Perez Fobes
Perez Fobes [1]
a Congregational minister, was born at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, September 21, 1742. He graduated from Harvard College in 1762, then taught school, studied theology, and November 19, 1766, was ordained pastor at Raynham. During the Revolution he was the outspoken friend of liberty, and, notwithstanding his feeble health, volunteered as chaplain in the army in 1777. The president of Brown University, Dr. Manning, having been elected to Congress in 1786, Mr. Fobes was chosen vice-president, and soon after became professor of natural philosophy. These positions, however, did not affect his pastoral charge, and he still resided at Raynham. From 1795 until his death, February 23, 1812, he was a fellow of the university. In 1796 he was called to the supervision of Bristol Academy, to which institution he rendered important aid. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences numbered him among its members. As a preacher, he had more than a common reputation; his sermons were carefully prepared, and were marked by their perspicuous style. In the pulpit his manner was earnest and accompanied by considerable action. His success as a teacher grew out of his rare talent in communicating knowledge. See Sprague, Annals of the Amer. Pulpit, 1:645.
