New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-23
WRITER LEAPS 10 EUGENIC TWINS
STORIES TO DEATH FATHER, "a, DEAD
DR.. ID. A. GOrton, a Parent
at so, Succumbed During
"a Long Sleep

Or. David Allyn Gorton, who at the
age of eighty became the father OF the
famous "eugenic twins died last night
ut his home, 257 Eastern Parkway,
Brooklyn. lie was born on November
%, 1882, and was strong, though Of
wiry build, Until few days ago, when
he told Mrs. Gorton that he needed
long sleep. He went 10 bed, and be-
came constantly weaker until his death
last night
Besides the notoriety which no re-
ceived at the time the twins were born
nr. Gorton WAS we'll known for his sci
cntifc studies, was the founder of the
Eugenic Society and fellow or The
Academy of Medicine. His last state
ment was, ain mental economics no
man is failure who deserves sue
cess. Let my body be cremated and
give my clothes 20 such as need them"
1t was in 1911 he married Miss
Bertha Rehbein, his literary secretary,
who was twenty-seven years his junior,
to prove the eAectuality Of his theories
on parenthood. In April of the follow
ing year the eugenic twins we're born.
DR.. Gorton said he had studied the
ancestry Of Miss Rehbein, and found
as sturdy as his own family. Then he
decided on the marriage. His forebears,
according TO a Brief Sketch of the
Life and Literary Career OF David A.
Gorton, NJ. d." written by Miss Reh-
bein after the birth Of the twins, com
prised members Of Congress, United
States Senators, major generals, gov
errors Of states. judges Of the Su-
4 b,sl 10 a n y >
of churches, distinguished authors,
doctors and teachers. representing
nearly every state in the Union
Eugenics His Life Study.
"Horace Greeley was his oracle" said
the biography, "Dunglison his exemplar
and The New York Tribune his. daily
,SPp3nep.' ~. ,
the cugenic twins he had studied and
translated the theories of a German
scientist. DR.. Sixt Eufurt. on the de-
termination of sex in children. He
continued 10 make observations in his
practice as physician. BY the time
he was an octogenarian Dr.. Gorton was
convinced that he could regulate mat
tiers of sex as scientifically as the nor
ticulturist could control the pollenation
Of flowers.
His secretary, Miss Rehbein, fully
shared his interest in eugenics, and
they decided to marry. Their first born
was to be a son.
They were more than successful in
their wish, for the marriage resulted
in the birth Of the twins, David Allyn
and Leonora. Although weak at birth
the children were brought into health
by hygienic care, and now survive then
eugenist father. They will be -four
years old in April.
DR.. Gorton had practised in the
/ Heights section of Brooklyn for NOR
than forty years, and was the oldesi
and best known practitioner in the
borough. Among his literary work
are Ethics, Civil and Politi, Al" ant
a History of Medicine, Philosopher
and Critical, from Its Origin 70 thu
Twentieth Century, His translation
Of the German scientists theories o.
cugerics was published in pamphlet
form, but not permitted in the mails
lie believed love should not lead o.
marriage.
Or. Gorton was vegetarian. an'
lived On oatmeal. fruit, vegetables and
coffee. lie worked eighteen hour
daily On his last birthday he sale
he would live 70 be 100 years old. Tho
twins are 20 be reared on vegetarian
rules
The funeral will be held at 225 East
eru Parkway, Friday.