1850.] Physicians of Ipswich, 11 PHYSICIANS OF IPSWICH Mr. Drake,— If you deem the foregoing worth a place in your Journal, you are at liberty to make use of it for that purpose. Your Obedient Servant, A. Hammatt. Giles Firmin, Fyrmin, or Firman, son of Giles, who was chosen deacon of the Church in Boston, October 20, 1633, and was, according to Gov. Winthrop, “ a godly man, an apothecary of Sudbury, in England,” probably came with his father in 1630. He was born about 1614, educated at Cam- bridge, England, and settled in Ipswich as early as 1638. He married a daughter of the Rev. Nathaniel Ward, the eccentric author of “ The Simple Cobler of Aggawam.” There was granted to him, January 4, 1638, by the “ Freemen of Ipswich,” one hundred acres of land “ near Mr. Hubbard’s farm.” He also possessed a “ planting lot” of six acres, on which he built a house, where he resided, which was purchased, after his return to England, by William Goodhue, the ancestor of the extensive family of that name. It appears, from a letter to Governor Winthrop in 1639, that he found the practice of Medicine unprofitable, and that he was disposed to exchange it for the kindred profession of Theology. He accordingly left Ipswich about 1654, and returned to England, where he became a minister of considerable distinction. He preached before the Parliament, and the “ renouned Assembly of Devines at Westminster,” on which occasion, speak- ing of New England, he said, “I have lived in a country seven years, and all that time I never heard one profane oath, and all that time never did see a man drunk in that land.” After preaching in England for more than forty years, he died at Ridgewell in April, 1697. John Dane, or Dean, John, junior, and Francis, were among the earliest English settlers of Aggawam, since called Ipswich. These names appear on the first list of “ such as are Commoners in Ipswich, viz., or that have right of commonage there: the last day of the last month, 1641.” In this list, the name is spelt Dane; but in the town record, we find “ John Dean, the elder,” had granted to him “ a house lot of one acre, lying in the street called the West End,” “entered 9th, 2 mo., 1639.” He probably died, or removed from Ipswich, before 1648. In- December 29, of that year, the names of Francis Dane and John Dane, appear on “A list of those that did subscribe their names to allow to Major Denison, the sum of twenty- four pounds, seven shillings, yearly, so long as he shall be their leader, to encourage him in his military helpfulness.” Francis, soon after, was settled as the minister of Andover, where he died, February 17, 1697, in the eighty-second year of his age. John remained in Ipswich, where he died, September 29, 1684, and left an estate appraised at £469 11s. 3d. In his Will, he styles himself “ John Dane, Chirurgeon ;” but the Will is labelled, by the Clerk of the Court, “ Doctr. Deane’s Will.” He left a wife and two sons, John and Philemon ; daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah; a grand- daughter, Mary Chandler, (daughter of William Chandler, of Andover, who married Mary, his daughter, August 24, 1658,) and a grandson, Dan- iel Hovey. He gives to his son John, the farm he “ bought of Mr. Richard Hubbard.” Thomas Wells was one of the earliest English inhabitants of Ipswich. He took the Freeman’s oath at Boston, May 7, 1637. He had a house lot granted to him in 1635, on the south side of the river, near where the 12 Physicians of Ipswich. [Jan. Stone Bridge now is, and afterwards, in 1638, “planting lands” near “ Heart-break Hill.” He probably came from Essex, England, having had relatives at Colchester, in that County, at the time of his decease in 1666. He married a daughter of William Warner, sister of Daniel and John Warner, all of them people of consideration among the first settlers He left three sons, Nathaniel, the eldest, John, and Thomas; and five daugh- ters, Sarah Massie, of Salem, Abigail Treadwell, of Ipswich, Elizabeth, Hannah, and Lydia. The last named became Lydia Rogers before the decease of her mother in 1671. Nathaniel, the eldest son, with his wife Lydia, continued to reside in Ipswich until after the decease of his mother, who bequeaths to him the “ flax now growing.” He