BOSTON

PUBLIC

LIBRARY

HISTORY OF SPENCER,

MASSACHUSETTS,

FBOM ITS

EAELIEST SETTLEMEFT TO THE YEAE 1860 :

INCLITDING A

BRIEF SKETCH OE LEICESTER,

TO THE YEA^Ifc I'TSS.

BY JAMES DRAPER.

SECOND KDmON, KNLAHOED AND IMPROVED.

■■ «♦*

" We wiah to rescue the past from being forgotten, and to give honor to

whom honor is due."

WORCESTER:

PRINTED BY HENRY J. HOWLAND,

212 Main Street

Reprinted by -

HIGGINSON BOOK COMPANY

148 Washington Street, Post Office Box 778 Salem, Massachusetts 01970

Phone: 978/745-7170 Fax: 978/745-8025

A complete catalog of thousands of genealogy and local history reprints is available from Higginson Books. Please contact us to order or for more information, or visit our web site at www.higginsonbooks.coni.

77ity book is photoreproduced on acid-free paper. Hardcover bindings are Class A archival quality.

PEETAOE TO THE FIEST EDITION.

It cannot be expected in the history of a town situated in the interior, like Spencer, that many facts or incidents -wGuld have happened, connected with its earliest settlement, and but few events in the succeeding stages of its existence, would excite much interest in the general reader ; and much less could this be expected of any thing relative to the present state of the town or its inhabitants. It may, however, lay some claim to antiquity, by being once a component part of Leicester, but the annals of its earliest period can exhibit no details of bloody conflicts with the Indian, nor can it boast of having produced any great and illus- trious characters, either in peace or war. No exciting or inter- esting details of this kind, will form any partof this history.

These pages are the humble effort of a native citizen of Spencer, and have been especially prepared for the benefit and gratification of his fellow citizens of the town. The writer of these sheets makes no pretension to the character of an accom- plished writer, and indeed, the execution of such a work does not require much talent, or literary acquirements. All that is neces- sary, and all that may be expected, is a faithful detail of names, dates, facts, incidents and events, such as have occurred with little variation, in most of the towns of New England. The brief

IT PBEFA.CE.

notices and genealogies of families, will undoubtedly be dull and even tedious to the general reader, while others, and perhaps most of the native inhabitants, will esteem this the most inter- esting part of the work. However satisfactory or acceptable this may prove, or however it may be esteemed, it has cost a great deal of time and labor, indeed so much, that had it been known and realized at the commencement, it would have been abandoned before it was undertaken. The writer has aimed at the truth, and every statement and fact of any importance, may be strictly relied upon. For materials, access has been had to the County Records of Suffolk, Middlesex and Worcester ; to the Council and Legislative Records of Massachusetts ; to histories of other towns ; to the town, church, and proprietors records of Leicester and Spencer ; to Magazines, files of Newspapers, and occasional sermons ; to ancient manuscripts, deeds, and other authentic documents ; to the memories of aged people ; and even the tomb- stones have furnished sources of information from which some- thing has been gleaned. In the hope that it may be of some benefit, and acceptable to the parents and children of his native to^vn, the author cheerfully submits it to their candor and intelli- gence.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The former edition of this work, written some twenty years since, has long been out of print, but three hundred copies hav- ing been published. This little publication having been received with more favor than was expected, many calls have been made for copies, and as none could be supplied, at the urgent solicita- tion of many of his friends, the author has been induced to re- >vrite the book with additions and improvements. It will still, undoubtedly, be found to contain imperfections, and probably some errors, though none it is hoped of much importance. In. addition to other sources for materials in the compilation of this work, it is with pleasure I hereby acknowledge the assistance I have from received Gov. Washburn's valuable history of Leicester, lately published. The genealogical department contains the list of more than five hundred families, including the names of some who had no children, and some, the names of whose children could not be obtained, and including, also, some adult single persons, who died unmarried. In many instances, the marriages of the children are given with the lists of their births under the parental head, and again, when they were actually married and became the heads of families themselves. This repetition will facilitate, rather than embarrass those who are seeking for this particular information. Without further apology or explanation, the compiler again cheerfully submits it to the candor and intelli- gence of his fellow citizens.

INDEX.

As but few biographical notices are given in this work, the names of persons, generally, will be found in alphabetical order, in the genealogical department.

A.

Associates, names of, 15. Assessors, 148.

Agriculture, products of, 124.

B. Boundaries of Leicester and Spen- Burgoyne, surrender of, 53.

cer, 24. Buildings in the centre village, 73.

Bunker Hill, battle of, 50. Baptists, 111.

C.

Census, 44. Cemeteries, 125.

ComwaUis capitulated, 59. Contagious Diseases, 127.

Celebration of Mrs. Pope's 100th Cold Winter, 133.

birthday, 97. Cold Summers, 135.

Crosby, Rev. Stephen, 104. Committee of Correspondence, 136.

Catholics, 114. Casualties, 156.

D. Deed, Indian, 10. Dodd, Rev. Stephen G., 107.

Dudley, Joseph, 18. Dark Day, 133.-

Division of lots in Spencer, 1st, 22. Delegates relating to the Constitn-

2d, 23. tion, 146.

DeWarrville's description, 70. Deaths of aged persons, 153.

E. Ecclesiastical, Leicester, 79. Epidemic Diseases, 128.

" Spencer, 88. Earthquakes, 133.

Eaton, Rev. Joshua, 90. Eclipse, Solar, 134.

G.

Grant, Original, of Leicester and Goddard, Rev. David, 87.

Spencer, 9. Graduates of Colleges, 143.

Gale, Henry, 66. - Genealogies, 159.

H.

House lots located in Leicester, 19. High Winds, 134.

I.

Indians, petition respecting them, 30. Independence Declared, 50. Incorporation of Spencer, 40. Industry, products of, 122, 123.

J.

Justices of the Peace, 144.

Tlii INDEX.

L.

Lands allotted, 22, 23. Localities, 118.

Livermore, Abijah, rash conduct Lawyers, 141.

of, 66.

M. Manners &c. of the people, 67. Methodists, 113.

Morals, 76. Minerals, 124.

Meeting houses built, 29, 79, 89, Money, depreciation of, 56.

111—114.

N. 0.

Names of oEScers and soldiers, 273. Old tenor, 89.

P. Proprietors of Leicester and Spen- Ponds, 119.

cer, notices of, 15. Post Offices, 121.

Population, 44. , Products of Industry and Agricul-

Prices of Commodities, 51. ture, 122-4.

Parsons, Rev. David, 79. Property of our ancestors, 137.

Pope, Rev. Joseph, 94. Physicians, 139.

Packard, Rev. Levi, 105.

E. Roads located in Spencer, 36. Remarkable Phenomena, 132. .

Roads, description of, 114. Representatives, 145.

Revolution, 45. Revolutionary Pensioners, 155.

S. Settlement of Leicester and Spen- Streams, 120.

cer, 28. Soil and productions, 124.

Shays' Insurrection, 60. Snow Storm, 132.

Seventy-five years ago, 74. Slavery, 130.

Sports of the people, 75. Senators, 146.

Schools and School Houses, 76. Selectmen, 146. Singing, 108.

T. Town Meeting in Leicester, first, 28. Town House, 121 . Tenor, old, 89. Town Clerks, 149.

Town ofiBcers, first chosen, list of, 42. Town Treasurers, 150.

U.

Universalists, 112.

V. Valuation for taxes, 52. Votes for Governor, 150.

W.

War closed, 59. Washington, 135.

Wind High, 134.

o

o

H

M O

> C7 66 \)

63

r\

7-?

C?

67

7S

SO

ChdTltciii

HISTORY OF SPENCER.

!«■«>

The town of Spencer is situated eleven miles a little to the south of west from Worcester, and about fifty miles in the same direction by the nearest road from Boston, though ten miles further by the Western Kailroad. It is bounded east, by the towns of Leicester and Paxton ; north, by Pax- ton (formerly a part of Kutland), and Oakham ; west, by the towns of North Brookfield and Brookfield, and south by the town of Charlton.

As Spencer was once a component part of Leicester, it will be proper to give a sketch of Leicester, while it included Spencer, until the latter became an organized town itself, in 1753.

ORIGINAL GRANT.

In the latter part of the seventeenth century, and the beginning of the eighteenth,certain wealthy and respectable gentlemen belonging ito Boston and vicinity, were in the habit of purchasing large tracts of unsettled lands in the interior of the State, containing a certain number of square miles, with loose and indefinite boundaries, and then apply- iuG: to the o-overnor and council for a confirmation of their title, in order to settle a " plantation " thereon. Their ap- plications to the State authorities were generally successful, 2

10 HISTOET OF SPENCEK.

and always upon the same conditions, viz : to settle a cer- tain number of families within a certain number of years, reserving a portion for the support of the ministry, and for schools, then of course, the remainder would be theirs, to dispose of to the best advantage to settlers. Leicester, Rut- land, Hardwick and other towns were thus purchased, and then disposed of.

One example may suffice to illustrate the operation of these speculations. On the 22d of December, 1686, they purchased of Joseph Trask, alias Puagastion, and other In- dians, a tract of laud twelve miles square, for twenty-three pounds, which was confirmed to them by the Greneral Court, on condition that within seven years there then be 60 fami- lies settled thereon, and sufficient lands reserved for the use of a gospel ministry and schools. The town to be called Rutland, &c.

In order to comply with the requisition of the General Court, and to settle 60 families on the territory, they set apart six miles square on the south-east part for that pur- pose, which is now Rutland proper, except a part since being set off, to help form the town of Paxton. When all this was done, they had left for their own disposal, about seventy thousand acres, since formino; the larjio towns of Barre and Hubbardston, the town of Oakham, and the most part of Princeton.

These gentlemen, or a part of them, purchased of the Indians, in the same manner, the town of Leicester. The following is a copy of the Indian deed.

" Know all men by these Presents, that we, the heirs of Oraskaso, Sachem of a place called Toutaid, situate and lying near the new town of the English called Worcester, with all others which may under them belong unto the same place aforesaid. These heirs being two women with their husbands newly married, which being by name called Phillip Tray with his wife Momokhue, and John Wampscon and

HI8T0KT OF 8PENCEB. 11

Waiwaynom his wife, for clivers good causes and considera- tions us thereunto moving, and more especially for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen pounds current money of New England, to us in hand paid by Joshua Lamb, Nathaniel Page, Andrew Gardner, Benjamin Gamlin, Benjamin Tucker, John Curtice, Richard Draper and Samuel Buggies, with Ealf Bradhurst, of Eoxbury, in the county of Suffolk in New England ; the receipt of which we do fully acknowl- edge ourselves to be fully satisfied and paid, have given, granted, bargained, sold, alienated, infeoffed and confirmed, and by these presents do fully and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, alienate, infeoff and confirm, unto the said Lamb, Page, Gardner, Gamlin, Tucker, Curtice, Draper, Bug- gies and Bradhurst, their heirs and assigns, a certain tract of land containing eight miles square, lying and being near Worcester aforesaid, abutting on the lands of Joseph Dud- ley, Esq., lately purchased of the Indians, and westerly, the most southernmost corner upon a little pond called Paupok- quamcok, then to a hill called Mossonachuds, and unto great hill, called Aspomsok, and so easterly upon a line until it comes against Worcester bounds, and joins unto these bounds, or howsoever otherwise butted and bounded, together with all and singular the rights, commodities, liberties, privileges and appurtenances whatever to the same belonging, or how- ever otherwise appertaining, to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land, situating, containing and bounding as aforesaid, to the said Lamb, <S:c., their heirs and assigns, in common tenancy, to their only proper use, sake of and ben- efit forever. And the said Phillip Tray and Momokhue and John Wampscon and Waiwaynom their wives, with all others under them as aforesaid, do covenant, promise and grant for themselves, their heirs, executors and administra- tors, to and with the said Joshua Lamb, &;c., their heirs and assigns, that they will the above granted and bargained lands, and every part and parcel thereof, with their and

12 III8T0ET OF SPENCER.

every of their appurtenances, warrant and defend from all and every person and persons whatever, claiming any right or title thereunto, or interest therein, from, hy or under us. In witness wliereof, the said Phillip Tray and Momokhue and John Wampscon with Waiwaynom their wives, hereunto set their hands and seals this- twenty-seventh day of Janu- ary, Anno Domini one thousand six hundred and eighty-six.

Signed, sealed and delivered \ Phillip Tray (g) his mark (seal)

in presence of us, j Momokhue Tray f her mark (seal)

Tom Tray (g) his mark. John Wamscon. (seal)

Nonawano ^j?^ his mark. Waiwaynom Wamscon f ^''aTk (seal)

Capt. «<r Moogus his mark. Wandwoamag S the deacon ^^'^ (seal)

Andrew 8 Pitteme his mark. Jonas his 0 wives mark (seal)

Phillip Tray, Momokhue his wife, Waiwaynom and Wan- dwoamag, all personally appearing before me the under- written, one of his Majesty's Council of his territory and Dominions of New England, June 1, 1687, did acknowledge this instrument to be their act and deed.

William Stoughton. Eecorded, March 8th, 1713-14.

Pr. John Chandler, Town Clerk."

The lands of Joseph Dudley, Esq., referred to in the above deed as one of its boundaries, is a gore about one mile wide, lying south of Leicester and Spencer. So much of this gore as lay south of Spencer, was one or two years taxed to Spen- cer, and when Charlton was incorporated, became a part of that town. The eastern end of it, was in 1778 made a part of Ward, now Auburn, and the remainder, in 1838, was an- nexed to Oxford. The hill as another of its boundaries, called " Asporasok," is probably what is called " Bumskit," and lies in the south-east part of Paxtou, on the line between that town and Holden, and called in some ancient documents by the name of " Hasnebumskit " or " Asnebumskit," and is the highest land in the county of Worcester, excepting

HISTOKY OF SPENCER. 13

Wacliusett in Princeton. The date of the deed, January 27, 1686, to conform to the new style, should be Feb. 8, 1G87, that is, twelve days later. The acknowledgment of the deed being dated March 8, 1713-14, is double dated, and should be March 20, 17 U.-

Nothins further is heard of this tract of land for more than twenty-six years. The towns earlier settled, suffered so much from the barbarous incursions of the Indians, that instead of going forward in prosperity, their settlements were broken up, themselves and families murdered, captured or driven away, and their fields and improvements deserted, exhibiting a scene of ruin and desolation.

Lancaster, the first settled town in the county, was in 1676 invaded in the night by King Philip at the head of 1500 savage warriors, and every inhabitant murdered, taken cap- tive or obliged to flee for their lives. Every house but two, out of more than 50, burnt, and the town lay entirely des- olate, without an inhabitant, for more than three years. Again, in King William's war, and Queen Anne's which fol- lowed soon after, Lancaster was ag-ain invaded bv the sava- ges, many of the inhabitants murdered, and improvements

° Therf are many instances of double dating in ancient records previous to 17o2, between January 1st, and March 25th. Before that date, the year commenced on the 2oth day of March, and is called old style, — since the year commenced on the 1st of January, and is called new style. Without going into a more particular explanation, suffice it to say, that by adding one day to February, every fourth year, called leap year, was found to be a fraction over the exact time of the earth's revolution round the sun, and that in about 1600 years, this fraction of time amounted to eleven days, and conse- quently carried that number of days of spring, into the summer months. In order to correct this error of the calendar, and bring it so as to corres- pond with the time of Julius Cajsar, a period about 50 years before the Christian Era, Pope Gregory XIII, in 1582, ordered 11 days to be stricken from September, making the third day of that month the fourteenth. This correction was not adopted in England or the American colonies, until 1752, when it took place by an act ot Parliament, In ISOO, another day was omitted, making 12 days, bo that to bring old style in new, 12 days must be added.

2*

14 histout of spettcee.

greatly impeded or destroyed. Brookfield, in 1675, shared the same fate, many of the inhabitants murdered, every house burnt, and the town lay desolate, without an inhabit- ant, for several years. Worcester, in 1675, there were six or seven log houses, but when King Philip's war broke out, the inhabitants all deserted. After they returned, and con- siderable improvements had been made, in 1701 the town was again entirely depopulated. Mendon, in 1675, July 14, was attacked, and five persons killed ; the remainder throuo-h fear abandoned the town, and Mendon, also, was without an inhabitant for some time. Sutton was much retarded in its settlement by the movements of the Indians ; and Oxford, settled in 1686 by the French Huguenots, were in a few years wholly dispersed, and none ever returned, and this town also, lay without an inhabitant until about 1714 or 1715.

During all this time, Leicester was an entire wilderness, without a single white inhabitant, so that at the conclusion of peace in 1713, she was ready to start an almost even race with her earlier sisters, and was soon on an equality with them in population, physical resources, and refinement.

At the close of the war, the proprietors, after waiting so long, presented to the General Court a petition, praying a " confirmation of the said tract to them and their associates ; that they may be encouraged to proceed to settle the same wdth inhabitants, under such directions and reservations as may be thought meet." Accordingly, on the 15th of Feb- ruary, 1713-4, it was "ordered that the prayer of the pe- titioners be granted ; provided that within seven years time, fifty families settle themselves in as defensible and regular way as the circumstances of the place will allow, on part of said land ; and that a sufficient quantity thereof be reserved for the use of a Gospel ministry there, and a school. Pro- vided, also, that this interfere with no former grant, afnd this grant shall not exceed the quantity of eight miles square. The town to be called Leicester, and to belong to the county of Middlesex,"

HlSTOET OF SPEKCER. 15

On the 23d of the same month of February, the original grantees admitted thirteen other gentlemen as associates and proprietors of the said township. The following are the names of all the proprietors at this time, viz : Joshua Lamb, Samuel Euggles, Benjamin Gamlin, Benjamin Tucker, Jonathan Curtice, Ralf Bradhurst, Richard Draper, Thomas Gardner, Nathaniel Page, Jeremiah Dummer, Paul Dudley, John Clark, Addington Davenport, Thomas Hutchinson, John White, William Hutchinson, Francis Wainwright, John Chandler and Thomas Howe as one, and Daniel Allen and Samuel Sewall as one, and William Dudley, making twenty- two proprietors for twenty shares.

These proprietors were gentlemen of wealth and respect- ability, and many of them of high standing in the commu- nity, and whose public transactions have found a place in history.

Joshua Lamb, belonged to Boxbury, was Colonel of one of the Suffolk regiments, a magistrate and a great land- holder ; was one of the proprietors of the town of Hard- wick, and for whom the town, before its incorporation, was called Lambstown. He is said to be the ancestor of all of the name of Lamb, who first settled, or are now living in Spencer.

Samuel Euggles, also belonged to Eoxbury. He was the grand-father of the celebrated brigadier Timothy Euggles, of Hardwick. Samuel Euggles died 1716.

Benjamin Gamlin, was also from Eoxbury, and was the grand-father of the first wife of the late Stephen Eogers of this town. Mr. John A. Barclay is one of the sixth gener- ation from Mr. Gamlin, and now inherits the estate.

Benjamin Tucker, from Eoxbury also. He died in 1728. Samuel Tucker, one of his sons, lived and died in this town, where Mr, Amos Bemis now lives. The wife of Mr. Bemis is one of his grand-daughters.

Jonathan Curtice, (the name now written Curtis,) was also

16 HISTORY OF STEKCER.

from Eoxbury. Two of his sons, John and Jonathan, came to Leicester or Spencer. John died in Spencer, and a notice of him will be found in this work.

Ealf Bradhurst, also belonged to Roxburj. Nothing in particular is known of him. This name was afterwards written Bradish.

ErcHARD Draper, was a merchant of Boston. He was from Boston in England. He sold jill his right in the purchase to the Hev. Joseph Parsons of Boston, in 1714 or 1715, be- fore the shares were surveyed and allotted to the proprietors. He died without leaving any posterity.

Thomas Gardner, son of Andrew Gardner, one of the original grantees from the Indians, was from Brookline. He died 1757. One of the name of Andrew Gardner, was minister of Worcester, and he afterwards, or one of the name, was minister of Lunenburp;.

Nathaniel Page, belonged to Billerica. He was one of the proprietors of Hardwick, where many of his posterity still remain.

Jeremiah Dummer, was born in Boston, and educated at Harvard College. He was agent for Massachusetts, from 1710 to 1721, and was also judge of the Supreme Court. He was distinguished for talents and learning, being an. author of reputation. He was called in history " a great man." He died in 1739.

Paul Dudley, was son of Gov. Joseph Dudley, and grad- uated 1690, at the head of his class, as was, also, Jeremiah Dummer. At this period, students at college were not placed in alphabetical order as at present, nor according to their literary attainments, but according to their rank in society. The highest in dignity placed at the head of the class. But there was an aristocracy in those days, while connected with Great Britain, which in these days of liberty and equality, would be obliged to hide its head in obscurity, although the Hon. Paul Dudley was a worthy gentleman.

HISTOKT OF SPENCEE. 17

He was appointed by Queen Anne, Attorney General of Massachusetts in 1702, and also, Chief Justice of the Su- preme Court. He died in 1751, aged 78.

John Clark, was graduated at Harvard College in 1G87, was a representative to the General Court from Boston, and chosen Speaker in 1721. He died December, 1728, aged 61. His son of the same name, an eminent physician in Boston, inherited his father's estate in Spencer.

Addington Davenport, was of Boston ; was one of the Judges of the Supreme Court ; elected one of the Council. Was graduated at Harvard College in 1689. Died 1736, aged 66.

Thomas Hutchinson, was a distinguished merchant of Boston, Colonel of a regiment, many years a Counsellor, and father of the late Governor Hutchinson. He was the man who personally seized the notorious privateer, Capt. Robert Kidd, when he offered violence to all who approached him. He died 1739, aged 65.

John White, was for many years clerk of the House of Representatives. He died of the small pox, 1721.

William Hutchinson, was a man of large fortune, was a Representative from Boston to the General Court. He died about 1721.

Francis Wainwright, was a merchant of Boston. He sold his share to Samuel Bannister, a merchant of Boston, March 10, 1717.

John Chandler, belonged to Woodstock, Conn., then con- sidered as belonging to Massachusetts. He was one of the Council, one of the proprietors of Oxford, Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, of the first Court established at Worcester, also, first Judge of Probate for said County, and Colonel of a regiment. He died 1743,

Thomas Howe, was a gentleman of Marlborough, and a leading man of that town, and ancestor of the numerous families of that name in that town and vicinity.

18 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE.

Daniel Allen, -was a merchant of Boston.

Samuel Sewall, was a gentleman belonging to Brookline.

William Dudley, belonged to Roxbury, son of Governor Joseph Dudley, and younger brother of Hon. Paul Dudley, was speaker of the House of llepresentatives, an active officer at the taking of Port Eoyal, in Nova Scotia, Colonel of a reg- iment, and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. Died 1743, before his elder brother.

Joseph Dudley. Having thus given brief notices of all the original proprietors of the town of Spencer, it may not be improper to add a notice of Gov. Joseph Dudley, father of Paul and William, as he has been mentioned in the ancient Indian deed as owner of the South Gore of land, previously described. He was a younger son of Thomas Dudley, first Lieut. Governor of Massachusetts in 1630. He was ap- pointed Governor of Massachusetts by King William in 1701, which office he held until 1716. He had been pre- viously a member of Parliament in England, and Lieut. Governor of the Isle of Wight, and was appointed by King James, in 1686, President of the Council of Massachusetts. He was also appointed by King James Chief Justice of the Province of Massachusetts, and was appointed by King William, Chief Justice of New York : this last office, how- ever, he did not accept. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1665. He died in 1720, aged 73.

On the same date of the last deed, Feb. 23, 1713-4, the proprietors met at Boston and voted " that one-half of the Township of Leicester be disposed of, or sold to fifty fami- lies that shall settle and establish themselves there accord- ing to the injunction of the General Court. Tiiat the other half shall be divided to and among the twenty pro- prietors, into twenty thousand acre lots, to contain one thousand acres or less." " That Col. Dudley, Capt. Chandler,

HISTOEY Off SPE?rCER. 19

Capt. Lamb, Capt. Howe and Capfc. Ruggles, be the com- mittee to determine the half for the proprietors and the half for the settlers of the said town."

The said committee concluded to appropriate the eastern half for the settlers part, and on the loth of May, 1714, they repaired to the easterly half of Leicester for tht- ] ur- pose of locating house lots, to such persons as chose to take them on the prescribed conditions. These conditions were, that one shilling per acre should be paid for each house lot, and that a family should be settled on each of them within three years, or else be forfeited and returned to the propri- etors. These house lots contained generally forty acres, but some lots contained fifty acres, and some only thirty, and every house lot was entitled to one hundred additional acres, to be taken up in some other part of the town, to every ten acres of house lots. Thus, by paying forty shillings, a settler was entitled to a house lot of forty acres, and four hundred acres in addition. Roads were located between the ranges of house lots, and two of those, one running north and the other south, from the present village, still remain substantially where first located.

The first house lot was o-ranted to John Stebbings, of whom mention will hereafter be made. This was located on Strawberry Hill, the present site of Leicester village, and extended principally south of the present Main street.

Several failed to comply with the prescribed conditions, so that more than eight years expired before fifty families were permanently settled on the territory, when, at a meet- ing of the proprietors at the " Green Dragon tavern," in Bos- ton, on Monday the 23d day of July, 1722, it was voted, " That Col, Wiliam Dudley, Lieut. Col. Joshua Lamb, Nathaniel Kanney, (since written Kenney), Samuel Green, and Samuel Tyley, be a committee, and fully authorized and empowered to execute good and sufficient deed of convey- ance in law, by order and in the name of the proprietors of

20 nrsTOEY of stexceb.

Leicester, for the one half of that township, viz. the easterly half, to the first grantors or settlers thereon."

On the nth of January, 1724, (Feb. 23, 1725, N. S.,) a deed of the easterly half of Leicester was executed by the committee, conveying it to the following persons, they having settled their own families, or placed others thereon, viz. John Stebbings, Joseph Stebbings, James Wilson, Sam- uel Green, Arthur Gary, Moses Stockbridge, Hezekiah Russ, John Peters, William Brown, Thomas Hopkins, Daniel Den- ney, John Smith, Ealf Earle, Natlianiel Kanney, Samuel Stimson, Benjamin Woodbridge, John Lynde, Josiah Wins- low, Josiah Langdon, Joshua Henshaw, Mr. Joseph Parsons, Nathaniel Richardson, John Menzies, Esq., Thomas Baker, Richard Southgate, Samuel Prince, Dorothy Friar, Thomas Dexter, William Keen, James Winslow, Stephen Winchester, Paul Dudley, Esq., Joseph Sargent, Daniel Livermore, James Southgate, Daniel Parker, Esq., and John King, being 37 persons, only ; but some of these settled two or three fami- lies in different parts of the town, making fifty families in the whole. Several of these families have left numerous descendants, such as the Greens, the Dennys, the Earles, the Henshaws, the Southgates, &c.

Nathaniel Kanney, Josiah Langdon, Josiah and James Winslow, Samuel Prince, Joseph Parsons, Thomas Baker and Pa il Dudley, were never residents of Leicester, but set- tled other families there." John Stebbings, and James

" Nathaniel Kanney und Josiah Langdon belonged to Boston, as did Mr. Joseph Parsons, and the name was sometimes written " Rev. Joseph Par- sons." Josiah and James Winslow were probably from Freetown, County of Bristol, as John Winslow of Freetown was a large landholder in Spencer, in the first settlement of the town. Thomas Baker was called " Capt. Thomas Baker, of Brookfield." Paul Dudley belonged to Roxbury as before mentioned. Samuel Prince, Esq., was from Middlcborough, afterwards of Roch-ester. Died 172S, aged SO. He was the father of the Rev. Thomas Prince, Minister of the Old South Church, Boston, and a distinguished author ; in honor of whom, the town of Princeton took its name.

HISTOBY OF SPENCEB. 21

Wilson soon removed from the eastern part of Leicester, and were some of the first settlers of Spencer.

In the meantime, the Proprietors having disposed of their interest in the eastern part of the township, turned their attention to the sale and settlement of the western part. Previous to this date, 1725, three families had settled in that part of the town, viz: Nathaniel Wood, Samuel Bemis and John Greaton. October 11, 1716, the proprietors met at Boston, and voted,

1st. That the western half of the township of Leicester, be divided among the proprietors in as speedy time as may be.

2d. That all tracts of meadow of twenty acres and up- wards, be first surveyed and laid out in equal proportions to the proprietors.

3d. That the large pond called Moose pond, (now Whit- temore pond,) lie and be in common for all the proprietors, and convenient highways be laid out thereto.

4th. That all cedar swamps lie in common for the pres- ent, saving that no person be allowed to sell, dispose or destroy, any more than for his own use.

5th. That 10,000 acres of this western half, be laid out in two distinct divisions or allotments, of 5000 acres each division, and allotted out to and among the respective twenty proprietors, viz : 250 acres in each allotment or division, as soon as may be.

6th. That as soon as twenty-five families are settled within said township, the proprietors, as an encouragement to the settlement of religion among them, will advance and give the sum of forty pounds, towards the building a meet- ing house.

These 40 lots were surveyed, and an additional one for the use of schools and the ministry, under the direction of the committee, by Capt. William Ward, surveyor, being 500 acres for each share, in two lots of 250 acres each. 3

22 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

The proprietors again met in Boston, June 6, 1717, to make the division among themselves. Having put two numbers on each piece of paper, each number representing 250 acres, they proceeded to draw lots, and the result was as follows :

Eliakim or William Hutchinson, drew No. 15 & 16,

John Clark, Esq,, •• *' 20 & 22.

Addington Davenport, Esq., " " 17 & 30.

Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., •' " 6 & 35.

Paul Dudley, Esq., » « «' 29 & 36.

Jeremiah Dummer, Esq., " ♦* 4 & 39,

William Dudley, " '' 5 «& 32,

Samuel Prince & Daniel Allen as one, " ♦' 2 & 31.

John Chandler &Thos, Howe,Esqs., as one, " " 8 & 9. John White, Gent, " •' 13 & U.

Joshua Lamb, " '« 10 & 18,

Benjamin Gamlin, " " 11 & 12.

Capt. Samuel Euggles' heirs, " " 27 & 28.

Jonathan Curtis, " '* 33 & 34.

Francis Wainwright, " " 37 & 38.

Benjamin Tucker's heirs, " ♦' 7 & 19.

Andrew Gardner's assigns, " " 1 & 25.

Eichard Draper's assigns, " " 3 & 40,

Nathaniel Page's heirs, " " 24 & 26.

Kalf Bradhurst, " " 21 & 23.

These 10,000 acres comprise about one-half of Spencer, taking nearly all the land north of the great Post road, with only three or four lots south of it. The first settle- ments commenced on these lots. This was called the first division, and many of these lots were one mile in length, and 125 rods in width.

After the first division was made, but little had been done toward settling inhabitants thereon, when another meeting of the proprietors was held at the Green Dragon tavern in Boston, November 23, 1726, when it was voted that the re-

HISTOBY OF SPENCER. 23

mainder of the upland, together with all meadows not ex- ceeding twenty acres, be divided into 40 lots, and that all the meadows exceeding twenty acres, be divided into twenty lots, and the cedar swamps be left in common for the use of all the proprietors. And it was further voted, that " Capt. William Ward, surveyor, together with Thomas Green, Steward Soutbgate and Benjamin Tucker, Jr., be the commit- tee to survey and lay out the proprietors' uplands and mead- ows, according to the foregoing vote."

Said committee having performed the services assigned them, made their report of their doings. May 7, 1730. The result was, that the uplands were divided into 40 lots, each lot containing 240 acres, amounting to 9G00 acres ; 20 lots of meadow, each lot 9 acres, being 180 acres ; the cedar swamp 77 acres, 20 acres of upland to be added to the meadow, one acre to each lot, all these together with the school and minis- try lot, containing 250 acres, made the whole of the second division according to these numbers, to be 10,127 acres. The upland lots were numbered from 41 to 80 inclusively, and the meadows from one to twenty. Two numbers of upland and one of meadow were placed together on twenty pieces of paper, one for each proprietor.

July 28, 1730, a meeting of the proprietors was held at the Widow Bayley's in Roxbury, " to draw lots for their re- spective shares in the second division." The result was as follows :

ProprietorB. Meadow lots. No. Upland lota. Nob.

John Chandler & Thos. Howe, Esq., assigns, " 1, " 4177.

Mr. John White's heirs,

Jeremiah Dummer, Esq., heirs,

Josiah Willard, Esq.,

Eliakim Hutchinson, Esqr's heirs,

Paul Dudley, Esq.,

Benjamin Tucker's heirs,

Andrew Gardner's assigns,

2,	<(	76 42.
3,	((	43 44.
4,	<(	59 45.
5,	<(	80 75.
c,	11	47 46.
7,	<(	56 53.
8,	((	74 52.

Meadow lots.	No. Upland lots. Nos. ' y, " 72 55
<<	10,	" 50 68.
ti	11.	" 73 64.
n	12,	" 79 67.
<(	13,	" 49 65.
u	u,	" 48 57.
l<	15,	" 69 66.
((	16,	" 62 78.
<(	17,	'• 60 54.
n	18,	'' 71 63.
{(	19,	" 61 70.
((	20,	" 58 51.

24 HISTORY OF SPE>-CEE.

Proprietors.

Mr. Benjamin Gamlin, Ralf Bradhurst's heirs, Richard Draper's assigns, Jonathan Curtice's heirs, William Dudley's assigns, Capt. Samuel Ruggles' heirs, Thomas Fitch, Esq., John Clark, Esqr's heirs, Nathaniel Page's assiirns, Addington Davenport, Esq., Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., Lieut, Col. Joshua Lamb,

It will thus be seen, that of the twenty-two original pro- prietors, five only retained their shares, nine had assigned to others, and eight deceased, even while their shares re- mained in common and undivided.

The 180 acres of meadows in the division, comprised sev- eral detached pieces, being seven-mile river meadow, com- monly called the " Great meadow ;" Branch meadow in the north-east part of the town ; Cranberry meadow in the south part, now overflowed, and the meadow north of and adjoin- ing Cedar swamp.

BOUNDARIES OF LEICESTER AND SPENCER. In 1714, John Chandler, Esq., by order of the General Court, made a survey of the whole town. His return, ac- companied with a plan, was made June 19 of the same year, and established by the court as the legal bounds of the town. According to his survey, the east line on Worcester, was north and by west, 8 miles and 20 rods ; north on Rut- land, west 7 deg. north, 7 miles and 100 rods ; west on Brook6eld,due north and south, 8 miles ; south on the gore, east 4 deg. south, 9 miles and twenty rods, containing " forty thousand nine hundred and sixty acres, being the quantity of eight miles square."

HISTOETOFSPENCEE. 25

This was, without doubt, an incorrect survey, and the inhabitants of Brookfield were dissatisfied with the line against their town, and the selectmen notified the selectmen of Leicester to unite with them in running a new line between the two towns, claiming to extend the line several rods further East. This claim caused no little alarm with the owners of the soil ; because, if admitted, they would not only lose a portion of land which they supposed was honestly theirs, but would entirely unsettle the whole divi- sion and location of their lots, as they were surveyed accord- ing to the line made by Col. Chandler.

The selectmen, or rather others more interested, of the town of Leicester, instead of courteously responding to this notification, appealed to higher authority. At a session of the Legislature, June 2, 1727, the proprietors and inhabi- tants of Leicester presented a petition praying that the proceedings of the selectmen of Brookfield might be stayed for the present, as " they apprehended that the proceedings of the selectmen of Brookfield design, under pretence of a line run and marks lately made by them, to encroach very much upon the Township of Leicester." The prayer of the petition was granted.

This petition from the ^?*oj5neiors, was substantially, a peti- tion to themselves, so far as the highest branch of the legis- lature consisted, being the Governor and council, who sat in one room and resembled the Senate in these days. It may perhaps, be pardoned, if a digression be made, to give the names of a part of those who composed this branch of the legislature when this petition was presented.

Present, William Dummer, Lieut. Governor. Penn Townsend, Addington Davenport,

Thomas Fitch, Paul Dudley,

]Meletiah Bourne, John Clark,

Thos. Palmer, Edward Hutchinson,

John Chandler, and others of the Council. 3*

26 HISTORY OF SPEXCEE.

Every one of these gentlemen, including- the Lieut. Gov- ernor, were either owners of land or otherwise interested at this time, in the westerly part of Leicester. But their de- cision was honorable and disinterested, nevertheless, as the sequel will show.

At the next session, John Chandler again, with two other gentlemen, were appointed a committee, who togetlier with Capt. William Ward as Surveyor, repaired to the scene of contention in order to set the matter right. There was no dispute as to the northern bound, as this had been fixed by a " Capt, Hawley," when he ran the line for Brookfield in 1701, and was acquiesced in by Brookfield, Rutland, (now Oakliam,) Leicester, (now Spencer,) and Braintree Farms, as New Braintree was then called, and still remains the true bound, Capt, Hawley in 1701 commenced here and ran the line south, but it was found to be incorrect. Col, Chandler in 1714, run the line, as he pretended, due north. and south, but he was undoubtedly an incorrect surveyor. Capt. Wil- liam Ward, when he protracted the lots for the proprietors in 1715, admitted this to be the true line. But the select- men of Brookfield procured Capt. Timothy Dwight, in 1719, to run the line anew, and his course was south 2 deo-. east. By this course, a triangular piece of land, 40 rods wide at the south, running to a point at the north, was taken from wdiat was supposed to be Leicester, being 22 rods at the great post-road, and taking seventeen acres from the farm of Nathaniel Wood, though he was allowed still to keep pos- session of the dissevered tract.

The first division of lots only had been made at this time, so that the south part of the town was not aff"ected much by this new line, but it created difiiculty in the lots of the first division. Steward Southgate, unauthorized it is said, protracted these lots anew. But the owners would not all agree to the alterations thus made, much difficulty ensued, and some expensive law-suits were the consequence. It will

HISTORY OF 9PENCEE. 2i

be perceived that the report of the committee was in favor of the line made bj Mr, Dwight, and was accepted by the General Court.

It is not strange that such discrepancy should result in the doings of the several surveyors, in trying to find or mahe a divisional line between the towns, as they were obliged to carry on their operations with no sure guides. Tiie loose and indefinite boundaries in the Indian deed to Leicester have been given, but the boundaries given in the Indian deed to Brookfield, in 1665, are still more obscure and unin- telligible.

In 1830, the town of Spencer was surveyed by William Baldwin, Esq., and the following are the lines and courses of his survey: Beginning at a stone monument, it being the south-west corner of Spencer on Brookfield line, from thence runnincr on Charlton south 8 des;. east, four miles and forty-three rods to a stone monument on Leicester line ; thence on Leicester, north 2 1-2 deg. west, six miles and one hundred and forty rods to a stone monument, being the south-west corner of Paxton ; thence same course two miles and ten rods to a stone monument on the Rutland line ; thence on Rutland (now Paxton) line south 85 ^^^^g- west, one mile and forty-one rods to a stone monument, being tlie south-east corner of Oakham, thence same course on Oaklmm two miles and two hundred and ten rods to a stone monu- ment, being the north-west corner of Spencer, the south- west corner of Oakham, the south-east corner of Now Brain tree and the north-east corner of Xorth Brookfiekl : thence south 1-2 deg, east on North Brookfield, four miles and one hundred and twenty rods to a stone monument, be- ing the dividing point between North Brookfield and Brook- field; thence same course on Brookfield four miles and sixty- six rods to the place of beginning, containing 21,51)4 acres.

In tracing the lines between towns, owing either to the imperfection of the instruments, the blunders of surveyors,

28 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

the variation of the needles, or the misplacements of the intermediate monuments, scarcely any two surveys agree, so that at last, we obtain only an approximation of the true course. For instance, the line between the towns of Spen- cer and Leicester on the north, and Charlton and Oxford on the south, is one continued straight course. Col. Chandler's line in 1714, makes this course east 4 deg. south, or what is the same, south 86 deg. east. The line of Wm, Baldwin in 1830, is south 88 1-2 deg. east, the same line made by the surveyors of Leicester in 18o5,as south 87 deg. east.

SETTLEMENT OF LEICESTER AND SPENCER.

The first town-meeting on record, was held March 6, 1721, for the choice of town ofiicers. It is known, however, that there must have been a town-meeting, the year previ- ous, and town ofiicers chosen, for at a meeting in Mav, 1721. a vote was passed choosing " the present selectmen a com- mittee to reckon with the last yearns treasurer for monies already raised, &c." I have lately ascertained, not only that a town-meeting was held previous to the one on record, but the very day on which it was held, as the following doc- ument, copied entire from the records of the Governor and Council, will show.

''July 21, 1720. " A petition of Wm. Dudley, Esqr., for and in behalf of the town of Leicester, shewing that said town on the 9th day of March last, being legally warned to raise money to defray town charges, which are arisen or may arise in fin- ishing the Meeting-house, and doing what is necessary to be done. Voted, that the sum of 5 shillings be raised and levied on each poll or head in the town, and the sum of two pence on each acre of land, both divided and undivided, in the said town of Leicester, be levied by the selectmen, and both these rates to be made as soon as may be, in order to

HISTOKT OF SPE:N'CEa. 29

pay the debts, &c. Praying tliat the said vote may "be rat- ified, &c. The town at present not having the power to put it into execution.

In the house of Eepresentatives, ordered that the prayer of the petition be granted.

In Council, read and concurred.

Consented to Samuel Shute."

By this document it is made to appear, that a previous meeting had been held, and town officers chosen ; that a meeting house was already erected, though unfinished. That the proprietors assessed the inhabitants towards the expense of building the house, (as they afterwards did the people of Spencer for the same object,) and other "debts," and that although they had so far exercised elective franchise as to choose municipal officers, and even elect a representative, yet they were destitute of the power to assess and collect a tax. Accordingly, June 14, 1722, John Minzies, with the other selectmen, presented a petition to the General Court, ** praying that the town may be confirmed in the enjoyment of the powers and privileges of a town, and be enabled to collect a tax, &c." " Granted, and Daniel Denny author- ized to collect taxes as constable, &e."

Judge Minzies represented the town in 1721, although there is no record of it, but at a town-meeting, May 5, 1722, the town voted " to pay his honor. Judge Minzies, Esq., for his serving us in the General Court the year 1721." But Judge Minzies declared himself satisfied without any pay, whereupon it was voted " that Judge Minzies be our repre- sentative for the year 1722,"

The same year, the town voted, that if Joseph Parsons, Esq., would build a corn mill for the use of the town, it should be free from taxes. It was accordingly built, and stood, as tradition says, about half a mile west of the meeting house, near the site of the brick card factory.

30 HISTORY OF SPENCER.

In 1723, Judge Minzies was again elected a representa- tive, and again refused to receive any remuneration for hia services, declaring he was " fully satisfied and paid." The next year, 1724, being again assembled for the choice of a representative, they passed a vote of thanks to Judge Minzies " for his good service as a representative the year past, and whoever should be chosen this year, should be paid the same as Judge Minzies, and no other J^ They then made choice of Lieut. Thomas Newhall " to serve on the above conditio7is."

It has been mentioned, that after the peace between the English and French, in 1713, the incursions of the Indians and their murderous attacks upon the inhabitants of New England ceased, except upon the extreme border towns, and the town of Leicester not being settled until after that period, escaped any actual hostile incursions from these sav- ages ; the earlier settlers of the town were frequently alarmed and disturbed by small parties or individual Indians prowling about the neighborhood or througii the town. Garrisons for the safe-guard and protection of families were established in various parts of the town, and one around the house of the Eev, Mr. Parsons, near the meeting-house. The following document will show the situation and feelings of the people at this time.

"Leicester, April 30, 1725. " To his Honour the Lieutenant Governor.

" With all dutiful respect, these are to acquaint your Honour, that just now there came news to us of two com- panies of Indians between us and the Wachusetts, which is very surprising considering our inability for our own safe- guard. As to the truth of the report, with the circum- stances, we are altogether at a loss : but we hear, there is a Post gone down to your Honour about it. Your Honour hav- ing always been ready to keep us, and we having had some encouragement upon our late petition, we are encouraged to beseech your Honour, if it may be that we have some speedy

HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 31

assistance of Soldiers to defend us. Our number of inliabi- tants is very small, and several were much discouraged. It was so late the last summer before we had Soldiers that we were exceedingly behind with our business. So wishing your Honour all happiness, and confiding in your Honour, and rather from our experience ; we are your Honours in all gratitude and obedience,

Thomas Newhall, John Smith,

Kichd. Southgate, James Southgate,

Benjamin Johnson, William Brown

Ealf Earle, Nathl. Eichardson.

John Lynde, •* To the Honourable William Dummer, Lieutenant Gov- ernor, dwelling in Boston, for his majesty's service."

In 1722, scouts were posted in Leicester, under the com- mand of Major John Chandler, and in 1724, twenty-nine soldiers from Capt. William Chandler's company, were posted there as a guard for the protection of the inhab- itants. '"

The same year, the selectmen presented a petition to the General Court, " setting forth that the said town is u. Frontier, and has been very much exposed and reduced to very low circumstances by the late Indian War, and therefore praying that this court would compassionate their distressed case, and abate their proportion of the Province tax the present year." This must have been an exaggeration. The tax was, however, abated, f

In 1726, the garrison around Mr. Parsons' house was repaired and put into a defensible state, by a vote of the town. In 1726, a committee was chosen, again to repair the same garrison. After this there is no more heard of trouble by the Indians.

*^ Lincoln's History of Worcester, Pages 51-53.

fThe town's proportion of the province tax for 1725, was seven pounds.

32 nisTOET or spencee.

Though the good people of Leicester had no more trouble from their old enemy, yet there was another enemy, among themselves, which they determined should be wholly exter- minated, and for this purpose, the town, March 27, 1720, voted to allow three pence for each rattlesnake killed within the limits of the town; and January 11, 1737, Benjamin Richardson was allowed eleven shillings for killing twenty- eight rattlesnakes.

1732, the town was presented at the quarter sessions in Worcester, for want of a standard of weights and measures, and in 1740, the town was again presented for the same delinquency. This year it appears the town had not suc- ceeded in exterminating all the rattlesnakes, and the squirrels and birds were troublesome, and they voted to allow six pence per head for killing grey and red squirrels and rattlesnakes, three pence per head for killing jays, red- headed woodpeckers and blackbirds. The whole amount allowed for killing these animals this year was £4:1 Os 3d, divided among 63 claimants. Jonathan Witt received £5 15s 9d, Thomas Smith £4: Is 3d. The town increased rapidly, in population and wealth, especially the eastern, or settlers part. This part was settled under favorable circumstances, similar, however, to other new settlements. The grantees having paid merely a nominal price for their lands, a sum barely sufficient to defray the expense of the survey and other incidental charges. But the inhabitants of the west- erly part were not thus favored. The proprietors having given away one-half of their lands, in order to comply with the conditions of their grant, retained the other half in their possession until they could dispose of it to the best advan- tage. Consequently, the progress of settlement of this part was a slow process, and as late as 1740, there were not, probably, more than one hundred and fifty inhabitants in that part of the town. They were, however, taxed for all

HISTOBT OF SPE^'CEE. 33

purposes, wliether municipal, parochial, or otherwise, in the town."

The inhahitants of the westerly part lahored under many disadvantages. No roads had been located for their particular accommodation, and this impediment, together with the distance, prevented the attendance of but few at church, and they received no benefit whatever from what they paid for the support of schools. They felt themselves, merely as an appendage to tlie easterly part of the town, and perhaps thought themselves a little neglected, but still they struggled on ; and I know not as there was the least spark of disaffection that rankled in their breasts^ and if there was, it has long since entirely disappeared, as their mutual intercourse has always been friendly and amicable, and they unite in electing a representative to the legislature with entire harmony and cordiality. Though their numbers were few and their resources slender, yet like a young heir, who longs to attain his majority and act for himself; so the inhabitants of the westerly part, and many of the proprietors, who still held lands there, desired a separation, and to be constituted a town and be independent.

In 1736, all the lands, whether belonging to the proprie- tors or other individuals, were subjected to a tax of one penny per acre towards the support of a minister, the town being about to settle the Eev. Mr. Goddard, The proprietors and settlers of the westerly part, unitedly petitioned the General, Court, that their part of the tax might be applied towards the support of preaching in tliat part of the town. The petition was presented June 18, 173G, " Praying, that the late tax of one penny per acre lately laid on the proprietors

^ In 1731, three persons, only, living in the westerly part of the town, appear to be taxed, viz., Samuel Bemis, Jonathan Lamb and John Greaton. In 1733, five persons were taxed, viz., Samuel Bemis, Jonathan Lamb, John Greaton, James Ormes and Jonathan Ormes. In 1739, seventeen were taxed. In 1742, forty-one were taxed. 4

34 histohy of spekcee.

of the westerly part of Leicester may be applied for and toward the support of preaching in that part of said town, as entered in the House of Eepresentative the 27th of March last."

The House of Eepresentatives ordered the petitioners to serve the adverse party with a copy, &c. But the Council nonconcuiTed, and excused themselves by a quibbling techni- cality, " forasmuch as the petition is not directed to the Court."

In 1741, the inhabitants of the West Parish presented a petition to the town at their annual meeting, requesting to be exempted from paying taxes for the support of the minister or the schools. This was denied to them. Though the request may appear equitable, yet it is doubtful whether the town could legally make the exemption. At a subsequent town-meeting the same year, they requested to be " set off" as a distinct town, and this request was granted. Applica- tion was immediately made to the General Court for that purpose. This request was readily granted, and a bill for the same passed both Houses, but was vetoed by Governor Shirley, This result produced a general dissatisfaction, as the westerly part and the proprietors were all desirous, and the easterly part had consented, that a separation should take place. Accordingly, the proprietors and some of the inhabitants of the westerly part met at the Eoyal Exchange Tavern, in Boston, February 15, 1743-4, and voted " That Col. Samuel Willard, Thomas Hutchinson and Eliakim Hutchinson, Esqrs., Messrs. Nath'l Cunningham, Samuel Hunt and Grafton Feveryear, be a committee in behalf of the proprietors and settlers to wait on his Excellency the Governor, and inform him of the difficulties they labor under for the want of his Excellency's consent to a petition, by them presented to the General Court, for making them a separate town from the easterly half of Leicester, which has passed both Houses, but his Excellency was not then

HISTOET OF SPENCEK. 35

inclined to give liis consent thereto, and to use their "best endeavors to obtain his Excellency's consent that the same maj be made a separate township." Governor Shirley, perhaps, was as popular a Governor, and as condescending to the people, as any of Royal appointment, yet he would not, during the period of his government, consent to the bill.

The parties, though disappointed, and, perhaps, a little chagrined, acquiesced with this state of things with as much grace as they could, making a virtue of necessity. They became resigned to what they could not prevent, and the matter was suffered to rest fourteen years.

At length, the inhabitants of the westerly part, still feeling dissatisfied with their position, determined to make another effort to effect their object ; they employed Mr. John Ormes, one of their own people, for that purpose. May 30, 1744, he presented a petition to the General Court, representing " that the difficulties which moved him to apply that they should be a distinct township do still subsist, and may in a great measure be removed by their being made a Precinct." This request was granted. This was some relief, as they were about settling the Eev. Mr. Eaton as their minister, and they became a Parish, by an act of incorporation, July 18, 1744.

In 1749, four of the selectmen belonged to the East Parish, and one only, Moses Smith, belonged to the "West Parish. They were requested to locate certain roads in the "West Parish. This was thought reasonable, as the town, including both Parishes, -had been at considerable expense for two or three years previous, in making several new roads in the East Parish. But a majority of the selectmen thought proper not to comply with this request. The West Parish then, by their committee, John Newhall and Moses Smith, petitioned the Court of Sessions, at Worcester, to lay out suitable roads for their accommodation. The selectmen were cited to appear, to show cause why the prayer should

36 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

not be granted. This caused some excitement in the town, and they chose a committee to appear at court to oppose granting- the petition. A compromise was, however, effected, and the next year, the selectmen were generous enough to locate eleven roads in the West Parish, constituting what are still some of our most useful roads.

The east part of the town had hitherto appeared willing, or rather indifferent, with respect to the separation, but this coercive measure of the west part aroused them from their supineness, and they were now determined to take an active part themselves to effect that object.

Accordingly, November 22, 1749, the following petition ■was presented to the General Court, or rather, to the acting Governor.

" Petition to the Honorable Spencer Phipps, Lieutenant Governor, by the subscribers, a committee of the town of Leicester, stating that the inhabitants of the westerly part of said town have built a meeting-house and settled a min- ister, and stating further, that about eight years ago, moved to the town of Leicester to be set off and made a distinct town, which was readily granted. Whereupon application was made to the court about three years afterwards for the same, but instead of being made a town, was made a pre- cinct only, which was very grievous to both, nor had the town any opportunity given them to offer any reasons to the Honorable Court to the contrary, although they had many to give, and one was, that the west part called upon the selectmen of Leicester to lay out roads for them, upon the joint expense of both parts of the town, so that the inhabitants of the west part might get to meeting, &c. They further state, that when the land in the easterly part was laid out, sufficient land was appropriated for roads, but when the west part was divided, it was laid out into lots, and no land left for roads, and now the east part was called

HISTOKT OF SPENCEK. 37

upon to be at their proportion of the expense, which they considered unjust. That the inhabitants of the west part preferred a complaint to the Court of Sessions for a com- mittee to lay out roads for their accommodation. They therefore pray the Court to erect the west part of Leicester into a distinct and separate town, «S:c.

Daniel Denny, Steward Southgate, John Brown."

The General Court being urgently pressed by the inhabi- tants of both parts of the town, brought in another bill to erect the West Parish into a town. But his Honor Lieuten- ant Governor Phipps, was not inclined to gratify the unan- imous wishes of all in this matter, but like his predecessor five years before, to veto the bill. Accordingly, December 22, 1749, the Secretary delivered the following Message from the Lieutenant Governor to both Houses :

" Gentlemen of the Council and House of Representatives. The Secretary has laid before me for my signing, an engrossed bill passed by both Houses, for incorporating the West or second Precinct of the township of Leicester into a distinct or separate township, &c. Whereupon I must inform you, that I am restrained from giving my consent to the bill, unless provision be made that the number of representatives be not thereby increased, or a clause for suspending the execution of the act until His Majesties pleasure shall be known thereupon, be inserted in the said act."

The House became indignant at this unjustifiable and tyrannical conduct of the Lieutenant Governor, and on the 4th of January succeeding, transmitted to him the following spirited and plain-spoken message.

4*

38 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

" May it please your Honour:

The House, taking into consideration your Honour's message of the 22d of December, beg leave to say, They are at a loss to know why your Honour apprehends yourself restrained from giving your consent to the bill unless pro- vision be made that the number of representatives be not thereby increased, or a clause for suspending the execution of the act until His Majesties pleasure should be known thereupon, be inserted in said bill^ but must suppose your Honour induced so to judge either from the reason or nature of the thing, or for some restraint in their late Majesties charter to this Province, which are the only rules of gov- ernment in this his Majesties Province ; In neither of which can the House find any restraint ; in which opinion the House are more confirmed from the fate of a late bill in the Hon'ble House of Commons, of which your Honour is well knowing/'-^ The House apprehend the forming that part of Leicester into a distinct township will be for the pros- perity of His Majesties subjects, in which his Majesty always takes pleasure, the ends of government being his Majesties honour and the happiness of his subjects ; and that the people be fully represented is for His Majesties honour and the happiness of his subjects, and is agreeable to his Majesties character and laws of this Province, is the opinion of the House. But were it not so, the number of representatives the town of Leicester by charter and the laws of this Province are now entitled to, is not enlarged by this bill ; And therefore the House flatter themselves, your Honour will give your consent." His Honor, however, re- mained incorrigible. These documents show the liberal sentiments prevailing in the House of Eepresentatives, the only branch of government wliich really represmted the sen- timents of the people of Massachusetts, but which were

" What bill the House here refers to, is not known.

HISTOET OF SPENCEE. 39

always opposed and thwarted "by the governors of Royal appointment. This struggle continued, and sometimes with great animosity, from 1692 to 1775, when the revolution soon put a period to the unconstitutional and tyrannical power of Great Britain, and its subordinates, who ruled over the people by his Majesiy^s appointment, and the people be- came triumphant.-'

Thus were the inhabitants of this town doomed a second time to suffer the pangs of disappointed hope, by the arbi- trary acts of a governor, not a governor chosen by the volun- tary suffrages of a free people, but appointed by a foreign potentate, and often one whose principles of government were modeled after those of the British Crown, and who had but little sympathies with the people. Although sadly dis- appointed, they were not yet discouraged, but determined to persevere until their efforts should be crowned with success.

They, however, waited three years longer, when at a Par- ish Meeting, March 6, 1753, Capt. Benjamin Johnson, Lieut. John White and Deacon John Worster, were chosen a com- mittee to prefer a petition to the General Court, once more asking to be incorporated as a town. The application at last was successful, and Lieutenant Governor Phipps condescended to give his consent to the bill, and it became a law.

The following is a copy of the act :

^ William Shirley, author of the first veto, was an English gentleman who practiced law in Boston, and was governor of Massachusetts from 17-tO to 1757, when he was superceded by the appointment of Thomas Pownall. During his administration he was part of the time absent in England, in which time, his place in the chair was supplied by the Lieutenant Governor. He died in England, April, 1771.

Spencer Fhipps, author of the second veto, was born in Massachusetts or Maine. He was appointed Lieutenant Governor, 1732, which office he held until the time of his death, which took place April 4, 1757. In the absence of Governor Shirley, he officiated as Governor, and died in the office as Commander-in-Chief. Both offices thus became vacant the same year, one by being superseded, the other by death.

40 HISTORY OF 8PENCEE.

Anno Regni C ROYAL > Regis Georgii

secundo vicessimo \ seal. 5 Sexto.

An act for erecting the second precinct in the town of Lei- cester into a separate District. '-

Be it enacted by the Lieutenant Governor, Council and House of Representatives, that the said second Precinct in Leicester, bounding north on the town of Rutland, easterly on the first Parish in Leicester, southerly on land called the Country Gore,f westerly on the town of Brookfield, be and hereby is erected into a separate and distinct District, by the name of Spencer,:|: and that the said District be invested with all the powers, privileges and immunities that towns in this Province may enjoy, that of sending a representative to the General Assembly only excepted ; and that the said District shall have full liberty and right from time to time to join with the town of Leicester in choosing a representative to represent them at the General Assembly, and that the said District shall from time to time be at their proportional part of the expense of such representative. And that the town of Leicester, as often as they shall call a meeting for the choice of representatives, shall from time to time give rea- sonable notice to the clerk of said District for the time be- ing of the time and place of holding of said meeting, to the end that said District may join therein, and the clerk of said

° It was called a District, because it was prohibited from sending a Rep- resentative. This was the case with Barre, Oakham, Paxton and many oth- er towns when first incorporated. This restriction continued until the com- mencement of the PievolutioD in 1775, when every town or district, being liberated from this restraint, was allowed to send a Representative, and this privilege was continued to themuntill7S0, when the constitution guar- ranteed the right.

t This is now a part of Charlton, and when Spencer became a town, the inhabitants of the west part were taxed here, and so late as June 13, 1757, notwithstanding it had been set to Charlton so far as that town bounded against Spencer, the Legislature ordered or empowered the assessors of Lei- cester and Spencer to tax it to their respective towns.

X This town was named Spencer probably in honor of Lieutenant Grov- ernor Spencer Phipps.

HISTORY OF SPENCER. 41

District shall set up in some public place in said District a notification thereof accordingly.

Provided nevertheless, and be it further enacted, that the said District shall pay their proportion of all Town, County and Province taxes, already set or granted to be raised by said town, as if this act had not been made.

And be it further enacted, that Thomas Steele Esqr. be and is hereby empowered to issue his warrant, directed to some principal inhabitant of said District, requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants of said District, qualified by law to vote in town afi*airs, to meet at such time and place as shall be therein set forth, to choose all such officers as shall be necessary to manage the afi'airs of the said District.

April 3, 1753. This bill having been read three several times in the House of Representatives, Passed to be enacted.

T. Hubbard, Spkr. April 3, 1753. This bill having been read three several times in Council, Passed to be enacted.

J. Willard, Secry. April 12, 1753. By the Lieutenant Governor. I consent to the enacting of this bill. S. Phipps.

Published April 14, 1753. Thos. Clark, Depty Secry.

It will be seen by the provisions of this act, that the town of Spencer was especially prohibited from sending a repre- sentative of their own, but the inhabitants had the privi- lege, if they chose, of going to Leicester and voting for some gentleman in that town for the office. This was a kind of partnership, that if the labor and expense were equal, yet the honor and profits were shared by one of the parties only, for during the period of twenty two years, while this partnership existed, the town of Spencer was not so fortu- nate as to have one gentleman who was sufficiently qualified, in the opinion of both parties, to be a representative to the great and General Court. But probably, this business was

42 HISTOKTOFSPENCEE.

all managed right and proper, and for aught that is now known, to the perfect satisfaction of all.

Agreeable to a special provision of the aforesaid act, Mr, Justice Steele of Leicester issued his warrant to Capt. Ben- jamin Johnson, and a meeting of the inhabitants was call- ed, and the town was organized by choosing municipal oflB- cers as the law directed. It may be a curiosity to some of the present generation, to see who were the men that com- posed the first organization of the town, and what office their ancestors had the honor to hold, for the lowest office, in a genuine sense, is never disreputable for any man to hold.

The following is a list of officers for the town of Spencer, at the first organization. May 14, 1753.

Capt. Benjamin Johnson, Moderator. *' Benjamin Johnson, Town Clerk.

Deacon John Worster,

John Cunningham,

John Muzzy, )■ Selectmen.

Deacon James Wilson, Capt. Benjamin Johnson,

" Benjamin Johnson, Treasurer.

Samuel Bemis, Jun., 1 ^ , , , J r\ r Constables.

James Ormes, j

Voted, the Selectmen be Assessors.

Ensign John Stebbins, ")

Samuel Garfield, j Highway Surveyors on the

John Prouty, )■ North side of the country

Caleb Bridges, I road.

Eobert Griffin, j

Jacob Stoddard, "| Highway Surveyors on the Jonathan Lamb, > South side of the country David Adams, J road.

James Eichardson, Highway Surveyor on the

country road. Joshua Draper, "I tt

Benjamin Woodard, / Hogreeves.

<

J

HISTOBT OF SPENCEE. 43

Deacon John Worster, 1 -r, xr-

mi -n -J y -rence Viewers.

1 nomas iiridges, J

Israel Holton, Sealer of Leather.

Lieut. John White, Sealer of Weights and Pleasures.

James Draper, 1 m xi • Jacob Stoddard, | Tjthmgmen.

In the first settlement of the towns in New England, there was always diflBculties to meet, hardships to endure, often dangers to encounter and opposition to overcome, requiring sagacity, courage and perseverance, hut there were general- ly men among them possessing those qualities, who were the first afterwards to he promoted to trusts of honor and re- sponsibility by the people, and whose names, whether spoken or written, were sure to be dignified with their military ti- tle, if they had such, and were loaded with a large plurality of offices. Thus in the organization of Spencer, Capt. Benjamin Johnson was Moderator, Town Clerk, one of the Selectmen, who were also Assessors, and Treasurer. And so of Leicester. Capt Samuel Green was Moderator, first Se- lectman, first Assessor and Grand Juror. The same in Eut- land. Capt. Samuel Wright was Moderator, Town Clerk, first Selectman and first Assessor.

The population of this town at the time of incorporation, probably, did not exceed 500, and that of Leicester about 700. In the interior towns of Massachusetts, the inhabitants being mostly agriculturists, population advanced slowly, sometimes stationai-y or even retrograde, by the migration of families and enterprising young men to the Western States. But within the last twenty-five or thirty years, since railroads and manufactures have been introduced among us, large villages have sprung up, business of all kinds is active, meeting with suitable remuneration, and population has rapidly increased.

The following is the population of the town at different periods, from 1764 to 1860.

1776
1790
1800
1810
1820
1830
1840		"Whole No. Whole No. Males. Females.
1850	341	457 1222 1021
1860	485	611 1475 1302

c

44 HISTOBT OF SPEKCEB.

Males Females Males Femoles Tot. Nw

Tears. Houses. Families, under IG. under 16. above 16. above 16. Negroes. persoDs.

1764 100 111 174 173 160 152 5 664

1042 1322 1432 1453 1548 1688 1604

Colored.

12 2243

2777

For twenty years, that is, from 1753 to 1773, nothing of importance occurred that would be worth relating. The people pursued the even tenor of their ways. Population gradually increased, new lands continued to be taken up and settled upon, county and town roads were constructed in va- rious parts of the town, to suit the convenience and necessi- ties of the inhabitants. The town was divided into suitable school districts, and school houses erected in each, and vari- ous other improvements were made. The seven years' war between England and France, for the possession of Canada, which commenced in 1756, involved Massachusetts in the contest. Many men, as officers or soldiers, went from this town, to fight the battles of Great Britain and assist her in the conquest of the French possessions, for which they had but very little interest. Some went to Canada, some to Crown Point, Ticonderoga, and other parts, some of whom were destined never to return.

HISXOKY OF SPENCEK. 45

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

The American Revolution originated, not so much hy act- ual oppression, or insupportable burthens thrown upon the colonies by the mother country, as by a series of acts by par- liament, tending ultimately, as they believed, to undermine their liberties, and subject them, as had been threatened, to the entire control of Great Britain, in all cases whatsoever. Massachusetts was the first of the Colonies to resist these ar- bitrary measures, the first to sound the alarm to her sister Colonies. She led the way, and was foremost in devising ways and means, and furnishing men and money throughout the whole contest.

In this memorable contest, the town of Spencer took an active part, and it is believed, contributed her full share of men and money, towards the consummation of that glorious event. But it cannot be expected that a full account can here be given of what was done by this town in that great struggle, where life and liberty were depending: nor is it necessary. But little more than a mere sketch of their oflEicial doings will here be presented.

The town of Boston, which was always foremost to move in every patriotic measure throughout the Revolution, had transmitted a circular to the inhabitants of the several towns in the Commonwealth, accompanied with a pamphlet '• wherein the rio-hts of the Colonists and the infri no-em en ts thereof are set forth." The towns of Leicester, Spencer and Paxton, as early as Jan. 1, 1773, assembled at Leicester to take the same into consideration. This is the first movement of an official and organized character which was made by this town in opposition to the measures of Great Britain.

