Holyoke, Dr. Edward A.
From Salem Links and Lore
- 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.
- Tragically, all of Holyoke's expertise and experience often failed him when it came to treating his own family. His first wife, Judith Pickman, died in childbirth. Of the 12 children Edward had with Mary Vial, only four survived infancy.
- 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, the Salem Athenaeum and was an incorporator of the Essex Historical Society, later the Essex Institute, in 1821.
- It was reported that Holyoke made an average of 11 house calls a day with that number reaching up to 100 during epidemics.
- 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.
- He is buried in Broad Street Cemetery.
See Also
- Vertical File in Salem Collection - Holyoke Mutual
- Dr. Edward A. Holyoke Salem Tales, SalemWeb.com
- Edward Augustus Holyoke Find-a-grave site
- The Holyoke diaries, 1709-1856 ed. by George F. Dow
- Historical Sketch of Salem; 1626-1879 by Osgood, p. 242-4
- "How Holyoke Square got its name" Salem News, Aug. 1, 2012, p.4
- Sketches about Salem People Article: Dr. Edward Augustus Holyoke, by R. Wiswall
- ""Always stuff you can do" Historian highlights contributions of elderly residents" Salem Evening News May 26, 2026, p. A01
