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COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY,
ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIL,
O F
EASTHAM,
WELLFLEET AND ORLEANS,
COUNTY OF BARNSTABLE, MASS.
From 1644 to 1844.
BY
REV. ENOCH PRATT, OF BREWSTER,
YARMOUTH :
PUBLISHED BY W. S. FISHER AND CO.
1844.
INDEX.
Page.
Situation and Boundaries of the Town — Description
of the Town, 1 to 5
Notice of the place before the settlement of the
English — Of the Indians, and the purchase of the
territory from them, with the grant of the Colony
Court 6 to 12
Notice of the seven first settlers of Eastham, viz.,
Thomas Prince, John Doane, Nicholas Snow,
Josias Cook, Richard Higgins, John Smalley, and
Edward Bangs, 12 to 22
Notice of other settlers in the town, from 1646 to
1700, 22 to 31
Votes and proceedings of the Town, with some Acts
of the Colony Court, from 1646 to 1690— Settle-
ment of the Rev. Samuel Treat, with a sketch of
his character, &c. — Men and money to carry on
the War with the Narragansett Indians — King
Philip's War, &c. — Letters from Bridgewater,
Rehoboth, and Taunton, in answer to an invita-
tion from the Cape Towns to come and live with
them until their troubles with the Indians should
be over, &c 31 to 47
From the Union of the Old Colony with Massachu-
setts, in 1691, to the separation of Wellfleet, in
1763 — New Patent granted by the King and Queen
of England — Fisheries regulated by law — Money
for support of the War — Meetinghouse repaired
— Scarcity of Money — The Town School — Line
settled between Eastham and Harwich — Death
of Rev. Samuel Treat — Two new Meeting houses
built — Settlement of the Rev. Mr. Osborn; his life
and character; dismission by Council, and their re-
sult — Benjamin Webb settled; his character and
death — Bills of Credit by General Court — Land
Bank — Petition for a new County below Yar-
mouth — Settlement of Rev. Joseph Crocker in
the South part of the Town; his life and death,
&c. — Settlement of Rev. Mr. Cheever in the
North part, .......
Principal events and doings of the town from 1772
to 1797, when Orleans was separated — Settlement
of Rev. Mr. Bascom in the South part of the
Town — The part which the Town took in the
Revolutionary War — Their Resolutions, Money,
and Men, to carry it on — New Constitution — Pa-
per money depreciated — Governor and other State
Officers chosen by the People — Termination of
the War — Settlement of Rev. Mr. Shaw; his char-
acter and death, &c. — Shipwrecks, &c.
From 1797 to 1344— Division of the Town— Or-
leans incorporated — Death of Gen. Washington
— Town Records to belong to Orleans — Meeting
house repaired and enlarged — War declared with
England, &c. — The part the town took in it —
Shipwrecks — Methodist Episcopal Church, 1820
— Camp Meeting — Revision of the Constitution —
Rev. Mr. Babcock settled — Dismissed, 1840 — Rev.
Mr. Hardy, his death, &c. — Church, third Congre-
gation from Plymouth,
Education,
Census, .......
Deputies to Colony Court,
Representatives to the General Court,
Town Treasurers and Clerks, .
Selectmen, ......
Description of Wellfleet,
Notice of some of the first settlers, .
North Precinct organized, &c.
Rev. Mr. Oaks first Minister, .
Call and Settlement of Rev. Mr. Lewis,
Wellfleet set off as a District,
The votes and transactions of the District,
Oyster Fishery,
Resolutions and doings in reference to the Re
tionary War, .....
County Congress, &c. ....
Treaty concluded,
Rev. Levi Whitman settled, . .
volu
Page.
47 to 73
73 to 85
85 to 99
99
101
102
103
105
107
110
113 to 116
117
117
119 to 122
123 to 125
125
126
127
128
131
133
Death of Rev. Mr. Lewis,.
District Schools, ....
Meeting house enlarged, .
Episcopal Methodist Society, .
Rev. Mr. Whitman's dismission.
Ordination of Rev. Timothy Davis,
Declaration of war with Great Britain,
Rev. Mr. Davis' Dismission, .
Congregational Church, South part of the Town,
Rev. Stephen Bailey,
Call of Rev. Joseph Merrill, .
Rev. W. H. Adams and Rev. J. Dodd,
Education,
Census, ......
Town Clerks, Representatives, and Selectmen,
Orleans, description of ... .
One hundred and thirty-seven Proprietors,
Universalist Society, ....
Ordination of Mr. Stillman Pratt, .
Rev. Jacob White, .
Education
Census,
Selectmen,
Representatives,
Ancient manners and customs,
Page.
183
134
135
136
138
139
140
142
143
143
144
144
145
147
149
150
166
169
170
172
172
172
173
174
177
PREFACE.
At the solicitation of many intelligent and respectable
individuals of this ancient town, the writer undertook this
most difficult and important work; and now, after almost
two years of careful and diligent research, with much dif-
fidence, submits it to the public.
He has not adopted the arrangements of many able
writers of town histories, but has been more minute and
comprehensive — which has led him to fear that this course
may detract from the merits and interest of the history,
in the minds of many who are better judges of a work of
this kind, than he can pretend to be. That there may be
found in it, imperfections and errors, is readily admitted.
In the course of two hundred years, many important
facts have been lost, which would, no doubt, have added
much interest to this history. Such facts and transactions
only, as the writer found established by unquestionable
authority, have been introduced; and these he has endeav-
ored to use with fidelity, without pretending to perfect
accuracy in every case. The ancient records of the town,
on which he has depended to a considerable extent, are
difficult to read, and some parts are torn and lost, making
it extremely difficult to make out a regular and continuous
history.
The writer has, however, the satisfaction of knowing
that he has saved from oblivion many important facts, in
which the present and future inhabitants of these towns
have a direct and personal interest. It is for them, es-
pecially, that this work has been produced, and to them
it is now respectfully dedicated, hoping they will overlook
its errors and imperfections, and find it to be a useful and
interesting family book, as the author has designed it to
be; and his prayer is, that, as the descendants of the
Pilgrims, they may ever prize and enjoy the same spirit
of civil and religious liberty, which induced their fore-
fathers to leave their persecuted homes, cross the trackless
ocean two hundred years ago, and settle on these shores,
where they might enjoy these heaven born privileges un-
molested, and transmit them to their posterity. It is also
his prayer, that they may enjoy all that prosperity, reli-
gious hope, and happiness, which can result only from a
cultivated mind, industrious and frugal habits, plain man-
ners, good morals, and rehgious principles.
Enoch Pratt.
P. S. The author has obtained materials and facts for
this work, from Mather's Magnalia — Winthrop's Journal
— Morton's New England Memorial, enlarged by the Hon.
John Davis — Hutchinson's History — Belknap — Neal —
Dwight's Travels — Collections of the Massachusetts His-
torical Society — Thatcher's History of Plymouth — Dr.
James Freeman, — the Laws and Records of the Old Col-
ony Court — and the Town and Church Records. He has
also been assisted by Mr. Barnabas Freeman Mr. William
My rick, Jr., Mr. N. H. Dill, and some others.
SITUATION AND BOUNDARIES.
Easthani is in latitude 41*^ 51' N., and longilude G9° 5f)'
W. The original township was bounded on the East by the
Atlantic Ocean, on the West by Barnstable Bay and Nani-
skaket, (now Brewster,) on the North by Herring-brook, at
Billingsgate, (now Truro,) and on the South by Monamoy-
ick, (now Chatham.)
This territory was in length fifteen miles, and in breadth
about two and a half.
In 17G2, the North part was setoff into a district, called
Wellfleet. In 1797, the South part was set off into a town-
ship, by the name of Orleans. Eastham was left with a ter-
ritory only six miles long and two and a half broad, bounded
on the East by the Atlantic Ocean, on the North by Well-
fleet, on the West by Barnstable Bay, and on the South by
Orleans.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN.
The only opening into the beach, from Race Point to
Chatham, which forms any harbor for vessels, was formerly
found in Eastham. It has been for many years moving
south, and is now found in Orleans. This is small, and
called Nauset, or Stage harbor. The entrance is narrow,
and obstructed by a bar, on which there is not more than
eight feet of water at full sea.
It is divided into two arms, one of which extends north,
and has but little depth of water. A body of salt marsh,
containing about two hundred acres in it, is protected from
the ocean by a narrow sand beach.
The south-western arm, which is cabled Town cove, has
deeper water, but is sufiicient, at high water and common
tides, to admit only small vessels.
On the west side of the town is a sandy flat, a mile wide,
which is nearly dry at low water, and may be easily crossed
by horses and carriages : of consequence, there is no good
harbor on this side of the toivn. Large stumps of trees are
seen nearly a mile from the shore, and peat swamps have
been found, from which fuel is now dug. No doubt, there-
fore, can be had, that this bar was formerly a part of the up-
land, which has been washed away by the action of the wind
and water. The shore on the back side of the town has
washed away, in many places, more than one hundred yards,
since the remembrance of some of the inhabitants ; and a
large peat swamp, which had been buried many feet deep by
the sand, has been washed out in the b!i::T, and is dug by the
owners of the land for fuel.
Billingsgate point is on the west side of the town, about
six miles from the main land, with which it was formerly
connected ; but for many years it has been an island — the
sea having broken over and waslied it away in two places,
where is sufficient water for small vessels to pass through.
It is a mere sand beach. A light house was built on this
Point, in 1822. The plan was originated by Capt. Michael
Collins, wdio prosecuted this object with great "zeal, until he
obtained the grant from the Government to build it. Much
credit is due to Jiis memory for his exertions and success.
Experience has shown it to be exceedingly beneficial to
the interests of navigation generally in the bay, and especial-
ly to guide vessels into the safe and commodious harbor of
Provincetown.
Some years after this Light was erected, the point had
so washed away, that it was in danger of falling, when it was
taken down and rebuilt higlier up on the point, and a break-
water was made to secure it (Voiii furihor dcprec'alioriS. —
The packets iu tl}e bay, fishing and other vessels, frequenily
run under this point when met by head winds or storms, or
when ihey have to wait for the tide to enter their harbors.
In 1 833, three light houses vvere erected on the Atlantic
side of the town, about one mile north of Nausct harbor,
which have proved to be a great benefit to vessels coming in-
to Boston harbor from foreign countries, or passing round the
Cape — as no one has been shipwrecked on this part of tlie
shore since they vvere built, wliich was frequently the case
before. It is understood by the v.'riter, that they were built
in this place, principally by the advice and e:!;erlions of J^lr.
Collins, the present keeper.
There are several creeks, on the west side, which at high
water admit small vessels into them.
The first is Great Meadow river, the mouth of which is
south-west from the meeting-house. East of it is a bocy of
salt marsh.
About half a mile south of this river, is Boat ?.Ieadow riv-
er, which runs from the south-east. Its entrance lies about
the same direction from the mcetiug-house, and is eight feet
deep at high water. A body of salt marsh extends from the
month of this river to within four rods of Town cove, leav-
ing only a narrow ridge for a road. The nvdvsh is not more
than fifteen rods from the swamp, v^'hich is the head of Jere-
miah's gutter ; and as tlie land is low between them, in very
high tides, the sea Hows across from the bay to the Tou'ii
cove, completely insulating the northern part of the county.
At this place a navigable canal v.as attempted to be made,
but the project fiiiled.
Besides these creeks, there arc three small brooks, which
empty themselves into the bay. The first is Indian brook,
which forms the boundary betv^'een EastL'am and V/ellficet,
and runs Into the harbor at Silver springs. South of this is
Cook's brook, Vvhich is dry half of the year. One triile
south of this is a small brook, called Snow's. One mile
south of this is Grape swaujp, wliich sometimes discharg'^s
water into the bay.
Oil the eastern sida of iliR lownship, in tlie feriile tract,
the road passes over a small stream of I'rcsh water. Jere-
iiiiali's gutter is a small brook, very narrow, and not more
than fourteen rods in length.
There are eiglu fresh water ponds In Eastham,
The most remarkable are Great pond and Long pond.
Great pond is a qnarter of a mile from the western shore. A
communication was opened between it and the bay, for the
purpose of suffering alewives to pass into it, but it soon closed.
A narrow neck, abont forty feet wide, separates it from
Long pond, the distance of which from Mill pond, connect-
ed with the northern arm of Kauset harbor, is not more than
a furlong.
The soil of the town is various. A large proportion is
sandy and barren. On the west side, a beach extends from
the north line, near a half of a mils wide, till it comes to
Great pond, where it stretches across the township almost to
Town cove. This barren tract, containing about seventeen
hundred acres, which now has hardly a j)article of vegetable
mould, formerly produced wheat and other grain. Tiie soil,
however, was light.
North of the fertile tract, on the eastern side of Eastham,
the land is light and sandy ; but, except for the distance of
a half a mile from the bounds of VVellfleel, is good for the
lower part of the county. In this part of the town the
greatest quantities of corn and rye are grown. As very little
of the land is good for English grass, the raising of grain is
the principal business to which the fartners attend. More
corn is produced than the inhabitants consume. More than
a thousand bushels are sent to market, and in years past n:iore
than three times that quantity has been exported. Formerly
several farms raised five hundred bushels of grain annually,
and one eight hundred bushels. This is the only town in the
county that raises sufficient for its own consumption.