was probably father of Nathaniel, who was born 1669, and died at Ipswich, October 13, 1717, who was father of Capt. Nathaniel, who was born April 24, 1699, and died May 27, 1790. The Rev. Jonathan French, of North Hampton, in an article in the Gen. Register, vol. 1, p. 43, states that the Rev. Nathaniel Wells, minister of Deerfield, New Hampshire, was “son of Dea. Nathaniel Wells, whose father was also Dea. Nathaniel Wells, who removed to Wells, Me., from Ipswich, Mass., and who was a son of Dea. Thomas Wells of Ipswich.” I suspect that there is an error here, and that the first Dea. Nathaniel Wells, of Wells, was son of John, second son of Thomas, of Ipswich, who married Sarah, daughter of Francis Littlefield, and settled in Wells, which received its name from this family, having previously been called Preston. His father transferred to him, by a deed of gift, all his lands in that place, being about three hundred and fifty acres. To Thomas, the youngest son, the father, by his Will, dated July 3, 1666, bequeaths two hundred and fifty pounds, sterling, to be paid to him “ when he come to the age of 22 years, 4 months, and 10 days.” By the same instrument, it appears that he was born “ lltli 11th mo., 1646,” or January 11, 1647, of the present style. Why this precise period was fixed on for the pay- ment of the legacy, does not appear. Is it possible that the good deacon could have dabbled in Astrology ? He also provides for the contingency of his sons “ going to College,” and bequeaths to him “ all the books I bought for his use, and my phissic books, and the books called orthodox evangelist.” Two books which would px-obably come under the latter description, “ The Soul’s preparation for Christ,” and “ Parkins upon the Creed,” he had given to his daughters. From this bequest of “ phissic books,” the inference is drawn that he was a physician. The evidence is not quite conclusive, yet I know of no othei\ The books were appraised at £8 6s. 3d., a respectable medical library for those days. This was probably the Thomas Wells who, according to Farmer, was the first minister of Amesbury, ordained in 1672, and died July 10, 1734, aged eighty-six. If so, he was eighty-seven years and six months old at the time of his decease. John Rogers, son of the Rev. Nathaniel, great-grandson [?] of John, the celebrated martyr of Smithfield, was born in England about 1630, and came to New England with his father in 1636. He was graduated at Har- vard College in 1649, and studied both physic and divinity. He commenced preaching as colleague or assistant to Mr. Hubbard, July 4, 1656. He continued to preach occasionally, and to practice in his other profession, until 1683, when, on the decease of Urian Oakes, President of Harvard College, he wras chosen to succeed him, and was installed August 12, 1683. He died July 20, 1684, the day succeeding the first commencement after his installation. He married Elizabeth, daughter of General Daniel Den- ison, who, after the decease of her husband, returned to Ipswich, where she died, July 13, 1723, in the eighty-second year of her age. They did not 1850.] Physicians of Ipswich. 13 join the church until January 11, 1673, when they “came into full com- munion.” Their children were Elizabeth, Margaret, John, Daniel, Na- thaniel, and Patience. A nuncupative Will of Nathaniel Rogers, father of the above, was proved September 26, 1655, by the oaths of Mr. Ezekiel Cheever, and Deacon John Whipple. It is in the handwriting of Mr. Cheever, who was the first master of the Grammar School in this town, and afterwards the distinguished master of the Latin School in Boston, and is a very neat specimen of the chirography of the age. The caption runs thus :— “ The last will and testament of Mr. Nathaniel Rogers, Pastor of the Church of Christ, at Ipswich, as was taken from his own mouth, July 3, Anno Dom. 1655. A clause in this will has been misunderstood as implying a charge of in- efficiency, and want of industry in our learned and worthy physician. It is in these words. “ To my son John, to prevent expectation of a double portion, I have not so bequeathed; he hath never been by any labor ser- viceable to his brethren, but hath been upheld by their labor and pain, while he hath