Vernon, Thomas, Rev, Md

Vernon, Thomas, Rev., M.D.

a Congregational minister, was born in Newport, R.I., Dec. 20,1797. For five generations his ancestors had been represented in that city. He graduated at Brown University, with high rank as a scholar, in the class of 1816. He commenced and prosecuted the study of law for about one year in the city of New York, when he decided to enter the Christian ministry. He became a pupil of the celebrated Dr. John M. Mason, with whom he remained not far from two years, and was then ordained pastor of the Church in Rehoboth, Mass., where lie remained for about sixteen years (1819-35). Loss of voice obliged him to retire from the pulpit. He removed to Kingston, R. I., and for several years was engaged as a teacher of young men, supplying, as he was able, the pulpit of the Congregational Church in that village. Abandoning all hope of ever being able to preach, he decided to study medicine; and, having fitted himself for his new profession, he received the degree of M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1852, and settled in Perth Amboy, N. J., where he resided for sixteen years (1852-68). After a year spent at the South for his health, he took up his residence in Providence, R. I., where he resided for the remaining five or six years of his life, rendering such service as he was able, both as minister and physician, especially to the poor with whom he was brought in contact. He died in Providence, May 9, 1876. The acquirements of-Dr. Vernon "were varied and thorough, and his spirit and manners were always genial and attractive." He was a trustee of Brown University sixteen years (1844- 60). See Cong. Quar. 1877, p. 427. (J. C. S.)