At this meeting, a committee, composed of influential gen- tlemen from the several towns, was appointed, to take the matter into consideration. The committee were, Capt. Brown of Leicester; Capt. Witt and Capt. Brown of Paxton; Mr. 5

46 HISTOfiT OF SPENCEB.

Moses Livermore and Joshua Lamb of Spencer; William Henshaw and Hezekiah Ward of Leicester ; and Willard Mower of Paxton. They presented to the meeting several spirited and patriotic resolutions, which were unanimously passed. Tliey also presented instructions of the same im- port to their representative, Thomas Denny, Esq., of Leices- ter, which were accepted. Did room permit, they would be highly worthy of insertion. Suffice it to say, they breathe the most noble and patriotic sentiments, and are expressed in excellent language.

The inhabitants of the same towns met again at Leices- ter, December 27, 1773, when other similar resolutions were passed, among which the following is selected. " Eesolved, That we will not use any tea in our families, nor suffer any to be consumed therein, while loaded with a tribute contrary to our consent, and that whoever shall sell any of that destruc- tive herb, shall be deemed by us inimical to the rights of his country, and as endeavoring to counteract the designs of those who are zealous for its true interests." A committee of four- teen was also chosen, " for the inspection of any teas that may be sold or consumed," and to report the names of the offenders at the next meeting.

This resolution was carried into the most rigid effect. No tea was suffered to be drank among the inhabitants, and the ladies, being quite as patriotic as their husbands, agreed to dispense entirely with the use of that " destructive herb," and if any frail sister was found to offend so far as privately to sip a little bohea, she was treated with scorn and neglect by all her acquaintances. And it is related that a female convention was assembled in Boston, and one also in Worces- ter, and probably in other towns, and agreed to discontinue the use of tea, and substitute in its stead the native herbs or shrubs of their native pastures and meadows.

During the year 1774, the inhabitants of the towns of Leicester, Spencer and Paxton, met not less than five times

HISTOKT OF SPENCEK. 47

ijt legal town meetiag' at Leicester, to take Id to considera- tioD, as they at one time express it, " the melancholy situa- tion of our public affairs at this critical conjuncture."

At their meeting, May 23, Thomas Denny was again cho- sen representative, and a committee, of whom Deacon Oli- ver Watson and Lieut. Joshua Lamb, from Spencer, were cho- sen to draft instructions to him. At the same meeting, they chose committees of correspondence in each of those towns, delegsites to a convention in Worcester, which met Aug. 9, 1774, and continued by adjournment until May 31, 1775.

These several towns assembled again in legal meeting Ju- ly 6. A committee was appointed to " draw up resolves, formed on the sentiments of these towns, on the present mel- ancholy situation of the country." The committee were Thomas Denny, Joseph Henshaw and Joseph Allen of Lei- cester, James Draper and Joseph Wilson of Spencer, Oliver Witt and Ealf Earle of Paxton.

Their report commenced b}' saying that they were assem- bled " not tumultuously, riotously or seditiously, but soberly and seriously, as men, as freemen and as christians, to take into consideration the distressed situation of our affairs, &c." It presented a very able and luminous exposition of our sit- uation with the mother country, accompanied with several patriotic resolves, all of which were accepted by the meeting.

Another meeting was had September 29, and Thomas Denny was chosen a delegate to sit in a Congress, which was holden at Salem, from October 7, 1774, to December 10 of the same year. A committee, consisting of seven, of whom Deacon Muzzy and Doct. Ormes of Spencer, were two, was chosen to give instructions to their delegate. At another meeting. Col. Joseph Henshaw of Leicester was cho- sen a delegate in a Congress which met at Cambridge, Feb. 1, 1775, and continued by adjournment to other towns until May 29 of the same year. At a subsequent meeting of the

48 HISTOET OF SPENCER.

same towns, Deacon Oliver Watson of Spencer was chosen to attend a Congress which was holden at Watertown, May 31, 1775, and was dissolved July 19 of the same year.

During this time, with the exception of the meeting of the last-mentioned Congress, hostilities had not commenced, nor had American blood been spilt. But the ominous gathering of the clouds of war drew nearer, and the people, far from quailing, or being dismayed at its frightful aspect, made vigorous preparations to meet it. Arms and equipments, and military stores of every description, were put in imme- diate requisition. Companies of men were enlisted to be ready at a minute's warning, and the public mind was in a state of the highest possible excitement.

From this period, the inhabitants of Spencer met only in their own town, and all their future transactions were done in their individual capacity. In all their votes and proceed- ings, while passing throughout the perils and trials of the revolution, they were nearly unanimous, there never having been found among them a sinsrle citizen meritins: the name of tory.

The town voted to pay their share of the expenses of the several Congresses, and as Harrison Gray, Esq., the State Treasurer, was a tory, they directed the constables to make their remittances to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stow, and voted to indemnify them against all damage which might arise by 80 doing. Congress having recommended a non-importation of all goods and wares with Great Britain, they chose John Cunningham, Oliver Watson and Asa Baldwin, a committee to see it carried into complete effect. They also voted to raise fifty " effective men" immediately, and furnish them with blankets, equipments, &c. And as there was a number of British troops quartered upon the inhabitants of Boston and Charlestown, they voted that a subscription be raised for their relief.

The eventful year of 1775, commenced, bringing with it

HISTOKT OP BPEXCEE. 49

portentous signs of an approaching conflict, and events soon followed which sealed the destiny of the colonies. The town had raised a company of "minute men," who were placed under the command of Capt. Ebenezer Mason. They were directed to meet often, to exercise and prepare themselves for military action. A town meeting was called to he hold- en on the 24th of April, to make provision for the soldiers, should they he called into actual service by some emergency, which was highly probable might soon arise. Before the day of the said meeting had arrived, however. General Gage, April 19, had sent a body of British troops to take possession of the military stores in Concord, and on their way, at Lex- ington, they fired upon a few militia there assembled, and eiffht American citizens were murdered. After havino; a conflict with our troops at Concord, they were repulsed, and retreated back to Boston with considerable loss. An alarm was immediately spread through the country like an electric shock. The next day, great was the commotion among the people. Like the fiery cross of the ancient Scottish clans, a messenger on horseback, with the speed of the w^ind, pass- ed through the towns from the East, shouting from the top of his voice, " the war has begun, the regulars are marching to Concord." All business and recreations were immediately suspended. The farmer left his plow in the furrow, the me- chanic his tools upon the bench, and there was an instanta- neous gathering of the people, with stern wills, to do what- ever should be necessary to be done to meet the emergency. The company of minute men buckled on their knapsacks, shouldered their muskets, and were immediately on their march. And although the time appointed for a town meet- ing to make provision for the exigency had not yet arrived, the good wives of the soldiers, with the assistance of the select- men of the town, furnisliing them with a hasty and imper- fect supply of clothing and provisions, they marched quick- ly to Cambridge. Finding the enemy disposed to remain in 5*

50 HISTOET OF SPENCEB.

his Btronf^liold, the town of Boston, for the present, forty of them enlisted for eiijht months, to he stationed in the vicini- ty of Boston, and the remainder returned home. Joel Green was the Captain of the company for eight months, and David Prouty Lieutenant, both from Spencer.

On the 17th of June, the memorable battle of Bunker Hill was fought. A company, commanded by Capt. Seth Wash- burn of Leicester, grandfather of the Hon. Emory Wash- burn, was in the battle, nine of whom, including Joseph Liv- ermore as Lieutenant, belonged to Spencer.

This year, the town of Boston being occupied by British troops, the General Court held their sittings at Watertown. The inhabitants of Spencer were tiotified to meet in their own town, July 17th, at one o'clock in the afternoon, to see if they would then proceed to Leicester, as the meeting in that town was to be holden at three o'clock, to join in elect- ing a representative, or otherwise, choose one for themselves. When the day of meeting arrived, the inhabitants decided, for the first time, to assume the right of an independent town, and choose a representative for themselves, and Deacon Oliver AVatson was elected to that ofiice.

During the whole series of the acts of British wrong and oppression, which was borne by the colonies for ten years, commencing with the Stamp act in 1765, they never com- plained, as one cause of grievance, that they were in some measure subjects of Great Britain ; but the port of Boston was closed, shutting off our intercourse from abroad, and the town besieflred with an armed and licentious band of sol- diers ; after our citizens were slaughtered at Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill, and the town of Charlestowu wantonly burnt, they began seriously to think of assuming the position of an independent nation.

In anticipation of this, the town voted, June 24, 177G, " that should Congress think it expedient to declare the col- onies independent of the kingdom of Great Britain, we do

HISTOET OF SPENCEK. 51

hereby, /mZ??/, freely and solemnly, engage with our lives and fortunes, to support Congress in such a measure," and they instructed Oliver Watson, who was their representative this year also, to communicate the same to the General Court. This crisis, which, probably, for more than a year past, had been anticipated by most of our patriotic and intelligent cit- izens, had now arrived, and Congress, July -4, 1776, by a unanimous vote, declared the colonies to be free, sovereign and independent States. A copy of this declaration was sent to all the towns, and the General Court ordered the same to be read in all the churches after divine service, and the town clerk to record this manifesto in the town records, " there to remain a perpetual memorial thereof," with all which, this town complied.

In 1777, the General Court passed " an act to prevent monopoly and oppression," and the selectmen and committee of safety in the several towns were directed to set a price upon all the articles usually bought and sold, as well as of labor, and none were allowed to exceed tliose prices in their dealings. The following are the prices of some of those ar- ticles, as jSxed upon for this town. For the better under- standing of the present generation, the prices are here set down in Federal denomination. A days work for a man in summer 50 cents, a days work for a yoke of oxen 25 cents, a bushel of wheat ^1.00, bushel of rye 67 cts, bushel of corn 50 cts, imported salt $2.17 per bushel, salt made from sea water $2.42 per bushel, charcoal 4 cts per bushel, sheep's wool 30 cts per lb., cotton wool 61 cts per lb., brown sugar $1.33 per lb., coffee 22 cts per lb., molasses 75 cts per gal- lon, a meal of victuals 12 1-2 cts, a night's lodging 4 cts. It will be perceived the great disparity between these prices and those of the present time, those articles of our own pro- duction being much less, and those imported much larger, the article of brown sugar in particular, being fourteen hun- dred -per cent, higher, owing to the destruction of our com- merce by England.

52 HISTOBYOrSPENCEE.

Being called upon to furnisli their quota of soldiers to fill up the continental army, the town voted to allow £20 (^67) bounty to each man who should enlist for three years or during the war. The town was also called upon to furnish blankets, and one pair of shirts, stockings and other clothing at the rate of one set for every male person in the town over sixteen years of age. The General Court passed an- other act, calling in four hundred thousand pounds of the State's outstanding debts, which were lying without interest, and ordered each town to raise its proportion of that sum, and place the same on interest until paid. This injudicious act disturbed the minds of the people, as another large sum for continental debts became due about the same time. They instructed their representatives, Oliver Watson and John^ Bisco, to use their influence that the act might be repealed. In this, however, they were unsuccessful, and they raised their proportion by a tax, being nine hundred and ninety- one pounds seventeen shillings.*' This sum, allowing for the depreciation of the currency in 1777, would probably be about J^ISOO, which would be quite as burthensome for the town to pay at that time as ;g55O0O, at the present.

The success of the British arms at the north, under Gen- eral Burgoyne, spread consternation and terror throughout New England, and every sixth man in the county of Wor- cester, capable of bearing arms, was drafted to join the northern army. Companies of men, under the command of Capt. Josiah White and Capt. David Prouty, a large propor-

° In making the Taluation for a basis of taxes, this year, the assessors •were directed by the town to fix the following value on the taxable proper- ty. Unimproved land $3.33 per acre — Horse $23.33 — two years old colt $13.- 33 — yearling colt $10 — Spring colt $6.67 — ox $10.67 — cows and three year old steers $10 — two year old cattle $6.67 — yearling do $3.33 — spring calves $1.67 — sheep $0.83 — swine one year old $3.33 — pigs $1.00 — wheat 83 cts per bushel — rye 56 cts per bushel — com 42 cts— barley 42 cts — oats 21 cts — beans 67 cts — potatoes 11 cts — cider 50 cts per barrel — flax 10 cts per lb. — English hay $4.44 per ton — meadow hay $2.21 per ton.

HI8T0EY OF SPENCEB. 58

tion of whom belonged to Spencer, went to Bennington and other places in that vicinity, to meet the invading army, who by rapid marches, was passing through and ravaging our northern borders. A battle was fought at Bennington un- der General Stark, which partly put a check to their depre- dations. And when the British forces reached Saratoga, an alarm was immediately sent through the country, and the people in Spencer, like their brethren elsewhere, rose to arms, almost en masse, and marched to the rescue, but a por- tion of them did not arrive at the scene of battle until after the surrender of Burgoyne and his whole army.

The town appointed a committee to ascertain what ser- vices each person had rendered towards the war, either by- men, money or otherwise, since April 19, 1775, but the task proved so difficult that it was abandoned.

January 5, 1778, the town voted to accept '' the articles of perpetual union between the States," called the confeder- ation, as proposed by Congress. The General Court having formed a constitution for the State of Massachusetts, the town assembled May 20, to take it into consideration. It was rejected, there not being a solitary vote for its accep- tance, and against it 102 votes. It was rejected throughout the State by a large majority.

March 10, the town voted that the selectmen make pro- vision for the families of the continental soldiers who were out in the service of their country. Seven men enlisted in- to the army for the term of nine months, and the sum of X30, (^100) was allowed as bounty to each, amounting when paid, including the interest, to <£219 9s. The selectmen were called upon by the State to provide thirty-seven pairs of shirts, shoes and stockings for the use of the army.

1779. The town was called upon to furnish six soldiers to go to Ehode Island for six months. This requisition was granted, and the money voted to pay them for their services. Sixty pounds was also voted to provide for the families of

54 HISTORY OF SPEKCEK.

the soldiers who were out in the public service. This year, a number of tories, who in the beginning of the revolution had fled from the country, to avoid the resentment of the people, had returned again, and the town of Boston sent cir- culars to the several towns, advising them of this fact. Thereupon, the town called a meeting to take the matter in- to consideration, liesolutions were passed, declaring that " the town highly approve of the spirited conduct of the town of Boston, in their endeavors to take up and secure such odi- ous persons, who had the impudence to appear in that town, that they may be dealt with according to a good and whole- some law of this State ; and this town is in full sentiment with the town of Boston with respect to those professed enemies to the rights and liberties of mankind ; and that we will, to the utmost of our power, aid and assist the civil magistrate in the execution of all laws made for the purpose of exclud- ing all such hateful creatures from among us, &c."

While we must admire the devotedness of the patriots of the revolution to the sacred cause of liberty, not only for themselves, but also for us their posterity ; such entire de- votedness as we may never expect to witness again in this or any other country ; while we are astonished at the great sacrifices they made, and the fortitude with which they sus- tained their burthens, their often great and discouraging re- verses of fortune in war, and other deprivations, such as were sufficient to overwhelm ordinary minds; it is not surprising that they should be exasperated at those, who not only stood aloof from the perilous work which demanded the united aid of all hearts and hands, but opposed all their patriotic exertions, and cruelly mocked at their sufferings and derided their cause. Yet some of them were, undoubtedly, treated with too much severity. Many of these suspected persons were good citizens at heart, and friends to their country, but who desired to wait a little longer, and were for trying fur- ther pacific measures before coming to actual hostilities with

HISTOHT OF SPENCEB. 55

the mother country. Perhaps thej were inexcusable for their hesitation and timidity, but many of them were not inten- tionally enemies to their country, and a few who, after the revolution was completed and peace restored, were permitted to return and dwell among their former friends, proved to be good citizens, and became perfectly reconciled to the inde- pendence of their country.

This year the taxes and burthens of the war were so on- erous that the town refused to grant any money for the sup- port of schools or highways. The highway surveyors were directed to invite those within their limits to work on the roads as much as they were willing to do voluntarily, and no more. A committee was again chosen to make provision for the destitute families of the continental soldiers, who were probably suffering more in the field and in the camp than their families at home.

Deacon John Muzzy was chosen representative, and he was instructed " to use his best endeavors to support the credit of our currency, and not to give his consent to any act for making up the sink of money between debtor and creditor, either public or private, soldiers and officers in the continental army excepted.^' The town was called upon to fur- nish seven men for the continental army and four men to go to Rhode Island. For paying these men, and others who had been sent to guard the prisoners in Rutland, a tax of five thousand four hundred pounds was assessed upon the inhabi- tants of the town. This tax, allowing for the depreciation of the currency in 1779, was probably about J^OOO.

August 7. Deacon John Muzzy was chosen to attend a convention at Worcester, " to act on business of importance," and the 17th of the same month, Maj. Asa Baldwin was cho- sen a delegate to attend a convention at Concord for regu- lating the prices of the necessaries of life. These conven- tions prepared a detailed statement of prices, with an ad- dress, which were sent to the several towns for approval.

56 HISTOKT or 8PENCEE.

The following are the prices fixed by the convention, and they will serve to show the depreciation of the currency in two years, which are again reduced into Federal money to make it intelligible to modern readers.

A bushel of corn gU.OO— rye $17.00— wheat ^2 7.00— oats $6.00— barrel of cider $13.33 — hay per cwt. $5.00— labor in husbandry per day $9.00 — women's labor per week j^6.G7— beef per lb. $0.92— mutton and veal $0.58— butter $1.83 — cheese $0.92 — wool $4.00 — men's shoes per pair ^20.00— stockings $12.00— shirts, tow cloth, $16.17.''

John Bisco, Esq. was chosen a delegate to attend a con- vention at Cambridge, for forming a State Constitution.

1780. In the beginning of this year, the currency be- came depreciated in the proportion of 40 to 1, and before the close of the year, as low as 240 for 1 ! The pressure was so heavy upon the people of this town, that forty-one persons were unable to pay their taxes for this and the last years, and they were abated by the town.

A number of men were required in the service for six months, and the town voted that each soldier wbo enlisted

"At the close of the year 1779, a committee was chosen of the Massa- chusetts line of the army, to adjust and settle the accounts of the oflBcers and soldiers, with regard to the depreciation of the currency. This com- mittee formed their scale of depreciation for three years, upon the mean prices, throughout the State, of beef, Indian corn, sheep's wool and sole leather, as follows :

	1777.	1778.	1779.
January 31st,	1.03 for 1	4.64	9.34
February	1.03	4.80	10.87
March	1.28	6.19	12.36
April	1.57	6.80	14.14
May	1.69	6.91	16.02
June	1.82	6.34	22.57
July	2.38	6.30	20.38
August	2..50	6.90	16.95
September	3.82	6.90	17.14
October	3.96	6.97	23.87
November	4.34	7.47	30.35
December	4.50	8.38	32.50

HISTOKY OF SPENCER. 57

should receive a bounty of one hundred dollars, to be paid at the rate of fiftj cents for corn and sixty-seven cents for rye, per bushel, or stock in that proportion. This was a standard which would regulate the paper money currency, so that the poor soldier would for once receive something more solid than promises, or what proved to be no better.

Oliver Watson was again chosen representative. Agree- able to a resolve of the General Court, the town furnished 7150 lbs. of beef, as a part of their quota for the army. Sixteen thousand pounds, in the currency of the day, was raised by a tax, in part payment for what was then due for soldiers' wages.

May 22. The town assembled in legal meeting, to take into consideration the Constitution, or new form of govern- ment, then lately fi)rmed for the State. All the articles re- ceived the approbation of the town, with the exception of the 2d article of section 3d, of chapter 1st. They thought the provision for representation to be unequal, — that those towns and plantations not having 150 rateable polls should have the privilege of uniting together, or with some adjacent town, for the purpose of choosing a representative. The constitution was since amended in conformity to the propo- sition, as expressed by the town.

September 4. The town assembled for the first time un- der the new constitution, for the election of State officers, to serve until the next May. • The whole number of votes was 69, all of which were for the Hon. John Hancock. The next October, John Bisco, Esq. was elected a representative, to serve until the next May.

Agreeable to an order of the General Court, the town authorized the selectmen to hire money to purchase cloth- ing and blankets for the soldiers, then out in the army. Forty-eight thousand four hundred and fifty-six pounds was raised to pay the soldiers who were then in the service, some for six and some for three months. 6

58 HISTOKT OF SPENCEB.

October 17. The town was called together again to de- vise means to pay for beef for the army, and the sum of twelve thousand pounds was raised for that purpose ; also, the sum of three thousand five hundred and sixty-five pounds, to provide horses for the use of the army. December 28. Another town meeting was held, on a requisition of the General Court, to provide 13,874 lbs. of beef for the soldiers. The town voted to provide the beef, and raised four hundred and sixty-seven pounds to pay for it ; also the sum of three thousand and fifty pounds to hire fourteen men to serve for three years in the continental army. The whole amount paid into the treasury this year, for various purposes, was XS8,G33 9s. It would be diflBcult at this time to ascertain how much this would amount to, in the present currency. It is probable, however, it was not less than four thousand dollars.

1781 was a dark period in the American history. The Brit- ish arms were almost everywhere successful ; Lord Comwallis was overrunning the Southern States, with but feeble oppo- sition ; the resources of the country were exhausted, and pa- per money was so depreciated as to become nearly worthless. In this critical period, the town was again called upon to furnish more men and beef for the public service. In the warrant for calling the meeting, June 20, they say, " Where- as, filling up and supplying the continental army is of the utmost importance at this critical time, and the town being in danger of having executions sent upon it, both for their deficiencies in men and beef, and at present nothing will procure said men and beef, but hard money. Therefore &c." They, however, voted to comply with the requisition, and raised the sum of four hundred and sixteen pounds, hard money, for said purposes, and chose a committee to hire the money.

July 23. The town was further called upon to furnish more soldiers, some to go to "head quarters" for three

HISTOBT OF SPENCEE. 59

months, and others to go to Rhode Island for five months, and also for more beef for the army. They chose a com- mittee to hire the soldiers, and voted the sum of one hun- dred and twenty pounds^ hard money, to, pay for the beef. At a subsequent meeting, September 6, two hundred pounds, hard money, was voted for paying the soldiers. The assess- ors had made out lists of taxes for a part of the sums grant- ed by the town, graduated upon the scale of tlie paper cur- rency, and committed them to the collectors. The town or- dered the tax bills to be returned, and that the same, together with the additional sums, newly granted, be reduced to hard money currency, by the assessors, in new tax bills. The two last requisitions of beef from this town, amounting to 7090 lbs., was furnished alive, the animals being driven to the agent.

This year closed brilliantly, by the surrender of Cornwal- lis and. his army to the combined arms of France and America, which diffused great joy throughout the unitea colonies, as the bright harbinger of peace, which was con- cluded in 1783.

Although the war was virtually closed, yet the army could not safely be disbanded until the treaty of peace was actual- ly concluded and signed by all the belligerant parties. The town was called upon in March, 1782, for their quota of soldiers, to enlist for the term of three years, which was the last requisition made upon the town, specifically, until the army was disbanded.

60 HI8T0BT or SPENCEB.

SHAY'S INSURRECTION.

Judge Minot and others, who have written the history of the insurrection in Massachusetts in 1786, have represented the actors as abandoned criminals, withont one redeeming good quality ; their chief motive, instead of seeking a redress of grievances, being to overthrow all orders of government, and bring Massachusetts into a state of anarchy and confusion. Although this revolt may not be justified, yet, if impartial- ly considered, there will be found some causes of palliation. Insurrections are dangerous movements, and are not to be encouraged ; but their characters are often judged by their results. If successful, they are pronounced justifiable and praiseworthy, but if unsuccessful, they are condemned. The people had just passed through one revolution — they had re- volted against what had been admitted to be their lawful government, but they were successful. They were honored — they were patriots. It is said " oppression will make a wise man mad," and the people felt themselves oppressed, al- most " beyond measure."

The government and the people of Massachusetts had de- voted all their moral and physical powers in the cause of the revolution, and at its close found their resources exhausted, and both government and people loaded with an enormous weight of public and private debts. Paper money, which was nearly the whole currency, had depreciated until it was of no value, and credit was nearly as low as paper money. The chief creditors of the State were its own citizens. Some of them had advanced money, and were bona fide creditors ; others, and some of these were government oflScials, had pur- chased " State securities" and " soldier's certificates," at less than one-eighth of their nominal value, and these could have afforded to wait a little longer, and all these creditors were pressing the government for payment. The legislature, be-

HI8T0ST OF SPENCEE. 61

ing thus plied, unwisely yielded, and enormous taxes were imposed upon the people.

As early as 1782, signs of discontent began to be visible, which were soon followed by open complaints and loud mur- murs. As the good people of this town experienced their share of the general pressure, they naturally united in the general discontent. The legislature had passed an act for making a general valuation of the taxable property of the people, and another act, levying an excise or duty upon sev- eral articles of trade. This last act produced dissatisfaction, and was thought to interfere with their rights and privi- leges; were unequal and unjust. A remonstrance was sent to John Bisco, Esq., their representative, to present to the General Court, requesting the act to be repealed, or other- wise " redress grievances too palpable to be denied, and too great to be borne."

A circular was sent to the several towns in the county of Worcester, requesting them to send delegates to a conven- tion to be held at Worcester, " to take into consideration the many grievances the good people of this Commonwealth la- bor under." The town chose Mr. Isaac Jenks a delegate to attend said convention. They met on the 14th of April, and again, by adjournment, in May of the same year. The con- vention reported a list of grievances, which were sent to the several towns. Mr, Jenks was chosen representative, and he was instructed to urge upon the General Court the adoption, generally, of the articles of reform recommended by the convention. He was also instructed to procure laws to be passed, that no suit should be commenced without previous- ly giving notice to the debtor ; that State notes and certifi- cates be made a tender for all debts on executions ; that all property attached for debt, whether real or personal, should be appraised to the creditor, to satisfy his debt, &c. In 1784, the town was indebted to the State for two years' delinquent taxes, and executions were issued against all the constables 6*

62 HISTORY OF SPENCER.

for the same. Another circular was received from Willis Hall, moderator of a town meeting in Sutton, recommend- ing another convention to be holuen at Worcester, March 16th, 1784. A town meeting was called, and Deacon Oliver Watson was chosen delegate. This convention, also, report- ed a list of grievances, one of which was, that the impost was granted to Congress for twenty-five years. This report was laid before the town by their delegate. The town ap- proved of it, and instructed their representative to lay the same before the General Court. The pressure now became exceedingly heavy, and the prospect appeared ominous. A large State tax was laid to meet a requisition from Congress, and the town was still in arrears for past taxes.

In this situation, a town meeting was called November 9, 1785, and tlie town voted to send a petition to the General Court, asking for a redress of grievances. In this petition they say, among other things, that the town is deeply in debt for hiring soldiers and procuring beef for the army, private contracts pressing, no cash, property sold for less than half of its value on execution, &c., and they pray that a bank of paper money may be established, or that property may be made a tender for payment of debts.

June 8, 1786, a special town meeting was called to see if the town will take into consideration the present distress of the people of this commonwealth, occasioned '* for want of a circulating medium to satisfy the demands now called for." At this meeting a committee was chosen, and directed to send circulars to other towns in the county for another con- vention, to reconsider the " present distresses, <S:c." This committee, consisting of Deacon Oliver Watson, Capt. Joshua Draper, Asa Sprague, John Sumner, and Benjamin Bemis, jun., notified a convention to be holden at Leicester, June 26, 1786. Mr. John Sumner was chosen a delegate. Dele- gates from seventeen towns only met, and they adjourned to August 15th. In the meantime another town meeting was

HISTOET 0F8PENCEB. 63

called, and Col. Benjamin Bemis was chosen as additional delegate; the delegates were instructed to use their best endeavors to obtain " a hank of paper money, ^e." But the legislature, undoubtedly, did wisely by denying their request. Another town meeting was called to petition the General Court for a hanlc, &c. They also voted to send a petition to the Court of Common Pleas, to adjourn all suits from June to September, without giving judgment in any case. The town approved of the doings of the last convention, who re- ported a farther list of grievances, one of which was, the ex- istence of the judicial courts. The town had previously voted to pawn their " state securities " for money to discharge ex- ecutions from the state against the town.

The public mind now became highly inflamed, and the voice of discontent was raised to the highest pitch, and a large majority of the inhabitants of the town were united in sentiment and action with the malcontents. Some of the causes of complaint with the people were, the high salaries of public officers ; the fees of lawyers and sheriffs ; the fre- quent suits at law, and the consequent costs of court ; and these salaries and fees were, no doubt, disproportionate, com- pared with the situation of the times, and must have added, not a little, to the distresses of the people. In spite however, of the petitions, the remonstrances, the clamors, and the threats of the people, the courts continued to entertain all actions for the recoverv of debts, and to issue executions as usual. William Lincoln, Esq., in his History of Worcester, states that, in 1784, more than two thousand actions were entered in the county of Worcester, then having a population of less than 50,000, and that in 1785, about 1700. Lands and goods were seized and sacrificed on sale when the gener- al difficulties drove away purchasers. The writer of this work has some recollection of the passing events of that pe- riod, and attests, that in this relation of those times, no exaggeration is made, and that it would be utterly impossi-

64 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

ble for the present generation to realize or have an adequate idea of the real situation of things at that time.

By the multiplicity of suits and the costs arising thereon, the courts had become so odious to the people of Spencer, that they presented the extraordinary petition to the legis- lature, praying that the " courts may he abolished,'" declaring that they " conceived their existence to he a great and unnecessa- ry hurtheji upon the people."^

As the courts declined suspending judgments and execu- tions on suits for the collection of debts, the malcontents formed the rash and desperate resolution of taking the law into their own hands, to stop the sittings of the courts, by force and violence, and thus prevent the issuing of exe- cutions.

Accordingly, at the time of the session of the Court of Common Pleas at Worcester, September 1786, considerable numbers of the people from most of the towns in the county assembled at Worcester, consisting of about 400 men, and about one-half of them armed. They succeeded in prevent- ing the sitting of the court; no business was done, and the court adjourned and continued all actions to the term in December.

In December, the rising of the people became more gener- al. Armed companies from Ward, Holden, Spencer, Rut- land, Barre, Petersham, Paxton, Grafton, and other towns, marched in hostile array to Worcester. Detachments from Shrewsbury, Hardwick, Princeton, Hubbardston, Leicester, and other towns joined them, and the whole number, armed and unarmed, probably exceeded 2000 men, all either en-

* At this time it is said that the offices of Levi Lincoln, senior, of Wor- cester, Dwight Foster of Brookfield, and John Sprague of Lancaster, they be- ing the principal la-wyers in the county, were thronged every day with suit- ors, and presented the appearance of some public day, when there is a gath- ering of the people, the door yards of their offices, and adjoining fences, being lined with the horses and carriages of unfortunate debtors, and not much less unfortunate creditors.

HIBTOBY OF SPENCES. 65

gaged, or actively aiding and abetting the insurgents. The company that went from thii town, was armed and equipped with powder and ball, ready to do the deadly work, if neces- sary. In this company were several veterans of the revolu- tion, who still undoubtedly felt they were engaged in defence of their liberties. The court was again overawed, and again adjourned without doing any business, agreeable to the direc- tion of the General Court, to the 23d day of January, 1787, at which time Governor Bowdoin sent on armed forces to pro- tect the sitting of the court, and they proceeded unmolested to transact the usual business.

During the winter, however, parties of the insurgents, under the command of Shays, Wheeler, Day and other leaders, traversed* various parts of this and other western counties, to overawe the peaceable and loyal inhabitants of the state. For this purpose, a company of about 200 insur- gents assembled at New Braintree, on the second day of February, one of whom was David May of this town. About twenty horsemen and 150 infantry in sleighs were sent to dislodge them. They were fired upon by the insur- gents, and Doct. David Young and another person were wounded. Youn 2: afterwards commenced an action against May, and recovered large damages, which exhausted all his property in satisfying, so that he was obliged to sell his farm, and remove to the state of Vermont, where he died, not long since. The insurrection was finally quelled with but little bloodshed. Two or three commissioned officers of the militia in this town were temporarily disqualified, and all who arose treasonably against government were ordered to take the oath of allegiance before John Bisco, Esq., and surrender their fire arms to his keeping during the pleasure of government.

Many of the insurgents were imprisoned in diS'erent parts of the commonwealth, and this town petitioned Gov- ernor Bowdoin that they might be pardoned and set at

66 HISTOKTOrSPEXCXK.

liberty. They also sent a petition to the General Court to pass a general act of indemnity, and suspend the action of the courts until after the election. The motive which prompted this petition, though then very apparent, may not now he understood without some explanation. Governor Bowdoin was then in the chair of state, and was supposed to have been, in some measure, accountable for those unpopular acts of the General Court ; he had ordered out the troops, although no more than his imperious duty, to quell the insur- rection, and he was thouglit to be inclined to severe meas- ures in further dealing with them. Governor Hancock, on the contrary, was known to be favorable to a more lenient policy, and was, also, a favorite of tlie people. They were both candidates for the gubernatorial chg,ir for the election then close at hand. Hence the petition for delay.

The day of election came, and Governor Bowdoin was su- perseded by Governor Hancock by a large majority. The votes in this town were, for John Hancock 87, for^ James Bowdoin 7, a true index of the numbers and feelings of the parties.^*

Henry Gale of Princeton, one of the leaders of the insur- gents, was tried for high treason and sentenced to be execu- ted. A special town meeting was called, and a petition was sent to Governor Hancock for his pardon ; other towns also sent in petitions for the same. He was brought out to the gallows for execution, where he was reprieved, and afterwards pardoned by the Governor.

During the reis-n of terror, when the law was almost prostrate, and the arm of government paralyzed, Abijah Livermore and six other of the inhabitants of Spencer, broke open the town's magazine and took away the entire stock of

* James Hathaway was elected representative this year. A committee was appointed to draft instructions for him. In commencing their in- structions, they say, " It is a day of public distress and trouble, and dark clouds hang over this commonwealth."

HISTOBY OF SPENCEK. 67

powder, balls, &c. After peace was restored, and the law once more triumphant, Mr. Livermore and three of his com- panions made a humble confession to the town, which now appears on their records, and no further notice was taken of the matter.

For a few years, an alienation in the feelings of the peo- ple towards each other was visible, and predominated in all elections and common intercourse of society, but it gradual- ly disappeared, the parties became reconciled to each other, and peace and harmony prevailed ; and the elfects of this quasi war are now among the things lost and forgotten.

Having given an account of the first settlement of Spen- cer, and its incorporation as a town, passed through the rev- olution with its attendant poverty, misery and distress, and the Insurrection of Shays, which immediately followed ; in fine, having brought the history, or rather the annals of the town to 1788, I shall suspend further details, while I endeavor to give a description of its appearance at that time ; the habits and manners of the people, their occupations, morals, amusements, and mode of living. And in this des- cription, I do not mean to be understood as representing this as being particularly singular from other places, but with few exceptions, as a fair specimen, with but little vari- ation, for New England in general. As nearly three-fourths of a century has past away "with the years beyond the flood," and with it all the- inhabitants who occupied our present places ; it may be useful to the present generation, that they may be enabled to compare and appreciate their own pleas- ant places, habitations and circumstances, with the poverty, disadvantages and hardships of their fathers.

The highways were then intolerable. The great Post Road, by far the best in the country, and which has since received so many straightenings and levellings, was then so rough and hilly, that it was only competent for a team of

68 HiSTOEY OF spe:ncee.

four h()rses to transport the weight of one ton to Boston, and return with the same weight, in one week. Now, the same team, if necessary, could easily transport thrice the amount of weio-ht, over the same road, within half the time. Our town roads were mere single froc/cs, just wide enough for the passage of a pair of wheels, and ivithcnit avy turnouts; for the chief instruments in repairing the roads, were the cart and the iron bar ; the plough, now considered indispensable on the highway, was then never used for that purpose; and what rocks could not be removed with iron bars alone, stood their ground, in whatever part of the road they happened to be located, bidding defiance to the horses' hoofs or the wheels of the carriages ; for the use of gunpowder in removing rocks was then unpractised, and hardly known.

It is probable that not more than two thirds of the land was under cultivation, the other third being in its primeval state. The dwelling houses were mostly of one story in height, and not half a dozen in town were painted. As for a chaise or other pleasure carriage, there were not more than one or two in town, and the onl}' locomotive to trans- port a family to meeting, was a horse, saddle and pillion. With this accommodation, the good man, on a Sunday morn- ing, would mount the saddle, taking a little one before him, and his wife on the pillion behind, and trudge along five miles to meeting without a murmur ; while his barefooted children in their homespun, would walk cheerfully the same distance. During the interval between the services, the young lads and lasses, with cheerful countenances and sparkling eyes, were collected in the gallery pews, engaged in happy conversation ; the old ladies in groups below, were no less engaged, in low, murmuring voices, scarce above a whisper ; while the old men, in companies, sat upon the grass under the shade of trees, which then grew on the com- mon, were discoursing of the sermon and hard times, while munching their bread and cheese. That part of the public

HISTOBT OF SPENCEE. 69

common west of the meeting house, was then limited to a space of about five or six rods square, and on this small spot was located the town's pound, seven or eight horse stables, the town stocks, and a fixture somewhat resembling a public stage or rostrum, but now obsolete, and in common parlance called a horse-block. A similar structure stood at the east end of the meeting house. At the close of the religious ser- vices, and after the town clerk had made proclamation in a loud voice to the retiring congregation, of those who were about to enter the state of matrimony ; then might be seen, standing erect on those fixtures, the ancient dames and the young damsels, awaiting their turns to vault upon their saddles or pillions, while the shrill neighings of the numerous young colts in attendance, mingled with the responsive calls of their dams, added pastoral music to the scene.

There were then but three dwelling houses in what was once the lower village, and these three stood in juxtaposi- tion, and were all taverns: the house kept by Captain Ebenezer Mason, lately owned by his grandson Joseph Ma- son, the house then kept by Mr. Isaac Jenks, and now owned by William C. Watson, and the house occupied by Mr James Livermore, on the site of Col. Temple's. These have irrev- erently been compared to the three taverns alluded to by St. Paul, when he " thanked God and took courage." In what was once called the upper village, there were only two dwell- ing houses, viz : the Eev. Joseph Pope's, now owned by his son William Pope, Esq., and the house now owned by Mr. Washington Morse, and occupied by Deacon Oliver Morse and Reuel Jones. There was a school house which stood on what is now the west part of the common.

Before proceeding further with the description of Spencer, as it was, the views of an European traveller who passed through here at this period, will be given.

70 HISTOKY OF SPENCEB.

A French gentleman, M. DeWareville," traveled through the States, for the sole purpose of seeing the country and observing the habits and manners of the inhabitants. After his return to France, he published an account of his travels, which was translated and published in this country. He landed in Boston, July 30, 1788. His first journey was to New York, by land. A new line of stages had been estab- lished by Messrs. Pease and Sikes, by way of Spencer, and in the summer season the journey was performed in four days.f This journey was commenced August 9. It is presumed the following extract from his book of travels, though somewhat long, will not be found uninteresting. After giving a short description of his journey from Boston to Worcester, he proceeds :

" We slept the first night in Spencer, a new village in the midst of the woods. The house of the tavern was but half built ; but the part that was finished, had an air of cleanliness •which pleases, because it announces that degree of compe- tence, those moral and delicate habits, which are never seen in our villages. The chambers were neat, the beds good, the sheets clean, the supper passable ; cider, tea, punch, and all for fourteen pence per head. There were four of us. Now com- pare this order of things with our French taverns, — cham- bers dirty and hideous, beds infested with bugs, those insects which Sterne calls the rightful inhabitants of taverns, if indeed, long possession gives a right ; sheets ill washed and exhaling a foetid odor, bad covering, and wine adul- terated, and every thing at its weight in gold ; greedy ser- vants, who are complaisant only in proportion to your equipage, groveling towards a rich traveler, and insolent towards him whom they suspect of mediocrity. Such are

" This gentleman, after his retam to France, suffered death by the guillo- tine under the reign of terror.

j The journey from Boston to New York, is dott easily performed by steam in twelve hours.

HISTOKY OF SPENCEE. 71'

the eternal torments in France ; add to this the fear of being robbed, the precautions necessary to be taken every night to prevent it, while in the United States you travel without fear and without arms, and you sleep quietly among the woods, in an open chamber of a house whose doors shut without locks, and now judge which country merits the name of civilized, and which bears the aspect of the greatest general happiness.

" We left Spencer at four o'clock in the morning. New carriage, new proprietor. It was a carriage without springs, a kind of wagon. A Frenchman who was with me, began, at the first jolt to curse the carriage, the driver, and the country. Let us wait, said I, a little, before we form a judg- ment ; every custom has its cause, there is doubtless some reason ^hy this kind of carriage is preferred to one hung on springs. In fact, by the time we had run thirty miles among the rocks, we were convinced that a carriage with springs would very soon have been overset and broken.

" The traveler is well recompensed for the fatigue of this route, by the variety of romantic situations, by the beauty of the prospects which it offers at every step, by the perpetual contrast of nature, and the efforts of art. Those vast ponds of water, which lose themselves in the woods ; those rivulets that wash the meadow, newly snatched from uncultivated nature; those neat houses scattered among the forests and containing swarms of children, joyous and healthy, and well clad. Those fields covered with trunks of trees, whose destruction is committed to the hand of time, and which are covered under the leaves of Indian corn ; those oaks whifh preserve still the image of their ancient vigor, but which, girdled at the bottom, raise no longer to heaven but dry and naked branches, which the first stroke of wind must bring to the earth ; all these objects, so new to an Eu- ropean, arrest him, absorb him, and plunge him into an agreeable reverie. The depths of the forests, the prodigious

72 HISTOBTOFSPENCEE.

height and size of the trees, call to mind the time when the savages were the only inhahitants of this country. This ancient tree has heheld them ; they filled these forests ; they have now given place to another generation. The cul- tivator fears no more their vengeance ; his musket, formerly his necessary companion at the plow, now rests suspended in his house. Alone, with his wife and children, in the midst of the forests, he sleeps quietly, he labors in peace, and he is happy. Such were the ideas that occupied me the greater part of my journey ; they sometimes gave place to others, arising from the view of the country houses, which are seen at small distances through all the forests of Massachusetts. Neatness embellishes them all. They have frequently but one story and a garret ; their walls are papered ; tea and coffee appear on their tables ; their daughters, clothed in cal- icoes, display traits of civility, frankness and decency ; vir- tues which always follow contentment and ease. Almost all these houses are inhabited by men who are both cultivators and artizans ; one is a tanner, another is a shoemaker, another sells goods ; but all are farmers. The country stores are well assorted ; you find in the same shop, hats, nails, liquors. This order of things is necessary in a new settlement ; it is to be hoped it will continue, for this gen- eral retail occupies less hands, and detaches fewer from the great object of agriculture. It is not supposed that one third of the land of Massachusetts is under cultivation, and it is difficult to say when it will be so, considering the invi- tations of the Western country and the province of Maine. But the uncleared lands are all located, and the proprietors have enclosed them with fences of diflferent sorts. These several kinds of fences are composed of different materials, which announce the different degrees of culture in the coun- try. Some are composed of the light branches of trees ; others of the trunks of trees laid one upon the other ; a third sort is made of long pieces of wood, supporting each

H I S T b B T 0 F SPEN. C. EB. 73

other b J making^ angles at the end; a fourth kind is made of long pieces of hewn timber, supported at the ends by passing into holes made in an upright post ; a fifth is like the garden fences in England ; the last kind is stones . thrown together to the height of three feet. This last kind is most durable, and is common in Massachusetts.

" From Spencer to Brookfield the road is good, as far as the last town. The situation of Brookfield is picturesque. While breakfast was preparing, I read the Gazettes and Journals, which are distributed through all the country. Our breakfast consisted of coffee, tea, boiled and roasted meat; the ^hole for ten pence, New England currency, for each traveller. From this place to Wilbraham, the road is covered with rocks, and bordered with woods." .

This tavern house in Spencer, " half built," situated in a «« new village in the midst of the woods," was none other than the Jenks tavern, which was at that time being repair- ed, and an addition being erected on the west side, and not ♦completed.. ■' .. •

This description of this ' part of Massachusetts seventy- two years ago, is generally correct,, and such as it would ap- pear in passing through it ; but I doubt whether the houses were, many of them, painted without or papered within ; or whether the farmers' dauorhters were dressed in calicoes.

Previous to the present century, there were, in what now

constitutes the central village, including the whole of Main

street, from Leicester to Brookfield, twenty-five buildings

only (barns not included),. The houses of Eev. Joseph Pc^e,

Capt. Ebeuezer Mason, Isaac Jenks, James Livermore, Josi-

ah Gary, or rather Elisha Harrington, have been mentioned.

The others were. Deacon Keuben Underwood, now owned by

John Stone ; Thomas Sumner, on the site of Josliua Prou-

ty's ; John Sumner, on the site of his son, Cheney Sumner ;

William Knight, on the site of Francis Adams and Mrs. 7* • -.

74 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

Saddler : Zebina Abbot, on the site of Mrs. Win. Sumner, and his clothier's shop ; Elijah Howe, jun., near the house of Charles Fay ; Amasa Bemis, now Mr. Robinson ; Stephen Jenks, near that of Abner Howland ; Capt. Simeon Draper, now owned by Mrs. Mary Livermore ; the tavern of Jeremi- ah Whittemore, owned by George Bemis, 2d, and lately burn- ed, and a new house lately built ; Deacon John Muzzy, or Samuel Ryan, on the site of Aaron Watson ; Reuben Whit- temore, now owned by Edward Proctor ; Nathaniel T. Lor- ing, near that of Lewis Bergeron ; and Deacon Oliver Wat- sou, now owned by Ebenezer Howard; the Congregational church, the store of John Clark, an ordinary-looking school house ; all these on the main street. On what is now Ash street, the house of John White, now owned by Thomas B. Clark, and the house of Capt. Samuel Lamb, now occupied by Charles Grout.

There are now, within the limits above described, 164 dwelling houses, 94 of which are on Main street, and 70 on the intermediate streets ; 3 churches, 1 vestry, 3 school houses, 1 town house, 7 large buildings for the manufacture of boots, some of them elegant, and 22 other buildings, in- cluding factories, mechanics' shops, &c (not including barns), making in the whole 201 buildings, most of them respectable.

SEVENTY-FIVE TEARS AGO.

Except a few mechanics, the people were all farmers. There were no butchers, or pedlers, to bring fresh meats, fish, fruits and other desirable things to their doors. The farmer, from his own resources, by the use of the spade and hoe without, and the wheel and loom within doors, nearly supplied all his wants for food and clothing. The fam- ily breakfast was generally bread and milk, taken early in the mornins:, before ffoins: out to his labors. About nine o'clock, a luncheon, called a " baiting," was brought out to

HISTOKT OF SPEKCER. 75

the field, and with a bottle of cider, with cordial zest was taken under a cooling shade. At twelve o'clock, the horn was sounded for dinner, and the good man, with his sturdy sons, leaving their labor, came in from the field, dripping with perspiration, to partake of the wholesome repast, con- sisting of boiled salted pork and beef, with vegetables, pre- pared by the good wife and her buxom daughters. Often, for a change, baked pork and beans was the order for din- ner, with an Indian pudding for dessert. After half an hour for " nooning," again to the field, with renewed vigor, to toil until about four o'clock, then another luncheon. At night a similar preparation as in the morning, for the children and the feminine part of the household for supper, and bread, butter, cheese, and a remnant of " cold victuals," for the sterner sex.

" Let not ambition mock their useful toil," for they were our fathers and mothers. Yes, the fathers and mothers of all, whether in a lofty or more humble sphere of life ; and we will surely forever liold them in grateful remem- brance. For us they toiled and subdued the stubborn soil ; for us they suffered great deprivations, for which we have received the rich legacy of peace, plenty and indepen- dence.

The last "Wednesday in May, election day, was the special holiday. All labor was then suspended, and the entire day devoted to amusements. Hunting, fishing, bathing, and all athletic recreations, were the order of the day, and tlie old, as well as the young, had their sports and pastimes. But Thanksgiving was then, as now, the great feast day. Then the spit and the oven were in special requisition. Roast meat, pies and sweet cakes abounded with profusion, and the maxim of Solomon was fully realized, that there was " Noth- ing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy the good of his labor." In the eve- ning, tlie young people of both sexes, jubilant with the oc-

76 EISTOETOFSPEN C E R .

casion, assembled, the fiddle being in attendance, and after the floor was well sanded, the dance commenced. The "reel," " old father John," " hunt the squirrel," &c., being satisfac- torily performed, not forgetting the "jig."

«' The dancing pair that simply sought renown, By holding out to tire each other down."

MOEALS.

This is a delicate subject to review, whether for the past or the present, but there is no doubt, that at the close of the revolutionary war, the morals of the people were rather of a low order. The camp is a prolific school for the vices. There, idleness, intemperance, profaneness and profligacy of almost all kinds, abound, thrive and are nourished. And when the soldiers returned home, they were accompanied, more or less, with some of those vices, and mingling and as- sociating with the people, the old proverb was soon verified, that •' evil communications corrupt good manners." Tav- ern-haunting, drinking, gambling, fighting, and all the con- comitants of. idleness, were rife in the community; and though there is still much room for improvement, yet, ex- cept among the very dregs of the people, there is not a tithe of those debasing vices abounding among us. Probably, we may have discarded some of the virtues of our puritanic grandfathers, yet, on the whole, there is a decided improve- ment in society.

SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL HOUSES.

The first notice of a school on record, in the town of Lei- cester, is 1731, when the town voted " to provide a school master to read and write, to be kept three months in three parts of the town." The next year there was no school, and the town was presented at the quarter sessions for the neg-

HISTOBT OF SPENCEB. 77

lect. The first school house was built in 1736, but probably there was no school kept in it, for the next year the town was again presented for want of a school. This school house was 20 feet long and 16 feet wide, and 6 1-2 feet between the floors, and was set near the present meeting house. In 1738 they probably avoided an indictment, as the records say "Joshua Nichols was allowed £2 lis. 8d. for keeping school ten days and for answering for school master last summer." In 1740, the town was again indicted for the same neglect, and paid £4. 12s. as costs of court.

The population of the westerly part of the town (Spencer) then probably contained between 200 and 300 persons, and although they were taxed and paid their proportion of all town charges, yet no provision had been made for a school there.^ The reason probably was, that the population was so sparse, that a school would be of very little benefit. In 1741, the inhabitants of the westerly part petitioned to be exempted from paying taxes for schools and the minister, but their petition was denied. This state of things contin- ued until 1748, when the town " voted to have 10 weeks schooling in the West Precinct." For three years there was no further provision made by the town for schools there, when in 1751, three schools were established in that part of the town, " to be kept six weeks, and to be removed twice." Thus far Leicester and Spencer were one town, acting to- gether.

In 1753, when Spencer was incorporated as a town, and could act independently, no provision was made for schools for two years. 1755, sixteen pounds, and 1756, twenty pounds, was raised for schools, which appear to be mere pit-

" The taxes derived from this part of the town were considerable, as all the lands ^0,000 acres), whether belonging to the original proprietors or others, together with the polls and personal property of the settlers, were assessed, and the taxes received therefrom paid into the general town trea- sury.

78 HISTOKYOFSPENCEE.

tances, but perhaps was as much as the towTi was able to raise at that time. This year, an article in the warrant at the annual town meeting was, to see if the town would build one or more school houses, but the vote was in the negative.^ 1757, a school was kept nine months, 17GI, a school was kept ten months, by three school masters. 1766, the town was divided into six districts, and the next year a school was kept in each district, in private houses. 1768, it was voted to build a school house in each district, but this vote was complied with only in part, as the districts were found to be inconveniently large for the accommodation of the scholars, and a new division of the town was made, consti- tuting ten districts. 1786, a school house in each district was ordered to be built, but this last order was not fully complied with for some years, as the town had but just come out of the revolution, and was too poor to furnish comfortable dwellings for their own families, schools in the meantime being kept in private families in some of the districts, until about 1790. For several years previous to 1805, the sum of 500 dollars annually was raised and appropriated for the support of schools. Since that period, not less than 600 dollars, often 700 or 800 dollars, has been annually raised for the same object, and in 1837, 38 and 39, one thousand dollars, next 1200 dollars, and for several years past 1500 dollars has been raised for common schools, and 600 dollars for the high school. 1860, the sum of 1800 dollars for district schools and 600 dollars for high school was raised ; add to this the town's proportion of the State school fund and their interest money amounting to about 200 dollars.

In 1857, the town caused to be built a large and commo- dious building for the accommodation of the high school. The building is two stories in height, elegantly finished, with cupola and bell, the lower story fitted for the use of the

* At the same meeting, " yoted to provide stocks, as the law directs."

HISTOET OF SPENCEB. <9

scBool, and the upper for a hall, called " Denny Hall," in. Jionor of Mr. Charles E. Denny, who generously be- queathed the sum of two thousand dollars, to be appropri- ated towards that object.

1849, another school district was established, being taken mostly from district No. 9, the remainder from district No. 10, being No. 11, and all their limits were defined by geo- graphical lines, and stone monuments erected at their sev- eral angles.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

Before giving the ecclesiastical history of Spencer, it will be proper to commence with that of the town of Leicester, and give a sketch of the same until the westerly part became a separate precinct.

October 11, 1716, the proprietors of the town voted, " that as soon as twenty five families are settled within the township of Leicester, the proprietors, as^-n encouragement to the settlement of religion among them, will advance and give the sum of forty pound money for and towards the building a meeting house." 1719, the house was partly built, and the next year, July 21, William Dudley, Esq., in behalf of the settlers, presented a petition to the Legislature, praying that a vote of the town, raising money for finishing the meeting house, might be ratified. This house was small, and never completely finished, but was the only house of worship for the congregational society until 1784, when the present house was built. The old church stood on the com- mon, a little south of the present house.

The first minister was the Eev. David Parsons. He had been settled in Maiden, and had been lately dismissed, and several of his people had removed to Leicester. These being

80 HIST0ET0F8PENCEK.

leading men of the town, it v^as probably by their influence that application was made to Mr. Parsons to become their minister. He was installed September 15, 1721. The con- nexion proved to be an unhappy one, both for minister and people. Although the settlement and dismission of Mr. Parsons took place so many years since, that it may be thought to have lost all interest with the present genera- tion, yet like many other matters of history, long since past away, many of the circumstances being of such an ex- traordinary and unusual character, it may justify a more particular detail than would otherwise have been given.

It is not known when the congregational church was formed, as the ancient church records are lost ; but Governor Washburn, in his History of Leicester, supposes it must have been as early as the first organization of the town, and it must have been prior to the settlement of a minister.

The following letters from the people of Leicester to Mr. Parsons are inserted, not because they are absolutely neces- sary in giving a history of the case, but as a curiosity, show- ing the style, the cant and abject servility that, in those days, were felt ai\d used towards a minister. Such language in these republican times, would not be tolerated, but scout- ed and frowned into oblivion. The first is probably what in ecclesiastical matters would be termed the " call."

" Eev'd Sir,

" After our humble duty to you. These we write in behalf of the town of Leicester, are to give you a true and exact account of our proceedings in our last town meeting with re- spect to yourself. Sir, we are not a little sensible of the Blessing, which we may receive from Grod, by your Labors amongst us in the work of the ministry, if God in his provi- dence should remove you from your uneasiness and difficulty, when you are to settle among us ; we hope God will stir up the hearts of his people here, to be studying and endeavor-

HISTOET OF SPENCEK. 81

ing your comfort and happiness, so as we may be a Blessing to you, and you a Blessing to us, which we heartily wish and pray for. Eev'd Sir, we with one heart and Consent Do call and Invite you to be our Minister, in the Work of the Gospel amongst us, if you see Cause to accept and see your way clear to remove ; but alas if we reflect back upon ourselves, we cant but see we are utterly unworthy of so great a Bless- ing, but if you have such a Blessing to bestow on us, as we hope you will be, We desire forever to praise his name for his Goodness to us ward. And sir, we heartily wish that we were in a better Capacity than at present we are, to allow a Minister a better salary, than at present we can ; but this we hope we can say, so far as we are able, we shall be hearty in, and more especially to such a one as yourself. And so we pray God to direct you for the best, after begging a share in your prayers for us. We subscribe your humble servants to command.

Leicester, November 30fch, 1720.

Thomas Newhall, Ralf Earle,

William Brown, Daniel Denny,

James Southgate, Nath'l Richardson.

Reverend Sir. This is the substance of what was acted at our meeting, and with the greatest love and least opposition as could be imagined. The town act is as followcth.

" Nov. 28th, at a Town Meeting legally warned, Mr. Na- thaniel Richardson Moderator, Voted, that Mr. David Par- sons be our Gospel Minister. Voted, that Mr, Parsons have the forty acre lot next the Meetinghouse, and the rights in quantity and quality, as other forty acre lots drawn in after division. Voted, Mr. Parsons have sixty pounds settlement. Voted, that Mr. Parsons have sixty pounds a year salary."

Mr. Parsons, after receiving this call, hesitated or declined giving a decisive answer, when the following letter was ad- dressed to him.

8

82 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

" Rev'd Sir. After humble duty to you, These are to in- form you that we have received a Letter from yourself which gives us great encouragement, that we may obtain you to settle among us, in order to preach the Gospel among us, which gives us great encouragement to raise to larger offers as follows. We the subscribers have thought fit to raise our former offers as you have had an account of by us : We do oblif^e ourselves to make your settlement one hundred pounds, and to add to your salary fifteen pounds, which makes seventy-five pounds. We do humbly beg a brief and speedy relief under the difficulties, which we have labored under a long time. Your humble servants. Leicester, January the 13th, 1720-21.

Samuel Green, Thomas Richardson,

Richard Southgate, Joshua Nichols,

Samuel Stebbings, John Peters,

John Smith, William Green,

William Brown, John Smith,

Nath'l Richardson, John Burton,

Hezekiah Rus, Peter Carlisle,

John Lynde, Daniel Denny,

James Southgate, John Smith, Jun.,

William Keen, Thomas Smith,

Bartholomew Curtis, James Smith,

James Wilson, Aaron Bell,

Thomas Wascoot, Adam Talcr,

Joseph Stebbings, Samuel Thomas,

Oliver Watson, Joshua Barton."

Mr. Parsons was personally known to some of the signers of the last letter ; they had a very high opinion of his char- acter and qualifications for the ministerial office, and were very desirous to obtain him. He had declined the offer of the town, which was 60 pounds settlement and 60 pounds salary. Thirty individuals, then voluntarily agreed to make the settlement 100 pounds and the salary 75 pounds. This

HISTOET OF SPENCEE. 83

was accepted, and he was removed to Leicester at the ex- pense of the town, and installed, as before stated, Septem- ber 15, 1721, the town having finally acted on the matter, March 30, 1721.

For a time, peace and harmony appear to have prevailed between minister and people, but difficulties soon arose. The people neglected, or what is more probable, were unable, to pay his salary punctually, and then instead of the " blessing " which they so " heartily wished and prayed for," they found they had caught a tartar.

How long this mutual satisfaction between minister and people remained, is not now known, but in 1728, Mr. Par- sons commenced a suit at the civil law for the arrears of his salary, and not satisfied with that, he actually procured an indictment at the quarter sessions at Cambridge, for this neg- lect. This hasty movement produced great irritation with his people. After considerable altercation, a town meeting was called January 2, 1728-29, " to see if the town would raise Mr. Parsons' salary, or otherwise, to see if they were willing he should leave the town." " Voted, that we are willing he should leave the town, but shall not raise his salary.'' Mr. Parsons again applied to the law for redress, and for the arrears of his salary which the town voted not to raise. The town contested his claim, but the court not only sus- tained his demand, but amerced the town in a fine for their neglect, and ordered executions to be issued.

Having failed at the Judicial Courts, the town next ap- plied to the General Court, in a petition, presented Februa- ry 2G, 1731, •' complaining of great irregularities and ill conduct in their minister, Mr. David Parsons, for which the town have voted to dismiss him ; notwithstandino- which the petitioners have been fined for not assessing his salary ; praying for relief." The court ordered the petitioners to notify Mr. Parsons to appear at the session in May, to at- tend to the petition, " and that execution be stayed in the

84 HISTOBTOFSPENCEB.

mean time." At the session in May, the parties met, and after hearing the answer of Mr. Parsons, the petition was dismissed. A large majority of the congregation and church moved together in all these proceedings ; they had voted his dismission, and chose a committee to supply the pulpit, and heing thus foiled in all their attempts to depose their minister, and avoid the payment of his salary, they Jiot only had two or three years salary to pay on execution, but a fine and a heavy bill of cost. This was a sad disappoint- ment. Although foiled, they were not discouraged, but de- termined to persevere until they attained their object, and at the same session of the General Court, they presented another petition for relief. June 23, 1731, the General Court say, " Whereas, the differences that have arisen be- tween the liev. Mr. Parsons, Pastor of the Church at Leices- ter, and a great number (if not a majority) of the brethren of said church and inhabitants of said town have been of long continuance, and proceeded to such a degree as greatly to prejudice the interests and destroy the ends of the Gospel Ministry, the breach between them appearing to be incura- ble, and so as to leave no hope that Mr. Parsons' Ministry may be serviceable, at least to a great part of the people, and wihereas, application is made in the name of said town and church of Leicester, to the General Court, for relief in the premises; Resolved and ordered, that all such of the inhabi- tants of the said town of Leicester, who conscienciously dis- sent from Mr. Parsons* Ministry, respecting points either of -doctrine or discipline, alleging scruples of conscience as the grounds of their refusal to attend thereon, and do in the fipaco of six months next ensuing, signify the same in writing, under their hands, to Joseph Wilder, Esq., (who is Appointed by this court to take a subscription of their hands accordingly,) as also, that they are willing and desirous to uphold and maintain the public worship of God and Gospel order, that then and from thenceforth, all such persons so

HIST0ET0FSPE2ICER. 85

subscribing, together with their ratable polls and estates of themselves and families, and such of their descendants as shall and may desire the same privileges, shall be freed and exempted from all rates, taxes and assessments, and charges for and towards the support of the said Mr. Parsons ; any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding. Pro- vided always, that nothing in this resolve or order shall be deemed, or construed, or taken in prejudice of the said Mr. Parsons' right in or unto that two hundred acres of land" which is, or hath been in his possession, as minister of said town, but that the same shall remain to him, his^ heirs or assigns, forever, anything in the resolve or order notwith- standing ; Provided also, that none of the inhabitants, sub- scribing as aforesaid, shall receive benefit or exemptions, by virtue of this resolve or order, until he or they do respective- ly provide an able orthodox minister, generally to dispense the word of God among them, or otherwise diligently fre- quent the public worship in some one of the neighboring congregations, and submit their estates to be taxed a pro- portionable part with the inhabitants of such town or towns, respectively, where they so attend, for and towards the sup- port of the ministry there ; and do also pay and discharge their respective parts and proportions of Mr. Parsons' salary due or becoming due to him in the interim."

This order was some relief to the consciences of the peti- tioners, while it added to the burthens of those who remained, and did but little towards curing the difficultv ; Mr. Par- sons still occupied the pulpit to the exclusion of all others, and his salary must still be paid to that time. Many of the people, however, availed themselves of the privilege, and withdrew from his ministry and his support. This move- ment so much increased the burthens of those who remained,

° It was afterwards increased to 425 acres, and a plan and record of the same made on the Proprietors' book of records, 8*

86 HISTOUT OF 6PENCEK.

that after the dismission of Mr. Parsons, and when ahout to settle a successor, the town, December 2, 1735, bj their committee, Eicbard Southn;ate and John Lynde, presented petition to the General Court, " setting forth the great difficulties the said town is under as to the settlement and support of a minister, by reason of the great charges occasioned by the conduct of their late minister, and the great number of those that are exempt by law from being taxed towards those charges, and praying leave to tax all lands one penny per acre for the settlement, &c., of a minister."

The town was not yet satisfied, but determined if pos" sible to avoid the payment of his salary, and they presented another petition to the General Court, July 28, 1731, "set- ting forth their great grievances in being constrained to maintain Mr. David Parsons as their minister, after the town had voted his removal, and his conduct had become so ill in that office ; therefore praying that this court would explain the act of the Province for the support of ministers, upon which they were cast at the court of general sessions of the peace for the county of Middlesex, tliat they may have liberty to appeal from the judgment of the court, or Ijave a trial de novo, so that they may have the benefit of a juru ! and that execution be stayed in the meantime." But their petition was not granted, although execution was stayed until another hearing.

The General Court at length became worried into the measure, and passed a resolve releasing the town from any longer supporting Mr. Parsons, but then the Governor (Belcher) refused to sign it. This state of things continued until 1734, when " six Worcester gentlemen came as media- tors between Mr. Parsons and the town." But the benevo- lent effiorts of these gentlemen did not succeed. At last the town and church obtained an ecclesiastical council, and they dismissed him in March, 1735.

It is curious, in looking back to this period, to observe the

HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 87

difference whicli then prevailed in respect to the mode of set- tling and dismissing ministers, and that of the present day. It was then extremely difficult to effect the dismissal of a min- ister, unless there were gross blemishes in his moral character, or his doctrine and mode of discipline did not agree with the Cambridge Platform. They were taken for life, for better or worse, in sickness or health.

After his dismissal, he lived in Leicester until his death, which took place October 12, 1743, aged G3. His wife Sarah died June 17, 1759, aged 73. " He was, by his spe- cial direction, buried on his own land, apart from the graves of his people. He was unwilling that his ashes should re- pose by the side of those with whom he had worshipped in the sanctuary, and to whom he had broken the consecrated bread ; the grave is now (or was lately) visible in a mowing field, about thirty rods north of the meeting house — a mon- ument of human frailty." ^

Their next minister was the Rev. David Goddard, from Framinffham. The town o-ave him <£300 settlement, and XlOO salary so long as he remained their minister. He was ordained June 30, 173G. The connection proved a happy one for both parties, and although his salary was often in arrear, he did not like his predecessor sue the town, but meekly awaited their ability to pay. He died January 19, 1754, at Frarainglfam, where he was seized with a fever when on a journey, aged 48.

During the ministry of Mr. Parsons, and seven or eight years of Mr. Goddard's, the people of the Westerly part of the town (Spencer) paid their proportion of all parish taxes, and a portion of them attended upon the preaching there, al- though previous to some of the above dates, some attempts were made to procure preaching among themselves. As ear- ly as April 2, 1739, Samuel Bern is and John Stebbings, in

° Governor Washburn's first History of Leicester, in the Worcester Maga- zine, Vol. 2, pages 82-81.

