USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > The early history of the medical profession in the county of Norfolk, Mass. : an address delivered before the Norfolk District Medical Society, at its annual meeting, May 10, 1823 > Part 3
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Dr. Ames possessed a great fund of common sense, as well as quiet humor, and was usually found ready for any emergency. Worthington, in his History of Dedham, relates an anecdote illustrative of these traits in his character. It is substantially as follows :- His first wife dying soon after the birth of her first child, and the eliild itself shortly after its mother, he claimed, that, as heir of his child, he was entitled to eer- tain lands which had descended to her from the Fisher family. These
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lands, on her decease, having descended to her child, the question arose, whether they should ascend to the father, as heir-at-law of his child, contrary to the rule of common law. The Supreme Court, two judges dissenting, decided that they did so ascend. Dr. Ames, although suc- cessful in his suit, expressed his dislike at the conduct of the dissenting judges, one of whom was Chief Justice Dudley, " by causing the whole Court to be painted on the large sign-board of liis tavern, sitting in great state in their large wigs, each judge being clearly recognized. An open book was before them, underneath which was written, 'Province Laws.' The dissenting judges were represented with their backs turned towards the book. The Court, hearing of the sign, sent the Sheriff to bring it before them." 'The doctor, fortunately for himself, became apprised of the order just in time to remove the obnoxious sign before the sheriff's arrival.
Dr. Ames was born July 22, 1708, and died July 11, 1764, aged 56.
Dr. Nathaniel Ames, son of the preceding, was born at Dedham in 1740; graduated at Harvard College 1761; and commenced the prac- tice of medicine in his native town as early as 1764 or 1765. He was considered a judicious physician ; but owing to certain eccentricities of character, and to his fondness for political strife, he never acquired a large circle of business. He had some reputation as a scholar, and continued the almanac which his father had commenced some little time after his deatlı. He died July 22, 1822, aged 81.
Dr. Seth Ames, brother of Dr. Nathaniel, Jr., was born in 1743 ; graduated at Harvard College 1764, and was a surgeon in Col. Read's regiment of the Revolutionary army. He was for a time settled in Am- herst, N. H., where he was much respected. On the failure of his health he returned to Dedham, and died there January 1, 1778.
Dr. John Sprague was a distinguished physician in Dedham, and long enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. He was born in 1713; graduated at Harvard College in 1737; was a pupil of the celebrated French physician, Dr. Louis Dal Honde, whose daughter he married. He commenced business in Boston, and tliere continued to reside until after the death of his first wife. He then married Mrs. Esther Harrison, widow of Charles Harrison, Esq., a lady of fortune, and removed to Dedliam, where he continued until his death in 1797, at the age of 84.
Dr. Sprague received a good medical education ; was endowed witlı more than a common share of " natural acumen "; and being a very careful observer of morbid phenomena became eminent among liis breth-
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ren for his skill in diagnosis .* He possessed the unbounded confidence of his patients. " Unto him men gave ear and waited and kept silence at his counsel." He was eminently successful in acquiring and retain- ing business ; and, it has been said, not over-scrupulous in exacting a substantial remuneration for his services. He acquired a princely for- tune ; but it is proper to add, that one of his relatives has assured me, that this wealth was obtained more from the rise of soldiers' claims, which he largely purchased, than from the emoluments of his profession.
Dr. Joseph Sprague, Jr., was son of the preceding. After his gra- duation in 1772, he studied medicine, partly under the direction of his father, but chiefly in Europe. He resided for a time in Milton, then in Boston, afterwards in Dedham, where he died April 17, 1800, aged 48. His tastes and education were not exactly suited to medical pursuits , and he was never actively engaged in the duties of liis profession.
Dr. Jesse Wheaton came from Rhode Island. He was a very worthy man, but received only a limited medical education. In the early part of the present century he had considerable medical business in Dedham, but soon relinquished it for other pursuits. For many years he kept an apothecary's shop in Dedham, and was much respected as a citizen. He died in 1847, aged 84.
Dr. Simeon B. Carpenter, the son of a physician in Rhode Island or the vicinity, graduated at Brown University in 1827, and M.D. at Har- vard College in 1830. He settled in Dedham, acquired a good reputa- tion and a fair share of medical business, which he retained until his death in 1843, at the age of 42.
