Plymouth County, Massachusetts - Chapter 20: Slavery, 1884

It is diflScult to fix the Dumber of slaves that liave been owned in the North Parish ; but, however disagreeable it may seem to many, we have to record the fact that the " peculiar institution" did exist in the town previous to the Revolutionary war. It was not thought improper for the clergy, deacons, or physicians to hold slaves. Col. Simeon Gary had a slave named Kiuy; Ring, of whom it is said " he whipped the apple-trees to make them grow." He had children, - Patience, Jenny, Mary, and Fanny. Many persons are now living who can remember Patience Ring, who always lived in the family of Col. Gary and his descendants.

Another colored man lived nearly opposite the residence of the late Oliver Dike, who is said to have been a slave by the name of Toby Tarbet.

We find in the records of the parish the names of several colored persons, who undoubtedly were servants in families, if not " slaves," as it was quite common for slaves to be known by one name only, like those we find in the list of marriages, as Plato, Pompey, Nero, Tobias, Violet, and the like, and for a surname they usually took the name of their owner.

In 1780 the adoption of the State Constitution forbade traiEc or ownership of colored people, and from that time all have been alike free. Those who were slaves generally remained with their former masters as a matter of choice, and many of them had large families.

Among the colored people in the town, we find the names of several persons whose descendants are not in the town, many of them having removed to other localities, as Calvin and Luther Jotham, who removed to Maine, Thomas Mitchell, Amos Corduer, Jloses Sash, Cuff Robin, Bennett 0. Battou, Henry Traveller, Elias Sewell, Boston Foye, Giuaar Kaston, Cuffee Wright, Susannah Huggins, and Oxford, who Were married while servants in the family of Daniel Howard, Esq., Segnio Scott, and Primus Freeman.

There is one family of these people who have become quite numerous, - the descendants of James ! Easton, who came from Middleboro' previous to tlie I incorporation of the town. He had seven children, three of whom settled in this vicinity. Caleb mar- \ ricd, and had six children, some of whom are now ' residents of the town. '

The anti-slavery movement in this town did not meet with that favor which it received in many other places. It began by the circulation of tracts upon that subject, and with lectures by various persons, among whom were W. L. Garrison, Parker PilUbury, S. S. Foster, C. C. Burleigh, and, later, Wendell Phillips and Frederick Doughiss. These persons were the champions of the cause, and their etforts have, no doubt, produced some good results.

Political parties have changed from tinje to time, till, in the election of Governor Andrew and Abraham Lincoln, the town has shown, by their votes, that they were in earnest in the cause of freedom.

Temperance. - Previous to ISOO, it was a common custom to use liquors as a beverage; and even till about 1830 it was the practice to have it at public gatherings, weddings, ministerial associations, auetiuns, raisings, military parades, and such occasions were tiot complete without their punch.

It was also indispensable that those who acted the part of bearers at funerals should have something to stimulate or keep up their spirits. All the grocery stores in the country kept liquor for sale as much as they did molasses. Upon an examination of some of the old account-books of those that kept groceries, we found about one half the charges were for rum, gin, brandy, etc., which were included in the list of necessaries of life.

The first item we find recorded in regard to restricting the open sale of intoxicating licjuors, was " to post the names of those who were reputed as 'drunkards,' or ' common tipplers,' in the houses of those that held licenses for retailing liquor," wliith duty devolved upon the selectmen, as well as to forbid their selling to such persons.

Previous to 1820, licenses were granted by the Court of Sessions in each county to a certain number in each town to sell liquor, subject to the approval of the "Fathers of the Town." Alter that date, they were granted by the county commissioners.

The first efibrt we find recorded of an etlort to stop the peddling of "ardent sperit" was Oct. 8, ISOU, when the parish, at a meeting held on that day, " voted that there be no sellers of liquor and carts on the green, and that the parish committee see that the above order is complied with." Tiiia vote w;is passed for a special occasion, - that of the ordiiiatiuii of llcv. Asa Meech, Oct. 15, 1800.

SuppressioD of Tutemperance," the object of which i was to discontinue and suppress the too free use of ardent spirits, and its kindred vices, profaneness and gaining, and to promote temperance and general morality. This society labored hard against the tide of public opiuion till 1825, when the subject began to be discussed so freely that a still more efficient method was proposed, and new means were taken to spread the fearful effects of intoxication before the people.