88 HISTOBTOFSPENCEK.

behalf of the other settlers, met the proprietors at Boston, to " consider some way to have the Gospel preached among the settlers, and to be freed from paying towards the support of the minister of the easterly part of said town, and to come to some agreement about the building a meeting house for the accommodation of the settlers," At this meeting, a vote was unanimously passed, to tax the proprietors' lands, to assist the settlers in those proposed objects. Nothing, however, seemed to have been effectually done, until the next January, when the proprietors " voted unanimously, to lay a tax of three pence per acre on all their lands, for the year 1740, and a further tax of two pence per acre, annually, for the two next years, " for building a good, substantial meet- ing house, of forty-five /oot long and thirty-five /ooi wide, on land of Mr. Nathaniel Cunningham, where he and the set- tlers shall agree, and towards a minister's support." Accord- ingly, Mr. Cunningham, a wealthy merchant of Cambridge, by deed dated February 26, 1740, gave the inhabitants two acres of land, " for the accommodation of the meeting-house, and for a training field, and for such other public uses as the towu shall direct, forever." At a subsequent meeting, Oc- tober 29, Samuel Bemis, Jonathan Lamb, and Moses Smith, were chosen assessors, and Samuel Capen collector of the aforesaid taxes.

Nothing further is heard respecting the meeting house or minister for three years, when, November 2, 1743, ten of the inhabitants of the town met the proprietors again at Bos- ton, to see what the "proprietors will^ive towards the as- sistance of the inhabitants, for encouragement speedily to settle a learned and orthodox minister of the gospel among them."* At this meeting, the proprietors subjected their

" At a town meeting in Leicester, 17il, application was made by the in- habitants of the Westerly part, that the money drawn from them by taxa- tion, for parochial purposes, might be appropriated for the support of preach- ing in that part of the town, but the request was not granted.

H1ST0BY0F8PENCEB. 89

lands to a further tax of two pence, old tenor, per acre, an- nually, for five years, towards the support of a minister.* In the mean time, the meeting house was huilt, but at what time is not now known, but another meeting was had at Bos- ton the 30th of the same month, " to receive the report of the committee who contracted for the building the meeting house, and the accounts of the persons employed therein.'* The house, undoubtedly, was built in 1743.

This house, when said to be built, was but imperfectly so, for it never was finished. The outward walls were covered with unplaned boards, and without clapboards. The glazing was small diamond glass, with leaden sashes, according to the fashion of those times, but no inside finish-

. ing, with the exception of laying the lower floor. The next year, 1744, the pews next to the walls were built, being four- teen only in number, leaving a space at the southeast and southwest angles, for stairs to ascend into the galleries, there being no porches to the house for that purpose, and over each of these stairways were two pews. The interior, on the low- er floor, \os filled with four seats on each side of the centre aisle, called " body seats." These seats were for the elderly men who were without pews, on the west side, and for the

• elder women on the east side. In the gallery, were seats for the younger people, the two sexes separated, east and west, similar to the lower floor. And as a small number on-

° The General Court, in 1749, passed an act abolishing old tenor, and sub- stitniing what was called new tenor in its stead. This act, not without con- siderable opposition, was cfFected, chiefly, by the influence of the late Gov- ernor Hutchinson, who was then speaker of the House. The currency was greatly depreciated and irregular, and this act was a great relief to the com- munity. At the time this act was passed, twenty shillings old tenor was equal to two shillings and eight pence, lawful money, or about forty-four cents. Consequently, the salary of Mr. Eaton, for his first year, being 150 pounds, old tenor, was equal to $66.67, and a tax of two pence, old tenor, per acre, calculating 20,000 acres of land for the town, would be about $74.83.

90 HI6T0KY0FSPENCEE.

ly of the inhabitants were accommodated with pews, many attempts were made for leave to build pews on part of the ground occupied by the body seats, without success until 1767, when it became necessary to repair the house ; the priv- ilege of building four pews was sold, and the avails appro- priated for new covering and clapboarding the house, and some finishing inside.

This was indeed a day of small things with our fathers, this house being their only place of worship until 1772, when a new, substantial, and even elegant house for those days, was built, being 5G feet long by 47 feet wide. In 1802, a tower and cupola with a bell was added, and 1838, the same house was enlarged, and entirely new finished and new modeled, within and without, in handsome modern style.

It has already been mentioned, that the act, whereby this part of the town became a Parish, was passed June 18, 174:4. The first and only candidate for the ministry was the Rev. Joshua Eaton. He commenced preaching here, probably, in September, 1743. A church was formed May 17, 1744. The same day a covenant was subscribed by the following persons :

Joshua Eaton, Pastor, Josiah Robinson,

James Wilson, Deacon, James McClure,

Joshua Barton, John Lawdon,

Archibald Thomas, Deacon, Oliver Watson.

Jonathan Ormes, It will be seen that at that time, though only a candidate for the ministry, Mr. Eaton subscribed himself "Pastor." May 28, 1744, the church and society gave an invitation to Mr. Eaton to be their minister, offering him all the land tax, lately assessed, besides an additional sum by subscrip- tion, as a settlement, and one hundred and fifty pounds, old tenor, for salary. He gave his answer in the affirmative, September 24, of the same year. The town also voted to add five pounds, annually, to the salary, until it should

HISTOET OF SI>E:S'CEE. 91

amount to 200 pounds, old tenor, and the sum was to be made equal to silver at twenty-six shillings and eight pence per ounce. In 1748, the currency became so depreciated, that 100 pounds was added to his salary, and 17G6, it was made equal to about $24:4:, and so remained until his death.

Mr. Eaton was ordained November 7, 1744. Mr. Pren- tice of Grafton, made the introductory prayer. Mr. Hall of Sutton, preached the sermon, from 1 Timothy, 6 : 20. "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoid- ing profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely so called." Mr. Cheney of Brookfield, made the prayer previous to the charge ; Mr. Hall gave the charge ; Mr. Goddard of Leicester, made the prayer after the charge ; Mr. Webb of Uxbridge, gave the right hand of fellowship, and Mr. White of Hardwick, "joined in laying on the hands."

The Eev. Joshua Eaton was the only son of Mr. Joshua Eaton, and was born at Waltham, then apart of Watertown, December 15, 1714, old style. He was graduated at Har- vard University in 1735. His parents" had designed him for the ministry, but contrary to their wishes, and to their great disappointment, he turned his attention to the law, and stud- ied, that profession with Judge Trowbridge of Cambridge, then an eminent attorney at law. In 1737, he commenced the practice of law at Worcester, being six years after the incorporation of the county, and was the first lawyer who es- tablished himself in that town. He continued in the prac- tice only about five years. His talents were reputable, and he soon acquired an extensive business in his profession. He early shone with a promising lustre in the knowledge and

** His parents, says his biographer, were " honest and respectable." They removed to Worcester, where his father carried on the business of a tanner, and was one of the selectmen of that town in 1742. They afterwards re- moved and lived with their son in Spencer, where his mother died June 5, 1760, aged 73. His father died February 26, 1767, aged 84.

92 HISTOBTOFSFEITCEB,

practice of the law, and had the fairest prospect of acquiring to himself a good and great name in that profession, and acquiring an ample fortune to his faniilj/-'

About the year 1740, he received a powerful impression in favor of the subject of religion, which induced him, in ac- cordance with the desires of his parents, to turn his views to the ministry ; and for that porpose, he commenced the study of tlieology. He is supposed to have received his first relig- ious impressions from the celebrated George Whitefield, who, in one of his itinerations through the country, visited Wor- cester and preached there in 1740. The glowing eloquence, the ardent and impetuous zeal of Mr. Whitefield, created ffreat aijitation, distraction and division amons: the New England churches. True, he was opposed by a large major- ity of the clergy, but a few joined with him and encouraged his preaching f

" Funeral sermon by the Rev. Eli Forbes of North Brookfield.

t Mr. Whitefield was a man of extraordinary powers of elocution, and he won multitudes, but his language was coarse and disrespectful to his oppo- nents, of revolutionary tendency, and sometimes bordering on impiety, and his measures disorganizing. President Clapp, of Yale College, testifies, that he heard Mr. Whitefield make use of the following language : "I in- tend to turn the generality of the ministers of this country out of their pulpits (who are half beasts and half devils), and bring over ministers from England." His preaching produced great divisions and great acrimony of feeling between those of the clergy who adhered to him, and those who op- posed him. The former asserted that he ought to be supported " because the doctrines which he preaches are agreeable to the standard of truth, and also because of his remarkable success." In reply it was asked if it was true " that God loved sinners ajainners.?" which was quoted as one of Mr. ■Whitefield's assertions, and in answer to the second they reply, " It is to be observed with lamentation, that the success of hife ministry (if it may be called success) hath been to raise in the minds of many, a spirit of censori- ousness, and uncharitableness, of bitterness, anger, wrath, malice, envy, revenge, in many, as is evident to every observing eye, by the carriage of his admirers toward many of the brethren, with whom, before he came amongst us, they lived in peace and good agreement. Such success he hath had, to the grief of many godly persons." Deane's History of Scituate, pages 225, 402, 413.

HI8X0BY OF SPENCEK. 93

The enthusiasm of Mr. Eaton so far carried him beyond the bounds of propriety, that he incurred the censure of the church in Worcester, and he was suspended from their com- munion. By his own request, an ecclesiastical council was convened to advise in the matter between himself and the church. Upon this he remarks in his diary : November 25, 1743. "The church was pleased to restore me to christian privileges without any acknowledgement, and gave as a rea- son for what they had done, in censuring me, that they look- ed upon me as being actuated by an overheated brain." About this time, he had commenced preaching as a candidate in Spencer.

Mr. Eaton lived with his people in great harmony, during his ministry, and though often called from his labors by se- vere indisposition, they did not complain, but cheerfully paid him the small pittance of a salary, and their affection con- tinued unabated to his death, which took place April 2, 1772, aged 57, and in the 28th of his ministry.

Mr. Eaton in his person was tall and slim, lacking some- what of that rotundity of figure .which implies a healthy and sound constitution. In fact he was, during the greater part of his ministry, predisposed to consumption, and of which disease he died. Although his religious zeal had con- siderably abated, yet his piety continued ardent, and his con- duct and deportment throughout his life was consistent with his profession as a christian. Possessing a kind and affec- tionate disposition, of tender sensibility, and overpowered by emotion, he sometimes addressed his people from the desk, in tears. He never reo;retted the exchange from a lucrative profession to one that gave him but a meagre support. Be- ing, on some occasion, called to attend court at Worcester, he exclaims, "0, the tumult and dissipation and snares that attend courts. I think I would not return to the practice of the law on any consideration." His preaching was plain and practical, and he seldom or never delivered doctrinal dis- 9

94 HIST0EY0F8PENCEE.

courses. After his death, a volume of his sermons was printed, which were characteristic of his general preaching. To this volume was added a memoir of his life, together with the sermon delivered at his funeral, by the Eev. Eli Forbes of Brookfield. He was married to Sarah Elliot, " of an an- cient and honorable family," December 26, 1739. She was sister to John Elliot, Esq., of whom some account is given, in another place in this work. She died October 28, 1770.

EEV. JOSEPH POPE.

After the death of Mr. Eaton, Daniel Grosvenor supplied the pulpit two sabbaths,* and a Mr. Z. Butler, four Sabbaths, Next, Rev. Joseph Pope preached as a candidate, and con- tinued to supply the pulpit until he was ordained. Mr. Pope was born in Pomfret, afterwards a part of Brooklyn, Conn., September 28, 1746, and was a neighbor of General Israel Putnam, of revolutionary memory, with whom he ex- chano-ed social visits until the death of the General, which took place 1790. Mr. Pope was graduated at Harvard University in 1770. After leaving college, he was employed one year teaching a Latin School in Worcester, where he fitted several young gentlemen for college. He commenced the study of theology with the Rev. Mr. Searl of Stoneham, Mass., and completed his course under the Rev. Mr. Putnam of Pomfret, the minister of his native town. After preach- ing about three months at Uxbridge, Mass., he came by invitation to this town, and giving satisfaction to the people of this place, they with great unanimit}"" gave him a call, February 15, 1773, to settle with them as their min- ister. He was offered the sum of £133 6s. 8d. ($444,45) as settlement, and $244, as salary, " during the time he shall

~ Rev. Daniel Grosvenor, also a native of Pomfret, Conn. He was or- dained at Grafton, October 19, 1774, and dismissed January 1, 1788, after- ■wards installed at Paxton, November o, 1793, and dismissed November 17, 1802. He died at Petersham at an advanced age.

"n-^^^ff^i

'fn^C^JCL

J^^^^/^iM^

HISTOKT OF SPENCEB. 95

supply the pulpit in this place." The settlement and salary, for aught that appears, was satisfactory, hut the conditions were rejected. • The offer was then qualified, so as he should receive -his salary " so long as he shall continue in that oflBce in this place." These terms were accepted, and he was ordained October 20, 1773. Eleven clergymen, with their delesrates, assisted at the ordination, viz : Mr. Putnam of Pomfret, Mr. Hall of Sutton, who also assisted at the ordi- nation of Mr. Eaton twenty-nine years previously, Messrs. Ward, Forbes and Fiske, from the three parishes in Brook- field, Mr. Searl of Stoneham, Mr. Conklin of Leicester, Mr. Paine of Sturbridge, Mr. Maccarty of Worcester, Mr. Sumner of Shrewsbury, and Mr. Thayer of Paxton. Mr. Pope was married to Miss Anna Hammond, daughter of Col. Benjamin Hammond of Newton, October 9, 1777. During his long ministry, nothing occurred of a serious nature to disturb the • harmony between him and his people. A considerable por- tion of the time of his ministry, and especially during the period of the revolutionary war, owing to the depreciation of the currency, the salary was unreasonably small, and was by no means an adequate remuneration for his services, and especially for the support of his family. But this was a time of universal distress, when not only ministers were de- prived of an adequate support, but the people also were lit- erally crushed to the earth, beneath the enormous burthens heaped upon them, and were scarce able to support them- selves and families. Occasionally however, an allowance was made to Mr. Pope, but seldom suflScient to compensate for the depreciation of the currency or the rise in the articles of living in modern times. During some part of the time, while the American army was stationed in the vicinity of Boston, he gratuitously performed the service of chaplain.

He continued to supply the pulpit until November 1818, when a sudden stroke of paralysis rendered him nearly helpless durins the remainder of his life. He continued however to

96 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

linger for more than seven years, when death, who must have been a welcome messenger, put a period to his almost worn out existence, March 8, 1826, in the eightieth year of his age, and fifty third of his ministry. After he was unable to officiate at the sacred desk, a junior pastor was settled, and again dismissed before the decease of the venerable senior.

Mr. Pope's literary acquirements were superior to the gen- erality of his ministerial brethren. He was a good classical scholar, and during his ministry, prepared several young gen- tlemen from Worcester and other towns for college, and among others, the Hon. Timothy Bigelow, who always re- membered him with gratitude, and frequently with some- thing more valuable than compliments, as the writer of this work can attest. In his religious sentiments, like his prede- cessor, he was Calvinistic, and like him too, his sermons were plain, practical discourses. He seldom preached upon controversial subjects, except occasionally, when he regaled his hearers with a discourse upon the doctrine of predesti- nation, which always gave offence to some of his most seri- ous people.-"

Mrs. Anna Pope, widow of the Eev. Joseph Pope, survived him more than thirty-three years, and died July 14, 1859, at the great age of one hundred and four years, six months and twenty-eight days, having been born at Newton, De- cember 16, 1754. The anniversary of her one hundreth year was celebrated December 16, 1854, when a pleasant gathering was had at her habitation, formerly the residence of the Rev. Mr. Eaton. This ancient house was built by him in 1745, being now 115 years old, and still in good repair, and now owned by William Pope, Esq., the only sur- viving child of his parents. The following is an account of the anniversary, taken from a newspaper printed at the time, written by the Eev. S. G. Dodd.

" The only printed discourse of Mr. Pope's, is a sermoa delivered at the funeral of the Rev. Mr. Williams of Brimfield.

^-— »^ ^^-i^t^tt^

*^^^^*t cy^

'rr

HISTOKT OF SPENCEE. 97

A FAMILY CENTENNIAL.

On the 16tli instant, Mrs. Anna Pope, widow of the Eev. Joseph Pope of Spencer, completed her one hundredth year. This interesting event, drew together her descendants, in- cluding several of the third generation, with a number of others, relatives and friends.

A generous entertainment was provided for the guests, at the residence of her son, William Pope, Esq. The divine blessing was invoked by the Eev. Dr. Vaill of Palmer. The 100th Psalm, old version, beginning, " All people that on earth do dwell," was sung, after which the company united in Thanksgiving with the Rev. Mr. Park of West Boxford. The occasion was one of deep and touching interest.

Mrs. Pope, though feeling the infirmities of age, still en- joys a good degree of health and strength. With the aid of magnifying glasses, she can read the large print of the Bible Society's edition of the Gospels and Psalms, and readily hears conversation, raised but a little above the ordinary tone. On the sabbath following, she^'Was able to attend church, and worship once more with her descendants and kindred. Her memory of the scenes and events of her early life, is yet fresh and accurate, and she delights to indulge in reminiscences of the revolution.

In 1777, at the time of her marriage, she removed from Newton, her native town,. to Spencer, and has since, during the period of 77 years, resided in the same house, and occu- pied the same room. She has survived her husband 28 years, who had himself reached the age of nearly four score, having been the able and faithful Pastor of the Congrega- tional church in Spencer. Of those who were born in the town, previous to her removal hither, only ten remain. It is believed that no other clergyman's wife or widow is now living in New England, at such an advanced age. 9*

98 HISTORY OF SPENCER.

Honored and beloved bj all, she affords in the serenity and cheerfulness of old age, a beautiful illi^tration of that "perfect peace," vouchsafed to those wliose souls are " stayed on God."

The following appropriate lines, written by one of her grand-children, were read at the festival.

Beneath the venerable roof,

So long thine happy home, With loving hearts and clasping hands,

Thy children's children come.

Those stalwart elms, whose branching arms

Spread forth in welcome wide, When here thou cam'st in all thy charms,

The Pastor's cherished bride, —

One is not here — the axe of time

Has laid its greeness low ; One still remains — its aged head

Clad in the winter's snow.

And where is he, thine early choice,

Who led thee here a bride ; Who prayed so oft with earnest voice.

That God would here abide ?

Who led the people of his flock.

Childhood, and age, and youth. And gathered honey from the rock

Of God's most holy truth ?

And she who claimed a daughter's place,

In childhood on his knee. Who lit this home with maiden grace,

The daughter, where is she ?

The reverend head has long laid low.

And they whose christian love Was seen so brightly here to glow.

Now sing with those above.

HISTORY OF 8PENCEB. 99

The brothers — two have gone from earth,

One well-beloved remains ; Long may he live, who still thine age

With reverent care sustains.

All are not here — the grave has closed

O'er love, and youth, and grace ; But memory brings the loved ones back,

And gives to each a place.

All are not here — if one has gone

Far upon error's track. May God in mercy interpose.

And bring the wanderer back.

We bring our little ones to thee.

And beg that thou wilt lay Thine aged hand upon each head,

And for God's blessing pray.

We dare not ask for length of days.

Like that vouchsafed to thee. But while they live, that all their ways

Be ways of purity.

Where'er they go — whate'er their lot

Through life's uncertain ways. Thy covenant God be ne'er forgot

In errors blinding maze.

Here may they learn these words of truth,

From thy life's varied page ; Who make the Lord the choice of youths

Find him the staff of age.

And when the Heavenly message comes.

To lead thee to the sky, May He in whom thou hast believed

Still with his grace be nigh.

100 HISTOKY OF BPENCEB.

And may we all, when o'er this spot

An hundred years have rolled, Be gathered, not one name forgot,

Safe in the Heavenly fold.

After the pulpit became vacant by the sickness of Mr. Pope, Mr. Stephen Crosby was employed as a candidate. He had preached here only ten sabbaths, when the society by a unanimous vote, March 15, 1819^ invited him to become their minister. They offered liim for salary $650 per annum, " as long as he should remain in that office, and should regularly supply the pulpit in this place." The prop- osition and the condition were couched in explicit terms, and required an explicit answer. The answer was given April 10, 1819, wherein he says, "your unanimous call is prayerfully received and cheerfully accepted. Understand- ing the clause ' shall regularly supply the pulpit in this place,' not as referring to occasional absence and temporary sickness, but as importing merely that my salary shall cease whenever my ministerial connection with you shall be dissolved in the manner specified by the town, that is by a mutual council." The answer was received on the third day of May, when the people were assembled in legal meeting for that purpose. There was not a little disagreement man- ifested in the minds of the people as to its true purport. It is obvious the town '•' intended his salary should continue no longer than he regularly supplied the pulpit. But ac- cording to his understanding, it was to continue until he should be dismissed by a mutual council, whether the pulpit was supplied or not, whether by permanent inability or any other cause. After considerable discussion and deliberation,

" At this time, all parish business Tvas transacted in the name of the town, as Tvas formerly done in all the towns in the state since its first set- tlement, and the words " town " and " society," are here indiscriminately used.

HI8T0ET OF SPENCEE. 101

it was voted " not to accept of the answer ; " and the meeting was adjourned to the sixth of the same month, and a com- mittee was chosen to confer with Mr. Crosby and report at the adjournment. But Mr. Croshy declined and utterly re- fused to make any further explanation or communication through this committee to the town. The meeting was again adjourned to the 20th of the same month, and the same committee were directed to have further conference with Mr. Crosby upon the subject. But this intended con- ference, however, resulted like the former, Mr. Crosby still remaining obstinately mute, refusing to make jyiy answer to the questions put to him relative to the matter. At the last adjourned meeting, after much debate the friends of Mr. Croshy prevailed, and a majority were infatuated enough to accept of his answer with all its ambiguity, and he was ordained June, 1819.

By some unaccountable fatuity, a majority of the society were deceived as to the true import of the answer. However, nothing material occurred to disturb the harmony between the parties for four years, but a portion of the people were still dissatisfied, not only with the terms of the answer, but also with the disrespect to the society shown by him, throughout the whole negociation relative to the matter. The matter having been held in abeyance for this length of time, began again to be mooted by the people, and at last the society felt called upon to act again in the matter.

Accordingly, a committee was chosen in March, 1823, again to confer with Mr. Crosby relative to the matter. Al- though he again refused to make any written communica- tion to the town, he disclosed to the committee his own views relative to the nature of the contract, which fully con- firmed the suspicions as to its true import, when immediately, by the direction of the society, the following communication was transmitted to him.

" Dear sir. You will recollect that when the society gave

102 HISTOEY OF 8PENCEE.

you an invitation to settle with tbem in the ministry, one condition upon which said invitation was given was, that your salary should annually continue, so long as you should regularly supply the pulpit in this place, and their intention was, that whenever your regular ministrations should cease, your salary should cease also. But your answer contains some ambiguity of phraseology, which at that time was not understood by a majority of the society, but is now under- stood by them to imply that your salary should continue to any indefinite period whatever, without any regard to the regular performance of your ministerial labors with the society, unless an ecclesiastical council should see fit to dis- solve the connection thus subsisting between you and the society. And this, sir, the society has been informed is your construction of the contract. Now, sir, the society cannot but view this contract, as it is thus understood, as" entirely destitute of that reciprocity which is the only firm basis of all equitable contracts, and which is so essential to promote the harmony and the good understanding, as well as the interests of the contracting parties. Viewing it in this light, sir, and prompted by the dictates of prudence to ourselves and jus- tice to our posterity, and being desirous of averting the dis- astrous consequences which would inevitably ensue, should such a contingency happen as has been alluded to in this communication, the society has thought fit to enter anew into a negociation with you, and to solicit your compliance, that the aforesaid contract may be so altered or amended as to conform to the wishes of the society, and to the spirit and intention of the instrument, wherein they gave you an invi- tation to become their minister. Accordingly, at a legal meeting of the society convened for that purpose, they have voted, that you be requested to consent to a modification of the aforesaid contract, so that it may conform to the views and wishes of the society as herein expressed, and that you be also respectfully requested to signify your assent to, or

fflSTOBTOP SPENCEB. 103

dissent from, this proposition, in writing, to the committee who may present this to you, if convenient, on or before the first Monday in May next, when the society will again be convened for the further consultation and determination of this subject. April 7, 1823."

The answer was received May 5, and although of great length, it was in its character altogether non committal. He neither admitted nor denied that the construction now put upon the contract was or was not the true one ; he neither consented nor declined to alter or amend, or make a new contract. In fine, he entirely avoided coming to the point at issue between them ; professed to be somewhat indignant at the " charge," as he was pleased to term it, of ambiguity, and finally stated that if the town would call another meet- ing, he would present a proposition upon the subject.

Accordingly, another meeting was held on the 26th of the same month, agreeable to his request. At this meeting he read a paper, but stated that he did not mean to have it considered a formal communication. Consequently, no ac- tion was had on it, and the paper was withdrawn, the meet- ing was adjourned to the 16th of June, and a committee ap- pointed to confer with him further upon the subject. At the adjournment, the committee reported that they had " held a conference with him, but notwithstanding, had no new communications to make to the town."

March 15, 1824, another committee was chosen, " to re- quest the Rev. Mr. Crosby to alter the contract between him and his people, or join with them in calling a council to dissolve the connection." The meeting was adjourned to the 5th of April. At this meeting Mr, Crosby wished the town to vote on the following proposition : " Those who de- sire my continuance with them, on fair and equitable terms, would signify it." The votes were 44 in favor, and 3 against it. He then read his communication, but it was not satisfactory to tjje town, and it was withdrawn. It was then

104 HISTOET OF SPETTCEE.

voted, that the town request Mr. Crosby to unite with them, in calling an ecclesiastical council, for the purpose of dissolv- ing- the contract. A committee was chosen to present the vote to him, and the meeting was further adjourned to the 19th. At this meeting, a vote was taken on the following proposition. All who wish the Rev. Mr. Crosby to continue with us, under existing circumstances, will please to signify the same by voting." Voted in favor one — against it, forty- five. The meeting was further adjourned to the third day of May. At this meeting, Mr. Crosby made another dis- satisfactory communication, and the town then chose a large committee, and delegated to them full power to act for them in any circumstances which might arise, and they were ex- pressly charged to call an exparte council, if necessary, and then dissolved the meeting.

The committee had not proceeded far in the execution of their commission, when the town was again called together, August 30, 1824, to consider a new proposition from him. One condition in this was, that whenever two thirds of the society should desire his dismission, and should giv<? him six months notice in writing, and the reasons for such desire, and the same privileges on his part, should he desire a dis- mission, in either case, at the expiration of the term, a dis- solution of the contract was to take place, and a mutual council was to be called for that purpose. The society ac- cepted this proposition, by a vote of 30 in favor, and ID- against.

Although nothing new had taken place between the par- ties, yet the people had become so much disaffected towards him, that within two months, viz. : November first, another meeting was called, to see if two thirds of the society would agree to give him six months notice for a dismissal. The vote was, for his dismissal 56, against it 26, being more than two thirds in favor of dismissing him.

Many attempts and fruitless negotiations were made be-

HISTOST OF SPENCEE. 105

tween tlie parties, to effect an immediate dissolution of the contract, witliout the formality of waiting six months, hut it only served to increase the mutual irritation. A mutual council was at length convened, consisting of all the neigh- boring ministers, with each a delegate, and, though Mr. Crosby earnestly contended and protested before the council, ao-ainst their dissolving the contract, yet they were unani- mously in favor of effecting it, and he was dismissed, May 31,1825.

The Rev. Stephen Crosby was the son of a respectable farmer, of Thompson, Conn. He commenced his education at Brown University, but was finally graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. in 181 G or 1817. He comple- ted his theological studies with Doct. Nott, President of the last-named college. After being settled in Spencer, he was married to Miss Julia Cowles, daughter of a wealthy mer- chant in Farraington, Conn., by whom he had one daughter, named Mary Cowles, born May 30, 1823. After his dismis- sion, he was installed at East Gran by, Conn. He was dis- missed from that place, and was settled in the western part of New York. He left there, and was finally settled in or near Norwich, Conn., where he died in 1839.

After the dismission of Mr, Crosby, the society was sup- plied by occasional clergymen, during the remainder of the year, when application was made to Mr. Levi Packard, to preach a few weeks as a candidate. He continued to sup- ply the pulpit until the third day of April, 1826, when the church and society gave him a call by a unanimous vote, to be their minister, offering him a salary of ^550, per annum, on condition, that the contract should be dissolved after six months notice, by either party. Mr. Packard accepted the proposition, with the qualification, that the society should pay him ^475, as salary, and should also furnish him with a respectable dwelling house, for him and his family, during his continuance with the society as their minister. This 10

106 HISTORY OF 8PENCEK.

was complied with, and he was ordained,* June 14, 1826. The followinc: clero'vmen assisted at his ordination. Mr. Hunting-ton of North Bridgewater, Mr. Ide of Medway, Mr. Sweet of Palmer, Mr. Nelson of Leicester, Mr. Clark of Rut- land. Mr, Conant of Boston, Mr. Snell of North Brookfield, ]\Ir. Tomlinson of Oakham, Mr. Park of Southbridge, Mr. Newhall of Oxford, Mr. Pond of Ward, and Mr. Bond of Stockbridge. Agreeable to the contract, the society furnished him with a commodious dwelling house, with suitable outbuildings, and one acre of land. After a few years, he was enabled to purchase the estate of the society, where he continued to reside during his continuance in Spencer.

Rev. Levi Packard was son of Mr. Levi Packard of North Bridgcwater, and was born in that town February 4, 1793. He was graduated at Brown University in 1821. He com- pleted his theological education with the Rev, Jacob Ide of Medway, and was married to Miss Clarissa Sandford, daugh- ter of Mr. Philo Sandfoid of Medway, August 16, 1826.

Rev. Mr. Packard was a gentleman of a generous and be- nevolent disposition, honorable and conscientious in all his transactions and intercourse with society, of unblemished moral character, and in his course of life strictly exemplified his religious principles and profession. He lived in peace and harmony with his parishioners for twenty-seven years. But being somewhat ultra against certain amusements, which some of his people indulged themselves with occasionally, which they considered innocent, and sometimes preaching Avith severity against those indulgences, which he character- ized as sin, he gave offence to some of his people, and under- standing they were about making some demonstration of their feelings, he gave the required notice for taking his dis- mission, which took place September 23, 1853. After his dismission, he was installed over a society in Woonsocket, R. I., but was soon obliged, through increasing ill health, to

HISTOKT OF SPEXCER. 107

resign his charge. He retired to Stafford Springs, Conn,, where, after lingering for sometime, he died of consumption, January 11, 1857. His remains were brought to Spencer, and interred in the old cemetery, where Mr. Caleb M. Morse has generously placed a handsome marble monument over his grave, with appropriate inscription upon it.

The next minister was the Rev. Stephen G. Dodd. He was born in the town of Bloomfield, New Jersey, in the im- mediate vicinity of the city of Newark, March 24, 1826, and was graduated at the college of New Jersey, Princeton, in that State, 1846. After completing his theological educa- tion, he was settled over one of the Presbyterian societies in the large village of Milford, Connecticut, 1852. Having continued in that place about two years, he asked and ob- tained a dismission, and was soon after invited by this socie- ty to preach for them as a candidate. After preaching a suitable time and giving satisfaction to the people, they gave him a call to settle with them, which was accepted, and he was installed August 23, 1854. His salary, including a house, furnished for him by the society, is $825 per annum, paid quarterly. He was married to Miss Eliza S. Shaw, of Marietta, Ohio. Their only child, a son, named Amzi, was born August 10, 1855. On the last day of March, 1860, Mr. Dodd gave the society notice, according to the articles of his settlement, that he should take a dismission from them within six months. Accordingly, on the first day of Octo- ber of the same year, he peaceably relinquished tlie charge which he had held for more than six years, without the form- ality of a council, and retired from the place without any disaffection of either the minister or people, but with mutu- al good will and respect.

108 HISTOKY OF SPENCEE.

SINGING.

Sacred music, as anciently performed, would hardly add much to the edification of modern christian assemblies. After the psalm was read by the minister, some one, who acted as chorister, and this was generally some person who had the loudest voice, gave out the tune to be sung. As but few had books who joined in singing, one of the deacons read the first line of the psalm, which was responded to by the singers, who were promiscuously seated over all parts of the house. The next line was then read and alike respond- ed to, until the whole psalm was sung. By this method those who were destitute of books were enabled to sing: with those who were fortunate enough to have them, as they could repeat each line by memory after it had been pronounced by the deacon. After practising several years in this manner, the minister recommended, that instead of one line only, a whole verse should be read by the deacon. Complaints were immediately made, by those who had no*books, against this proceeding, as an innovation from the ancient and sacred manner of performing that part of public worship, as it de- prived several from the ability to take a part in the perform- ance thereof. But the perseverance of the minister overcame all opposition or remonstrance, and this practice was contin- ued for many years. At length it was found expedient for the congregation to supply themselves with books, and to dis- pense altogether with the services of the deacon in reading or " deaconing " the psalm, and this practice universally pre- vails to the present time.

At this time there had never been a school in the town, for giving instruction in the science of music, and every one was at liberty to sing as the spirit moved, or as best he might, without much regard to tune or time, and deacon W., whose soul was completely insensible to the *' concord of sweet sounds," would yet, with dismal tone, and in unison with no

HI8T0BT OF SPENCEH. 109

other voice, accompany the singing, if such it may he called, throughout, the effect of which must have been anything hut harmony. It has been mentioned, that the singers originally sat promiscuously in all parts of the house. Many efforts were made to effect a reform in this matter, and have them sit together, as manifestly more convenient for them, and more edifying to the audience. But this, too, was considered an innovation not to be quietly acquiesced with. Even as late as 1782, an article was inserted in the warrant at the annual meeting, " to see if the town will grant seats in the gallery in the meetinghouse to the singers, that they may sit together." But it passed in the negative. But the town, having been favored with the instruction in music with a Mr. Spear, and afterwards with the celebrated Solomon Howe, a composer of music, who, substituting some of the sweet and pleasing tunes of Billings for the slow movements of Williams and Tansur, effected such a reform in church music that the singers were allowed to sit together, and the east half part of the front gallery was appropriated for that purpose.*'

Formerly, the chorister was chosen by the united votes of the church and congregation, and not as now, and ever ought to be, by the singers. Accordingly we find it recorded in the records of the church, " March 22, 1770, the church and cono-reffation voted for a chorister. Doct. Ormes had 23 votes, Mr. Mason had 18 votes. March 2, 1775, the church chose John Muzzy, jun., for chorister. December 25, 1782, the church and congregation chose Lieut. Jonas Muzzy for chorister, and Mr. Oliver Watson, jun., as assistant."

The Book of Psalms had at an early period, been meta- morphosed by Sternhold and Hopkins, into what might with propriety be called doggerel poetry, for the use of religious

= One old gentleman felt himself so much outraged, with what he consid- ered such an improper manner of performing public worship, that he told . the Rev. Mr. Pope that, if he gave his encouragement to such improprieties, he would serve them a trick that the devil wouldn't — he would lenve them !

10*

110 HI8T0KT OF SPENCEK.

assemblies. This production had experienced some changes and revisions by Doct. Cotton Mather and Doct. Thomas Prince, and others, until at last it had become stationary, and was called the " Old Version," and if one was compelled to . read it at this time, he would consider it a more severe pun- ishment than that inflicted on Galileo, who was condemned to read the seven penitential psalms many times for the sin of heresy. This " Old Version " continued to be used throughout the greater part of Mr. Eaton's ministry. It had become stale and obsolete, and the ministers generally (whose poetic taste was much superior to the generality of their parishioners) were desirous of a change. But the old people cherished this version with great reverence ; it being often bound in the same volume with their bibles, it was considered as part of the same, and quite as sacred ; while the beautiful poetry in the versions of Brady and Tate and Doct. Watts, was considered but little short of profanity.

In June, 1761, the church met to take the matter into consideration, and after some debate it was voted, " that having made trial of Bradv and Tate's version for sometime, they would try the old version four Sabbaths, and Dr. Watts until September, " that then the church and congrega- tion meet and choose which of the three versions they think best to use." After having made trial as aforesaid, the church and congregation met, and the vote was, for the old version, 33, for Doct. Watts, 14, for Brady and Tate, 6. So the old version preponderated, and Watts, with Brady and Tate, kicked the beam. After this, they voted to refer the matter to three ministers, viz., Mr. Buggies of New Brain- tree, Mr. White of Hardwick, and Mr. Forbes of North Brookfield. These gentlemen advised them to make use of Brady and Tate on trial for six months, and then determine which should be used, by vote, concluding their advice by recommending them for " constant use, as we do apprehend it most for the glory of God, and the edification of the

HISTOB.TOF SPENCEB. Ill"

church," Here the matter rested, the old version was used eight years longer, and no action was taken upon the advice of these ministers until May, 1769, when it was voted to accept of their report and make trial of Brady and Tate. But the minority were so much dissatisfied that the old ver- sion was continued two weeks longer, when it was voted that the old version, with Dr. Watts, should be used unitedly, "till the church and congregation shall come to a better understanding as to what version may be sung." This method would place the two versions in contrast every Sun- day. This was continued until October 19, 1769, when the good sense of the people prevailed, and the church and con- gregation voted to make use of Doct. Watts' Psalms and Hymns. The votes were, for Doct. Watts, 26, and " about 6 votes for the old version."

BAPTISTS.

The first Baptist Church in Spencer was constituted June 30, 1819. Their meeting house was built the next year, 1820, and is situated at the northeast part of the town, near to the line of the town of Paxton. , The society is not large and is composed of members from Spencer and the adjoining towns of Rutland and Paxton, and perhaps a few from Lei- cester and Oakham. Their first minister was the Eev. Amos Lefavor, who was ordained in the winter of 1821. How long he continued with tliem is uncertain. The next minister was Mr. George Phippen, who preached for them 1827 and 1828. Edward Kenney was employed in the ministry for them 1829 and 1830; Rev. Moses Harring- ton preached for the society 1834 and 1835 ; their next minister was Willard Glover, who continued only for the year 1837. Elder Luther Goddard of Worcester preached

112 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

occasionally for 1838 and 1839. Mr. Urijali Underwood was their minister for 1840. The above account is meagre and imperfect, but as the records of the society are unfortunately lost, it is all that could be obtained.

Thus far was written in 1841. For a few years succeed- ing that date, the society seemed to be dwindled to a small remnant, and was not supplied except casually, with preach- ing. Bat lately it has seemed to have arisen from its low estate to a prosperous condition ; they have repaired their meeting house, their numbers have increased, have regular preaching, accompanied with improved church music, and appear to be in a state of prosperity.

UNIVERSALISTS.

The Universalist Society in Spencer was incorporated, April 22, 1830. At this time it consisted of ten members only, viz. : Phinehas Jones, Jacob Wilson, Rufus Sibley, Caleb Sibley, Jonas Sibley, Oliver C. Watson, Wilber How- land, Nathaniel Wilson, Alonzo Temple and Lemuel Smith. It was organized by the formation of a constitution and the choice of officers, on the day of incorporation, since which time, thirty-eight other members have joined, with their families. The meeting house was built in 1883, and dedi- cated November 20, of the same year. Dedicatory sermon by the Eev. L. S. Everett, then of Charlestown. The church was formed October 29, 1834, and the same day, Rev. Gil- man Noyes was installed ; sermon by Rev. Sylvanns Cobb of Maiden. The first two years, the society was partially supplied by occasional preaching. William A. Stickney preached for them, 1832. Rev. Oilman Noyes was their regular minister for six years, from 1833 to 18S9. Mr. Noyes was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and studied theology with the Rev. Sylvanus Cobb. The Rev. John

HISXORT OF SPENCEB. 113

Harriman, was their minister for the years 1839 and 1840. In a few years after this, by deaths, removals, and other causes, the society became extinct, and the meeting house was sold and used for quite a different purpose. Within two or three years, however, a number of citizens of the town have united, and procured ministers of that faith to preach for them, every other Sunday. The Town Hall is occupied by them for that purpose, with respectable members in attendance.

METHODISTS.

In 1841, Nathaniel Eldridge, Silas Eldridge, William Henshaw, Danforth Burgess, and a few others, united and formed themselves into a society, agreeable to the rules and regulations of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Town Hall was obtained for the use of holding religious meetings. Their numbers continued to increase by many additional members, among which were, Pliny Allen, Amos Kittredge, Foster Bemis, Amos Bemis, Edward Hall, Lewis W. Snow, James B. Holmes, Thomas Ilersey, Isaac L. Steams, Dwight D. Prouty, Joshua Sylvester, and others, when, 1847, a commodious lot of land was obtained on which, was erected a handsome church, with cupola and steeple, the same year, the whole costing about ^4,500. The next year, a board of trustees was organized, to manage and take care of the interests of the society. The following are the names of the first board.

Pliny Allen, President; Amos Kittredge, Treasurer; Silas. Eldridge, Secretary ; Nathaniel Eldridge, Foster Bemis.

Lately the Trustees have procured a convenient Parson- age, for the accommodation of their ministers, at the cost of about ;^l,oOO, and the society appears to be in a prosperous condition.

114 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

CATHOLICS.

According to the census of 18G0, there are more than 700 foreigners in this town, consisting principally of Irish and Canadian French, with a few English. Most of these, ex- cept the English, profess the Roman Catholic religion. In 1853, they huilt a handsome church, with cupola, steeple and bell. The meetings are held weekly, attended by a priest from the college in Worcester. Their religious servi- ces are accompanied with an organ, according to the rites of the catholic religion.

EOADS.

The great Post Road, anciently called the " Country Road," was formerly an avenue of great importance, being the great thoroughfare from Boston to New York. The route was from Boston, by the way of Marlborough to Worcester, thence through Spencer to Springfield, thence down by Con- necticut river to Hartford, thence by the way of New Haven to New York. This road was not located by any legal authority, until many years after the traveller or wayfaring man had passed through this region. The first settlers of Massachusetts had not migrated westerly of Watertown, until January 27, 1C32. On that day, Gov. Winthrop and others went up Charles river about eight miles, and from an eminence, they discovered a high hill, about 40 miles distant, which is supposed to be Wachusett. This is the earliest notice taken of any of this part of the country by the earliest historians of New England. But no attempt is known to have been made to penetrate any farther into the country until the next year, 1633, when it is said that Mr. Oldham and some others, traveled from Dorchester through the wilderness to Connecticut, to view the country and trade

HISTOET or SPENCEE. 115

with the Indians. They brought back such a flattering report, that it determined many of the Dorchester people to remove thither. Accordingly, November 15, 1635, a com- pany of about sixfy men, women and children, with cows, horses and swine, went from Dorchester by land, to Wind- sor in Connecticut, to commence a settlement there. This must have been a tedious and difficult journey. Governor Hutchinson says, " it was near a fortnight's journey, having no pillow but Jacob's and no canopy but the heavens ; a wilderness to go through, without the least cultivation ; in most places, no path nor any marks to guide them, depend- ing upon the compass to steer by. Slany hideous swamps and very high mountains, besides five or six rivers, or differ- ent parts of the same winding river, (Chicopee) not every where fordable, which they could not avoid." Tbey prob- ably passed a little south of this town ; because, taking a direct course by the compass, until striking the Chicopee river, they must have passed near here. Although the in- tercourse between Boston and Connecticut was mostly by water, yet every year after this, more or less people passed from one to the other place, by land. This course of travel, after a while, would leave some traces or landmarks on their route ; succeeding travelers would be likely thus to be ffuided, until at lenorth a visible track or trail would be made. As the tide of emijxration continued to set into the the country further west, buildings and fences would be erected on these tracks, with some variations, until ulti- mately, they became roads. In 1G48, says Winthrop, " a new way was found out to Connecticut, by Nashua, avoiding much of the hilly way." This must have been a circuitous route, passing by the way of Lancaster, and then probably to Worcester. Another was, to pass through the southerly part of Northborough, then a part of Marlborough, thence to Wcstborou2:h and Grafton. This has since been called the " old Connecticut Road." Afterward, it was varied,

116 HISTOBT OF SPENCEB.

or rather a new way was found. Coming from Marlborough, it passed through the centre of what is now Northborough, from thence through Shrewsbury, Worcester, Leicester, and Spencer, to Brookfield, on or near the line of the present road. This was called the " New Connecticut Road '' from Marlborough to Worcester, and from Worcester to Brook- field the " Country Road," This last-described route, was merely a path cut through the woods, and practicable only for passengers on foot, or with horses, and was traveled as early as 1674, at which time there was not a single habita- tion on it, between Marlborough and Brookfield, except a few log houses in Worcester. It had no definite location throuo-h this town, as late as 1722, for the town of Leicester, this year, voted that " the selectmen make application to the quarter sessions at Cambridge, to have the country road laid out through this town." The application was not suc- cessful, and the next year a similar vote was passed. These applications being unsuccessful. Governor Washburn says, the selectmen of Leicester, in 1773, laid out the road through Leicester to Spencer line, by marked trees, &c. When the road was located by competent authority, is not now known, but in 1725, the town was presented at the quarter sessions for want of a bridge over seven mile river. The road then passed the river by a fordivay, a short distance north of the present bridge. The location, however, was made previous to 1728, as the town that year raised a tax of £12 2s. od. to defray their proportion of the expense, for the location. In 1729, the first bridge was built over the river, the town having been again presented or indicted, for the want of one. Recently, the towns through which this road passes have made many valuable improvements and alterations, to ac- commodate the great amount of travel which passed over it, and which had been gradually increasing for more than a century, but the opening of the Western Railroad has de- prived it of most of the public travel.

HISTOBT OF SPENCEB. 117

About three miles of the "Western Eailroad is located in Spencer, passing through the south-westerly part of the town. A station for the accommodation of passengers and freight is established upon it, being, however, more than two miles from the central village.

The county road from Sturbridge to Worcester, called the South County Eoad, was located through this town, on the petition of John Newhall of Spencer, and others, in 1756. There was formerly some public travel upon it, but the lo- cation of the Stafford turnpike, and more recently, the es- tablishment of the Western Railroad, has deprived it of all public travel.

The county road from Hardwick to Worcester, called the North County Road, was located in 1757, on the petition of the celebrated Brigadier Timothy Raggles, of Hardwick, he being at that time one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions for the county of Wor- cester, and for his special accommodation ; the petition being from himself to himself, could hardly fail of being success- ful. In 1830, a new county road was made, commencing on the North County Road at North Spencer, and passing through the centre of Paxton to Worcester. Some consider- able travel passes over this road.

Many of our town roads were not judiciously located, passing over hills and ledges. The original proprietors of the town, when they' sold their lands, made no reserve for roads, and the first settlers coming into an entire wilderness, built their houses to accommodate their own interests or caprice, without the least reference to the future wants of the public. Their intercourse with each other, however, compelled them to make some sort of paths or passage way to each others' residence, which were often perched upon some of the highest hills. This was first done by marked trees, next by cutting a few, that most obstructed a passage, until at length, by long use and some trifling repairs, they 11

118 HISTOET OF SPEKCEE.

received the name of roads. And as rfew settlers continued to be added, until their humble dwellings became promiscu- ously scattered over the town, new paths of the same char- acter were made, or old ones continued, and these were all the roads for the accommodation of the inhabitants, with the exception of the great post road, for thirty years.

The first road made by legal authority was in 1750, and when Leicester and Spencer were both one town. Immedi- ately after Spencer became incorporated as a town, many roads were located, and many alterations in the old trodden paths were made, but in most cases, each was accommodated with a road by his dwelling, and hence many are hilly and circuitous to this day. Those recently constructed, exhibit skill and judgment, as the people have become satisfied that it is easier to pass around than over a steep hill. The whole length of all the roads in this town is about one hundred miles, and kept in repair by the inhabitants, exclusive of the large bridges, and special grants, at an annual tax of 1200 dollars, or about twelve dollars per mile.

LOCALITIES.

The town abounds with hills, but none remarkably high, or that merit a particular description, and few that retain their ancient names. Moose Hill is situated partly in Lei- cester, the town line running over its centre. This hill de- rived its name, according to Mr. Whitney, "because of the great number of those quadrupeds which were wont to har- bor there." Buck Hill is in the Northeast part of the town, and probabl}'' derived its name from being a favorite resort of those animals. Flat Hill is on land lately owned by Ca- leb Sibley and others. Oak Hill on land lately owned by Caleb M. Morse. Orchard Hill is on land owned by Russel Sibley, so designated in some ancient deeds. Bare Hill is

HISTOBT O E SPENCER. 119

situated southerly of' the station on the Western Eailroad, and was so called because being destitute of trees at the first settlement of the town. The hio^hest land in the town is supposed to be on the hill southerly of the house of Paul Sibley.

There is a large and fertile meadow, containing about one hundred acres, situated on Seven Mile River, called the " Great Meadow," divided into lots and owned by various in- dividuals. Branch Meadow is situated on Turkey Hill Brook, in the northeast part of the town, and, of late, is partly in- undated with water. Burnt Coat Meadow, the greatest part of which is in Leicester, and Cranberry Meadow, in the south- west part of the town, are now both overflowed, as reservoirs for mills. Cedar Swamp is a tract containing about seventy- seven acres, in the southeast part of the town, and when the town was divided into lots between the original proprietors, this was excluded from the division, and reserved in common ownership ; now owned by the heirs of William Baldwin, Esq. Hemlock Gutter is a ravine which crosses the great post road east of the house of Henry Eames, and was for- merly a terror to the teamster, being difficult to pass ; but now rendered perfectly safe and easy for the passage of all kinds of carriages. Alder Swamp is near the house of Josh- ua Bemis.

PONDS.

The only natural pond wholly in Spencer, is Moose Pond, sometimes called Whittemore Pond. This is a small collec- tion of water, containing about sixty acres, about three- fourths of a mile Northeasterly of the Congregational meet- ing-house. It is supplied from springs arising from its im- mediate margin, no streams of consequence flowing into it. Browning's Pond is a considerable sheet of water, not more

120 HISTORY OF 8PENCEE.

than one-fourth of which is in Spencer. The remainder is in Oakham. Another, called Johnson's Pond, lies almost wholly in North Brookfield, only about four or five acres be- ing in Spencer.

STKEAMS.

This town, being situated partly on the height of land, be- tween the Atlantic ocean and the Connecticut Eiver, contains no laro-e streams within its borders. Seven Mile Eiver is the largest. Taking its rise from Browning's Pond, it runs southerly about five miles, then southwesterly into Brookfield, and discharges itself into Podunk Pond. Five Mile Eiver has its source principally in the southwesterly part of Oak- ham. It runs southerly, on the western borders of Spencer» into Johnson's Pond, at the outlet of which there were mills. From thence it soon passes into North Brookfield, and unites, at East Brookfield, with Seven Mile Eiver. There is a small stream issuing from Shaw Pond in Leicester, which passes into Spencer; also another, issuing from Turkey Hill Pond, lying partly in Paxton and partly in Eutland, which also passes into Spencer. These two streams unite in the easter- ly part of the town, and running a southwesterly course, unite with Seven Mile Eiver near the house of Daniel Whit- temore. Another stream issues from Moose Pond, and pass- ing through the Central Village, joins Seven Mile Eiver in the Great Meadow. Another arises from Cranberry Meadow, and unites with Seven Mile Eiver near the house of Mr. Eobinson. Another small brook empties into the last men- tioned stream near the house of Mr. Butler. These aH unite in forming the Seven Mile Eiver, which is a branch of the Chicopee, which empties into the Connecticut Eiver. A brook arises from Alder Swamp, and running a southeaster-

HISTOBT OF SPENOEB. 121

Ij course, receives the waters of Cedar S^yamp, passes into Leicester, and is one of the sources of French River. Some of these streams are small, but they have heen here described because mills have been erected on all of them, and various kinds of business carried on bj their operation.

POST OFFICES.

There are two post offices in the town ; one in the central village, Luther Hill, Esq., Post Master ; the other, five miles north of the centre, called North Spencer, Jonas Wilson, Post Master.

TOWN HOUSE.

In 1839, the town erected a handsome building for the transaction of the municipal and other public business. This building is 50 by 40 feet and two stories high and cupola. Lately a bell has been hung in the cupola, which is now rung at noon and nine o'clock in the evening, and tolled at the decease of a person, striking the age. The lower story is divided into a number of apartments, one for the use of town officers, one for the use of the Fire Department, and other rooms for various other uses. The Town Hall occu- pies the whole of the upper story, being twelve foet in height, and appropriated for the use of holding town meetings. The Hall is also used for lectures, fairs, shows, religious meetings, and occasionally for balls.

Near to the Town House is a commodious building, two stories high, for the use of the Fire Engine, and the appa- ratus belonging to the department.

11*

122

HISTORY OT" SPENCEK.

o oo

H fa

o

H O

Q

O

OOCOOOOOCOOQOOOOO —•OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO^ O O O O C O O O O CO CO :o <M O O O 'C O

c>oco-*ioooo>oc;ocO"— i'Oi-ii-H<M

-;'-f-^p-iO-3(MMC4i— I r-1 -^

o

o o

o o

CO 4^

a.

_ *J t^ ^ ED t^

o) o 1^ ;? 5i a» "

=" = " - -S "P .-

ct <1>

-*^ -^^ ij -^^ ■*^ *^ .— .ti ,Zi G> a> ■*^ ^ "■ OO^OOOtSeJce.-.SuOJTQi

CO O)

O) O

caca

C S

s

b

<u > V, o o -^ :a CO

p. 9 OH

CO

Id P I

"ci

03

IT

(-

- ei

O"

o o o o ^~^ o

is

~ o

-f o

'S " p<

o c c o

'O lO IM —

05

(n

-73

o

'<3

3 d .2

OQOO oS'B oO uOO 00Oi»C0O<M«0^ CU^"^

O O O O O O OO o o o o o o o c o o

OOOOOOOOOCO'OOOOC'O o ^^OiOO'OC'lOOOO^tNCOiO'OiOCO CO

O-fO-— '<— icOOt-b-ON 00 r-H

:^ C<) .— 1 Cq r-H t— 1

OOOOCOOCQOOOOOOOOO OOCOOOOOOOOOOOOCOO

=;oooooooocO'coooO'Oco OC-^NOOcooo'Oaot-'— I CO i-(

—HI — It — I f— 1 r— I

o to

m m g •

Boot Manufacturers, Boot Manufacturer, Boot Manufacturer, Cotton Manufacturer, Boot Manufacturer!?, Boot Manufacturers, Boot Manufacturer, Satinet Manufacturers, Satinet Manufacturer, Satinet Warp Manufacturer, Wire Manufacturers, Wire Manufacturer, Scythe Manufacturer, Powder Manufacturers, Chair Maker, Cabinet Maker, Box Maker, Box Maker,

Worker in Tin, Copper, and Sheet Iron,

.-1^ ^

d

o - tc d HO

.^ cS.2

IV ;

; ^ e

■ "d O

ti O

1, Beinis & Co Prouty, -ynian & Co., IS 11. Shorey, m Ilenshaw, <. & Sugdcn, y Prouty, aton, & Hall, an Hill. y Bowen, rop LiVcrmore Jones,
1=5
	s
	a 02

HISTOEY OF SPEXCEK

123

o

CO 00

Pi

H 03

Q

O

QQ

H O P Q O

lOOOOOOOOOOQCOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOt-OOOOOOOOOOOO COC0050000'*<OCOOOOCOC:00'0

> «* r-. 1— I r^

o

CO

t-

CO CO

b	h
a>	(»
J J
	-t-f
eJ	cS
«>	ai
-JU

IS O	o
b- o CO -r cc CO	o -tl

n eA

00

a 3} n

t4 t4 * * -

a> flj w 53 en ro

5*5*0000000 O.Q.OOOOOOO

aseacaaeaaeaea

QO tn

tn o o .S

c a a — °° " — S a "o "3 "3 §)** « ^- h i

a o o o ra ^ «* ^ o o ^=; c o o

^aa^aa a

H

■< D

03 Z PL,

B O

oooooooo

OOOQOOOO -«-

O O O O O O O O Q

ca'OOCO-J'OO -f

I— iioc5-^cc;<icog^ <M

93

o o o

o

■— ( CI s-i —

to

.2

fc. o o

eJ 5 O

« o o

-♦" -^ -o

O o

o ,S

o o ■a o CO ox

§8

o o <=" 9

C<1 IM

OCOOOOCOO'OOOOSOOOCOOO

oot-ooooo3coooooooccgoo

C5CO<X)"OOOUJ^^<OOC5CO'QOaDO^^OOOO

oooo — locoo'+'io ocroco

— COtSO-^CiC-4->t<C4 C^i— II— I «^ r— C

O CO <M (-1 IM 1— (

oooooooooocoooooooooo looooooccoooooooogocoo iooooooooooooooooc^oooo

— •OOOOOOCOOCO'OOiOrHCOiO'+iO-^r-lCl

0^ c^ c-t r-i CO I— r-i a-^ dCO

o

o

00 oo

oo o «>	O
O CO	o CO Hi

U Vi

•a fc. u '=•0 0,

.ti o o a y- -A

S> ^ ■'J . tc o ■= __.-.- . "^''ot.csaa

tiOOOOOOOa''~*i>.— (-oo

aoocooco.— :^^cjc3rtoo

^aaaaaaa&nggcQHoaa

^3

.9 a

. J o^ ^

t. en ^-' ^, t.

"5 -^ ^.ci?

o

55 J ^

— > 3 O fc.

^ r- tt t, o

c3 Ci-^ o (i

^ » 2 i >

o

^ a

o -^ . t>^ *

^ « c 3 a =3 a £r3£; a ::

^ O :i tC^ :i 5

-3 -S -= 5 H a.^ 2 ^ d =:3 H,- ^ a:

_, 6 g -g '^ d a

Caoa2,<'-o?

i- O __

r 3

O I— I

OT to

a M =^Sa=3

M rt c3 ^

Si a 3 2

a bH l-S r«=i

o

en o

>

O

c"o"

O '.-5

CO CO

124 HISTOBY or SPENCEK.

PRODUCTIONS OF AGRICULTURE IN 1860.

Farms 197; horses 344: oxen 222; cows 761 ; bushels of wheat 352; rye 206; corn 8632: oats 11,142; potatoes 18,275: tons of hay 3,371. Taxable property in 1855, )$1,165,733. Taxable property in 1860, $1,286,333.

Besides those business operations above enumerated, there are two satinet manufactories, one woolen manufactory not now in operation, one boot manufactory, five saw mills, three grist mills, and the usual proportion of mechanics. Four stores for the sale of dry goods and groceries.

MINERALS.

Considerable quantities of upland iron ore were formerly taken from this town, and used in the foundries in Stafford and Brookfield, but is now nearly exhausted ; and Professor Hitchcock states that there is iron ore in some of our mead- ows. Peat of good quality has been found, and probably much of it abounds. Clay has been found in different parts of the town ; sufficient quantities of brick were furnished formerly to supply the demand for home market, and some for other towns, but the rise in the price of wood, and the large quantities furnished at East Brookfield, has much diminished the business here. The town contains no granite or other stone suitable for good building materials.

SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS.

Mr. Whitney says, this town is " an exceedingly fertile township," It contains a considerable quantity of excellent lands for pasturing, grass and other agricultural purposes, and many tons of beef, pork, butter, cheese, &c,, are annu- ally produced, and formerly sent from town to market ; but

niSTOBY OF SPENCEE. 125

of late, by the introduction of manufactures, and consequent increase of population, the home market furnishes a demand for all our surplus produce. Many beautiful swells of land, of great fertility, are interspersed through the town, pro- ducing grass, Indian corn, barley, oats, potatoes, &c., in abundance. There are some excellent meadows, especially the Great Meadow on Seven Mile River, Mr. Cheney Sum- ner's on Moose Pond Stream, and other places. Much of our swamps have become nearly worthless for grass, but lately many of them have been converted into tillage lands with quite satisfactory results. In the first settlement of New England, it was considered indispensable that a few acres of meadow or swamp should be allotted to each farm ; and for a short time they afforded a considerable supply for orass, but soon degenerated. The natural growth of trees is the usual varieties of oak, walnut, chestnut, maple, birch, hemlock, poplar, elm, &c. Our forests have also produced much white pine, of good quality, for building materials. The apple, pear and cherry, when properly cultivated, flourish well, but the circulio has killed our plums, and the cold winters our peach trees.

THE OLD CEMETERY.

It is probable that all who died here previous to 1740 were carried to Leicester for interment, the place for which was in the immediate rear of the meeting house, which has long since been disused for a burial place, and is partly cov- ered by the meeting house and other buildings. In 1740, Mr. Nathaniel Cunningham, who will hereafter be men- tioned, conveyed two acres of land to the inhabitants of Spencer, " for the accommodation of a meeting house," and for other parochial and municipal purposes, more than half of which was appropriated for a place to bury their dead. In 1791 about half an acre was added for the same use, and

126 HISTOET OF SPENCER,

in 1817 it was further enlarged by the addition of nearly one and a half acre more. In 1857 it was found necessary for further enlargement, and another half acre was added, making in the whole not more than three acres. This con- stituted the only burial place for considerably more than a century, in the town, and nearly all who have died here during that period, besides many from other towns, have been interred in this place. At the time of the first pur- chase, it was an entire forest, and the trees were not all taken away for many years, and, was not and could not be divided into lots; there was no sexton, every family was obliged to prepare the vaults for their own dead, and em- ploy whom they could for that purpose, and of course the graves were opened promiscuously, and in most gross dis- order. Slabs of slate stone are erected at the graves of a portion of the dead, " with uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture decked," but the greater part have no memorial to mark their resting place. In those parts of the grave yard more recently purchased, the ground has been laid out in ranges and divided into lots, with marble stones, and some of them, elegantly wrought, are placed at the head of every grave ; besides there are several handsome marble monu- ments, which reflect honor both to the living and the dead.

♦' Through devious ways and paths unknown, Through forests dark and drear, Our fathers sought these mountain streams. To plant their oflFspring here.

" Through years of toil, through years of want, They bravely struggled on ; And lo ! the forest melts away ; The sturdy oaks are gone.

" Their names are left for us to bear; Their spirits, they are fled ; On yonder hill their bones repose, Among the slumbering dead."

HISTOETOF SPENCEB. 127

PINE GEOVE CESIETERT. A few years since, a number of the citizens of this town procured a commodious lot of land for a burial place. After- wards they became a corporation, with all the necessary officers and suitable by-laws, for more conveniently manag- ing the concern. This lot is situated about a mile and a half northwesterly of the central village, mostly on a plain, at the margin of Seven Mile Eiver, and named " Pine Grove Cemetery." It is scientifically laid out into lots, conforming to the configuration of the ground, with carriage roads and foot paths conveniently located. Many lots are enclosed with ornamental iron fences, and handsome marble monu- ments erected, whose glistening white forms exhibit a grace- ful appearance to the passenger. Many of our citizens have become proprietors, and bury their dead in this peaceful resting place.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES.

Those terrible diseases, the cholera and yellow fever, have never vistedthis. town, and but few cases of the small pox, four only of which proved fatal. Elijah Tucker died May 11, 1777, aged 27 ; Eli Hatch, January 10, 1836, aged 4G ; George Maddock, May 9, 1849, and Angelina A. Powers, daughter of Mr. Levi Powers, January 10, 1853, aged 19, all of the small pox. The measles, mumps and chicken pox, occasionally make their appearance here, as they do in all other places, but generally of a mild type, especially with young people, and seldom prove fatal. Two singular cases happened here in 1842. Mr. Elias Adams and his wife HaU' nah, both lived to old age, he 77, and she 74, without taking the measles, when they were both attacked with that disor- der about the same time. He died February 23, and she March 9, of that year.

128 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

EPIDEMIC DISEASES.

The dysentery and scarlet fever, or canker rash, have each, at different periods, prevailed, and sometimes quite ex- tensively, especially among children. In 1778, the dysen- tery spread throughout a large part of the town. Many families lost more or less of their young children, frequent- ly two or more within a few days of each other. A few in- stances only can be given, which will be sufficient to show the ravages made in families by t^ese disorders.

This year (1778) two children of Capt. John Draper died, one on the twenty-fourth, and one the twenty-seventh of August. Mr. James Draper lost two, one the fourteenth and one tlie fifteenth day of September.

1792. The dysentery again prevailed. Maj. Isaac Lamb had two die, being all he had, one on the second and the other the fourth of December.

1795. The scarlet fever visited the town, and Maj. Lamb's family was again smitten, and once more two chil- dren were stricken down, leaving him a second time lonely and childless.

1802. Another disastrous year by the dysentery. The family of Ezekiel Newton suffered most severely, losing five children in five days, two dying on the twelfth of Novem- ber, one on the fifteenth, one the sixteenth and one the sev- enteenth of the same mouth. 1841 was the memorable year of the dysentery, forty persons dying of this disorder, mostly in the central village, eight adults and thirty-two children, being emphatically a " slaughter of the innocents." " In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weep- ing, and great mourning. Eachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they were not," A se- vere drought continued through the warm season of the year, and except two or three showers in August, there was scarcely any rain for four months, that is, through the

HISTORY OF SPENCEK. 129

months of June, July, August and September. The water in the wells failed, or became low, stagnant and impure, which was supposed to increase the virulence of the disorder. The first victim was a child who died the fifth of Julv, and the deaths continued to take place, averaging nearly one ev- ery other day, until the first day of October, when the last, Mrs. Willard Rice, died. Death stalked fearfully in our midst, and on every side, and the scene became truly appall- ing. But the destroying angel at length sheathed his sword. At the burial of Mrs. Rice, October third, a powerful storm of rain commenced, which soon became snow, and continued through the night and a considerable portion of the next day. This put a period to the disorder. No more were ta- ken sick, and all the sick immediately recovered.

In the summer of 1843, a severe influenza universally extended throughout the United States, visiting every fami- ly and nearly every individual, leaving many in a poor state of health, and carrying away some aged people and others, who were in a feeble state. Mr. Caleb Sibley died of this disorder, in December of that year, aged 71.

Consumption, the great destroyer of human life, formerly made havoc among our people, sometimes sweeping away whole families. Out of eight children of Capt. Wilbur Watson, seven fell victims to consumption. Mr. Simeon Wood lost six out of eight children, by the same disease. Nathaniel Williams, having six or seven children, all but one died of consumption. A sad breach was often made in other families, and sometimes one or both parents were cut down. For the last quarter of a century, it has been much less prev- alent, and few comparatively die of it. In conclusion of this subject, Spencer may be called a healthy town : many of the inhabitants live to old age.

12

130 BISTOKT OF SPENCEH.

SLAVERY.