been determining his way, therefore, 1 give and bequeath to him an equal portion with his other brethren, viz.; ye sume of one hundred pound of my estate in Old England, and one hundred pound of my estate in New England.” He makes like bequests to his sons Nathaniel, Samuel and Timothy. To his son Ezekiel, “twenty pound, which he shall have liberty to take in my books if he please.” Assuredly, Mr Rogers does not intend any censure on his eldest son, or disapprobation of his conduct, but merely to do justice to his younger sons, who, by their labor and “paine” had helped to acquire the property, and to contribute to their elder broth- er’s support while obtaining his education. For a like reason, undoubt- edly, he gives to his son Ezekiel, only twenty pounds, because his estate had already been at the charge of giving to him a liberal education. Philemon Dean and his brother John, sons of Doct. John Dean or Dane, seem to have affected a separation of the two names; Philemon and his descendants using the former orthography, while John and his, adopt the latter. Philemon was born about 1646 ; joined the church “ in full commu- nion,” February 8,1673-4 ; and was admitted a freeman, in March of the same year. He married Mary Thompson, October 7, 1685, after whose decease he married Ruth Convers, December 25, 1690. By the last wife he had Philemon and Edward, twins, born July 17, 1695, and a daughter, Ruth, born August 24, 1698. Philemon removed to Newbury. He married; August 20, 1742, Hannah York of Ipswich. Edward, the twin brother, died before their father and left a widow. The inscription on the grave stone of Doctor Dean is as follows. HERB LYES Y BODY OF R DOC PHILEMON DEANE R e WHO DIED OCTO Y TH 18 1716 AGED 70 YEARS O LORD BY SAD & AWFULL STROAKES OF MANS MORTALITY 14 Physicians of Ipswich. [Jan. O LET US ALL BE PUT IN MIND THAT WE ARE BORN TO DYE GRAUE SAINT BEHIND THAT CANNOT FIND THY OLD LOUE NIGHT NOR MORN S PRAY LOOK ABOUE FOR THER YOUR LOUE e SINGING WITH Y FIRST BORN. The last four lines of this epitaph seem to have been favorites with the lapidary poets of the day, for we find them, word for word, on the grave- stone of Mr. Nathaniel Adams, April 11, 1715. Yet this was about the same time when Pope published the Rape of the Lock. John Bridgham, son of Henry and Elizabeth Bridgham of Boston, was born about 1645. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1669, and settled as a physician in Ipswich, about 1685. On the sixteenth of April of that year, there was granted to him by the freemen of the town, “ about half an acre of land near Goodman Bridges, near the widow Clark’s ; pro- vided he improve it for a garden, and to build on for his settlement here in this town.” He died May 2, 1721, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. To the record of his death, by the town clerk, is subjoined this remark, —“ for many years past he proved himself a very skillful and eminent physician, his administrations being commonly attended with good success.” He was a feoffee of the grammar school from 1714 to the time of his decease. A silver cup belonging to the communion service of the first church, has this inscription. “The Gift of Doctr. John Bridgham, to the Church of Christ in Ipswich, 1721.” In December, A. D. 1700, a new meetinghouse having been built, the town chose a committee “ To apppoint all persons where they should sitt in y* new meetinghouse — and also to grant pues in ye places reserved join- ing to ye walls and sides of ye meetinghouse — not to extend aboue 5 foot & 2 from ye sides of ye house into ye allies.” The committee consisted of “ Coll" John Wainwright, Lt. Colln John Appleton, Mr. Nehemiah Jewett, Deacon Nathaniel Ivnowlton, Serf Samuel Hart, Doctr Philemon Dean, and Mr. Daniel Rogers.” This meetinghouse was the largest ever built in this town ; the parish, also, being larger in territory and population, than it is now, The construction of the interior would be considered in these days as remarkable. The pulpit was placed about seventeen feet from the northeasterly wall, with a large communion table in front of it. Twenty- five of the pews against the walls, were assigned to thirty-five of the prin- cipal inhabitants, “ for the use of their