* As an instance of the doctor's tact in this line, the following well-authenticated and amusing anecdote may be mentioned. It seemed that his fame had extended beyond the limits of his County. A good woman in the western part of the State, desired to consult him in behalf of her husband, who had received some injury ; and, that there might be no collusion, she determined herself to make the journey and see the doctor in person. Accordingly, having provided herself with a phial of the fluid by which his skill was to be tested, she set off on her errand of mercy. On her arrival at Dedham, she espied a man at work in front of a respectable looking house, and inquired if he could inform her where the famous Dr. Sprague lived ; adding, that her hus- band had fallen down stairs, and that she had come to see if the doctor knew as much as people pretended. It happened that the house was the residence of the veritable doctor himself; and that, unperceived, he had overheard the conversation. After the worthy lady had been permitted to wait awhile, the doctor at length appeared ; and waving ceremony, she thus accosted him. " Doctor, I have brought some of my husband's water, and I want you to tell me what is the matter with him ; and if you can do that, I shall believe you can cure him." The doctor, after due examination, replied, " Madam, I should think that your husband has received an injury by falling down stairs." "I never ! "-exclaimed the woman. " But-doctor-how many flights of stairs ?" This question had not been anticipated, and he answered at random, " Two, madam." " Ah, doctor," she said, " it was three-from garret to cellar."-" But, madam," responded the doctor, " did you bring all the water ?" " I confess I did not." " Then, madam, you have left one flight of stairs at home." She was perfectly satisfied, and went away astonished at a mani- festation of wisdom quite beyond her power of comprehension.
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Jeremy Stimson, our late President, is a native of Hopkinton, and son of a physician of the same name. He graduated at Harvard College in 1804, settled in Dedham in 1807, and soon acquired and for forty-five years has sustained the reputation of a scientific and judicious medical adviser. In him the " suaviter " and " fortiter " are so happily blended, that his services are as much in requisition as ever ; and being in the enjoyment of good health, there is a fair prospect that he may serve his gene- ration for years to come in the line of his favorite pursuits.
Dr. Danforth Phipps Wight was the son of Rev. Ebenezer Wight, formerly pastor of the Hollis-street Church in Boston. He was born at Dedham, February 8, 1792 ; graduated at Harvard College in 1815, and M.D. in 1819. He commenced business at Sandwich, but has for some years resided in his native town, where he is universally respected.
In South Dedham Dr. Philip Draper, Harvard College 1780, is supposed to have been the earliest resident physician. His time was not exclu- sively devoted to medical pursuits. At one period he was engaged in teaching ; and for a time resided in Dorchester. He died in 1817, aged 60.
Dr. Ephraim French, a native of Randolph, went to South Dedham in 1814, but died the same year of a pulmonary complaint.
Dr. Elisha Thayer, author of Thayer's Memorial, succeeded him, and remained a few years. He then removed to Dedham Centre, where for many years his time has been chiefly occupied with his duties as Postmaster.
Dr. Jolin Kingsbury Briggs was the son of Rev. Ephraim Briggs, of Halifax. He studied medicine under the direction of Dr. Arad Thomp- son of Middleborough, and Dr. William Ingalls of Boston. In 1820, he received the degree of M.D. at Brown University. He settled in South Dedham soon after his graduation, and there for more than twenty years had the reputation of a worthy and successful physician. He was, for a considerable period, the subject of occasional pulmonary hemor- rhage, which finally resulted in fatal disease, terminating his life Decem- ber 26, 1843, at the age of 49.
In West Dedham, with the exception of Dr. Francis Howe, the pre- sent incumbent, it is believed that no physician has ever taken up a per- manent residence. He is a native of Framingliam, born in 1787, studied medicine with Dr. John B. Kittredge, with whom he was for a time as- sociated. In 1814 he took up his residence in West Dedham, and has continued there to the present time.
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DOVER.
Dover, originally a part of Dedham, was incorporated in 1784. The only physician who has resided in Dover for any length of time, so far as I have been informed, was Dr. George Caryl.
Dr. C. was a native of Dover. His father was Rev. Benjamin Caryl, and his mother Sarah Kollock, widow of Dr. Cornelius Kollock formerly of Wrentham. He was born in 1767 ; graduated at Harvard College in 1788; studied medicine with Dr. Samuel Willard, of Uxbridge ; settled as a physician in Dover in 1791 or 1792, where he died August 9, 1829, aged 62.
MEDFIELD.
Medfield was incorporated January 1, 1650.
Rev. John Wilson, who graduated in 1642, in the first class in Har- vard College, was installed pastor in Medfield in 1651, and united in himself the triple office of school-master, preacher, and physician. He died August 23, 1691, aged 70, having preached all day on the Sabbath preceding his death.
Dr. Joseph Baxter, son of Rev. Joseph Baxter the second minister of Medfield, graduated at Harvard College in 1724. He studied medicine, and died of smallpox, but the time and place of his death I have not ascertained.
