Holyoke, Dr. Edward A.

• Edward Augustus Holyoke (1728-1829) physician and scientist was a much loved figure in Salem, as a doctor, founder of libraries and historic institutions.

• He entered Harvard at age 14, graduating in 1746.
• Holyoke made the first connection between the use of pewter dishes and lead poisoning.
• He was the first to use the smallpox vaccination successfully.
• Holyoke helped organize the Massachusetts Medical Society and was awarded the first M.D. degree ever given by Harvard Medical School.
• Locally, he helped found both the Social and Philosophical Libraries in Salem, and was an incorporator of the Essex Historical Society, later the Essex Institute, in 1821.
• Holyoke, a near vegetarian, died in 1829 at 101 years old. He left behind many journals and diaries.
• The Holyoke Mutual Insurance Company was named for Dr. Holyoke.

See Also

• Dr. Edward A. Holyoke Salem Tales, SalemWeb.com
• The Holyoke diaries, 1709-1856 ed. by George F. Dow
• Historical Sketch of Salem; 1626-1879 by Osgood, p. 242-4