It is true that slavery once existed in Massachusetts, hut never by positive authority, but by force of circumstances. At the time our ancestors came to this country, it does not appear there -was any law in England, either allowing or prohibiting slavery, consequently individuals could purchase and hold slaves, there or here, if they chose. The first set- tlers at Plymouth and Massachusetts, were entirely opposed to it, but as there was no law against it, negroes, kidnapped from Africa, and Indians from South America and the AVest India Islands, were brought to our shores by unscrupulous traders, and sold to some of our people. This barbarous traffic being contrary to the principles and policy of the peo- ple generally, soon arrested the attention of government, and as early as 1641, the General Court passed an act, wherein they say, " It is ordered by this court, that there shall never be any bond slavery, villanage or captivity among us," &c. Still, however, English ships, and possibly some of our own ships, continued this most odious traffic And while this was done by the connivance, if not by the authority of England, Massachusetts was powerless to pre- vent it. However, in 1666, the General Court passed an- other act, as follows : " The General Court, conceiving them- selves bound by the first opportunity, to bear witness against the heinous and crying sin of man stealing, as also to pre- scribe such timely redress for what is past, and such a law for tlie future, as may sufficiently deter all others belonging to us, to have to do in such vile and most odious course, ab- horred hy all good men ;" and ordered all slaves thus brought here, to be sent back to Guinea. If this law was carried into rigid effect, it would, of course, effectually stop this vile course; but whether it did, or did not, slavery existed still, by those already here.

At length, either by the unpopularity or unprofitableness

HISTORY OF SPENCEK. 131

of the business, or some other cause, many began to liberate their slaves, but having been so long under a state of sub- jection, were become unfitted to provide for themselves, and they became a nuisance in society. And now the General Court found it expedient to reverse or change their course of legislation with slavery, and in 1703, it was forbidden for any person to emancipate his slaves, unless he gave security for their support, should they become chargeable. Slavery in Massachusetts, was of the mildest type of servitude, and the word slave was an offensive term, and they were gener- ally called servants. They were but one grade below a hired laborer. The same roof sheltered the master and the ser- vant, and both often fed at the same table, and they were intrusted with responsible transactions. Their marriages were not always executed in orthodox form, but sometimes took place, very much like their white brethren. We find it recorded in our town records, " February 19, 1778, Saul and Dinah, negro servants of John Sumner, Esq., were married." But few in Spencer were owners of this kind of property. Kev. Mr. Eaton held two or three, one named Pomp. John Sumner's Saul and Dinah have been mentioned. John Elliot, Esq., had a man named Sloane, who is said to have planted the large elm now standing before the tavern house of William C. Watson. John White, senior, had a female slave, named Zilpah. By a sham marriage, Sloane and Zilpah were allowed to cohabit together. Mr. Isaac Jenks had a man by the name of Hendrick. Eev. Mr. Pope had a female named Naomi. Mr. Eobert Luther, a girl named Fanny. After emancipation was fully established, some continued voluntarily to remain with their former owners.

132 HISTORY OF SPENCER.

EEMARKABLE PHENOMENA OF NATURE.

The following occurrences in the natural world are of a general nature, and took place more or less in every part of New England, and of course must have been seen and felt in this town, and they are inserted as interesting memoranda for local, as well as general history.

GREAT SNOW. The winter of 1717, is remarkable for what was long after remembered as the " Great Snow." On the 20th of Febru- ary, the snow commenced falling, and continued through the night. The next day, it increased to a most violent storm, so that all communication between neighbors was nearly impossible, and for some hours were unable even to pass across the street. On the 24th of the same month, was another furious snow storm, which, adding to the former, produced a most extraordinary and unprecedented amount of snow. The churches were blocked up, and no meetings were held throughout the country. Cattle, sheep and swine, were buried. Great numbers of cattle died, and some were found standing dead on their legs, as if alive, after the snow l\ad melted away. One man lost above 1100 sheep ; two, however, were found alive, after being twenty-eight days under sixteen feet of snow, having fed upon the wool of their dead companions. Swine and poultry shared the same fate, a few being preserved in the same remarkable manner. Cattle were seen walking upon the frozen crust of snow, twelve feet above the ground, browsing upon the fruit trees. Small, low houses, were buried so deep, that the tops of their chimneys were not visible. I remember when a lad, hearing an old lady state, (who could remember the time), that in some cases, people in leaving their houses, were obliged to make their exit through the chamber windows.

HISTOBT OF gPENCEH. 133

EAETHQUAKES. October 29, 1729, in the evening, was the Great Earth- quake, 30 called, being the most remarkable that ever hap- pened in New England. In the county of Essex, the earth burst open in many places, from which were thrown large quantities of earth and stones, cellar walls fell in» and tops of chimneys were shaken off. November 18, 1755, another memorable earthquake in New England, though not so vio- lent as the former, yet, in many places, stone walls were thrown down, and tops of chimneys shaken off.

COLD WINTER.

The winter of 1780, is remarkable for its severity. The snow was of great depth, accompanied with almost insup- portable cold weather, so that for six weeks, while the sky was clear, and the sun shining in full splendor, was yet unable to thaw the snow in any degree, on the south side of dwelling houses. Roads were not broken ont, and most of the intercourse among the people was by " snow shoes," or hand sleds, on the frozen crust of snow. The weather was so intensely cold, that some people were unable to get to their wood lots for fuel, and were obliged to cut down their fruit trees for that purpose.

DARK DAY.

May 19, 1780, was distinguished as the "dark day." In most parts of the country, where the darkness prevailed, it was sa great, that persons were unable to read common print, determine the time of day by their clocks or watches, or manage their domestic business, without the help of addi- tional light. Candles were lighted up in their houses, " the birds sung their evening songs, disappeared and became si- lent ; fowls retired to their roosts ; the cocks were crowing 12*

134 HISTORY OF SPENCER.

around as at break of day ; objects could be distinguished but a little distance ; and every tiling bore the appearance and gloom of night." The succeeding night was as propor- tionably dark as the day. No object could be discerned, even when coming in contact with it, and those who were so unfortunate as to be from home, were guided in their re- turn to their dwellings, solely by the sense of feeling.

SOLAR ECLIPSE.

In June, 1806, there was a total eclipse of the sun. The sky was clear, and presented a fair opportunity for observing the phenomenon. At the total obscuration of the sun's disk, which continued about two minutes, all objects appear- ed to be shrouded in dense gloom, causing a sensible depres- sion of the spirits. Fowls, in many places, retired to their roosts, labor was suspended, nature, for a moment, seemed to have come to a pause, while all eyes were directed, stead- fastly, to the sky. But the moment the moon emerged the least possible space from the face of the sun, permitting a single ray of light to reach the earth, the scene instantly changed, the grass and the flowers assumed their original hues, and all nature, by the contrast, seemed arrayed in unusual beauty and splendor.

HIGH WIND.

September 25, 1815, this part of Massachusetts experi- enced the most powerful wind that has yet occurred in the present century. It commenced late in the morning, and increased rapidly in violence, so that it soon became a com- plete hurricane. Vast quantities of valuable wood and tim- ber were prostrated, small buildings blown down, and others, in many cases, seriously wrecked. Indian corn and other vegetables levelled with the earth, fruits torn from the trees, and much damage done to the former.

^^'-c^^n^ /"^-^^t/v/^t^

^^^^^^-^-^^^■;> f2h*-e^^

HISTORY OF SPENCEB, 135

COLD SUMIilERS. The whole of 1816, was an ungenial year, especially the sammer, which was unusually cold, producing deadly frosts, even in July. There was scarcely one bushel of sound In- dian corn raised in the town, and not half of the usual crop of grass. The prospects of a short supply of fodder for the coming winter being so imminent, that good milch cows were sold in the autumn, for eight dollars each. During the summer meagre famine began to stare the people in the face, but happily averted, by unusual good crops of English grain and potatoes. 1817 was likewise a cold year, but less in Massachusetts than the previous year. These cold, seasons extended to the state of Maine, producing there al- most a total failure, both years.

GENEKAL WASHINGTON.

In 1789, being the first year of General Washington's Presidency, he made a tour through Massachusetts, and some other of the eastern states, and October 22 of that year, he passed the night at Jenks' tavern. As but few knew of the coming event, consequently but few had the pleasure of seeing him. I remember the time very well, eing then nearly twelve years of age, and I also remember hearing one of my neighbors, who saw him, give a descrip- tion of his appearance, it being plain and unadorned, but venerable and dignified. The landlady, Mrs. Jenks, was often afterwards heard to relate, with harmless pride, the remark that the General made, the next morning at break- fast, " Madam, your bread is very beautiful."

136 HISTOKT OF 8PENCEB.

COMMITTEE OF COREESPONDENCE.

During the agitations and struggles, previous to the rev- olution, most of the public officers were found on the side of loyalty, supporting power and prerogative, and the people had withdrawn all confidence from them. As there were few post offices at that time, and the postmasters were gen- erally tories, the correspondence of the whigs was subjected to a system of rigid espionage ; they had therefore, to seek for other than the usual channels of conveying the necessa- ry information among the people. Boston was the head quarters of the opposition to the arbitrary measures of royal authority, and there most of the great plans were matured, and thence sent abroad among the people, the in- fluence of which, like a mighty wind, moved the whole country. It became necessary that there should be some confidential persons appointed in every town, to whom such communications might be made with safety and effect. Hence originated the " Committees of Correspondence." They were composed of some of the most influential persons among the whigs. These officers were appointed in Boston and other large towns, in the earliest part of the political contest, but were not general, until about 1774. They be- came a very important means of enlightening the public mind, of devising plans, of developing the physical resources of the country, and of finally carrying to maturity the events of the revolution. In many cases, they had concur- rent jurisdiction with the selectmen of the towns. They were soon recognized by the legislature as of legal and official authority, and important duties were devolved upon them, by the General Court. They were, in fact, the directors and managers of the great political drama, which was in preparation for general action throughout the coun- try, and we owe much to this little band of patriots, who spent many anxious days and nights, who freely contributed

HISTOBY OF SPENCEE. 137

their treasures, aud many of them their blood, to effect and secure to themselves and their children the blessings of lib- erty. They were elected, in the several towns in the same manner as other municipal officers. The following are the names of the persons, who were chosen in this town, during the several years of the revolution.

1774. John Cunningham, Oliver Watson, Asa Baldwin.

1775. Oliver Watson, Moses Livermore, John Muzzy.

1776. Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Joshua Dra- per, David Prouty, Knight Sprague, Benjamin Gleason.

1777. Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Knight Sprague, Joshua Draper, Benjamin Gleason.

1778. Joshua Lamb, John Muzzy, Joshua Barton, John Worster, John Watson.

1779. James Livermore, Benjamin Gleason, John Wor- ster, John Muzzy, Jacob Upham.

1 780. John Muzzy, Johnson Lynde, John Sumner, Ben- jamin Bemis, Jonas Muzzy.

1781. John Sumner, Jonas Muzzy, Johnson Lynde, Jere- miah Whittemore, Nathaniel T. Loring.

1782. Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Capt. Ezekiel Newton.

1783. James Hathaway, Jonas Muzzy, Isaac Morgan.

PKOPERTY OF OUR ANCESTORS.

By a culpable neglect on the part of some of our former town officers, the records of the valuation of the estates, and taxes of the inhabitants, have not been preserved until about the year 1800. Consequently, there are no data, by which a correct estimation may be formed of the wealth or relative amount of property of the inhabitants of Spencer during the last century. In 1771, the year previous to the erection of the present congregational meeting house, the following

138

HISTOKT OF SPENCEE,

method was taken in making disposition of the pews. He or she, whose real estate was placed the highest in the valu- ation list, had the right for the first choice for a pew, at an appraised value, the second highest in valuation had the next choice, and in like manner until all the pews were thus disposed of. In this way the relative standing of sixty-eight of the largest landholders ninety years ago may he known. This, however, was not confined to resident proprietors of lawful age, but non-residents and minors had the same priv- ilege. There were, however, some two or three persons be- longing to the religious sect of the Baptists, — Jonas Bemis, senior, John Hill, and perhaps others, — whose real estates would have entitled them to a choice of pews, not included in the calculation. The following are the names of the sixty-eight persons referred to, numbered according to the relative value of their real estates.

1. John Elliot, Esqr.

2. John Sumner, Esq.

3. Oliver Watson.

4. Asa Baldwin.

5. William Bemis.

6. John Cunningham.

7. Jeremiah Whittemore.

8. Joshua Bemis.

9. Moses Livermore.

10. John White, jun.

11. John Prouty.

12. David Adams.

13. Joshua Lamb.

14. Josiah White.

15. John Lamb.

16. Joseph Greenwood.

17. Isaac Prouty.

18. Thomas White.

19. James Draper.

20. Joshua Draper.

21. Jacob Prouty.

22. John Watson.

23. John Ball.

24. John Worster. '

25. Johnson Lynde.

26. Joseph Wilson.

27. Joshua Whitney.

28. Simeqp Wilson.

29. William White.

30. John Bisco.

31. Thomas Canada (a minor.)

32. John Muzzy. Nathaniel Bemis. John Graham. David Baldwin, jun. David Lamb.

37. Nathaniel Cunningham.

38. John Stebbings.

33. 84.

35. 36.

HISTOBT OF SPENCEK. 139

39. Samuel Garfield. 54. Jonathan Ward, (non-res-

40. Archibald Lamond's estate. ident.)

41. Samuel Hall. 55. Zebulon Baldwin.

42. Elizabeth Prouty, (widow 56. Isaac Southgate.

of David Prouty.) 57. Israel Ball.

43. Ebenezer Mason. 58. Oliver Watson, jun.

44. Luke Converse. 59. David Prouty.

45. Benjamin Bemis, jun. 60. Phinehas Whitney.

46. Abijah Livermore. 61. John Knapp.

47. Benjamin Gleason. t>2. David Barnes.

48. David Adams, jun. 63. John Wilson.

49. Joseph Livermore. 64. Lemuel Whitney.

50. Isaac Eice. 65. Joel Green.

51. Jonathan Snow. 66. Nath'l Parmenter's heira.

52. Eobert Morgan. 67. William Watson.

53. David Knapp. 68. Andrew Morgan.

PHYSICIANS.

James Ormes, son of John Ormes, was the first physician, if he may with propriety deserve that title, in Spencer, for he attended upon both the human and brute creation. He came from Watertown to Spencer in 1732, As there were but few inhabitants in the town at that time, and no other physician, he was made to physic and blister the people to their full content.

Asa Burden, was from Scituate, Rhode Island. He studied his profession with Doct. John Honeywood of Leicester, who was an eminent physician. He was in practice here several years, but was quite as celebrated for his oddities and eccen- tricities as for his skill in physic. About 1780 he returned to his native town, but afterwards removed to Charlton, where he died.

William Frink was the son of Rev. Thomas Prink, first

140 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

minister of Rutland, where he was born December 14, 1742. He commenced practice in this town about 1770. He was an accomplished physician, well educated in his profession. He removed to Rutland 1780, where he died by a fall from a load of hay.

Benjamin Drurt was a native of Oxford, where he was born April, 1758. He studied his profession with Dr. Fiske of the same town. He commenced practice in Francistown, New Hampshire, but continued there but a short time, and came to Spencer 1782, and continued in his profession more than forty years. He died June 28, 1843, aged 85.

Jonas Guilford was born in Spencer, August 25, 1759. He studied his profession with Dr. Babbit of Sturbridge, and commenced practice in his native town, 1783, and con- tinued in practice twenty-six years. He died July 17, 1809, aged 50.

Cheney Potter was from North Brookfield, and was a pupil of Doct. Jacob Kittredge of the same town, a cele- brated surgeon and quite a popular physician. He com- menced in this town about 1807, and continued several years. He returned to his native town, and has since de- ceased.

Asa Jones was a native of Charlton, was a student with Doct. Eaton of Dudley and. Doct. Lamb of Charlton. He commenced practice in 1811, and continued for twenty years. He died October 22, 1831, aged 44.

Jonas Guilford, son of Doct. Jonas Guilford, was born in Spencer, November 10, 1788. He studied his profession with Dr. Babbit of Brookfield, a distinguished surgeon and physician. He still remains in town, and continues in regu- lar practice.

Edward C. Dyer, formerly of Sturbridge, came into this town in the spring of 1845. He was a pupil of Dr. William S. Saunders of Sturbridge, — attended lectures in the New York city University, and also at Jefferson Medical College

HIS TOBY OF SPENCEE. 141

at Philadelphia, where he graduated. He still continues in the practice of his profession.

Edward M.Wheeler is a native of Massachusetts, and came to Spencer from the town of Paxton, first of January, 1854. He also still continues in the regular practice of his profession.

Several other physicians have heen in practice in Spencer, within the present century, from one to three or four years, viz., Jacob Kittredge, jun., John McClure, George S. Smith, John M. Smith, Jason C. Spaulding, Keuben Spaulding, Joel Vaile, Jedediah Amidbn, Luther Bughee, Aaron Green and Joseph Blair. Some of thgse left the town hy ill health, some for lack of patronage, and others by arrangements made with other physicians.

LAWYERS.

Six lawyers have each opened an office in this town, some for short and some for longer periods, viz :

Bradford Sumner came into the town in 1813, but receiv- ing proposals from Nathaniel P. Denny, Esq., of Leicester, he staid here but a few weeks, and became a partner with Mr. Denny in the firm of Denny and Sumner. After con- tinuing a few years in Leicester he removed to Boston, where he became quite successful in his profession for several years. Deceased.

John Davis was born in Northborough, graduated at Yale College, 1812, studied with Hon. Francis Blake of Worces- ter, and established himself in Spencer in 1815. While here, his business was considerable, and his amiable deport- ment and unassuming manners won the confidence of our people. Mr. Blake having been appointed clerk of the courts at Worcester, Mr. Davis removed to Worcester and took Mr. Blake's office, where he soon became an eminent practitioner and successful advocate at the bar. In 1824, he was chosen representative to Congress, for Worcester South District, and continued to represent that district for 13

142 HISTORY OF SPENCEE.

ten years. In 1834, he was elected Governor of Massachu- setts, and was reelected in 1835. The same year he was elected Senator to Congress, which he continued to hold for six years. In 1841, he was again reelected Govern- or of Massachusetts, and again in 1842, and was again elected Senator to Congress. Deceased,

William S. Andrews was born in Boston, and graduated at Harvard University, 1812. He studied law at thelaw school in Litchfield, Conn., and also, with Hon. Francis Blake. He opened an office in Spencer, 1816, soon after the removal of Mr. Davis. He continued less than two years, and then went to the state of Maine, but soon returned to Worcester, where he practiced law a short time, and retired to Boston, where he still continues, partially insane.

Daniel Knight was born in Worcester, and graduated at Brown University, 1813. He studied law with Governor Lincoln, and commenced the practice of law in Spencer, 1817. He continued here until 1820, when he took a journey to South Carolina, for the restoration of his health, but with partial success. He removed to Leicester and opened an office in that town. After lingering for five or six years, part of which time he was able to attend to business, he died at Leicester, of consumption, August IG, 1826.

Napoleon B. Smith was born in Windsor, Mass., and after practicing law for some time in Blackstone, came to Spen- cer, in February, 1852. He continued here with considera- ble success, especially the first year, and left Spencer in April, 1854, and removed to Aurora, in the state of Illinois, where he still remains.

William T. Harlow was born in Shrewsbury, and was graduated at Yale College, 1851. He read law with the Hon. Benjamin F, Thomas, then a distinguished lawyer of Worcester, and since one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Mr. Harlow came into this town in the spring of 1854, and still continues in his profession.

HISTOET OF SPENCEB. 143

GRADUATES OF COLLEGES.

The following is a list of all who have graduated at any

college, belonging to Spencer, and most of them natives of

the town.

H. U. Harvard University. D. C. Dartmouth College. B. U. Brown Uni- versity. Y. C. Yale College. W. C. Williams College. A. C. Amherst College.

Henry Bright, son of widow Sarah Bright, who was after- wards married to Benjamin Bemis, senior, graduated H. U. 1770. Died of consumption, 1774.

John Elliot, H. U. 1772. Was son of John Elliot, Esq. He commenced preaching, but proved a profligate character. In 1798, he was a private in the Oxford army. Deceased.

Joshua Eaton, H. U., 1773, son of Rev. Joshua Eaton. He studied no profession. Removed to the state of New Hampshire, Deceased.

Richard Roswell Elliot, H. U. 1774, was also son of John Elliot, Esq. Was minister at Watertown. Deceased.

John Elliot Eaton, H. U. 1777, son of Rev. Joshua Eaton. Was a physician of some eminence in Dudley. Died 1812, aged 56.

Nathan Muzzy, D. C, son of John Muzzy, jun., of this town, commenced preaching, soon abandoned it, taught schools, emigrated to the state of Ohio, and assumed the business of a mill-wright. Supposed to be dead.

Abijah Bisco, D. C, 1798, son of John Bisco, Esq. Was a candidate for the ministry, and a promising young man. Preached but few times. Died 1801.

Joseph Pope, son of the Rev. Joseph Pope, D. C, 1798. Removed to Portland, Maine, and opened an office for the practice of law in that city, where he continued about forty years. He read law with Hon. Pliny 3Ierrick of Brookfield. Deceased.

Nathan Guilford, son of Doct. Jonas Guilford, senior, Y. C. 1812. Was an attorney at law some years in Maine, and

144 HISTORY OF 6PENCEK.

afterwards in Kentucky ; from there went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he officiated as chief director of the schools in that cit}', with signal success. Deceased.

AViLLiAM Watson, B. U. 1818. Was son of Oliver Watson, of this town. He studied no profession. Emigrated to South Carolina, as instructor of schools and teacher of music. Lately deceased.

Warren Hobbs, son of Daniel Hohbs, H. U. 1822. Being out of health, made a voyage to Europe, and returned with improved health. Taught a school two years in Virginia, and some time in Tennessee. Was drowned from a steam- boat in the Mississippi, July 11, 1826, aged 34.

William Drake, Y. C. 1855, son of William Drake of Spencer. School teacher at this time.

Levi Packard, A. C. son of Kev. Levi Packard. Precep- tor of a select school, Chatham, New York.

Edward Eeed Wheeler, A. C. son of Doct. E. M. Wheeler of Spencer. Graduated 1860.

Julius H. Ward, Y. C. 1860, son of Hammond Ward of Spencer. ,

Besides these, David Draper was a student at W. C. about two years, 1796 and 1797, and Dexter Bemis, at H. U. the same length of time. They were both dismissed by their own request.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Karnes. Date or commission. Names. Date of commiBBlon.

John Elliot, 1762 Deceased. Walter Sibley, 1839 Deceased.

John Muzzy, 1772 do. Daniel Capen, 1840 do.

John Bisco, 1781 do. Phineas Jones, Removed to N. J.

Benjamin Drury, 1789 do. Luther Hill,

Jonas Bemis, 1809 do. Willard Rice,

James Draper, 1810 Quorum Unus. William Upham,

Frederick Howe, Deceased. George H. Livermore,

William Pope, 1827 William T. Harlow,

Walton Livermore, 1835 do. Eli J. Whittemore,

William Baldwin, 1835 do. Richard Sagden.

HISTOET OF SPENCEB.

145

EEPEESENTATIVES FOR EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS.

Oliver Watson, 1775, 76, 77, 80,*

John Bisco, 1777, 80, 81.

Not represented. 1778.

John Muzzy, 1779.

Isaac Jenks, 1782, 83, 84, 85.

Not represented, 1786.

James Hathaway, 1787, 88, 89, 90,

91,92,93. Benjamin Drury, 1794, 95, 96, 97,

98,99, 1800,01,02,03,04,05,

06, 07, 08, 09, 10. Jonas Muzzy, 1811, 12. Phineas Jones, 1812. James Draper, 1813, 14, 15, 16, 17,

18,28,29,30,31,36,37. Not represented, 1819. William Bemis, 1820. Not represented, 1821. " " 1822.

Rufus Adams, 1823, 29, 32. Not represented, 1824. " " 1825.

1826. William Pope, 1827.

Walton Livermore, 1831.t

David Prouty, 1833, 34.

Lewis Bemis, 1834, 35.

Amos Brown, 1835.

Dennis Ward, 1836, 37, 39, 47, 56.

Walter Sibley, 1838.

Eleazer B. Draper, 1839, 40, 41, 45.

Jonas Guilford, 1842.

Jabez Green, 1843, 44, 50.

Not represented, 1846.

Milton Boyden, 1848.

Not represented, 1849.

William Baldwin, 1851.

Alonzo Temple, 1852.

Alanson Prouty, 1853.

William Henshaw, 1854.

Not i-epresented, 1855.

William Upham, 1857.

Joseph A. Denny, 1858, of Lci- cester.J

John L. Bush, 1859.

John D. Coggswell, 1860, of Lei- cester.

Georg-e L. Hobbs, of Spencer, 1861.

° The constitution went into operation between the summer and winter sessions of 1780. John Muzzy was chosen in May, 1780, and his ofiSce ex- pired when the constitution became operative, and in October, John Bisco was chosen, whose term of office was to expire in May, 1781, at which time, he was again elected to serve until the next annual election.

fin IS31, the constitution was so altered, that the political year com- menced on the first Wednesday in January, instead of the last Wednesday in May, as formerly. Consequently the offices of those representatives chosen in May of that year, became vacated after the summer session of the legislature, and others were chosen on the second Monday in November follow- ing, whose term of office commenced the next January. It will be observed therefore, that those representatives in the table, designated for the years 1S3'2, 1833, &c., were chosen in November the preceding year, but their term of office commenced the next January.

I The towns of Leicester and Spencer now form one District, being Dis- trict No. 13, for choosing representatives to the General Court. 13*

146 HISTOBT OF SPENCER.

SENATORS TO THE GENERAL COURT.

James Draper, 1831, 1832. William Upham, 1859.

DELEGATES FOR MAKING OR ALTERING THE

CONSTITUTION.

John Bisco, 1779. James Draper, 1820.

Jabez Green, 1853.

SELECTMEN,

Siricti the incorporation of the town, including a period of 107

years, specifying the years in which they were elected,

John Worcester, 1753, 55, 57, 58, John Prouty, 1766.

61, 62. Moses Livermore, 1767, 68, 69, 72, John Cunningham, 1753, 54. 73, 74, 75, 76.

John Muzzy, 1753, 54, 55, 56, 58, John Bisco, 1773, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78,

69, 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 70, 72, 79, 80,81, 83.

74. Benjamin Gleazen, 1775, 77, 80.

James Wilson, 1753. David Prouty, 1775, 76, 80, 81, 82,

Benjamin Johnson, 1753, 54, 55, 56, 83, 87, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 96,

C3. 99,1800.

John White, 1754. John White, jun. 1777, 78, 79, 80,

Asa Baldwin, 1754, 57, 59, 63, 64, 81, 82, 83.

65, 67, 68, 69, 71. Aaron Hunt, 1777, 78.

Oliver Watson, 1755, 61, 62, 63, 64, Elijah Howe, 1778, 87, 88, 89, 91.

66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 75. WilUam Frink, 1779. John Newhall, 1755, 58. Isaac Jenks, 1779. Joshua Lamb, 1756, 57, 58, 60, 61, Josiah White, 1779.

62, 70, 71, 72, 73. John Stebbings, 1780, 81, 82, 83. Samuel Bemis, jun. 1756, 57, 58, 60. William White, 1781, 82, 92, 93, David Adams, 1756, 70. 94, 95, 96, 97.

James Draper, 1757, 63, 70, 71, 73. John Worster, 1782.

John Flagg, 1759, 60. David Lamb, 1783.

Eleazer Ball, 1759. John Muzzy, jun. 1784, 90.

Edmund Bemis, 1759. William Green, 1784, 85, 86.

James Ormes, 1760, 61, 65, 66, 67, John Sumner, jun., 1784, 85, 86, 87,

68, 69. 70, 71, 72, 74, 76. 88, 89, 90, 91, 92.

John Eliot, 1762, 63, 64, 65, 66. Benjamin Bemis, 1784, 85, 86.

William Bemis, 1764, 65, 66, 67, Oliver Watson, jun. 1784, 86, 88,89.

68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 77, 78. James Hathaway, 1785, 87.

HISTOBY OF SPENCEB.

147

James Watson, 1785, 86,89, 90, 91,

92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,

1800, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06,

07, 08. Luke Converse, 1787, 88. Benjamin Drury, 1788, 89, 90, 91,

92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,

1800, 01, 02, 03. Jonas Muzzy, 1790, 91, 92, 93, 94,

95,96,97,98,99,1800,01,02,

03,09,10,11,12,13. Jonas Bemis, 1798, 99, 1800, 01,

02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08. David Bemis, 1801, 02, 03. Eliot Mason, 1804, 05, 06, 07. Moses Hall, 1804, 05. Nathan Crage, 1804, 06, 07, 08. Eeuben Whittemore, 1806, 07, 08,

09, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,

19. Edmund Muzzy, 1808. Phineas Jones, 1809, 10, 11, 12, 13,

15, 16. Alpheus Demond, 1809, 10, 11, 12. Joshua Bemis, 180 T, 14, 16, 17. Caleb Sibley, 1810, 11. Isaac Jenks, jun. 1811, 12, 13, 15,

16,17,18,19,20,21. David Livermore, jun. 1812, 19. Thomas Sprague, 1813, 14, 15, 17,

18, 20. William Bemis, 1814, 20, 21, 22,

23, 24, 25, 30, 31. John Boydon, 1814, 15, 23. James Draper, 1816, 18, 19, 20, 21,

22, 25, 26, 29, 38. Zorobabel Baldwin, 1817, 18. Daniel Hobbs, 1819. David Prouty, 1820, 21, 22, 23, 24,

25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. Willard Rice, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 30,

32.

Eufus Adams, 1822, 23, 24, 25, 28,

29, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 46, 53. Elias Hall, 1823, 24, 25. Eli Prouty, 1824, 27, 28, 30, 32. Walton Livermore, 1826, 27, 28,31. Jacob Wilson, 1826, 27. Oliver Morse, 1827, 28, 29. Joel Wright, 1829. William Baldwin, 1829, 30, 31, 32,

33, 34, 35, 39, 42, 43, 44, 46,

49, 50, 51, Dennis Ward, 1831, 41, 47, 48. Augustus Rider, 1832. Josiah Green, 1832, 33, 34, 35. Thomas Pierce, 1833, 34, 35, 36,

38. Walter Sibley, 1835, 36. Artemas Prouty, 1836, 37. Daniel Capen, 1837. John Howland, 1837. Eli Jones, 1838, 39, 40. Jonas Guilford, 1838. Jabez Greene, 1838, 39, 40, 41, 46,

47. Eleazer B. Draper, 1839, 40, 41. Foster Bisco, 1839, 40, 41, 53, 54. John N. Prouty, 1840, 41, 42, 43,

44,45. Joshua Prouty, 1842, 43, 44, 45. Thomas B. Clafk, 1842, 43. Russel Sibley, 1842, 43, 44, 49, 50,

5L Edward Hall, 1844, 45. Jeremiah Grout, 1845. George L. Hobbs, 1845, 46, 47, 48. William Henshaw, 1846. Silas Eldridge, 1847, 48. Pliny Allen, 1847, 48. David Prouty, 1848, 49, 50, 51, 52, Harvy Prouty, 1849, 50. John L. Bush, 1849, 50, 51, 52. Alonzo Temple, 1851, 53, 55.

148

HISTOET OF SPENCER.

George W. Morse, 1852. Justiu Clark, 1852, 1859. AsalicI B. Sprague, 1852. Hiram Howe, 1853, 54. Alanson Prouty, 1853. George Tucker, 1854, 55. Luther Hill, 1854, 1860. Charles E. Denny, 1855, 56. Joseph W. Morse. 1854, 55, 56, 57. Alford AVilson, 1855, 5G, 57. Roswell Bisco, 185G, 57. Eli J. "Whittemore, 1856, 57.

Henry Belcher, 1857. Isaac Prouty, 1858, 59. AVinthrop Livermore, 1858, 59. George H. Livermore, 1858. Thomas Clark, 1858. Elias Hall, 1858, 59. Joel Howe, 1859. Dexter Bullard, 1860. Nathaniel Myrick, 1860. Joshua Bemis, 1860. Josiah Green, jun. I860.*

ASSESSORS.

John Worster, 1753, 55, 68, 69, 72.

John Cunningham, 17o3, 54.

John Muzzy, 1753, 54, 55, 58, 59, 64,

05, 6G, 70. James Wilson, 1753. Benjamin Johnson, 1753, 54, 55. John White, 1754. Asa Baldwin, 1754, 56, 62, 66. Oliver Watson, 1755, 56, 57, 60, 61,

62, 63, G4, 65, GG, G7, 71, 78. John Newhall, 1755, 57. James Draper, 1756, 61, 62, 63, 67. Samuel Garfield, jun. 1757. Edmund Bemis, 1758, 59, 60, 61. .James Ormes, 175S, 60. John Flagg, 1759. William Bemis, 17G3, 64. Joshua Draper, 1765, 71. John Bisco, 1767, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73,

74, 75, 76, 77, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93,

94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800, 02. David Lamb, 1768, G9.

William White, 1771, 73, 74, 75, 76,

77, 78, 80, 81, S3, 84, 86. Ebenezer Mason, 1770, 73, 74. David Lamb, jun., 1772. David Prouty, 1776, 76, 82, 83, 84,

86, 87, 89, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,

1800, 01, 02, 03. John Cunningham, jun. 1777, 81. James Sprague, 1778, 88, 91. John Parker, 1779. William Frink, 1779. Elijah Howe, 1779. John Worster, 1780, 82. Thomas Sprague, 1781, 82, 83, 84,

86, 97, 98, 99, 1800, 01, 02, 03,

04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 16. John Sumner, 1785, 87, 88, 89, 90,

94. Benjamin Bemis, 1785. John Muzzy, jun. T785. Robert Luther, 1787, 88, 89, 90, 91,

92, 93, 94.

^ The following persons were chosen selectmen of Leicester, while resi- ding there. Benjamin Johnson, 1725, 1733, 1738, 1739, 1743, Samuel Gapen, 1737, 1738. James Wilson, 1730.

The following persons were selectmen of Leicester and Spencer, while re- siding in Spencer. Benjamin Johnson, 1749. James Wilson, 1746, 1747, 1748, 1751. Samuel Garfield, 1745. Moses Smith, 1745, 1750, 1762, 1753. The two last named were never inhabitants of Leicester.

HISTOHY OF SPENCEE

149

Isaac Jenks, 1792.

Jonas Bemis, 1793, 1315.

Zorobabel Baldwin, 1795, 96, 1815,

22. William Bemis, 1801, 03, 04, 05, 06,

13,21, 22,27, 31,32. James Draper, 1804, 05, 06, 07, 17,

23, 24, 25, 27, 28. 29, 31, 32, 33,

34, 35, 36, 41, 42, 43, 45, 47, 48,

49,50,51,52. Frederick Howe, 1807, 08, 09, 10,

11,12,13,16,17,18,19,20,21,

22, 26. Moses Hall, 1808, 09, 10, 14, 26. Silas Bemis, 1809, 13, 14. Elijah Howe, 1810, 11. Nathan N. Harding, 1811, 12. Rufus Adams, 1812, 15, 17, 18, 26,

44, 46, 54. David Draper, 1814, 15, 18, 19. John Boyden, 1819, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25. Jacob Wilson, 1820, 23, 24, 25, 30,

32, 37. Walter Sibley, 1827, 28, 29, 31, 33,

34, 35, 39, 40.

William Baldwin, 1828, 36, 37, 38, 41,42,43,44, 46,47,48,49,50,

51. Walton Livermore, 1829. Jonas Guilford, 1830, Jeremiah Grout, 1833, 34, 35. Pliny Allen, 1836, 38, 39, 40, 53. Daniel Capen, 1837, 53. Dennis Ward, 1838. Lory Grout, 1839, 40. David Bemis, 1841, 42, 43,45, 4G. 47,

48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 65, 66, 67, 58,

59, 60. Silas Eldridge, 1844, 45. George L. Hobbs, 1852, 69, 60. Alonzo Temple, 1853. William Henshaw, 1854. Henry Belcher, 1854. George H. Livermore, 1855, 56, 67. Francis Adams, jun., 1855, 66, 57. William Upham, 1858, 59. Asa T. Jones, 1858. Nathan Hersey, 1860.

TOWN CLERKS.

Benjamin Johnson, 1753.

John Muzzy, 1754, 55, 66, 61, 62, 71, 72, 73, 74.

Samuel Bemis, Jun., 1757, 58,59, 60.

James Draper, 1763, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70.

John Elliot, 1766.

John Bisco, 1775, 76, 77.

William White, 1778.

Ebenezer Mason, 1779, 80, 83, 84, 85.

Benjamin Bemis, 1781, 82, 86.

Benjamin Drury, 1787, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

James Draper, 1813.

David Draper, 1820, 21.

William Pope. 1822, 23, 24, 25, 26,

27, 28, 29. Lewis Bemis, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,

37,38,39,40, 41. Eleazer B, Draper, 1842, 43, 44, 45. Charles E. Denny, 1846, 47, 48, 49,

50, 61, 52. Edward C. Dyer, 1853, 54, 55, 56, 57,

58. Erastus Jones, 1859, 60.

150

HISTOEY OF SPENCER,

TOWN TEEASURERS..

Benjamin Johnson, 1753, 5i:,5ii, 5G. Oliver Watson, 1757, 58, 59, 60, 61,

62, 63, 64:, 65, 66, 67, 6S. John White, Jun., 1769, 70, 71, 75. David Lamb, 1772, 73, 74. John Muzzy, Jun., 1776, 77, 7S, 79,

80, 81, 82, 86, 87. John Bisco, 1783, 84, 85, 90, 91, 92,

93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800,

01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07. John Sumner, 1783, 89. William White, 1808, 09. Elliot Mason, ISIO. Nathan Crage, 1811, 12, 13.

James Draper, 1814, 15,35, 36,37, 38, 30, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45.

Joseph Mason, 1816, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21.

Walton Livermore, 1822, 23, 24,25.

Lewis Bemis, 1826, 27, 28, 29.

William Pope, 1830.

Eli Jones, 1831, 32, 33, 34.

Leonard Warren, 1S44.

Dennis Ward, 1846, 47, 48, 49, 60, 61, 52.

William Henshaw, 1853, 64, 55.

George H. Livermore, 1856, 57, 68, 59, 60.

VOTES FOR GOVERNOR.

The first column indicates the year ; the second the suc- cessful candidate ; the third the number of votes he received ; the fourth the opposition or unsuccessful candidate ; fifth, the number of votes he received. Scattering votes, if less than ten, are not noticed in this table.

Date.	. Candidates.	Votes. Candidates.	Votes.
1780	John Hancock,	69 No opposition.
1781	John Hancock,	20 T. Gushing,	9
1782	John Hancock,	23 T. Gushing,	38
1783	John Hancock,	85 No opposition.
1784	John Hancock,	48 No opposition.
1785	James Bowdoin,	N. Gorham,	34
1786	James Bowdoin,	N. Gorham,	41
1787	John Hancock,	87 J. Bowdoin,	7
1788	John Hancock,	76 Elbridge Gerry,	7
1789	John Hancock,	72 J. Bowdoin,	1
1790	John Hancock,	67 No opposition.
1791	John Hancock,	71 "
1792	John Hancock,	78 Samuel Phillips,	.2

	H I S T 0 K T	0 F s	P E N C E E .	151
1793	John Hancock,	64	No opposition.
1794	Samuel Adams,	61	(( ((
1795	Samuel Adams,	61	(( <i
1796	Samuel Adams,	75	Increase Sumner,	/
1797	Increase Sumner,	20	James Sullivan, Moses Gill,	21 22
1798	Increase Sumner,	30	James Sullivan,	3
1799	Increase Sumner,	43	William Heath,	23
1800	Caleb Strong,	8	Elbridge Gerry,	81
1801	Caleb Strong,	64	Elbridge Gerry,	43
1802	Caleb Strong,	100	Elbridge Gerry,	22
1803	Caleb Strong,	85	Elbridge Gerry,	8
1804	Caleb Strong,	106	James Sullivan,	20
1805	Caleb Strong,	109	James Sullivan,	62
1806	Caleb Strong,	88	James Sullivan,	50
1807	James Sullivan,	01	Caleb Strong,	101
1808	James Sullivan,	87	Christopher Gore,	90
1809	Christopher Gore,	108	Levi Lincoln,	107
1810	Elbridge Gerry,	125	Christopher Gore,	110
1811	Elbridge Gerry,	131	Christopher Gore,	96
1812	Caleb Strong,	115	Elbridge Gerry,	130
1813	Caleb Strong,	• 124	Joseph B. Varnum,	118
1814	Caleb Strong,	132	Samuel Dexter,	131
1815	Caleb Strong,	124	Samuel Dexter,	124
1816	John Brooks,	115	Samuel Dexter,	106
1817	John Brooks,	113	Henry Dearborn,	95
1818	John Brooks,	08	B. Crowningshield,	78
1819	John Brooks,	102	B. Crowningshield,	82
1820	John Brooks,	85	William Eustis,	76
1821	John Brooks,	97	William Eustis,	83
1822	John Brooks,	101	William Eustis,	72
1823	William Eustis,	105	Harrison Gray Otis,	101
1824	William Eustis,	117	Samuel Lathrop,	133
1825	Levi Lincoln,		Marcus Morton,	80
1826	Levi Lincoln,		James Lloyd,	78

152	HISTORY	OF SPENCEE.
1827	Levi Lincoln,	72 Wm. C. Jarvis,	24
1828	Levi Lincoln,	73 Marcus Morton,
1829	Levi Lincoln,	49 Marcus Morton,	18
1830	Levi Lincoln,	90 Marcus Morton,	58
1831	Levi Lincoln,	90 Marcus Morton,	37
1832	Levi Lincoln,*^	80 Marcus Morton,	19
1833	Levi Lincoln,	140 Marcus Morton,	29
1834	John Davis,	162 Marcus Morton,	•J w
183o	John Davis,	189 Marcus Morton,	20
183G	Edward Everett,	94 Marcus Morton,	23
1837	Edward Everett,	147 Marcus Morton,	38
1838	Edward Everett,	104 Marcus Morton,	41
1839	Edward Everett,	152 Marcus Morton,	102
1840	Marcus Morton,	127 Edward Everett,	160
1841	John Davis,	19G Marcus Morton,	115
1842	John Davis,	170 Marcus Blorton,	110
1843	John Davis,	188 Marcus Morton,	141
1844	George N. Briggs,	188 Marcus Morton,	153
((		Samuel E. Sewell,	12
184o	George N. Briggs,	218 George Bancroft,	155
<<		Samuel E. Sewall,	14
184G	George N. Briggs,	183 Isaac Davis,	100
(<		Samuel E. Sewall,	17
1847	George N. Briggs,	1G9 Isaac Davis,	103
((		S. E. Sewall,	18
1848	George N. Briggs,	179 Caleb Gushing,	105
((		S. E. Sewall,	18
1849	George N. Briggs,	128 Caleb Cushing,	G9
(<		Stephen C. Phillips,	9D
1850	George N. Briggs,	142 George S. Boutwell,	94
((		Stephen C. Phillips,	74

^' The political year having been altered in 1831, the votes indicated to have been given in 1832, and in the years afterwards, were given in No- vember previous, as the term of oflBce did not commence until the first Wednesday in the next January.

«

KISTOET OF SPENCE-B. 153

1851 George S. Boutwell, 105 George N. Bn'ggs, 147

. ^. Stephen C. Phillips, 73

1852 George S. Boutwell, 149 Robert C. Winthrop, 204

John G. Palfrey %

1853 John H. Cliflford, 221 Henry W. Bishop, 140 « Horace Mann, 121

1854 Emory Washburn, 182 H. W. Bishop, 131 " Henry Wilson, 105

1855 Henry J. Gardner, 81 Emory Washburn, 110

Henry Wilson, 67

- ■- H. W. Bishop, 46

1856 Henry J. Gardner, 47 Julius Eoekwell, 140 " , . Erasmus D. Beach, 108

: « ^ . . Samuel H. Walley, 25

1857 Henry J. Gardner, 209 E. D. Beach, 52 " Josiah Quincy, 18

1858 Nathaniel P. Banks, 211 H.J. Gardner, 61

E. D. Beach, 27

1859 Nathaniel P. Banks, 196 E. D. Beach, 47

1860 Nathaniel P. Banks, 181 B. F. Butler, 52 " George N. Briggs, 19

1861 John A. Andrew, 330 Erasmus D. Beach, 82 '• Amos A. Lawrence, 14

DEATHS OF AGED PERSONS.

The following is a list of the deaths of persons, being all that could be obtained, of the age of 80 years and upwards, with the date of their decease.

Names. Age.	Date,	Names.	Age.	Date.
Robert Cunningham, 89	1766	Martha Green,	84	1847
Archibald Lamond, 94	1771	Rebekah Prouty,	86	1847
Margaret Lamond, 89	1775	Mary Bemis,	85	1847
Elizabeth Ormes, lOOfj	1785	Nathan Bemis,	83	1847
John Read, 88	1787	Hannah Bemis,	84	1847
John Cunningham, 89	1789	Olive Grout,	86	1848
14	.

154

HISTOKT OF SPENCEK

Jonathan Wood, 94 1796 Experience Ward, 91 1798 Lydia Clark, 93 1800

Knight Sprague, 93 1804

Asa Baldwin, 89 1811

Abigail Baldwin, 94 1817

John Muzzy, 82 1819

Ruth Converse, 83 1821

Thomas White, 90 1822

Asher Rice, 89 1823

Hannah Prouty, 85 1827

Grace Wilson, 80 1826 Oliver Watson, Jan., 83 1826

Lovinia Wilson, 86 1830

Ruth Jenks, 85 1833

Benjamin Green, 80 1835

Chloe Sprague, 80 1835

John Brewer, 84 1836

Jesse Bemis, 85 1836

David Bemis, 81 1836

Elizabeth Saddler, 94 1828

Robert Luther, 91 1829

Israel Allen, 90 1833

Daniel Hill, 93 1837

Levi Baldwin, 82 1837

Mary Hill, 87 1830

Hannah Rouso, 83 1838

James Snow, 82 1839

Mary Livermore, 81 1841

Andrew Morgan, 81 1841

Jesse Cutter, 88 1841

Olive Stebbings, 96 1840

Abigail Read, 81 1842

Lucretia Lamb, 88 1842

Lucy Bemis, 80 1842

Amasa Bemis, 85 1843

Lucy Watson, 88 1843

Benjamin Drury, 85 1843

Lydia Guilford, Lydia Jones, Betsey Crage, Bathsheba Brown, Aaron Bannister, Frederick Howe, Elizabeth Steams, Ruth Watson, Jonathan Grout, Elijah Hersey, Edmund Muzzy, Phineas Jones, Susannah Brewer, Lucy Hapgood, Abigail Crackbone, Paul Sibley, Dolly Hobbs, Fanny Bannister, Hannah Jones, Sarah Howe, Isaac Lamb, Ann Moore, Zenas Draper, Hannah Morse, Polly Haskins, Dolly Gleason, Edmund Newton, Reuben Prouty, Thankful Woodis, Anna Prouty, Elizabeth Watson, Abigail Woodard, Nathan White, Sarah Newhall, Anna Pope, Abigail Wilson, Abner Howland, Sarah Munroe,

88 1848

83 1848

84 1848 90 1848 84 1848

84 1848 88 1849

98 1849 86 1849

99 1850 86 1850 88 1850 82 1850

85 1851 , 87 1851

82 1852 85 1852 81 1852 84 1852

84 1852

88 1853 80 1853 80 1853

85 1853

89 1853

83 1853

90 1854

85 1856

89 1-656

86 1855 88 1855

83 1855

84 1857 88 1858

104,'j 1859 92 1859

90 1859

91 1859

HIS	TCI	L T 0	F SPENCES.		155
Tyler Marsh,	80	1843	Reuben Newhall,	89	1859
John Bigelow,	86	1843	Ruth Howland,	88	1860
Abigail Bowen,	85	1844	Jennison Barton,	86	1860
Ruth White,	80	1844	Samuel Bemis,	83	1776
Mehitable Cutter,	90	1844	John White,	84	1778
Nathan Prouty,	83	1844	Martha Read,	82	1791
William Watson,	94	1844	Sibbillah White,	88	1794
Eunice Ryan,	81	1845	Oliver Seager,	83	1803
Asa Bowen,	85	1845	Oliver Watson, senior	,86	1804
Joseph Wheat,	89	1845	Edmund Bemis,	90	1810
Jonas Bemis,	85	1846	James Prouty,	83	1813
Lydia Rogers,	80	1846	Rebekah Bemis,	86	1819
Lucretia Woodward,	84	1846	John Stebbings,	88	1821
Daniel Hobbs,	80	1846	Martha Read, 2d,	85	1824
Ebenezer Mason,	85	1846	William White,	82	1826
Deborah Capen,	83	1846	Elizabeth Pierce,	93	1827
Sarah Cunningham,	83	1847

REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS.

The followino- are the names of some of the soldiers in the Revolutionary War, originally from this town, who have since received pensions from government, either personally or by their widows.

Jesse Bemis, Amasa Bemis, Jonas Bemis, John Bigelow, James Bigelow, Samuel Baldwin, Levi Baldwin, Timothy Capen, Abijah Capen, James Capen, Gershom Comins,

Joel Howe, Nathaniel Lamb, Andrew Morgan, Amos MunroCj Thomas Moor, Johnson Prouty, Joshua Prouty, Eli Prouty, Elijah Prouty, Elisha Prouty, Shadrach Peirce,

156 HISTOEY OF SPENCER.

Simeon Draper, Caleb Seager,

Samuel Garfield, Benjamin Sumner,

Joseph Garfield, James Watson,

Samuel Guilford, Thomas White,

Jesse Graham, Thaddeus White,

Benjamin Hager, Joseph Wheat,

Levi Hathaway, Sylvanus Gates.

The following are the names of those revolutionary sol- diers who went into the service from other towns, and, being since residents, have received pensions, either personally or by their widows :

Elias Adams, Alvan Howe,

Israel Allen, Phineas Jones,

Pwufus Bacon, Henry Rixford,

John Clark, James Snow,

Nathan Crage, Paul Wheelock,

Elisha Harrington, Asa Humphrey.

CASUALTDES.

The following casualties to life and property, are all that I have been able to rescue from the oblivion to which many of them have been long consigned.

April 15, 1785, Mr. Jacob Upham, who lived on the farm formerly owned by Josiah Green, and lately by Samuel Adams, was killed by a fall from his horse, in the great post road, a few rods west of the house of Deacon Oliver Watson, now owned by Mr. Ebenezer A. Howard, aged 56.

1797, Mr. Jonathan Moulton, aged about 21, was drowned in the mill pond of a Mr. Witt, a few rods west of North Brookfield line. He belonged to Spencer.

September 1, 1798, Simeon Wood, son of Simeon Wood, aged 18, and William Snow, son of James Snow, aged 16, were both instantly killed at the raising of a barn, where Dwight Walker now lives^ one side of the building having

HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 157

been raised to a perpendicular position, and not having been properly secured, it fell back on the people.

July 8, 1815, Horace Prouty, son of Mr. Joseph Prouty, aged 17, was drowned in the mill pond of Mr. Israei Allen, now owned by Mr. Otis Newhall. Valentine Hill drowned, June 5, 1831, aged 21.

June 18, 1823, Mrs. Betsey Boynes, wife of Mr. William S. Boynes, was instantly killed by lightning, in the house now owned by William Henry ; she having an infant in her arms at the same time, who was but little injured, and is now living in this town. This is the only instance of this kind that ever happened in Spencer.

February 25, 1837, the woolen factory of Amos Brown & Co. was destroyed by fire, being fully insured.

1839, the woolen factory of Chapin and Prouty, was mostly destroyed by fire. Insured.

April 21, 1840, the powder mill of Bemis and Hall de- stroyed by explosion, killing three men, viz., Lyman Bul- lard, Abijah Bemis and Francis Burrows.

April 25, 1840, A large fire in the Central Village. The dwelling house and barn of David Gates, a large building, containing a carpenter, wheelwright and blacksmith shop, and a tannery of Samuel Barnes, were consumed. But a small insurance.

October 13, 1840. Another powder mill of Bemis &, Hall destroyed by explosion. No lives lost. Damage )55-000. No insurance.

May 1, 1843. A storm of rain, accompanied with a high wind, which blew over the steeple of the Congregational meeting house, and by a complete summerset was driven point-foremost through the roof and ceiling into the pews below, doing much damage.

September 2, 1848, Capt. John N, Prouty of this town was instantly killed at the city of Worcester, by being run over by the Brattleboro' stage, aged 54.

158 HISTORY OF SPENCER.

December 28, 1849. The large brick house of John Lud- den destroyed by fire. Partially insured.

June 28, 1852. The barn of Col. William LivermOre, with hay and other property, was burned by an incendiary. Partially insured.

September, 1852. The cotton factory of William Hen- shaw was burned. Insured.

December 15, 1852. The factory of James Draper, occu- pied by Eli J. Whittemore, was partially destroyed by fire. Insured.

November 4, 1853. The powder mill of Lewis Bemis was destroyed by explosion, killing five men, viz., Richard Avis, Henry Avis, George Swallow, Richard Perkins, and ■■ McLaughlin. There have been eleven persons killed at the same place by explosions.

August 2, 1356. Two little sons of Mr. Charles C. C. Smith of Boston, viz., Charles A. Smith aged ] 2, and Osceola Smith aged 10, on a visit to their grandmother in Spencer, strayed away unknown to any person, and were, both found drowned in Moose Pond in this town.

December 5, 1856. The dwelling house of George Bemis, 2d, and all its contents of household furniture, wearing ap- parel, provisions, books, and between ^150 and ^200 in money, burned at mid-day. Insured |$|2,000.

July 21, 1858. Mr. Erastus L. Sanderson, was instantly killed in his sash and blind factory by the breaking of ma- chinery, breaking his skull and scattering his brains, aged 38.

1859. The sash and blind factory of Barnes and Mullett was destroyed by fire, with their tools and machinery. In- sured ^2,000.

Besides the above, the barns of Elisha Prouty and John Wilson have been burned by lightning, and the dwelling houses of Richard Beers and Thomas L. Saddler have been destroyed by fire. Dates not obtained.

HISTOKT OF SPENCEB. 159

GENEALOGIES, ETC.

The following record of births, deaths, and marriages, though imperfect, has been obtained by much pains and labor. Some families, who have resided in this town for longer or shorter periods, and then finally left the town, leaving no posterity or any other vestiges that they were ever inhabitants of the town, have been omitted. The gen- ealogies of some other families are here imperfect, as only imperfect records could be obtained. The foreign popula- tion has been generally omitted, as their residence has been very recent, fluctuating and but few permanently settled.

Adams David, from Med way in 1734, purchased part of lot 65. His children by his wife Abigail were, David, born February 10, 1744; Amos, February 15, 1746; Abigail, May 14, 1748; Christian, Nov. 26, 1750 ; Jemima, April 3, 1753 ; Lydia, October 26, 1755; Persis, October 24, 1757; Jonathan, May 27, 1761. Amos was married to Mary Lynde of Leicester, February 25, 1766, and removed to Brookfield. Christian to Ebenezer White of Charlton, Feb- ruary 22, 1770 ; Jemima to Jude Adams of Brookfield, Au- gust 29, 1771 ; Persis to Caleb Nichols of Leicester, June 13, 1780. His wife Abigail died March 22, 1801.

Adams David, son of the above, was m. to Martha Mc- Clure, March 1, 1770. He inherited the homestead. His children, David, b. July 26, 1772 ; Olive, October 16, 1774 ; Rufus, January 1784. Persis died young. His wife Mar- tha died, and he was again m. to Hannah Bemis, April 3, 1793. Their only child Betsey, m. to Alpha Bemis. Mr. Adams died November 4, 1815, aged 72.

Adams David, son of the above, was never married, d. May 5, 1848, aged 75,

Adams Rufus, inherited the homestead, has been repre- sentative, selectman, and assessor, and m. to Susannah

160 HISTOBT OF SPENCEE.

Guilford, April 2G, 1812 ; children, Adaline, b. Dec. 28 1813 ; Susan, Sept. 19, 1817.

Adams Francis, m. to Dolly Newhall, June 15, 1806. Children, Mary, b. October 1600; Uriel, Sept. 10, 1808; Eebekah, March 12, 1811 ; Francis, Feb. 7, 1813. His wife Dolly died, and he was m. to Almira Snow, March 4, 1830. Their child, Adaline Newhall, b. October IG, 1831.

Adams Francis, Jun., m. to Lucretia S. Dunbar, April 22, 18-11. Children, Henry Francis, b. July 21, 1843 ; Lucre- tia Maria, June 24, 1845; Ariel Heywood, Dec. 23, 1846; George Dunbar, Nov. 15, 1848; Charles Edward, March 6, 1851 ; Clary May, May 28, 1853 ; AVilliam Homer, July 17, 1855 ; John Muzzy, Sept. 26, 1857. Mr. Adams has been assessor and is now D. Sheriff.

Allen Israel, from Shrewsbury, 1783, settled on lot (13). This lot was an entire wilderness, and the only re- maining one in Spencer then in a state of nature. But by the industry of himself and sons, much of the forest soon disappeared : a house and barn were built, and soon after a saw and grist mill. Mr. Allen was a soldier of the revolu- tion, and fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. Children, Silas, Ivory, Jemima, Junia, Ashbel, born in Shrewsbury. Alvan, born in Spencer, January 1, 1787. His wife Thank- ful died October 25, 1805, aged GO, and he was ra. to Mrs. Sarah Bennett, 1807. She died 1818. He d. July 17, 1833, aged 90. The farm is now owned by his grandson, Pliny Allen.

Allen Silas, son of the above, m. to Betsey Cunning- ham, Oct. 20, 1791. Children, Susannah, b. Oct. 17,1792; Nancy, March 9, 1795 ; Ethan, May 24, 1801 ; John, March 5, 1803. His wife died May 3, 1811, was m. to Phebe Knapp, Nov. 15, 1815 ; Silas, b. Feb. 14, 1817 ; Mr. Allen d. Jan. 11, 1834.

Allen Ivory, m. to Susannah Cunningham, Nov. 11,

HISTOKY OF SPENCEE. 161

1800; Pliny, b. Oct. 14, 1802 ; Wilber, Oct. 17, 1805 ; Dar- ius, July 30, 1807. Mr. Allen took the homestead, and d. July 26, 1836, aged QQ. His wife d. January 7, 1832, aged 56.

Allen Junta, m. to Lucy Newton, Oct. 10, 1804. Ee- moved to Maine.

Allen Ashbel, m. to Eleanor Mixter of Hardwick. Children, Asa Mixter, b. Nov. 19, 1806 ; Liberty, Sept. 5, 1809; Daniel, Aug. 21, 1811 ; Albert, March 14, 1814.

Allen Alvan, m. to Mehitable Goodnow, Feb. 1800. Caroline, b. May 5, 1801; Oshea, Sept. 8, 1802; Alvan, Jan. 6, 1815 ; David G. Feb. 27, 1816 ; Angelina, April 3, 1818. He d. Oct. 12, 1840, aged 56.

Allen Pliny, s. of Ivory, m. to Sarah Barnes, 1828. He received the homestead ; has been an assessor. Children, Mary Alvira, b. Dec. 13, 1829 ; John Heyden, Jan 10, 1832 ; Clementine, Dec. 29, 1833 ; David Barnes, May 22,. 1836 ; Theodore, May 23, 1838 ; Sarah B. June 17, 1839 ; George Eluna, June 13, 1844 ; Susan Ann, Oct. 13, 1847.

Allen Wilber, ra. to Emeline Lamb. Ellen Lavina, b, Feb. 28, 1845; Lauriston M. Dec. 20, 1847 ; Juliett Fran- ces, March 30, 1852.

Allen David, from Oxford Gore, 1735, settled on the north part of lot (61) now owned by Paul Sibley. He m. Esther Newhall of Leicester, July 10, 1782. After her decease, m. Sarah Barton, June 6, 1751. Becoming infirm in bodily health, he gave an undivided half of his farm to his brother-in-law, John Newhall, in consideration of being supported through life. He died without issue.

Bemis Samuel, came from Watertown, 1721, and was the second settler in Spencer. He was born 1688, was m. to Sarah Barnard of Sudbury. He was doubtless, a descendant of Joseph Bemis, who came from England to Watertown, in 1640, and was probably the ancestor of all who bear that name in this part of New England. He purchased 400

162 HISTOKY OF SPENCEK.

acres of the easterly part of lots (29) and (30). He com- menced felling the ancient forest, which covered his farm, before he removed his family here. At that time the Indians had not all retired from this part of the country, and some of them frequently came into his cabin and tar- ried with him through the night, but their presence was very oflPensive to him. In 1722, when his wife was about to give birth to her third son (William), fearing the Indians, she made a journey to Sudbury, for safety during that criti- cal period, and when her little son was only two weeks old, she rode home on horseback, a distance of nearly fifty miles in one day, and carried her infant in her arms, although the greatest part of the distance the road, such as it was, passed through an entire wilderness ! He acquired a hand- some estate, and built the first frame house in town, a build- ing of two stories, which stood on the site of the present house of Mr. Robinson, and was taken down a few years since. His wife Sarah died September 30, 1756. His children were Samuel, b. May 1716; Edmund, Nov. 1, 1720; William, Nov. 1, 1722; Nathaniel, 1725; Sarah, Dec. 12, 1727; Joshua, July 14, 1729; Elizabeth, 1732 ; Jonas, March 25, 1737. The following is the inscription on his tomb stone.

" In memory of Mr. Samuel Bemis, one of the first settlers of the town, who died August 1776, in his 8iih year.

" Where nothing dwelt but beasts of prey,

Or men as fierce and wild as they, Our kind forefathers did repair,

And built us towns and cities there."

Samuel Bemis, son of Samuel Bemis, m. Eebekah New- hall of Leicester, January 9, 1740. She died leaving no children. He was then m. to Mary Johnson, da. of Capt. Benjamin Johnson, Nov. 11, 1742. Children, Benjamin, b. January 18, 1744; Mary, Dec. 3, 1745 ; Eebekah, Jan. 2, 1747; Samuel, Sept. 18, 1749; Reuben, June 10, 1752;

HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 163

Bulah, Sept. 26, 1754. His wife Mary d. Jan. 3, 1760. Again m. Mehitable Dunnell, by whom he had Lydia, b. May 10, 1761 ; Jonathan, April 9, 1765 ; Joel, Feb. 7, 1768 ; Judith, Aug. 27, 1769 ; Wait, June 20, 1772. In 1742, he purchased a part of lot (56,) where he built a house, on the hill north of Dexter Converse. He afterwards lived in various parts of the town, and died, August 15> 1793, in a house near the house of Paul Sibley, aged 77. His wife Mehitable d. Feb. 24, 1807.

Bemis Benjamin, son of the above, m. Kebekah Draper, da. of James Draper, Nov. 1, 1768. Mary, b. January 29, 1770; Mehitable, Nov. 12, 1772; Rebekah, Aug. 17, 1774; Martha, April 13, 1777 ; Reuben, Aug. 25, 1779 ; Benjamin, July 5, 1781 ; James Draper, July 1, 1783.

Bemis Rebekah, d. of Samuel, jun,, m. Allen Newhall, July 2, 1765. Mart m. Nathan Hamilton of Brookfield, April 21, 1763.

Bemis Reuben, s. of Samuel jun., m. Abigail Smith of Charlton, December 26, 1776. Abigail, da. of Reuben, b. Oct. 29, 1777, and Abigail, the mother, d. same day. He again m. Sibilah Bemis, d. of William Bemis, Aug. 27, 1778. Jemima, b. Nov. 4, 1778. Hed. Jan. 18, 1779, aged 26.

Bemis Samuel, s. of Samuel jun., m. Anna ,

Children,.^ John, b. Sept. 2, 1780; Anna, April 19, 1784; Adah, Feb. 11, 1786.

Bemis Joel, m. Nancy Jenks, of Brookfield, April 17, 1791, and removed to Lyndon, Vermont.

Bemis Judith, m. Jonaa Bemis.

Bemis Wait, m. Relief Ayres of Brookfield, January 1, 1795. Removed to Lyndon, A^t,

Bemis Edmund, s. of Samuel, senior, m. Eunice Chadwick, of Western, (Warren) 1749. John, b. Sept. 3, 1749 ; Jo- seph, Nov. 20, 1750 ; Susannah, May 3, 1752 ; Phineas, Oct. 7, 1754; Eleazer, May 24, 1756; Ruth, Dec. 29, 1757; Lydia, March 29, 1760. His wife Eunice d. April 13, 1761.

164 HISTOKT OF 8PENCEH

Ao"ain m. Mrs. Smith of Charlton. He settled on a part of the homestead, but finally purchased lot (80) in 1769, where he died, Dec. 1810, aged 90, and where four of his grand- children still remain.

He was a lieutenant at the capture of Louishurgh in 1745, and captain in the expedition of Crown Point, 1755 and 175G. The following obituary notice appeared in the Mas- sachusetts Spy, Dec. 26, 1810: " Died in Spencer, Capt. Ed- mund Bemis, aged 90. There are some things worthy of record in the life of this aged and war-worn veteran. His father was one of the first settlers of Spencer, having re- moved from Sudbury about the time of the birth of this son, or about the year 1720. This son, Edmund, has been very remarkable for his habits of honesty, industry and tem- perance, which produced a long life of health and happiness. He early entered into the service of his country, and was a lieutenant at the reduction of Louishurgh in the year 1745. At this siege he was a zealous and active ofiicer. After the French had surrendered to the victorious arms of New Eng- land, it was found they had spiked their cannon, intending thereby to render them entirely useless to the captors. It had been heretofore deemed an impracticable thing, after a gun was thus spiked, to drill it out, or by any other method whatever, to render it again fit for service. The command- er of the American forces offered a premium to any one who would undertake the task, if he should prove successful. Lieut. Bemis undertook it, and by a process heretofore un- thought of, effected the desired object. Instead of drilling, as was supposed to be the only practicable method, he col- lected a large quantity of wood around the cannon, and set- ting it on fire, heated it to such a degree that, with a cold punch, the spike was easily driven into the barrel. Thus was he the author of a successful discovery to his country, which has ever since been followed with complete success. After the reduction of Louishurgh, he was a captain in the

HISTOET OF SPENCEE. 165

war with France, which succeeded, at the close of which he returned home, to seek that repose among his friends, which he has since enjoyed without interruption."

Bemis Joseph, s. of Edmund and his wife, Jemima, had Daniel, b. June 16, 1783 ; Polly, Feb. 22, 1785 ; William, Aug. 27, 1787 ; Patty, Jan. 27, 1790 ; Suky, June 23, 171)3 ; Eleazer, Nov. 17, 1794 ; Sylvanus, June IS, 1796 ; Sally, Aug. 7, 1799; John, Dec. 1801; Franklin, February 1, 1803. He received the homestead. Died Jan. 17, 1823, aged 70.