Dr. James Jerauld came from France. He settled in the easterly part of Medfield, before 1733, and had a large landed estate there, which he cultivated with slave labor. He was for many years extensively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine, and died October 25, 1760.
Dr. James Jerauld, 2d, was nephew of the preceding ; was adopted as a son and educated by him, and settled in the same place. He be- came eminent in his profession. He was some time in public life, having. been elected a delegate to the Massachusetts Convention for forming a constitution in 1779. He married an Arnold, from Providence, R. I., and left six children. He died March 28, 1802, aged nearly 80 .-
Dr. Elias Mann was the son of Sabin Mann, Esq. He graduated at Harvard College in 1800, M.B. 1805, and after a short but brilliant ca- reer, died March 9, 1807, aged 29.
Dr. Lothario Donielson was a native of Brimfield, studied medicine with Dr. Ebenezer Phillips, of Charlton, and settled in Medfield before 1800. In 1826 he removed to Rochester, N. Y., thence fo Michigan, where he died June 21, 1844, aged 79.
Drs. Donielson and Mann, in 1806, attended several cases of " spot-
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ted fever"; a disease which in that year commenced its ravages in Med- field, and afterwards became epidemic and spread throughout New Eng- land. Their account of the disease and of its treatment was first published in the Medical and Agricultural Register, and afterwards copied into the Communications of the Massachusetts Medical Society, Vol. II., page 36.
Dr. Jarnes Hewins graduated at Harvard College in 1804, and settled in Medfield soon after the death of Dr, Mann. He was a medical pupil of Dr. Abijah Richardson, had a large circle of practice, and was much esteemed, both as a physician and citizen. He died in August, 1846, at the age of 64.
I find on the town records the name of Dr. Thomas Lowthrain, late of Perth, Scotland, who died December 15, 1749 ; also of Dr. Jabez Fuller, who died Oct. 5, 1781.
MEDWAY.
Medway was incorporated in 1713.
Dr. Aaron Wight studied medicine with Dr. Thomas Kittredge of Andover, and married Dr. K.'s daughter for his first wife. He was afterwards twice married, and had ten children. He was an intelligent physician, and devoted considerable attention to surgery. In conse- quence of disease in one of his lower limbs, he was under the necessity of having it amputated. The operation was successfully performed by Dr. Miller, of Franklin. In early life, it is believed about the year 1780, he had a smallpox hospital in Medfield, in connection with Dr. Jerauld. He died in 1813, aged 71.
Dr. Abijah Richardson was born in Medway, August 30, 1752. In 1770, he entered Harvard College, where he remained two years. He then commenced the study of medicine. Having completed his studies, he entered the Revolutionary Army in the capacity of Surgeon's Mate, under Dr. Samuel Whitwell. He afterwards received a Surgeon's com- mission, and continued in the service of his country until the close, or near the close, of the war. He then settled as a physician in Medway, and there continued in the active and successful performance of the du- ties of his profession until his death, which occurred May 10, 1822, at the age of 70.
Few physicians pass their professional career more honored and be- loved. He was an eminent botanist ; indefatigable in the pursuit of knowledge, and with a memory so retentive, that he seldom forgot what he had once acquired. He performed the duties of every relation in life with the most scrupulous exactness. He was affable, communicative, benevolent ; but not obtrusive. He was an honor to his profession and
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to his country ; and for many years to comc his memory will be held in grateful recollection in the vicinity in which he lived.
He married Mercy Daniels, by whom he had a numerous family. She still lives, at the age of 97, receiving from her grateful and prosperous country a handsome annual pension as a token of gratitude for services rendered by her husband in " the day which tried men's souls."
NEEDHAM,
Dr. William Deming appears to have been the earliest physician in Needham. He married Rebecca Peabody in 1759, and died of the " great cold," or influenza, probably in 1789.
Dr. Peter Fisk was a physician in West Needham. Hc removed to Warwick, and there died.
Dr. Isaac Morrill, of West Needham, was son of Rev. Isaac Morrill, of Wilmington. He was born in 1747, and dicd in May, 1839, agcd 92. He settled in Natick before the commencement of the Revolution- ary war, He was eminent in his profession, and highly respected in every relation of life, A short biographical notice of his character was published in the Boston Chronicle and Patriot, May 22, 1839.
Dr. Timothy Fuller was a native of Needham. He graduated at Harvard College in 1787, studied medicine with Dr. Willard, and settled as a physician in East Needham, where he died in 1799,
Dr. Samuel Adams, who received the degree of M.B. at Harvard in 1794, and M.D. in 1802, settled in East Needham. Hc removed thence to Boston, and afterwards to Cincinnati, where he died in 1845, aged 74.