Except a tract of oaks and pines, adjoining the south line
of Wellfleet, and which is about a mile and a half wide, no
ivood is left in the township. The forests were imprudent-
ly cut down many years ago, and no obstacle being opposed
to the fury of iho wind, it lias already covered with barren-
ness the large tract above described, and is still encroaching
upon other parts. It is however protected in some measure
by planting beach grass. This township is chiefly a plain.
There were, in 1802, in the town, one hundred and twenty-
two families, who inhabited ninety-nine dwelling-houses, sev-
en only of which were two stories in height. The other
buildings were, besides barns, two windmills, two school-
houses and a meeting house.
The different parts of the town are distinguished by ap-
propriate appellations. The north-east part retains the an-
cient name, Nauset. The north-west part is called Half-
ponds, and received its name from two small ponds in the
vicinity. The part north of the Great meadow, and adjoin-
ing to it, is denominated Great Neck.
In ISOO, three fishing vessels only were owned by the in-
habitants, and three coasters, which in the summer were em-
ployed to bring lumber from the state of Maine, and in the
winter made voyages to the West Indies. Not so many of
the young men were then engaged in the cod fishery, as in
other lower towns in the county, but many of them were
employed in the merchant service, and sailed from Boston.
The same kinds of fish are taken here as on other parts of
the coast.
By the act of incorporation which separated Orleans from
Eastham, the benefits of the shell fishery in Town cove were
to be mutually enjoyed. At that time about one hundred
barrels of clams for bait were annually collected in this town,
which were worth five dollars per barrel.*
* Partly from a survey of the town in ISOO.
SOME NOTICE OF THE PLACE BEFORE THE SETTLE-
MENT BY THE ENGLISLT; OF THE INDIANS, AND THE
PURCHASE OF THIS TERRITORY FROM THEM; WITH
THE GRANT OF THE COLONY COURT.
The jDlace was first visited by the English in the month of
November, 1G20, being a part of the company and crew of
the Mayflower, which anchored in the harbor of Cape Cod.
On the Gih of December, ten of the principal men, and a
number of (he seamen, left the ship in the morning, to coast
along the shore, to seek a suitable place for their settlement.
They passed Pamet river and Billingsgate point, and came
to the bottom of the bay towards evening, and landed a little
north of Great pond, nenr to the present camp-meeting
ground.
On their approach to the shore, they discovered a number
of Indians, engaged in catting up a grampus, who, on seeing
them, immediately fled into the woods.
The English built a barricvde, planted sentinels, and laid
down beside a fire which thoy had kindled.
They saw the smoke of the Indians' fire, four or five miles
from them. Early the ne::t cay, they v.'cnt a little way into
the interior, where they came upon a large burial place,
partly encompassed with a palisado, like an English church-
yard, and filled with graves of various sizes.*
They returned on board their shallop, and at about mid-
night, hideous cries were h.eard, and the sentinel called,
"arms! arms!" but by firing tv/o guns, the noise ceased.
About five o'clock in the morning, the same noises were
heard again, and they bad only time to cry out, "Indians!"
when the arrrows came flying tiiick about them.
The English seized their guns, and in a moment, bullets
were exchanged for arrows, but no exchange could be a
match for the dreadful Indian yells.
*Tlie sput viliere this deposit of Indiiin irii.ains vvlis, cannot now be pointed to.
It was somcwiicic between the fhore and (iioat pond.
They (led , e::ce[)t a lusty Indiaii, supposed to be their
captain or chief, vviio phiced himscH" behind a tree, discharg-
ed three arrows, and stood three sljots from a musket, which
struck the tree, when he gave a horrid yell and fied. They
picked up eighteen of their arrows — some were headed with
brass, some witli deer's horns, and others with eagle's claws.
This contest with the Indians in this place, the Pilgrims call-
ed, "The First Encounter."
it is supposed that the Indians were excited to this act of
hostility, by the treacherous conduct of Capt. Hunt, who
came into the bay a (e\v years before, and under the pre-
tence of trading with the Indians, enticed a number of them
on board of his ship, and carried them to Spain, where he
sold them as slaves.
No harm was done to them or the Indians, but they left
the place immediately, to make further discoveries ; and had
no further knowledge of the place, or of its inhabitants, until
the next SDrinir.
After the company had settled at Plymouth, they were in-
formed by Sanioset, an Indian, that the place where they
had the eiiconnter with the natives, was Nauset, and the
tribe there were called the Nauset Indians, who had about
one hundred fighting men; and the English boy who had been
lost in the woods, uas there.*
On receiving this intelligence, in July, 1G2I, Governor
Bradford sent ten men in one of their large boats to recover
him. The object of their visit to Nauset being made known
to Aspinet, t'le chief sachem of the tribe, the boy v.as re-
stored, and having concluded a peace with them, the depu-
tation returned to Plymouth.
Massasoii, the sachem of the Wampanoag Indians, made
a treaty with the English at Plymouth, in which he acknowl-
edged the king of England as his sovereign. The sachems
of Nauset, Paniet, (Truro,) and Chammaquid, (Barnstable,)
who were under him, submitted to the same authority.
After this, a friendly intercourse existed between the Eng-
'•A lioy l3«Ionging to i!ie Piyinoiiib coiiipany, wandered into the woods near lliat
town, and was kst. i'e was found 1;} the Indians, and carried to Nauset.
8
Ilsh company at Plymoutli and the Indians at Nanset, whom
they frequently visited to procure corn and beans.
In 1G22, the Plymouth company were reduced almost to
a state of famine.* Their only recourse was to the Indians,
to su])ply their wants ; their trade with them was conducted
with fairness and iionesty, snd they were treated with respect
and kindness by them.
But this kind intercourse was for a time interrupted. Ear-
ly in the year 1G23, a conspiracy among the Indians was made
known to the English by Massasoit, who continued faithful,
and in this conspiracy the sachems of Nauset and Pamet
were concerned.
Strong and severe measures were immediately taken to
quell and put an end to this conspiracy.
Capt. Standish, with a considerable force, was despatch-
ed to Massachusetts Bay, wbere the principal conspirators
resided. He put a number of them to death.
This produced such fear in the minds of others, that they
concealed themselves in swamps and other secret places,
where they perished. Such was the fate of Aspinet, the sa-
chem of Nauset, and his subjects were reduced to humility
and subjection to the English. After this, Capt. Standish
and others came to Nauset, and having occasion to lodge on
the shore during the night, left their boat in a creek not far
from them. An Indian went on board of it, and stole some
beads, scissors, and other trifling things ; when the captain
missed them in the morning, he took a part of his company
and went to the sachem, telling him what hnd been done,
and requiring a restoration of the articles, or the person who
stole them, he being known to the Indians, or else he would
take revenge on them before he left ; and refusing whatsoever
kindness they offered, he left them for that night. In the
morning, the sachem came to them, with a large number of
his people, in a stately manner, and saluted the captain by
bowing and thrusting out his tongue, so that one might see
the root of it ; then licked his hand from the wrist to the fin-
gers' end. Having done this, he delivered the articles to
* Winslow, llazzard's Coll.
the captain, saying he had much beaten the person for doing
it, and had caused the women to make bread and bring them,
according to their desire, seeming to be sorry, and glad to be
reconcilad. They now obtained the corn, vvhicli was the
object of their visit, and returned home.*
An amicable trade was continued between them, and sup-
plies of corn were purchased of them, whenever they were
needed. The Plymouth colony repeatedly visited this place,
for the purposes of trade, and maintained a friendly intercourse
with the natives for twenty years, during which time no at-
tempts were made to purchase the land or to begin a plantation
at Nauset.
1640. This year, 'the purchasers, or old comers, 'f of
Plymouth colony obtained of the Court the grant of a tract of
land, from the bounds of Yarmouth, three miles to the east-
ward of Namskeket, and across the neck from sea to sea. —
But it remained unimproved ; no township was begun.
1643. Several members of the church of Plymouth be-
came dissatisfied with their situation, notwithstanding the fa-
vorable opinion which they had first conceived of the place.
They had now discovered that they had built their town in
* Winslow's Relation.
f The purchasers, or old comers, may need explanation, Pliineas Pratt and oth-
ers were called purchasers, or old comers. The Leyden company of Pilgrims,
before they embarked for this country, formed a partnership in trade with London
merchants, commonly called merchant adventurers. The connection was to con-
tinue seven years, at the end of wliich time all the common property was to be di-
vided. In 1626, the Colony of Plymouth bought out the interest of the adventur-
ers, for XlSOO. Soon after, the Colony hired to Gov. Bradford and his eight as-
sociates, the trade of the Colony for six years, they on their part undertaking to
pay therefor the :£18G0 to the adventurers, and all the other debts of the Company,
amounting to :£2600 more; and also to bring over yearly ,£50 in hoes and shoes,
and to sell corn for six shillings a bushel. Those who were engaged in this con-
tract were called purchasers. The old comers were certain of those who came
over in the three first vessel-!, viz. the Mayflower, the Fortune and the Ann.
When, in 1610, Gov. Bradford, in whose name the Patent from the Plymouth
company in Engl md had been taken out, surrendered that instrument to the body of
freemen three tracts ofland, the first comprehending Eastham, Orleans and Brews-
ter, in the county of Barnstable ; the second, a part of New Bedford and Dart-
mouth, in the county of Bristol; and the third. Swan zey and Rehoboth, in the
same county; and Barrington, Warren, and perhaps Bristol, in Rhode Island,
were in the surrender to these purchasers, or old comers. They were in all fifty.
3
n
(he neidibofhood of one of (he most barren parts of New
England. Consequentiy, it was impossible that Plymouth
should ever be raised into a flourishing and opulent capital.
Many of their number had already left the town, and now a
number of respectable members requested a dismission. —
The whole body of the church began seriously to consider
whether it would not be best to remove in a body to another
place, than thus to be weakened by degrees. Many meet-
ings were held by the church on this subject, and their views
and opinions were very different. Some were for still re-
maining together in Plymouth. Others were determined to
remove, declaring that if the whole church would not go,
they would go by themselves. But,, notwithstanding these
various opinions, brotherly love, still continued among them.
At length, those who preferred staying at Plymouth, yield-
ed to the sentiments of the others, and a removal was unani-
mously agreed to, on the condition that a place might be
found, which would conveniently receive the whole church,
with the addition of such persons as might afteru'ards join
them.
The place selected was Nauset, on Cape Cod ; and the
purchase of the place was now made of the Indians, by the
committee who came dowai to examine it. This territory,
on further examination, disappointed their expectations, and
they changed their resohuion to remove in a body to tliis
place. It was found to be fifty miles from the centre of the
settlement, and inhabited only by savages.*
Its extent was too limited to be sufficient to accommodate
the whole Society, much less capable of receiving increasing
numbers ; and the harbor was incomparably less commodious
than Plymouth.
1643. In a voyage to Cape Cod.f the Governor took
Squanto| with him, as an interpreter and pilot, where the lat-
ter was seized with a fever, of which he died. This loss was
severely felt, as his place could not be supplied. Although,
on some occasions his conduct was somewhat exceptionable,
* Thacher's History of Plymouth. f Chatham. :}: An Indian.
II
yet, ss an interpreter and pilot, the English always found hira
faithful.
A short time previous to his death, he requested the Gov-
ernor to pray that lie niiglu go to the Englishmen's God in
heaven ; and he bequeailied iiis liille jiroperty to his English
friends, as reniembrances of his love.*
1644. The church again sent a number of persons to ex-
amine the territory more extensively.
These were Thomas Prince, John Doane, Nicholas Snow,
Josias Cook, Richard liiggins, John Smalley, and Edward
Bangs, with the Governor, and many other members of
the church. On examination, tliey judged that it was not
capable of containing more than twenty or twenty-five fami-
lies ; and consequently that it was not large enough to ac-
commodate the whole church, much less to afibrd room for
future increase. They however renewed their purchase of
the natives. How much they paid for it is not known, but
it is supposed to have been a valuable and honest considera-
tion.
The lands which were bought of the natives were as fol-
lows: A tract of land called Pochet, with two islands lying
before Polanumaquiet, with a beach and a small island upon
it ; also, all the land called Namskeket, extending northward
to the bounds of the territory belonging to George the sa-
chem, excepting a suial! island, wliich was purcliased after-
Vi'ards. These tracts were bought of the sachem of Mona-
moyick, Maltaquason, and of George, probably the immedi-
ate successor of Aspinet. Tliey extended northward from
the bounds of the territory claimed by Mattaquason, except-
ing a small neck of land, lying by the harbor, f on the east
side of the tract, which the purchasers stipulated to fence,
that the Indians might use it as a corn field, and that they
should have liberty to get shad and other fish in the cove,|
and have a part of the blubber of whales that should be driv-
en on shore, the proportion to be determined by the English.
It was also asked who owned Billingsgate, which was un*
*Tliacher's His. of Plymouth. fNauset. J Town cove.
12
derstood to be all the land noiih of the territory purchased
of George the sachem. The Indians said, none owned it.
Then, said the purchasers, that land is ours. They answer-
ed, It is.