Bemis Ltdia, da. of Edmund, m. Enoch Knapp, Nov. 28, 1782.

Bemis William, s. of Samuel senior, m. Rebekah White, da» of John White senior, July o, 1750, Their children, Jesse, b. June 3, 1751 ; Sarah, June 3, 1783 ; David, Oct. 21, 1755 ; Sibbilah, Feb. 2, 1758 ; Eebekah, March 12, 1761 ; Persis, January 10, 1764 ; William, Aug, 18, 1766 ; Silas, May 14, 1770. He was a captain in militia, an honest man, and acquired a handsome estate. He died March 23, 1801, aged 78, His wife Rebekah died March 17, 1819, aged 86. He purchased the east end of lot (15) in 1746, The farm now owned by the late Artemas May.

Bemis Jesse, s. of the above, m. Hannah Bemis of Sut- ton, May 26, 1791. He d. April 21, 1836, aged So. She d. Dec. 8, 1847, aged 84. He left no children, and gave all his estate, after the decease of his wife, to his brothers and sisters, or their children.

Bemis Sarah, da. of William, m. Jonathan Baldwin, Esq. of Temple ton, Nov. 23, 1-732.

Bemis David, s. of William, m. Mary Lamb, Nov. 1, 1781. David, jun., b. Jan. 1, 1783 ; Polly, April 26, 1787 ; John, Jan. 13, 1790, Isaac, Dec. 17, 1792 ; Rebekah, March 16, 1795, William, May 7, 1797 ; Otis, Sept. 12, 1799 ; Lyman, Feb. 15, 1802 ; Austin, March 4, 1808. Otis d. June 11, 1838, aged 38; Lyman, d. Nov. 20, 1831, aged 15

166 HISTOKY OF SPENCER.

29 ; Austin, d. Feb. 14, 183G, aged 28. Mr. Bemis settled on the east end of lot (17). He d. Oct. 13, 1836, aged 81. His wife d. Sept. G, 1847, aged 85.

BExAiis David, s. of David, was a physician at East Hartford, Connecticut.

Bemis Polly, m. Caleb M. Morse, Oct. 7, 1813.

Bemis John, s. of David, m. Lucretia Brown of Paxton, May 18, 1818. John Emmons, b. Sept. 9, 1819 ; Clarissa Le- land, b. April 2(;, 1822; Absalom Russell, Nov. 27, 1820 ; Emeline Arista, Feb. 3, 1830; David, Nov. 25, 1832. He received the homestead.

Bemis Rebekah, da. of David, m. Otis Evans, Lyndon, Vt. April, 1849.

Bemis William, s. of David, m. Matilda Prouty, d. of Eleazer Prouty, Dec. 8, 1831. George Lyman, b. Nov. 1, 1832; Ruth Eliza, Aug. 20, 1834. His wife Matilda d. May 0, 1837, aged 20. Again m. Mary Lamb of Charlton, Nov. 28, 1833. Henry William, b. July 19, 1839 ; Otis, b. Jan. 24, 1847, Mr. Bemis was farmer and carpenter, and lived on the central part of lot (17).

Bemis William, s. of William senior, m. Lucretia Mirick of Princeton, 1802. Charles, b. Jan. 9, 1805, lives in Auburn, N. Y. ; Dexter, b. Aug. 5, 1806, was a member of Harvard College two years, d. in state of Mississippi, 1843 ; Jesse, b. March 12, 1808, d. at Mobile, Alabama, 1849; Elizabeth, b. March 17, 1811, and d. Feb. 14, 1822; David, b. Aug. 3, 1812. His wife Lucretia d. Jan. 5, 1814; again m. Catharine Eveleth of Princeton, May 1814; Lucretia Mirick, b. May 12, 1815 ; William, Dec. 14, 1816 ; George, July 25, 1818 ; Horace, June 25, 1821 ; Edward, July 27, 1824 ; Harriet Elizabeth, Oct. 8, 1831. Mr. Bemis had been lieutenant in the militia, selectman, assessor and rep- resentative, and d. Nov. 10, 1835, aged 69. He possessed a large real estate.

Bemis Silas, s. of William senior, m. Betsey Hunt, da. of

HISTOET OF SPENCEE. 167

Aaron Hunt, April 20, 1797. John, b. April 0, 1798 ; Laura, March 27,1800; Horace, Dec. 30, 1801; Silas, Jan. 14, 1805; Lavinia, March 5,1812; Elizabeth, July 12,1814. Mr. Bemis was captain of a company in Spencer, and assessor. Eemoved to Barre, 1815. Died ISGO, aged 90.

Bemis Sibbilah, da. of William senior, m. Keuben Bemis, Aug. 27, 1778.

Bemis Rebekah, da. of William senior, m. Eli Proutj, May 28, 1782.

Bemis Persis, da. of William senior, m. Zorobabel Bald- win, May 27, 1800.

Bemis David, s. of William jun., m. Selah Barton, May 30, 1839. Harriet Newhall, b. March 3, 1840, died Sept 7, 1841 : William Mirick, Jan. 15, 1849. Mr. Bemis was assessor several years.

Bemis George, s. of William jun., m. Emeline Warren. Charles Warren, b. Nov. 19, 1840 ; Emily Porter, Sept. 3, 1849; Henry Eveleth, Jan. 9, 1853; John Q., March 18, 1855.

Bemis Nathaniel, s. of Samuel senior, m, Ruth Harring- ton of Brookfield, Jan. 10, 1753. Hannah, b. May 23, 1753 ; Elizabeth, Oct. 1, 1755; Barnard, Nov. 2, 1757; Ruth, Aug. 13, 1758; Nathaniel, Aug. 29, 17G0 ; Nathan, May 11, 17G4 ; Betty, June G, 17GG ; Moses, May 14, 17G9. He. received 100 acres of the homestead, where John Bemis 2d, now lives, d. January 1784, aged 01. His wife Ruth d. Aug. 21, 1817.

Bemis Hannah, m. David Adams, April 3, 1793.

Bemis Elizabeth, m. Joel Howe, Oct. 0, 1785.

Bemis Barnard, m. Sarah Whittemore, Nov. 10, 1778.

Bemis Ruth, m. Timothy Green, Aug. 25, 1774. (All the above four, children of Nath'l Bemis.)

Bemis Nathaniel, s. of Nathaniel, m. Esther Converse, Oct. 23, 1791. Ruth, b. July 29, 1792, (died May 5, 1808.) Asaph, b. May G, 1794 ; Nathaniel, June 5, 179G ; Cephas,

168 HISTOKT OF BPENCEK.

Oct. 11, 1800 ; William, May 4, 1802. His wife Esther, d. March 27, 180G. Again m. Betsey Guilford, May 7, 181G. Eliza h. August 2,1816; George, Feb. 9, 1818; Moses, June 30, 1822. Mr. Bemisd. June 17, 1840, aged 80. His wife Betsey d. Sept. 5, 1855, aged 71.

Bemis Nathan, s. of Nathaniel senior, m. Lucy Guilford, Aug. 26, 1788. Betsey, b. May 10, 1790 ; John, March 6, 1792; Lucy, Dec. 8, 1793; Cynthia, January 12, 1796; Tilley and Cheney, July 6, 1798 ; Nathan. Betsey m. Benjamin Baldwin, Lucy m. Asa Bemis, Cynthia, m. Levi Baldwin, jun. Mr. Bemis inherited the homestead, and d. Nov. 12, 1847, aged 83. His wife Lucy d. Sept. 3, 1842, aged 80.

Bemis John, s. of Nathan, m. Samson Kendrick of North Brookfield, 1821. Lyman Wilkinson, b. March 29, 1824; Thomas Kendrick, Dec. 5, 1826 ; Cynthia Augusta, Dec. 11, 1828. Mrs. Bemis, d, July 7, 1830, Again m. Cynthia Baxter, Sept. 21, 1832. Mr. Bemis inherited tlie homestead.

Bemis Cheney, s. of Nathan, m. Martha Howe, da. of Joel Howe, Nov. 27, 1822. Tilly, b. Oct. 1, 1820 ; Caroline, Oct. 1, 1823 ; Hiram, Oct. 30, 1830 : Martha Ann, June 3, 1835 ; Charles, May 5, 1837 ; Alvin, Oct. 16, 1839 ; Elvira, Feb. 21, 1842 ; Lucy, June 11, 1844 ; Ella Elvira, Nov. 25, 1850.

Bemis Joshua, s. of Samuel senior, m. Sarah White, da. of John White senior, 1755. Martha, b. Oct. 15, 1755 ; Amasa, Oct. 10, 1757 ; Lucy, Oct. 22, 1760; Sarah, Feb. 10, 1763; Molly, May 5, 1765; Joshua, Oct. 21, 1768; Fanny, July 24, 1771 ; Elias, Dec. 23, 1773 ; Catharine, June 24, 1778; Esther, Nov. 14, 1780; Anna, Jan. 2, 1784. He received the homestead with 100 acres of land, where he died ]ilarch 24, 1789, aged 59. Mrs. Bemis d. June 2, 1791, aged 54.

Bemis Martha, da. of Joshua senior, m. Jonathan War- ren of Leicester, Jan. 3, 1775.

HISTOBT or SPENCEB. 169.

Bemis Amasa, s. of the above, m. Persis Bemis, Aug. 19, 1777. Benjamin, b. April 6, 1778. His wife Persis d. Nov. 9, 1795. Again m. Nancy Dunbar of Leicester, May 19, 1796. Charles, b. April 26, 1797 ; Amasa, Jan. 29, 1799 ; Persis, Jan. 19, 1801, (died April 14, 1814): Lucretia and Sarah, (twins) b. March 24, 1803 ; Danforth, June 24, 1805 ; Foster, Jan. 10, 1808 ; Dexter, Oct. 10, 1810. Mr. Bemis inherited the homestead of his father and grand-father, d. Nov. 21, 1842, aged 85. His wife died in the state of Wisconsin.

Bemis Charles, s. of Amasa, m. Laura Bemis, da. of Capt. Silas Bemis of Barre, 1820. Nancy b. October 4, 1821 ; Charles Horace, Oct. 6, 1823. Eemoved to Barre, had there Harriet, Ellen, Lucretia, John, James, Susan. He d. at Barre, 1842, aged 46. Widow and children removed to. Campbelltown, N. Y. He kept a public house in Spencer.

Bemis Amasa, jun., m. Laura Pike of Brookfield, 1817. ' Persis N. b. Aug. 20, 1818 ; Chandler, Feb. 8, 1820; Jo- shua, Feb. 2, 1822; Edwin A. Dec. 25, 1823; Lorenzo, Sept. 4, 1825. His wife Laura d. Feb. 21, 1829, aged S3. Again m. Sarah L. Pike, Dec. 28, 1820. Mr. Bemis was postmaster and kept the public house near the C. Meeting house. Died Feb. 20, 1831, aged 32. Persis m. Dexter Bullard.

BemiSi Danforth, m. Asenath Bemis. Edwin, b. Oct. 16, 1826; Augustus Franklin, Sept. 7, 1828; Amasa, Dec, 11, 1831 ; Oscar, Jan. 23, 1834 ; Louisa Maria, May 7, 1836 ; Amanda Elvira, April 30, 1838 ; Albert, March 15, 1840; Eleanor Adaline, July 9, 1842. Mr. Bemis d. Doc. 1, 1852, aged 47.

Bemis Chandler, s. of Amasa jun., m. Phebe Ann Clapp, July 5, 1844.

Bemis Edwin A., s. of Amasa jun., m. Julia D. Bemis of Leicester. Ella Maria, b, Nov. 22,1850; Edgar Watson, Oct. 17, 1852; Walter Clarence, Aug. 30, 1854; Arthur 15*

170 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

Chandler, Sept. 15, I80G ; Harry Edwin, June 27, 1858.

Bemis Lorenzo, s. of Araasa jun., m. Emeline Watson, da. of Charles Watson, May 15, 1840.

Bemis Lucy, da. of Joshua senior, m. Ebenezer Goodenow of Dedham, Feb. 27. 178G.

Bemis Sarah, da. of Joshua senior, m. Jesse Smith of Charlton, June 8, 1780.

Bemis Molly, da. of Joshua senior, m. Sylvester Bemis of Brookfield, June 16, 1785.

Bemis Joshua, s. of Joshua senior, m. Phehe Bemis, da. of Jonas Bemis, May 19, 1791. Joshua b. April 12, 1793 : Persis, Sept. 22, 1795 ; Lewis, Nov. 5, 1797 ; Sally, Jan. 23,1800 (died Dec. IG, 1813) ; Elias, b. Dec. 23, 1802; Martin, Dec. 2, 1804. His wife Phebe died. Again m. to Chloe Dunbar, April 25, 1805. She died April 3, 1818. He was again m. to Mrs. Lydia Prouty,' widow of William Prouty, July 28, 1819. Chloe, b. April 1, 1820 ; Joshua, July 31, 1822. Mr. Bemis d. Sept. 18, 1835, aged 67. His farm was part of lot 58, formerly owned by Luke Converse, now by Hiram Howe. Mr. Bemis had been a selectman, and accumulated a handsome estate.

Bemis Joshua, 3d, son of Joshua jun., m. Nancy Har- rington of Brookfield, Nov. 1817. Phebe, b. Sept. 16, 1818 ; Prudence, Nov. 26, 1820. He died Feb. 3, 1822.

Bemis Persis, da. of Joshua jun., m. Doct. Jonas Guilford, June 20, 1816.

Bemis Letvis, son of Joshua jun., m. Maria Stearns of Worcester, 1824. Lewis Ward, b. Aug. 19, 1826 ; Eliza- beth Stearns, Oct. 14, 1832; Frederick Augustus, Dec. 20, 1834 ; Janett, May 10, 1836. His wife Maria died. Again m. Dolly Ann Brigham of Northborough, 1842. Annie Hudson b. June 17, 1847 ; Emma Augusta, June 13, 1852, died 1860. Mr. Bemis died Nov. 8, 1856, aged 59. He was a merchant, farmer and manufacturer ; had been repre- sentative, town clerk and town treasurer.

HISTOET OF SPENCEB. 171

Bemis Elias, son of Joshua jun., m. Elmira Marsh, da. of Tjler Marsh, Sept. 15, 1825. Martin, born June 9, 1826 ; Sarah M. Feb. 25, 1828; Amasa, June 13, 1830 ; Angeline, Jan. 22, 1833; (died May 23, 1854, aged 21,) Maria A. July 31, 1835 ; Elias, July 22, 1837. Mr. Bemis inherited the homestead, died Dec. 11, 1844, aged 42. His wife El- mira died Sept. G, 1851, aged 48.

Bemis Martin, s. of Joshua jun., married Pamela B. King of Oxford, Feb. 26, 1834. Henry b. Dec. 13, 1836 ; Edwin,

. Mrs. Bemis d. He again m. to Lucy Garfield,

Nov. 3, 1842. He d. August 7, 1847, aged 42.

Bemis Joshua, the second Joshua of Joshua jun., m. to Elizabeth Adams of Brookfield. Harriet Eliza, b. June 15, 1844 ; Francis Amelia, Nov. 17, 1846 ; Braman Adams,

March 28, 1849 ; , June 16, 1851 ; John Sandford,

March 26, 1853.

Bemis Jonas, s. of Samuel senior, m. Dolly Wood, da. of Nathaniel Wood of Brookfield. Obadiah b. Oct. 9, 1758 ; Jonas, June 29, 1760; Israel, Dec. 9, 1762; Asa, Dec. 16, 1764; Dolly, Oct. 0, 1766 ; Phebe, March 27, 1768 ; Sarah, Oct. 15, 1769 ; Elijah, Jan. 19, 1772 ; Molly, July 25, 1774 ; Hannah, Jan. 30, 1779. His farm was part of lot 60. He was a soldier in the war with France 1756, and in the war of the revolution. He was very corpulent, weighing more than 400 lbs. He died May 7, 1790, aged d3. His wife Dolly d. June 26, 1814.

Bemis Obadiah, d. June 20, 1781, unmarried.

Bemis Jonas, jun., s. of Jonas senior, m. Judith Bemis,

da. of SamuelBemis, Jan. 1789. Catharine b. ; Alpha, '

March 1790; Asa, Jan. 2, 1792; Jonas, July 15, 1796;

(died May 9, 1817 ;) Louisa b. . Mr. Bemis was a soldier

during the war of the revolution, justice of the peace, select- man, assessor, and captain in the militia. He possessed the homestead, d. March 25, 1846, aged 85. His wife d. July 31, 1841, aged 72.

172 HISTORY OP BPENCEE.

Bemis Catharine, da. of Jonas, m. Sardine Muzzy, July 13, 180G.

Bemis Alpha, m. Betsey Adams, da. of David Adams, Dec. 7, 1817. Jonas, b. Oct. 2, 1818.

Bemis Asa, s. of Jonas jun,, m. Lucy Bemis, da. of Nathan Bemis, July 10, 1814. Maria b. Nov. 13, 1814 ; Nancy, Feb. 7, 1817; George Henry, June 12, 1819; Lewis, Oct. 0, 1821 ; Otis, Aug. 12, 1823 ; Edward

Bemis Louisa, da. of Jonas jun., m. Winthrop Livermore.

Bemis Fanny, da. of Joshua senior, m. Elijah Howe, jun., March 18, 1790.

Bemis Elias, s. of Joshua senior, married Content Jenks of Brookfield, Jan. 16, 1794. Kemoved to Lyndon, Vermont.

Bemis Catharine, da. of Joshua senior, m. James How- land, Jan. 24, 1799.

Bemis Esther, da. of Joshua senior, m. Joel Howe, Jan. 4, 1801.

Bemis Anna, da. of Joshua senior, m, Abraham Capen, May 25, 1817.

Bemis Sarah, da. of Jonas senior, m. Eeuben Newhall, March 4, 1790.

Bemis Hannah, da. of Jonas senior, m. Ezra Green.

Bemis Sarah, da. of Samuel Bemis, senior, m. Daniel Lynde of Leicester, June 20, 1751.

Bemis Elizabeth, da. of Samuel senior, m. Jonathan Moore of Worcester, July 10, 1755.

The above numerous name of Bemis, being the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth generations, are all, with many others not here inserted, descendants of Samuel Bemis, second settler in Spencer in 1720. Two of the third gener- ation are yet living, Hannah Green, 82, and Esther Howe, 80.

Bemis Amos, s. of Abijah Bemis of Paxton, had Edwin P. b. at Paxton, March 26, 1815 ; William Otis, b. at Leices- ter, Jan. 1,1819. His wife d. Again m. Huldah Tucker, da.

HISTOEY OF 8FENCEB. 173

of Ezekiel Tucker, June 28, 1830. Euth, b. at Paxton, Sept. 4, 1821, (died Nov. 10, 1844, aged 23,) George A. b. at Spencer, Sept. 17, 1824 ; Amasa T. June 30, 1831 ; Hen- ry H. May 13, 1833. Farm formerly owned by Ezekiel Tucker. Bemis Edwin P., s. of the above, m. Elizabeth F. Cheever, da. of Joseph Cheever, Dec. 5, 1844. Alston Otis, b. Sept. 30, 1849 ; Emma Elizabeth, March 28, 1851 ; Julia Henri- etta, March 1, 1853 ; Edwin Cheever, Oct. 2, 1856.

Bemis William 0., ra. Julia A. Stebbins, Nov. 28, 1850. Madaline Matilda, b. March 17, 1856.

Barton Joshua, originally from Oxford, from which place he came to Leicester, 1720. In 1737, he came to Spencer and settled on the north part of lot (67). He had several children by his wife Anna, viz. Joshua; Timothy, b. April 13, 1732 ; Nathan, July 23, 1734 ; Eeuben, March 28, 1738. The farm now owned by Jonas Guilford, 2d.

Barton Joshua, jun., m. Abigail Pratt of Framingham, 1750. Daniel, b. Aug. 25, 1751 ; Nathaniel, July 28, 1753 ; Margaret, Dec. 18, 1755 ; Reuben, April 28, 1758 ; Hannah, July 27; 1760; Tabitha, Oct. 21, 1763; Joshua, Oct. 9, 1766 ; Abia, Oct. 25, 1769. His farm is now owned by Silas Grout and others.

Barnes David, from Leicester, settled on the southeast parts of lots (46) and (47) in 1766, now owned by Sullivan Hill and others. He m. Rebekah Clarke, Dec. 23, 1762. Hannah, b. July 17, 1763 ; Lucy, Aug. 29, 1765; Eebekah, Sept. 10, 1767 ; Samuel, Dec. 27, 1769 ; Mary, Feb. 19, 1772; David, April 7, 1775; Sally, Nov. 5, 1777; (died April 24, 1792.) Patty, b. Aug. 2, 1781 ; Susan, Sept. 30, 1784. Mr. Barnes d. March 9, 1814. His wife d. May 10, 1797. He again m. Dolly Olds, Nov. 1803,

Barnes Hannah, da. of the above, m. Simeon Perry of Fitzwilliam, N. H., April 23, 1783.

Barnes Lucy, da. of David, m. Charles Deland of Brook- field, April 17, 1794.

174 HISTOET OF SPENCER.

Barnes Rebekah, m. David Jenks, July 26, 1780.

Barnes Samuel, s. of David, m. Betsey Green, da. of Wil- liam Green, May 15, 17 'J 7.

Barnes Mart, da. of David, m. John Prouty, May 24, 1801.

Barnes David, jun., m. Sarah Hall, da. of Samuel Hall, Dec. 31, 1801. Their only child on record is Bela, b. May

2, 1802. He d. Oct. 11, 1814, aged 39.

Barnes Patty, da. of David senior, m. Phillip Deland of Brookfield, Nov. 23, 1802.

Barnes Susan, m. Luther Pellet of Brookfield, March 14, 1811.

Barnes Samuel, s. of David, jun., m. Caroline W. Morse, da. of Oliver Morse, Nov. 8, 1838. Amanda Maria, b. July 26, 1844.

Baldwin Joseph, from Charlton, and settled on the west part of lot (oo) in 1760. The ancestors of the name of Baldwin came from England at an early period. One named Joseph, grandfather to the above, settled in Maiden. The farm was owned by his grandson, William Baldwin, Esqr., lately deceased. Children of Joseph were, Joseph, Samuel, William, Levi and Zorobabel, born before he came to Spen- cer, and Sarah, b. in Spencer, 1761. Mr. Baldwin d. June

3, 1700, aged 73. His wife Mary d. Jan. 7, 1795, aged 77. Baldwin Levi, s. of Joseph, m. Sarah Bemis, June 25,

1789. She died, and he m. Lydia Haven, Dec. 20, 1790. Simon, b. Dec. 9, 1792 ; Levi, May 13, 1798. Mr. Baldwin d. Peb. 25, 1837, aged 82.

Baldwin Simon, s. of the above, m. Polly Comins, da. of Gershom Comins, Jan. 10, 1813. Mary, b. April 23, 1813 ; Ehoda, July 26, 1815 ; Lydia, May 17, 1817 ; Augus- ta, Feb. 2, 1820; Lavinia, Aug. 16, 1822; Eliza, Nov. 16, 1824 ; Simon, May 5, 1827 ; Thomas Eussell, Sept. 15, 1829. His wife d. Sept. 1, 1838. Again m. Nancy Sibley, da. of Paul Sibley, June 3, 1840.

HISTOET OF SPENCEE. 175

Baldwin Levt, s. of Levi, m, Cynthia Bemis, da. of Na- than Bemis, Oct. 27, 1829. Charles, b. Xov. 0, 1830. Ee- moved to N. York.

Baldwin Samuel, a. of Joseph, m. Elizabeth Livermore. August 19, 1790. She died. He again m. Huldah Hamil- ton of Brookfield, Feb. IG, 1796.

ZoROBABEL BALDWIN m. Persis Bemis, da. of "William Bemis, March 27, 1800. William, b. April 16, 1801 ; Lucy, April 23, 1803. His wife d. He again m. Hannah Grout, da. of Jonathan Grout, March 19, 1812. Mr. Baldwin d, Feb. 21, 1824.

Baldwin William, s. of the above, m. Mary Howland, da. of Abner Howland, June 4, 1832. Mary Melinda, b. Aug. 28, 1837 ; John William, Sept. 2, 1839. Mr. Baldwin was justice of the peace, representative, selectman, assessor, and surveyor of land, inherited the farm of his father and grandfather, and d. Oct. 27, 1851, aged 50.

Baldwin David was an early settler in Spencer. He was from Hingham, and came on to lot (72) and built the house now standing, where John Sprague now lives, about 1740. He was b. 1701, and d. about 1777. He was the architect of the present Congregational meeting house, which was raised June 9, 1772. His children were Abigail, Asa, David, Zeb- ulon. Silence, Mary and Jonathan, Abigail was m. Elisha Cranson, July 24, 1746 ; David to Sibbilah White, da. of John White senior, June 9, 1763 ; Silence to John White, son of John senior, May 5, 1757 ; Mary to Daniel Bacon, August 3, 1758.

Baldwin Asa, s. of David senior, was a gentleman of re- spectability, was often chosen into town office, committee of correspondence, an officer in the war of the revolution, and major in the militia. He married Abigail White, widow of Henry White, March 7, 1750. He settled on the adjoining parts of lots 7S and 50, now owned by Asa B. Watson and Horace Eice. His children, Euth, born April 8, 1751 ; Chloe,

176 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

Oct.. 12, 175o; Olive, May 15, 1758; Lucy, July 10, 17G0. Euth m. Samuel Watson of Leicester, Jan, 28, 1773 ; Chloe to James Sprague, May 4, 1770 ; Olive to Peter Rice, Nov. 12, 1778 ; Lucy to Phineas Jones, Oct. 10, 1780.

Baldwin Jonathan, s. of David senior, b. 1742, removed to Templeton, was a justice of the peace, and m. Sarah Bemis, da. of Capt. William Bemis, for his second wife, Nov, 23, 1782.

Bisco John, Esq., from Cambridge, purchased the central part of lot 17 in 1763, where his grandson, Foster Bisco, now lives. Being a gentleman of good education, sound judgment, and unblemished moral character, he soon ac- quired the confidence of his fellow townsmen, and was pro- moted to the highest offices of honor and trust in their gift. He was either town clerk, selectman, assessor or treasurer, every year from 1767, to his death. Was representative to the General Court for 1777, 1780 and 1781, and a member of the convention for forming our State constitution in 1770. Was appointed justice of the peace by Governor Hancock, March 1, 1781, and deacon of the Congregational church, which office he held until his death. He was m, to Deborah Prouty, da. of Jacob Prouty, May 10, 1764. His children, John, b. May 20, 1765 ; Elizabeth, Oct. 0, 1767 ; Abijah, Feb. 7, 1770; Jacob, June 12, 1772; Abigail, July 25, 1777 ; Anna, March 8, 1780. His wife d. Feb. 22, 1705, aged 52 ; he again m. Mrs. Esther Moore of Worcester, No- vember the same year. The following inscription is on his tombstone :

" In memory of John Bisco, Esq., "Who died March 15, 1808, aged 70 years.

As a magistrate he was correct, faithful and impartial ; as a Christian, he was devout, pious, and exemplary ; as a man and a citizen, he was honest, dignified and patriotic.

Come Christian, see a brother dying —

See him yielding up his breath ;

While firmly on his God relying.

Quite disarms the sting of death."

HISTOB.T OF 8PENCES. 177

John BJsco jim., died unmarried, May 3, 1812, aged 47. Elizabeth m. Enoch Mason, July 15, 1790. Abijah died unmarried, Oct. 3, 1801, aged 31. Jacob m. Sarah Draper, da. of Capt. John Draper, Jan. 1, 1799. Abigail m. to Da- vid Prouty, jun., Nov. 7, 1799 ; Anna, m. George W. Har- wood of Brookfield, Dec. 13, 1807.

Bisco Jacob, m. Sarah Draper. Dwight b. April 27, 1799 ; Chloe, Aug. 30, 1800 ; Adaline, Nov. 16, 1801 ; Foster, July 16, 1803; Emily, Sept. 10, 1804; Alden, Oct. 25, 1806; John, Oct. 9, 1808; Hull, Nov. 10, 1810; Roswell, April 16, 1813; Lavinia, Aug. 16, 1815; Jacob, Oct. 8, 1817. Mr. Bisco inherited the homestead, and d, April 7, 1837, aged 6.5. His wife Sarah d. May 27, 1855, aged 76.

Chloe m. Spencer Prouty, Aug. 1818. Adaline m. Abi- athar Johnson, 1826. Foster to Eunice W. Rice of Wor- cester, 1830. Emily to Liberty Prouty, April 10, 1827. Roswell-to Abigail Whittemore, Aug. 9, 1838. Livinia to Reuben B. Hill of Leicester, May 10, 1839.

Bisco Roswell, m. Abigail Whittemore da. of Daniel Whittemore. Aug. 9, 1838. Philander b. Aug. 24, 1840 ; (killed in a saw mill, Oct. 14, 1850, aged 10.) Hiram Roswell, May 30, 1845 ; Oct. 20, 1850.

Ball Eleazer, was born in Concord, 1698, where he mar- ried his wife, Abigail. He removed to Rutland about 1719, having previously cleared a few acres and made some other improvements. Being one of the first settlers of Rutland, when the town was almost an entire wilderness, he was not only annoyed by the bear and wolf, but more seriously by the Indians. In the month of August in each of the years 1723 and 1724, the Indians made incursions into the town, killing three persons at each time, one of which was their minister, the Rev. Mr. Willard. In one of these incursions, deacon Ball received a wound in the arm by a musket ball. 16

178 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

He was deacon of the church in Rutland, selectman of the town, &c. His children by his first wife were, Eleazer, h. 1728 ; Grace, 1730 ; Phineas, 1732 ; Abigail, 1735 ; Sa- rah, 1737; Israel, 1739; Hannah, 1741. By his second wife Margaret, he had Mary, b. 1744; John, 1747. His first wife Abigail, died Oct. 9, 1741. He removed to Spencer in 1758, and purchased the farm of deacon James Wilson. Eleazer and some other of his children remained in Rutland, but Israel, Hannah, Mary and John came to Spencer. Israel m. Persis Sto;ie of Leicester, April 17, 1760; Hannah to David Prouty, Nov. 24, 1761 ; Mary to John Muzzy, Nov. 26, 1761; John to Bulah Whitney, April 14, 1765. He died March 29, 1765, aged 67. Some of the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations are living in Spencer.

Ball Israel, a. of the above, had Levi, b. April 26, 1764 ; Ezra, Feb. 26, 1767 ; Tyler, Aug. 16, 1769 ; Persis, Feb. 17, 1772; Phebe, March 10, 1778; Rufus, March 31, 1781.

Ball John, s. of Eleazer m. Bulah AVhitney, 1765, be- ing then only 18. His children, Daniel, b. Aug. 10, 1765 ; Eleazer, May 11, 1767; Sibbil, Sept. 19,1768; Sarah, Oct. 6, 1771 ; Mehetable, July 24, 1773 ; John, June 25, 1775. He d. Sept. 4, 1775, aged 28. He lived where the remains of his cellar may be seen, about 40 rods north- east of the house of Chandler Taft.

Ball Daniel, from Brookfield, m. Elizabeth Prouty, da. of David Prouty senior. David b. April 19, 1772 ; Betsey, June 10, 1773; Sally, Oct. 22, 1774; Hannah, Feb. 22, 1778; Ebenezer, Dec. 14, 1779; Moily, Oct. 25, 1781; Daniel, Oct. 6, 1783 ; Charles, July 24, 1790. David m. Betsey Savage of Rutland, Jan. 1802 : Betsey to Eli Muzzy, April n, 1822; Sally to Isaac Muzzy, Aug. 6, 1797 ; Han- nah to Artemas Pike of Paxton, Nov. 22, 1801 ; Molly to

HISTOKT OF 8PENCEK. 179

Asa Sargent, Dec. 30, 1801. Mr. Ball lived on the place now owned by William G. Muzzy, where his family were born. He died Sept. 12, 1822. His wife died June 1, 1818, aged 75.

Bridge Thomas, came from Lexington in 1744, and pur- chased the west part of lot (20) and built a house where Joshua Prouty now lives. He m. Mary Harrington of Brookfield, 1745. Thomas, b. 174G ; George, 1748 ; Joseph, 17o2 ; Amos, 1755; Mary, 1757; Millacent, 17G1 ; Jesse, 1763 ; Esther, 17G4. Mr. Bridge removed to Shutesbury in 1771. Thomas m. Elizabeth Jones, April 21, 1768.

Bridges Caleb, s. of Caleb, m. Lucy Tucker of Leices- ter, Nov. 14, 1764. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 25, 1765; Gideon, Nov. 6, 1767 ; Stephen, Feb. 21, 1770 ; Bathsheba, March 14, 1773; Esther, Jan. 24, 1777; Lucy, April 11, 1779; Mary, Nov. 11, 1780 ; William, July 7, 1786. Bathsheba, m, John Pierce, May 25, 1794 ; Esther to Daniel Jenks of North Brookfield, Nov. 27, 1800 ; Mary, to Nathaniel Har- vvood of Windsor, July IG, 1801 ; Lucy to Daniel Beals of Windsor, Jan. 27, 1805 ; William to Cynthia Richmond of North Brookfield, May 1819. His son Gideon, b. 1829. Mr. William Bridges, d. Oct. 14, 1829, aged 43, and his only child, Gideon, d. four days after, aged 9. Mr. Bridges senior, owned the farm now belonging to Eli Hinds, and died there Aug. 6, 1812. His wife d. April 7, 1819. The children, except Gideon and William, all removed to Windsor, Mass.

Brewer John, from Paxton, purchased and lived on the west part of lot (41), where his son Lyman now lives. He had by his wife Hannah a daughter named Hannah, b. March 5, 1785. His wifo d. March 25, 1785. He again m. Lydia Hayward of Holden, Dec. 15, 1785. Mary, b. Oct. 2, 1786 ; John, Feb. 2, 1789 ; Willard, Jan. 18, 1793 ; Benjamin Hayward, Dec. 14, 1796 ; Lyman, April 12,

180 HISTOET or 8PENCEE.

1802. His wife Lydia, d. April 28, 1813. He again m. Rachel Warren of Leicester, 1814. He died Jan. 5, 1836, aged 84. Hannah, m. Lewis Fales, June 23, 1807 ; Willard to Cynthia Hatch, da. of Thomas Hatch, 1815; Benjamin H. m. Melinda Livermore, da. of David Liver- more senior, Oct 18, 1823.

Brewer John, s. of the above, m. Mary Prouty, da. of Joshua Prouty, April 9, 1809. Lysander, b. Aug. 25, 1811 Lydia Cleora, May 5, 1813; Mary Ann, Jan. 25, 18 L5 Lucinda, July 8, 1817 ; Fanny Whittemore, June 29, 1819 John Dexter, Dec. 11, 1822; William Prouty, July 18, 1825 ; Hiram Horace, Aug. 4, 1828.

Brewer Lyman, m. Rachel B. Howard of Warwick, Nov. 1833. Olive Jane and Oliver James, (twins) b. Sept. 16, 1834 ; Harvey Wilber, March 12, 1838.

Beers Richard, m. Hannah •Hooper, Feb. 4, 1762. Nathan, b. July 8, 1764 ; Sarah, May 2, 1766. The births of his other children, Mary, Richard, John, Hannah and Samuel, not on record. Nathan, m. Betsey Southgate of Leicester and removed to Leicester. Sarah, m. Ebenezer Mason, and is now living at the age of 94 ; Mary, d. un- married ; John, m. Sally Warren of Leicester, 1798.

Beers Richard, s. of the above, m. Polly Howland, July 3, 1796. Betsey, b. July 7, 1799 ; Mindwell, Aug. 23, 1800. His wife Polly d. May 6, 1801 ; he again m. Dolly Wilson, da. of David Wilson, May 30, 1802. His wife Dolly, d. Sept. 28, 1803. He again ra. Polly Sibley, Nov. 8, 804. Liberty, b. Dec. 6, 1805 ; Jefferson, (now Edward Beman) b. Feb. 29, 1808 ; Polly, Oct. 7,1815. Mr. Beers d. at Charlton, Jan. 8, 1825, aged 50.

Bennett Ezra, s. of Ezra Bennett senior, lived on land now owned by Selby Richardson, m. Betsey Burr of Ludlow, 1808. Samantha, b. April 6, 1811 ; Cynthia C. b. May 4, 1812; Ezra, July 11, 1814: Harrison, Dec. 26,

HISTOKT OF SPENCER. 181

1816 ; Horace P. March 11, 1819 ; Caroline, April 6, 1821 ; Joanna, April 27, 1823 ; Betsey, March 29, 1825 ; William B. May 31, 1829. He d. at Insane Hospital.

Bennett Ezra, s. of the above, m. Eluna Snow, da. of Eber Snow, Oct. 16, 1839 ; Clarence, b. Aug. 23, 1841.

Bigelow Joseph, from Framingham, m. Sarah Stebbings, da. of Capt. John Stebbings, April 30, 1756. He purchas- ed and settled on lot (43), in 1766, where William G. Muzzy now lives ; John, b. Aug. 24, 1757 ; Joseph, Dec.

6, 1759 ; Daniel, ; James, June 7, 1762 ; Jabez, March

17, 1764; William, July 1, 1768; Sarah, Oct. 3, 1770; Elizabeth, 1773. John, m. Persis Wright, da. of Edward Wright, and d. at Worcester, August 25, 1843. James m. Mary Graham, da. of John Graham, Dec. 18, 1783, re- moved to Pennsylvania ; Elizabeth, m. Howe of

Shrewsbury, and is nosv living at West Brookfield, at the age of 87. Mr. Bigelow was a man remarkable for his athletic feats and exploits of strength, though not a large man. He d. April 19, 1774, aged 39.

Bigelow James S. s. of John Bigelow, m. Mehitable Lyon, da. of James Draper the 5th, Feb. 28, 1819. Julia Ann Draper, b. June 13, 1821, (lately deceased); Samuel B. b. Aug. 18, 1824 ; James E. May 12, 1826 ; Alfred, June 21, 1828 ; John H. July 12, 1829 ; Albert, Jan. 7, 1832.

Baxter Ezekiel, m. Lydia Jenks, da. of Isaac Jenks, Dec. 5, 1790 ; John, b. Sept. 30, 1791 ; Isaac, Jan. 13,

1796; William, ; Cynthia, May 30, 1799. Isaac,

m, Melissa Livermore, da. of David Livermore senior, May 1, 1823, (He died at Charlton, by a fall from their meeting house; William, d. by suicide, Feb. 16, 1825); Cynthia, ra. John Bemis, 2d, Sept. 21, 1832. Mr. Baxter was a scientific carpenter, and was the architect of the old court house, Worcester, the meeting house. New Braintree, and 16*

182 HISTOETOFSPENCEK.

many other churches and buildings. He d. July 6, 1S36, aged 72. His wife d. Jan. 29, 1S42, aged 71.

Bush William, originally from North Brookfield, m. Lucy Kendall of that town, March 14, 1803. Betsey, b. in N. Brookfield, Jan. 14, 1804 ; Lucy, b. in Dudley, Feb. 1, 1810 ; William, Sept. 19, 1S13 ; Harvy, b. in Spencer, Feb. 4, IS 19. Betsey, m. Amos Kittridge, March S, 1826 ; Lucy, to Henry Watson ; William, to Laura Rice of Brook- field, Oct. 15, 1840, now lives in Worcester. Harvy gone to South Carolina. Mr. Bush was farmer and blacksmith, lived where his widow now lives. His wife Lucy, d. March 1, 1837, aged 59. He again m. Mary R. Grossman, May 1837. He d. Dec. 9, 1846, aged 68.

Bush John L., from North Brookfield, m. Eleanor P. Grout, da. of Capt, Jeremiah Grout, June 8, 1847. Ella Frances, b. May 19, 184S, (Died June 18, 1852). Clara, Maria, b. Oct. 14, 1851.

BuLLARD Dexter, from Oakham, m. Persis N. Bemis, da. of Amasa Bemis Jun., 1838. Amasa B. born March 7, 1839; Joel S., Nov. 10, 1840. His wife d. June 11, 1845, aged 26, — again m. Sophia Clapp, Jan. 1, 1846. Mary Persis, b. Sept. 19, 1846; George Louis, Aug. 22, 1854 ; Anna Sophia, June 2, 1856.

Belcher Henry, m. Adaline Whittemore, da. of Daniel Whittemore, May 28, 1840. John Whittemore, b. Aug. 14, 1844; Herbert Benjamin, Dec. 11, 1846; Edwin Alonzo, June 23, 1849; Adaline Fanny, March 24, 1851; Frank Walter, March 8, 1854; William Henry, Aug. 23, 1855.

Burden Asa. is noticed in another place, was a physician from Scituate, Rhode Island ; was m. to Deborah Howland of the same place, 1771. John b. 1776: Samuel, 1777; Ebenezer, Aug. 15, 1779, and was a physician in Charlton, now deceased. Doct. Burden lived at the place now owned by Joshua Sylvester. Died at Charlton.

HISTOBT OF SPENCEE. 183

BoiCE Elliot, m. Sarah Cox of Leicester, 1821. Mary Lucretia, b. at "West Springfield, Aug. 9, 1821 ; Sarah b. at Spencer, March 3, 1828 ; Elliot W., June 11, 1830.

Clark Matthias, settled on part of lot 23 in 1745 ; his house was situated on the east side of the road, about 30 rods south of the house of Washington Hill. He m. Ljdia Eaton, sister of the Eev. Joshua Eaton. His children were Lydia, m. Oliver Seager, July 12, 1749 ; Rebekah, m. David Barnes, Dec. 23, 1762 ; Anna to Joseph Gibbs of Brookfield, June 8, 1762; Sarah to David Lamb, Sept. 2, 1767 ; Mary to Daniel Hill, Sept. 28, 1769 ; Martha to Benjamin Sum- ner, 1771. Solomon died a soldier in the revolutionary war. Mr. Clark died 1780. His wife died Aug. 1800, aged 93.

Curtis John, s. of Jonathan Curtis of Eoxbury, one of the original proprietors of the town, and settled on the south part of lot 67 in 1734, where John F. Guilford now lives. He resided there until 1759, when he removed to Charlton. He m. Mary Spear of Leicester, Dec. 12, 1772. Sarah b. Aug. 24, 1735 ; Abigail, May 3, 1742 ; Eliza- beth, July 8, 1744 ; Rachel, Oct. 7, 1747 ; Thankful, Nov. 16, 1750; Jonathan, June 19, 1754; Rebekah, April 6, 1757. Sarah d. unmarried. Rachel m. Peter Bowen of Brookfield, June 6, 1788 ; Jonatlian m. Dolly Wilson of Spencer, Jan. 15, 1778, since removed to State of Ohio.

Cunningham Nathaniel, a wealthy merchant of Boston, purchased lots 24 and 36 containing 500 acres, and erected the large house owned by George Bemis 2d, lately destroyed by fire.. This house was the third built on the great post road. Mr. Cunningham built two other houses on these lots, one near the house of Henry R. Green, and one on the land of Chandler Taft. These were called the East, West, and North Farms, inhabited by various tenants until 17G0, when Mr. Jeremiah Whittemore purchased 200 acres of the eastern part, now owned by Joseph Green, Josiah Green jun., Paul Woolson, George Bemis 2d, and others. John

184. HISTOET OF SPENCEK.

Elliot, Esq., purchased 300 acres of the western part, since owned by Ebenezer Mason, William Pope, Elisha Harring- ton, and many others.

Cunningham Egbert, senior, settled on the south part of lot 18. His deed from Col. Joshua Lamb, one of the origi- nal proprietors of the town, bears date Sept. 9, 1731. He Avas born in Ireland, 1G77, and came to Boston 1717, where he lived till he came to this town. He had four sons, John, b. 1700, Hugh, Kobert and James. He d. May 13, 1766, aged 89.

Cunningham John, s. of the above, m. Ann Sinclair, da. of William Sinclair, March 22, 1739. He was a man of sound judgment, unimpeachable moral character, was often promoted to offices of honor and trust, and acquired a hand- some estate, having added 500 acres, lots 10 and 14, to his paternal estate. He d. Feb. 9, 1789, aged 89. His children, Eobert, b. March 25, 1740; John, Feb. 9, 1746 ; Jonathan and David, (twins) June 6, 1747; Nathaniel, March, 16, 1752 ; William, Nov. 15, 1754. His wife died Nov. 3, 1775, Effed GS.

Cunningham Egbert, s. of the above, m. Martha Blair of Warren. He inherited the homestead. Ann, b. June 8, 17G5; Elizabeth, Feb. 28, 1766; Simeon, April 14, 1767; Eeuben, Jan. 5, 1769; Jonathan, March 6, 1771; Sarah, March 28, 1773; Susannah, Jan. 28, 1775; Nathaniel, — — ; Eobert, ; John, .

Cunningham Simeon, s. of the above, m. Miriam Brig- ham of Marlborough, 1792. Eli b. Dec. 15, 1792; Patty, Feb. 24, 1795. Eemoved to Marlborough.

Cunningham Eeuben, s. of Eobert jun., m. Anna Hunt of Marlborough, March 21, 1801. Pamela, b. Jan. 3, 1803 ; Asenath, Sept. 25, 1805; Eobert, March 28, 1809; Eeuben,

; Samuel H. . His wife d. May 28, 1818, and he

m. Miranda Ayres of New Braintree, June, 1819. Mr. Cun- ningham kept the homestead, and died Aug. 30, 1823, aged 55.

HISTOBT OF SPENCEB. 185

Cunningham Jonathan, s. of Eobert jun.,in. Deliverance Earle of Paxton, 1798. Lyman b. San. 1, 1S02 ; Elizabeth, June 2, 1805; Adaline, June, 1807; William, Sept. 20, 1803 ; Elliot P. Dec. 4, 1809 ; Jonathan Earle, Nov. 19, 1811; Marmaduke Newhall, Oct. 15, 1813; Homer, April 27, 1816; Thomas, April 9, 1818 ; Winthrop Eussell, May 5, 1820. He inherited part of the homestead, built the house near the Baptist meeting house, removed to South Leicester, and d. 1859, aged 88.

Cunningham Elizabeth, (or Betsey,) da. of Eobert, m. Silas AUen, Oct. 20, 1791. She died March 3, 1811.

Cunningham Sarah, da. of Eobert, m. John Munroe, Jan. 26, 1801.

Cunningham Susannah, m. Ivory Allen, Nov. 11, 1800.

Cunningham Nathaniel, died unmarried, Sept. 25, 1836.

Cunningham Ann, da. of Eobert, died unmarried, Feb. 8, 1835, aged 70.

Cunningham "William, s. of John, m. Eebekah M'Farling of Worcester, June 4, 1778. Nancy b. Feb. 8, 1779, and m. Doct. John Frink of Eutland. Mr. Cunningham died June 23, 1779, aged 24.

Cunningham Nathaniel, s. of Hugh, who was s. of Eo- bert senior, m. Sarah Henderson of Eutland, Dec. 5, 1787. Sally, b. Sept. 17, 1788 ; Betsey, Dec. 22, 1789 ; Nathaniel, Sept. 20, 1791 ; Clarissa, April 14, 1793 ; Joseph, June 5,

1795; James, ; David, Dec. 5, 1800; Patty, Feb. 7,

1803; Sophia, Nov. 7, 1804; Lewis, Feb. 20, 1806; Au- gusta Elvira, Nov. 16, 1809. He d. Jan. 29, 1829, aged 83. She d. April 14, 1847, aged 83.

Crosby Eev. Stephen, from Thompson, Conn. 1819, m. Julia Cowles of Farmington, Conn. 1822. Their only child, Mary Cowles, bom May 30, 1823.

Cole Joshua, and Amanda H. his wife, had Mary Ann, b. March 10, 1838 ; Lucinda Hinds, March 23, 1841 ; William Ezra, July 27, 1842.

186 HISTORY or SPENCER.

CoMlNS or CuMMiNGS Gershom, from Leicester, m. Rhoda Newton, from Spencer, Oct. 10, 1781. Betsey, b. Oct. 20, 1782; Abigail, Jan. 31, 1785 ; Sally, May IG, 1787 ; Lucy, Oct. 22, 1791 ; Polly, June 5, 179-L; Eoxy, Nov. 5, 1796 ; John, April 27, 1709; Jefferson, July 13, 1801; Lyman, April 4, 1804. Betsey, m. William Taylor of Worcester, June 12, 1804; Sally, to Stephen Stone, Aug. 24,1825; Lucy, to Daniel Capen, May, 1814. Mr. Cumming-s was a soldier in the war of the revolution, was on guard at the execution of Maj. Andre. He removed from Spencer to Leverett. He was a U. S. pensioner.

Capen Samuel, came from Dorchester to Leicester, about 1733, from thence to Spencer, and purchased lot (19) in 1838, now owned by Nathaniel Green and Elliot Hall. This lot he sold to John Lamb, 1751, and purchased part of lot (48) now owned by Elias Hall. About 17G0, he removed to Belchertown, where he died. He was parish clerk from 1747 to 1753, and assessor several years, and is said to have been celebrated as a mathematician. His children by his wife Deborah, were Ann, b. Nov. 11, 1724 ; Timothy, 1726,

James, . These b. in Dorchester. While in Leicester,

Samuel, b. March 17, 1734 ; Elizabeth, Jan. 14, 1835 ; John, May 1, 1737 ; Hannah, May 22, 1739. While in Spencer, Edmond, b. July 16, 1740; Phebe, Jan. 6, 1842; Samuel, 2d, Aug. 29, 1743 ; Purchase, Sept. 25, 1746. Ann, m. Jacob Prouty.

Capen Timothy, s. of the above, purchased part of lot (48) in 1750, now owned by Abner Smith. He m. Mary Merrit of Leicester, April 2, 1751. Timothy, b. Aug. 8, 1752; Elizabeth, Oct. 10, 1754; Mary, June 1, 1756; Hannah, Nov. 2, 1758 ; Abijah, Sept. 23, 1762 ; Deborah, Jan. 14, 1764 ; Patience, May 3, 1766. Mr. Capen d. 1804, aged 78. His wife Mary d. March 31, 1814.

Capen James, s. of Samuel, m. Elizabeth Prouty, Nov. 28, 1758. He commenced with his father on part of lot

HISTOET OF SPENCEE. 187

(48) in 1751. In 1763, he purchased, and huilt a house on part of lot (17) now owned by Mrs. Mary Lucy Bemis. His children, Lydia, b. Aug-. 16, 1759; Ruth, March 1, 1701; James, Aug. 3, 1762. His wife d. and he m. Sarah Sawin, Dec. 30, 1762, by whom he had three daughters. He d. June 14, 1807.

Capen James, s, of James, m. Susannah Drury of Brook- field, May 5, 1785. Sybbil, b. July 17, 1785 ; Abraham, Jan. 21, 1788; James, July 26, 1793; Edmund, Jan. 19, 1796; Hiram, Dec. 1, 1799; William, May 26, 1S02. Mr. Capen was a soldier in the revolution and a captain of a company in the militia. Farm now owned by his son Wil- liam,

Capen Abraham, s. of James, jun., m. Polly Hinds of North Brookfield, 1814. She d. April 22, 1815. He again m. Anna Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis, senior. May 25, 1817. Alford, b. June 24, 1818 ; Aurelia, Aug. 31, 1820 ; Alonzo, March 31, 1822 ; Anna, March 24, 1824. His wife Anna d. May 21, 1824. He again m. Lydia Mason, da. of Ebenezer Mason, March 3, 1825. Abraham, b. Nov. 20, 1825 ; Mary Eliza, June 23, 1827 ; Ebenezer, Nov. 6, 1830 ; James, May 9, 1832 ; Susan Maria, Feb. 7, 1837. Mr. Capen d. May 5, 1848, aged 60. His wife Lydia d. April 10, 1855, aged 57.

Capen William, s. of James, jun., m. Eliza Green, da. of

Ezra and Hannah Green, April 30, 1835. William Edwin,

•b. Aug. 17, 1837 ; Henry Oscar, Aug. 5, 1839 ; Ruth Eliza,

April 14, 1843 ; Ellen Maria, June 3, 1846 ; Minerva Erving,

April 29, 1848.

Cranson Elisha, settled on the east end of lot (50) in 1748. He was m. to Abigail Baldwin, da. of David Bald- win, senior, July 24, 1746. The farm was formerly owned by James Sprague, now by George L. Hobbs. His children, Samuel, b. Feb. 20, 1748 ; David, June 30, 1750; Elisha, Feb. 19, 1752 ; Frederick, Feb. 20, 1754 ; Ebenezer, Jan. 19, 1756; Elizabeth, Feb. 19, 1758; Asa, March 16, 1760;

188 HISTOET OF SPENCEH.

Abncr, Feb. 10, 1703. David m. Batlisheba Briggs, Dec. 20, 1770; Elizabeth, Samuel Guilford. Mr, Cranson lias oue grandchild in this town, viz : Eoxa, wife of James Kenney, da. of Samuel Guilford. Mr, Cranson removed to Ashfield, where he d. in 1804, aged 84.

Converse Luke, from Charlton, settled on the northeast- erly part of lot (58), where he built a saw and gristmill, now owned by Hiram Howe, He was b. in Leicester, Oct, G, 17o4, and m, Ruth Lamb, da, Jonathan Lamb, jun,, June G, 17.1!', Lydia, b, Feb. 10, 17G0 ; Jude, May 17, 1762 ; Euth, Oct. ol, 1701 ; Patience, March 2-1, 17G7 ; Eeuben, April 25, 1760 ; Esther, Nov. 20, 1771 ; Asaph, April 22, 1774 ; Tamar, Aug. 20, 1776; Uriah, March 18, 1779. He removed to Leicester where he d. June 10, 1810, aged 76. His wife died in Spencer, Jan. 0, 1821, aged 83. Jude m. Lydia Bemis, da. of Samuel Bemis, jun., Dec. 10, 1782 ; Patience, to Nathan Prouty, Sept. 30,1784 ; Euth to Jonathan White, Nov. 30, 178G ; Eeuben to Pamelia Stevens, Dec. 18, 1788; Esther to Nathaniel Bemis, Oct. 23, 1791 ; Tamar to Dan- iel Adams, April 13, 1705 ; Uriah to Esther Lackey, May 12, 1700.

Converse Eetjben, s. of the above, m. Pamela Stevens, Dec. 18, 1788. Anna,b. May 16, 1780 ; Windsor, April 14, 1701; Terzia, Jan. 14,1703; Luke, Oct. U, 1794; Otis, Dec. 4, 170G ; Cynthia, Sept. 3, 1799 ; Pamela, 1802. Mr. Converse removed to Leicester, where he died.

Cutter Jedidiah, came from North Brookfield, purchased the farm formerly owned by Capt. Benjamin Johnson, now by Lewis Hill, the house now standing built in 1747. Sarah, b. April 18, 1785 ; Eunice, April 4, 1700; Lucy, May 21, 1797. His wife Lucy d. Peb. 20, 1800. Again m. Lucinda Muzzy, da. of John Muzzy, Oct. 19, 1809. She d. Dec. 9, 1812. He d. Jan. 17, 1813. Sally, m. Joshua Munroe, Oct, 17, 1805, and d, March 15, 1818 ; Eunice m. William Tucker,^ May 16, 1810, d. Aug. 24, 1815 ; Lucy, m. Asaph Prouty/ Sept. 25, 1817, and d. Feb. 20, 1823.

HISTOET OF 8PENCEK, 189

Crage Nathan, from Leicester in 1783, was b. in that town June 11, 175-1. He m. Sarah Choate of Leicester. Polly, b. Sept. 1, 1786; Sally, Feb. 4, 1788; (Died Sept. 26, 1795.) Nathan, b. May 8, 1795. His wife d. Sept. 13, 1804. Again m. Mrs. Betsey Whitmore of Eutland, Jan. 1806. Polly m. Samuel Watson, jun., of Leicester, Oct. 10, 1811 ; he d. and she m. to another Samuel Watson of Leices- ter, now deceased. Nathan m. Dulcina Huntington of Spen- cer, April 21, 1836. Mr. Crage died at the house of his son in Leicester, April 6, 1852, aged nearly 98. At the completion of his 21st year, in June, 1775, he entered as a private, into the company commanded by Capt. Seth Washburn (after- wards Col. Washburn) at Leicester, and was one of the heroes who fouorht at the memorable battle of Bunker Hill. He was a non-commissioned officer afterwards in three other campaigns, one of which, in the year 1777, was at the sur- render of Gen. Burgoyne. In 1781, he received a lieuten- ant's commission, and in that capacity served a tour at New- port, E. I. For the last twenty-one years of his life he re- ceived a handsome pension, as a part compensation for his services. In the latter part of his days he became somewhat infirm and partially deprived of his sight and hearing, but his mental faculties were but very little impaired, and he could relate most of the occurrences of importance which took place during his various campaigns, and tell the names of all the commissioned officers with whom he served. For the last sixty-nine years of his life, and until a few weeks of his death,he has been an inhabitant of Spencer, in which town he has often served as selectman, town treasurer, &;c. He was a patriot in every sense of the word, not only as a soldier on the field of battle, but as a citizen in civil life. He treasured up in his capacious memory, with much interest, the most promi- nent political events of our country, and nearly to the close of his life, after his sight had failed him, had one of his kind neighbors come in and read to him the passing events 17

190 HISTOET OF SPENCEB.

of the day. But the hrightest trait in his character is yei to he mentioned, which is, that he was conscientiously and inflexibly an honest man — " the noblest work of God." It is believed, that throughout his whole life, comprising almost a century, he was never charged with the commission of an immoral action. As he lived, so he died, without an enemy.

Clark John, from Stoughton, purchased and lived on the farm now owned by William G. Muzzy, and m. Keziah Smith of Stoughton, April, 1793. Salome, b. Sept. 7, 179.J ; Abigail and Mary, (twins) b. Sept. 14, 1797 ; Luther, Aug. G, 1799 ; Nathan, Nov. 27, 1801 ; John, Sept. 7, 1804. His wife d. Oct. 3, 1820, he again m. Elizabeth Prouty, widow of Elisha Prouty. Salome, m. Reuben Whittemore, 1819.

Clark Thomas B., m. Martha Green, da. of Benjamin Green, Feb. 15, 1838. Lucia Averline, b. March 15, 1839.

Clark Justin, m. Cynthia W. Lamb, da. of Austin Lamb, March 31, 1842. Justina Cynthia, b. Oct. 3, 1855.

Clapp Daniel, m. Mary Ann Lathe of Charlton. George Bucklin, b. May 10, 1836; Edwin Carlos, Feb. 20, 1841, d. April 24, 1854, aged 13.

Draper James. The family of Draper trace their ances- try to Thomas Draper, who was born and died in Yorkshire, Eno-land, in the Parish of Hempstontell, and Vicarage of Halifax, and was by trade a clothier. He had six children, viz : Thomas, John, William, James, Mary and Martha, who all died in England, except James. He was born in 1618, and came to Roxbury, Massachusetts, but at what time is uncertain, but probably between 1640 and 1650, as the name of one of the proprietors of the town of Lancaster, 1654, was James Draper, and as no other person of that name is known to have been in this country at that time, he undoubtedly was the person. He was married to Miriam Standsfield, who came from the same place in England, some time after her husband, by whom he had five sons,

HI8T0ET OF SPENCEB. 191

viz : James, John, Moses, Daniel and Jonathan. He died in July, 1691, aged 77. James, s. of James, b. in Eoxburj, 1G54, and m. Abigail Whitney, by whom he had also five sons, born in Roxbury, viz : Nathaniel, William, James, Gideon and Ebenezer. The second James Draper d. April 30, 1698, aged 44, and his wife Abigail d. October 25, 1721, aged 59.

Draper James 3d, was b. about 1G94, and m. Rachel Aldrich, who died early, leaving no children. He again m. Abigail, Nov. 12, 1719. He lived in Dedham, had a cap- tain's commission, and had by his last wife twelve children. The names of the four oldest were James, b. Sept. 22, 1720 ; Abigail, Dec. 12, 1721 ; John, June 16, 1723 ; Joshua, Dec. 25, 1724, who all came to Spencer. John came 1744, but his health failing, he returned and d. at Dedham, Nov. 8, 1745. Abigail came to Spencer previously, having been m. to Henry White, a notice of whom is given in this work. James and Joshua settled on lots (33 and 34) having been purchased by their father in 1730. James Draper 3d, d. April, 1768. His wife Abigail having d. Nov. 12, 1767, just forty-eight years from the date of their marriage.

Draper James 4th, m. Mehetable Whiting of Dedham, Nov. 12, 1742. Rebekah, b. May 2, 1743 ; John, Nov. 16, 1745; James, July 24, 1747 ; Ira, Feb. 14, 1753 ; Meheta- ble, Aug. 29, 1756. Rebekah, in. Benjamin Bemis s. of Samuel Bemis jun. Nov. 17, 1768. Mehetable, m. Noah Forbush of Brookfield, Nov. 9, 1779. His wife died July 18, 1763, he again m. Mrs. Martha Ward, widow of William Ward jun. of Southborough. He inherited the east parts of lots (33 and 34) now owned by Amos Kittredge. He d. March 2, 1781, aged 61. His wife Martha, d. Sept. 1791.

Draper John, s. of the above, m. Rebekah Muzzy, da. of Deacon John Muzzy, Dec. 24, 1770. Zcnas b. May 31, 1772 ; Olive, Jan. 30, 1774 ; Sally, August 8, 1779 ; Chloe, ; Nancy, Oct. 23, 1783 ; Becca, April 10, 1786 ; John,

192 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

July 22, 1788 ; Ehoda, July 10, 1791 ; Eleazer Bradshaw, Aug. 2G, 1705.

Draper Zenas, s. of John, m. Jemima Allen, da. of Israel Allen. Alpha h. Dec. 13, 1797; Julia, Nov. 12, 1800; Lura, Nov. 19, 1802; Eoxana, Dec. 28, 1804; William Allen, Dec. 28, 1806 ; Edwin, Jan. 20, 1809 ; Eliza, April 5, 1811 ; Nancy, May 5, 1813 ; Eebekah, May G, 1815. He d. Jan. 9, 1853, aged 80. His wife died Jan. 18, 184G, aged 73.

Draper Olive, da. of John, m. Elias Hatch, Nov. 10, 1791.

Draper Sally, da. of John, m. Jacob Bisco, 1799.

Draper Chloe, da. of John, m. Thomas Loring, Sept. 28, 1803.

Draper Nancy, da. of John, m. Samuel Gleazen, Feb. 3,1811.

Draper Becca, da. of John, m. Willard Prouty, Jan. 18, 1817.

Draper John, s. of John, m. Lavinia Prouty, da. of Eli Prouty, Dec. 4, 1817.

Draper Rhoda, da. of John, m. Ebenezer Cogswell, 1817.

Draper Eleazer Bradshatv, s. of John, m. Louisa Prouty, da. of Reuben Prouty, May 15, 1821. Albert Manly, b. July 3, 1822; Mary Luceua, June, 1825; Dwight D. June 22,1828; Chloe L. Sept. 9, 1829; John, Aug. 21, 1831 ; George L., Aug. 9, 1833 ; Lorenzo, Nov. 21, 1838. Albert M. m. Clarinda Watson, 1746 ; Mary L. m. William L. Powers ; Dwight D., m, Lydia Ann Howland, 1849 ; Chloe L. m. Benjamin F. Cheever, 1849, Mr. Draper had been representative to the General Court, town clerk and post master, kept the Jenks tavern, and died Feb. 21, 1849, aged 53.

Capt. John Draper d. Dec. 20, 1822, aged 77. His wife Eebekah d. April 29, 1818, aged 68.

Draper James 5th, son of James 4th, m. Mary Prouty,

HISTOBT OF SPENCEK. 193

da, of David Prouty senior, May 31, 1769. David b. July 3, 1770 ; Betsey, Feb. 10, 1772 ; James, Feb. 26, 1778 ; Ira, April 1, 1781 ; Martha, March 10, 1783 ; Mary and Sarah (twins) b. June 7, 1785 ; Mehetable, April, 1788. Mr. Draper had the homestead now owned by Amos Kittredge.

Draper David, s. of James 5th, m. Matilda Moore, July 7, 1799. Harriet, b. June 5, 1802 ; Charlott, Dec. 28, 1805 ; Angeline, Sept, 14, 1814. Mr. Draper had been assessor, town clerk and deputy sheriff. He died April 30, 1845, aged 75. His wife died Aug, 24, 1854, aged 76.

Draper James, s. of James 5th, m. Lucy Watson, da. of Capt. Samuel Watson of Leicester, June 6, 1805. Emeline b. April 6, 1806 ; Julia Ann, June 22, 1808 ; Sophia Amelia May 4, 1811; Lucy Watson, Dec. 17, 1813. Emeline m. William Rice, s. of Peter Eice, June 21, 1830 ; Julia Ann m. J. Ellis Lazell, July 12, 1832. He d., she again m. Chandler Mason Pratt of Grafton, May 12, 1840 ; Sophia A. m. Moores Mirick White, Sept. 24, 1838 ; Lucy W. m. Emory Rider, Dec. 25, 1837. Lucy, the wife of James Draper 6th, d. July 7, 1848, aged 05.

Draper Ira, s. of James ^th, m. Sarah Hammond from Oakham, Dec. 27, 1801. Fidelia b. Sept. 9,1802; Elijah Hammond, Jan. 10, 1804; Oetavia, Oct, 8, 1807 ; Sarah C. April 12, 1812; James P. Aug. 21, 1814 ; Aurelia, Aug. 14, 1818.

Draper Betsey, m. Joseph Prouty, May 19, 1791.

Dec. 27, 1801.

Draper Martha, m. Joseph Wilson.

Draper Mary, m, Pliny Muzzy, Oct. 11, 1811.

Draper Sarah, m. Stephen Gates, March 14, 1813.

Draper Mehetable, m. Charles Lyon, May 1, 1808 ; again, to James S. Bigelow, Feb. 28, 1819.

Draper Joshua, s. of James 3d, m. Abigail Fairbanks. Joshua b. May 14, 1749; Sarah, March, 19, 1751; Samuel, May 8, 1752; Abigail, May '2, 1756. His wife died Feb. 17*

194 HISTOBT OF SPENCER.

17, 17G2, lie again m. Mrs. Sarali Wright of Brookfield. Asa, b. March 11, 17G3 ; Simeon, March 20, 17Go ; Ira, Feb.

