Background
He was born in Philadelphia, the youngest son of John Pole (1705–1755), a native of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, who emigrated to New Jersey. His mother"s maiden name was Rachel Smith, of Burlington.
He was born in Philadelphia, the youngest son of John Pole (1705–1755), a native of Wiveliscombe, Somerset, who emigrated to New Jersey. His mother"s maiden name was Rachel Smith, of Burlington.
In 1777 he studied medicine with Doctor Joseph Rickman at Maidenhead, went on to Reading as student, and in 1780 moved to Falmouth, becoming assistant to Doctor J. Fox.
In 1775 he visited relatives in England, and, with the object of attending Friends" meetings, he travelled widely through England and Wales, mainly on horseback, for two or three years. from Street Andrews University in 1801. His practice was mainly in obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics. Pole moved to Bristol in 1802, and acquired an extensive practice.
There he continued his medical lectures, among his pupils being James Cowles Prichard, and he also lectured on chemistry and other sciences.
Pole spent time on ministerial work in the Society of Friends, and took part in philanthropic schemes. Bernard Barton, the Quaker poet, paid tribute in 1826 to Pole"s wide sympathies and tolerant views.
He died at Bristol on 28 September 1829.
American Philosophical Society]
Thomas was brought up as a member of the Society of Friends. He settled in London in 1781, was admitted a member of the College of Surgeons there, and later received the degree of Doctor of Medicine In 1789 he was made a member of the American Philosophical Society, of which Benjamin Franklin was then president
