John Gill (187)

John Gill (c. 25 June 1721–7 May 1782) was an Irish physician and public officeholder, and a member of the American Philosophical Society via his 1768 election to the American Society. Born in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland, he attended Trinity College, Dublin, but did not take a degree. He then apprenticed with a local physician before entering Edinburgh University around 1745. He became a member of the Medical Society there in 1746 and graduated with an M.D. degree in 1748. Gill then returned to Kinsale, where he established his own practice and entered public office. He became a member of the Town Council in 1754 and in 1764 was elected “soverain” (mayor). He was re-elected to this post in 1767 and 1771 and died in 1782. Gill likely owed his election to the American Society to his friendship with Lewis Nicola, a fellow Kinsale native who resettled in Philadelphia and became an active member. (PI)