Town: Colchester

The Bench and Bar of Middlesex County

Old Court House, Middletown, Connecticut

Middlesex County, established in 1785, emerged as a significant hub for commerce and legal affairs in Connecticut, particularly due to the prominence of Middletown as a leading port. The county became a vital area for litigation, influencing early commercial law. Notable lawyers such as Titus Hosmer and his son Stephen shaped the legal landscape, with a legacy of influential attorneys practicing there. The Superior Court sessions were known for their eloquent legal arguments, contributing to the county’s rich legal history. Over the years, many distinguished figures emerged, bolstering Middlesex’s reputation in the state’s legal community.

Early Doctors In Middlesex County

1859 Map of Middlesex County Connecitcut - small

The Middlesex County Medical Society was established in 1792, reflecting the evolving medical landscape of the area. Pioneering figures like Dr. Jared Eliot and Dr. Benjamin Gale laid crucial foundations for medical education and practice. As private teaching replaced formal education, physicians adapted to rising healthcare demands, notably through practices like inoculation. The region’s early physicians, primarily self-taught, played a vital role in establishing standards and progression in medicine during an era with minimal institutional support. This article provides brief biographical sketches of many of the pioneering doctors of Middlesex County.