1644. This year the grant of Nauset was made by the
Court, as follows: ' The Court doth grant unto the church
of New Plymouth, or those that go to dwell at Nauset, all
that tract of land lying between sea and sea, from the purchas-
ers' bounds at Namskeket to llie herring brook at Billingsgate,
with the said herring brook, and all the meadows on both
sides of said brook, with great bass pond there and all the
meadows and islands within the said tract. Nathaniel Morton,
Secretary of the Court.'*
It was concluded that the whole body should not remove
from Plymouth, but liberty was given to those who desired,
to go and begin a plantation at this place, they agreeing to
pay for the purchase which had been made in the name of
the whole church.
SOME NOTICE OF THE SEVEN FIRST SETTLERS OP
EASTHAM, Viz: THOMAS PRINCE, JOHN DOANE,
NICHOLAS SNOW, JOSIAS COOK, RICHARD HIGGINS,
JOHN SAIALLEY, AND EDVv^ARD BANGS.
These men, in April, 1644, having obtained possession of
the grant of the Court, as above, and the right of this terri-
tory from the Indians, came immediately to Nauset, with
their families, and began the settlement.
The east side of the town still retains the name of Nauset.
Thomas Prince pitched his tent, and commenced the la-
bor of cultivation on about two hundred acres of the richest
land m the place. Some of the bounds to the farm, which
* Nauset records.
1 'y
J kJ
were erected by Mr. Prince, or more probably by bis son-
in-law, Samuel Freeman, still remain. This farm extended
from the bay to the Atlantic.
,The house of Governor Prince stood f.bout forty rods to
the eastward of the road, on the farm of the late Samuel
Freeman, Esq.
These first settlers are said to have been among the most
respectable inhabitants of Plymouth. Their departure from
that place was deeply regretted by those who remained. But
lamented as it was, at that time, it was productive of great
good to the whole colony. It did not essentially injure that
settlement, for their numbers were soon supplied by others ;
and it contributed eventually to the settlement of all the low-
er part of the county of Barnstable ; the consequence of
which was, that the Indians, still a formidable body, were
overawed, their good will obtained, and they were thereby
prevented from joining in any hostile attempts against the
English, in the wars which ensued soon afterwards with oth-
er Indians.
Thomas Prince, the distinguished leader in the settle-
ment of this town, was born in England. He came to Ply-
mouth in the ship Fortune, which arrived in I62I5 being
then in the twenty-second year of his age.
1G24. He married Patience, the daughter of Elder
Brewster.
1G34. He was chosen Governor of the colony.
1635. His wife having died, he married Blary, the
daughter of Mr. William Collier, of Duxbury. This year
he was appointed an Assistant to the Governor.
1638. He was again chosen Governor of the colony.
1657. While residing in Eastham, he was the third time
chosen Governor.
The law required that the Governor should live in Ply-
mouth, but a dispensation by the Court was granted in his
favor, and he continued, while holding this office, to reside
here for seven years.
1665. He removed to Plymouth, and was not afterwards
a citizen of Eastham.
14
Governor Prince lived in the house in that town which
was provided for him by the government, until his death,
which was March 29th, 1678, in the seventy-eighth year of
his age.
The Governor's salary was :£jO per annum.
He lived in rather troublesome times, and his adininistra-
tion, it is said, was inauspicious and perplexing. Many un-
happy jars and aoimosities prevailed in consequence of the
measures which were pursued against the sectaries of that day,
and especially against the Quakers. He had also to encoun-
ter many difficulties vAih the Indians. But, amidst these va-
rious perplexities, the government appears to have pursued a
firm and steady course, with its most substantial interests in
view. The Hon. John Davis says: ' If we except the la-
mented departure in some things, from a just and prudent
toleration on religious subjects, a critical and candid examin-
ation of Governor Prince's conduct, during the eighteen suc-
cessive years of his magistracy, will find, it is believed, little
to reprehend, and much to approve.'
He is particularly to be applauded for his solicitous atten-
tion to the establishment of schools in the colony, and the
cause of general education; and in opposition to the clamors
of the ignorant and selfish, he used his influence to procure
means for the support of grammar schools. He was also a firm
supporter of an educated and regular ministry. The friends
of learning thought that no method would be more effectual in
preventing the churches from being overwhelmed with igno-
rance and fanaticism.*
He left seven daughters, all of whom were married while he
lived. His son Thomas went to England, where he married
and died young.
His appearance, it is said, was peculiarly dignified and
striking. He was excellently qualified for the office of Gov-
ernor, had a countenance full of majesty, and was therein a
terror to evil doers. f
* Governor Wiiislow. t Dr. Timelier.
15
There is a pear tree now standing on the farm of Govern-
or Prince, in this town, near the spot ■wliere his house stood,
planted by himself, to which the following lines are address-
ed, by JMr. Heman Doane, a descendant of Deacon John
Doane, one of his companions:
Two hundred years have, on the wings of time,
Passed, with their joys and woes, since tliou, Old Tree I
Put fortli thy first leaves in this foreign clime,
Transplanted from the soil beyond the sea,
Whence did our pious Pilgrim Fathers come,
To found an empire in this western land,
Where they and theirs might find a peaceful home —
A safe retreat from persecution's hand.
That exiled band long since have passed away,
And still, Old Tree ! thou standest in the place
Where Prince's iiand did plant thee in his day —
An undesigned memorial of his race
And time — of tliose, our honored fathers, when
They came from Plymoutli o'er and settled here —
Doane, Higgins, Snow, and other worthy men,
Whose names their sons remember to revere.
Full many a summer breeze and wintry blast
Through those majestic boughs have waved nnd sighed,
Wiiile centuries with their burdens by have passed,
And generations have been born and died.
And many a sister tree has had its birth.
Performed its labors, and fulfilled its day ;
And mighty kings and kingdoms of the earth
Have lived and flourished, died and passed away.
There didst thou stand in times of bloody strife,
'J'he youthful days of Boston's famous tree, —
And when our patriot fathers sold their lives
To buy their country's glorious liberty !
Old time has thinned thy boughs, Old Pilgrim Tree J
And bowed thee with the weight of many years ;
Yet, mid the frosts of age, thy bloom we see.
And yearly still thy mellow fruit appears.
Venerable emblem of oursires of yore !
Like them thou hast performed life's labors well ;
And when, like them, thy days are passed and o'er.
These lines may help thy lengthened stories tell.
16
This celebrated pear tree, planted by Governor Prince,
in this place, two centuries ago, and which still annually
yields its delicious fruit, down to the seventh generation, is
surely a Gt emblem of that church which was planted by him
on the same soil, and at the same time. If the rich harvests
of this old tree are computed to he thousands of bushels, so
from that church, we may believe, that thousands of golden
sheaves have been gathered into the garner of God, as well
as many of the native tribe of Indians, who lived here. ' It
is especially gratifying to know, that from this church first
sounded out the words of life and salvation to many natives,
whose bodies now sleep in the sands of the Cape, but whose
spirits have gone to God who gave them, to swell the num-
ber of the blood-washed throng.'
The next to Governor Prince, of the planters of Nauset,
was Deacon John Doane. He came to Plymouth soon af-
ter the settlement of that place, in one of the three first ships.
1G33. He was chosen one of the Assistants to the Gov-
ernor.
1636. ' It was ordered, that Mr. Ralph Smith, Mr. John
Doane, and John Jenney for the town of Plymouth, with
others for other towns, should be added to the Governor and
Assistants, as a committee for the whole body of this colony,
to meet together the fifteenth of November at Plymouth, and
there to peruse all the laws and constitutions of the planta-
tions Vviihin this government, so that those that are still fitting
might be established ; and that those that time hath made un-
necessary, might be rejected ; and others that were wanting,
might be prepared, that so at the next Court they might be
established.'
They assembled according to the order, and having read
the combination, made at Cape Cod, the eleventh of Novem-
ber, 1620, on board of the Mayflower, they performed the
important work for which they were appointed. This was
the first revision of the laws of the colony ; and to be ap-
pointed one of the committee for this work was a mark of
distinction . showing that Deacon Doane was respected for
his wisdom and integrity.
17
1642. He was again chosen as one of the Assistants to
Governor Winslow. Before his removal to Easthani, he
was one of the deacons of the church of Plymouth, and was
a zealous supporter of the cause of religion. He still held
this office in the church here, and was often chosen to offi-
ces of trust and importance, hoth in the colony and in the
town.
He was forty-nine years old when lie came here, and liv-
ed sixty years afterwards, when he died, in 1707, being one
hundred and ten years old. Tradition says that he was rock-
ed in a cradle several of his last years.
Deacon Doane took possession of about two hundred
acres of land, north of the harbor, and erected stone monu-
ments, as bounds to his farm, some of which are standing at
the present day, having the initials of his name cut in them.
The spot where his house stood, is pointed out by his de-
scendants, near the water, and the remains of the cellar are
still visible.
Few men have lived so long and usefully, and been gath-
ered to their fathers in peace, at such an age.
1663. John Doane, Jun., son of the former, was ap-
pointed by the Court, a receiver of the excise, or duty, on
the Cape Cod fisheries.
1662. He married Hannah Bangs, daughter of Edward
Bangs, and was the father of Samuel Doane, who had three
sons, Solomon, Noah and Simeon.
The sons of Simeon Doane were Deacon John Doane,
Benjamin, Isaiah and Ephraim.
The sons of Deacon John Doane were Timothy, Heman,
Simeon and John.
The sons of Benjamin Doane were Joseph and William.
The sons of Isaiah Doane were Freeman, Myrick and
Heman. The descendants of the first settlers, through their
various branches, are very numerous, many of whom remain
in this and the neighboring towns, and others have removed
to different parts of the country.
Doctor Daniel Doane was probably a brother of Deacon
John Doane. He was the first physician of Eastham, and
IS
continued in the practice until near the time of his death,
which was in 1712. Doctor David Doane was a son of
the former, and succeeded him in the practice. He mar-
ried Doretha Horton, on the oOth day of September, 1701.
He had five children, Jonathan. Hannah, Keziah, John and
Nathan.
Jonathan Doane, Esq., was the son of Doctor David
Doane. He was the father of Sylvanus Doane, the father
of Capt. Obadiah Doane.
Edwakd Bangs. In the earliest Plymouth records men-
tion is frequently made of Edward Bangs, who was the first
of the family that emigrated to this country. He is repeat-
edly mentioned as serving on the grand jury, as an overseer
or captain of the guard against the Indians, as an appraiser
of lands, and as engaged in other public employments.
In 1623, a division of lands appears to have been made,
and a record was made of their grounds who came over in
the ship Ann ; among them is the name of Bangs, to whom
four acres were assigned, which was a little more than the
average quantity — some having six or eight acres, and some
only one. This was probably owing to the number of which
their respective families were composed.
The land assigned to Mr. Bangs was among those describ-
ed as lying on the other side of the town, towards Eel river.
In 1627, at a public Court held the 22d of May, it was
agreed to divide the stock by lot among the companies of
the three ships. The whole were divided into twelve com-
panies, and lots were drawn. Edward Bangs was in the
twelfth, with ten other persons. To this lot fell the great
white back cow, which was brought over in the Ann.
January od, 1627, a new division of lands, twenty acres
to each person, (in addition to lands formerly divided,) was
made. Six persons were appointed layers out, viz. William
Bradford, Edward Winslow, John Howland, Francis Cook,
Joshua Pratt and Edward Bangs.
In 1633, we find him on the list of freemen of Plymouth.
In 1636, he was on a jury of trials.
In 1640, ten acres of land were granted to him.
19
In 1G4I, fourscore acres of land were granted to liim, on
condition that he contribute one-sixteenth part towards build-
ing a barque of forty or Gfty tons. He was one of the pur-
chasers or old coiners.
In 1644, Edward Bangs was appointed, by the Court, an
appraiser of land.
In the same year, he removed from Plymouth to Nauset,
with his family.
In 1647, he was a deputy to the Colony Court ; also, a
surveyor of highways in Nauset.
In 1650, a deputy to the Court.
In 1651, a surveyor of highways for Eastham.
In 1654, he was appointed, with others, to lay out a road
from Sandwich to Plymouth.
In 1657, he was licensed as a retailer in Eastham, mean-
ing shop-keeper.
In 1663, he was a deputy to the Court; also, in 1664.
He died in Eastham, 1670.
Capt. Jonathan Bangs, son of the preceding, was probably
born in Plymouth, and came here with his father, and other
children.
He was married July 16th, 1664, to the daughter of Rev.
John Mayo. He was twice chosen as a deputy to the Col-
ony Court, and once to the General Court at Boston.
About 1674, with his family, he moved to Harwich, where
he died in 1728, aged 88 years.
His wife Mary died in 1711, aged 66 years.
His son, Capt. Edward Bangs, was born in Eastham,
Sept. 30th, 1665. He died in Harwich, May 22d,
1746, aged 81 ; his wife Ruth died June 22d, 1738, aged
64.
His son, Edward Bangs, was born in 1694, in Harwich,
and died June 3d, 1755, aged 61 ; his wife Sarah died Au-
gust 8lh, 1727, aged 25. They had two sons, Elkanah and
Benjamin.
Benjamin Bangs was born June 24th, 1721 ; married to
Desire Dillingham, January 4th, 1749, by Rev. Isaiah Dun-
ster ; and died Oct. 31st, 1769. His children were
20
1st. Joshua, born March 2Gih, 1751 ; died February 3d,
1778.