18, 17G7; Joel, June 18, 17G9 ; William, Dec. 9, 1771. Sarah m. Jonas Muzzy, May 2, 1771 ; Abigail d. unmarried.

Draper Asa, s. of Joshua, m. Euth Whittemore, July 7, 1785. Their only child on record while living in Spencer is Clarissa, b. July 8, 1786.

Draper Simeon, s. of Joshua, m. Polly Bemis, da. of Col. Benjamin Bemis, Aug. 2-t, 178G. He was a soldier in the war of the revolution and received a pension. Removed to Brookfield, kept a public house, was justice of the peace, representative to the General Court, delegate to amend the Constitution in 1820, selectman, &c. His children while in

Spencer, Abigail, b. ; Betsey, Sept. 6, 1788 ; Henry,

June 10, 1790; Lorenzo, ; Horace . While in

Brookfield, Sophia, Mary, Ann, William, Simeon, Joshua, Theodore, Sedgwick. He d. Dec. 1848, aged 84.

Drury Ebenezer, had by his wife Mary, Ebenezer, b. March G, 1704; Eli, June 4, 17GG ; John, Nov. G, 17G8 ; William, March 7, 1773; Molly, Aug. 8, 1776. He died April o, 1815. His wife died Sept. 20, 1803. The farm now owned by his grandson, Adams Drury.

Drury Ebenezer, s. of Ebenezer, lived where Simon Baldwin now lives, afterwards removed to Charlton.

Drurt Adams, s, of the above, had by his wife EUathury, Silena, b. Jan. 1, 181G ; Dexter, Feb. 12, 1818. His wife d. Aug. 27, 1818, and he m. Persis Ward of Charlton, 1820. EUathury, b. Feb. 27, 1821 ; Melissa Ward, March 22, 1822 ; David Adams, Nov. 29, 1824; His wife Persis d. April 2, 1826, and he m. Sally Mason, da. of Ebenezer Mason, Oct. 14, 1830.

Drury Benjamin, Esq., a notice of whom has been given in another place. He was born in Oxford, April, 1758, and m. Elizabeth Larned of the same town. Came into Spencer 1782, resided where Daniel Clapp now lives, afterwards

HISTOBT OF SPENCEK. 195

where Col. A. Temple lives. Jeremiah b. Dec. 9, 1783 ; Benjamin, March o, 1786 ; Elizabeth, April 12, 1789 ; Mary, Sept. 8, 1791 ; Ruth, Nov. 18, 1793 ; Varney, March 15, 1797 ; Luke, April 18, 1800. His wife d. July 3, 1820. He d. June 28, 1843, aged 85.

Besides practising as a physician, he was elected represen- tative to the General Court seventeen years in succession, a selectman sixteen years in succession, and town clerk suc- cessively, with the exception of one year, thirty-three years. He was also a justice of the peace, and besides much other official business, he joined together, for better or worse, more than two hundred couples in the bonds of matrimony.

Drury Jeremiah, s. of the above, m. Betsey Fletcher of Townsend, Vt., March, 1807. Adaline b. Feb. 7, 1808; Lucius Augustus, May 25, 1810, (died Oct, 15, 1820 ;) Mary Amelia, April 19, 1813 ; Samuel Fletcher, June 7, 181G ; Lucretia, April 2, 1819. Mr. Drury studied and practised physic some time with his father, and d. Aug. 18, 1841, aged 58.

Drury Benjamin, jun., m. Anna Prouty, da. of Isaac Prouty, Dec. 1, 1811. John b. April 10, 1812; Marshall, Feb. 3, 1815 ; Elizabeth Ann, June 22, 1816 ; Ann, Feb. 9, 1818. Elizabeth Drury m, Eli Jones, Nov. 3, 1816 ; Mary Drury m. Windsor Hatch, Jan. 29, 1817; Euth Drury m. Henry Nims, Feb. 2, 1817. Varney Drury d. Dec. 23, 1827, aged 30. Luke Drury d. Nov. 11, 1822, aged 22.

Drake William, s. of Elisha Drake, m. Sally Hare of N. Brookfield. Nov. 1816. Mary b. July 10, 1817 ; Samuel, Feb. 6, 1819 ; Merriam, Jan. 27, 1821 ; Clementine, April 13, 1825; William ; Lucinda .

Drake Elisha, s. of Elisha, m. Betsey White, da. of Jon- athan White, June 19, 1823. Jeremiah b. Aug. 12, 1824 ; Euth, Oct. 11, 1825.

Dyer Edward C, (noticed in another place,) m. Sarah W. Taylor, da. of deacon Samuel Taylor of Worcester, May

196 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

26, 1840. Edward Samuel b. April 1, 1849, (died Aug. 8, 1849.) His wifed. April 27, 1849. Again m. Mrs. Sophia C. Davis, widow of Solomon P. Davis of Holden, Sept. 11, 1850. Emma Sarah b. May 2G, 1852, (died April ^5, 1853 ;) Carrie, b. Aug. 23, 1853 ; Nellie Carey b. Dec. 30, 1855, (died Sept.

10, 1859,) Sarah Worcester, April 4, 1858.

Demond Alpheus, s. of Capt. Elijah Demond of Rutland, m. Mary Stone of Oakham, Sept. 180G. Albert Augustine, b. Aug. 10, 1807 ; Augusta, June 27, 1810 ; Lorenzo, July 31, 1812. Mr. Demond was a merchant in this town several years, one of the selectmen, and removed to Ware, April 1, 1813, where he died, May, 1859, aged 80.

Eaton Rev. Joshua, (see another part of this work,) m. Sarah Elliot, a descendant of Rev. John Elliot, apostle to the Indians, Dec. 26, 1739. John b. May 19, 1741, (died July

11, 1754.) Sarah, b. May 12, 1744, (died Oct. same year.) Sarah b. Oct. 11, 1745 ; Mary, Oct. 1, 1747, (died July 2, 1754) ; Joshua b. Jan. 2, 1749 ; Samuel b. March 14, 1752, (died Jan. 21,1754); John Elliot b. Feb. 9, 1756. Mr. Eaton died April 2, 1772, aged 57. His wife died Oct, 28, 1770. Sarah married Doct. William Frink. John Elliot, a physician, died in Dudley, 1812.

Elliot John, Esq., came from New Haven, Conn., 1760- He was also a descendant of Rev. John Elliot and brother to Mrs. Eaton. He owned the mansion house, afterwards owned by Mr. Isaac Jenks, and about 440 acres of land. He was a gentleman of some distinction — well educated, lived in a style of affluence and considered wealthy, paying the largest tax in town. He was appointed justice of the peace by Gov. Bernard, Jan, 1, 1762, and was often one of the selectmen, town clerk, moderator, &c. After remaining in town some ten or eleven years, he removed again to New Haven. He had two sons educated at Harvard University.

Fames Henry, from Boylston, m. Sally Muzzy, da. of Edmund Muzzy, Nov. 26, 1807. Timothy Dwight b. May

HISTOET OF SPENCEE. 197

lo, 1809; William Alden, Aug. 4, 1811; Sarah, Feb. lo, 1814. His wife Sarah d. Jan. 12, 1831a ged -lo, he again m. Mrs. Eoxana Jenks, widow of John Jenks, June 31, 1832.

Eaton Ziba, m^. Sally Hathaway of Sutton, 1817. Pau- lina Hoxa, b. May 18, 1818 ; Lucy, March 8, 1820 ; Sarah, Jan. 9, 1824 ; Mary L., April 20, 1830 ; (Died Sept. 3, 1843, aged 13). Mrs. Eaton d. April 20, 1851, aged 55.

Frink William, Doct., (noticed in another place,) b. in Eutland, Dec. 14, 1742, and m. Sarah Eaton, da. of Eev. Joshua Eaton, May 3, 1772. William Eaton, b. 1774 ; Sarah, 1776; Polly, 1778 ; Isabel Wright, 1780. He lived in the old house now owned by Edward Proctor. Removed to Eut- land 1783, and d. from a fall from a load of hay.

Flagg John, came from Waltham, and purchased the tav- ern and farm since owned by Isaac Jenks, at that time owned by Josiah Eobinson. He kept the public house seven years, and in 1761 he purchased lot (69), the farm of Cheney Sumner being a part of the same, and built the house late- ly taken down. He removed to Waltham in 17G7, where he kept a public house until his death. His children while in Spencer, by his wife Patience, were. Patience, b. May 21, 1755; John, April 15, 1762.

Flagg Samuel, brother to John, above mentioned, came from Waltham and settled on the east end of lots (29 and 36) in 1762. He afterwards removed on to lot (67), now owned by Jonas Guilford 2d, where he died. His children

by his wife Grace, are, Susannah, ; Sarah, b. March 17,

1763 ; Samuel, July 24, 1765 ; Hannah, Sept. 19, 1767 ;

Esther, 1 Polly, ; Josiah, . Susannah, m.

Solomon Cook of Charlton, Feb. 20, 1782; Hannah to Elias Adams, Dec. 24, 1789; Esther to James Adams of Brook- field, April 26, 1791 ; Sarah to John Guilford, May 8, 1793 ; Polly to John Bemis of Paxton, July 5, 1796 ; Josiah to Mary Adams of Brookfield, Dec. 29, 1796.

Gates' Oldham, from Bolton, settled on the central part

198 HISTOET OF SPENCER.

of lot (15), now owned by Eber Snow and son. He m. Me- hetable Trowbridge of Framingbam, 1745. Mehetable, b. June 13, 17-iG ; Susannah, June 7, 1748 ; Euth, Marcb 21, 1750 ; Jonas, June 27, 1752. His wife d. and be m. Patience Bartlet of North Brookfield, da. of Nathaniel Bartlet, Nov. 21, 1754. John, b. March 2, 1757 ; James, Jan. 20, 1759; Thankful, July 9, 1760; Dorothy, Sept. 28,1755. In 1767, he sold his farm to Capt. Jonathan Wood, and left the town.

Gates Stlvanus, from Rutland, m. Elizabeth Graham, da. of John Graham. Stephen, b. Aug. 7, 1780 ; Sally, June 10, 1783; Betsey, May 2, 1785; Mary, Jan. 28, 1787; Lucinda, July 28, 1791 ; Philenda, Nov. 17, 1792 ; Sylva- nus, Oct. 24, 1793; Alpheus Woods, Oct. 12, 1790. Mr. Gates removed to Pennsylvania in 1815. Stephen m. Sarah Draper, da. of James Draper, Sally to Eli Harrington, Betsey to Joel Prouty of Boston, Mary to Aaron G. Perham, Philenda to Calvin Pajje of Boston.

Gates Stephen, s. of the above, m. Sarah Draper. Har- rison, b. Aug. 25, 1713 ; James Draper, March 4, 1815. Eemoved with his father to Pennsylvania.

Graham John, from Rutland, purchased and settled on the west part of lot (31) in 1747, and built the house now standing, lately owned by Avery Bush. He m. Jane Thompson. Robert, b. June 19, 1747 ; Andrew, June 22, 1749 ; Kate, June 18, 1751 ; William, Aug. 28, 1753 ; Elizabeth, Aug. 6, 1755 ; John, Sept. 1, 1757 ; Jesse, March 31, 1760; Mary, June 6, 1762; Samuel, Sept. 19, 1764. Mr. Graham d. March 17, 1776. His wife d. March 18, 1808, aged 87. John, m. Olive Prouty, da. of David Prouty senior. May 30, 1780 ; Elizabeth to Sylvanus Gates, April 4, 1780 ; Mary to James Bigelow, Dec. 18, 1783 ; Jesse to Anna Parker, May 12, 1785 ; Kate to Kerley Ward of Paxton.

Garfield Samuel, from Weston, settled on the central part of lot (16) in 1748, where his grandson, Joseph Garfield

HISTOET OF SPENCEE. 199

now lives. He had by his wife Hannah, a da. named Hannah, b. July 18, 1755. His wife d. and he m. Abigail Peirce of Holden, May 27, 1756. Samuel, b. March 5, 1756 ; Joseph, Sept. 19, 1758; Daniel, Sept. 29, 1760; Josiah, Oct. 12,1762; Abigail, Aug. 28, 1764; Enoch, Sept. 28, 1766 ; Elisha, April 25, 1769 ; John, July 26, 1771 ; Eliz- abeth, Sept. 15, 1773 ; Silas, Jan. 19, 1776. Mr, Garfield, d. June 12, 1792, aged 72. His wife Abigail, d. Jan. 23, 1816. He was a large, athletic man, formerly well recol- lected by many of our people for his sallies of wit, feats of strength and cheerful disposition. The following anecdote may serve as a specimen of his great strength. Mr. Gar- field being at the store of Col. Chandler in Worcester, (who was also fond of a joke) was enquiring the price of a certain grindstone which he wished to purchase. Mr. Garfield thought the price too high for so small a stone, and said he could carry it home on his back to Spencer. Well, says Col. Chandler, the stone weighs 200 lbs., and if you will carry it to Spencer without taking it from your shoulder until you arrive there, you shall have it free. No quicker said than done. The stone was placed upon his shoulder, and he literally complied with the bargain, brought the stone to Spencer, without removing it from his shoulders. A remnant of the stone may now be seen at his former place of residence. He was one of the selectmen in 1745, when Leicester and Spencer were one town.

Garfield Joseph, s. of the above, m. Elizabeth Mirick of Princeton, Jan. 12, 1790. Daniel, b. June 16, 1791 ; John, Jan. 14, 1799 ; Elizabeth, May 6, 1801 ; Lucy, May 2, 1803 ; Joseph, Jan. 4, 1806, Daniel, d. Nov. 22, 1812 ; Elizabeth, m. Elijah Kittredge, jun. April 17, 1822 ; Lucy, m. Martin Bemis, Nov. 3, 1842. Mr. Garfield d. June 10, 1836, aged 77. His wife d. May 8, 1838, aged 71. He was a soldier in the revolution.

Garfield Joseph, jun. m. E. Jane Garfield of Langdon,

200 HISTOET OF SPENCER.

N. H , 1849. , b. Nov. 12, 1850; Jane Stearnes, Aug.

G, 1852.

Garfield Silas, m. Sarah Botbwell. Elbridge G., b. Dec. 8, 1814; Silas, Feb. 22, 181G ; Sarah P. March 18, 1818. He d. April 22, 1829, aged 53.

Garfield Hannah, da. of Samuel senior, m. Daniel Spear, Jan. 26, 1794.

Garfield Abigail, da. of Samuel senior, m. Philip Bayley of Douglas, July 2, 1789.

Green Benjamin, came from Leicester, and settled on the east side of the school lot. He lived there two years, then sold to Thomas White, and purchased and removed on lot (7S) now owned by his grandson, Otis Green, where he died.

Green Benjamin, s. of the above, m. Martha Watson, da. of Dea. Oliver Watson, June 16, 1785. Betsey, b. April 28, 1780; Clark Elliot, Feb. 20, 17SS: Lucy, Nov. 10, 1789; Hannah, April 17, 1792: Oliver Watson, Feb. 28, 1794; Otis, Feb. 7, 1796: David, Dec. 27, 1797. Martha, da. of the above, m. Thomas B. Clark, Feb. 15, 1838 : Otis to Martha Wilson, da. of Nathaniel Wilson, Feb. 24, 1835. Mr. Green d. Nov. 27, 1835, aged 80. Mrs. Green, d. May 25, 1847, aged 84.

Green Lemuel, b. in Leicester, 1749, and was s. of Nathaniel Green, minister of the Baptist society in Leicester, known by the name of " Elder Green." He was a soldier in the war of the revolution, was wounded in a battle with the British army. He and his wife Sarah came on to the north part of lot (78), lately owned by his son James. Molly, b- Jan. 23, 1773 : Esther, Oct. 26, 1774: i:zra, Oct. 8, 1776: Anna, Jan. 9, 1779: William, Oct. 13, 1780: Sally, Sept. 19,1782: Elijah, Dec. 10, 1785; Betsey, June 22,1788: James, April 28, 1791 : Willard Moors, May 26, 1796. Esther m. Joseph Bennett, April 17, 1800. Sally to Arte- mas Bennett, Oct. 31, 1802. Elijah d. Jan. 25, 1810;

HI8T0KY OF SPENCEE. 201

Betsey d. May 17, 1823. Mr. Green d. Jan. 22, 1818. His wife d. June 25, 1824.

Green James, s. of the above, m. Naomi Mclntire of Charlton, 1823. Shed. May 23, 1824, aged 24. He again m. Anna Livermore, d. of David Livermore senior, July 3,

1825. John b. June 5, 1826 ; Ann Eliza, . His wife

Anna d. Jan. 24, 1829, aged 39. He died by suicide, July

3, 1828, aged 37.

Green Josiah, from Leicester, first lived on lot (1), was m. to Tamer Watson, da. of Eobert Watson, Sept. 4, 1816. She d. Oct. 13, 1820. He again m. Sybil Underwood, da. of Dea. Eeuben Underwood, Oct. 2, 1821. Eliza, b. July 18, 1822 ; Josiah, Dee. 15, 1823 ; Charles W. March 25, 1827; Henry R. Oct. 30, 1829; Jonas U. Feb. 23, 1832; Edward, Aug. 6, 1834; Sybil A. Dec. 3, 1838; Sarah I. Dec. 31, 1840. Eliza m. Emory Shumway, May, 1851.

Green Jabez, m. Eliza Luther, da. of Sylvester Luther, April 10, 1827. Martin b. May 28, 1828 ; Joseph, Nov. 29, 1829 ; Edwin, Aug. 29, 1831 ; Sylvester Luther, Feb. 23, 1835; John Murry, April 27, 1837; Milton Willis, Feb. 28, 1844. Mr. Green has been representative, selectman, &c. Removed to the state of New York.

Green Josiah, jun., m. Sarah E. Nichols of Worcester, 1847. Flora Elizabeth, b. Sept. 22, 1854; Carrie Bigelow, Oct. 1,1857.

Green Henry R., s. of Josiah, m. Mary F. Fogg of Thomaston, Maine, May 18, 1853. Charles Henry, b. June

4, 1854; Ella Francis, Dec. 16, 1856; Annie Frank, June 10, 1859.

Green Samuel B., m. Emily Wright, da. of Joel Wright, May 13, 1836. Lusatia Elizabeth, b. Oct. 1, 1839 ; Joel Wright, Dec. 4, 1840; Sarah Jane, July 26, 1843 ; Alfred, Dec. 13, 1851.

Green Bloomfield, m. Emeline Boynes, April 16, 1845. Harriet Elizabeth, b. Oct. 13, 1845 ; George Stephen, Oct. 2, 18

202 HISTOET OF SPENCER.

1847; Oct. 13,1849; Herbert, May 26, 1855.

Gkeen Nathaniel, from Brookfield, m. Catherine Adams of Brookfield, Jan. 19, 1807. Ezra, b. Sept. 7, 1807 ; Mir- anda, Feb. 28, 1809 ; Nathaniel, July 13, 1811 ; Maiy Ann,

Dec. 7, 1813 ; Timothy, Feb. 11, 181G ; Horace,

Charles, , His wife d. He again m. Phebe Drury

of Charlton, 1830. Horace m. Charity Pierce of Brookfield, 1841.

Grout Jonathan, s. of Thomas Grout, m. Olive Jones, April 20, 1786. Hannah, b. Feb. 24, 1788 ; Joel, Aug. 11, 1789; Abigail, Aug. 14, 1791 ; John, Feb. 11, 1793; Sally, Oct. 5, 1794 ; Jeremiah, June 7, 1796 ; Otis, Feb. 20, 1798 ; Silas, June 7, 1800 ; Lory, Dec. 21, 1804. Hannah m. Zor- obabel Baldwin, March 19, 1812 ; Abigail to Ephraim Cope- land of Leicester, Nov. 18, 1812 ; He d. She again m. Rufus Rich, June 2, 1823 ; Sally to John H. Rich of Charl- ton, Dec. 30, 1818. John Grout d. March 17,1820. Mr. Grout lived on the east part of lot (53). He d. July 13, 1849, aged 8G. Mrs. Grout d. Feb. 16, 1848, aged 66.

Grout Joel, s. of the above, m. Nancy Crackbone of New- ton, March, 1813. ^ Mary Spring b. May 21, 1815; (d. July 5, 1836, aged 21.) Harriet, b. July 26, 1817; Anna Maria, May 8, 1819; Sarah, Feb. 16, 1823; Hannah, Dec 27, 1825; Adaline, January, 1828; John Newton, June 30, 1830 ; Joseph Crackbone, Dec. 1832. Harriet m. Samuel H. Pierce of Worcester, Oct. 31, 1839 ; Adaline m. Sandford Snow, 1853.

Grout Jeremiah, m. Hannah Nye, She was born in New Braintree, Dec. 10, 1801. John Nye, b. March 8, 1822 ; Eleanor Pope, April 17, 1823 ; George Frederick, Aug. 25, 1825" ; Frances Jane, Feb. 15, 1827 ; Horace Alonzo, March 20, 1829. Eleanor P. m. John L. Bush, 1849. George F. m. Mary E. Livermore, 1853.

Grout Otis, m. Sally Guilford, da. of Doct. Jonas Guil- ford senior, Nov. 23, 1819. Eliza, b. Aug. 30, 1820; Otis,

HISTOBT OP- SPEITCEB. 203

March 16, 1822; William, Dec. 5, 1823 ; Charles, Nov. 16,

1825 ; Emeline, Jan. 18, 1829. His wife Sallj d. and he m. Sally Wheat.

Grout Silas, m. Roxana Draper, da. of Zenas Draper, April 24, 1823. Silas, h. March 10, 1824 ; Nancy, Feb. 19,

1826 ; Ellen Eliza, Feb. 5, 1828. She d. and he m. Eliza Draper, sister to first wife.

Grout Lory, m. Laura Luther, da. of Sylvester Luther, June 3, 1829.

GuiLiv-HD John, m. Sarah Flagg, May 8, 1793. Sophia, b. Nov. 7, 1/94 ; Jonas, May 27, 1797 ; Catherine, March 4, 1799 ; John F.. Jan. 16, 1802. Sophia m. Elijah Adams of Bro )kfield. "^""v//. 28, 1821. He was found dead in the water neai John ,on Pond in North Brookfield, March 20, 1828, agea 76. His wife d. June 8, 1821.

Guix.iORD Jonas, 2d, s. of the above, m. Eliza Ann Mon- roe, da. of Nathan Munroe, Nov. 4, 1830. Augusta, b. Nov. 2, 1831 ; Ann Eliza, Oct. 24, 1832 ; Nathan, Sept. 27, 1834 ; Sarah Jane, Oct. 12, 1842.

Guilford John F., brother to the above, m. Eliza C. Gray of Ashfield, 1832. John Elliot, b. March 7, 1834.

Guilford Jonas, Doct., m. Lydia Hobbs of Brookfield. Betsey b. May 15, 1784; Nathan, July 19, 1786; Jonas, Nov. 10, 1788 ; Charles, July 25, 1791 ; John, Feb. 4, 1793 ;

Lydia, Feb. 24, 1795 ; Sally, July 28, 1797 ; Asa, .

Betsey m. Nathaniel Bemis, May 7, 1816.

Guilford Jonas, jun., Doct., s. of the above, m. Persia Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis, June 20, 1816. Sarah B. b. Dec. 5, 1816 ; Caroline, Dec. 23, 1819 ; Persis, Aug. 16, 1822; Maria, Aug. 19, 1826; Phebe Jane, May 29, 1829; Ellen, Aug. 1832. Sarah B. m. Charles E. Denney, May 19, 1840 ; Caroline to David Prouty, Jan. 14, 1840; Persis to Asa T. Jones, 1845.

GooDENOW Cornelius, was from Eutland, settled on the part of lot (31) in 1748. He lived there several years. He

204 HISTOKY OF SPENCER.

had one son by his wife Abigail ; Jonathan b. May 22, 1751. Afterwards annexed to the western part of the lot belong- inir to John Graham.

Greaton John, from Medford, (originally from England,) made the third settlement in Spencer. He purchased lot (25) in 1723, since owned by Phineas Jones and now by Ebenezer Proctor. His children were John, Sarah, Mary, Thomas, James, Martha, Hannah, and Joseph. He was killed on his farm, by the fall of a tree which himself cut down. April 1737. James, m. Hannah Baldwin of Lieces- ter, April 27, 1749. He received the homestead. John, b. ])ec. 22, 1749 ; James, Oct. 30, 1751 ; Mary, Aug. 19, 1753 ; Hannah, May 7, 1755; Thomas, Aug. 1, 1757; Nathan, July 28, 1759. Some of his descendants remain in Leices- ter and Paxton.

Griffin David, with his brother Robert and sister Issabel, settled on the east part of lot (12) in 1750, now owned by Jonathan Munroe and Joshua Cole. They were born in Ireland, in the county of Antrim and parish of Bellowilling. David, b. 1G86; Issabel, 1695; Eobert, 1697. They were all unmarried, and*so remained to their death. For a few years they were frugal and industrious, and accumulated property, but the latter part of their lives they all became intemperate, and were all hurried to their graves in quick succession. David d. Dec. 14, 1769, aged 88; Robert d. July 16, 1770, aged 73 ; Issabel d. July 29, 1770, aged 75. They left no heirs in this country. A nephew, Robert Griffin, came from Ireland and inherited their estate. But he too, becoming intemperate, died a pauper in 1795.

David Griffin is represented as a shrewd, keen-witted per- son, and was famous for raising good horses. Offering one for sale to the Rev. Mr. Maccarty of Worcester, he objected to the color. David replied, " He never knew a good horse have a bad color." That completed the bargain. Another anecdote is related of him. Being at the store of Col. John

HI8T0BT OF SPENCEB. 205

Chandler, he says, in a jocose way, "Mr. Griffin, you have no heirs in this country, and when you die you had better give your property to me." If I should, says David, I should be a wiser man than Solomon, because Solomon says, when a man dies and leaves his property to some one, but does not know whether he will be a wise man or a fool ; but if I should leave my property to you, I should know it would be to a fool, and a cursed fool, too.

. Gleason Benjamin, from Sudbury, purchased lot (70) in 1763, and the next year removed his family on to it, now owned by Eufus Rich. He m. Dorothy Allen while at Sudbury, and while there had Benjamin, Elisha and Mary. While in Spencer, his children were, Josiah, b. July 27, 1765 ; Phineas, June 3, 1767 ; Dolly, Nov. 7, 1770 ; John, Aug. 16, 1772; Eebekah, April 21, 1774; Samuel, May 8, 1779. Benjamin m. Sarah Underwood, Feb, 24, 1785 ; Rebekah to Thaddeua White, Esq. of Washington, Vt. Jan. 14, 1810; Samuel to Nancy Draper, da. of Capt. John Draper, Feb. 3, 1811. Mr. Gleason was a farmer and black- smith, and d. Oct. 15, 1818. Mrs. Gleason d. Feb. 3, 1831, aged 94. ,

Gleason Phineas, s. of the above, m. Betsey Faucet, March 14, 1808. Hiram, b. June 23, 1808 ; Adaline, Oct. 13, 1812; Laurinda, July 4, 1815.

Gleason John, brother of the above, m. Sally Cheney of Sutton, 1805. Sukey b. Sept. 18, 1806 ; Lucy, April 8, 1808; Nathaniel Cheney, Dec. 19, 1814.

Hill John, with his wife Mary, came from Fraraingham and purchased of Samuel Bemis 50 acres, being the north- east comer of lot (56) now owned by Cheney Sumner and Dexter Converse, where are the remains of his cellar. Mary b. April 20, 1743 ; John b. Aug. 9, 1744 ; Jacob, June 28, 1747 ; Sarah, May 28, 1752 ; Betty, June 19, 1758.

Hill Jacob, s. of the above, with his wife Sarah, had Isaac, b. July 28, 1774 ; Abigail, Aug. 2,1777; Rebekah, 18*

206 HISTOKT OF SPEJfCEE

«

Feb. 26, 1791 ; Sarah, Aug. 29, 1793 ; Annah,Oct. 3, 1795. He removed to New York, on the Chenango river.

Hill Daniel, m. Mary Clark, da. of Mathias Clark, Sept, 28, 17G9. His farm now owned by Henry Belcher and others. Joshua b. March 8, 1772 ; Clark, April 5, 1774 ; Daniel, April 29, 1777 ; Nathan, June 18, 1779; Jonathan, May 8, 1781 ; Betsey, April G, 1785 ; Mary, Nov. 18, 1787. Mr, Hill was a soldier in the war with France, 1760. He d. Feb. G, 1837, aged 94. His wife d. Dec. 8, 1830, aged 87.

Hill Joshua, s. of the above, m. Miriam Briggs of Brookfield, Jan. 1, 1795. Washington b. July 2, 179G Joshua, March 24, 1798 ; Willington, June 4, 1799 Warner, Aug. 9, 1802 ; Almira Parraenter, Feb. 20, 1804 Nancy Robertson, Aug. 29, 1806 ; Sullivan, July 2, 1808

Dexter, . Almira P. m. John Kent, Jan. 1, 1828

Nancy E. m. Francis Dana, of Hartford, Conn., Dec. 6, 1827. Mr, Hill still lives at the age of 88, with a second wife.

Hill Clark, brother of the above, m. Anna Mann of Richmond, N. H. 1799. Orison b. May 18, 1801 ; Liberty, June 30, 1802; Jefferson, Nov. 25, 1803 ; Pliny, Nov. 16, 1805; Orange, June 13, 180G ; Benjamin D., June 17, 180S; Valentine, March 28, 1810; Sarah, June 7, 1812; Alford, Jan. 23, 1814 ; James, Jan. 17, 1816; Clark, April 25, 1818.

Hill Daniel, jun. m. Sally Snell, April 19, 1804. Char- lottb. July 10, 1809; Sally, Dec. 2, 1818; Harvey, Feb. 9, 1821 ; Henry Snell, April 22, 1812 ; Cheney, April 15, 1814; Isaac, March 20, 181G : Sally, Dec. 28, 1817 ; Fores- ter, Jan. 3, 1823 ; Nancy Elizabeth, July 29, 1824; Daniel Dwight, Jan 23, 1827.

Hill Nathan, brother of the above, m. Joanna Bennett, Oct. 26, 1803. Nancy, b. May 4, 1804. She d. Nov. 22, 1805. He again m. Lucy Bennett. Sally, b. April 9, 1803; Lucius, Feb. 27, 1812; Solomon, Aug. 15, 1814. Removed to the state of Ohio. Betsey Hill, da. of Daniel

HISTOET OF SPEXCEB. 207

senior, m. William S. Boynes, 1808, and was killed by light- ning, June 18, 1823; Mary Hill, da. of Daniel senior, m. James B. Kent of Brookfield, Dec. 29, 1811.

Howe Elijah, m. Deborah Smith, both of them of Leices- ter, June 24, 1759. He came to Spencer, 1776. Joel b, 1760; Kerley, Frederick, Elijah, Sally and Elizabeth, all b. in Leicester. Catharine b. June 25, 1777; James, Aug. 19, 1781; Lucretia, May 28, 1784; three last b. in Spencer. Sally, m. William Adams of Brookfield, Aug. 9, 1795 ; Elizabeth to James Blanchard of Charlton, Aug. 1795 ; Catharine to Sylvester Luther, Dec. 1, 1803; Lucretia to Bernard Green, March 30, 1809; James to Achsah May- nard, Dec. 22, 1812.

Howe Joel, son of the above, m. Elizabeth Bemis, da. of Nathaniel Bemis senior. Hannah, b. Dec. 8, 1785 ; Euth, April 15, 1788. His wife d. and he m. Esther Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis senior. Frances, b. Feb. 22, 1801 ; Martha, July 1, 1803; Caroline, Nov. 18, 1805; Anna, April 21, 1808 ; Fanny, May 2, 1811 ; Sarah Bemis, March 19, 1814 ; Esther, March, 23, 1817; Joel, Jan. 31, 1819. Mr. Howe was a soldier in the war of the revolution, had a pension, and d. Jan. 9, 1854, aged 93.

Howe Kerley, brother of the above, m. Abiah Howland. Abiah, b. April 5, 1784. His wife d. and he m. Anna White, da, of John White. Nancy and Charles, b. Oct. 13, 1788; Horace, June 29, 1793; Silence and Polly, April 19, 1796; Lossa, July 19, 1801.

Howe Frederick, brother of the above, m. Sarah White, da, of John White, senior. Cynthia b. March 6, 1789 ; Frederick, Feb. 21, 1791 ; Sarah W., Feb. 23, 1793 ; Darius, Feb. 4, 1795 ; Lewis, Nov. 24, 1796 ; Relief, Dec. 22, 1798 ; Dennis, April 18, 1801 : Mehetable, Sept. 12, 1803 ; Luther, Nov. 14, 1805, (died March 3, 1829); Amy, b. Feb. 3, 180S; Addison, Dec. 15, 1810; Cyrus, April 6, 1813, (died March 25, 1839) ; Cynthia m. Jason Abbott of Paxton,

208 HISTOET OF SPENCEK.

Oct. 8, 1812; Darius m. Mary Clark, May 20, 1821; Amy m. Lowell Damon of Fitzwilliam, N. H. Oct. 6, 18S1 ; Me- hetable m. Hallowell P. Partridge of Plain field, Conn. Oct. 4, 1832. Mr. Howe was a surveyor of land, a justice of the peace, and assessor many years. He d. Oct. 19, 1848, aged 84. Mrs. Howe d. Dec. 3, 1852, aged 84.

Howe Elijah, brother of the above, m. Fanny Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis, senior. Elijah b. Sept. 17, 1790 ; Elias, Dec. 27, 1792 ; Liberty, Feb. 8, 1798 ; Tyler, Aug. 11, 1800; William, May 12, 1803; Alphonzo, July 3, 1805; Hiram, Jan. 21, 1808; Elbridge, March 6, 1810; Sarah Ann, April 9, 1812. He d. Jan. 9, 181G. Mrs. Howe m. Aaron Ban- nister, and d. Nov. 25, 1852, aged 81.

Howe Elijah, s. of the above, m. Fanny Watson, da. of Jacob Watson. Mary b. Jan. 13, 1816 ; Elijah, Oct. 8, 1817 ; Emeline, Sept. 22, 1819; Charles, Feb. 17,1822. Hed. May 30, 1845, aged 54.

Howe Elias, brother of the above, m. Polly Bemis of Chester. 181 G. Amasa b. Nov. 3, 1817 ; Elias, July 9, 1819. He is the inventor and patentee of the celebrated sewing machine. Mary b. March 13, 1821 ; Horace Smith, b. May 10, 1823 ; Eliza, Dec. 22, 1824 ; Juliet, Nov. 20, 182G; Carintha, 1828. Mr. Howe now resides in 0am- bridgeport.

Howe William, brother of the above, m. Azubah T. Stone of Charlton, 1828. George S. b. March 20, 1829, (d. July 2G, 1831.) Marian Stone b. April 15, 1831, (d. Aug. 9, 1831) ; George William b. Oct. 29, 1832. Mr. Howe was a man, like his nephew Elias, of great ingenuity. He was the inventor and patentee of the " truss wooden bridge," now generally used in the construction of large bridges. With this patent he constructed the bridge for the Western Eailroad, over Connecticut river at Springfield. He also de- signed and built the roof over the large depot of the Boston and Worcester Railroad at Boston, which was considered a

HISTOBT OF SPENCEB. 209

very difficult and hazardous undertaking, but whicli was ac- complished in a very satisfactory manner. He removed to Springfield and there died.

Howe Hikam, brother of the above, m. Azubah Williams of Charlton, 1835. Ebenezer b. Aug. 27, 1836; Moses, Jan. 5, 1840. Mr. Howe is the owner of mills and a large real estate.

Howe Francis, s. of Joel, with his wife Hannah, had Ed- ward, b. Oct. 12, 1829 ; Sarah, Sept. 13, 1831 ; Chauncey, Aug. 2, 1833 ; Esther Viletta, Dec. 5, 1835.

HowLAND John, bought and built on the northern part of lot 58, in 1769, where his son Abner lately lived. His only son on record by his first wife, Abner, b. March, 1769. She d. and he was married to Bulah Bemis, da. of Samuel Bemis, jun. Molly or Polly b. 3Iarch 20, 1775 ; James, Oct. 30, 1777 ; Abigail, June 6, 1779 ; Willard, June 28, 1780; Sukey, April 19, 1783 ; Abiah, Aug. 16, 1785. His wife Bulah d., he m. Mrs. Rachel Perkins Feb. 25, 1790. He removed to Brookfield, and d. Jan. 13, 1810.

HowLAND Abner, m. Ruth Gould. Melinda b. July 25, 1794; Polly, Oct. 13, 1798; Otis, Nov. 6, 1800; Wilber, Feb. 6, 1803; Sukey, Feb. 8, 1805; Marquis Lyon, Sept. 12,1808; Malina, May 25, 1811.

HowLAND Wilber, s. of the above, m. Augusta jMarsh, da. of Tyler Marsh, May 15, 1827. Lydia Ann, b. April, 1828.

HowLAND James, s. of John, m. Catharine Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis senior, Jan. 24, 1799. Removed to Brookfield. Both deceased.

Harrington Elisha, from Brookfield, 1791, m. to Betsey Marble. Dwight Foster and Cheney b. in Brookfield. Charles b. Dec. 27,1792, (died Nov. 17, 1807:) Elisha b. June 22, 1796 ; Lucy, June 6, 1798 ; Betsey, May 24, 1800 ; Maria, June 17, 1802; Sophia, Nov.:l, 1804. Dwight F. d. at Monson May 23, 1821 ; Betsey m. David Barnard, March

210 HISTOKT OF 8PENCEE.

21, 1825 ; Sophia m. Thomas Hanna of Indiana, Sept. 7, 1848, (she died at Richmond, Indiana, July 24, 1849, of cholera,) Maria m. Thomas Hanna, Aug. 29, 1850. Mr. Harrington was cabinet maker, farmer and merchant, also a soldier in the war of the revolution. Died Jan. 2, 1817, aged 56. Mrs. Harrington died Nov. 26, 18fi8, aged 76.

Hatch Stevens, with his wife Ruth, came from Hanover, 1770, on to the northeast part of lot 33, now owned by the town of Spencer. Thomas b. at Hanover, Feb. 4, 1767 ; Elias b. at Hanover, Aug. 29, 1769 ; Lydia at Spencer, Nov. 4, 1780. Lydia m. William Prouty, Dec. 16, 1798. Again to Joshua Bemis, July 28, 1819, and again to Ed- mund Muzzy, May 3, 1838.

Hatch Thomas, s. of the above, m. Molly Prouty, da. of John Prouty, Nov. 15, 1787. Eli k Dec. 13, 1789 ; Wind- sor, Dec. 3, 1792 ; Cynthia, March 14, 1795 ; Lyman, March 7, 1797 ; Morena, April 2, 1799 ; Abigail, June 15, 1801 ; Sophronia, Aug. 28, 1803; Hiram, July 13, 1806; Cutler, Sept. 80, 1808. His wife d. Oct. 19, 1811, again m. Mrs. Azuba Towne, March 22, 1812,

Hatch Eli, m, Hannah Whittemore, da. of Reuben Whit- temore, July 10, 1814. Lorenzo b. July 16, 1816 ; Caroline b. Feb. 20, 1826. Windsor Hatch, s. of Thomas, m. Mary Drury, June 29, 1817.

Hatch Elias, s. of Stevens, m. Olive Draper, da. of Capt. John Draper, Nov. 10, 1791. Lucy b. Oct. 24, 1792 ; (died March 31, 1806 ;) Cheney b. April 3, 1795 ; Dwight, Aug. 2, 1797; Nancy, Jan. 11, 1802; Sophia, March 29, 1804; William, Nov. 11, 1805; Olive, Sept. 5, 1806 ; John, Jan. 21,1816. Cheney resides in Leicester ; is president of the Leicester Bank. Dwight m. Philetta Hobbs, Oct. 8, 1821. William m. Conklin, and lives in Leicester,

HoBBS Daniel, from Brookfield, m. Dolly Newhall, widow of Allen Newhall and da. of Jonas Bemis senior, Dec. 4, 1794. Warren b. ; Samuel, June 22, 1795 ; Lyman,

HI3T0BT OF SPENCEB. 211

Bee. 6, 1802; Lorenzo, Oct. 5, 1804; Marcus, Jan. 9, 1807;

Cordelia, March 27, 1809 ; Daniel, : George L., .

Mr. Hobbs d. Oct. 29, 1846, aged 80. His wife d. May 21, 1852, aged 85.

Hunt Aaron, from Paxton, about 1770, had with his wife Lavinia, while in Paxton, Frederick, Luther, Samuel and Persis. While in Spencer, John, b. June 25, 1770; Aaron, Sept. 23, 1772; Sarah, Oct. 31, 1774; Elizabeth, Dec. 28, 1776; Martha, May 18, 1780. Persis m. John Smith of Paxton, Jan. 8,1784: Sarah m. Michael Jenks, March 2, 1797 ; Elizabeth to Silas Bemis, April 20, 1797. John went to New York, Aaron d. in Spencer. Mr. Hunt was a man of some education, taught school, was selectman in 1778 and 1779. He and his wife d. in Oakham.

Hill Washington, s. of Joshua, m. Almira Kent of Brookfield, 1823. Lewis b. Jan. 23, 1824 ; Luther, Nov. 22, 1825 ; Alonzo, March 21, 1828 ; Elvira Calista, April 13, 1830. His wife d. Jan. 9, 1832, and he m. Lucy Hap- good of Shrewsbury, 1834. Martha Hapgood, b. Feb. 26, 1837 ; Lucy Elizabeth, April 19, 1841 ; Ephraim Hapgood, July 4, 1842. Mr. Hill has been d merchant and farmer.

Hall Samuel, with his wife Lydia, from Grafton, about 1770, and purchased the farm now owned by his grandson, Elias Hall. Samuel and Moses, b. in Grafton ; Lydia, b. Oct. 22, 1771: Elizabeth, Feb. 7, 1774; Jonathan, Aug. 24, 1776; feias, Nov. 12, 1778; Sarah, Aug. 5, 1781; Olive, Oct. 28, 1783; Euth, July 5, 1786. Mr. Hall d. Jan. 10, 1814. Mrs. Hall d. July 17, 1817.

Hall Samuel, jun., m. Lydia 'Hinds of North Brookfield. Pearly, b. Dec. 30, 1797 ; Horatio, Aug. 12, 1806 ; Lucy, May 30, 1808 ; Lydia, Feb. 9, 1813. His wife d. March 3, 1820. He d. June 21, 1835, aged 68.

Hall Horatio, s. of the above, m. Sarah Fames, da. of Henry Eames, April 9, 1833. Sarah Jane b. Aug. 27, 1834 ; AbigaU, Dec. 30, 1836; Mary Elizabeth, May 15, 1839.

212 HISTOET OP SPENCEK.

Hall Moses, s. of Samuel senior, m. Sarah Grout of Westborough, 1802. She d. Oct. 19, 1805 ; he m. Eliz- abeth Mason, da. of Capt. Ebenezer Mason, Feb, 23, 1809. Elliot b. Feb. 18, 1811 ; Moses, Nov. 181G. Mr. Hall was a captain in the militia, selectman and assessor. He lived where his son Elliot now lives. He d. suddenly, June 13, 1835, aged 06.

Hall Elliot, s. of the above, m. Mary Drake of North Brookfield, May 7, 1840. Francis Elliot b. July 15, 1841 ; Mary Elizabeth, Nov. 9, 184G.

Hall Jonathan, s. of Samuel senior, m. Sally Prouty, da. of Maj. David Prouty, Dec. 1, 1803. Uriel b. Feb. 21, 1804 ; Clarissa, April 2, 1805. Removed to Langdon, N. H.

Hall Elias, brother of the above, m. Mehetable Luther, da. of Robert Luther, Nov. 28, 1805. Betsey Luther, b. June 27, 1806; Mehetable, July 29, 1808 ; Ruthana, April 12, 1812 ; Elias, July 27, 1816 ; Jane Ann, Oct. 22, 1819 ; Lydia Whipple, Dec. 30, 1823. Mr. Hall d. July 1, 1852, aged 72. His wife d. Aug. 27, 1833, aged 48.

Hall Elias, jun. m. Mirriam H. Burgess, May 28, 1845. Maria Jane b. May 31, 1846. Mrs. Hall d. Sept 20, 1847, aged 29.

Hetward Ephraim C. m, Clarissa Coggswell, Jan. 1, 1817. Alice Pratt b. Dec. 3,1817; Erastus Loring, April 25,1821; Leander Bumham, Dec. 1, 1822 ; Sarah Mun- roe, April 21, 1825; Clarissa Phidelia, March 22, 1827; Elvira H. March 25, 1829 ; Austin S. June 1, 1831 ; George B. April 12, 1833. Mr. Heywood d. July 28, 1837, aged 42.

Hersey Nathan, s. of Elijah Hersey b. Jan 11, 1809. He m. Harriet Barnes, d. of Amos Livermore, April 2, 1833. She was b. July 15, 1807. Ellen Maria b. Feb. 8, 1834, (d. Jan. 2, 1836) ; Alonzo b. Jan. 6, 1836. His wife d. Jan. 15, 1836, aged 29. He again m. Harriet Lamb, da. of Maj. Isaac Lamb, April 18, 1838. She was b. Nov. 13, 1819. Lucinda Ann b. June 26, 1840, (d. May 29, 1842) ; Harriet

HI8T0SY OF SPENCEB. 213

Newhall b. May 3, 1842 ; Mary Jane, Sept. 2, 1845. His 2d wife d. Oct. 30, 1840, aged 30. He again m. Caroline Cheever, da. of Joseph Cheever, Jan. 6, 1853. She was b. Aug. 30, 1825.

Johnson Isaac, with his wife Patience from Southbor- ough, 1761, purchased the west part of lot (41) bounded west on North Brookfield line, taking in a part of " John- son Pond," so named from himself. He erected mills there, and d. 1768 or 1769. Stephen b. July 16, 1759; Isaac, July 17, 1761 ; Joseph, Jan. 18, 1763 ; Nathaniel, Jan 16, 1765 ; Israel, March 3, 1767.

Jenks Lawrence, purchased the farm now owned by Dan- iel Whittemore. He had by his wife Susannah, Mehetable b. March 5, 1767 ; David, Oct. 30, 1768; Elizabeth, Nov. 5, 1770 ; Thomas, March 23, 1773 ; Susannah, March 18, 1776; Anna, June 11, 1778; Lawrence, Sept. 29, 1780; Henry, Sept. 3, 1782 ; Jeremiah, March 18, 1785 ; Kussell, Oct. 8, 1787; Philania, June 26, 1790. Mehetable m. James Lamb of Charlton, Sept. 4, 1791 ; David to Eebekah Barnes, Feb. 26, 1789 ; Thomas to Polly Eainger of Brook- field ; Susannah to Ephraim Eainger, Nov. 12, 1795. Mr. Jenks removed to Belchertown, d. about 1819,

Jenks Isaac, brother to the above, came to Spencer about 1775, and kept the public house long known as the " Jenks tavern." He was representative for the years 1785, 86, 87, and 88. Has been selectman and assessor. Lydiab. Jan. 16, 1771; Michael, Aug. 16, 1773; Hannah, March 16, 1776; John, Aug. 16, 1778; Isaac, Dec. 28, 1783; Cynthia, July 6, 1786, (died July 20, 1811); Otis, June 13, 1789, (died Aug. 18, 1797) ; Mary, Jan. 2, 1792 ; Lydia m. Ezekiel Baxter, Dec. 5, 1790 ; Michael to Sarah Hunt, March 2, 1797 ; Mary to Willard Eice, Jan. 25, 1817 ; Hannah died unmarried, Jan. 26, 1850, aged 73. Mr. Jenks d. Sept. 27, 1818. His wife Euth d. Jan. 3, 1833, aged 85.

19

214 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

Jenks John, s. of the above, m. Olive Eice, da. of Peter nice, Oct. 17, 1807. Edward b. Aug. 26, 1808; Otis Dex- ter, Dec. 8, 1810; John, March, 1815; George, April 12, 1819. His wife d. Sept. 3, 1819. He m. Roxana Watson, Aug. 1820. Olive b. Aug. 20, 1823. Mr. Jenks d. Sept. 25,1823.

Jenks Isaac, jun. m. Dolly Loring, 1816. Theodore b. April 18, 1817 ; Isaac, Feb. 4, 1819 ; Daniel Loring, April

20, 1820 ; , Dec. 26, 1821. Mr, Jenks was postmaster,

selectman, ten years in succession. Removed to the state of New York ; deceased.

Jones Asa, Doct. m. Lucy Dunbar, Dea 22, 1814. JMary W. b. Sept. I, 1817 ; Eliza, May 7, 1819; Asa T. Aug. 17, 1820; Erastus, Sept. 11, 1825; Lucy D. Aug. 2, 1828. Mary m. Rev. Gideon Johnson of Haverhill, May 21, 1841. Eliza m. Warren H. Dunton, May 9, 1844. Doct. Jones was from Charlton. He d. Oct. 22, 1831, aged 44. Mrs. Jones d. July 27, 1844, aged 54.

Jones Asa T., son of the above, m. Persis Guilford, da. of Doct. Jonas Guilford, April 27, 1845. Asa T. b. Eeb. 22, 1856.

Jones Erastus, brother of the above, m. Mary E. Starr of Thomaston, Me., June 5, 1850. Lucy Isabella, b. July 3, 1852; Julia Francis, Jan. 5, 1856.

Jones Eli, brother to Doct. Asa, m. Elizabeth Drury, da. of Benjamin Drury, Esq., Nov. 3, 1816. Lydia L. b. Oct. 15, 1817 ; Elizabeth L. Jan. 15, 1821 ; Hannah Miriam, Aug. lo, 1825. Lydia L. m. Elisha F. Witt, June 30, 1835, Elizabeth to Marshall Pierce of Worcester, April 20, 1847 ; Hannah to Tilson J. Sanderson, Aug. 30, 1848. Mr. Jones d. Oct. 9, 1855, aged 66. Marshall Pierce d. Dec. 15, 1855, aged 35.

Jones Phineas, from Charlton, m. Lucy Baldwin da. of Maj. Asa Baldwin, Oct. 19, 178G. Jeremiah b. March 7. 1788 ; Reuel, Dec. 27, 1789, (perished in a snow storm, Dec.

HI8T0ET OF SJENCER. 215

24, 1811) ; Mind^eU, April 5, 1792 ; Lory,. . His wife

Lucy d. and he was married to Hannah Phillips of Stur- bridge, April 22, 1798. Silas b. Jan. 18, 1799 ; Eleanor, July 6, 1807, (died Feb. 11,- 1834, at Norwich, Conn, aged 22); Louisa Ann b. Jan. IG, 1810 ; Mariah, April 21, 1816, (died Aug, 28, 1834, aged 18) ; Phineas b. April 18, 1819. Mindwell m. Col. Joseph Sargent of Leicester, April 15, 1818,' Phineas m. Emeline B. Lamb, da. of Austin Lamb, June 4, 1844. Mr. Jones was a soldier in the war of the revolution, has been selectman, and representative, and d. April 27, 1850, aged 84. His wife Hannah d. Feb. 14, 1841» aged 68.

JonNSON Benjamin, Capt, Johnson was an early settler in Leicester, and removed from that town to Spencer in 17"47, and settled on part of lot 21, and built a house which is yet standing, now owned by Lewis Hill, While in Lei- cester he filled many honorable stations, and the first year of the incorporation of Spencer, 1753, he was chosen mod- erator, town clerk» treasurer, selectman, and assessor. His children by his wife Rebekah were, Eebekah, b. May 4, 1719 ; Esther, May 8, 1721 ; Mary, April 30, 1724 ; Abigail, Dec. 15,1726. Eebekah m. David Lynde of Leicester, May 1, 1740 ; their children were Johnson, b. July 8, 1741 ; Esther,

b. ; Johnson Lynde m. Abigail White ; Esther to Maj.

William White, brother to Abigail. Mary Johnson m. Samuel Bemis jun. Nov. 11, 1742 ; Abigail Johnson m. John Prouty, Oct. 9,1745. Capt. Johnson d. Jan. 23, 1771. His widow, who practised midwifery successfully many years, died about 1781, aged more than eighty years.

ILnapp David, in 1747, settled on the north part of lot 22, afterwards owned by Thomas White, now owned by David Bemis and the heirs of Lewis Bemis. He was from Newton. The house was on the hill about 50 rods westerly of Moose Pond. He afterwards purchased and lived on lot 28, lately owned by Caleb M. Morse, where he died. His wjfe's name

216 HISTORY OF SPENCER.

was Sarah, by whom he had Anna, b. Oct. 4, 1741 ; John, May 27, 1744 ; Joseph, Oct. 16, 1745 ; David, June 30, 1750 ; Sarah, May 15, 1752 : Enoch, July 18, 1754. His wife d. and he was m. to Mehetable Rice, Sept. 27, 1759, by whom he had Nathan, b. Sept. 29, 17 GO. Sarah m. James Lamb, May 4, 1775.

Knapp John, s. of the above, m. Ascenath Green of Lei- cester, Nov. 25, 1773. Their only children were Anna and John. Anna m. Nathaniel Cobb, April 10, 1792. Mr. Knapp d. June 22, 1809, aged G5. His widow and son re- moved from Spencer.

Knapp Enoch, brother of the above, m. Lydia Bemis, da. of Capt. Edmund Bemis, Nov. 28, 1782. David b. Sept. 14, 1783; Nathan, Dec. 2, 1784; Lydia, March 31, 1786; Enoch, Feb. 2, 1788; Samuel, Jan. 4, 1790; Anna, May 7, 1793; Sally, Dec. 14, 1794; Silas, Feb. 20,1798; Lucy, Aug. 28, 1799 ; William, April 3, 1801 ; Lucinda, June 11, 1803. Mr. Knapp d. Aug. 13, 1811, aged 57, and the family removed to the State of Maine. The farm now owned by Austin Lamb.

Knight William, from Sudbury, blacksmith, m. Beulah Trouty, da. of David Prouty senior, July 7, 1774. William b. Jan. 5, 1775 ; Lucretia, July 5, 1776; Olive, July 14, 1778 ; Reuben, May 28, 1781 ; John, Jan. 25,1783 ; Elliot, Nov. 9, 1784 ; Polly, Dec. 14, 1786 ; Sally, Jan. 4, 1789 ; Isaac, Jan. 21, 1791 ; Nancy, May 14, 1793 ; Beulah, Jan.

15, 1796; Betsey, . His wife d. Oct. 25, 1803, and he

m. Mrs. Elizabeth Chase, April 28, 1805. Thomas E. b. April 2, 1806. Mr. Knight d. July 25, 1818.

William Knight jun. m. Abigail Howland, da. of John Howland, May 20, 1798; Lucretia to Isaac Blanchard of Charlton, Dec. 3, 1797; Olive to Jacob Watson, Sept. 1, 1803 ; Polly to Seth Aldrich, July 22, 1804 ; Isaac to Ase- nath Ward, March 3, 1814. The lot where he lived is now occupied by the houses of Francis Adams and Mrs. Laurinda Sadler.

HISTOBT OF SPENCEB. 217

KrrTREDGE Elijah, m. Lydia "Watson, June 14, 1792. Nancy b. Aug. 6, 1793, (died Oct. 5, 1790) ; Elijah b. Oct.

10, 1795 ; Lucinda, Aug. 1, 1799 ; Amos, Feb. 10, 1802 ; Watson, May 7, 1804; Mary Ann, July 28, 1806; Jacob, March 3, 1808. Mr. Kittredge d. Oct. 13, 1828, aged 59. His wife d. Jan. 10, 1828, aged 58.

Kittredge Elijah jun. m. Elizabeth Garfield, da. of Jo- seph Garfield senior, April 17, 1822. Mary Ann b. April 13, 1823 ; Martha Ann, Dec. 26, 1824 : Elijah Mirick, Aug. 7, 1829 ; Hiram Augustus, June 4, 1832 ; Edward Everett, Jan. 12, 1836. Martha Ann m. Abner Howland, 1845. Hiram Augustus d. Nov. 14, 1853, aged 21.

KnTREDGE Amos, brother to the above, m. Betsey Bush, da. of William Bush, March 8, 1826. His wife Betsey d. May

11, 1856, aged 52,

Lamond Archibald, settled on the north part of lot 18 as early as 1732. The farm now owned by the heirs of Ed- mund Newton, and the heirs of Elisha Prouty. He was born in Scotland 1677 ; it is not known when he came to Amer- ica ; but he came from Worcester to Spencer. He d. April 4, 1771, aged 94. His wife Margaret d. Sept. 5, 1775, aged 88. His children were John, Robert, Archibald, Anna, Euth and Elizabeth. Robert d. Aug. 7, 1753, aged 30 ; John d. 1755. Anna m. to Thomas Harmon of Rutland, Nov, 13, 1744. He was a celebrated surveyor, and assisted in alloting a great part of Rutland. Ruth m. Arthur Fur- bush of Rutland, June 30, 1749. Elizabeth m. Daniel Gray, of Pelham, Aug. 18, 1752.

Lamb Jonathan, said to be a descendant of Col. Joshua Lamb, one of the proprietors of Leicester and Spencer, made the fourth settlement in this town. He had been a Lieu- tenant, and was always so called, and came on to lot (27) in 1726 or 1727. The lot is now owned by Thomas G. Kingsbury, Willard Howe and others. His children by his wife Lydia, Jonathan, Joshua, Dorothy and John, who was 19*

218 HISTOKT OF SPENCEE.

b. March 5, 1727. Lieut. Lamb was a man of some influ- ence, and highly respected in the community. He d. in 1749. He is the ancestor of all of the name of Lamb of this town, now or formerly living here.

Lamb Jonathan, jun. m. Elizabeth Eichardson of Leices- ter, in 17o7. He settled on lot (28) and built a house where Joseph Wheat lately lived, and d. April 0, 17G0, aged 4G. His wife m. a Mr. Nichols, and d. June 21, 1780, aged G2. Her children, Ruth, b. Doc. 28, 1737 ; David, Doc. 14, 1739 ; Jonathan, July 3, 1742; Nathan, Nov. 3, 1744; Thomas, April 13, 1747 ; James, . liuth m. Luke Converse.

Lamb David, s. of Jonathan jun. m. Mary Howe of Rut- land, Dec. 25, 1760. Jonathan b. Sept. IC, 17G2 ; Lucretia, March 31, 17G4 ; Elijah, Sept. 9, 17G5 ; Joel, May 1, 17G7 ; William, Nov. 17, 1770; Mary, June 3, 1772. His wife d. and he m. Jemima Rice, Nov. G, 1773. David b. July 1, 177G; Nathan, Aug. 1, 1779 ; Asahel, May G, 1782; Alvan, Oct 23, 178G; Austin, March 31, 1790: Lucinda, July 27,1792. Mr. Lamb d. April 2G, 1814, aged 74. Lucre- tia m. Eber Howland, Feb. 17, 1791; William m. Tolly Pratt, April 14, 1791 ; Nathan to Huldah Adams, March 21, 1802 ; Lucinda to Waite Wheclock of Charlton, Dec. 18, 1817. Asahel d. Oct. 2, 1808, aged 2G ; David d. 1860, aged 84.

Lamb Alvan, son of David, had with his wife Lucy, Hannah Craige b. July 31, 1822; Andrew Jackson, June 12,1824; Cornelia Augusta, Jan. 1, 1827. Alvan Lamb had a Colonel's commission, was a card manufacturer, lived on the homestead where his nephew, Silas Lamb, now lives.

Lamb Austin, s. of David, m. Nancy Wilson, da. of Da- vid Wilson, 1811. Asahel b. Sept. 24, 1812 ; David Wilson, May 3, 1815; Lydia Maria, Jan. 22, 1819; Cynthia, Aug. 14, 1821 ; Emeline, Feb. 12, 1824 ; Charles, March 14, 1826. Mrs. Lamb d. Sept. 13, 1828, aged 3G. Again m. Mrs. Melissa Baxter, widow of Isaac Baxter, Oct. 14, 1830.

HISTOET OF 9PENCEK. 219

Lamb Joshua, s. of Jonathan senior, m. Sarah Wilson, da. of Dea. James Wilson, March 19, 1741. He had a part of his father's estate, and built the house now owned by Thomas G. Kingsbury. Joshua b. July 3, 1741 ; Samuel, July 4, 1743 ; David, May 24, 174o ; Sarah, Aug. 24, 1747 ; Mary, Aug. 8, 1749 ; Lydia, April 8, 1752 ; Benjamin, April 27, 1754 ; Jonas, June 24, 1755.

Lamb Samuel, s. of Joshua, m. Elizabeth Davis of Oxford, April IG, 17G6- They had Leonard, Edward, Josiah Quincy, and Joshua, who now lives in Leicester. Capt. Samuel Lamb, lived in Charlton until the latter part of his life, when he removed to Spencer, and d. where Nathan White lately lived.

Lamb Sarah, da. of Joshua, m. Isaac Rice of Sudbury, Jan. 14, 1771.

Lamb David, s. of Joshua, m. Sarah Clark, da. of Mathias Clark, Sept. 2, 1707.

Lamb Jonas, s. of Joshua, m. Mehetable Pierce of Sud- bury. May 1, 1777. Arnold, b. March 27, 1778; Meheta- ble, June 7, 1781 ; Sally, March 10, 1783 ; Betsey, Dec. 12, 1784 ; Jonas, Oct. 3, 1788 ; Samuel, July 14, 1792 ; Luther Kice, June 28, 1795; Polly, June 20, 1797. His wife d. He again m. Mrs. Lucretia Dunbar of Leicester, Aug. 25, 1803. Mr. Lamb d. Sept. 3, 1822, aged 07. * His wife Lucretia d. Aug. 3, 1841, aged 87.

Lamb John, s. of Jonathan senior, m. Abigail Smith of Leicester, April 21, 1752. He first purchased and built where Nathaniel Green now lives. Afterwards purchased lot (0) where his son Maj. Isaac- Lamb lately lived. James b. April 14, 1753; John, March 22 1755; Abigail, July 20, 1757 ; Nathaniel, March 22, 1700 ; Mary, July 0, 1702 ; Isaac, Dec. 30, 1704. He d. Jan. 13, 1790, aged 09. His wife d. May 7, 1799, aged 00.

Lamb John, s. of John, m. Abigail Prouty, da. of John Prouty, July 1, 1784. Abigail b. Nov. 24, 1785; Achsah,

22 0 HISTORY OF SPENCEE.

April 29, 1788; Betsey, March 14, 1790; Esther, Dec. 11, 1791. He removed to New Hampshire.

Lamb Nathaniel, brother of the above, m. Rebekah Prouty, da. of John Prouty, Nov. 20, 1783. He removed to Lan;>-don, New Hampshire, where his wife d. He again m. Hannah Prouty, da. of Maj. David Prouty, Jan. 22, 1795. Abirjail Lamb, da. of John sen., m. Jonas Muzzy, June 9, 1788. Mary Lamb, da. of John sen., m. David Bemis, Nov. 1, 1781.

Lamb Isaac, s. of John senior, inherited the homestead, held a major's commission in the militia, was m. to Sibillah White, da. of Thomas White, Sept. 21, 1786, and the father of twenty-one children, viz ; Amos b. Jan. 12, 1788, (d. Dec 2, 1792) ; Abigail, Oct. 9, 1789, (d. Dec. 4, 1792) ; Sibil- lah, March 11, 1793, (d. June 4, 1795) ; Isaac, Dec. 1, 1794, (d. June 5, 1795) ; 2d Sibillah, June 9, 179G, (d. young) ; 2d Abigail, Aug. 19, 1798; 2d Isaac, Dec. 19, 1800; Marcus, Nov. 28, 1802; Mary, Oct. 20, 1804. His wife d. He again m. Abigail White, da. of Jonathan White, Oct. 7, 1807 ; John b. June 22, 1803; Almira A. Aug, 9, 1809 ; Charles, Nov. 18, 1812; Emeline, April 30, 1813 ; Horace, Nov. 8, 1814 ; Russell, May 5, 1816 ; Eliza, Dec. 23, 1817 ; Harriet, Nov. 13, 1819; Lucinda, March 11, 1822; Nancy White, Sept. 13, 1823 ; Lucius Dexter, Sept. 3, 1825 ; Otis, Sept. 26, 1828, (d. Sept 28, 1830) ; Isaac, m. Betsey Boice, April 26, 1827; Abigail to John Hamilton of Palmer, Feb.

2, 1819; Mary to Hamilton of Palmer; Almira to

Wilber Allen, Nov. 4, 1830; Emeline to Wilber Allen, 2d wife, Jan. 10, 1838 ; Eliza to George S. Bond of Leicester, April 19, 1838 ; Harriet to Nathan Hersey, April 30, 1838 ; Lucinda to William M. Boyden, Feb. 9, 1843 ;• Nancy W. to Erastus Sanderson, Nov. 22, 1843; Lucius D. to Julia A. Town, 1848. His wife Abigail d. Aug. 18, 1839, aged 53. He again m. Abiah Allen, widow of Alvan Allen, Oct. 20, 1842. Major Lamb d. April 20, 1853, aged 88. His wife Abiah d. Nov. 26, 1851, aged 71.

HISTORT OF SPENCEE. 221

Luther Egbert, and his wife Mehetable, had Kobert, h. Dec. 1768 ; Thomas, May 9, 1770; Wilber, Oct. 24, 1771; Sylvester, June 7, 1773 ; Cromwell and Martin (twins) b. Dec. 26, 1776 ; Mehetable, July 27, 1785 ; Betsey, March 5, 1788. He d. Aug. 15, 1829, aged 91. His wife d. Dec. 25,1831. Thomas Luther m. Olive Adams, July 5, 1795. He d. June 4, 1804, aged 34. Mehetable m. Elias Hall, Nov. 28, 1805 ; Betsey m. Warren Livcrmore, April 12, 1812. Wilber d. Nov. 1800, aged 29 ; Cromwell d. Nov. 1794, aged 18 ; Martin d. Nov. 1796, aged 20.

Luther Sylvester, m. Catharine Howe, da. of Elijah Howe senior, Dec. 1, 1803. Elijah b. Oct. 4, 1804: Catha- rine, March 6, 1806; Laura, Nov. 9, 1808; Sylvester and Mehetable (twins,) b. April 22, 1811 ; Eobert, Aug. 22, 1817 ; Martin, Aug. 7, 1820. Eliza m. Jabez Green, April 10,1827; Catharine m. Arad L. Draper, Jan. 21, 1808; Mehetable m. Lory S. Watson, Feb. 23, 1837.

