History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts - citizen hylbom blog

No mention is made of any resident pliysician
in the early records. Dr. Alcock of Roxbury,
and Surgeon Avery of Dedham, were sent for in
difficult cases, the latter as Lite as 1673. Tlie
wife of John Loker, who was here in 16i0, acted
as midwife, and prescribed for common complaints ;
and the wife of Matthew (iibbs performed the same
offices after 1655. It is believed that Rev. James
Sherman had pursued medical studies and pre-
scribed for bodily diseases.
Ebenezer Robie (now written Roby), M. D.,
born at Boston in 1701, graduated at Harvard in
1719, commenced practice here in 17'25, and con-
tinued till his death in 1772. He studied with the
celebrated Dr. Boerhaave, and was eminent in his
profession, as well as in general scholarship and
Biblical criticism.
Dr. Ebenezer Roby, Jr., practised with his
father, and till his death in 1786. Dr. Joseph
Roby (son of Ebenezer, Jr.) was in practice here
till ISUl. Dr. Nathan Rice, born atFramingham,
settled in town in 1800, and continued in practice
till his death in 1814. Dr. Ebenezer Ames, born
at Marlborough, came to town in 1814, and was in
practice till his death in 1861. Dr. Edward Frost,
born at Frainingham, graduated at Harvard in
1823, was in practice here from 1830 till his
death in 1838. Dr. Charles W. Barnes, born
at Marlborough, was in practice here from 1860
to 1864. Dr. John McL. Hayward, born at Bos-
ton, graduated at Harvard Medical School in 1858,
settled in town in 1874. Dr. Charles H. Boodey
settled at Cochituate Village in 1876.
In the early times of the province men were ap-
pointed by the General Court, in the several towns,
to perform specific duties combining the powers of
counsel, judge, and jury. October 7, 1640, Mr.
Peter Noyes, Walter Hayne, and John Parmenter
were appointed to end small causes at Sudbury, un-
der twenty shillings. ]\Ir. Noyes was reappointed
in 16 H, 1643, and 1645, and in 1646 he was
authorized to join people in marriage. Edmund
Goodnow and Edmund Rice were appointed to end
small causes in 1641, 1646, and 1648. Hugh
Griffin was chosen cleric of the writs in 1645.
Among the early justices of tlie peace were Wil-
liam Jennison, from 1700 to 1731, afterwards judge
of the court of common pleas, John N'oyes, William
Baldwin, John Maynard, Jacob Reeves.
Of professional lawyers there have been : —
Otliniel Tyler (B.U. 17S3), in practice from 1795
to 1S27; died in 1846.
WA YLAND. 473
Samuel H. Mann, a native of New Hampshire,
in practice from 1824 to 1830.
Edward Mellen (B. U. 1823), from 1830 to his
death. May 31, 1875. Esquire Mellen was born
at Westborough, September 26, 1802, and came
to Wayland, November, 1S30. As a man he was
distinguished for his geniality and public spirit.
He took a leading interest in the public schools of
the town, and in the public library. As a lawyer '
he was distinguished for his thorough knowledge •
of the principles of law, and familiarity with the
decisions of the courts. In 1847 he was made
justice of the court of common pleas, and in 1855
was raised to the oifice of chief justice of the same
court. In 1854 he received from his Alma Mater
the degree of LL. D. After retiring from the
judgeship he opened an office in Worcester, but
retained his home in Wayland.
David Lee Child settled in town in 1853, and
remained till his death in 1874. He was born at
Boylston in 1794 ;
graduated at Harvard in 1817 ;
was distinguished in his profession, and as an
earnest, consistent advocate of the cause of anti-
slavery.
Richard F. Fuller, bom at Cambridge (H. U.
1844), was in town from 1860 to 1869.
Franklin F. Heard, born in Wayland (H. U.
1848), had an office here for a short time. He is
the author of several works on law.
Gustavus A. Somerby was born at Exeter, New
Hampshire, November 2, 1821. His parents removed
to Boston wlien he was two years old. He
attended school for a time at the academy in Hol-
liston. Becoming an inmate of the home of Luther
Glezen of Wayland, he was encouraged and assisted
by Mr. Glezen to enter on the study of law with
Esquire Mellen. An indefatigable student and
reader of general literature, he early gave promise
of the brilliant future that awaited him. On the
appointment of Mr. Mellen as judge he occupied
his office in this town for a few years, wiien he removed
to Waltham, and was associated with Josiah
Rutter, Esq. Subsequently he opened an office in
Boston, where he continued till his deatii, July 24,
1879. He fell a victim to overwork in his much-
loved profession.
Richard T. Lombard, born at Truro, settled in
town in 1875.
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