy worked hard to successfully recruit a company of 100 men who elected him Captain of the Company. This Company became Co. I of the 49th Ohio Infantry. After serving for one year, Dr. Lovejoy was compelled by ill health to resign.

In 1863, Dr. Lovejoy came to California locating in Petaluma, where he set up a dental practice and took up residence at 860 Sixth Street…. Dr. Lovejoy gained considerable acclaim in his practice, having been credited with attracting patients from throughout California and from Hawaii. He was a “staunch Republican” and very prominent in the Petaluma area. He became affiliated with Lodge No. 180 Free & Accepted Masons and joined Antietam Post 63, Grand Army of the Republic on November 10, 1896.

On July 4, 1905, Dr. Lovejoy became ill and experienced a lingering condition until his death on January 15, 1906. Funeral services, under auspices of the Masonic Order were conducted at the family home. An honor guard of the Antietam Post escorted the body to the railroad depot from where it was shipped to San Francisco where it was to be cremated at the Odd Fellows Cemetery.

(This biographical note is an excerpt from Vern Piccinotti’s biographical sketch of George Edwin Lovjoy contained within the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum’s “Petaluma Antietam Post 68 Collection”.)

Family Affiliation: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/108008556/george-edwin-lovejoy. George Edwin Lovejoy married Mary Elizabeth Heffner (1844-1913) in 1858. They moved from Ohio to Petaluma some time after their marriage, and lived at 860 Sixth Street. They had four children: Lillian Alice Lovejoy Stafford, Dr. Frank Lovejoy, Dr. George Palmer Lovejoy (1877-1949), Jennie (Jane) Lovejoy Spotswood (1874-1934).

Bibliography: An extensive bibliography is provided in Vern Piccinotti’s biographical sketch of George Edwin Lovejoy contained within the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum’s “Petaluma Antietam Post 68 Collection”.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

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Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2025-760-04.

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