Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Barry, Edward (1759-1822)
BARRY, EDWARD, M.D., D.D. (1759–1822), religious and medical writer, son of a physician of Bristol, was educated at Bristol School under Mr. Lee, and studied medicine at St. Andrews University, where he graduated M.D. Always preferring theology to physic, he took orders in the church of England, was for several years curate of St. Marylebone, and one of the most popular preachers in London. It is said that the ordinary of Newgate, Mr. Villette, often availed himself of Dr. Barry's assistance in awakening the consciences of hardened criminals. From London he retired to Reading, where he employed himself in preparing some of his works for the press, the most noted being a ‘Friendly Call to a New Species of Dissenters,’ which went through several editions. He dedicated it to Sir William Scott, afterwards Lord Stowell, whose interest with his younger brother, Lord Eldon, then lord chancellor, obtained for Barry the two livings of St. Mary and St. Leonard, Wallingford. He was grand chaplain to the freemasons, and on preaching before them on one occasion was presented with a gold medal and a request that they might be allowed to publish his sermon. The immense concourse of persons at his funeral attested the esteem in which he was held at Wallingford. He was twice married. Besides the works mentioned above he published ‘Theological, Philosophical, and Moral Essays,’ 8vo, 1791; ‘Works,’ in 3 vols. 8vo, 1806; ‘The Esculapian Monitor, or Guide to the History of the Human Species, and the most Important Branches of Medical Philosophy,’ 8vo, 1811; several sermons, one preached to convicts under sentence of death in Newgate, and one on bull-baiting; several letters, one to king, lords, and commons, on the practice of boxing; and some political tracts. A work in four volumes, 8vo, published under his name in 1791, ‘The Present Practice of a Justice of the Peace, and a Complete Library of Parish Law,’ is said not to have been compiled by Dr. Barry. Dr. Barry belonged to the old school of high churchmen.
[Gent. Mag. 1822; Annual Register, 1822; Christian Observer, 1822.]