2d. Isaac, born December lllh, 1752; died 1780, un-
married.
od. Edward, born Sept. 5lh, 175G ; married, 1788, to
Hannah Lynde, by Rev. iMr. Bancroft of Worcester.
4th. Benjamin, born July 21st, 1758 ; died March 9th,
1814, aged 56 ; leaving five sons and two daughters, viz.
Benjamin, Isaac, George, Wilham and Jonathan, Desire and
Nancy.
Elkanah Bangs, the son of Edward, great-grandson of the
first Edward, had four sons, viz. Deane, John D., Bela and
Elkanah.
Deane married Eunice Sparrow of Eastham, and had five
sons, Elkanah, Deane, Eela, Isaac Sparrow and Edward.
Elkanah married Reliance Berry, Sept. 5th, 1812, and
had four sons, William Henry, Hiram Berry, Elkanah and
George Franklin.
Elkanah Bangs, youngest son of Elkanah, married Sally-
Crosby, in 1791, and had six sons, Dillingham, Elkanah,
Abraham, Elisha, Freeman and Henry.
Dillingham married Louisa Tilley ; Elkanah married Sal-
ly Freeman ; Elisha married for his first wife, Martha Crock-
er, for his second, Olive Snow, and for his third, Sarah H.
Foster ; Freeman married Susan Grifietli ; Henry married
Rosa Morse.
Richard Higgins was born in England, and came to
Plymouth soon after that town was settled, as his name ap-
pears in the list of freemen, 1633. He married Mary Yates
of Plymouth. He was chosen deputy in 1649, 1661 and
1667, and was selectman three years. His son Jonathan
was married to Elizabeth Rogers, 1660, and had eight chil-
dren. From these have descended all the families of this
name in this and other towns in the county, which have
been numerous, and many of them distinguished as good men
and worthy citizens.
Nicholas Snow was born in England, and came here
from Plymouth. He was a man of considerable distinction,
21
and was employed in the public transactions of liie colony
and of ibis town. He was a deputy, selectman seven years,
and town clerk sixteen years. Died 1671. His wife died
1676. He had oneshare in the division of lands made 1623.
Mark Snow, his son, was married to Jane Prince, daugh-
ter of the Governor, 1660, and had eight children. He
succeeded his father as town clerk, in 1663, and held the
office twelve years, and he was deputy three years.
Jabez Snow, bis son, bad five children. He was select-
man and town clerk, and lieutenant of the military company.
Died in December, 1690.
Thomas Snow, son of the last, married Hannah Sears,
1692. Their son Thomas was born 1693.
John Smallev and Josias Cook were of the first set-
tlers of this place. Mr. Smalley's descendants are numer-
ous in Harwich. The name is now generally abbreviated,
and written Small. No mention is n)ade of him in the rec-
ords of Plymouth, so that it cannot be ascertained when be
came to this country.
JosiAS Cook. The descendants of Mr. Cook are not nu-
merous. Francis, John and Jacob Cook, were early settlers
of the colony, and probably be was the son of one of them.
Francis Cook came in the iMayfiower, and signed the com-
pact in Cape Cod harbor. He had two shares in the divis-
ion of lands.
1639. John Cook was chosen a deputy to the Court.
1642. He was again chosen to this office.
1631. He was appointed a deacon to the Plymouth
church, but was subsequently excommunicated, for occasion-
ing many dissensions among them.
1644. These persons, having bought the whole territory
of Nauset, began the settlenient, and soon admitted many
others to join them, to whom they set off lands.
Only two years afterwards, they bad such an accession of
numbers, that they applied to the Colony Court for an act of
incorporation, which was granted: ' 1646, June 2d. Nau-
set is granted to be a township, as other towns within the
government have been.'
22
The inhabitants of Nauset soon experienced the incon-
venience of having the natives located at both ends of the
town, and accordingly made an agreement with those who
had been the subjects of George the sachem, (he being now
(lead,) res[)ecting the neck of land at the mouth of the har-
bor, called Tonset. For this tract they paid a valuable con-
sideration, and gave the Indians, besides, a piece of land at
Quesquoqaset, which they were to enclose themselves.
1651. The Colony Court ordered that the town of Nau-
set be henceforth called and known by the name of Eastham.
The same year, it was ordered by the Court, that if any
lazy, slothful or profane persons, in any of the towns, neg-
lect to come to the public worship of God, they shall forfeit
for every such default, ten shillings, or be publicly whipped.
The early records of the town are brief, and much decay-
ed by time ; but they are suflicient to show, that no sooner
had the first settlers taken possession of the place, than they
organized their township, by the choice of town officers,
and elected the required number of deputies to the Colony
Court. Mr. Edward Bangs and Deacon John Doane were
chosen deputies ; Nicholas Snow, tovv^n clerk ; Josias Cook,
constable ; John Smalley, grand juryman and surveyor of
highways.
They very early built a small meeting-house, twenty feet
square, with a thatched roof, and holes on all sides, through
which they might fire their muskets. Near to it, laid out a
burying-place, not far from the town cove, which still re-
mains, and is enclosed, though no persons have been buried
there for many years. Here are seen the graves, and, in
some instances, the stones which denote the particular spot
where the ashes of the first settlers remain.
1643. Hubbard, in his History of New England, says,
' Thus went on the aflairs of this small colony, not by might
or strength of man, but by the special presence and blessing
of Almighty God, in some convenient measure of prosperity,
till this time, when we were furnished with many worthy
ministers in the several townships,' among whom was Rev.
John Mayo.
23
SOME NOTICE OF OTHER SETTLERS OF THE TOWN,
FROM 164G TO 1700.
Rev. Jolin iSIayo came to Eastham, and took charge of the
church in 1646, and continued till 1655, when he was set-
tled over the second church in Boston, where he continued
till 1672 ; he was then dismissed, and returned to Easiham,
where he died.
He had two sons, John and Nathaniel.
1651. Mr. John Mayo, son of the minister, was married
to Miss Hannah Lecraft. They had eight sons, John, (born
1652,) William, James, Samuel, Elisha, Daniel, Nathaniel
and Thomas.
John, the third of that name, resided at Eastham until
1694, when he moved to Harwich (now Brewster.) He
was the first representative sent from that place, and was
successively chosen to that office for fourteen years. Died
in February, 1726, aged 74 years. Mr. Mayo left three
sons, viz. Samuel, John and Joseph. Samuel settled in the
southerly part of Orleans. John is supposed not to have
left any children. Joseph, the late Deacon Mayo, died in
Brewster, leaving five sons, viz. Thomas, Moses, Joseph,
Nathan and Isaac. Thomas* left five sons, viz. Thomas,
Asa, Ebenezer, Isaac and Elnathan. Asa died in 1823,
leaving five sons, viz. John, Jeremiah, Benjamin, Josiah and
David. .Teremiah and David now reside in Brewster.
In 1655, Mr. Thomas Crosby was emjiloyed by the
church to carry on the public services of the Lord's day, to
whom they paid a salary of £50 a year until 1670. He had
seven sons, Simeon, .Joseph, Thomas, John, William, Eb-
enezer and Eleazer. Their father came from England, with
his family. He was a religious teacher. His son Simeon
married Mary Nickerson. From him descended all of this
name in this and other towns on the Cape.
* Thomas was in the Revolutionary service. He was a prisoner on board (he
noted Jersey prison ship for six month?, was discharged sick, and died on his way
home, at Rhode Island, in 1778.
24
The ancestor of the Freeman family, who came first to
this country, was Samuel, who was born in Devonshire,
England, and settled in Watertown, near Boston, 1G30.
He had two sons, Henry and Samuel. It is said that he
owned a seventh part of the township, and was one of the
principal planters of that place. He returned to E ngland,
after a few years, where he died, and left his estate to his
son Henry.
Governor Thomas Prince married his widow, and brought
her, with her son Samuel, to this place.
Henry Freeman, son of Samuel, married in Watertown,
and had one son, James, and died 1672. James settled in
Boston, and had one son, Samuel, who died without leaving
any children. Thus this branch of the family became extinct.
Samuel Freeman, who came to Eastham with Governor
Prince, was born in Watertown, 1638. Succeeded to his
estaie,and married Mary, daughter of Constant Southworth,
of Plymouth, 165S, who was an Assistant in the government
of the colony. He had seven children, Samuel, Constant,
Edward, Aphia, Elizabeth, Mercy Cole and Alice My rick.
He was deacon of the chinch for many years, and an active
and worthy townsman. He died in 1700, and his wife about
the same time. Samuel, his son, lived in this town, and in-
herited his estate.
1689. Samuel Freeman, eldest son of the first Samuel,
married Elizabeth Spairow, and had twelve children. He
was captain of the militia company, selectman six years,
negative man nineteen years, representative two years, and
was afterwards employed in the public affairs of the town
and colony.
1712. Samuel Freeman, son of the last named, was
married to Mary, daughter of Deacon John Paine, by Rev.
Samuel Treat. They had fourteen children. He was a
deacon of the church.
Barnabas Freeman, the youngest son of the last named,
lived on the paternal estate in Eastham, and n)arried Bethia,
daughter of Willard Knowles, and had nine children. He
was a justice of the peace, often represented the town in the
25
General Court, and held other offices of importance, as will
be seen hereafter.
Samuel Freeman, Esq., was the eldest son of Barnabas,
and inherited and lived on the same estate, which was be-
queathed to this family, by the will of Gov. Prince. He
married Bial, daughter of Solomon Doane, Jun. She had
seven children. After the death of his first wife, he married
the widow of Capt. Barnabas Cobb of Brewster. He was
for many years a representative of the town in the General
Court, a justice of ilie peace, and otherwise employed in
town afl'airs. He died May 24, 1837. He had five chil-
dren : Paulina, who married Mr. Heman S. Doane of Bos-
ton ; Barnabas, married Miss Elizabeth Knowles, and have
three children, Elizabeth, James and Samuel ; Joshua, mar-
ried Miss Clementina ; Mary, married Warren Lin-
coln ; and Clarissa, married Francis Nickerson.
Mr. John Freeman is believed to have been the uncle of
the first Samuel Freeman, of this town ; and also of Edmond
Freeman, one of the earliest settlers of Sandwich.
John Freeman was here as early as 1655. He was a
deacon of the church, and a prominent man in the town.
He is called one of the Fathers of Eastham.
1660. He was an Assistant to the Governor in the Col-
ony Court, and for several years afterwards.
1672. His son John was married to Sarah Myrick, and
they had a son John ; but it is impossible, now, to trace the
genealogy of this branch of the family.
This name is extremely common in the county of Barn-
stable, and has sent out its branches widely into all parts of
the country.
1660. Joseph Harding was married to Bethia Cook, and
had ten children. This is the first notice of him. He was
the ancestor of all of this name. His sons were John, Josh-
ua, Josiah, Jesse and Ebenezer.
1660. John Rogers and Elizabeth Twining were married,
and had seven children. His sons were John, Judah, Joseph,
Eleazer and Nathaniel. Jolin married Priscilla Hamblin,
1696. There are many of this name at the present day.
5
2G
George Godfrey was here previous to this date, and had
eight children. His sons were George, Samuel, Moses,
Richard and Jonathan.
George Brown settled here before this time. His son
Samuel married Martha Harding, and had a son, Samuel,
who settled in the north part of the town.
The first of the name of Atwood was Eldad. His de-
scendants are numerous.
Lieut. John Cole, an early settler, died 1667. His son
John married Ruth Snow, and had eight children. His son
John had eleven children. His son Jonathan was born 1694,
and from them have descended all of this name.
John Smith was the first of this name who settled in this
town. He married Mary Eldridge, 1667, and had eleven
children. The sons were .rohn, Jeremiah, William, Beriah
and Ebenezer. From him all of this name come. His son
John married Hannah Williams, and had nine children.
The sons were Joseph, William, Seth and John.
Jonathan Sparrow was here sometime before this date.
He belonged to a troop of horse for this town, 1664 ; rep-
resented the town in the Colony Court and in the General
Court twelve years ; was a selectman ten years ; was captain
of the military company, and in many other ways was em-
ployed by the town. His son John was married to Apphia
Trase, 1683, and had four children. The sons were John
and Stephen.
Stephen Hopkins, supposed to be a son of Stephen Hop-
kins, who came to Plymouth in the Mayflower, married Ma-
ry Myrick, 1667. His father had eight persons belonging to
his family, being probably his wife and children.
He was one of the party who travelled into the interior a-
round Pamet river, now Truro, to view the land, and endeav-
or to discover the inhabitants. Whilst wandering in the
woods, they observed a sapling bent down to the earth, and
some acorns strewed underneath. Stephen Hopkins said it
was a deer trap. Mr. William Bradford, afterwards Govern-
or, stepping too near, it gave a sudden jerk up, and caught
him by the leg.
27
Stephen Hopkins, od, married Sarah Howes, and had one
son, Jonathan. Stephen, son of the last, married Bethia
Atkins, 1701.