wives and families,” while to them- selves were appointed seats in the body of the house. The men were seated on one side of the broad aisle, the women on the other. There were on each side, one seat behind the pulpit, and three short seats on each side of the pulpit and communion table. On these were seated the more elderly people, without much distinction of rank ; the most elderly appear to have been placed on the seat behind the pulpit. About the table were seated ten of the more elderly of the upper class in society. On thirteen long seats, on each side of the house, were placed the rest of the inhabitants, ac- cording to their rank and station in society. At that time the title of Mr. was one of considerable distinction. Of one hundred and ninety-nine men, to whom seats were appointed, no more than twenty-seven had that appel- lation. As many more had military titles, from “ Coll" ” to “ Corp11 ” and three had the title of “ Docfi,” viz : Bridgham, Dean, and Perkins. Of the six 1850.] Physicians of Ipsivich. 15 placed on the seat behind the pulpit, one had the title of “ Deacon,” and one that of “ Serj‘.” Of the ten seated at the table, three had the title of “ Mr ” two that of “ Lt.,” one that of “ Qr Mr,” (Quarter Master,) two that of “ Ens.,” one that of “ Serj*,” and one “ old Good” Bragg,” probably Ed- ward Bragg, who must have been at that time, more than seventy-eight years old. The first long seat was assigned to eight persons, two of whom had the title of “ Coll",” two that of “ Majr,” two that of “ Lt.,” one that of “ Doctr,” (Bridgham,) and one that of “ Mr.” The second seat was as- signed to eleven persons, one of whom had the title of “Ens.” and all the others that of “ Mr.” On the third seat were seated thirteen persons, one of whom had the title of “ Capt.” one that of Doctr,” (Dean,) one that of “ Serj‘,” one that of “ Corp1,” and six that of “ Mr,” while three were with- out any addition to their names. The fourth seat had fourteen occupants, two of whom had the title of “ Serj1,” four that of “ Corp1,” and three that of “Mr.” On the fifth seat were sixteen persons, two of whom had the title of “ Serj1,” and one that of “ Mr.” The six following seats were as- signed to ninety-eight men, most of whom were freeholders and commoners, but are without any title attached to their names, except “ Mr. Wardwell,” who had a pew assigned to him, with permission “to sitt in ye sixth of ye men’s long seats, upon consideration of his son Elihu sitt in sd pew.” The thirteenth seat was assigned to the “ Boyes.” “Negroes to goe up to the benches at ye head of ye staires.” The above is given as an illustration of the customs of the age, and of the relative social rank which the physicians sustained. John Perkins was the son of Abraham, son of John, the younger, who with his father John, the elder, were among the first settlers of Ipswich. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1695, and soon afterwards com- menced the practice of medicine in this place. He had a pew in the Meet- inghouse appointed to him for the use of his family in 1700, but there appears to have been no seat assigned to himself. His father had a pew appointed to him “ for his wife and family,” with this condition, “ one of ye heads of sd family to sit in sd pew.” This was probably intended to accom- modate the Doctor. He is said to have removed to Boston, probably find- ing, as some of his successors have done, the profession at Ipswich some- ivhat crouded. He was, not improbably, father to Doctor John Perkins, who came from Boston, and settled at Ipswich in 1723, and died here in 1780. Samuel Wallis, son of Samuel by his first wife, Sarah Watson, was born September 23, 1691. The father Samuel, was son of Ensign Nicho- las Wallis, son of Robert, one of the first settlers, who had land granted to him in 1639. The doctor had a wife named Sarah and lost an infant daughter, Sarah, October 4, 1715. He died October 16, 1728, in the thir- ty-eighth year of his age. Thomas Berry was born in Boston, in 1695; graduated at Harvard College in 1712, and studied medicine with Doctr Thomas Greaves of Charlestown. He settled as a physician in this town in December 1686, and married, Augnst 6, 1717, Martha Rogers, daughter