Captain, 2nd Regt., New Jersey Militia, War of 1812. Brigadier General of Militia. New Jersey Assemblyman 1817-18. President of the New Jersey Railroad and Transportation Company 1833-63, which was later to become The Pennsylvania Railroad Company. 

JOHN STEVENS DARCY was born in Hanover township, Morris Co., N.J., Feb. 24, 1788. Here he grew up to manhood, and here became fitted for his profession under the direction of his father, Dr. John Darcy, an eminent and leading physician of that vicinity, and to whose practice he ultimately succeeded. 

Dr. John S. Darcy was as well known by the title of General as by that of Doctor, and yet the latter title was by no means lost under the former. No member of the medical fraternity of New Jersey ever enjoyed a higher or more deserved reputation for skill and daring in his profession, which, notwithstanding his multifarious occupations, he continued to exercise till nearly the day of his death.

He remained in his native place until 1882, when he removed to Newark, N.J., where, at that time, as in many other large towns, the Asiatic cholera was committing fearful ravages. With his characteristic bravery and greatness of heart, he went among the sick and dying, and especially among the poor, winning, by his promptness of decision, his skillful treatment and generous charities, the esteem and confidence of the whole community. It is said of him that while he never neglected the most disagreeable and profitless call, he seldom exacted his legal fees, but oftener contributed from his own pocket the means of securing for his needy patients the necessaries, and even the luxuries, which their condition demanded. The peculiar circumstances under which he began the work of his profession in Newark brought to him almost immediately an extensive practice, and year by year it became so large that had he collected all he earned he would, it is believed, have become one of the wealthiest men in his profession. His arduous labors, notwithstanding his powerful frame and vigorous constitution, began finally to make their impression upon him, and this, together with his natural love of adventure, led him, in 1849, to project an overland journey to California. He was the leader of the party, which was composed chiefly of acquaintances, and the journey was performed on foot, while wagons, drawn by oxen, transported the provisions, the clothing and whatever was needed on so long a march over a country inhabited only by wild beasts and Indians.

The travelers reached their destination, but the fatigue and continual hardships to which they had been for months subjected had not the desired effect upon the doctor’s health. He returned by the Isthmus route to his friends and patients, who received him with open arms and prolonged expressions of joy and gratitude.

Although an earnest politician of the Jackson school of Democracy, Dr. Darcy was by no means a seeker after office. It is true that in early life he was a member of the State Legislature, and under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren was United States marshal of the District of New Jersey, but he had a strong dislike to entering the political arena as a contestant for honors. He was the first president of the New Jersey Railroad Company, and held that position till the time of his death— a period of more than thirty years. In the interests of this corporation he was very active, and to it he rendered many valuable services. For many years he was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, holding for a long time the office of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Distinguished for his geniality, his benignity and munificence, he died Oct. 22, 1863, lamented by the whole community.

Lodge: Cincinnati 17, Now #3, later St. John's 1
Residence: Newark