Jonathan Cobb was here before 1C70. He came from
Harwich in England. His father, whose name was Sylva-
nus, had four sons, Jonathan, Eieazer, Sylvanus and Benja-
min. The three first came early to America ; .the last re-
mained with his father until his death, when he came also,
but it is not known where he settled. Jonathan settled in
this town. Isaac Cobb, a son of Benjamin, was Port. Ad-
miral of Yarmouth, England. Eieazer settled in Hingham,
and Sylvanus north of Boston. Jonathan had a son of the
same name, and was the father of Scotto Cobb, the father of
Gen. Elijah Cobb of Brewster, who married Mary Pinkham,
1793, and has four children : Deborah, who married Doct.
Joseph Sampson ; Elijah, who married Caroline Snow, and
had seven children, viz. Caroline O., E. Winslow, Helen,
Mary L., Alfred S., Annette T., and Emily C; Mary P.,
who married Rev. T. K. Taylor ; Ann P., who married
Capt. Frederic Freeman.
George Crisp was here before 1667, when he was mar-
ried to Hephzibah Cole ; died 1682, leaving two daugh-
ters, Mercy and Maria.
Crisp Rogers, son of Joseph, was the father of Mr. Crisp
Rogers of Brewster, and was named by Mercy Crisp, daugh-
ter of George.
William Myrick was one of the second comers to this
town, and had six children. The sons were Joseph, Ben-
jamin and Isaac. Joseph married Elizabeth Howes, 1684,
and had three sons, Joseph, William and Isaac. Joseph
married Elizabeth Remick, 1712, and had but one child, a
daughter. This family descended by the other brothers.
William Walker was here about 1654, and married Sarah
Snow, daughter of Nicholas, and had three sons, John, Wil-
liam and Jabez.
Jonathan Higgins married Elizabeth Rogers, 16C0, and
had four sons, Beniah, Jonalhan, Joseph and James.
28 ■
Benjamin Higgins, brother of Jonathan, married Lydia
Bangs, 1661, and had eight sons: Ichabod, Richard, John,
Joshua, Jesse, Benjamin and Samuel.
Richard Higgins, also a brother of the above, married
Mary Yates, 1651, and had four sons, Eliakim, Jadiah, Ezra,
and Thomas. From these have descended the numerous
and respectable families of this name. Richard served the
town four years as a deputy to the Colony Court, and was
selectman three years ; and many others of this name have
held offices in the government and in the town.
William Twining, the ancestor of this name, died in this
town, 1659, and some of that name who were his descend-
ants, have since lived here.
Stephen Twining, a grandson of William, married Abigail
Young, 1683, and had four sons, Stephen, Eleazer, Nathan-
iel and John. William, brother of Stephen, married Ruth
Cole, 16S8, and had two sons, William and Barnabas.
Henry Akins was here in 1651, and had eight sons, Sam-
uel, Isaac, Henry, Joseph, Nathaniel, Thomas, John and
Stephen ; and from these have descended those of this name.
John Young was here in 1649, and had sis sons, John,
Joseph, Nathaniel, David, Robert and Henry.
Eldad Atwood, son of Obed, married Ann Snow, and had
four sons, John, Eldad, Ebenezer and Benjamin.
John Knowles was here before 1670, and settled at Ton-
set. It is believed that he was the son of the Rev. John
Knowles, who came to this country about 1660, who re-
mained a few years as a minister, but returned and settled in
England. In 1674 he wrote a letter to Governor Leverett,
in which he expressed a strong interest in the prosperity of
the College and in the affairs of New England generally.
John married Apphia, daughter of John Bangs, and had
three sons, Edward, John and Samuel. Edward married
Ann Ridley, and had two sons, Thomas and Edward.
The last married Sarah Mayo, and had two sons, Samuel
and Edward. Samuel died 1751. Thomas Knowles, son
of Samuel, died J 760. Edward was a deacon of the church,
and died 1740. He had two sons, Elijah Jvnowles, Esq.,
29
the father of the late Harding Knowles, Esq., and John, who
was the father of Col. Willard Knowles. The last was the
father of Capt. Winslow and Mr. James H. Knowles.
Thomas Nevvcomb, the son of Simeon Newcomb, who
was the first of this name, married Elizabeth Cook, 1693,
and had three sons, Edward, Thomas and Simeon. Settled
in the north part of the town.
Thomas Paine was here before 1670. He had two sons,
John and Thomas. He was four times elected by the town
a deputy to the Court ; was town clerk eight years, and a
selectman nineteen years.
John Paine was a son of Thomas. He represented the
town in the General Court eleven years ; was town clerk
twenty-five ; town treasurer twenty-one, and a selectman.
He had two sons, John and William. John Paine, Jun.,
represented the town four years ; William, five years.
Thomas Paine was the son of John. Joshua was the son
of Thomas. Benjamin was the son of Joshua, and the father
of Joshua, who was the father of Isaac Paine, who was the
father of the present Deacon Ebenezer Paine, — all of whom
have held important offices in the town. The last has been
town clerk and treasurer nineteen years, and is now living,
Thomas Paine, son of the first Thomas, married Hannah
Shaw, 1678, and had nine sons.
Joseph Collins came from Ireland, and was here before
1670. He settled in the north part of the town, and mar-
ried Ruth Knowles, 1672, and had five sons, John, Joseph,
Jonathan, Benjamin and James.
Joseph Collins married Rebecca Sparrow, and had one
daughter, Lois. Jonathan Collins married Elizabeth Vick-
erie, and had sons and daughters. John Collins, son of the
first Joseph, married Hannah Doane, and had five sons, Solo-
mon, Samuel, John, Joseph and David. Benjamin was the
father of Captain Michael Collins, who represented the town
of Wellfleet in 1783 and 1791, who was the father of the
present Michael Collins, Esq.
John Young came to this town before 1649. His sons
were John, Joseph, Nathaniel, David, Robert and Henry.
30
Jonathan Linnell was here early in the settlement of the
town. He had four sons, David, Jonathan, Thomas and
Elisha.
Isaac Pepper appears to have been the first of the name
who came to this town. He was married to Apphia Free-
man, 1685, and had four sons, Isaac, Robert, Joseph and
Solomon. He represented the town two years in the Gen-
eral Court, and was one of the selectmen eleven years.
Capt. Jonathan Pepper was his grandson, and Solomon was
the son of Jonathan, both distinguished men in the town.
Joseph, son of Joseph, had two sons, Daniel and John.
Daniel was deacon of the church. Mary, his daughter,
married Francis Krogman, and had eight children.
William Nickerson married Mary Snow, a grand-daughter
of Nicholas Snow. He had two sons, William and Nicho-
las.
John Witherell came here some time before 1700, and
settled in the north part of the town, but the records are lost
respecting him and his family. There have been many of
this name in the town, and some families still remain in that
part now called Wellfleet.
William Dyer was here before 1700, and married Han-
nah Strout, and settled in the north part of the town.
George Ward was the first of this name, and married Re-
becca Newcomb, and settled in the north part of the town.
From him have descended the families of this name.
John Herd was here before 1675 ; he had two sons, John
and Jacob ; settled in the north part of the town.
George Herd was here and married Constant Doane,
1690, and had three sons, Eleazer, John and Jonathan.
Died 1720.
The first of the name of Hatch was Moses, who married
Mrs. Hannah Bangs. The names of their children are not
known. Settled in the north part of the town.
Samuel Horton appears to have been the first of this name
who settled in the town, and was probably here before 1700.
He had four sons, John, Nathaniel, Samuel and James.
The families, thus briefly noticed, were settlers and in-
31
habitants of the town before 1700. From what places those
came after the first emigration from Plymouth is not known,
nor is it possible to trace their families in a direct line of
descent to the present day. There were a number of other
settlers whose names have become extinct, and others who
removed to other towns and parts of the country.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS OP THE TOWN, WITH
SOME ACTS OF THE COLONY COURT, FROM 1646
TO 1690.
1646. It was enacted by the Court, that every town
within the government shall have a clerk, or some one ap-
pointed to keep a register of the day and year of the mar-
riage, birth and burial of every man, woman and child within
their township.
Eastham, being a regularly incorporated town, complied
with this requisition, and made choice of Nicholas Snow as
town clerk.
Another act of the Court, passed this year, was, that the
Court shall meet at seven o'clock in the morning, in the
summer, and eight in the winter, upon the penally of six-
pence for every default. — and continue until eleven, and then
rise to dinner, — and after dinner continue till evening, as the
Governor shall think proper ; and every hour any of them
shall be absent, after they are called, shall pay sixpence, if
they offer no good excuse.
This was working long and hard for the pay of two or
three shillings a day.
1652. The town held many meetings for the division of
the common lands ; also respecting ear marks for horses,
cattle and swine.
32
A division of lands was made to the first settlers and new
comers. It was granted that Mr. Thomas Prince shall have
his proportion of land, that is due to him, laid out at Tonset.
Every town was required to procure a book, in which
should be recorded the division or purchase of lands, and
these should be duly bounded to prevent disputes concern-
ing them.
The town ordered that the constable have power to col-
lect the fines imposed on persons who were negligent ia
coming to town meetings, on information being given by the
town clerk. The constable to have one half, and the town
the other.
1G58. The following Rate was made to defray the ex-
penses of the town :
For town officers' wages £3 4s Orf
For magistrates' and commissioners' charges 2 5
For a drum for the military company , . 3
For deputies' wages 5
For Mr. Bangs' going to YarmoutFi on town
business 030
For Indians' killing wolves 13
For freight of corn to Plymouth .... 059
£15 9
1659. Rates:
For the assessors' wages £2 lis Od
For the magistrates' services 17 6
For pikes 2 16 4
For record book 1 10
£6 19 8
A military company was early formed and equipped.
The officers were: captain, Mark Snow; lieutenant, Jonathan
Higgins: and ensign, Jonathan Bangs.
The town's proportion of a troop of horse was also rais-
ed. Thomas Prince and Edward Bangs agreed to find a
man and horse each, at their own expense, for two years,
three being the number for this town.
S5
1660. E. D., of ibis town, was fined twenty shillings for
slandering and belieing bis neigbbors.
The Court ordered tbat Nauset pay by rate forty sbillings
for ibe last, and the same amount for tbis year ; and all otb-
er townsbips pay ibeir rates according to tbe same propor-
tion they did the last year.
IG61. It was provided and enacted by tbe Court, that
freemen may vote by proxy, in the election of magistrates,
provided their votes are taken in open town meetings.
Previous to this time, all the freemen of each town were
required to go to Plymouth for this purpose.*
1GG2. Tbe town purchased tbe fertile island of Pochet,
which, in the first sale, was reserved by Mattaquason, for tbe
Indians.
Tbe town agreed, that a part of every whale cast on shore
be appropriated for the support of tbe ministry.
A lax was put on liquors, sold by retail, by tbe Court,
and the town took strong measures to suppress intemperance,
and to j)reveni the sale and use of spirituous liquors.
At tbis peiiod it was ordered by tbe town, that no Eng-
lishman or Indian should furnish any man with any liquors
within the township, directly or indirectly, on the penalty
of paying five shillings.
16G3. It was required by tbe Court, that tbe towns with-
in tbe government should choose three or five selectmen out
of tbe freemen, such as tbe Court should approve of, for tbe
better n)anaging of the affairs of the townships; and the se-
lectmen in every town, or the major part of them, were em-
powered to bear and determine all debts and differences aris-
ing between person and person within their respective town-
ships, not exceeding forty shillings. Also, they were em-
powered to hear and determine all differences arising between
any Indians and the English of their respective townsbips,
about damage done to cornfields, by cows, swine or any oth-
er beasts belonging to the inhabitants of tbe said respective
townsbips.
It was further enacted by tbe Court, that tbe said select-
* Old Colony laws. Eastham records.
men in every township, approved by the Court, or any of
them, should have power to give forth summonses in his niaj-
esty's name, to require any persons con)plained of to attend
the hearing of the case, and summon wiinesses to give testi-
mony upon that account, and to determine the controversies
according to legal evidence. This was the origin of the oftlce
of selectmen, in all respects as the duties now aie, except that
they were also a court of justice. Tlie (irst selectmen of this
town were John Freeman, John Doane and Nicholas Snow,
chosen 1663.
1664. It was agreed between Mr. Samuel Freeman and
the town, that he should pay the Rate, for which the town
was prosecuted by the Court, as their pait of the expenses
of the government, one half in money, and the other in peas
and wheat ; and for so doing, he should have a black horse
running at large at Pamet, it being the town's properly; and
that he also should serve as a trooper for the town three
years.
1665. The Court passed a law to inflict corporal punish-
ment on all perswiis who resided in tlie towns of this govern-
nirn;, who denieJ the scriptures. Also, that no minister, in
any town, should leave his congregation till complaint was
made to a magisirate, and that magistrates should compel the
congregations to do their duty.
This law was made to enforce the comfortable support of
those who labored in tlie work of the ministry.
The town voted that all the horses belonging to the inhab-
itants should be marked on tlie fore shoulder with the letter
E, to distinguish them from those which belonged to the in-
habitants of other towns, they having a different mark.
The town voted that the sale and price of liquors should
be governed by a law, made by the Court for this purpose.
It was also voted by the town, that all persons who should
stand out of the meeting-house, during the time of divine
service, should be set in the stocks.
The Court at Plymouth held three sessions each year, for
the trial of causes, civil and criminal, composed of the Gov-
ernor and at least three magistrates, while the selectmen tried
35
all cases under forty shillings, in their respective towns, from
which appeals were allowed.