Luther Sylvester, jun., m. Sarah E. Sadler, da. of Stephen Sadler, Sept. 9, 1837. Catharine b. Sept. 7, 1838 ; Henry Waldo, Oct. 27, 1841.

Livermore Moses, from Weston, came on to lot 77, now owned by George Wilson. He was a patriot of the revolu- tion, one of the committee of correspondence, and one of the majority of grand jurors, at the Supreme Judicial Court holden at Worcester, in April, 1774, who signed a declara- tion and presented it to the Court, stating that they should not proceed to business if Chief Justice Oliver, who was a tory, should sit on the bench and preside. Judge Oliver, however, did not appear, and the jury discharged their duty. He had by his wife Sarah, Isaac, b. June 11, 1752 ; Sarah,

July 21, 1754; Moses, ; Hannah, Nov. 21, 1760;

Amos, June 5, 1753. Sarah m. Jonathan Parks, April 18, 1787. Mr. Livermore d. Oct. 18, 1797, aged 69. His widow removed to the state of New York.

Livermore Moses, jun. m. Mary Wilson, Nov. 22, 1781.

222 HISTOBT OF SPENCEB.

Gardner b. July 10, 1782 ; Eoswell, Dec. 2, 1784; Moses, Feb. 27,1787; Warner, March 25, 1789; Polly, Dec. 12, 1793; Clary, March 15, 1795; Charles, July 22, 1797; Russell, Sept. 28, 1799 ; Brioham, Oct. 3, 180G. Gardner m. Sally Lamb, Feb. 23, 1804; Eoswell m. Mary McNall, Aug. 1813. Mr. Livermore and family, except Warner, re- moved to the state of New York.

Livermore AVarner, s. of the above, m. Betsey Luther, da. of Robert Luther. April 12, 1812. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 29, 1814; Diantha, April 22, 1819 ; Julia, Sept. 16, 1822; Mehetable, March 14, 1825.

Livermore Amos, s. of Moses senior, m. Catharine Sar- gent of Leicester, 1790. Lucinda b. March 1,1791; Bet- sey, Nov. 15, 1792; Simeon, May 15, 1794; Obadiah, March 8, 1796; Eunice, May 18, 1800; Jonathan Sargent, June 2, 1802; Catharine, Aug. 7, 1805; Harriet, July 15, 1807; Hannah Allen, Feb. 4, 1811; Moi-ris, May 4, 1813. Lucinda m. Asa Wilson, April 23, 1809. Mr. Amos Liver- more d. Oct. 1827, aged 64.

Livermore Abijah, brother to Moses senior, was Lieu- tenant under Capt. Mason, who commanded the company of minuteraon who marched to Cambridge, April 19, 1775. He came on to lot 76, now owned in part by- William Henry. He had by his wife Anna, Ezra, b. Feb. 13, 17G2 ; Anna, Nov. 17, 1763 ; Abijah, Feb. 22, 1766 ; Lot, June 6, 1768; Martha, Nov. 11, 1772; Phineas, March 25, 1775; Phebe, Oct. 20, 1777; Jesse, Feb. 9, 1780. His wife d. Oct. 4, 1793, aged 53. He again m. Mrs. Sarah Howe of Rutland, 1795. He d. Jan. 18, 1817.

Livermore Phineas, s. of the above, ra. Polly Lacky, Jan. 4. 1798. Cynthia b. June 11, 1798; Rufus, Nov. 29, 1800; Lucretia, Aug. 1, 1805 ; Polly, Sept. 12, 1808; Jo- sephus, Nov. 18, 1811 ; Elmira, Nov. 4, 1813 ; James Mad- ison, Nov. 29, 1815. Removed to New York.

Livermore Josepu, Capt., brother to Moses senior, came

HI8T0BT OF SPENCEH, • 223

on to the westerly part of lot 77, about 1762. He was an officer in the war of the revolution, and a lieutenant at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was m. to Anna Kice of Sud- bury, Nov. 10, 1763. Anna b. Sept. 10, 1764 ; Eeuben, May 9, 1768 ; Joseph, Aug. 20, 1775. His wife died ; again m. to Martha Maynard of East Sudbury, June 15, 1786. Removed to Sudbury. TIae farm now owned by the heirs of Amos Wilson and David Gates.

. LiYERMORE James, brother of Moses senior, with his wife Elizabeth, owned the farm which he sold to Benjamin Drury, Esq., and which is now divided between many persons. His children were Eunice, James, Anna, and Elisha. Eunice m. Reuben Underwood; Anna to Johnson Prouty, April 5, 1774:; Mr. Livermore d. April 30, 1801. His wife d. Aug. 7,1798.

Livermore James, jun., m. Molly Barton, May 20, 1781. Aaron b. JVIarch 31, 1782 ; Sally, July 6, 1785 ; James, Nov. 7, 1789 ; John, Nov. 17, 1793.

Livermore Elisha, s. of James senior, m. Eebekah Ham- mond, June 15, 1786. Susy, b. May, 2, 1787. . Livermore David, from Leicester, settled on the south- erly part of lot 59, about 1770. He m. Anna Haywood of Holden, the farm now owned by John Phillips and son. Ab- igail b. Oct. 27, 1772; David, April 14, 1774; Mary, Feb. 20, 1778; John, May 19, 1780; William, Aug. 19, 1783; Walton, June 15, 1786; Anna, Aug. 3, 1789, His wife d. June 12, 1794. He again m. Mrs. Mary Osborne of Holden, sister to his former wife, Nov. 17, 1796. Eliza b. Jan. 19, 1798; Melissa, Feb. 6, 1800; Melinda ; Lorenzo Os- borne, April 29, 1804. Mr. Livermore d. Dec. 13, 1818. His wife Mary d. Jan. 5, 1842, aged 80. Abigail m. Paul Sibley, Oct. 16, 1796; Mary to William Bigelow of Brook- field, April 20, 1797 ; Anna to James Green, July 3, 1825 ; Melinda to Benjamin H, Brewer, Oct, 1823 ; Melissa to Isaac Baxter, May 1, 1803.

224 HISTOET OF SPENCEK,

LiVERMORE David, jun. m. Betsey Watson, d. of James Watson, June 12, 1802. Wintlirop b. July 21, 1804; Lo- renzo, June IS, 1809; Elizabeth, June 18, 1809; David Dexter, Aug. 6, 1812; Calista, June 2G, 1814; Elmira, March U, 1820. Capt. David Livermorc d. Oct. 15, 1852, aged 78. His wife d. Oct. 28, 1852, aged 73.

LiVERMORE AViLLiAM, Colonel, s. of David senior, m. Sally Loring, da. of Nathaniel T. Loring, 1810. Lydia Ann, b. Sept. 11, 1811: Maria, June 14, 1813. His wife d. he again m. Ruth Aldrich of Uxbridge, Aug. 18, 1839. Maria, m. Leroy AV. Kingman of Caroline, N. Y., April 9, 1837.

LiVERMORE AV ALTON, s. of David senior, m. Mary White, da. of Maj. William White, June 7, 1813. William White, b. Sept. IG, 1814 ; John Walton, June 22, 1817, (d. June 11, 1843, aged 26) : George Henry, July 28, 1819 ; Edward, Sept. 18, 1821 ; Charles Frederick, July 4, 1824 ; Mary Eliza, March 3, 1826; Esther White, April 6, 1828, (d. April 2, 1843, aged 15) ; Sarah, Nov. 28, 1830. Mary Eliza, m. George F. Grant, Feb. 22, 1853. Mr. Livermore was a merchant, justice of the peace, representative to the general court, often one of the municipal officers in the town, and d. July 13, 1835, aged 49.

LiVERMORE George H. s. of the above, m. Maria A. Wat- son, da. of Otis Watson, Feb. 15, 1849. George Walton, b. Feb. 1, 1850; Annie Jane, Aug. 22, 1852 ; Arthur Allison, Jan. 5, 1856; Frederick William, Sept 10, 1857. Mr. Livermore is a justice of the peace, town officer, and a manu- facturer.

LiVERMORE Lorenzo O. s. of David senior, m. Chloe Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis, jun. May 6, 1840. Walton, b. Feb. 23, 1841 ; Albert Sept. 3, 1848.

LiVERMORE WiNTHROP, s. of David jun. m. Louisa Bemis, da. of Jonas Bemis, Esq. March 20, 1830.

LuDDEN Enoch, from Brain tree, county of Norfolk, was m. Ruth Spear of the same town. Betsey b. Dec. 7, 1776 ;

HISTOBT OF SPENCEB. 225

Enoch and David, (twins) Aug. 3, 1779 ; Mehetable, Oct. 5, 1781; Levi, Oct. 17, 1781; Rath, May 8,1788; Sally, Dec. 3, 1790. His wife d. July 8, 1823 ; he m. Eunice Watson, da. of James Watson, April 19, 1826. Elizabeth, m. David Hollowell, Dec. 28, 1815; Daniel to Polly Cowland of Rutland, May 1819 ; Mehetable to Asa Blair of Oakham, Sept. 4, 1800 ; Ruth to Schuyler Adams of Barre, May 0, 1814 ; Sally to AsherRice, Nov. 1826. Mr. Ludden d. Jan. 30, 1828, aged 74. His wife Eunice d. Dec. 21, 1833, aged 43. The farm owned by his grandson, D. Ludden, jun.

Ludden Daniel, s. of the above, m. Polly Cowland, May 1819. Daniel b. Nov. 10, 1820; Harvy, June 1, 1822; John, March 25, 1824 : Eli, Feb. 10, 1826 ; Manly, Oct. 26, 1828 ; Mehetable, Nov. 26, 1830 ; Charles, May 30, 1833 ; Mary, March 15, 1836.

Lorinq Nathaniel T. m. Sarah Watson of Leicester, Aug. 8, 1776. Betsey b. May 23, 1777 ; Thomas, April 5, 1779, - Daniel, June 24, 1780; Polly, April 23, 1783; Sally, June 15, 1784; Joseph, Oct. 16, 1785; Hannah, Nov. 17, 1787 ; Lydia, Dec. 7, 1789, (d. April 15, 1811) ; Dolly, Dec. 30, 1792 ; Theodore, Sept. 6, 1793, (d. July 11, 1810} ; John, Dec. 10, 1795. Sally m. William Livermore, 1810; Hannah to Charles Sprague, June 16, 1813 ; Dolly to Isaac Jenks, Dec. 8, 1816. Mr. Loring d. Sept 28, 1817. His wife d. in Blandford, Feb. 20, 1820, interred in Spencer. The farm since owned by Jabez Green and Lewis Bergeron.

Loring Thomas, s. of the above, m. Abigail Wood, da. of Simeon Wood, 1799. Simeon b. Feb. 23,1800. His wife d. July 9, 1802. He m. Ghloe Draper, da. of Capt John Draper, Sept. 27, 1803. He d. May 10, 1805, aged 26.

Lynde Johnson, m. Abigail White, May 21, 1767. Nabby b. July 19, 1768; Rebekah, March 31, 1770; Arad, March 13, 1775 ; Olive, July 14, 1777. His wife d. he m. Mrs. Molly Prouty of Leicester, Jan. 10, 1796. Rebekah, m. Moses Ross of Sterling, July 16, 1788 ; Olive to Nahum 20

226 HISTOET OF SPENCER.

Waite of Leicester. The farm now owned by Asa B. Wat- son and Horace llice.

Lyon Christopher G. m. Lydia C. Brewer, d. of John Brewer jun. Dec. 17, 1833. Henry Porter b. Aug, 22, 1834; Emily Malona, June 4, 188G : John Brewer, Feb. 24, 1838.

Morgan Egbert, from Beverly, about 1743, and settled on the easterly part of lot (53). His liouse stood on land now owned by Silas Grout, on the east side of the road, near where Samuel Baldwin formerly lived. His children by his wife Hannah were Andrew, Bobert and Isaac, b. in Beverly ; Israel b. in Spencer, Aug. 24, 1744 ; Martha, June 1, 1747. Martha m. Asa Thayer, Aug. 28, 17G9.

Morgan Andrew, s. of the above, with his wife Martha, had Hannah, b. Aug. 8, 17oo ; Isaac, Oct. 1, 1757 ; Andrew, Sept 4, 17G0. Hannah m. Jonathan Jackson, Dec. 13, 1781. He d. June 22, 1814.

Morgan Robert, s. of Hubert, m. Anna Jackson, June 15, 1758. Again m. Mary Woodward, July 14, 1763. Anna, b. Sept. 17, 1763 ; Silence, Feb. 16, 1765 ; Rebekah, Oct. 12, 176G; Elijah, Feb. 10, 1769; Nicholas, Dec. 12, 1770; Jacob, Aug. 25, 1773 ; Anna m. Joseph Fletcher, May 28, 1790; Elijah to Esther Richmond of Brookfield, Feb. 1804 ; Nicholas to Sarah Baldwin, April 11, 1799; Jacob to Polly Morgan, Aug. 20, 1801. Mr. Morgan d. March 7, 1808.

Morgan Isaac, s. of Robert senior, m. Abigail Tucker of Leicester, Sept. 20, 1763. William, b. Aug. 17, 1764; Margaret, July 4, 1767 ; Sa^ah, July 4, 1773 ; Henry Bright, Nov. 19, 1775; Betsey, Aug. 27, 1777; Lucy, Dec. 14, 1779; Charles, Oct. 25, 1786 ; Jeremiah, Feb. 10, 1789. Margaret m. Seth Hamilton of Brookfield, May 19, 1788.

Morgan Andrew, s. of Andrew, m. Molly Tucker, Aug. 1, 1782. Mary, b. June 23, 1783 ; Persis, Sept. 23, 1785 ; Nathan, May 20, 1791 ; Frederick, May 20, 1793 ; Roxy, Jan. 30, 1796; Susannah, Nov. 1, 1797; Eawson, Jan. 30,

HISTOKT OF SPENCEK. 227

1803 (d. Dec. 18, 1841, aged 38). Mr. Morgan d. Oct. G, 1841, aged 81.

Muzzy Johjt, Esq. was a very respectable gentleman and useful member of society. He was s. of John Muzzy, inn- holder of Lexington, and was b. in that town May 10, 171-4, and m. Abigail Reed, da. of William Eeed, Esq. of Lexington, Nov. 11, 1736. She was b. March 30, 1720. They had fifteen children, all at single births, and all lived to years of maturity. John b. Dec. 9, 1737 ; Abigail, May IG, 1739. These two children were b. in Lexington. In 1739 he removed to Rutland, where he had Thaddeus, b. Sept. 7, 1740 ; Mary, May 20, 1742 ; Olive, Feb. 7, 1744 ; Elizabeth Bradshaw, May 2, 174G; .Jonas, Jan. 2, 1748; Rebekah, May 24, 1750; Sarah, April 24, 1752. In 1752 he removed to Spencer, and purchased the farm now owned by Mr. Putnam. While here he had Bethiah, b. June 22, 1754; Lucy, June 27, 1756; Dorcas, March 19, 1758; Amos, Feb. 27, 1762; Edmund, Aug. 25, 1763; Benjamin, Aug. 14, 17G5. His wife d. Feb. 18, 1766, aged 46. He again m. Mrs. Eleanor Snow, widow of Jonathan Snow, May 14, 1778. He d. June 25. 1789, aged 75. While he lived in Rutland, he was often one of the selectmen, assessor, »S:c., and while in Spencer he was town clerk several years, select- man, assessor and representative. He was frequently em- ployed as scribe in writing wills, deeds and other legal in- struments. He was honored with a commission as Justice of the Peace by Governor Hutchinson, dated March 18, 1772, but he declined being qualified to act in the office. He was deacon in Mr. Eaton's and Mr. Pope's churches, chosen June • 12, 1753, which office he held until his death. Abigail m. Thomas White, Dec. 30, 1756 : Mary to John Worster, Nov. 20, 17G0 ; Olive, to John Stebbings, Oct. 11, 1764 ; Eliza- beth Bradshaw to Jason Wright, Jan. 21, 1768 : Rebekah to John Draper, Dee. 24, 1770: Sarab to Simeon Wood, Dec. 24, 1771 ; Bethiah to Abner Tyler of Warren, Dec. 1, 1774 ;

228 HISTORY OF SPENCER.

Lucy to Asa Whittemore, Marcb 2, 1775 ; Amos to Sarah Snow of Leicester ; Benjamin to Elizabeth Inglee of Vermont, Jan. 4, 1787. Thaddeus d. Aug. 12, 1759; Dorcas d. un- married.

Muzzy John, jun., m. Mary Ball, da. of deacon Eleazer Ball, Nov. 26, 1701. Nathan, Feb. 29, 1762; Molly, Sept.

1, 17G4; John, Dec. 20, 1766; Lucinda, March 1, 1769; Tilly, April 7, 1771 ; Thaddeus, Aug. 14, 1773 ; Isaac, Dec. 4, 1775; William, May 11, 1778 ; Eli, 1780; Daniel, Sept.

2, 1782 ; Pliny, Jan. 8, 1785. His wife d. April 23, 1785; he again m. Mrs. Lucy Bartlett of Brookfield, Oct. 3, 1786. She d. Sept. 16, 1807. Mr. Muzzy was a lieutenant in the militia, town treasurer, and d. April 9, 1819, aged 82. The farm now owned by Josephus Muzzy. Nathan was educated at Dartmouth college, Molly m. Joshua Prouty, John m. Lucy Bartlett, May 29, 1788, removed to Brookfield, was a tanner by trade, a colonel and deputy sheriff. Lucinda m. Jedediah Cutler, and d. Jan. 12, 1813. Tilly, Thaddeus, and William removed to the state of New York ; Eli m. Betsey Ball, da. of Daniel Ball, April 11. 1802. She died, and he again m. Persis Prouty, da. of Asa Prouty, April 4,

1805. Removed to Wisconsin. Daniel m. Haven, and

now lives in Leicester.

Muzzy Isaac, s. of the above, m. Sally Ball, da. of Daniel Ball, Aug. 6, 1797. Rebekah b. May 13, 1798 ; Betsey, Sept. 29, 1799; Horace, Jan. 22, 1802; Isaac, July 25, 1803. His wife died, and he again m. Sally May of Brook- field, Dec. 13, 1807.

Muzzy Pliny, brother of the above, m. Mary Draper, da. of James Draper, Oct 11,1807. Edwin Augustus b. April* 7, 1808 ; Mary Ann, Nov. 26, 1809 : Lorenzo, Oct. 25, 1811 ; Lucinda, Aug. 18, 1813; James Draper, March 1, 1817; Mehetable, Feb. 22, 1819: Pliny Dwight, July 8,1821; John Bradshaw, June 18, 1824. Mr. Muzzy was captain m the militia, removed to Pennsylvania, where he was justice

HISTOKT OF SPENCEB. 229

of the peace. He d, Nov. 18, 184G, aged 61. His wife d. April 14, 1854, aged 69.

Muzzy Jonas, s. of John senior, m. Sarah ])raper, da. of Capt. Joshua Draper, May 2, 1771. Sarah b. Jan. 1, 1773; Jonas, April 2, 1775 ; Sardine, March 30, 1777. His wife d. and he again m. Abigail Lamb, da. of John Lamb, June 9, 1778. Abigail b. Sept. 27, 1779 ; John, May 27, 1781 ; Joseph, June 7, 1783; Cephas, Sept. 29, 1785; Amos, July 12,1791; Nancy, Sept. 29, 1793; Polly, Oct. 23,1795; Eliza, Jan. 23, 1798, (i May 5, 1811, aged 13) ; Nathaniel L. Aug. 6, 1800 ; Franklin, Dec. 8, 1806. Jonas removed to the State of New York. Joseph m. Sally Baldwin, Oct. 16, 1806; removed to Maine; deceased. Amos removed to Maine. Nancy m. Amos Woodard of Gardiner, Maine, April 6, 1819 ; Polly m. Woodard, resides in Maine ; Na- thaniel L. m. Abigail Loring, da. of Thomas Loring, June 24, 1824, resides in Maine. Franklin resides in the city of Bangor, Maine. Has been a member of the house of repre- sentatives, and president of the senate in Maine.

Muzzy Sardine, s. of the above, m. Catharine Bemis, da. of Jonas Bemis, Esq., 1806. Laura b. Nov. 27, 1806 ; Cath- arine, June 6, 1810; Judith, July 6, 1814; Nancy and Eliza (twins,) Dec. 11, 1815. Mr. Muzzy has been captain of the militia in Spencer. Resides in Rutland.

Muzzy Cephas, s. of Capt. Jonas, m. Nancy Guilford, 1810. William G. b. April 11, 1811; Josephus, July 25,1812; Mary Ann, April 9, 1814 ; Lucy and Lucretia, (twins.) Sept. 9, 1816; Charles, May 10, 1821 ; Nancy Guilford, Sept. 16, 1823 ; Jonas, June 7, 1826 ; Benjamin Franklin, April 20, 1828; Eliza Jane, Nov. 23, 1830. Now resides in West Bovlston.

Muzzy William G. s. of Cephas, m. Ellathina Prouty, da.

Major Eli Prouty, May 29, 1835. William Orlando b. Sept.

6, 1836; Emerson Paine, Sept. 22, 1838; Lucinda Prouty,

Aug. 23, 1841 ; Eleanor Mindwell b. Sept. 16, 1843 ; Sarah

20*

230 HISTOKT OF SPENCEB.

Janeb. Nov. 1, 1845; Ellatliina Prouty, Oct. 9, 184^, (d. May 31, 1850) ; Louisa Ann b. May 1851 ; Ellathina Prouty, Aug. 20, 1853. His wife d. Nov. 2, 1853, aged 39. He again m. Kboda C. "Wilson, widow of Dexter Wilson, Jan. 25, 1854. Lowell Mason, b. Dec. 28, 1854 ; Carrie Eliza- beth, Sept. 3, 1857.

Muzzy Edmund, s. of John senior, m. Sarah Dwight of Leicester, Nov. 25, 1785. Sally b. June 9, 1787; Thomas Newhall, March 10, 1789. Sally m. Henry Eames, Nov. 2G, 1807 ; Thomas N. m. LaurindaJ. Bacon of Charlton, Jan. 1813, removed to the state of Ohio. Sarah, wife of Mr. Muzzy, d. May 23, 1S19 ; he again m. Mrs. Jane Boyden, Feb. 10, 1820, she d. and he again m. Mrs. Lydia Bemis, ■widow of Joshua Bemis, May 3, 1838. Mr. Muzzy died ^[arch 8, 1850, aged 86. The farm now owned by Edward Proctor.

Mason Ebenezer, Capt., was b. in Watertown March 1, 1723, and m. Elizabeth Bright of that town, Oct. 15, 17G0. She was b. Aug. 11, 1734. While in Watertown they had Ebenezer, William and Enoch. He removed to Spencer, 17G4, and purchased the westerly part of lot 17, where Mary L. Bemis now lives. In 1774 he removed on to the central part of lot 22, where his grandson Joseph Mason lately lived. While in Spencer he had Elliot, b. March 23, 17G6; Seth Feb. 25, 17G8, (died young) ; Elizabeth, b. Aug. 18, 1772 ; Joseph, Dec. 15, 1774; Susannah, Sept. 9, 1777; Isaac, Feb. 5, 1782. Elizabeth m. Moses Hall, Feb. 23, 1809. Elliot Mason d. unmarried, Oct. 12, 1812, aged 4G. Susan- nah d. Jan. 25, 1795, aged 18. Isaac m. Asenath Prouty, May 11, 1802, removed to Nelson, New York. Capt. Mason d. March 2G, 1798, aged 6G. His wife d. Sept. 18, 1812, aged 78. Capt. Mason carried on the business of a tanner, kept a public house several years, and was captain of the company who marched to Cambridge, April 19, 1775. He Tvas a very respectable gentleman, was town clerk several

HISTOKT OF SPENCEK. 231

years, and was a firm friend to government during the in- surrection of Shays.

Mason Ebenezer jun. m. Judith White da. of Capt. Josiah White, Dec. 22, 1785. Ebenezer b. June 22, 1786 ; Abigail, Nov. 26, 1787 ; Judith, Feb. 9, 1790. His wife d. was again m. Sally Beers, Sept. 2, 1794 ; Sally, b. Jan. 3, 1795; Susannah, March 7, 1796; Lydia, Dec. 9, 1797; Josiah, Sept. 26, 1799 ; Betsey, Oct. 5, 1802 ; Mary, April 1, 1805. Abigail m. Doct. Augustus Paine of Granby, Feb. 25, 1808, (she d. Oct. 1, 1823, aged 36); Judith m. Benjamin Eichardson, April 28, 1807 ; Ebenezer to Lucy Watson, da. of James Watson, June 30, 1808 ; Sally to Adams Drury, Oct. 14, 1830; Lydia to Abraham Capen, March 3, 1825 ; Betsey to James B. Ware of Oakham, June 4, 1827. Mr. Mason d. Aug. 29, 1846, aged 85.

Mason William, brother of the above, m. Nancy White, da. of Thomas White, July 7, 1791. While in Spencer they had William, b. Nov. 15, 1791 ; Thomas, April 25, 1793. Removed to Palmer. Deceased.

Mason Joseph, brother of the above, m. Elizabeth White, da. of Thomas White, March 11, 1802. Marcia b. Dec. 15, 1802; Susannah, Nov. 1, 1805; Eliza, Oct. 26, 1807; Joseph, Jan. 4, 1812. Marcia m. Thomas Pierce, April 11, 1825; Susannah to Dexter Wilson, Sept. 24,1831; Eliza to Franklin L. Abels of Cummington, Jan. 20, 1846 ; Joseph to Laurinda Morse, da. of Dea. Oliver Morse, Oct. 10, 1833, (she d. Oct. 10, 1840, aged 26). Mr. Mason d. Nov. 3, 1834, aged 60. His wife d. Nov. 19, 1842, aged 78.

Mason Enoch, brother of the above, m. Elizabeth Bisco, da. of John Bisco, Esq. July 15, 1790. Enoch b. June 18, 1791; Elias, Nov. 18, 1793; Susannah, Feb. 18, 1797; John, March 1, 1799 ; Abijah Bisco, June 29, 1801 ; Elliot,

. Eemoved to the state of New York, and d. April 1,

1845.

MuNROE Amos, from Lexington, m. Anna Prouty, da. of

232 HISTOKT OF SPENCER.

Jacob Proutj, 17G8. Anna b. April 8, 17G9 ; Amos, Nov. 2, 1770; Nathan, June 15, 1772; Jacob Prouty, March 17, 1774; Solomon, June 17, 1776; Joshua, Jan. 6, 1780; Martin, Nov. o, 1783 ; Joseph, May 29, 1788 ; Otis, Nov. 8, 1701. Anna m. Elijah Prouty, June 19, 1788 ; Joshua to Sarah Cutter, da. of Jedediah Cutter, Oct. 17, 1805 ; Joseph, to Elizabeth Pratt, da, of Isaac Pratt, Dec. 1, 1808. Mr. Munroe was a soldier in the revolution, and d. Aug. 29, 1820, aged 73. His wife d. Oct. 8, 1825, aged 77.

Munroe Jonathan, brother of the above, m. Ruth Prouty, da. of David Prouty senior, Oct. 19, 1769. He removed to Plainfield, where he had Lucy, Jesse, Jonas, John, Joseph, Betsey, Nabby and Ruth, when he returned to Spencer, with all his children, except the two eldest, and purchased the farm formerly owned by David and Robert Griffin, now in part owned by his son Jonathan. His wife d, July 12, 1805, aged 63 ; he again m; Sally Coggswell of Paxton, Nov. 27, 1805. By her he had a son, Jonathan, above named. Mr. Munroe d. March 6, 1825, aged 75. His wife Sally, d. 1859, aged 91.

Munroe John, s. of Jonathan, m. Sarah Cunningham, da. of Robert Cunningham, Jan. 26, 1804. Sabrina, b. July 26, 1805. He d. July 28, 1806.

Munroe Jonathan, jun. m. Hannah H. Boyden, Jan. 1, 1832. George Myron b. May 18, 1833; John Wilder, Sept. 30, 1834 ; Charles Henry, Nov. 7, 1835 ; Julia Augusta, Oct. 17, 1836; Dwight Foster, Nov. 12, 1837.

May William, from Leicester, purchased the west end of lot (15). He was m. to Mary Snow of Leicester, Aug. 13, 1741. Richard b. Dec. 4, 1743 ; David, 1745 ; Sarah, Sept. 16, 1751; Mary, Oct. 14, 1754. He d. 1757. Sarah m. Lemuel Green. His widow m. Jacob Stoddard for his third wife.

May David, s. of the above, m. Mary Stoddard, April 5, 1764. He inherited the homestead. William, b. June 1,

HISTOKT OF SPENCER. 233

17Go; Esther, June 4, 1767; Samuel, Sept. 19, 1768; Phebe, Jan. 29, 1771; Sibbil, May 27, 1773; Amos, Oct. 16, 1775 ; Eunice, Nov. 22, 1777 ; Joel, July 6, 1780 ; Abi- gail, Nov. 28, 1782. Mr. May unfortunately lost bis whole estate by a suit at law, having fought against government in. Shays insurrection. He removed to Vermont. Deceased. The farm was lately owned by Maj. Eli Prouty.

May William, s. of the above, m. Polly Snow of Leicester, .June 26, 1788. Polly, b. Dec. 20, 1789 ; Artemas, June 10, 179^2; Asa, Jan. 25, 1794; Amasa, May 11, 179G ; Eden, Jan. 30, 1798 ; Emory, June 11, 1805 ; Liberty Nel- son, Sept; 20, 1810. Polly m. Luke Tower of Eutland, March 9, 1817; Artemas to Sally Snow, da. of James Snow, Aug. 1, 1819 ; Asa to Lydia Moulton ; Amasa and Eden born blind. Mr. May had the homestead. He d. Jan. 28, 1823, aged 57.

Moulton Daniel, purchased the farm formerly owned by Joshua Draper, now by John Ludden, 1793. He was from Hopkinton, m. Lydia Pratt, from the same town. Isaac Pratt b. July 26, 1794, (d. Dec. 3, 1819, by a fall from a wagon in the road) ; Lydia, June 6, 1798 ; Elizabeth, July 22, 1800, (she was insane). Hannah, Oct. 30, 1802 ; Nancy, Peb. 3, 1805; Emeline, May 27, 1807; Chloe, Nov. 26, 1809; Anna, Aug. 24, 1812. Hannah m. Timothy P. Clark, Dec. 30, 1829 ; Nancy to Ansel Ken field, Jan. 19, 1826; Chloe to Hiram Edson, Aug; 11, 1831: Anna to Joel Chafee, Aug. 24, 1832. Removed to North Brookfield. Deceased. Buried at Spencer.

Marsh Tylor, from Sutton, m. Sally Sibley of the same place. Sally, b. Feb. 25, 1794, (d. Feb. 5, 1813). Fanny, May 19, 1796 ; Charlotte, July 29, 1798, (d. Feb. 7, 1813) ; Betsey, Aug. 4, 1800; Elmira, Sept. 13,1802; Augusta, Feb. 4, 1805; Laurinda Brigham, Sept. 23, 1810, (d. Sept. 5, 1813); Tylor, Aug. 29, 1813 ; Croydon or George B., Oct. 15, L819. Fanny m. Lawson Savage, April 15, 1818;

234 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

Betsey to Charles Livermore, April IG, 1823 ; Elmira to Elias Bemis, Sept. 15, 1825 ; Augusta to Wilber Howland, May 15, 1828. Mr. Marsh d. July 17, 1843, aged 80.

Morse Caleb, came from Sutton, 1788, m. Lucy Ward, and had Joseph Ward, Oliver and Caleb Moody, in Sutton. In Spencer had Mindwell, Nancy, Lucy, b. July 29, 1794;' George Washington, Nov. 9, 1799. Mindwell m. Boaz M. Mirick. Oct. 20, 1808, and again to Eli Prouty, April 11, 1811 ; Nancy to Eleazer Prouty, Sept. 11, 1806 ; Lucy to Asa Hitchcock of Dwight, Arkansas, Aug. 29, 1820. Mr. Morse d. Dec. 8, 1826, aged 73.

Morse Oliver, s. of the above, m. Lucinda Prouty, da. of Joshua Prouty, Dec. 10, 1812. Laurinda b. March 9, 1814 ; Joseph Ward, March 24, 181G; Caroline, Aug. 26,1818; Nancy Maria, May 16, 1822. Caroline m. Samuel Barnes, Nov, 8, 1838 ; Laurinda to Joseph Mason, Oct. 10, 1833. Mr. Morse has been one of the selectmen, lieutenant in the militia, and deacon of the Congregational church.

Morse Caleb ]\L s. of Caleb, m. Polly Bemis, da. of David Bemis, Oct. 7, 1813. He had the homestead. Lately re- moved to the Central Village.

Morse Joseph W. s. of Oliver, m. Mary L. Bemis, da. of Isaac Bemis, Oct. 31, 1843. George Moody, b. Aug. 7, 1844 ; Laurinda W., March 21, 1846; Mary Kebecca, Aug. 26, 1852 ; Harlan Page, July 22, 1855 ; Henry Oliver, Oct. 18, 1857. He died Nov. 10, 1860.

Moor Thomas, m. Bebekah Harrington. Thomas b. July 25, 1771 ; Antipas Holland. Oct. 7, 1776 ; Polly, Nov. 4, 1779;

Euth, March 5, 1782 ; Welcome, May 4, 1786 ; Lucy, .

Eemoved to Chesterfield. Farm now owned bv Elliot Hall.

Neavhall John, Capt., from Maiden, m. Dorothy Newhall of Leicester, 1741. In 1743 he came into possession of the north part of lot 61, now owned by Paul Sibley, and the next year purchased the remainder of the lot, where his son Allen, and grandson Keuben Newhall afterwards lived.

HISTOET OF SPENCEE. 235

Allen b. July 3, 1743 ; John, Nov. 26, 1745 ; Betsey, March 14,1748; Sarah, June 30, 1751; David, Feb. 11, 1754; Mercy, March 6, 1756; Phebe, Feb. 5, 1759.

Newhall Allen, s. of the above, in. Rebekah Beniis, da. of Samuel Bemis, jun., July 2, 1765. Mary b. Oct. 30, 1767; Reuben, March 18, 1770; John, July 1,1772; Re- bekah, Jan. 16, 1777 ; David, July 21, 1779; Betsey, Nov.

1, 1781 ; Dolly . His wife d. and he again m. Dolly

Bemis, d. of Jonas Bemis senior. Samuel b. July 31, 1792. Betsey m. Amos Wilson, Jan. 9, 1802; Dolly to Francis Adams, Jan. 15, 1806.

Newhall Reuben, s. of the above, m. Sarah Bemis, da. of Jonas Bemis senior, March 4, 1790. Phebe b. Jan. 20, 1791 ; Rebekah, Dec. 19, 1793, (died June 26, 1816) ; Polly b. March 4, 1796, (died July, 1817) ; Otis, Jan. 27, 1797 ; Reuben, Feb. 9, 1800; Sukey, Oct. 13,1803; Sally, July 17, 1805. Sally m. Elisha Todd, Sept. 20, 1826, and died July 31, 1832, aged 27. Mr. Newhall died 1859, aged 89. His wife died 1858, aged 88.

Newton Edmund, m. Sally Britton. She died, he again m. Mrs. Sarah Goodell of Rutland, April 1820. Mary Fiske b. March 25, 1821, (d. May 25, 1824). His wife Sarah d. July 22, 1826, aged 50, and he again m. Emelia Prouty, da. of Joseph Prouty, 1827. Edmund Fiske b. July 5, 1828 ; James Draper b. July 25, 1830. Mr. Newton d. May 17. 1854, aged 90.

Newton Ezekiel, brother of the above, ra. Catharine Coo-o-swell of Paxton. Azubah b. Jan. 30, 1779 ; Lucy, Oct. 17, 1781; Catharine, June 14, 1783; Eunice, May 26, 1785: Ezekiel, Jan. 25, 1787 ; Emery, Aug. 22, 1789; Ty- lor, April 19, 1792, (d. Nov. 11, 1802) ; Samuel, Sept. 2, 1794, (d. Nov. 12, 1802) ; Louis, June 5, 1797, (d. Nov. 16, 1802) ; Alice, Nov. 5, 1799, (d. Nov. 12, 1802) ; Edmund, March 20, 1802, (d. Nov. 15,1802) ; Loallis,Feb. 11, 1804; Tylor, . Azubah m. William Perham, Dec. 23, 1801 ; Lucy

236 HISTOBT OF SPEXCEK.

to Junia Allen, Oct. 10, 180-i ; Eunice to William Britten, May r>, ISO'") ; Catharine to Henry Rixfurd, March 27, 1825. Ormes John, from "Watertown, purchased part of lots 49 and Go in 1732. His house was on the hill west of George Bemis's. He had three sons, John, Jonathan, and James. John removed to Providence, E. I. Jonathan lived on the farm now owned by Warner Livermore. He had by his wife Elizabeth, Jonathan, b. Oct. 7, 1745 ; Eliza- beth, Dec. 10, 1747, His wife d. and he m. Hannah Can- ada, Sept. 1748. His wife d. May 19, 1785, aged 100 years 5 months and 9 days, b. 1G84.

Oemes James, Doct., s. of the above, (has been noticed in another place,) m. Tabitha Wright, of Framingham, 1742. Eebekah b. 1744 ; Mary, 1746 ; James, 1748 ; Tabitha, 1751. He d. 1785, aged 75.

Ormes James, jun., m. Sarah-Harrington of Brookfieid. James b. April 11, 1770; Elijah, Aug. 24, 1771; Sarah, May 0, 1774. James m. Sally Underwood, da. of deacon Reuben Underwood, Nov. 26, 1797. Mr. Ormes received the homestead, was a deputy sheriff.

Parmenter Nathaniel, from Sudbury, came on to the south part of lot 77, in 1751 or 1752 ; his house was in the lot southwest of George Wilson's. He had by his wife Su- sannah, Jacob, b. July 26, 1752 ; Nathaniel, May 12, 1754; Susannah, July 4, 1756. His wife d. and he m. Mary Stebbings, widow of Capt, John Stebbings, June, 1757, by whom he had Nathan, b. March 1, 1758. She proved to be an uncomfortable wife. It is related of him, that coming from his labor in the field to his house on a sultry day, fa- tigued and thirsty, and in a high state of perspiration, he descended by the way of a trap door into his cellar for drink. His wife closed the door upon him. placing herself and linen wheel upon the door, there sat spinning very complacently, until she might finish her stint. In vain did he call upon her to release him from his gloomy prison — in vain did he

HISTOHT OF SPEKCEB. 237

urge that his health was endangered by the unwholesome damps of the cellar. Nor had promises or threats any better effect in moving the heart of his dear spousie ; prayers, threats and complaints, all being drowned in the busy hum of her spinning wheel. After being kept in this unpleasant situation for some hours, he was kindly released by the in- terposition of a neighbor, when the husband very ungal- lantly administered to her a severe castigation. Believing the French and Indians to be less formidable foes than those of his own household, he immediately entered the army, from which he never returned, but there died, 1759.

The Family of Proutt. This name is the most numer- ous of any in Spencer, and derive their ancestry from Eich- ard Prouty, who lived in Scituate as early as 1GG7. Isaac Prouty, son of Kichard, was m. to Elizabeth Merrit in 1710, by whom he had a numerous family of children, of whom six, sons, viz: Jacob, David, John, Adam, James and Isaac, and one daughter, Elizabeth, removed to Spencer.

PfiouTY Jacob, s. of Isaac above mentioned, m. Ann Capen, da. of Samuel Capen, Dec. 8, 1741. He was b. May 14, 1715. In 1740, he purchased the north-east part of lot (23) and built a house which stood in the lot, about half a mile easterly of the house of the late Eli Prouty, and where the remains of his cellar may still be seen. Deborah, b. Oct. 19, 1742 ; Phebe, July 23, 1744 ; Lydia, June 4, 1747 ; Anna, Nov, 22, 1748; Samuel, Jan. 19, 1750; Jacob, April 11, 1752; Hannah, Aug. 15, 1754; Caleb, Sept. 7, 1756; Joshua, May 18, 1759 ; Nathan, Oct. 22, 17G1 ; Mercy, Sept. 14, 17G3, Deborah m. John Bisco, Esq. May 10, 17G4 ; Phebe to Maj. Peter Harwood of Brookfield, May 25, 17G3 ; Lydia to Silas Stevens of Brookfield, June 29, 17G5 ; Anna to Amos Munroc, Dec. 1, 17G8 ; Jacob to Rachel Eddy, Sept. 29, 1774 ; Mercy to Buckminster White, April 8, 1784.

Prouty Jacob, jun. had with his wife Rachel, while in Spencer, Abijah b. April 12, 1775. 21

238 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

Prouty Joshua, s. of Jacob senior, m. Molly Muzzy, da. of John Muzzy, June, 1781. Anna, b. March 30, 1782 ; Gardner, -Feb. 16, 1784; Abijah, Feb. IG, 1786; Polly* Dec. 24, 1787 ; Fanny, Aug. 15, 1789 ; Ebenezer, Oct. 10, 1791 ; Lucinda, Nov. 11, 1793 ; Joshua, Feb. 6, 1796 ; John, March 10, 1800; William, Dec. 15, 1803 ; Sophia, June 30, 1805; AVinthrop, Nov. 23, 1808. Polly, m. John Brewer; Fanny to Daniel Whittemore ; Lucinda to Oliver Morse.

Proutt Gardner, s. of the above, m. Ruth Howe, da. of Joel Howe, 1807. Eliza b. March 30, 1808; Marcia, June 13, 1810; Alanson, Dec. 23, 1812; Carlos, Feb. 4, 1815; Gardner, Sept. 4, 1817 ; Nancy, Aug. 13, 1822 ; Hannah Augusta, Sept. 20, 1827. Mr. Prouty d. May 7, 1828, asred 44.

Prouty Joshua, jun. m. Mary Bannister, 1828. Merrick Franklin, b. March 27, 1829 ; Millins Frederick, Dec. 25, 1830; Milton Fields, Jan. 26, 1836; Joshua Bannister, April 13, 1842.

Joshua Prouty, senior^ d. March 24, 1838, aged 79. His ■wife d. June 6, 1837, aged 73.

Prouty Nathan, s. of Jacob, m. Patience Converse, da. of Luke Converse, 1784. Lydia b. Dec. 2, 1784; Debby, Aug. 28, 1787 ; Jacob, Nov. 5. 1789 ; Judith, Dec. 14, 1791, (d. Nov. 28, 1807); Asaph b. March 5,1793; Anna, Feb. 23, 1795; Nathan, Nov. 18, 1796; Varney, Sept. 1, 1798; Harvy, April 20, 1800 ; Luke, May 8, 1802; Dwight, June 11, 1804 ; Royal, Nov. 27, 1805 ; Clarissa, Sept. 7, 1807 ; Elias, April iV, 1809. Lydia m. Abel Prouty of Marlbor- ough, Vermont, Nov. 9,1809; Debby or Deborah to Isaac Tomblin, July 7, 1805, (she d. Dec. 23, 1839, aged 52); Anna to Ezra Dunn, May 4, 1817.

Prouty Asaph, m. Lucy Cutter, da. of Jedediah Gutter, Sept. 5, 1817. Abigail b. Aug. 19, 1818 ; George, Aug. 7, 1820. She d. Feb. 20, 1823, aged 26. He again m. Mar- tha Goodnow, June 26, 1823. Lorenzo b. March 22, 1824 ; Nathan Converse, June 11, 1826.

H i S X O BY OF 8 P E N C E B . 239'

Proutt Harvy, s. of N"atlian, m. Lydia "Watson, da. of Henry Watson, Esq. Jan. 26, 1826. Melinda Watson b. Nov. 15, 1826; Nathan Henry, Dec. 23, 1829 ; Cheney Potter, Jan. 29, 1832.

Prouty Hannah, da. of -Jacob senior, m. Charles Eonse. She died Sept. 13, 1838, aged 83.

Prouty David, brother of Jacob senior, b. 1716, pur- chased a part of lot (23) now owned by Isaac Stearns, and the same year, 1739j m. Elizabeth Smith. David b. Nov. 27, 1739; Elizabeth, Aug. 27, 1741 ; Ruth, Sept. 12, 1743 : Mary, May 21, 1745 ; Sarah, March 10, 1747 ; Jesse, March 13, 1749; Asa, Feb. 1751; Lucy, Feb. 26, 1753-; Bulah, March 27, 1755; Olive, May 27, 1757; Rhoda, May 17, 1759 ; Lucretia, 1761. He d. Dec. 29, 1767, aged 51. Hia wifed. April 24, 1789.

Prouty David, s. of the above, m. Hannah Ball, da. of Dea. Eleazer Ball, Nov. 27, 1761. Hannah b. Sept. 17, 1764; David, Aug. 19, 1772; Sally, Nov. 14, 1779; Elea- zer, Sept. 28, 1783. Hannah m. Nathaniel Lamb of Lang- don, N. Hampshire, Jan. 22, 1795 ; Sally to Jonathan Hall, Dec. 1, 1803, Mr. Prouty was a soldier in the war with France, a captain in the war of the revolution, a major in ttie militia, for many years one of the selectmen and assessor. He d. Aug. 25, 1814, aged 75. His wife d." Jan. 28, 1827, aged 85.

Prouty David, s. of the above, m. Abigail Bisco, da. of John Bisco, Esq. Nov. 7, 1799. David, Oct. 18, 1813. Mr.- Prouty had been a selectman many years, a representative to the general court. He had the homestead, and d. June 20, 1845, aged 73. His wife d. April 22, 1846, aged 69.

Prouty Eleazer, brother of the above, m. Nancy Morse, da. of Caleb Morse, Sept. 11, 1806. Lucy b. May 25, 1808 ; Matilda, April 10, 1811 ; Joseph Ward, Nov. 20, 1813, (d. April 8, 1833, aged 19) ; Nancy b. Dec. 9, 1815 ; Edward, March 19, 1818; John, March 17, 1820. Mr. Prouty d.

240 HISTORY OF SPENCEE.

June 24, 1820, aged 37. His vrife d. April 9, 1838, aged 63. Matilda m. William Bemis, 2d, Dec. 8, 1831. Nancy to William Duncan of Paxton, May 10, 1838.

Prouty David, s. of David the 3d, m. Caroline Guilford, da. of Doct. Jonas Guilford, Jan. 14, 1840. Jonas Guilford b. Sept. 21, 1744.

Prouty Asa, s. of David senior, m. Lydia Livermore of Leicester. Aaron b. April 11,177G; Asa, Dec. 14,1777; Persis, Oct. 22, 1779; Jonas, Aug. 28, 17 si ; Joel, Feb. 5, 1784. His wife d. Oct. 19, 1784. He again m. Tabitha Ormes, da. of Doct. James Ormes, Sept 29, 1785 ; Nancy, b. Oct. 30, 178G; Tilly, May 2o, 1791. Porsis m. Eli Muzzy, April 4, 1805 ; Joel to Elizabeth Gates, da. of Sylvanus Gates, Aug. 10, 1806 ; Nancy to Thomas Snow of Leicester, Jan. 10, 1813. (Mr. Snow d. Dec. 17, 1827, aged 40.) Mr. Prouty received the homestead. He d. March 10, 1826, aged 75.

Prouty John, brother to Jacob senior, b. 1718, and m. Abigail Johnson, da. of Capt. Benjamin Johnson, Oct. 1745. He also settled on part of lot (21), where he built a saw and grist mill, on Seven Mile River, now owned by Cheney Snow. Benjamin b. Oct. 1, 1746; John, Jan. 4,1749; Isaac, Dec. 22, 1750 ; Johnson, Jan. 8, 1754; Abigail, Nov. 27, 1756; Eli, Sept. 8, 1757 ; Daniel, July 15, 1759; Ee- bekah and Esther, (twins), June 11, 1764; Lucy, June 5, 1766 ; Molly and Dolly, (twins), April 19, 1768. John m. Lucy Gleason, Oct. 12, 1771; Abigail to John Lamb, July 1, 1784 ; Daniel to Catharine Palmer, June 7, 1781; Esther to Joshua Whitney, June 7, 1781 ; Eebekah to Nathaniel Lamb, Nov. 20, 1783; Lucy to Eli Whittemore, July 21, 1783; Molly to Thomas Hatch, Nov. 15, 1787; Dolly to Jonathan Knowlton of Brookfield, March 3, 1791. Mr. Prouty d. Jan. 20, 1792, aged 73. His widow d. Jan. 31, 1801, aged 74.

Prouty Benjamin, s. of the above, m. Sarah Green, Jan.

HISTOBT OF SPENCEE. 241

10, 1774. Their only child, Samuel, b. Feb. 22, 1776, who d. Feb. 13, 1828, aged 52.

Prouty Isaac, s. of John senior, m. Anna Dunnell, Jan. 20, 1772. He had the homestead, and had John, b. Feb. 27, 1775 ; William, March 24, 1778 ; Willard, May 4, 1786 ; Anna, Jan. 14, 1789; Mehetable, Nov. 15, 1791 ; Abigail, March 1, 1794. His wife d. May 12, 1802. He again m. Mrs. Warner. John m. Polly Barnes, da. of David Barnes senior. May 24, 1801 ; Anna to Benjamin Drury, jun., Dec. 1, 1811; Mehetable to Wellington Hill, May 30, 1837; Abigail to Thomas Waters, July 10, 1814. Mr. Prouty d. June 15, 1828, aged 77.

Prouty William, s. of Isaac, m. Lydia Hatch, 1798. Matilda b. May 26, 1799 ; Marcia Ann, Sept. 4, 1801 ; Mary Ann, Jan. 25,1808; Napoleon Bonaparte, Feb. 24,1810; Abigail, July 12, 1813.

Prouty Willard, s. of Isaac, m. Becca Draper, da. of Capt. John Draper, Jan. 18, 1807. Isaac Warner b. Oct. 4, 1809 ; Harriet Amelia, Dec. 12, 1810. He d. by suicide, Jan. 5, 1834, aged 48.

Prouty Johnson, s. of John senior, m. Anna Livermore, da, of James Livermore, 1774. Betsey, b. Oct. 19, 1774; Nabby, June 9, 1778 ; Reuben, June 9, 1783 ; Sally, April 15, 1785; Asahel, May 15, 1787; Patty, Sept. 29, 1790; Willard, March IG, 1793 ; Eunice, March 20, 1795; Charles, March 20, 1795. Mr. Prouty was a soldier in the war of the revolution.

Prouty Eli, son of John, senior, m. Eebekah Bemis, da. of Capt. William Bemis. Eli, b. Aug. 25, 1782 ; Elliot, March 21, 1784; Electa, Aug. 2, 1787; Russell, May 9, 1791; Cheney, Nov. 17, 1794; Lovinia, Aug. 11, 1796;

Eebekah, Dec. 27, 1801 ; Liberty, . Electa m. Otis

Crossman, June 7, 1809 ; Elliot to Nancy Muzzy, da. of Col. John Muzzy of Brookfield, 1815 ; Lovinia to John Draper ; Russell to Clarissa Watson, da. of Jamea Watson, July 3, 21*

242 HISIOET OF SPENCEB.

1814 ; Kebekah to William Prouty, Oct. 17, 1826. Mr. Prouty was a soldier in the war of the revolution. He d. June 27, 1818, aged 60. His wife d. Aug, lo, 1847, aged 86.

Prouty Eli, jun., m. Elathina Parks, da. of Jonathan Parks, Fob. 12, 1807. She d. March 2, 1808. He again m. Mrs. Mindwell Mirick, April 11, 1811. Lucinda b. Nov. 24, 1812; (d. May 2, 1837, aged 24.) Elathina b. Dec. 1, 1814 ; Lauriston Mirick, Feb. 3, 1817 ; Elliot, Feb. 6, 1820; Melona, Dec. 14, 1822; (d. Sept. 13, 1841, aged 10); Juli- ann Crosby b. Dec. 7, 1824. Elathina m. William G. Muzzy, May 29, 183o ; Lauriston M. to Hannah L. Ray- mond, Feb. 9, 1841 ; Elliot to Laura E. Eandall, May 17, 1842 ; Juliann C. to Charles Wright, April 29, 1842. His wife Mindwell d. He again m. Nancy Brigham of West- borough, 1839. He had the homestead, was a Major in the militia, had been one of the selectmen. He d. April 21, 1860, aged 77.

Prouty Liberty, s. of Eli senior, m. Emily Bisco, da. of Jacob Bisco, 1827. Maria Adaline, b. Sept. 18, 1827 ; Jonas Russell, March 10, 1829 ; Joel Eli, July 25, 1830 ; Augus- tus Bisco, Oct. 5, 1831. Maria Adaline d. Oct. 6, 1853, aged 26. Mr. Prouty d. Feb. 28, 1854, aged 55. Mrs. Prouty d. April 6, 1857, aged 52.

Prouty Russell, s. of Eli senior, d. Aug. 27, 1855, aged 65.

Prouty Adam, brother of Jacob senior, b. 1721. He married early, and came to Spencer later than his brothers. His wife d. in Spencer, and he m. Dorothy Howe of Rutland, Jan. 15, 1751. In 1763, he purchased part of lot (17), now owned by Foster Bisco and Mrsr Mary L. Bemis. He afterwards purchased part of lot (64), now owned by Sam- uel Holmes, where he died. His wife Dorothy d. Oct. 23, 180!). He had a numerous family of children, bu.t there is no record to be found of any of them except Seth, who was b. Nov. 12, 1761. His children by his first wife were, Grace,

HISTOET OF SPENC E«E . 243

Sarah, Lather, Isaac, &c., and by his last wife, Seth, Eboda, Eunice, Patty, Desire, Dolly, Adam, Lucy, tic. Isaac m. Molly Watson of Leicester, Dec. 10, 1778; Ehoda to Jude Hamilton of Brookfield, April IS, 1793; Eunice to Abia Barton, May 26, 1793; Patty to Simeon Phelps, Nov. 3,

1796 ; Dolly to James Adams, Oct. 8, 1800; Lucy to

Boice. Grace and Sarah d. unmarried.

Proutt James, brother of Jacob, was b. 1730. He set- tled on part of lot (40), where his son Reuben lately lived. He was m. to Mary Dinsmore, June 25, 1765. He d. May 3,1813, aged 83; his wife d. June 1, 1803. Amos b. March 8, 1766; Reuben, Dec. 18, 1771; Sarah, Dec. 10, 1777; Susannah, March 8, 1782; Lydia, Oct. 17, 1783; James, Jan. 30, 1786 ; Polly, Dec. 0, 1788. Amos m. Phebe Bartlett of Marlborousrh, Vermont ; Sarah to James Both- well of Oakham, Oct. 2, 1797 ; Susannah to John Bothwell, Dec. 26, 1799 ; Lydia to Brigham Morse, Feb. 2, 1804 ; Polly to Alpheus Bemis of Paxton, Aug. 12, 1805.

Prouty Reuben, s. of the above, m. Sally Bartlett of Marlborough, Vermont. Roxy b. Feb. 15, 1794, (d. 1809, aged 15); Spencer, Sept. 20, 1796; Sally, July 26, 1798, (d. Jan. 18, 1819, aged 20); Reuben, June 17, 1800; Louisa, April 7, 1802; Polly, Dec. 23, 1804, (d. Dec. 21, 1823, aged 20). All the children above-named, were b. in Marlborough. Lucena b. at Spencer, July 6, 1806, (d. May 11, 1820, aged 14) ; Fosdick, May 14, 1808 ; Plummer, Oct. 19,1809; DwightD. Nov. 15, 1811 ; James, Sept. 20, 1813. Spencer m. Chloe Bisco, da. of Jacob Bisco, Aug. 1818, (she d. Feb. 28, 1823, aged 22) ; Reuben to Laura Whittemore, da. of Jeremiah Whittemore, July 13, 1826, (she d. March 18, 1827) ; Louisa m. Eleazer B. Draper. Mr. Prouty d. Sept. 7, 1856, aged 85. His wife d. Nov. 21, 1851, aged 77.

Prouty Isaac, brother of Jacob, b. 1732, and was m. to Priscilla Ramsdell. He settled on the western end of lot 16 in 1757, where some of his great grand children still

244 HISTOET OF SPENCEK.

remain. He d. May 5, 1805, aged 73. His widow d. July 13, 1814, aged 80. Priscilla b. Oct. 1, 175G; Elijah and Elisha (twins), b. Jan. 27, 1759; Sage, Nov. 2, 1762; Joseph, March 26, 1767; Thomas, June 13, 1769; Jesse, Aug. 6, 1771 ; Avis, April 27, 1775 ; Betsey, Jan. 24, 1780. Sage m. Alexander Dean of Oakham, March 18, 1784. Priscilla d. June 30, 1833, aged 77 ; Avis d. June 9, 1816, aged 41. Betsey d. Sept. 21, 1812, aged 32.

Prouty Elijah, s. of Isaac, m. Anna Munroe, da. of Amos Munroe, 1788. Artemas b. Nov. 18, 1788; Pliny, May 14, 1791. Mr. Prouty d. Feb. 8, 1792, aged 32. His widow d. Sept. 0, 1854, aged 86.

Prouty Artemas, s. of the above, m. Clarissa' Snow, da. of James Snow, July 10, 1816. Artemas Warren b. March 30, 1817; Elijah Ansel, May 11, 1821; Lawson, Jan. 12,1826;

Walton ; Salem, August 3, 1833. Mr. Prouty had

the homestead, has been a selectman.

Prouty Pliny, s. of Elijah, m. Melissa Holmes of New Braintree, 1818. Anna b. Feb. 10, 1819; Schuyler, Jan. 9, 1820 ; Benjamin, Feb. 5, 1821, William Elijah, April 26, J 822; Laura, Oct. 9, 1823; Pliny, Jan. 12, 1827. (d. Feb. 9, 1846, aged 19).

Prouty Elisha, s. of Isaac, m. Elizabeth Demond of Eut- land. Elijah b. Aug. 20,1785; Solon, May 28, 1788; Betsey, Nov. 3, 1792 ; George, Nov. 11, 1794, (d. Aug. 19, 1820, aged 26) ; Lucy, Aug. 25, 1798; Thaxter, March 29,

1803; Elisha . Elijah m. Mary Bartlett, 1808 ; Betsey

to Jonah Perry, Aug. 21, 1814; Elisha to Mary B. Coggs- well, da. of Aaron Coggswell, April 4, 1827; Thaxter to Eliza AVoodard, April 5, 1827; Lucy to Daniel Knight of North Brookfield, May 10, 1826. Mr. Prouty d. Aug. 26, 1819, aged 60. The farm is now owned by Joseph Cheever.

Prouty Joseph, s. of Isaac, m. Betsey Draper, da. of James Draper, May 19, 1791. Philinda b. Sept. 29, 1792; Calvin, Nov. 5, 1793, (d. March 7, 1808) ; Emelia, Jan. 7,

HISTOKT OF SPENCEH. 245

1796 ; Horace, April, 1798, (d. by drowning, July 8, 1815, aged 17); Charles, May 7, 1800; Cyrus, Sept. U, 1802, (d. by suicide, May 11, 1851); Elmira, Aug. 2, 1804 ; Lu- ther, July 18, 1806, (d. Dec. 12, 1807) ; Calvin Luther, b. March 16, 1808 ; Alden, Nov. 10, 1810, (d. by drowning Aug. 17, 1811) ; Mary Draper, Feb. 2, 1813 ; Betsey, Aug. 19, 1816; Joseph Horace, Aug. 13, 1818. Philinda m. Jabez Bigelow, (she d. April 29, 1854, aged 62) ; Emelia to Edmund Newton, Dec. 5, 1827 ; Elmira to Joshua E. Good- ell, Aug. 25, 1825; Cyrus to Mary Ann Bride, May 12, 182Z ; Betsey to Winthrop Prouty. Mr. Prouty d. June 19, 1829, aged 62. His wife d. Dec. 29, 1846, aged 74.

Prouty Charles, s, of Joseph, m. Eunice Watson, da. of Henry Watson, Esq., Oct> 24, 1827.

Prouty Thomas, s, of Isaac, m. Louisa Wood, da. of Simeon Wood, 1793. John Nazro b. Jan. 10, 1794 ; Homer, Oct. 19,1796; Isaac, Doc. 9, 1798; Diadamia, May 11, 1802. His wife d. and he was m. to Mrs. Olive Luther, March 31, 1811. Diadamia m. John F. Smith of Holden, Nov. 5, 1829. Mr. Prouty d. May 29, 1813. His wife Olive d. Dec. 31, 1823.

Prouty John N., m. Melinda Luther, da. of Thomas Lu- ther, May 9, 1821. Thomas Austin b. Aug. 11, 1822 ; Me- linda, March 8, 1824. She m. John Eockwood ofPaxton, 1846. Mr. Prouty has been captain of the militia and selectman.

Prouty Jesse, s. of Isaac, m. Abigail Burden, April 22, 1798. He d. April 19, 1813, aged 41. His wife d. April 24, 1813, aged 43.

Pope Rev. Joseph, m. Anna Hammond, da. of Col. Benja- min Hammond of Newton, Oct. 9, 1777. Joseph b. July 14, 1778; Charles, Feb. 26, 1780 ; AVilliam, Dec, 10, 1781 ; Anna, Feb. 16, 1786. Joseph was a lawyer in Portland, Maine ; deceased. Charles, a merchant in Thomaston, Maine ; deceased. Anna m. Professor Shurtleff of Dart-

246 HISTOKT OF SPENCEK.

mouth College; deceased. Mr. Pope d. March 8, 1826, aged 79. Mrs. Pope d. July 14, 1859, aged 104 years 7 months.

Pope William, s. of the above, m. Eliza Prince of Thom- aston, Maine, 1818. Ann Eliza b. at Thomaston, Nov. 12, 1818; Isabella Prince, at Spencer, Dec. 17, 1820, (d. May 31, 1821); Joseph, Aug. 16, 1822; Lucretia Howe, Sept. 17, 1824 ; Sarah Augusta, Jan. 17, 1827. His wife d. July 25, 1828, aged 30. He was m. to Elizabeth Stearns, Dec. 31, 1829. Maria Isabella, b. Jan. 27, 1831. His wife Eliz- abeth d. at the Insane Hospital, Somerville, Sept. 17, 1832, aged 32. He again m. Mrs. Experience Glapp, Oct. 3, 1833. She d. June 13, 1851, aged 52. Ann Eliza m. Rawson Vaile, April 16, 1840 ; deceased. Lucretia H. m. William Upham, June 28, 1853 ; Maria I. m. Eli J. Whittemore, April 13, 1858. Mr. Pope received the homestead, is a justice of the peace, has been representative to the General Court, town clerk and treasurer.

Packard Eev. Levi, m. Clarissa Sandford of Medway, Aug. 16, 182G. Sarah Daniels b. Oct. 29, 1827; Clarissa Sandford, Aug. 12, 1830; Edward Pay son, March 26, 1832, (d. Oct. 12, 1847, aged 15) ; Levi Sewell, June 7, 1834; Mary Snow, June 14, 1836 ; David Sandford, April 8, 1839. Mr. Packard d. at Stafford Springs, Conn. Jan. 11, 1857, aged 64. Interred at Spencer.

Pierce Thomas, from Northborough, m. Marcia Mason, da. of Joseph Mason, April 11, 1825. George Bradshave b. Jan. 7, 1827, (d. March 11, 1850, aged 23) ; Addison Scott b. May 9, 1829; Ellen Elizabeth, Oct. 17, 1830; Julia Ann, March 27, 1832 ; Joseph Thomas Mason, Feb. 11, 1835 ; John Davis, Feb. 15, 1838; Mary Eliza, June 28, 1841. Mr. Pierce was a major in the militia, and town officer. Re- moved to Worcester.

Rice Peter, m. Olive Baldwin, da. of Maj. Asa Baldwin, Nov. 12, 1778. Olive b. Sept. 19,1784; Willard b. June 12, 1786; Lucy, Aug. 6, 1788; Clarissa, July 31, 1790;

HI STOUT OF SPENCEB. 247

Joel^Feb. 26, 1796; Horace, Feb. 27, 1798 ; William, July 5, 1803. Lucy m. Charles "Watson 2d; Clarissa to William Pittr Waite ; William to Emeline Draper. Mr. Rice was a soldier in the war of the revolution and fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. He d, Feb.. 4, 1813. His wife d. Nov. 28, 1813, aged 55.

. Rice Willard, s. of the above, m. Mary Jenks, da. of Isaac Jenks, Jan. 25, 1817. Cynthia Jenks b. Jan. 29, 1818; Mary Ann, June 1, 1820; Willard, Jan. 18, 1823; Horace William, Sept. 10, 1827, (d. Sept. 12, 1849, aged 22). Mr. Rice was a captain in the militia, and town oflBcer. He d. Feb. 29, 1848, aged 61. His wife d. Oct. 1, 1841, aged 49.

Rice Horace, brother of the above, m. Dulcina Sibley, da. of Caleb Sibley, June 28, 1827. Ruth Putnam b. July 8, 1828. . ,

', Ryan Samuel, b. in Leicester, 1750, m. to Mercy Stod- dard, June 18, 1778. Hannah b. April 24, 1779 ; Polly, March 22, 1781 ; Samuel, Dec. 16,1782; Jacob, July 10, 1784; Jonathan, June 13, 1785 ; Mrs. Ryan d. He again m. Eunice Evans, Jan. 12, 1786. Nancy b. Oct. 14, 1786 ; Eunice, June 24, 1788 ; Lyman, Oct. 28, 1790 ; Matthias, July 9, 1792 ; John, May 22, 1794 ; Ruth AV. April, 1796 ; Margaret, . Jonathan m. Mary Watson, da. of Rob- ert Watson, for second wife. Ruth W. m. Walter Sibley, May 1821. Mr. Ryan removed to Charlton. His widow d. March 15, 1845, aged 81.

