Mary Surratt and Dr. Samuel Mudd

[L Verge]

No, we have copies of bills from Mrs. Surratt's physician, Dr. John Bayne of Salubria (plantation name), who lived about 6-7 miles closer to D.C. He treated her mother-in-law as well as her during at least her pregnancy with John, Jr.

Dr. Bayne was one of the most noted physicians in this region during most of the mid-1800s. He was also a noted horticulturist who helped to found the Maryland Agricultural College (now the University of Maryland). He's well-known for his work with the lowly tomato that turned it into one of our most popular products.

The doctor's family was also part of one of the great local crimes in our area during the 1840s. One of his slaves, Juda, just fourteen years old, poisoned three of the Bayne children and was hanged for the murders. She has the distinction of being the youngest female ever executed. Add that to his patient, Mary Surratt, being the first woman executed by the federal government, and it makes for an interesting resume.