of the Rev. John Rogers. She died, August 24, 1727, at the age of thirty-three years, and on the seven- teenth of the next February, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Turner of Salem. He was eminently distinguished for his energy and activity in public affairs, as well as in his own. He sustained the offices of a Colonel of the militia, Representative in the General Court, Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Judge of Probate, and was many years one of the Executive Council of the Province. In 1749, he took an active part 16 Physicians of Ipswich. [Jan. in reviving the grammar school, which had fallen into neglect during the dark age which preceded his time. Elderly people yet living remember his cotemporaries, and hand down the tradition that he maintained a degree of state and splendor in his domestic establishment, unequalled since his time. He kept his chariot, with servants in livery, and made other dis- plays of wealth and rank, which indicate him as the last of the aristocracy. He died August 12, 1756, aged 61 years. The inscription on his grave- stone closes with the appropriate motto, John, the second son, married Sarah, daughter of Francis Littlefield, senr., and settled in Wells, in the County of York, Maine — which received its name from this family, having previously been called Preston — where his father had given him, by a deed of gift, about 350 acres of land. Francis Holmes was probably the son of James and Mary Holmes, who were inhabitants of Ipswich in 1694. He died May 12, 1758, in the 53 year of his age. He owned, and resided in the ancient house, yet standing, at the corner of Maine street and Summer street. He married Mary Gib- son, with whom he was published March 29, 1732, and who survived him. The children he left were John, who remained in Ipswich ; Francis, who removed to Newbury, where he dwelt in 1760; Mary, wife of John Pitt- man ; Josiah and Margaret Holmes. His widow made her signature with a mark. The estate was appraised at £150 9s. 4d., of which the house and garden constituted £80, and “ part of a barn wth Nath1 Smith on ye meet® house hill,” £4. “ sic transit gloria mundi.” Samuel Rogers, son of the Rev. John, and grandson of the Rev. Doctj-. John, President of Harvard College, was born August 31, 1709. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1725 ; married Hannah Wise, January 1, 1735, and died December 21, 1772. With an extensive practice in his profession, he found time to exercise the offices of Town Clerk, Register of Probate, Justice of the Peace, Representative to the General Court, and Colonel of a regiment. John Calef was born in 1725. He was of a remarkably short lived family, yet himself attained the age of eighty seven years. His father, Robert,* died July 12, 1730, in the thirty-seventh year of his age. His mother, Margarett, youngest daughter of Deacon John Staniford, died Oc- tober 7, 1727, in the thirty-second year of her age. Samuel, his father’s brother, died September 1, 1720, aged twenty-four years. Joseph, his grandfather, died December 28, 1707, in his thirty-sixth year. He may have inherited his longevity from his maternal grand-parents, Deacon Stan- iford, who died May 27, 1730, aged eighty-two years, and Margaret, his wife, daughter of Thomas and Martha Harris, who died May 18, 1750, aged ninety-three. The name is frequently written on our records “ Calf,” which probably represented the popular pronunciation. On a subscription by the grandfather, “ Mr. Joseph,” toward purchasing a bell in 1699, the name is spelt “ Califfe.” The doctor had great respectability, and consi- derable political influence. He was for many years representative of the town at the General Court, but falling into the unsuccessful party, in revo- lutionary times, was obliged to leave his country. He settled at St. An- drew’s, in the British Province of New Brunswick, where he died in 1812. * Robert Calef, the author of the well known “ More Wonders of the Invisible World,” according to Farmer, died at Roxbury, 13 April, 1719. We shall be very glad to have some account of him — a man so much in advance of his age, as he unquestion- ably was. Will some of our correspondents look to this matter 1 Editor.