A meeting was held by a few individuals during the year, which resulted in the foundation of the American Temperance Society, whose grand principle Wits abstinence from strong drink, and its object, by light and love, to change the habits of the nation with regard to the use of intoxicating liquors. On the 13th of February, 1826, the society was regularly organized, officers chosen, and a constitution prepared.

This society employed agents to travel through the country, preaching, and delivering temperance lectures, arousing the people to the evil efl'ects of liquor. Among those engaged in that calling were Rev. Nathaniel Hewett, Rev. Joshua Leavitt, and Daniel C. Axtell. These men came to this town and gave lectures to arouse the people of the town to a sense of their responsibility, and which had its efl'ect.

In 1829 we find the following on the records of the town, in answer to a call for a town-meeting, " to see what measures the town will take to prevent the too frequent use of ardent spirit."

March 9, 1829, "voted to raise a committee of twenty persons, to prevent the improper use of ardent spirits." The following persons were chosen as that committee: Joseph Sylvester, Esq., Darius Howard, Isaac Keith, Eliphalet Kingman, Deacon Jacob Fuller, Lieut. Isaac Packard, Deacon Jonathan Perkins, Lieut. Ephraim Cole, Micah Shaw, Nathaniel Amos, Ensign Mark Perkins, Capt. Abel Kingman, Perez Crocker, Jesse Perkins, Esq., Benjamin Ames, Edward Southworth, David Cobb. Caleb Howard, Esij., Silas Packard, Esq., and Joseph Packard.

Again, Monday, April G, 1829, " voted to direct the selectmen to post up the names of such persons as, in their judgment, drink too much ardent spirit."

Also, made choice of the following persons, to constitute a committee, to give the selectmen information of such persons namely : Edward Southworth, Thomas Wales, Martiu Cary, Micah Shaw, Isaac Curtis, Capt. Thomas Thompson, Capt. Ziba Keith, Turner Torrey, Mark Perkins, Lieut. Isaac Packard, and Lieut. Ephraim Cole.

Again, Feb. 26, 1830, an attempt was made to reduce the number of persona licensed to sell liquor. The town " voted to leave the subject of licenses to the selectmen."

In 18-10, the " Washingtonian Movement" commenced, which was started in Baltimore by a few individuals. At this time there was a complete overhauling of the temperance question. Speeches were made, picnics were frequent, and every effisrt made to induce people to join in the enterprise. Societies were formed among the children, " cold water armies" were organized, who held meetings for mutual benefit and social intercourse.

Next came the " Maine Law," that originated in Portland, Me., by Neal Dow. This caused a new movement among the temperance people. Votes were passed at nearly every town-meeting to prosecute and bring to the law those who violated the same, by using or selling liquor.

March 15, 1847, the town " voted that the selectmen be instructed to take efiectual measures to suppress the sale of ardent spirits within the town."

April 10, 1848, in town-meeting, Messrs. George W. Bryant, Esq., George B. Dunbar, and Alpheus Holmes were chosen a committee to draft a set of bylaws for the action of that meeting, and who submitted the following report, namely :

" Wdeueas, It appears to the inhabituDtf, in toivn-nieetius aaseutblcd, that, in order to preserve the peace, ^^ood order, and internal police of the town, it has become necessary to avail ourselves of the advantage of making Town liv-Laws for the suppression of intemperance agreeably to authority vested by the Legislature of Massachusetts;

"Siic. 1. That no person within said town shall presume to bo a retailer or seller of Cider, Stroug Beer, Ale, Porter, or any other fermented liquors, in less quantities than twenty-eight gallons, and that delivered and carried away all at one time, under pain of forfeiting tlie sum of Twenty-Five Dollars for each offence,

March 11, 1850, at a meeting held this day it was " voted that any person guilty of the violation of any I law regulating the sale of spirituous or fermented ; liquors shall receive from the treasurer of the town j the sum of twenty-five dollars for the expense atteiidj ing said prosecutions, the same to be paid on applica- ' tion, after having been approved by the selectmen."