These officers were required to complain to the Court of
all persons who absented themselves from public worship on
the Sabbath.
Jonathan Sparrow engaged to be a teacher for Eastham.
1667. The town voted that every housekeeper should
kill twelve b'ackbirds, or three crows, which did great dam-
age 10 the corn ; and tfiis vote was repeated for many years.
A census was ordered to be made by the town of all the
male inhabitants, from sixteen to sixty, who were able to bear
arms. Also, a valuation of all the property in the town was
made by the selectmen.
1670. It was the practice for the minister to collect his
own salary. This was attended with much trouble, and of-
ten impaired his usefulness. It was therefore voted by the
town, 'that, forasmuch as it appears to be greatly incon-
venient for the minister to be troubled to gsilier in the rates
for his own maintenance, and is also an occasion of prejudic-
ing some persons against him and his minisii) . ihai two meet
persons in the town be appointed, who sliail take care to
gather in the minister's maintenance, and incite the people
to do their duty in this respect.'
This vote was passed by the authority of a law of the Col-
ony Court, made and provided for this purpose, and for all
the towns in the government.
Also, in all such towns where the people declined or neg-
lected to settle a minister, the Court taxed them for the sup-
port of public worship.
Also, a penalty for refusing to serve as a selectman when
legally chosen by the town.
The fisheries of Cape Cod were regulated by law, and a
duty was put upon mackerel and other fish caught, for the
support of a free school, which was established in Plymouth,
in 1671, under a grant, made by the government of the col-
ony the preceding year^ of all such profits as might or should
annually accrue to the colony, from lime to time, for fishing
with nets or seines at Cape Cod, for mackerel, bass or her-
36
rings, to be improved for and towards a free school in some
loun of tlie jurii^diclioi).
The coiifeiteraiion, which was agreed to at the first, be-
tween this colony, Massachusetts and Connecticut, was re-
newed.
At this early period, the town began to he alarmed on ac-
coimt of a scarcity of wood and timber, and passed a vole,
forbidding all persons to cut and carry it out of ihe town.
Voted, lo contribute £6 for the support of Harvard College,
the ministers and elders of the several towns being requested
to take measures to raise money for this object.
The church Was gathered and organized at the first settle-
ment of ihe town, but until this time, 1672, the number of
the inhabitants, and their ability to support an ordained min-
ister, had not been sufficient.
They now gave a regular call to Mr. Samuel Treat to
settle with them as their minister, which he accepted, and
was ordained. Mr. Treat was the eldest son of the Govern-
or of Connecticut, Robert Treat of Milford, who was the
father of twenty-one children.
It was agreed and voted by the town, that Mr. Treat's
salary should be £50 per annum, and a sufficient quantity of
wood brought to his door for his use.
Also, a parcel of meadow and upland, given to the
town by Manasseth Compton, an Indian; and a parcel of up-
land and meadow, bought of John Young.
Also, three acres of meadow called the White meadow.
Also, an island at Billingsgate, with the meadow about it.
Also, a parcel of marsh, in Great meadow.
Also, twenty acres of upland at the head of the Cove.*
Also, that the town build a suitable house for him on this
land. This was the salary which the town voted and agreed
to give Mr. Treat, which was no doubt sufficient for his sup-
port in those days.
In 1674, he married Miss Elizabeth Mayo, daughter of the
* This farm is now owned by Mr. James H. Knowles, and was purchased in
1723, by his grandfather, Willard Knowles, of a son of 3Ir. Treat, after tlie death
of his mother.
S7
Rev. John Mayo of Boston, by vvhotn he had eleven chil-
dren, viz. Jane, Elizabeth, Sarah, Samuel (died in infancy),
Mary, Robert, Abigail, Samuel, Joseph, Joshua, John and Na-
thaniel. The most of the daughters married in this toun. The
name is extinct. Mrs. Treat died in 169G, aged 44 years.
In 1700, Mr. Treat married the widow Abigail Easter-
brook, daughter of Rev. Samuel W'illard, pastor of the South
church, Boston, by whom he had three children. Eunice
was the mother of Robert Treat Paine, one of the Judges of
the Supreme Court. The other daughter was the w ife of
Joseph Greenleaf, Esq. of Boston ; and a son, by the name
of Robert, died young.*
Mr. Treat is peculiarly entitled to a distinguished rank
among the first ministers of New England, as by his zeal and
labors he was the instrument of the conversion of many of the
natives to the faith of the gospel, and of reducing them to a
state of order and civilization. He studied and obtained a
knowledge of their language.
The Rev. Mr. Elliot of Roxbury, had previously and
successfully engaged in this great and benevolent work, and
justly deserves the highest jraise ; but next to him stands
Mr. Treat of Easiham. x\fter preaching to ihe Indians in
his own town with great success, he travelled into the west-
erly part of the colony, and preached to many of the native
tribes. Not satisfied with what he could do, he wrote letters
to several persons in the colony, urging thetn to prepare
themselves for this work. His examjjle made such impres-
sion on the mind of Mr. Richard Bourne of Sandwich, that
he soon entered into the service wiih activity and zeal. He
studied the Indian language, and preached to the Indians liv-
ing in Barnstable, Yarn)outh and Marshpee.
His labors were greatly blessed ; many were converted to
the faith of the gospel of Christ, and several were taught to
read and write. In a letter written by him to Mr. Goodkin,
* Doct. James Freeman of Boston, says lliat many of the facts in the life and
character of Mr. Treat were derived from Joseph Greenleaf, Esq. and his lady.
Mrs. Greenleaf, at that time, 1802, was 78 years of age. Mrs. Treat died Dec.
27th, 17-16, thirty years after the death of her husband.
38
in 1674, he says: 'There are, in the several villages of In-
dians below Sandwich, above three hundred who meet to-
gether on the Lord's day to worsliip God.' Those under
the care of Mr. Treat were not included. He engaged with
great earnestness in this work for a number of years.
16S5. Governor Hinckley sent to the corporation in
England an account of the praying Indians in the county of
Plymouth, being fourteen hundred and thirty-nine, besides
boys and girls under twelve years old. There were five
iunidred men and women, besides children, within the limits
of Mr. Treat's parish.
1G93. In a letter to Rev. I. Mather, Mr. Treat writes:
Reverend and Worth]} Sir: —
Being advertised that it would not be unseasonable and unservicea-
ble, at this juncture, to give you a true and impartial account, both of
the number and the present state of our Indian.-;, and of the accepta-
tion and entertainment of the gospel among them, and their profess-
ed subjection thereunto ; whereof, sir, you may be assured as follow-
eth.
That there are five liundred Indians within tiie limits of our town-
ship, unto whom these many years past, I have, from time to time,
imparted the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, in their own language ;
and truly hope, not witiiout success. I continue in the same service,
earnestly imploring, and not without hopes of a more plentiful down-
pouring of the spirit upon them.
And 1 verily do not know, nor can I learn, that there is so much as
one of these Indians that does obstinately absent from, but do jointly
frequent and attend upon seasons of the preaching of the word, and
countenance the same, not only on the Lord's day, but upon public"
thanksgiving and fast days.
They have four distinct assemblies, in four villages, belonging to
our township, in which they have four teachers of their own choice,
of the more sober, well-affected and understanding persons among
them, who duly preach to them when I am not with them. These In-
dian teachers repair to my house once a week, to be further instruct-
ed in the concernments proper for their service and station.
Thore are in the above said villages four school-masters of the best
accomplishments for that service, who teach their youth to read and
write their own language.
There are also six justices of the peace, or magistrates, in these
villages, who regulate their civil aifairs, and punish criminals and
transgressors of the civil law. They have three stated courts, and
39
otiicr inferior officers. Many of them are of a serious, civil, sober con-
versation and deportment, who are makincr essays towards a furtlier
progressive step of obedience and conformity to the rules of the gos-
pel, having a great desire to be baptized.
They are very servicable by tiieir labor to the English vicinity, and
have all along, since our wars with their nation, been very friendly to
the English, and forward to serve them in that quarrel ; tlieir deport-
ment, converse and garb being more manly and laudable than any
other Indians that I have observed in the province. But, sir, I would
not be tedious ; only craving your interest at the throne of grace, that
we may be serviceable to the name and kingdom of our Lord Jesus.
So I subscribe willingly,
SAMUEL TREAT.
EASTHAsr, August 23, 1693.
There were two school-masters at Poianmrnqniet, one of
whom, Thomas Coshannag, was the preacher.
The magistrates were VVilhain Stockroan and Lawrence
Jeffreys. Daniel Munshewas the preacher, and Daniel Sam-
uel, the ruler at Meeshawn and Punonakanet, which was
Easiham and Bilhngsgate.
1693. John Qiiason and Menekish, the rulers at Mona-
moyick, and John Cosens the preacher and school-master.
Manasseth was the preacher, and Joshua Shauntam the rul-
er at Sakatucket.
Mr Treat could speak and write the Indian language with
faciHty. Every month he visited and preached in these sev-
eral villages. At other times, the Indian teachers read to
their congregations the sermons v\hlch he had written for
them. In addition to these weekly tasks, and preaching to
his own people, he translated the Confession of Faith int(>
the Nauset language, for the edification and improvement of
his converts. Believing that it would be impossible to make
much impression on the minds of the Indians, unless he gain-
ed their affections, he exerted himself to secure them. Be-
sides treating them on all occasions with affability and kind-
ness, he frequently visited them in their wigwams, and with
cheerfulness joined them in their festivals.*
The consequence was, that, won by his engaging manners,
* Dr. Freeman.
40
they venerated him as a pastor and loved him as a father.
But nolwiihstanding all that could be done for the Indians by
him, and liis vvoriliy coadjutors, they could not save them
from wasting away. A blnsting wind swept over iliem as
soon as the English took possession of their couniry, and
tiiey withered and died.
1745. But few Indians were left in the township of East-
ham.
1764. According to the census then taken, there were
found jemaining only five in Wellfleel, eleven in Easiham,
and nineiy-one in Harwich. The greatest part of the latter
number lived at Potanun)aqiiiet, where they had a meeting-
house, and a missionary who continued to preach several
years after this period.*
Mr. Treat was a laborious and faithful minister to his own
church and pr^ople, and often had reason lo bless God for
the visits of tbe Holy Spirit on his labors, in the conversion
of many of his hearers, by which many were added to his
chinch, lie was a strict Calvinist, which Dr. Freeman says,
' is established beyond all dispute, by a volinne of sertnons
in manuscript, now iu possession of his grandson. 'Jhese
sermons,' says the Doctor, 'are connected in tlieir subjects,
are correctly transcilbed, and appear to have been designed
for publication. Thpy exhibit learning, and his doctrines
are delended with ability and ingenuity, and the applications
of his subjects are tremendous.'
But, says the same writer, 'with the advantage of preach-
ing the doctrine of le'ior, which is naturally productive of a
sublime and imjiressive style of eloquence, he could not at-
tain the character of a popular preacher. His voice was so
loud, that when speaking it could be heard at a great distance
from the meeting-house, even in the midst of the winds that
howled over the plains of Nauset, but there was no more
music in it than in the discordant sounds with which it was
mingled.'
An anecdote is told of Mr. Treat, which shows how much
the excellence of his matter was injured by the badness of
the manner of his delivery.
• His. Coll. vol. viii.
41
His second wife, being the daughter of the Rev. Mr. Wil-
lard of Boston, he was invited to preach in his pulpit. Mr.
Willard possessed a graceful delivery, his voice was masculine
and harmonious, and consequently he was generally admired.
Mr. Treat having preached one of his best sermons to the
congregation of his father-in-law, in his usual unhappy manner,
excited universal disgust, and several nice judges wailed on
Mr. Willard, and begged that Mr. Treat, who was indeed a
worthy, pious man, but a wretched preacher, might never be
invited into his pulpit again. Mr. "Willard made no reply;
but desired his son-in-law, before he left Boston, to lend him
the discourse. In a (e\v weeks after, he delivered it to his
people, without any alteration. His hearers were charmed
with it, and came to Mr. Willard, and requested a copy for
the press. 'See the difference,' they cried, 'between your-
self and your son-in-law! You have preached a sermon on
the same text as Mr. Treat's; but while his is contempt-
ible, yours is excellent.'
Mr. Treat was a man of piety. He addressed his Maker
with humble devotion, and his prayers were copious and fer-
vent. It is said, that his natural temper was mild; and his
conduct in domestic life, as a husband, a parent, and a mas-
ter, was kind and indulgent. His manners were cheerful,
his conversation pleasant, and sometimes facetious, but always
decent.
It is supposed that the society for the propagation of the
gospel made him some compensation for his services among
the Indians, and he received a small salary from his parish of
£60. It is said that, in the latter part of his life, he engaged
in trade, and by this means, with the addition of a small in-
heritance from his father, he left a good estate to his family.
There was a remarkable snow storm at the time of his
death, and the snow fell so deep that he could not be buried
for many days. The Indians dug an arch through it, a quarter
of a mile long, and, such was their attachment to him, that
they insisted on carrying his remains on their shoulders to
the grave.
Samuel Rich was here about 1665. He had a son named
7
42
Thomas. His son, John Rich, married Mary Treat, daugh-
ter of the minister, 1700. He had five sons, Robert, John,
Reuben, Joshua and Moses. Their mother died 1723.