Dr. Samuel Gould was for a time at East Needham. He removed to West Roxbury, where it is said he died in 1850 or 1851.
Dr. Josiah Noyes succeeded Dr. Gould. He was born at Acton, Oct. 8, 1811 ; studied medicine with Dr. Dunbar, of Westmoreland, N. H .; received the degree of M.D. at Dartmouth College in 1825, and settled in East Needham, where he continues to residc, He is distin- guished for his acquaintance with botany.
BELLINGHAM.
Bellingham was set off from Dedham May 11, 1719, and incorporat- ed November 27. The Congregational Church over which Rev. Jona- than Mills was ordained pastor in 1727, has long been extinct.
Dr. John Corbett was the earliest physician in Bellingham, He mar- ried Mehitable Rockwood,
Dr. John Corbett, son of the preceding, was born March, 1704; bc- came a physician, resided in his native place, and practised medicine,
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He married Hopestil Chapin, and died in 1794, aged 90. Dr. Corbett was a very successful practitioner, possessed a large landed estate, and had great influence in the town. He was a man of ardent feelings and uncommon decision of character. Upon the first news of hostilities with the mother country, he took a decided stand in favor of liberty. During the last half of his life, he labored under a serious disability in regard both to speech and locomotion ; yet as his bodily health was other- wise good, by means of a kind of chair fixed on wheels, and a well- trained horse, he continued to do a large business in his profession, and finally died of old age, after having seen the snows of ninety winters.
Dr. John Scammell was the son of Dr. Samuel Leslie Scanmell, of Milford. His mother was Bethiah, a daughter of Dr. John Corbett. His grandfather, Dr. Samuel Leslie Scammell, emigrated to this country from Portsmouth, England, A.D. 1738, and settled in that part of Men- don now called Milford, and dicd A.D. 1753, aged 45. He left two sons, Dr. Samuel Leslie, already alluded to, and Alexander. This Alexander distinguished himself in the Revolution ; was at one time one of General Washington's adjutants, and was officer of the day at the execution of Andre. Wishing for more active service, he took the colonelship of a select corps, and was slain a few days before the surrender of Cornwallis, aged 37. A monument is erected over his grave at Williamsburg, Va., and he is pictured among a group of officers in one of those large paint- ings which grace the walls of the Rotunda at Washington. He was an intimate friend of the first General Dearborn, who named liis son, Gene- ral Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn, after him.
Dr. John Scammell studied medicine with his father in Milford, and after the death of his grandfather, Dr. Corbett, removed to Bellingham to take possession of a farm inherited from him. He was a man of a most amiable disposition, and was eminently skilful and successful in his profession. He was for nearly forty years a cotemporary with Dr. Thur- ber, whose residence was very near to his own; and during this whole period these two excellent physicians lived on terms of the most perfect harmony. In the various relations of life he was highly esteemed, dis- charging the duties of those relations in a manner alike honorable to himself and acceptable to the community in which he lived. In April of the year preceding his death he unfortunately fractured the neck of the thigh bone, which never united. He died March 9, 1845, aged 84.
Dr. Daniel Thurber first settled in East Bellingham, but soon re- moved just within the limits of Mendon. He was very highly esteemed as a man and medical practitioner. He was a good writer, but lacked the gift of public speaking. He was warm in his friendships, and per-
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haps it should be added equally implacable when offended. The dis- honorable practitioner found in him no countenance. He was firm and decided in his principles and practice ; and his advice in cases of difficulty was much sought by his medical brethren. In 1825 he received from Brown University the honorary degree of M.D., and the following year a similar degree was conferred upon him at Harvard. As a further proof that his memory is still gratefully cherished, it may be added, that a medical association has been recently formed in the town of Milford, composed of physicians in that and the neighboring towns, who, to show their respect for his character, have taken the name of the " Thurber Mcdi- cal Association." Dr. Thurber died of paralysis, in 1836, aged 70; and an obituary notice of his character was at that time promised, but, if I am correctly informed, has never been published.
Dr. Jonathan Thayer, who was born in 1717 and died about 1760, was a physician in Bellingham, and is represented to have held a good standing in his profession.
A few other physicians have practised there. Among these may be named Dr. William Whitaker and Dr. Collins ; also Dr. Timothy Mer- riam, who soon removed to Framingham, where he died in 1833, aged 76.
WALPOLE.
Walpole was set off from Dedham in 1724.