During (lie month of May, 1851, llnv. Henry Moiijau came into town, and created no little euiiiusiasm throughout the town ou the subject of temperance. His cause was the theme of conversation iu the parlor, workshop, and by the way. Parents, cousius, and friends joined in the work with children and youth. The clergymen, also, rendered valuable aid ; so that, wiien Mr. Morgan left town, it was with a cheerful lieart, and a list of seventeen hundred .signers to the pledge, which was more names, in proportion to the population, than he had obtained iu any other town.

Among those who were especially entitled to credit for being active iu the labor of procuring signers to tlie pledge, were Gardner J. Kingman, Joseph Vincent, Ellis V. Lyon, Frederic Packard, Lucretia A. Drake, Alma F. Leach, Bradford E. Jones, Ellen A. Howard, Martha A. Packard, and Bethia Hayward.

The citizens of the town held a public meeting at Satucket Hall, Sept. 10, 1851. The meeting was called to order by George B. Dunbar, and Dr. Henry Eddy chosen president, and the following resolution was passed :

" Heaolved, Tbat tho friends of temperuncc in this town are in fjivor of enforcing tlie law for the su)i|ire8siun of the sale and use of intoxicating drink?, now and always, by every means in tltcir power, both legal and moral, and that, too, against the whims and moaus of a conscienceless class of persons who arc willing fur a few dollars to scatter dcstruotion auiungst their fellow-eitizens."

Jan. 21, 1852, a mammoth petition, containing one hundred and twenty thousand names in favor of the " Maine Law," was presented to the Legislature of Massachusetts. Many friends (one hundred and twenty-six) of the temperance movement repaired to Boston, to join iu a procession that was formed at Tremont Temple, to accompany the roll to the State- House.

March 1, 1852, "voted to instruct our town representative to vote for the bill to prohibit the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinks, as originally rejiortcd to the Senate by the committee, and that ho also be instructed to oppose the sending of the bill to the people for their ratiiication."

A public temperance meeting was held at the vestry of the Methodist Church, Aug. 9, 1S52, Dr. Henry Eddy, president, at which a committee of forty-two were chosen to inform of, and furnish evidence of, violations of the new and stringent law for the suppression of the sale of intoxicating li([Uors.

March 20, 1854, " voted to exclude alcoholic drinks from the fire department." Also, " voted that any member of the same tiiat shall become intoxicated

Sinclair Band op Hope (established in 1858). - This association was under the direction of the superintendent of the Porter Church Sabbath-.-chuol, tlie object of which was to encourage the young to ab.stain from the use of intoxicating li([uurs, tobacco, ami profanity.

NoRTu Star Division, No. 88, Sons of Tk.m- PEr'ance. - This division was instituted Feb. 2o, 1859, and was known by the above name. design of this association is to shield till cla.>.-es lV(jiii the evils of intemperance, afford niutuul assistance in case of sickness, and elevate their characters as men." The charter of this association was surrendered Dec. 4, 1863.

Fraternal Lodge, No. 24, Independent Order OF Good Templ.\US. - This organization was instituted Sept. 28, 18G0, under the above name, the object of which was similar to tl-.e North Star Division.

There was another division of the Sous of Temperance in the town, called the Crystal Fount Division, in 1S47, which is not in existence at the present time.

Aug. 14, 1863, the State of Mas.^achuselts was divided into thirty districts, and in each was formed a District Temperance Union. Such an one was formed, including North Bridgewater East, ami West Bridgewater, Lakeville and Carver, and was known as the Old Colony District Temperance Union. George B. Dunbar was vice-president, and Itev. William A. Start secretary and treasurer.

We have thus far seen that the movements of thitemperance cause in Brockton are not; unlike those in most country towns. There have, at different times. been various temperance organizations, both among the adult population and the children, but the pariiculars of which are not at hand. It is to be hoped that the efforts to restrain the free use (>f into.\icatiiig liquors may still continue as in times ])ast, that the baneful etlects of intoxication may not increase, bui grow beautifully less.

