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Benjamin Champneys was born near Salem, in the year 1774. When he was an infant his father died, and his mother resided on the farm which belonged to her husband until her death, which was not long after his. Dr. Champneys inherited the property of his ancestors in Salem County, and was educated in Philadelphia. He was examined and licensed in physic and surgery in 1795, and was married the same year to Sarah Eva, the daughter of Col. Potter. He purchased the property at the foot of Laurel Street, now known as the Buck property, and resided there. He received appointment as surgeon in the navy, January 6, 1800. He served on board the frigate "Philadelphia," forty-four guns, Stephen Decatur commanding. The "Philadelphia" was the largest ship then in the service. He was in the navy about a year and a half, and then resumed his practice in Bridgeton. The doctor formed a warm friendship for Decatur and other officers, who frequently visited him afterwards at his home.
He graduated in both departments of the University of Pennsylvania. The degree of M. D. he received in 1805. He served in the Assembly of New Jersey in 1806. He practiced vaccination in Bridgeton in 1807. He received a certificate of honorary membership in the Medical Society of Philadelphia, signed by Dr. Rush, February 20, 1808.
Dr. Champneys� practice was large, both in Salem and Cumberland Counties. He died in 1814, after a short illness, of typhus fever, which he had contracted while visiting Dr. Brewster, at Deerfield, who died of the same disease. He has overworked himself, as he was very devoted to his professional duties, and visited the poor a great deal. He was only forty years old at the time of his death, and was very much beloved.
Among his papers are letters full of gratitude and affection from several of his pupils who had entered upon their professional duties.
He died July 16, 1814, and is interred in the old Presbyterian graveyard, Bridgeton.