Dr. Ebenezer Doggett was the earliest physician there. He was a native of Attleborough, and a grandson of John Doggett, of Watertown, who removed to Martha's Vineyard in 1642. He was much respected, and had a large circle of practice not only in Walpole, but also in Fox- borough and Wrentham. To this latter place he finally removed, where he died of cancer in the breast, Feb. 26, 1782.
Dr. Rhodes, of Boston, succeeded Dr. Doggett, and remained two years.
Dr. Seth Mann, a native of Walpole, and medical pupil of Dr. Dog- gett, was the next physician. He died about 1826.
Dr. James Messinger died in Walpole in 1821, aged 51.
Dr. Jonathan Wild was a native of Randolph, and a medical pupil of Dr. Moses Baker, of that town. He commenced business in Walpole in 1780. He was a worthy man; somewhat credulous in his tempera- ment, but notwithstanding this infirmity a useful physician and good citizen. He was born in 1753, and died in October, 1833.
Dr. Knapp resided in Walpole a few years, and then removed to Cumberland, R. I.
Dr. Abel Wilder succeeded Dr. Knapp, but soon removed to Mendon.
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Dr. Jonathan Ware was for a time a resident in Walpole, previously to his settlement in Milton.
Dr. Ebenezer Stone settled in Walpole in 1824, where he still remains in successful practice.
Dr. Henry B. Tappan took up liis residence in Walpole in 1849, re- mained one year, and then removed to Central America, where he died in 1852.
WRENTHAM.
Wrentliam was originally a part of Dedham, from which town it was set off March 27, 1661, when it contained but sixteen families ; but it was not incorporated until October 15, 1673. In consequence of an Indian war, which occurred in 1676, the settlement was for a time abandoned. In 1680 the inhabitants returned.
I regret that my inquiries respecting the early physicians in this town have been less successful than I could have desired. I proceed, however, to present such facts as are in my possession.
Dr. Benjamin Ware was born in Wrentham, July 8, 1688, and died Jan. 16, 1744, aged 56. He married Melatiah, relict of Jonathan Ware, Esq., who after his death became the wife of Col. Ephraim Leonard, of Mansfield. Dr. Ware was reputed to have been a worthy physician and much respected as a citizen.
Dr. Cornelius Kollock is supposed to have been the second resident physician in Wrentham. He married Sarah, daughter of Rev. Henry Messinger, who after her husband's death became the wife of Rev. Ben- jamin Caryl, of Dover. Dr. Kollock died January 22, 1754.
Dr. John Druce was a native of Brookline; graduated at Harvard College in 1738 ; studied medicine at Watertown ; settled as a physi- cian in Wrentham about the year 1740 ; married Margaret Trowbridge, of Newton ; had six children, one of whom, Mrs. Nancy Guild, is still living at the age of 98, having been born Feb. 9, 1755, to whom I am indebted for the facts respecting her father. He was much respected as a physician, and died of consumption at the age of 55.
Dr. Daniel Fisher died March 29, 1774.
Dr. Samuel Brenton died Jan. 3, 1791, aged 34. He was a young man of great promise, and much respected.
Dr. Jolin Fales died April 9, 1803, aged 61.
Dr. Jenckes Norton died May 1, 1796, aged 37. His residence was in North Wrentham.
Dr. Cyrus Bean was the son of Rev. Joseph Bean, had a respectable but not a widely-extended practice, and died April 5, 1813, aged 54.
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Dr. James Mann was a native of Wrentham, and for more than twenty years a distinguished practitioner of medicine and surgery in that place. He graduated at Harvard College in 1776, and M.D. Brown University, 1815. He studied medicine in Boston under the direction of Dr. Dan- forth. Immediately after completing his pupilage, he joined the Revolu- tionary Army as a surgeon, but after three years' service his enfeebled health compelled him to resign. " He was a scientific practitioner-bold and intrepid, but not adventurous." He was the author of two essays to which the first Boylston medical prizes were awarded in 1804, and " liis subsequent writings received the decided approbation of the profession." " Dr. Mann was appointed a hospital surgeon in the United States Army in 1812; and was at the head of the medical staff on the northern frontier during the late war. The arduous duties of this highly respon- sible station he discharged with distinguished ability, and to universal satisfaction." He died in New York, Nov. 1832.
Dr. Samuel Bugbec graduated at Brown University in 1802; M.D. 1816; and died July 14, 1841, aged 60. He was a medical pupil of Dr. Mann ; was an active and enterprising physician, and enjoyed a wide circle of professional business. His death was occasioned by a dis- ease of the heart, an account of which was published in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. XXV., p. 64.
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