Dii. Philip Buyant w;is boiu in Middleboro', Muss., in December, 1732. He lived some time with his father in Titicut (Teightaquid), a parish formed of part of Middleboro' nud part of South Bridgewater. With his father, he removed to North Bridgewater (now Brockton), concerning which he was wont to say that he remembered the time when a greater part of it was thought quite unfit for the purposes of settlemeut. He studied medicine with Dr. Abiel Howard, of West Bridgewater, whose daughter he married. He was a man of great bodily activity, a calm and eveu temper, healthful habits, and kindly mannei's. He continued to practice medicine with much success to u very old age, wliich was terminated by his death, which took place February, 1817, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was buried in the small graveyard near the westerly portion of the Agricultural Society's grounds.

Dr. Peter Bryant, son of Dr. Philip Bryant, was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Aug. 12, 17(57. This man early distinguished himself by his love of study. In his frequent visits to the house of his grandfather, Dr. Abiel Howard, of West Bridgewater, he found, in a library well stocked for that time, the means of gratifying his tliirst for knowledge. He studied medicine and surgery, completing his course with Dr. Lewis Leprilete, a French physician of eminent skill and a celebrated surgeon of Norton, Mass. He then removed to Cuiumington, in the western part of Massachusetts, which was just beginning to fill up rapidly with settlers from the e:istern counties of the State. Here he established himself as a physician, and married a daughter of Ebenezer Snell, Esq., also a North Bridgewater family.

For several years he represented the town of Cummington in the Legislature of the State, and in the latter part of his life held a seat in the Senate. While in the Legislature he took a prominent part in bringing forward and passing laws still in force to raise the standard of medical education in the State. In politics he belonged to the Federal party, whose doctrines and measures he supported with zeal. lie wrote for the county paper - Jlainpshire Gazette - certain humorous poems of a satirical cast, the design of which was political. With these he took great pains, pruning and retouching them, and polishing and invigorating the lines. His scholarship, though not extensive, was remarkably exact. lie had, subsequently to his settlemeut in Cummington, made a voyage to the Indian Ocean, and passed six motiths in the Isle of France, where he acquired the French language, and preserved his familiarity with it for the rest of his life. He was a surgeon of great dexterity, firmness of hand, and precision in his operations ; in private life amiable and much beloved. Ilis life was closed in consumption the I'Jth of March, 1S20. William Cullen Bryant, Esq., the well-known American puet, was his son.

Luther Cary was son of Zachariah and Susannah (Bass) Cary, and was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), May 30, 1761 ; married Nabby, daughter of Benjamin King, of Raynham, Mass. ; studied medicine with Dr. James Froeiand, of Sutton, Worcester Co., Miiss., 1782 ; appointed justice of the peace June 8, 1800, justice of peace and of (|Uorum Aug. 23, 1804, and justice of the Court of Common Pleas for Oxford County March 3U, 1S05. He first resided at Sterling, Mass. ; removed from there to Williamsburgh, Mass., from whiuh place he removed to Turner, Oxford Co., Me., April 2, 1798. [ He waa an excellent physician, had a very extensive practice, and was very successful ; raised up a large and respectable family, the most of whom are now i living, one, a clergyman, residing in Iowa.

only ; married Molly, daughter of Capt. Zebedee Suull, Sept. 2, 1792, and had one son, Elisha Suell, born iu 1794 ; married Betsy Cliaudler, of Easton, 1S19.

Ziba Bass, M.D., was son of Edward Bass. Ho w;ui born in Braiutree, May 28, 1774; studied medicine with Dr. Ebeoezcr Alden, of Randolpli, Mass., and commeuced practice in North Bridgewater (.now Brockton) about 1800 under the most favorable auspices, with the fairest prospects of usefulness to his fellow men. He was a man of very pleasing address, pf au affectionate and amiable disposition, and gave unwearied attention to tlie welfare uf liis patients. His assiduity in search of knowledge, and his constant and undeviating fidelity iu all the duties of his profession, won the affection and established the confidence of a numerous class of the community in the circle of his acquaintance ; but he was suddenly called, soon after commencing in life, from his earthly labors, leaving a weeping multitude to deplore his loss. The following is on his tombstone :

*' EreeteJ to the uieinory of Dr. Ziba L;i33, who dictl September 23, A.D. 1SU4, in the thirty-lirst your of liis age, giving full pioof tliut uscfuloeaa was hia grand object in life. lie wild a jiattem uf modeaty, teuij-toraucc, fidelity, prudence, ecououjy, and uprightness, and died in hope of eternal rest and glory. Hence the following appropriaiiun : ' Blessed arc the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them.' "

