Lawyers, in order to practice law, must be members of the bar. In most states today, membership requires having obtained a law degree at an accredited school and then passing the bar exam. This has not always been the case.
Many early practitioners merely had to show that they knew the law. The most famous example is, of course, Abraham Lincoln, who was self taught. But records exist of those who were admitted to the bar to practice law.
The 'mug books' or vanity histories often had a section on the lawyers in the community or county, along with the judges and the courthouses they worked in.
Doctors, Dentists, and Pharmicists were also required to have permission and were regulated by the states.
Today, real estate brokers, building contractors, architects, nurses and even barbers are required to meet certain requirements in order to work. Some sort of registration and licensing is required.
And as far as Indian Chiefs go, see my next article!
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