FOBES, Perez, educator, born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, 21 September 1742; died 23 February 1812. He was graduated at Harvard in 1762, became a teacher, studied theology, and was ordained in November 1766, as pastor of the Congregational Church in Raynham, Massachusetts. He was a zealous patriot, and in 1777 volunteered as chaplain in the Revolutionary army, notwithstanding his feeble health. In 1786 Dr. Fobes was chosen vice president of Brown University, and shortly afterward was elected to the professorship of natural philosophy. In 1795 he was elected a fellow of the University, which office he held until his death. In the following year he was called to the supervision of Bristol academy, which he retained so long as his health permitted. He was a thorough scholar, and had a rare talent for communicating knowledge. Brown gave him the degree of LL. D. in 1792. Dr. Fobes published "Topographical Description of Raynham, with its History " (in Massachusetts historical collections, 1794); "Scripture Catechism" (1804; abridged ed., 1809); and sermons, including two before the legislatures of Massachusetts (1775) and Rhode Island (1795).