Dr. Nathan Perry. This good man was born in Norton, May 27, 1776 ; was educated in the common schools of his native town, never having received a coUese education ; pursued the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Isaac Fowler, of Rehoboth, Mass., and Dr. Ebenezer Alden, Sr., of Randolph, both of whom were physicians of eminence in their day, and accustomed to the instruction of young men. Having completed his pupilage, Dr. Perry commenced practice in Heading, Mass., 1802 or 1803, where he acquired a good reputation and a competent share of employment. On the death of Dr. Ziba Bass, which took place Sept. 3, 1804, at North Bridgewater (now Brockton), on the recommendation of his instructor, and by the soricitations of many respectable citizens of that town, he was induced to change his residence, and take the place of his deceased friend. He was immediately introduced into a wide circle of practice, and during a period of nearly thirty years was the principal physician in the town. At length, in connection with reverses in his worldly circumstances and the loss of most of the members of his family by death, his spirits became depressed and his mind impaired. Subsequently he suffered from paralysis, and never fully recovered the perfect exercise of either his bodily or mental powers ; consequently, during the last twenty-five years of his life, he relinquished to a great extent the active duties of his profession. In 1823 he became a fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society by election, and a retired member in ISilO. He was a good physician, a man of sound judgment and sterling integrity, always pursuinu- the couiae he judged to be right, whatever might be the consequences to himself In early life he made a public profession of his faith in Christ, and his chai^aetcr was in perfect harmony with his profession. He died peacefully in a ripe old age, more from the debility incident to decay of his vital powers than fruni any manifest disease. Such was Dr. Perry, a good man and a worthy citizen. He closed his earthly career Sabbath morning, Aug. 16, 1857, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, leaving behind a memory cherished with affectionate regard by those who have shared his friendships and benefited by his counsels.

"About tbo year 1792, Nathan Perry, afterward Dr. Perry, of North Bridgewater, then a youth of some sixteen years uf age, was one day passing by Judge Leonard's deer-park, in Norton ; he playfully reached bis bands through the fence and took hold of one of the old buck's horns, and for jouic time annoyed him in that way. At length tiie deer gut out uf patience, broke away from his bold, and quite unexpectedly Ktaped over the fence, 6even or eight feet high, and made a furious aU.iek upon young Perry, throwing him upon the ground ; bur, very fortunately, the horns uf the enragctl deer, insiead uf striking his body, passed down on each side of it. ^Vllile in this position X.ithan grasped the horns of the buck, and succeedcil in pn-venting him from doing any injury till bis brothers, Ciardincr and .\1- vin, with une of Judge Leonard's men, came and lescued him from his perilous aituatiun."

Dr. Jonathan Porter Crafts was son of John and Olive (Porter) Crafts; born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Sept. 9, 1792 ; graduated at Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1817 ; studied medicine, but never practiced his profession ; he died in 1822, aged thirty years.

Adolphus Kinsman Borden, M.D., was born in the town of Hortou, Nova Scotia, Jan. 2t;, 1SU2. He was the oldest son of David and Ijlizabeth Borden, the former being a direct descendant from the Boiden family who came to England from Normandy at the time of the conquest. He received his early education under private tuition, and came to the United States at about the age of nineteen years, where he took up his abode with his uncle, Samuel Borden, of Fairhaven, Mass. He soon afterwards went to East Bridgewater, Mass., where he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Hector Orr. Later he studied in the office of the late Dr. Jacob Bigelow, of BcstOD, aud after attending two courses of lectures at the Harvard Medical School, received his degree of M.D. from that university August, 1824. He went to the town of Wareham, Mass., where lie practiced his profession about one year, and then returned to East Bridgewater, where, on the twentysecond day of Decenjber, 1825, he was joined in marriage tu Lucy Ann Ijazell, daughter of Bartholomew aud Betsey Bruwu, by the Rev. Richard M. Hodges. As a result of tliis union tlie following children were boru to him : Elizabeth Kinsman (died in infancy), George Kinsman, Edward Adolphus, Mary Mitchell, and Henry Francis, the latter being a practicing physician in the city of Brockton at the present time.