1764. A number of men were raised in this town, by
order of the Court, for the service against the Indians; also
£60 for ihe purchase of guns, and £4 for ammunition.
Jonathan Sparrow was appointed and commissioned as en-
sign of the military company of the town.
Thomas Mulford was a freeman of the town before this
period. He had four children, but the name is extinct.
Siephen Myrick and Mary Bangs were married, and had
one son, Stephen.
1675. The town raised £66, 16s. 6d. to pay the soldiers
against the Narragansett Indians.
In 1675 the war with Philip, who was the sachem of the
Wampanoags, commenced. Philip's rule extended over
the whole of Plymouth county, the islands of Nantucket and
Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod and a part of Rhode Island.
Mount Hope was the seat of the chieftain.
Philip was an ambitious, shrewd and bold warrior. He
designed the utter extermination of the English settlers.
The most of the tribes of Massachusetts and Rhode Island
were engaged with him. Swanzey was the place where he
commenced the work of death. This war was a sore calam-
ity. It is estimated that about six hundred of the inhabi-
tants of New England were either killed or otherwise cut off
by the Indians. Twelve or thirteen towns were entirely de-
stroyed, and about six hundred dwellings were burnt.
1676. Three hundred men were ordered to be raised by
the council of war at Plymouth, and eighteen was the number
required of Eastham. The whole army raised in the colo-
nies at this time was one thousand, and different respectable
historians of that day estimate the whole population of New
England somewhat differently, but from the best accounts
given, it appears to have been about fifty thousand.
At this time a generous and cordial invitation was given by
a committee of the Cape towns, to the inhabitants of Reho-
both, Taunton and Bridgewater, to come to them with their
43
moveable property, for their preservation and safety.* Suit-
able answers were returned, with grateful acknowledgments
for that expression of kindness, but declining the proposal.
The committee of Taunton say, ' We bless God that He
has given us so much room in your hearts — that you so free-
ly lender to us a part with you in your houses, fields and
provisions, at such a time, vi'hen the Lord is threatening us
with bereavement of our own.
'It much comforteth us, in this day of darkness and dis-
tress, that we shall want no succor you are able to afford us.
We therefore return you all serious thanks for your sincere
and abundant love, beseeching the Lord siiii to continue and
increase your peace, ability and promptness to relieve the
distressed in this evil day. Nevertheless, upon our serious
and niature deliberation upon and consideration of your ofier,
we cannot at present comply with a motion to remove and
quit our places, and leave our habitations to be a desolation,
and that, because we fear, that in so doing, we be wanting to
the name of God, and the interest of Christ in this place,
and bewray much diffidence and cowardice, and give the adver-
sary occasion to triumph over us, to the reproach of that great
and fearful name of God that is called on us.'
Signed by Richard Williams, Walter Deane, G. Macy
and William Harvey.
The reply from Rehoboth. contains similar sentiments of
holy resolution, and several prudential reasons against remov-
al, such as the danger of being observed by the enemy and
cut off, and the quantity of grain which they had in the ground,
and the hope of a plentiful supply from an early harvest,
which they were unwilling to abandon.
Signed by Thomas Cooper, senior, Peter Burt, senior,
Henry Smith, David Smith and Nicholas Peck, in behalf of
the inhabitants.
The reply in behalf of Bridgewater, was given by Rev.
James Keith. f
The war was an awful calamity to the colonies, but this
* Dartmouth, Middleborough and Swanzey were broken up. "
t New England Memorial, by Judge Davis.
44
and the other Cape towns were in a great measure exempt
from its evils. ' The greater part of those who were killed
were the flower and strength of the country. Tiiere were
but few families who did not lose some near relation or
friend, and a great part of the inhabitants were in deep
mourning. A large debt was contracted by the colonies,
when their numbers, dwellings, goods, cattle and all their re-
sources were greatly diminished. Of this debt ^£124, lOs.
was paid by a donation from Ireland, for the relief of such
as were impoverished, distressed and in necessity by the
war. The proportion paid by Eastham was JE236, 5s. 6d.'
'■ The donation from Ireland is a gratifying instance of the
generous influence of christian sympathies, and is supposed
to have been procured by the exertions of Rev. Nathaniel
Mather, at that time a minister of the Congregational denom-
ination in Dublin.'
The daily pay of the oflicers and soldiers who served in
the war in the year 1675, was as follows:*
/
General 6s Ot?
Captain 5
Commissary General 4
Surgeon General 4
Lieutenant 4
Ensign 4
Sergeant 2 6
Corporal 2
Soldier 16
1676. The town raised £125, Ss. 3cZ. towards defraying
the expenses of the war with the Indians. At this time a
dispute arose between this town and Barnstable, Sandwich
and Yarmouth, in reference to some public charges; and
Jonathan Bangs was chosen to act in the town's behalf.
Men were appointed to take care of Mr. Treat's mainten-
ance, so that he be not wronged. Samuel Freeman and Mr.
Twining were deacons of the church. This year the town
agreed to build a new meeting-house, as the old house was
decayed, and was not large enough for the present number of
•Judge Davis.
45
inhabitants; and that it should be built by way of rates on
their polls and estates. Deacon Freeman, Lieutenant Spar-
row, Thomas Paine and John Doane were made a commit-
tee to carry on the building, and the town entered into an
agreement to bind themseh^es, their heirs and administrators,
to furnish the means of doing it. £153, 8s. was raised for
this purpose. The town also agreed that the new house
should stand near the burying place. Lieut. Sparrow and
Thomas Paine were appointed agents to demand and receive
from the town of Sandwich <£12, 16s. 6d. due to this town,
and prosecute for the same if that town refused to pay that
sum.
1678. The town voted, that the inhabitants of Monomoy-
ick should pay their proportionate part towards building the
meeting-house and Mr. Treat's salary, and to prosecute them
for it if not paid. The inhabitants of that place, though not
within the limits of Eastham, attended this meeting, and
therefore were required to assist in supporting it. This was
the case also with the inhabitants of the first purchasers, as
far as the bounds of Yarmouth, and to the other extremity of
the Cape.
This year, lands were granted and divided both to old and
new comers, and the school was continued.
1680. Complaint was made that the Indians did great
damage to the town's commons, by cutting pine knots (for
the purpose of making tar,) and other timber. Therefore the
town ordered that no Indian or Indians shall cut pine knots,
or wood, or timber, on the town's commons.
Eastham was the only township below Yarmouth on Cape
Cod, until 1694, when the tract of land granted to the pur-
chasers or old comers of Plymouth colony, being inhabited
by a competent number of families, many of whom removed
from this town, petitioned the Court for an act of incorpora-
tion by the name of Harwich, which was granted.
The settlement of Truro was also commenced by emi-
grants from this town.
Before churches were organized and meeting-houses were
built in these places, Mr. Treat performed religious services
46
and parochial labors in both of ihem; and by a letter which
he wrote to Dr. Mather of Boston, he considered the whole
of the Cape below Yarmouth to be within ilie limits of East-
ham.
Agreeably to the law, the selectmen could not require their
fees to be paid until they declared their verdicts. It was
ordered that they should be paid when the action was enter-
ed, and their power was so extended that they might sum-
mon witnesses from other towns.*
1681. The town voted that the military company should
be filled by such of the inhabitants as were able to bear arms,
and that every soldier be furnished with a sword or cutlass,
as well as a gun, and that a part of the company should carry
their arms to meeting on the Lord's day.
A committee was chosen to proportion and divide the
money among the freemen of the town, which they were to
receive — it being the town's pari of the money in payment for
Mount Hope; — and to request Mr. Freeman, one of the
deputies to the Court, to obtain and bring it with him when
fee should return home.f
In 1683, an overseer of the Indians was appointed to de-
termine certain causes between them, and to comn)and their
constable to serve legal processes.
One Indian in every ten was appointed overseer of nine.
There were two Indian constables in the town. The Indians
were required to pay taxes, and the whole body of them
were called together once in each year, to hear the criminal
laws read.
In 1684, Lieut. Sparrow and John Doane were appointed
to receive the town's proportion of the second payment for
Mount Hope, and they were authorized to divide the money
among all the freemen of the town.
* Eastliam records,
t After the war with the Indians, Mount Hope, and other tracts of land, were
sold, by order of the Court, to pay l!ie expenses of the war, which had been raised
by a tax on the polls and estates of the inhabitants of the several towns in the col-
ony, according to their proportions. They were now to be repaid by the proceeds
of the sale of these lands, divided among them as they had furnished the means of
carrying on the war. The amount received at this time by this town is not known.
47
The census was taken, and there was found to be one hun-
dred and one voters, or freemen, in the town, and in all, nine
hundred souls.
1GS5. Agreed to pay ten shillings for every head of a
wolf, and half that sum for young ones,, which any Indian
should kill; and in 1686, the town offered as a bounty twen-
ty shillings for every head of a wolf which should be killed
either by white men or Indians, ten in silver and ten in corn.
At this time these wild beasts were numerous here, and
did much damage in destroying cattle and sheep.
This town was required to send three grand-jurymen to tho
Court.
1690. The war with the Indians and French in Canada
required the aid of all the towns of the governments of Ply-
mouth, Massachusetts and Connecticut, and this town raised
XI 87, 195. as their proportionable part. Jonathan Sparroiv
was chosen and commissioned as captain of the military com-
pany; Joseph Snow, lieutenant; and Jonathan Bangs, ensign.
The diflicuhies with the Indians, and the war with them still
continuing, the town voted by order of the Court, to raise by
a lax, on the polls and estates of the inhabitants, £46 towards
defraying the expenses.
FROM THE UNION OP THE OLD COLONY WITH MAS-
SACHUSETTS, IN 1691, TO THE SEPARATION OP
WELLFLEET, IN 1763.
Pursuant to an order of the General Court, the town ex-
pressed their unanimous opinion that a new patent should be
petitioned for to their majesties the King and Queen of Eng-
land, and agreed to pay their proportion of the money aris-
ing from the expenses of obtaining it.
This was an eventful period of the old colony government.
48
The people of the colony were extremely desirous to have
their government continued as they had enjoyed it from the
first; but if this privilege could not be continued to them by
their majesties, they preferred to be connected with JMassa-
chusetts, rather than with New York. The agents appoint-
ed by the colonial government to apply to the English gov-
ernment for a new charter, were Sir Henry Ashurst, Rev.
Increase Mather of Boston, and Rev. Ichabod Wiswall of
Duxbury. In 1691, the General Court voted thanks to
these gentlemen for their faithful services, and to Sir Henry
Ashurst fifty guineas, and to Messrs. Mather and Wiswall
twenty-five guineas each. This colony was included in the
new charter of Massachusetts, and they became one gov-
ernment. It was signed October 7th, 1G91. Thomas
Hinckley of Barnstable was re-elected governor, and Wil-
liam Bradford deputy governor, by the last Court which
was holden in Plymouth, in June, 1G91. Taxes were again
levied on the towns to pay the expenses of the war, and
Eastham was required to pay £46, one half in money and
the other in corn at two shillings a bushel. A company of
sixty men was ordered to be raised, and four was the portion
of Eastham. The selectmen were ordered to make a valua-
tion of the estates in the town, according to certain prices.
Joseph Snow and Thomas Smith v/ere a committee to take
care of the town's commons, to prevent timber and wood
from being cut and sold to persons out of the place. The
town mortgaged to John Freeman two islands at Billingsgate,
as his security for paying £76, as their proportion of the ex-
penses of obtaining the new charter from England. The
town ordered a watch to be kept, of so many persons as the
selectmen think necessary, each night.*
1692. On the authority of a warrant sent to the town of
Eastham, directed to the constable, from the new governor.
Sir William Phipps, two representatives were chosen to serve
the town in the General Court to be held in Boston, and
Captain Sparrow and Ensign Bangs were chosen. Sir Wil-
liam Phipps arrived at Boston, with the new charter, the
* Eastham records.
49
14th of May tliis year. He issued bis warrants for a Gen-
eral Assembly, wbicb met the 8ili of June.
Altboiigb a parly was formed vvbo opposed this charter,
yet a majority of tlie Court wisely and tiiankfully accepted
it; and appointed a day of |)ubbc thanksgiving to God, vvbo
had granted a safe arrival to his excellency the Governor and
the llev. Increase Mather, who had industriously served the
people, and brought over with them a settlement of govern-
ment, in which their majesties had graciously given distin-
guished marks of their royal favor and goodness.
In 1693, the mackerel and other fisheries were regulated
by law, and no stranger was allowed to take them without
leave.
The town voted to raise £6, 5s. for ammunition; also
j£13, lis. for the support of the war.
1695. A committee was now chosen to build a steeple
on the meeting-house and purchase a bell, at the expense of
ihe town. This was the first church bell used in the county,
and the last in Eastham.
The town agreed that the order which was passed in 1675,
for the destruction of crows and black-birds, should be con-
tinued, and that, in addiiion, every unmarried man in the
township should kill six black-birds or three crows while he
remains single; — as a penalty for not doing it, should not be
married till he obeyed this order.
It was ordered and appointed that John Doane, senior,
get a pair of stocks and whipping-post made for the use of
the town.
