Early Doctors from 

   Stoughton, Massachusetts

Source: - Dr. Ebenezer Alden, 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, 1853. 

(Boston, Mass., S.K. Whipple & Co., 1853), pgs. 18-19.

STOUGHTON 

Dr. Nathan Bucknam was the first physician. He was probably a son of Rev. Nathan Bucknam, Harvard College 1721. He married a Holmes; died young, and but little is known respecting him.

It is said that a Dr. Pope formerly resided in Stoughton, near to Easton respecting whom, the only remaining tradition is that he refused medical fees for services rendered on the Sabbath.

Dr. Peter Adams, a native of Stoughton, was son of Rev. Jedediah Adams, Harvard College 1733. He graduated at Harvard College in 1778; was a medical pupil of Dr. Crossman and Dr. E. Wales; and from about 1780 to the time of his death in 1832, was the principal physician of the town. He died at the age of 76, universally respected.

Dr. Simeon Tucker, a native of Canton, and for a short time a practitioner there, who graduated at Brown University in 1821, and at Harvard College M.D. in 1824, succeeded Dr. Adams, and is still a resident in Stoughton in successful practice.

Dr. Charles F, Wyman 

(1824-1851)

photo courtesy from the collection of Brad W. Townsend

Dr. Charles F. Wyman, a very promising young physician, became associated in business with Dr. Tucker, but having unfortunately contracted “ship fever” in the discharge of professional duty, died of the disease April 30, 1851, at the early age of 27 years. He was universally respected, and his untimely death greatly lamented.  [From his death record: Charles F. Wyman, died April 30, 1851, age 27 yrs. 12 dys., single, physician, born New Sharon, Maine, son of Samuel Wyman]. The Fitzpatrick family in Stoughton had been ill with "ship fever" cared for by Dr. Wyman.  This included including the unmarried Katharine, d. April 26, 1851, age 24; also on the same day as her nephew Edward, age 10 mos., and niece Margaret age 3 yrs.  Three days later the father of the children and the brother of Katharine - John Fitzpatrick died on April 29, 1851, age 33 yrs. 6 mos. This death was followed by Dr. Wyman the following day.  His death notice appeared in the The Boston Daily Atlas, (Boston, MA) Friday, May 02, 1851 ( Issue 258; col F) "At Stoughton, 30th ult., Charles F. Wyman, M.D.". He was buried at the New Sharon Village Cemetery in New Sharon, Maine.  His epitaph says: Dr. Charles F. Wyman of Stoughton, Mass. son of Samuel & Olive Wyman, d. Apr. 30, 1851 age 27y 12d.

CANTON

Dr. Belcher was the earliest [Stoughton] resident physician; and tradition has made us better acquainted with his skill in athletic exercises than in professional pursuits. His minister, Rev. Samuel Dunbar, had in his day a great reputation as a mighty wrestler, as well as divine. It is said that although neither the clergyman nor physician was disposed to compromit the dignity of his calling by a public trial of skill, they sometimes retired to a lone spot in the forest, and there, far removed from the public gaze, renewed the sports of their youth.

Dr. George Crossman was the successor of Dr. Belcher. He was many years Town Clerk of Stoughton , before its separation from Canton . He had a good reputation as a physician, and died Sept. 25, 1805 , aged 68.

Dr. Samuel Searle, a pupil of Dr. Moses Baker of Randolph , settled as a physician in [ Stoughton ] about the year 1780. After a few years he removed, first to Royalston, then to Canada , where he died.

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