Rice Asher, in 1736, came on to the west part of lot (7). Mr. Thomas Rice, father of Asher, was the first settler in Westborough, then a part of Marlborough, and was for sev- eral years representative for the town of Marlborough, in the General Court. His house was made a garrison in 1711, and stood on the plain in the village of Westborough, and on the spot now occupied by the house of Mr. Fayerweather. On the 8th day of August, 1704, as several persons were at work. in the field, a party of eight or ten Indians rushed

248 HisTOBT or spekcee,

from the woods and killed Nahor, son of Mr. Edmund Rice, and captivated two more of his sons, Silas and Timothy, and also Asher and Adonizah, sons of Thomas Rice, and carried them to Canada. Silas, Timothy and Adonizah never re- turned, but Asher v/a^ redeemed by his father and returned in about four years. When taken by the Indians, he was about ten years old. While in Westborough, he m. his wife Tabitha, by whom he had Asher b. 173-4; Tabitha b. 1736. These came with him to Spencer. While here he had Sarah b. July 20, 1738; Anna, June 1, 1741; Jacob, May 20, 1744; Martha, June 14, 174G ; David, June 30, 1752; Jed- ediah, April 2, 1755. His house was on the western side of the " Waite Road," about half a mile northerly of the •' AVire Village," where the vestiges of his cellar may still be seen. While among the Indians, he imbibed many of their peculiarities, some of which he retained through life. He erected forts and garrisons to guard against the Indians long after they had all disappeared. His eccentricities on other things were no less singular. He spent much time in building a gristmill, so arranged as to have the under stone move round instead of the upper one. This movement he said was natural, as man's under jaw moved in reducing his food. He d. August 20, 1773, aged 79.

Rice Asher, s. of the above, m. Dinah Allen of Sturbridge. By her he had Dinah b. 1768, who m. Isaac Comar, Nov. 22, 1784. He again m. Sarah Phelps, Oct. 3, 1782. Sarah b. Aug. 9, 1788; Achsah, March 7, 1791, (d. Aug. 24,

1830, aged 39); Lucy, ; Asher, Dec. 16, 1796;

Annah, Dec. 16, 1804. Asher m, Sally Ludden, da. of Enoch Ludden. Nov. 1826; Annah to David Stebbings, May 31, 1841. Mr. Rice d. May 13, 1823, aged 89. His wife d. May 5, 1813. The farm now owned by Isaac Hill.

Read John, came to the eastern part of lot (7) in 1736. He was b. in Ireland, 1699, and came to America 1729, but came from Milton to Spencer. His first wife Ann d. 1743,

HI8T0BT OF 8PENCEK. 249

He again m. Martha Blair from Warren, in 1745, bj whom he had one son, John. His wife Martha d. in 1791, aged 82. He d. Jan. 31, 1787, aged 88. The farm now owned by Elliot W. Boice.

KoBmsoN JosiAH, from Uxbridge, purchased the west part of lot (22) in 17-i3, and built a house which now con- stitutes the eastern half part of the^" Jenks tavern." He m. Anna Barton, 1738. Samuel b. July 24,1742; Will- iam, June 16, 1744 ; Joshua, June 2, 1747. He kept a public house. In 1752, he sold his estate to Moses Smith, and removed from town. He was grandfather to the wife of Jacob Wilson.

Bead John, b. in Kutland, and m. Elizabeth Davis, da. of Simeon Davis of that town, Aug. 25, 17G0. He pur- chased and built a house where Mrs. Willard Converse now lives. Daniel b. 1760; Belief, May 15, 1762; Euth, May 30, 1765 ; Mercy, Aug. 5, 1767. His wife d. and he had by his wife Martha, Reuben b. May 9,- 1774; Simon ])avis, March 10, 1776 ; John, March 19, 1778 ; David, Jan. 30, 1783. Simon D. m. Betsey Woodard, May 29, 1798; David to Pamela Merritt of Charlton, Nov. 21, 1816. John was a soldier in the war of 1812, and had one of his arms shot off by a cannon ball. Pwuth d. in Leicester, unmarried. Mr. Reed d. Jan. 27, 1813.

Richardson Selby, from Brookfield, m. Azubah Rice from the same town. Maria Evelina, b. March 18, 1840, (d. May 22, 1852, aged 12) ; Jane Azubah b. June 6, 1842. His wife d. June 6, 1842. Again m. Sarah S. Upliam of Leicester, 1842. George Selby, Nov. 20, 1847, (d. Dec. IS, 1852) ; George Selby b. May 1, 1854.

Stoddard Jacob, purchased the south part of lot (79) in 1740. He had by his wife Rachel, Jacob b. 1730 ; Rachel, March 1731; Jonathan, April 1734; Eleanor, July 11, 1735; Elijah, Jan. 15, 1737; Sarah and Mary, (twins) March 25, 1739; Abigail, Aug. 28,. 1741. His wife d. he 22

250 HISTOKT OF STEINCER.

m. Hannah Minot. Nov. 20, 1744. Eicliard b. Jan. 1747 ; I\Iary, Sept. (3, 1745 ; second Eichard, Sept. 30, 1748 ; Sam- uel, June 23, 17o0 ; Hannah, Aug. 11, 1752 ; second Mary, May 31, 1700. His second wife d. he m. Mary May, widow of William May, Oct. 2"), 1757. Jonathan ra. Elizabeth Baldwin of Leicester, April 10, 17G0; Eleanor to Jonathan Snow of Leicester, May 20, 1758, and again to Deacon John Muzzy ; Mary to David May, April 5, 1704 ; Mercy to Sam- uel Ryan, June 18, 1778. Mr. Stoddard's house was about half a mile southeast of the house of Jacob Wilson. The farm was afterwards owned by Daniel Atwood, and now by Jacob Wilson.

Seagar Oliver, from Newton, purchased the eastern end of lot (10) in 1743, now owned by Mr, Putnam, where he lived until 1750. In 1770 he purchased part of lot (37), now owned by Harvey Prouty, where he lived many years. He made some pretension to physic, which gave him the title of Doctor. He m. to Lydia Clark, da. of Matthias Clark, July 12, 1749. Ephraim b. Feb. 28, 1750 ; Lydia, Aug. 8, 1752 ; Ruth, March 11, 1756 ; Caleb, June 14, 1758 ; Henry,

Aug. 2G, 1760; Joshua, ; Oliver, March 2, 1771.

Lydia m. John Hinds of Brookfield, May 24, 1772 ; Ruth to Ezra Richmond of Brookfield, June 26, 1778. Mrs. Sea- gar, with her sons Henry, Joshua and Oliver, all d. in quick succession with fever, in the autumn of 1791. Mr. Seagar d. April 4, 1803, aged 83.

Seagar Ephraim, s. of the above, had with his wife Olive, Aaron b. Nov. 28, 1788 ; Olive, Sept. 13, 1790; Henry, May 7, 1793 ; Susannah, May 22, 1795 ; Lydia, March 6, 1798. Mr. Seagar d. March 24, 1806, aged 50. The farm now owned by Pliny Allen.

Sprague Thomas, m. Thankful Hatch. Henry b. July 27, 1781 ; Thomas, May 10, 1783. Mr. Sprague was a sol- dier, and fought at Bunker Hill; was selectman and assessor many years. He d. May 12, 1828, aged 76. His wife d. Jan. 21, 1821.

HISTOKT OF SPENCEK. 251

Sprague James, brother of the above, in. Chloe Baldwin, da. of Maj. Asa Baldwin, May 4, 1779. James b. June 26, 1782; Charles, July 31, 1784 ; Chloe, Dec. 30, 1786; Eos- well, April 22, 1789; Eoxa, April 2, 1794. Charles m. Hannah Loring, da. of Nathaniel F. Loring, June 10, 1813 : Chloe to Jeremiah Watson, July 6, 1809 ; Eoswell to Mehet- able Hobart of Leicester. Mr. Sprague d. Dec. 31, 1824, aged 75. His wife d. Dec. 12, 1835, aged SO. The farm now owned by George L. Hobbs,

Sprague James, jun., m. Clary Bacon of Charlton. Asahel Burbank b. Oct. 27, 1809 ; Adaline, June 28, 1811 ; Louisa, June 11, 1813 ; Lewis, Sept. 14, 1815. His wife d. July 7, 1848, aged 65. He received the homestead. Eemoved to Leicester.

PEDIGREE OP THE SUMNERS.

Sumner Edward, of Eoxbury, was a large landholder, owninor, besides his estate in that town, unsettled lands in Brookfield, Sutton and Spencer, which he divided between his four children, John, Samuel, Increase and Mary. Sam- uel was a farmer in Eoxbury. Increase became Governor of Massachusetts, for the years 1797, 1798, and was elected for 1799, but died before taking his seat. Mary m. Thomas Balch, minister of Dedhara. John, the eldest, was educated at Harvard College, 1723, and went to Edgarton, Martha's Vineyard, and was Judge of the courts of Dukes county. He owned in Spencer lot (1), lately in part owned by Samuel Adams, also, lot (74), including Flat Hill. His children were John, Benjamin, Thomas, Edward and Susan. He removed to Spencer about 1774, and d. at the house of his son John, 1787.

Sumner John, s. of John above named, with his wife Abigail, had Betsey b. Jan. 2, 1770; John, Dec. IS, 1771 ; (d. Sept. 17, 1795). William, Jan. 11, 1774: (these b. in Edgarton). Edward, Dec. 14, 1776; (d. April 14, 1795).

252 HISTOEY OF 8PENCEE,

Samuel, Feb. 4, 1780; George, June 30, 1782; Abigail, March 7, 1784; Mary, Feb. 28, 178G ; Henry, Feb. 19, 1788 ; Jedidah, April 30, 1791 ; Charles and Cheney, (twins) Feb. 17, 1795 ; (Charles d. Sept. 14, 179G). Betsey m. Zebina Abbot, March 24, 1791 ; William toLucena Fletcher of Townsend, Vermont, 1799 ; Samuel to Phila Blashfield of Brimfield, Nov. 9, 1803 ; Abigail to William Brown of Brimfield, July 9, 1812 ; Mary to Jonas Hartwell of Oxford, Nov. 28, 1814 ; Jedidah to Abner Brown of Brimfield, June 20, 1816 ; Henry to Eliza Haynes of Southbridge. Mr. Sumner d. Feb. 23, 1813. His wife d. June 18, 1817.

Sumner William, s. of the above, with his wife Lueena, had Sophronia, b. Oct. 3, 1800 ; Eliza, Oct. 80, 1802 ; Mary Ann, Aug. 14, 1805 ; Mehetable, April 14, 1808 ; Abigail, Nov. 30, 1810; Lueena, April 2, 1814; William, April 9, 1817. Mary Ann m. Eli Brown, of Chelmsford, Oct. 13, 1825. Mr. Sumner was deacon of the Congregational church, and d. Dec. 12, 1839, aged 67.

Sumner Benjamin, s. of John senior, married Martha Clark, da. of Matthias Clark, 1771. Susannah b. July 2, 1772; Eufus, Jan. 15, 1774 ; Fanny, Aug. 15, 1775 ; Ben- jamin, Oct. 26, 1777. Benjamin, Thomas and Edward, re- moved to Vermont. Susan d. unmarried.

Sumner Cheney, brother to the above, m. Mary Coy of Brimfield, 1833. Mary b. July 24, 1835 ; Charles Edward, Dec. 29, 1836; Jane Maria, June 24, 1843. His wife d. April 16, 1848, aged 38.

Snow James, from Leicester, m. Lydia Moore of Worcester. William b. March 30, 1783, (killed instantly at the raising of a building, Sept. 1, 1798) ; Levi b. Feb. 8, 1785 ; Eber, Nov. 9, 1786 ; Willard, April 27, 1789 ; Clarissa, Oct. 14, 1792; James, Dec. 30, 1799; Sally, Feb. 16, 1802. Wil- lard m. Mary Peirce of Paxton, Oct. 1818 ; Clarissa to Arte- mas Prouty ; Sally to Artemas May, Aug. 1, 1819. Mr.

HISTOBY OF SPENCEB. 253

Snow -was a revolutionary soldier, and d. April 14, 1839, aged 82. His wife d. Jan. 10, 1842, aged 79.

Snow Eber, m. Hannah Porham, da. of Jacob Perliam. Cheney b. Aug. 10, 1800; Elmira, Jan. 18, 1811 ; Elcena Moor, Juno 14, 1720 ; Violett, Oct. 23, 1822.

Sibley Paul, came with his wife Sarah from Sutton, about 1793, on the farm now owned by Asa B. Watson and Horace Rice. He d. Feb. 28, 1803. His widow m. Nathan- iel Whitmore of Sutton, Sept. 12, 1804.

Sibley Paul, jun., with his wife Nancy from Sutton, purchased the farm now occupied by his grandson, Morris N. Sibley. Jonas b. Feb. 2, 1793; Nancy, Oct. 23, 179o. His wife d. Dec. 10, 1795. He ra. Abigail Livcrraore, da. of David Livermore senior; Walter b. Jan. 28, 1797; Eussell, Dec. 26, 1798 ; Paul, Sept. 6, 1804 ; Brigham, June 3, 1807. Mr. Sibley d. March 14, 1851, aged 82. Jonas m. Waney Wheelock of Charlton, April IG, 1815. Nancy to Simon Baldwin. His wife Abigail d. March 16, 1842, aged 69.

ScBLEY Russell, s. of Paul jun. ra. Sukey Newhall, da. of Reuben Newhall, Dec. 21, 1823. Elizabeth Maria, b. Nov. 30, 1825 ; Morris Newhall, March 29, 1829 ; Susan New- hall, Jan. 5, 1831, (d. Aug. 12, 1839). Mrs. Sibley d. Oct. 21, 1834, aged 31 : was m. Cyrcna Hall of Charlton, 1839. Susan N. b. July 27, 1840 ; Julius Russell and Julia Ann b. July 15, 1841. His wife d. May 15, 1846, aged 33.

Sibley Walter, brother of the above, m. Ruth W. Ryan of Charlton, May, 1821. Charles b. July 2„ 1826 ; Eliza Jane, June 17, 1829; William Evans, Nov. 22, 1833;

Henry . Mr. Sibley was a justice of the peace, colonel

in the militia, town officer, and deacon of the congregational church. He d. July 25, 1842, aged 45. Had been also representative.

Sibley Paul, s. of Paul jun., m. Esther Stone of Charlton, 1838. Mary Ann b. June 7, 1839 ; Lucius Addison, Sept. 22*

254 HISTOKT OF SPENCER.

26, 1B40; Emily Louisa, July 19, 1842. His wife d. Oct. 18, 1854, aged 30.

Sibley Brigham, s. of Paul Sibley, m. Adaline Adams, da. of Ttufus Adams, June 20, 1838. Louisa A. b. March IG, 1840 ; llufus A. Dec. 3, 1841 ; Maria, Nov. 10, 1843 ; Susan A. Oct. 18, 184G. His Avife d. Oct. 27, 184G, aged 33. He again m. Serapb Eice, May 22, 1849. His wnfe Seraph d. and he again m. Mrs. Sarah M. Crosby, June 11, 1854.

Sibley Caleb, s. of Paul senior, had the homestead. He had with his wife Prudy, Braraan, b. Feb. 10, 1794; Har- riet, March 14, 1797; Dulcena, Aug. 17, 1800; Lucinda, Sept. 1, 180G. Mr. Sibley d. Dec. 13, 1843, aged 72. His wife d. July 18, 1840, aged Go. Harriet m. Charles Denny, April 27, 1818. (Their only child Euth, b. June 1822, and d. Sept. lo, 1833.) Mr. Denny d. and she m. Asa B. Watson, Jan. 31, 1828. Dulcena m. Horace Eice; Lucinda to Doct. George S. Smith.

Sibley Braman, s. of Caleb, m. Dolly Newhall, da. of Eeuben Newhall, Dec. 22, 181G. Mary N. b. March 24, 1817, (d. May 18, 1847, aged 30). His wife d. July I, 1817, he m. Adaline Eider. John Eider b. Sept. 15, 1821 ; Braman Fuller, April 22, 1824. Mr. Sibley d. March 1, 1825, aged 31.

Sibley Eufus, s. of Paul senior, m. Phebe Lafflin, 1809. Sylvan us b. Oct. G, 1809 ; Lucretia, Sept. 1, 1811, (d. June 5, 1835, aged 23); Edward, April 26, 1814, (d. Aug. 17, 1848, aged 34); William, Oct. 3, 1816; Harvey, b. ^819, (d. Oct. 16, 1840, aged 21). Mr. Sibley d. Dec. 26, 1837, aged 52.

S[bley Simeon, s. of Paul senior, m. Sophia Savage, May 5,1811. Charlotte b. Sept. 1, 1812; Lawson, Dec. 17, 1814, (d. Jane 7, 1835 aged 19); Louisa, Nov. 7, 1817; Ellen, Dec. 21, 1821. Mr. Sibley d. July 17, 1824, aged 37.

Saddler TnoMAS N., m. Laurina Watson, da. of Charles

Hi 8 TOBY OF 8PENCEK. 255

Watson, Dec. 4, 1834. Charles Thom.os b. May 6, 1835, (d. Oet. 1, 1839). Edward Payson, b. Nov. 15, 1837; Charles Thomas, Feb. 8, 1840 ; Jane Maria, June 16, 1842 ; Mary Elizabeth, Oct. 27, 1844.

Sampson William, m. Mary L. Green, da. of Barnard Green, 1832. Caroline, b. Aug. 10, 1833 : Luvann, July 14, 1835; Freeman, Sept. 23, 1837 ; Byron, March 17, 1840: Jane, Nov. 13,1844; Maria, Jan. 24, 1847 ; Ada- laide, March 6, 1849.

Sinclair William, (or St. Clair,) purchased the wc3t half part of lot 68, in 1735. He was born in Ii-eland, in the connty of Down and Parish of Drumbloo, in 1676, and came to New England in 1729. He lived in this town 18 years, and d. July 4, 1753, aged 79. His wife Mary d. Aug. 9, 1765, aged 79. He had four daughters, Ann, Mary, Agnes, and Elizabeth. Ann m. John Cunningham, and has left numerous descendants. Mary m. Jonas Mays ; Agnes to William Breckenridge of Palmer, Dec. 11, 1746; Elizabeth to John Donn of Northbridge, Oct. 6, 1774, afterwards re- moved to Brookfield. The farm now owned by Justin Clark.

Stebbings Capt. John, was the son of Samuel Stebbings, and to him and his brother Joseph, was assigned the first house lot of 30 acres in Leicester in 1714. They came from England, at what time is not known, but he and his brother were neither of them twenty-one years of age when they came to Leicester, This house lot was on " Strawberry Hill," and comprehended a considerable part of the village in Lei- cester. He was the first grantee named in the deed, giving the easterly half of the town to the first fifty families, dated Jan. 8, 1724. He was a housewright by trade, but he acquired only a moderate estate, yet he was a man of intel- ligence and influence, and was often promoted to offices in civil and military life. While in Leicester he was m. to Sarah Southgate of that town. His children by her while in Leicester, were Sarah, b. Sept. 30, 1732 ; Elizabeth, Sept.

256 HISTORY OF SPENCEK.

2, 1734:. He came into Spencer in 1737 or 1738, and took possession of lot (G.) lately owned by Major Isaac Lamb. "While in Spencer he had John, b. July 21, 173S ; James, April 23, 1740 ; Mary, Oct. 2, 1742. His wife d. Nov. 10, 1742, he again m. Mary Hinds of Brookfield, 1743. By her he had Benjamin b. June 25, 1744: Reuben, April 18, 174G; Patience, Aug. 19, 1747. Sarah m. Joseph Bigelow ; Elizabeth to Daniel Newhall of Leicester. Mr. Stebbings was a soldier in the French war in 174G, under Governor Shirley, in Canada and Nova Scotia, Again in 1755 and 1750, he was captain of a company in the regiment of Col. Eun-ii-les, stationed at Fort Edward, where he d. at the a£re of 45 years, Aug. 18, 175G.

Stebbings John, s. of the above, m. Olive Muzzy, da. of deacon John Muzzy, Oct. 11, 1704. He acquired a hand- some estate, two thousand dollars of which he generously gave to the Congregational society in Spencer. He left no children, and died July 17, 1821, aged 88. His widow died March 1, 1840, aged 9G. His farm now owned by Aaron Watson and Mr. Putnam.

Smith Lemuel, from Warren, had by his wife Mary, Hiram, b. Sept. 17, 1800; James Madison, Aug. 27, 1808; Elbridge Gerry, Dec. 13, 1810. These b. at Warren. Mary b. at Spencer, Nov. 17, 1813 ; Austin, March 28, 1815 ; Isaac Fowler, Aug. 19, 1818. Mrs. Smith d. Sept. 4, 1818, he m. Lucia Goodman, of East Hartf(jrd, Conn., 1818. He re- moved to Worcester, where his wife Lucia died, and was buried at Spencer, Nov. 1, 1851, aged 09. He now resides in Westfield.

Smith Moses, was in Spencer as early as 1728, and pur- chased the most part of lots (21 and 23) now owned by Dan- iel Whittemore. Washington Hill, Lewis Hill, Henry Belch- er, Eli Prouty, the late Isaac Prouty, part of the farms of Harvey Prouty, Isaac Stevens and Sullivan Hill. His house stood about 40 rods north of the house of Daniel Whitte-

HISTOSY OF 8PENCEK. 257

more. He had bj his wife Elizabeth, Jonas b. 1739 ; Moses, 1743 ; Elizabeth, 1745 ; Amos, 1750 ; Joseph, 1752. After selling off several farms, he sold the remainder to Samuel Bemis, June, 1752, and purchased the Jenks tavern and farm. In 1754, he sold it to John Flagg of Waltham, and removed from town.

Temple Alonzo, from Rutland, m. Adaline Sibley, widow of Braman Sibley, June 17, 1727. Francis Marion b. Oct. 19, 1828, (d. Aug. 3, 1841, aged 12) ; William Henry, March

14, 1831 ; Joseph Warren, Feb. 17, 1833 ; Edward Everett, June 15, 1835, (d. Feb. 21, 1838). Mrs. Temple d. Feb. 5, 1855, aged 53. Mr. Temple has been a colonel in tho militia, representative, and town officer.

Tucker Samuel, was b. in Roxbury, and was the fourth son of Benjamin Tucker, one of the original proprietors of Leicester and Spencer.'' He removed to Leicester early, and m. Hannah Sylvester, June 19, 1740. He remained in Leicester, where all his children were b. until 1762, when he removed to Spencer, on to the east part of lot (42), where Benjamin Converse, brother to Luke Converse, had built the house now owned by Amos Bemis. Sarah b. April 25, 1741 ; Samuel, Jan. 8, 1743 ; Hannah, Feb. 3, 1745 ; Isaac, Dec.

15, 1746 ; Euth, Nov. 17, 1748 ; Elijah, 1751 ; Huldah, April 1, 1755; Ezekiel, Aug. 29, 1757. Sarah m. David Baldwin of Leicester, Sept. 22, 1774 ; Samuel to Elizabeth Livermore of Leicester. Hannah d. July 22, 1766 ; Elijah d. of the small pox. May 11, 1777.

Tucker Ezekiel, s. of the above, m. Hannah Phillips, March 28, 1782. Eiishab. Dec. 3, 1782, (d. Dec. 7, 1805, aged 23) ; Hannah, Sept, 3, 1784. His wife d. Sept. 9, 1784. He

" Benjamin Tucker died at Roxbury, 1728. His estate was appraised at £1491 2, and settled at the Probate Office in Boston, 1738. Among the jtems of charge are £0 9s. Od., for digging grave and tolling bell. For wine, £4 Us. Od. For glova, £8 3s. 6d. Paid Caleb Lyman for articles for mourning, £17 los. 8d.

258 HISTORY OF SPENCEE.

m. Elizabeth Phelps of Brookfield, Aug. 25, 1786. William b. April 13, 1789; Huldah, May 22, 1793; Betsey, April 1798 Samuel, April lo, 1801; Hosea, Sept. 10, 1803; Ezekiel, Oct. 3, 1805. AVilliam m. Eunice Cutter ; Huldah toAmosBemis; Betsey to Simpson Bixby of Hopkinton. Mr. Tucker d. Jan. 29, 1814, aged 57. His wife d. Sept. 19, 1831.

Urn AM Jacob, in 1753, purchased and settled on the westerly part of lot (16), now owned by the heirs of John N. Prouty. In 1757, he sold to Isaac Prouty, and purchased the eastern part of lot (1), lately owned by Samuel Adams. Ho m. Sarah Stower of Maiden, 1751. By her he had Phebe b. July 24, 1752; Jacob, March 23, 1754. He d. young. Abigail, Jan 24, 175G. His wifed. June 21, 1757, and he m. Zeruiah Smith, widow of James Smith, April 1758. By her he had Sarah b. Dec. 13, 1758 ; James, Oct. 26, 1760; Mary, May 15, 1763; Lucy, July 1, 1765; Esther, June 21, 1767; Elizabeth, March 21, 1769; Jacob, Aug. 12, 1771, (d. May 1790). Abigail m. Ebenezer Sand- erson ; Sarah to Asa Washburn ; Mary to Ebenezer Easta- brook ; Lucy to Hezekiah Sanderson ; Elizabeth to John Grout ; Esther to Isaac Palmer. Mr. Upham d. by a fall from his horse, April 15, 1785, aged 56.

Underwood Eeuben, from Sudbury, m. Eunice, da. of Jonas Livermore. Susan b. Sept. 1, 1774; Sally, March 19, 1778; Eeuben, Feb. 16, 1784. She d. July 17, 1790. He m. Sybil Whittemore, da. of Jeremiah AVhittemore, Feb.

3, 1791 ; Amos b. Dec. 1791 ; Eunice, : Jonas and

Sybil (twins), March 7, 1797 ; Cyrus, Sept. 15, 1801. Jonas m. Hannah Browning, May 23, 1824. Mr. Underwood was a farmer and shoemaker, and Deacon of the Congrega- tional church. He d. Nov. 20, 1830, aged 79. The farm now owned by Paul Woolson.

Wilson James, came from Lexington to Leicester, and settled on house lot (10), in 1714. How long he remained

HISTOKT OF SPENCEB. 259

in Leicester, and when he came to Spencer, is unknown. His title to lot (5) in Spencer is 1730. He did not take posses- sion of his lot until some years after. His house stood about 50 rods south of the Wire Village, where the remains of his cellar may now be seen. He had ten children, Joseph, Dorothy, Sarah, 3Iehetable, James, Anna b. 3Iay, 1725 ; Benjamin, 1727 ; William, 1729 ; John, 1730 ; Aza- riah, 1731. He was often promoted to offices of trust while in Leicester and Spencer. He was the first deacon in Mr. Eaton's church in 1744. But his religion, if not equivocal, was somewhat versatile. Soon after he was elected deacon, he left his church and joined himself to a few fanatical for- eiorners, who had also left the Eev. Mr. Fiink's church in Kutland and formed themselves into a Presbyterian society in the south part of that town. After being united with them about three months, he again changed his views, and beffcred to be ag-ain restored to his former standing in Mr. Eaton's church. After some altercation and mutual crim- ination, he was again received. Ho remained here until

1758. At this time the Stockbridge Indians were about selling their lands and removing farther west, and the fer- tility of the lands on the River Housatonic arrested the attention of the people, and Deacon Wilson sold his farm and removed to Stockbridge. He was thus the pioneer in the settlement of three towns : Leicester, Spencer and Stockbridge.

Wilson Joseph, s. of James, m. Grace Harrington of Brookfield, 1745. Grace b. June, 1746 ; Samuel, May 11, 1748; Lucy, 1750; Isaac, 1752; Azariah, 1756; Mary,

1759. Lucy m. Ezra Wilson, 1774; Mary to Moses Liver- more, jun. Grace d. Nov. 19, 1826, aged 80. Isaac d. Dec. 1833, aged 86.

Wilson Samuel, s. of the above, received the homestead, had with his wife Lovinia, Joseph b. Oct. 19, 1780 ; Lovinia, Sept. 30, 1782 ; (d. Jan. 22, 1808, aged 25). Sally, b. July

260 HISTOET OF BPENCEK,

4, 1785; Samuel, June 14, 1787. The bouse of Mr. Wil- son was on the east side of the road, between the bouses of Henrv Eames and Georore Robinson.

Wilson Joseph, s. of the above, m. Martha, da. of James Draper, Dec. 27, 1801. Laura b. Oct. 11, 1802; Sewall, June 15, 1805 ; Orren, April 4, 1808; Joel, Oct. 20, 1811 ; Lovinia, Feb. 11, 1815 : Martha Draper, Feb. 7, 1818 ; Mary Jane, Sept. 30, 1821 ; Samuel Austin, March 11, 182G.

Wilson Benjamin, s. of James senior, m. Mary Stower of Leicester. Mary b. Dec. 29, 1748 ; Abigail, July 18, 1751 ; Eachel, June 21, 1753.

Wilson James, s. of James senior, m. Lydia Vinton of

Leicester, 1748. Hannah b. Jan. 28,1749; , Sept.

30, 1750 ; Elizabeth, Jan. 2, 1753 ; Abigail, May IG, 1755. Mr. AVilson built the mills lately owned by F. Howe, and now by Myrick and Sugden, and were the first erected in Spencer, having been built about 1740.

Wood Nathaniel, purchased 100 acres of Paul Dudley Esq., one of the original proprietors, being the western end of lots 29 and 36, adjoining Brookfield town line. This was the first settlement in Spencer, being in 1717. But little is known of him or his family. He had one daughter, Dolly, m. Jonas Bemis senior. He removed to Brookfield, but at what time is uncertain. He was known to be here, 1730.

Wood Capt. Jonathan, came from Upton, and purchased from Oldham Gates his farm, being the central part of lot 15, in 1767, now owned by Eber Snow and son. He died Feb. 4, 1796, aged 95.

Wood Simeon, s. of the above, m. Sarah Muzzy, da. of deacon John Muzzy, Dec. 24, 1771. Louis b. Nov. 8, 1772 Sarah, June 15, 1774; Abigail, July 14, 1776; Mary, Aug, 4, 1779 ; Simeon, March 19, 1781 ; Olive, Aug. 27, 1784 John, Sept. 12, 1790; Ezra, Sept. 13, 1792. Louis m Thomas Prouty ; Sarah to Ephraim Browning of Eutland Abigail to Thomas Loring ; Mary to Amos Watson. Simeon

HISTOKT OF SPENCEE. 261

was instantly killed at the raising of a building, Sept. 1, 1798. Mr. Wood d. May 24, 1797. John d. Oct. 27, 1801.

Wright Edward, purchased of James Draper, senior, the northeast part of lot (33) 1753, since owned by Stevens Hatch, and now by the town of Spencer. He had by his wife Try- phena, Jason, Nathan, Bazaleel, b. 1752 ; Jane, 1754 ; Jonathan, 1756; Annah, 1758; Jesse, 1760; Tryphena, 1761 ; Mary, 1763 ; Persis, 1765 ; John, 1768. Nathan m. Mary Whittemore, da. of Jeremiah Whittemore ; Bazaleel to Eunice Hayward of Holden ; Jason to Elizabeth Bradshaw Muzzy, da. of deacon John Muzzy ; Persis to John Bigelow. Mr. Wriffht removed to Chester in 1770.

Woodward Kobert, purchased the west part of lot (53) in 1750. He came from Leicester, and m. Deliverance De- mond of that town, 1743. He had Betty, b. 1744 ; Caleb, 1746 ; Phebe, 1758. The farm now owned by the heirs of William Baldwin, deceased.

White Henry, from Dedham, purchased the northerly part of lot (79) in 1739, now owned by Jacob Wilson. He m. Abio-ail Draper, da. of Capt. James Draper of Dedham. She wa3\ Dec. 12, 1721. They had Eebekah, b. Dec. 11, 1741 ; William, May 20, 1744 ; Abigail, April 4, 1747. Eebekah m. John Worster, April 28, 1763 ; Abigail to Johnson Lynde, May 21, 1767. ' Mr. White d. 1748. His widow m. Maj. Asa Baldwin. She died Nov. 3, 1817, aged 94.

White William, s. of the above, m. Esther Lynde, May 12, 1768. He had the homestead. They had Henry, Esther, Sarah, William and 2d Esther, who all died in in- fancy. Eebekah b. Jan. 21, 1773 ; Sally, March 12, 1781 ; Tammy, Sept. 28, 1783 ; Polly or Mary, June 7, 1787. Ee- bekah m. Samuel Trask of Leicester ; Sally to Amos Smith of Palmer, April 19, 1804; Tammy to Oliver to Watson; Mary to Walton Livermore. His wife Esther d. Aug. 5, 1815, and he m. Mrs. Elizabeth Browning of Eutland, 1817. Mr. White had a commission of Major in the militia, deacon 23

262 HisTOET or spejtcee.

of the Congregational church, was a patriot to his country, left a handsome estate, and d. Feb. 16, 182G, aged 82.

White John, from Framingham, purchased the eastern part of lot (68) aLout 1748, now owned by Thomas B. Clark. His children, John, Thomas, Rebekah, Sarah, and Sibbilah, b. in Framingham, and Rand, b. in Spencer, Oct. 15, 1751. Mr. White came from England, settled in Framingham, and followed the trade of a carpenter. While there he m. Sib- bilah, da, of Col. Joseph Buckminster, who with her father came from Scotland. He d. Aug. 20, 1778, aged 84. His widow d. Oct. 23, 1794, aged 88.

White John, s. of the above, m. Silence Baldwin, da. of David Baldwin, 1757. Silence b. Jan. 19, 1758; Buck- minster, April 15, 1759; John, Aug. 18, 1760; Samuel, Feb. 17, 1762 ; Jonathan, Dec. 8, 1763 ; Anna, Oct. 17, 1765 ; Sarah, May 13, 1768 ; Ruth, July 28, 1770 ; Nathan, June 9, 1772; David, May 18, 1774. Buckminster m. Ab- igail, da. of Capt. Josiah White, June 12, 1782; again to Mercy, da. of Jacob Prouty, April 8, 1784 ; Anna to Kerley Howe, July 31, 1788; Sarah to Frederick Howe, March 5, 1789. Mr. White had the homestead. He d. Sept. 18, 1803.

White Jonathan, s. of John jun., m. Ruth Converse, da. of Luke Converse, Nov. 30, 1786. Abigail b. Sept. 15, 1787 ; Clarissa, March 16, 1789, (d. Sept. 9, 1806, aged 17); Jeremiah, Sept. 7, 1791, (d. June 4, 1811, aged 19); Betsey

b. Feb. 1, 1794; Lory, July 2, 1798; Luna, ; Joseph,

April 21, 1801 ; Tirzah, Oct. 15, 1806. Abigail m. Isaac Lamb ; Betsey to Elisha Drake ; Lory to Silena Huntington, (he d. Nov. 11, 1829, aged 31). Tirzah to Ezekiel Tucker. Mr. White d. Sept. 8, 1829, aged 55. His widow d. Sept. 10, 1844, aged 80. The farm now owned by William Drake.

White Nathan, s. of John jun., m. Anna Cheney of Sut- ton, Nov. 30, 1797. Experience W. b. Dec. 25, 1798 ; Wal- ter W., April 29, 1800 ; John, March 14, 1802; Ruth, Jan. 30, 1804 ; Sally, Sept. 3, 1805 ; Amos Cheney, Sept. 21,

HISTOBT OF 8PENCEE. 263

1807; Moores Mirick, Nor. 13, 1809 ; Nathan, Dec. 3, 1811 ; Margaret Ann, Jan. 26, 1816. Experience W. m. Greorge L. Clapp, Nov. 29, 1822 ; Kuth to Charles Edwards of North- ampton, 1826 ; Sally to Jared Clark of Northampton, 1835; Moores Mirick to Sophia A. Draper. Mrs. White d. He again m. Mrs. Lucj E. Morse of Northhorough, 1837. Mr. White had the homestead. He d. March 25, 1857, aged 85.

White David, hrother to the ahove, m. Polly Marsh of Sutton, 1802. Hiram h. Sept. 11, 1803; Dulcena, Jan. 11, 1806.

White Thomas, s. of John senior, m. Ahigail, da. of Dea- con John Muzzy, Dec. 30, 1756. Thomas h. Nov. 24, 1757; Thaddeus, July 16, 1759 ; Benjamin, Aug. 8, 1761 ; Joel, May 3, 1766; Sibbillah, Feb. 13, 1768; Nancy, May 25, 1769 ; Jonah, April 20, 1771 ; Elizabeth, July 1, 1774; Amos, Feb. 6, 1776 ; John Bradshaw, Feb. 1, 1778. Thad- deus m. Hannah Eastabrook of Holden, 1784. She d. he again m. Kebekah Gleazen, da. of Benjamin Gleazen, Jan. 14, 1810; Sibbillah to Isaac Lamb; Nancy to William Mason ; Elizabeth to Joseph Mason. Mr. White was a farm- er and -blacksmith. He d. Feb. 25, 1822, aged 90. His wife d. Sept. 21, 1811, aged 72. The farm now owned by Chandler Taft.

White Rand, s. of John senior, m. Mehetable Rice. Rand b. Aug. 17, 1776 ; Francis July 15, 1778 ; James, July 31, 1780; Darius, Sept. 21, 1782 ; 2d Rand, July 14, 1784; John, Sept. 17, 1789; Mehetable, Jan. 28, 1791; Sibbillah, Feb. 20, 1795. Mrs. White d. Dee. 30, 1830, aged 78. Mr. White was a carpenter, and built and owned the house lately owned by Nathan White, deceased.

White Josiah, from Charlton, in 1759, purchased the south part of lot (67) of John Curtis, now in part owned by John F. Guilford. He had with his wife Sarali, Ebenezer b. May 4, 1762; Abigail, June 24, 1764; Judith, Aug. 10, 1766; Mary, June 18, 1768; Hannah, June 2, 1771.

264 HISTOET OF SPENCEE.

Judith m. Ebenezer Mason. Capt. White commanded a company in the revolutionary -war. He d. Jan. 1, 1803. His widow d. Oct. 7, 1805.

WoRSTER Deacon John, from Boxford in 1747, purchased the east part of lot (20), and built a house on the spot where Col. Temple's now stands. He remained here several years, and removed from town, and left his farm to his son John. He had Phebe, who m. Samuel Garfield 2d ; Mary to Abel Woodard, 1750, and lived on the farm now owned by Lory Grout.

WoRSTER John, s. of the above, m. Mary Muzzy, 17G0. She d. he m. Eebekah White, da. of Henry White, 17G3. John, by his first wife b, April 12, 17G2 ; Eebekah, by his second Avife b. Jan. 22, 1764 ; Molly, Oct. 3, 17G5 ; Sarah, Sept. 20, 17G7 ; Asa, June 8, 1770; Eli, Dec. 31, 1777;

Alpha, . Sarah m. Jonathan Woodard. Mr. Wors-

ter removed to Leicester, built himself a house in the villaore. Deceased.

Whitney Joshua, in 1746, purchased a part of lot (5) of James Wilson senior, whose da. Mehetable he married. His house was in the lot now owned by Sarah Wright. He had Phineas b. 1740; Lemuel, 1742; Bulah, 1745; Elisha, 1747; John, 1751; Sibbillah, 1754 ; Mehetable, 1756 ; Joshua, 1758 ; Susannah, 1762. Bulah m. John Ball ; Joshua to Esther Prouty ; Elisha to Esther Clark; Susannah to William Hiscock. Mrs. AVhitney d. May 1, 1785 ; Mr. Whitney, 1785.

Watson Oliver, from Leicester, in 1740, purchased lot (2), now owned by Ebenezer Howard and others. He m. Elizabeth Blair of Worcester, Dec. 1742. Oliver b. Nov. 18, 1743 ; Robert, May 28, 1746 ; Elizabeth, Jan. 1, 1749 ; Mary, April 30, 1752; James, July 20, 1754; Abigail, Nov. 27, 1759 ; Martha, June 18, 1763 ; David, March 16, 1766. Abigail m. Reuben Whittemore; Martha to Benja- min Green. Mr. Watson was a respectable gentleman,

HISTOBT OF SPENCEB. 265

deacon of the congregational church, a patriot of the revo- lution, was chosen into various responsible offices in the town, was a delegate chosen by the towns of Leicester and Spencer, to sit in the convention at Watertown, 1775, four years a representative from Spencer to the general court. He d. Dec. 20, 1804, aged 86.

Watson Oliver, s. of the above, m. Mrs. Eebekah Cun- ningham, widow of William Cunni gham, 17 80, being a second wife. Oliver Cromwell b. Feb. 8, 1783 ; Polly, July 6, 1784; Hannah, Feb. 13, 1786; Charlott, Jan. 23, 1789; Eebekah, March 21, 1791, (d. May 5, 1811, aged 20); William, May 28, 1793; Martha E.izabeth, July 28, 1798, (d. 1840, aged 42). Polly m. Isaac Patrick of Warren, Nov. 25, 1807 ; Hannah to Samuel B. Bent of Rutland^ Jan. 1, 1807. Mr. Watson was a lieutenant in the militia, a selectman, a thrifty farmer. He d. Sept. 25, 1820, aged 83. His widow d. June 3, 1832, aged 76. The fafrm owned by Joshua Bemis. ' ^'-i

Watson Oliver C. s, of the above, m. Tammy White, da. of Maj. William White, June 30, 1812. Their only son, William Oliver, b. May 24, 1815. Mr. Watson d. Jan. ID, 1731, aged 48. His widow d. April 27, 1837. aged 54.

Watson Robert, s. of Oliver senior, m. Tamer Whitte- morc, da. of Jeremiah Whittemore, 1777. He had the homestead. Amos b. March 2, 1778 ; Betsey, Oct. 28, 1779 ; Jeremiah, Dec. 14, 1782 ; Charles, Oct. 15, 1784 ; Robert, Oct. 16, 1786; Sally, July 1, 1788; Aaron, 1800,

(d. Oct. 28, 181;;); Tamer, ; Polly, . Sibbillah,

Feb. 24, 1'99. Amos m. Polly Wood, da. of Simeon Wood Feb. 12, 1801; Betsey to William Moor, June 11, 1801, (she d. Nov. 1813, aged 46.)

Watson Jeremiah, s. of Robert, m. Chloe Sprague, da.

of James Sprague senior, July 6, 1809. Lodicea b. April

5,1810; Lory Sprague, May 4, 1814; Emily, July 14, 1817 ;

Roswell S., Feb. 2G, 1822. Emily m. Thomas Hersey, May

23*

266 HISTOET OF SPENCEK.

17, 1S3S : Lodicea to Horace Waitc of Leicester, May 8, 1832. Mr. Watson d. Jan. 2, 185G, aged 73. His widow d. 18 GO.

Watson Eoswell S. m. Hannah Grout, da. of Dea. Joel Grout, Nov. 4, 1845. George Augustus h. Jan. 2, 1847 ; Mary Abby, Jan. 22, 1848 ; Emma Nelly, July 16, 1854.

Watson Charles, s. of Eobert, m. Betsey Whitmore, April 15, 1813. Aaron b. May 23, 1814; Laurinda, April 12, 181G; Lorenzo, Oct. 28, 1818; Eliza, Feb. 26, 1821;

Charles, Sept. 21, 1823 ; George, . ; Emeline, .

Laurinda m. Thomas N. Saddler; Charles to Maria Bemis ; Emeline to Lorenzo Bemis. Mr. Watson d. Nov. 15, 1851, aged 67.

Watson Aaron, s. of the above, m. Almira Bartlett of Killingly, Ct., 1842. Caroline Elizabeth b. July 10, 1844 ; Judson B., Aug. 23, 1850. Mrs. Watson d. Oct. 2, 1852, aged 38.

Watson Lorenzo, s. of Charles, m. Mary L. Boice, da. of Elliot Boice, Sept. 1, 1843. Maria Francena b. May 29, 1847 ; Charles Elliot, April 17, 1851 ; Frank Boice, Sept. 20, 1853 ; Willis Lorenzo, Jan. 6, 1856. Maria F. d. Dec. 4, 1854.

Watson James, s. of Deacon Oliver AVatson, m. Lucy Browning of Eutland. Patty b. July 28, 1777; Betsey, Aug. 20, 1779 ; Eebekah, Aug. 18, 1781 ; Lucy, Feb. 24,

1784 ; Clarissa, Nov. 9, 1787 ; Eunice, Feb. 15, 1790 ; James, June 27, 1794 ; W'illiam, Feb. 23, 1798. Patty m. Nathan Wilson; Betsey to David Livermore, jun. ; Lucy to Eben- ezer Mason, jun. ; Eunice to Enoch Ludden. Eebekah d. April 5, 1851, aged 69. Mr. Watson was a soldier of the revolution, a selectman 22 years in succession, that is, from

1785 to 1808, inclusive. He was found dead in a brook, April 17, 1823, aged 69. His widow d. June 23, 1843, ajjed 88.

Watson W^illiam, s, of John Watson of Leicester, came

HISIOEY OF SPENCEE. 267

on to the east end of lot (3), now occupied by Hiram Barr.

He m. Mary from Palmer. He had Eunice b. Dec. 15,

1777 ; Sally, April 4, 1779 ; Peggy, Feb. U, 1781 ; John, July 11, 1783 ; Hannah. Nov. 20, 1785 ; William. .May 16, 1788; Thomas, July \G, 1790; Otis, Aug. 9, 1793. Eunice m. Thomas F, Newhall of Leicester. He d. She again m. Stephen Saddler. She d. Jan. 13, 1839, aged Gl. Sally m. Samuel D. Elliot, of Leicester. Peggy, John, William, Hannah and Thomas, all d. of consumption, from 1802 to 1812. ]\Ir. Watson was a captain in the militia, and d. Dec. 28, 1844, aged 94. His wife d. Oct. 3, 1823, aged 77.

Watson Otis, s. of the above, ra. Harriet Snow of Leices- ter, 1818. Clarinda b. Jan. 1,1819; Hannah Jane, May 17, 1820, (d. Dec. 24, 1843, aged 24); Marcia Ann, Nov. 12, 1821 ; William Cutler, Aug. 30, 1823 ; Henry Otis, Dec. 10, 182G. Mr. Watson was captain in the militia. He d. Oct. 8, 1826, aged 33.

Watson Asa B. s. of Capt. Samuel Watson of Leicester, m. Harriet Denny, widow of Charles Denny, Jan. 31, 1828.

Watson John, with his wife Dinah, had John b. March 6, 17G2; .Jacob, Jan. 1, 1765 ; Enoch, Aug. 30, 1767; Lydia, Oct. 1, 1769; Leonard, Jan. 13, 1772; Henry, Oct. 29, 1774 ; David, Oct. 2, 177G ; Sally, Dec. 8, 1779. Mr. Wat- son d. April 1 2, 1789, aged 59. His widow d. Nov. 20, 1 802, aged G5. The farm now owned by Warner Livermore.

Watson Jacob, s. of the above, m. Mary Adams of Brook- field, Nov. 4, 1789. Polly b. Nov. 8, 1790, (d. Oct. 29, 1802, aged 12) ; Charles b. Jan. 14, 1793 ; Fanny, Feb. 15, 1796. His wife d. Oct. 20, 1802. He again m. Olive Knight, da. of William Knight, Sept. 1, 1803. Mary b. Sept. 21, 1804 ; John William, March 6, 1808. His wife Olive d. Aug. 26,

1810. He again m. Mary Parmeter of Oakham, March,

1811. Nancy Parmeter b. Nov. 23, 1812. Mr. Watson had the homestead. He d. 3Iay 16, 1816, aged 51. Fanny m. Elijah Howe, jun. ; Mary to Dennis Ward.

268 HISTOKT OF SPENCEB.

Watson Charles, s. of the above, m. Lucy Rice, da. of Peter Rice, 1812. Olive b. Nov. 18, 1814 ; Lucy, Oct. 1817. His wife d. He again m. Susannah Crackbone, Jan. 1819. Joseph b. Nov. 2<5, 1819.

Watson Enoch, s. of John, m. Susannah Stephenson, Feb. 3, 1805. William b. Feb. 22, 1806 ; Horace, May 14, 1810; Sally L. Sept. 5, 1812 ; Jacob, Aug. 1, 1817 ; John Davis, March 8, 1821. Mr. Watson d. April 21, 1840, aged 72.

Lydia Watson, da. of John, m. Elijah Kittredge ; Leonard to Judith Rowland, Dec. 10, 1797 ; Henry to Betsey Hall, March 2, 1797 ; David to Nancy Elliot of Leicester. Sally d. Dec. 3, 1803.

Watson Henry, s. of Henry, m. Lucy Bush, da. of Wil- liam Bush. George Henry b. Nov. 20, 1831 ; Lucy Jane, March 28, 1834 ; William Otis, Dec. 30, 1838 ; Harvy Ken- dall, Dec. 27, 1841. His wife Lucy d. April 27, 1849, aged 39.

Wilson Simeon, purchased the west part of lot (50) in 1748. He m. Dorothy Brown of Leicester, 1746. This lot in the early records is called *' Orchard Hill." Thomas b. 1748 ; David, 1750 ; Lydia, 1752 ; Pearly, 1754 ; Samuel, 1757; Dolly, 1759; Azubah, 1763; Phebe, 1766; Simeon, 1768; Benjamin, 1770. Lydia m. Abel Wheeler; Dolly to Jonathan Curtis of Charlton. The farm now owned by Russell Sibley.

Wilson David, s. of the above, m. Lydia Viles of Waltham, Jan. 24, 1775. Nathan b. March 3, 1776 ; Amos, Sept. 23, 1777 ; Dolly, Aug. 17, 1779 ; Jonas, April 9, 1781, (d. Sept. 17, 1803) ; Jacob, April 5, 1783 ; Asa, July 18, 1785; Joel, July 31, 1787; Nancy, June 21, 1792; Cynthia, Feb. 27, 1794. Nathan m. Patty Watson, da. of James Watson, March 4, 1798 ; Amos to Betsey Newhall, Jan. 9, 1802.

Wilson Jacob, s. of the above, m. Ruth Sibley, da. of Paul senior, Sept. 23, 1804. She d. and he m. Lydia Rob- ertson of Charlton, 1809. Alford b. Sept. 4, 1811 ; Ruth

HISTOET OF SPENCEB. 269

Sibley, May 10, 1813 ; Cynthia Ann, Feb. 19, 1815 ; Emory, March 14, 1817 ; Mary, July 27, 1819 ; Hazary, Oct. 11, 1821; Jason, Feb. 16, 1824; Lydia Hammond, Feb. 18, 1826. Euth S. m. Berthier Bacon, April 11, 1833, (d. Dec. 23, 1833) ; Cynthia Ann m. Berthier Bacon for second wife, Jan. 1835 ; Emory to Melisse Drury, Oct. 8, 1839 ; Mary to William Sibley, Sept. 19, 1838. Mr. Wilson has been selectman and assessor.

Wilson Asa, s. of David, m. Lucinda Livermore, da. of Amos Livermore. David b. Sept. 24, 1809 ; Amos, May 1, 1811 ; Lucinda, March 31, 1814; Horace, 3Iarch 4, 1816 ; Harriet, Dec. 28, 1818 ; Warner, May 23, 1821 ; Asa, Dec.

7, 1823; Luther, Jan. 15, 182G ; George, Jan. 12, 1828. The farm owned by Asa B. Watson.

Wilson Jonas, s. of Nathan, m. Lucy Ann Slocura of Shrewsbury, 1835. George Slocum b. Feb, 3, 1839 ; Lucy Ann, Oct. 17, 1841. His wife d. June 3, 1845, aged 33. He m. Eunice S. Hartshorn of Boylston. Warren b. July

8, 1848; Eleanor, Oct. 11, 1852.

Wilson Nathaniel, purchased a part of lot (51) and with his wife Abigail, had Sally b. March 15, 1790; Betsey, Oct. 31, 1791 ; Polly, April 9, 1795 ; Eoxy, Jan. 18, 1797 ; Nathaniel, Jan. 7, 1798 ; Patty, Jan. 7, 1801 ; Paulina, Feb. 12, 1803; John, Oct. 29, 1804; Dexter, March 16, 1807 ; Joel Davis, Feb. 17, 1810. Sally ra. Joseph AYhitte- more of Leicester, April 9, 1812 ; Nathaniel to Sarah L. Goodell, April 7, 1825, (and d. Feb. 2, 1833, aged 33). Mr. Wilson d. Aug. 14, 1825, aged 78.

Wilson Dexter, s. of the above, m. Susan Mason, da. of Joseph Mason, Oct. 20, 1831. Marcia Ann b. Oct. 2, 1832 ; Susan Serena, Jan. 3, 1835 ; Mary Eliza, Aug. 5, 1837 ; Sarah White, Aug. 31, 1839.

Wilson John, m. Susan Howland, da. of Abner Howland, Oct. 4, 1827. Euth Ellen b. Feb. 20, 1846.

Wilson Joel D., s. of Nathaniel, m. Anna Howe, da. of

270 HISTOET OF 8PENCEE.

Joel Howe, Sept. 8, 183G. Warren Davis b. , (d. Aug.

20, 1841, aged 3.) Mary Ann b. Nov. 20, 1840 ; Ella, Nov.

15, 1847, (d". Oct. 1, 1849) ; Salem b. Nov. 30, 1852. Ward Dennis, s. of Joseph Ward, Esq. of Newton, b. in

that town Nov. 1, 1799, and m. Mary Watson, da. of Jacob Watson, May 5,1831. Mary Sewall b. Dec. 28, 1832; Caroline, Jan. 19, 1835, (d. Dec. 8, 1838) ; Annie Jane, Dec.

16, 1840 ; Susan Cecelia, Nov. 25, 1842 ; Joseph Frederick, Nov. 26, 1843 ; Estelle, Feb. 23, 1846.

Wright Joel, from Northbridge, m. Sarah Prentice from the same town. Lusatia b. July 11, 1811 ; Emily, Oct. 24, 1815; Sarah Louisa, Sept. 29, 1821; Abigail Samantha, Nov. 26, 1826. Lusatia m. Eliaa Prouty, Dec 18, 1834, (d. Oct. 30, 1835, aged 24). Emily m. Samuel B. Green, May 19, 1836; Sarah Louisa to Sanford Snow, Sept. 29, 1840, (d. Feb. 5, 1852, aged 30) ; Abigail S. m. Samuel C. Marsh, June 30, 1846. Mr. Wright was a scythe and hoe manufacturer. He d. Oct. 9, 1834, aged 49.

Whittemore Jeremiah, came from Weston and purchased 200 acres of the east part of lot (24) 1760. He fitted up the large mansion house built by Nathaniel Cunningham, for a tavern, and personally superintended the same as a public house, for forty-five years. Before he came to Spencer, he had with his wife Mary, Asa, Reuben, Mary, Tamar and Sybil. AVhile in Spencer he had, Aaron b. March 1, 1762; Esther, Dec. 28, 1764 ; Jeremiah, Feb. 21, 1766 ; Sarah, March 16, 1768. Asa m. Lucy Muzzy; Mary to Nathan Wright ; Sybil to Reuben Underwood ; Sarah to Ebenezer Kingsbury. Mr. Whittemore d. May 14, 1803, aged 79. His wife d. July 14, 1802, aged 78. Esther d. unmarried.

Whittemore Reuben, s. of the above, m. Abigail Watson, da. of Eeacon Oliver Watson, March 2, 1779. Betsey b. June 15, 1780; Amos, Sept. 7, 1782; Thankful, Feb. G, 1785, (d. Aug. 24, 1838, aged 53); Daniel b. April 28, 1787; Hannah, Feb. 13, 1792; Reuben, Feb. 5, 1795;

HISTOnT OF SPENCEB. 271

Oliver, Feb. 11,1797; Caroline, Dec. 14, 1798; William, July 17, 1801, (d. April 5, 1841, aged 40) ; Abigail b. Nov. 25,1803. Betsey m. James Browning of Rutland ; Hannah to Eli Hatch, 1814; Caroline to Samuel M. Hobbs, 1820; Abigail to Augustus Rider. Mr. Whittemore was a select- man, several years. He d. April 20, 1832, aged 79. His wife d. Nov. 15, 1820. The farm is now owned by his son Daniel.

Whittemore Daniel, s. of the above, m. Fanny Prouty, da. of Joshua Prouty, May 4, 1815. Adaline b. March 3, 1816; Abigail, Oct. 13, 1818; Reuben, May 7, 1821; Calista, March 12, 1824, (d. Sept. 23, 1843, aged 19) ; Alonzo, April 12, 1827, (d. Oct. 8, 1843); Adaline, m. Henry Belcher, May 28, 1840; Abigail m. Roswell Bisco, Aug. 9, 1839. Mrs. Whittemore d. Nov. 23, 1843, aged 54, and he m. Elizabeth B. Rowland of Leicester, 1849,

WHirrEMORE REUpEN,jun. m. Salome Clark, da. of John Gark, Nov. 30, 1819. Emeline Dorinda, b. Decivl, 18t^0 ; Anna Maria, Sept. 22, 1822, (d. Aug. 11, 1843, aged 21); Keziah Salome, b. July 31, 1825 ; Reuben Wallace, Sept. 1, 1829; Mary Abigail, May 11, 1832. Keziah Salome m. Lawson Powers, May 23, 1847.

Whittemore Oliver, s. of Reuben senior, m. Lvdia Jones, June 26,1823. Eli Jones, b. April 30, 1824; m. Maria J. Pope, April 14, 1858 ; Harriet Susanna, March 8, 1826 ; m. Phineas Jones, April 19, 1853 ; Oliver Augustus, March 2, 1828.

Whittemore Aaron, s. of Jeremiah, with his wife Sally, had Nabby, b. Aug. 29, 1790; Esther, March 11,1792; Amos, Nov. 8, 1793 ; Isaac, March 5, 179G ; Aaron, Nov. 9, 1797 ; Sally, July 2, 1799. The farm now owned by Paul Woolson.

Whittemore Jeremiah, jun. m. Polly Washbura of Pax- ton, Feb. 21, 1792. Amos Carter b. July 12, 1793 ; Achsah, July 25, 1795; Harriet, Jan. 13, 1798; Mary Watson,

272 HISTORY OF SPENCEE.

Oct. 2D, 1800; Laura, Nov. IG, 1802; Jeremiah, Oct. 8, 1804; Lemira, Dec. 21, 1806. Amos C. m. Lavinia Wash- burn. Jan. 1819 ; Harriet to Col. William Eager of North- borough, 1825 ; Laura to Reuben Prouty jun. Oct. 17, 1826. The farm now owned by Josiah Green jun.

WiiiTTEMORE John, b. 1721, from Leicester, m. Elizabeth Earle of that town, 1749. Had while in Leicester, John b. 1750; Molly, 175-i; Thomas, 1755; Bebekah, 175G ; Ruth,

176G. While in Spencer, Eli b. . Eebekah m. Oliver

Witt of Paxton ; Euth to Asa Draper, July 7, 1785. Mr. Whittemore d. July 17, 1809; his wife d. Aug. G, 1812. The farm since owned by Silas Bemis, David Livermore and now by James Capen.

WiiiTTEMOEE Eli, s. of the above, m. Lucy Prouty, da. of

John Prouty, July 24, 1783. Polly b. , Eoswell, Jan.

15, 178G. Polly m. Gershom Jennings of Brookfield.

Wheat Joseph, m. Anna Mercy, Oct. 21, 1779. Joseph b. Sept. 27, 1780; William, Sept. 8, 1783; Amos, Aug. 7, 1785 ; Anna, Sept. 15, 1787 ; Lyman, Sept. 9, 1789 ; Polly, Feb. 15, 1792 ; Sally, April 9, 1794 ; Alice, Aug. 31, 179G. Joseph m. Sally Howlett of Woodstock, Conn. ; Amos to Hannah Rogers, widow of Eos well Eogers ; Sally to Otis Grout. Mr. Wheat was a soldier of the revolution. He d. Nov. 14, 1835, aged 88. The farm now owned by William Livermore and Caleb M. Morse.

Wheelock Ephraim, s. of Paul W^heelock from Charlton, with his wife Charlott, had Aaron Bowker, b. Oct. 21, 1826.

APPENDIX.

As it has not been convenient to obtain the names of the officers and soldiers who went from Spencer, into the wars with France, and also those who served in the war of the revolution, the attempt has been abandoned. A few names, however, have been found, which are here appended. %

The war declared by Great Britain against France, in 1744, and which continued, with some intervals of peace, until the treaty of peace in 1763, involved the New England colonies, and especially Massachusetts, in the contest. The Indians, stim- ulated by the French, invaded our frontier settlements, dealing death and captivity among the defenceless inhabitants. It com- menced by the capture of Louisburg and the whole Island of Cape Breton. In this expedition, Edmund Bemis, who was a Lieutenant, did good service, as has been mentioned elsewhere, and James Smith, senior, who was formerly a resident of this town, and who died there 1745. Afterwards his son, James Smith, junior, died in the service against the common enemy. He was the father of Lucretia, late widow of Jonas Lamb- In 1756, John Stebbings was Captain of a company in Col. Buggies' regiment, stationed at Fort Edward, where he died as before noticed. In the same expedition, stationed at Fort Wil- liam Henry, was Capt. Philip Richardson, who commanded a company, with John Wicker, his Lieutenant, both from Spencer.

274

APPE ND IX .

Also, Edmund Bemis, again, with Israel Richardson, Jonas Bemis, father of Jonas Bemis, Esq. ; James Capen, father to the late Capt. James Capen; William May, great grandfather of Emory May and the wife of Luke Tower ; Josiah Robinson, Jan., James Stebbings, brother to Capt. John Stebbings, and Joseph Worster. In 1759, Nathaniel Parmeter died in the same service. In 1760, David Prouty and Daniel Hill were soldiers. Mr. Hill was taken prisoner by the French and Indians, where he suffered very much. David Prouty was grandfather of David Prouty, our fellow citizen, and Mr. Hill was father of Joshua Hill. The war, however, was substantially closed the year previous, by the capture of Quebec, under Gen. Wolfe.

In the war of the revolution, besides those mentioned as receiving pensions, we have the list of the officers and soldiers who marched to Cambridge, under the alarm of April 19, 1775. They are as follows ;

" A roll of Capt. Ebenezer Mason's company, who marched as minute men, for the defence of the colonies, on the 19th of April last, (1775) from Spencer, belonging to Col. Jonathan Warner's Regiment."

Ebenezer Mason, Cajpt. Abijah Livermore, Lieut. Joseph Livermore, Ensign.

Benjamin Bemis, Jun., ~) William Green, •

3

)■ Corporals.

William White, Samuel Hall, Oliver Watson, ~\ Jonas Muzzy, Asa Sprague, Jeduthan Green, j James Draper, Drummer. Luther Prouty, Fifer. John Draper, Jesse Bemis, Isaac Prouty, Nathaniel Wilson,

Ser- geants.

Isaac Livermore, Michael Hatch, Jonathan Rich, John Waite, John Knapp, Joseph Grout, Benjamin Gleazen, Joseph Wheat, Levi Thayer, Joshua Draper, Jun., Elisha Whitney, Reuben Lamb, John Hatch, Amos Whittemore, Wright Woodward, Samuel Bemis, Rand White,

APPENDIX. 275

Benjamin Sumner, David Rice,

John Woodward, Jun., Richard Huttice,

Jonas Lamb, Samuel Garfield, Jun.,

Thomas Sprague, Nathaniel Cunningham,

John Bemis, John Lamb, Jun.,

John Ball, Asa Whittemore,

David Livermore, John Worster,

James Watson, Elijah Southgate,

Robert Watson, Knight Sprague,

Thomas Whittemore, David Lamb,

Nathaniel T. Loring, Timothy Capen.

Most of the above names may be found in the genealogical table of marriages, births and deaths. On the 23d of the same month, (April) forty of the above named enlisted into another company, commanded by Capt. Joel Green, David Prouty, Lieut., both belonging to Spencer, for eight months service in Cambridge. I have not obtained the names of thoSifc who enlisted into this new company, but Joseph Wheat was one of them. This company belonged to the Regiment commanded by Col. Jeremiah Laired of Oxford.

I had intended to have procured the names of all the officers and soldiers, those brave and patriotic men, who ventured their lives, endured great sufferings, with little or no pay, in the ser- vice of their country. I also intended to have ascertained the amount of money raised and expended for paying the troops and supporting them while in service in the war for independence, but it was found to be impracticable, although some further infor- mation might probably have been obtained with further labor and expense. Besides, the events of the revolution are every day losing their interest with the present generation, as the period of their transaction, as time passes along, grows more and more remote, and those who took an active part in those scenes are all departed from among us, and the persons and places who knew them, " will know them no more forever."

In Capt. Seth Washburn's company, which afterwards marched from Leicester on the 17th of June to Bunker Hill, were Joseph Livermore, Lieut., Elijah Southgate, Corporal, Andrew Morgan,

276 APPENDIX.

Jonas Lamb, Peter Rice, Thomas Sprague, John Hatch, "Wright Woodward and Isaac Livermore, Privates, but only Joseph Liv- ermore, Elijah Southgate, Jonas Lamb, Peter Rice, Thomas Sprague and Isaac Livermore, are now known to have been actually in the battle.

In relation to the expenditures made by the people of this town, during the seven years war of the revolution, some opinion may be formed by the following items, furnished to me by Gov, Washburn. In a letter he says," I find Spencer paid in bounties, between January, 1777 and April, 1777, £199 14s, and for sup- plies for their troops, between March and July, 1779, £89 17s. After making all necessary deductions for a depreciated currency, it is a perfect mystery to me, how the men of that day were able to find means of meeting the enormous burdens they bore."

P. S. Since the above was written it has been ascertained that John Guilford, who was then a student at Cambridge Col- lege, Daniel Ball, Benjamin G. Ball, and David Chamberlain, enlisted at Cambridge, under Capt. Hubbard of Worcester, in the expedition under Col. Arnold, 1775, to take Quebec. It is well known the attempt proved to be a failure. The starvation, the destitution and the suS"erings, which this little army endured while passing up Kennebec river, through the wilderness of Maine, is perhaps without a parallel throughout the whole revolutionary contest.

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 9999 05078 320 6

■^Jt 5*1

V, i d, m 'ft ^ ^ ft tt ■ • i^ m m ii

^ ^ t * iSl it t -^^ ^^ * "

^ t. f M % '^'

M,m.^mM % « «.t « ID t ii " - ^'- tl II fj « If «fii|

>. . l! # t * «' f

^ ■ *?■ t « .t ■ ^: I

1^ « 1^ f t 'f' '# '

^ ' *^ "I # ■ i -fi i t s

fe t ft ♦! -u h M ■^' ■ f '

'^ mi

,^. 4- * w i

-■■^.t:'t;'^

-^^f%-'

■^i t "t

'^ M.%

*i M % % i ■ 1. #.t ■« s

■i!.- 1 1^ ^- {^

w^f:.,i

'-• Jfl' »?>:■ J^ »"■ Sf^r- Wff t

^' m' ff^ m

y fe/f w

'"'^^^

''^S		E
. ™
■ i ■
■ LI
m -

-?*. •■5Sfc^;

I :C

^^ m

:'m"V'

u...:^-

i-.i.M.

-' - ^-^^ . ■^■■

€ "S ,^

/•■••i't.

m

■■ .. '*>*

« 1i '#

■^ #: # a^

W^^'

^ "e ■ ^'

m. a -t.

i.« M %,