He removed to North Bridgewater (now Brockton), and commenced his career as a physician in that place by settling in that part of the town known as the West Shares (now Brockton Heights). About one year later he removed to the central part of the township. His practice was extensive and successful, and be continued it without rest until within a few mouths of his death, which took place on Jan. 29, 1875, after severe sutt'ering from a sub-acute abscess of the brain and meningitis. As a physician he was an acute and careful observer, a thorough believer in the methods of study as laid down by Lord Bacon, viz. : " observation aud induction." Always cool and cheerful in the sick-room, he was able to study his cases without any preconceived notion as to their nature, but ready to state them as he found their nature and extent to be. As a man, he was one of the kindest of husbands and fathers, sensitive in his nature, strong in his likes and dislikes, and quick to resent anything that tended to place him in the light of any character that was otherwise than honorable.

Abel W. Kingman, M.D., is son of Abel and Lucy (Washburn) Kingman, born in North Bridgewater, April 22, 18(IG ; graduated at Amherst College in 1830 ; commenced the practice of physician and surgeon at North Bridgewater, where he resided till bis death, which took place May 4, 1883. He was appointed postmaster of Brockton during Buchanan's administration.

James F. Richards, M.D., is son of Col. Jason aud Sophia (Forsaith) Richards, of Plainficld, Mass. ; was born July 16, 1832; taught school in Virginia; studied medicine with Dr. Forsaith, M.D., of South Abiugton, Mass. ; graduated at the College of Physicians aud Surgeons of New York in 1859, aud was a resident of Campello, enjoying a lucrative practice. He is now a resident of Andover, Mass.

Dean, of Eaaton, Mass.; born Dec. 17, 1837 ; came to Brockton in June, 1861, and succeeded Dr. Alexander Hichborn in the practice of medicine. He received his early education in the district schools of his native town till he was fourteen years of age ; student at Bristol Academy from 1853 to 1S56; studied medicine with Dr. Luther Clark, of Pinckuey Street, Boston ; graduated at Medical School, Harvard, March 6, 1861 ; practiced in Boston for a short time, aud from thence to this city, where he enjoys a lucrative and successful practice.

Horatio Bryant, M.D., is son of Jlicah aud Drusilla (Harlow) Bryant; born in Plympton, Mass.; fitted for college with Rev. Elijah Dexter, and at Amherst Academy ; entered Amherst College ; taught school at Castleton, Vt. ; graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. ; taught academy at Plain field, N. J. ; studied medicine at Yale College, where he graduated in 1839 ; he commenced practice as a physician and surgeon at Blandford, Mass., where he remained several years. He married Lucretia, daughter of Ebeuezer Clark, of Conway, Mass., and has one daughter. He removed from Blandford to Campello, Mass., about 1848. He now resides at Independence, Iowa.

Dr. Thomas Stockbridge was born in Scituate, Mass.; came to Brockton about 1837, and practiced as a physician several years, until he removed to New York ; he continued his practice in that city till about 1855, when he returned to Brockton, and cuutiuued to practice as before till his death, which took place Jan. 14, 1863.

Dr. James Easton was in practice for some time. Dr. Nahum Smith was a botanic physician in the town for many years, till he removed to Haverhill, 51 ass.

Henry Eddy, M.D., came to Brockton as a physician from Guilford, Conn. He was formerly an Orthodox clergyman ; settled in East Stoughton, Mass. ; he died several years since.

Dr. James Lewis Hunt was born in Jay, Essex Co., N. Y., Nov. 27, 1817 ; educated at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, N. H., and graduated at Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H., in 1842; attended medical lectures at Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio ; graduated at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, in 1851 ; married Miss Maria Baldwin, of Medina, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1850; practiced medicine at Bellevue, Ohio, Plymouth, Mass., and Brockton ; removed from the last-named place but a few years since, and now resides at Painesville, Ohio.

Dr. Alexander Hichborn had an office in the village, and practiced aa a physician till ISGl, when he enlisted as a captain in Company F, Twelfth Regiuieut, Col. Fletcher Webster ; afterwards became surgeon in the army.

Silas L. Loomis, A.M., M.D., w;ib born in North Coventry, Conn., May 22, 1832 ; son of Silas and Esther (Case) Looniis ; educated at the public schools of his native town till fourteen years of age ; studied sis months at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., three years at Holliston, Mass. ; graduated at Wesleyan University, Middletowu, Conn., at the age of si.vteen ; taught school ; elected teacher of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Holliston Academy in 1839 ; held that position during preparatory and part of his collegiate studies ; in connection with liis brother, established the Adelphiau Academy iu North Bridgewater (now Brockton) in 1 844, of which he was associate principal for ten years ; was elected member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1853, at the Cleveland meeting ; principal of Western Academy, Washington, D. C, 185G ; graduated Doctor of Medicine, Georgetown College, 1850 ; accepted the appointment of chief astronomer of the United States Lake Survey Expedition in 1856 ; published the " Normal Arithmetic" and " Analytical Arithmetic" in 185'J ; elected professor of Chemistry, Physiology, and Hygiene of Georgetown College in ISGl, and the same year was elected president of tlie Washington Scientitic Association ; in 18G2 was appointed assistant surgeon U. S. A., aud accompanied the Union army of Gen. McClellan from Fortress Monroe to Harrison's Landing, and afterwards stationed at the United States general hospitals; in 18G3, elected to the chair of Chemistry aud Toxicology, Medical Department, Georgetown College, and has written various articles upon medical and scientific subjects, many of which are highly recommended by the press and distiuguished men of all classes.

Lafayette Charles Loomis, A.M., M.D., born in North Coventry, Conn., July 7, 1824 ; son of Silas and Esther (Case) Loomis ; he was educated at the public school till the age of thirteen ; studied at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., and at Holliston, Mass. ; graduated at Wesleyan University, Jliddletown, Conn., in 1844 ; he commenced teaching in the public schools at the age of fifteen, which he continued to do winters through his academic and collegiate studies; in connection with his brother, established the Adelphian Academy iu North Bridgewater (now Brockton) in 1844, of which he was a.ssociute principal till 1851 ; afterwards principal of Irving Institute, Tarrytown, N. Y., in 1852-53; elected professor of Rhetoric and Natural Science in Wesleyan Female College, Wilmiugtuii, Del., in 1853; professor of Moral and Mental Pliiloaophy in 1854, which chair he held till his election as president of the college, in 1857. Several articles afipearL-d in the N^utional Magazine during that time. He was elected a member of the American Association tur the Advancement of Science in 185G. Iu lb57 elected president of the Delaware State Teachers' Association. In 1858 he jiublished '- Mizjiah, Prayer and Friendship," u devotional work of great merit; removed to Washington, D. C, and established the Lafayette Institute, a seminary for young ladies ; edited " Mrs. Thomas' Travels in Europe, Iv-'yi't, and Palestine" iu 18G0 and iu 18G1 ; wrote upon various subjects; graduated Doctor of Medicine and Surgerj', Medical Department, Georgetown College, iu 1SG3.

Present Physicians. - Among the present practitioners of medicine of Brockton are tiie following : Henry F. Borden, George E. Freeman, E. A. Dakin, James C. Swan, A. Eliott Paine, E. A. Chase, S. J. Gruver, J. E. Bacon, Bradford Allen, Benedict Donuovan, Chauncy M. Marston, W. P. Chisholui, Daniel A. Dimock, Fred. A. Ripley, E. E. Dean, Henry G. Ford, T. F. Roche, E. H. Sprague, Bartholomew W. Taber, Miss Ellen R. Blackwood, Mrs. J. D. Wheeler (eclectic), iSlrs. M. R. Stebbins, Fred. Crockett (magnetic).

Dr. Henry F. Borden is the son of Dr. A. K. Borden, one of the oldest physicians of the past generation, aud was born and educated in his native town, and is a successful member of the profession.

Dr. James C. Swau is the son of Dr. Caleb Swan, of Easton, born of a family eminent for their skill as physicians, and it would be strange indeed if the son should not inherit some of the skill and success for which his father was noted. Although born in Easton and .settled in West Bridgewater, yet he has a large aud lucrative practice in Brockton, and has become one of the leading physicians in the county.