It was agreed that if John Doane, senior, and his heirs
would fence from the bay at Nauset to the corner of the cliff
at the northern end of the valley commonly called the Far-
ther Plumb Valley, and maintain the fence for twenty-one
years, that he or they should have all the u|)land contained
within said fence during that time. Capt. Samuel Freeman
and Thomas Paine were appointed as the town's agents to
confirm this agreement with Mr. Doane.
1696. It was ordered and voted by the town, that for
the time to come, when any of the common lands are sold or
50
given by the town to any person, men shall be annually chos-
en to have a negative vote in the disposal of them, and if
they approve of the same, they shall lay them out and bound
them.
The Court of quarter sessions issued their warrant to the
town of Eastham, requiring the selectmen to make a tax of
^£19, 5s. to defray their portion of the charges for building a
bridge near Plymouth; but, considering it to be contrary to
the laws of the province for the justices of the quarter ses-
sions to require money to be raised to defray charges for this
purpose out of the county, refused,. and agreed to hold the
selectmen harmless for not obeying this order.
1700. Difficulties arose respecting the scarcity of money,
about which the town held many meetings, and petitioned the
General Court to abate their taxes in part, which was grant-
ed.
The town school was continued. The town agreed to pay
the schoolmaster ten pence per week for every child; and
that the north part of the town might have a school, if they
would pay the teacher to learn their children to read the En-
glish bible.
James Rogers and Nathaniel Freeman were accepted as
townsmen.
£180 was raised to repair and enlarge the meeting-house.
The meeting-house was enlarged fifteen feet, so as to make
it square, and sufficiently large to seat all the inhabitants.
The town sent a petition to his excellency the Governor,
to procure a protection to secure them from sending so many
of their men into his majesty's service out of the town.
The town clerk was deputed to present the petition.
1703 and 1704. To this time much of the upland and
salt meadows remained in commons, having never been divid-
ed. Many town meetings were held, and committees were
chosen to make a division of the greater portion of these
lands among the proprietors. It was agreed that a large pro-
portion of upland and hay ground belonging to the town of
Eastham, should be divided to the true proprietors, their
heirs and assigns, to have and to hold forever; and that a
51
committee of twelve men be chosen to determine the rights
of proprietors, and to divide and set oft'ihe common lands and
meadows to them; and that the town oblige themselves lo a-
bide by their doings; and that the expense of the division
shall be paidby each one of the proprietors.
1705. In town meeting the following preamble and votes
were passed:
'Whereas there is much disorder and inconvenience in the
town of Eastham, in not orderly attending town meetings;
also by persons disorderly and tumuliuously speaking in said
meetings; also by disorderly departing without leave; it is
therefore ordered by this town, that whenever there shall be
a town meeting, duly warned, every person qualified to vote
in said meeting, and living within seven miles of the meeting-
house, who shall not attend at the time appointed, or at the
time the meeting is called to order, shall be fined six pence
for every such default; or shall de|)art, without leave of the
moderator, before the meeting closes, or speaks without lib-
erty, shall be fined the same.'*
Jt was further directed, tiiat some person be appointed to
assist the moderator in preserving order.
The above fines were to be added by the assessors to the
rates of such offending persons, and be used to defray town
charges.
These orders and by-laws being voted by the town of
Eastham, and sent up to the Court of quarter sessions at
Barnstable, for approbation, as the law directs, were allowed
by the justices in session.
Attest: William Bassett, Clerk.
The town appointed three men, Samuel Knowles, Joseph
Doane and Samuel Mayo, senior, to settle the line between
Eastham and Harwich. They made their report to the
town that they had agreed with the town and proprietors of
Harwich, that the jurisdiction of the town should forever re-
main as formerly, but all the land lying between the bounds
of said lou'ns should forever be improved in common between
the towns of Easlharn and Harwich; and that, as a consider-
* Eastham records.
52
aiion, this town should pay to the proprietors of Harwich £2,
10s. annually. This report was accepted, and the selectmen
were ordered to pay out of the treasury iliis sum.*
Tlie old purchasers, by their heirs, had so increased, that
in 1703 there were two hundred and forty proprietors of the
township; and to them, at this time, a large part of the com-
mon lands were set off and divided, generally in the follow-
ing manner, viz.
Granted by the town of Eastham, at a town meeting on
the twenty-sixth day of July, 1703, to Eldad Atwood, (and
the other proprietors of Eastham,) to his heirs, executors,
administrators and assigns, to have and to hold forever, all
the meadow or hay ground lying round the neck of upland
contained and comprehended within the boundaries hereafter
specified, which was not comprehended in the first grant to
the old proprietors, &c., and after giving the courses and
boundaries, &c. This grant was approved by the major part
of the men appointed to have a negative in disposing of land
of the town of Eastham.
The principal business of this town has ever been agricul-
ture and the fisheries, while some have engaged in foreign
voyages. For the former pursuit the soil in the ujindle and
south parts of the town was well adapted, especially for corn
and rye. Some of the land had been cleared and long im-
proved by the natives.
A law of the Colony required all fishermen to report to
the town clerk, under oath, the quantity offish and oil uhich
they obtained by each voyage they made; and that all per-
sons who should find on the sea shore any wrecked vessel,
or parts of such, or any other property, to report said prop-
erty to the town, that the lawful owners, if known, might
have it.
The town gave permission to Nicholas Paine to build a
windmill on a hill near his house, which was near to the
house of Deacon Ebenezer Paine.
* How large this intervening tract of land wiis, is not determined; but it was
tliat on which tlie Portmunaachet Indians lived, one lialf of which Harwich after-
wards Eold to Eastham.
53
1709. The town was presented by ihe Court for not hav-
ing a schoolmaster, and Joseph Doane, Esq., was appointed
to answer this complaint, to the general sessions of the peace
at Barnstable; and it was ordered that the selectmen take
special care to obtain a schoolmaster for the town of East-
hann.
1710. In town meeting it was ordered, that there should
be ten acres of ordinary land laid out, and so propoi tiontibly
as the lands should be belter or worse, to accommodate the
minister at Pochet, when there should be occasion for one
to settle there, and the like quantity at Billingsgate; and that
there be ten acres of woodland laid out and annexed to each
lot; which lots of land respectively are granted to and shall
be reserved for and set apart for the benefit of the minisiry,
and entailed for that use forever. The town agreed to raise
Mr. Treat's salary £20, making it £70 in silver money.
1711. The town laid out for all the widows in Easiham
four acres of land to each.
1712. This year the town chose Joseph Doane, Esq.,
as their agent, to join with Jonathan Bangs, Esq., who had
been chosen by the town of Harwich to determine and settle
a line between the said towns, running through the tract of
land which was reserved for the Indians.
Voted to raise £136 to pay the salary of the representa-
tive at the General Court, the schoolmaster, and all other
town and ministerial charges,
1713. Agreed with Mr. Peter Barnes to keep the town
school.
This year it was agreed by the town to repair the meeting-
house, and choice was made of Capt. Samuel Freeman and
Mr. Samuel Mayo, to procure the materials and employ work-
men for this purpose.
Joseph Doane, Esq., Mr. Samuel Mayo and Mr. Isaac
Pepper, were appointed a committee to adopt some belter
plan for settling and regulating the school, for the time to
come, and make returns to the town; upon which they re-
porledj that it was their opinion that the most proper way to
* Eastliam records.
54
settle the school lor the general benefit of the town is, that
the town be divided into two parts, southerly and northerly,
and that the school be kept for one full year in the northerly
part of the town, and then for one year in the southerly part,
and so on from time to lime; that the schoolmaster should
be supported by the whole town, and that each part of the
town should take care to settle the teacher in proper and
convenient places for the general benefit of the said part of
the town; and that the Town cove should be the dividing
line between the northern and southern ends of the town;
and those of one end shall not send their children to the oth-
er. This report of the school committee was accepted by
the town of Easiham.
1714. The Indians living on the borders of Eastham and
Harwich entered a compaint to the General Court, against
this town, for trespassing on their lands and rights; whereup-
on, the selectmen received an order of notice fram said
Court, that they be heard thereon, on the first Friday of the
next session of the Court. A town meeting was called, and
after due consideration of the premises, John Paine was nom-
inated and chosen as their agent in behalf of the town and se-
lectmen, to appear at the Court in their defence of this com-
plaint. They paid their agent for his services four shillings
a day for all the time he spent in this business, over and a-
bove what was allowed him for services as a representative,
allowing him three days for going and the same for returning.
Nehemiah Hobart was the schoolmaster. The town a-
greed to pay him £10, over and above his salary as school-
master, 'for assisting the Rev. Samuel Treat in preaching as
there may be need.'
1715. By-laws and orders were passed by the town,
which were presented to the Court of General Sessions holden
at Barnstable, to prevent cattle and horses from running at
large on the town's commons. These were approved and
confirmed. Willi Aai Bassett, Clerk of the Court.
Rev. Samuel Treat died this year, March 18th, aged G9,
having labored in word and doctrine, with great faithfulness,
forty-four years.
55
An agreement was now made with Mr. Hobart to supply
the pulpit, and perform other ministerial duties for £1 a week
until a candidate could be obtained. Joseph Doane, Esq.,
was chosen to seek for a minister, and his expenses were
paid. A Mr. Lord was obtained, but preached only a few
Sabbaths, and was afterwards settled in Chatham.
1718. The question about building a new meeting-house
and its location, was now agitated. £600 was voted for this
object. The old house stood near the old burying-place.
This place did not appear to be the most central for the
whole town, and it was proposed to erect the new house in
some other place.
A spot a little south of Jeremiah's gutter was proposed,
but the vote being put to the meeting by the moderator, it
passed in the negative.
At a meeting held February 24th, it was proposed to build
two meeting-houses, one of them to be placed in the south
part of the town, and the other in the north or middle part;
and if the town could not lovingly agree where the dividing
line should be between the two parishes, the town should make
choice of a committee, out of the neighboring towns, to de-
termine that matter; and that Mr. Osborn, to whom they had
given a call to settle with them in the gospel ministry, should
have the liberty to settle in which end of the town he should
see cause.
It was voted by a major part of the town, that they are
willing that a meeting-house should be built where the town
pound now stands;* but this was not done, and the town
was divided into two parishes,
Joseph Doane, Esq., Capt. Samuel Freeman, Mr. John
Knowles and Nathaniel Freeman, Esq., were a committee
to treat with Mr. Samuel Osborn, relating to his settlement
in the ministry, and the agreement touching his salary being
unanimously concluded, he was ordained Sept. 18th, 1718.
The year after Mr. Osborn's ordination, he removed to
the south part of the town, and took charge of that branch of
the church, which was now organized. He was a native of
Ireland, and graduated at the University of Dublin.
* Where Mr. Jabez Sparrow now lives.
66
It I's said that he was a man of wisdom and virtue. He
conlribLited much to the prosperity of the people, by intro-
ducing new iniprovemenis in agricuhure, and by his example
of industry and economy. He taught them the use of peat for
fuel. After continuing with them about twenty years, diffi-
culties arose between him and a part of his church, on ac-
count of the laxity of his religious sentiments, and he was
dismissed by an ecclesiastical council of ten ministers and
churches which was convened at Eastham, June 27th, 1738,
at the desire of Joseph Doane and Nathaniel Freeman, with
others, in the name of the major part of the south church.
After earnest supplication to God for wisdom and direction,
they were led into the public meeting-house, by the pastor
of the church, and there heard those doctrinal points on ac-
count of which the brethren were aggrieved. After a full
hearing the council came to the following result:
I. It appears to the council that the Rev. Mr. Osborn liath in his
preacliing to this people said, that What Christ did and suffered doth
nothing abate or diminish our obligation to obey the law of God, and
that Christ's sufferings and obedience were for himself: both parts of
which, we think, contain dangerous error.
And we say, that what Christ did and suffered, doth wholly take a-
way our own obligation lo obey tlie law as a covenant ofivorks, so that
the law still under the gospel dispensation remains not as a law of
justification, (which seems to us to be intimated in tlie proposition,)
but as a perfect scriptural, an unerring rule of righteousness and holi-
ness. And to assert that the sulierings of Christ were to render him
capable of sympathizing with and being a pattern of patience to his
suffering saints, mentioning no other design or end thereof, is an un-
safe and dangerous doctrine, subversive of one great and main end
of those sufferings, viz. the satisfaction of the justice of God.
II. It hath been said and doth appear to this council that the Rev.
Mr. Osborn hath, both in public and private, asserted that there are
no promises in the Bible but what are conditional, which we think,
also, to be an error, and do say that there are promises which are ab-
solute and without any conditions — such as the promise of a new
heart, and that he will write his law in our hearts.
III. As to the third article, that redemption is conditional and not
absolute, voted by this council that this charge, in the sum of it, is suf-
ficiently proved ; but yet inasmuch as Mr. Osborn has retracted the
condilionalUy of it, we, therefore, don't leave it as a charge upon him.
IV. It hath been alleged, and doth appear to us, that Mr. Osborn
57
hath declared, that obedience is a considerable cnnse of a person's jus-
tification, which we think contains very dangerous error, and upon
which we say, that our best works, wiiich are our obedience, liave
need to be justified, neither are they good till ihey be justified, and
therefore cannot justify us till we have tiie holy law of God,
VI. It hath been alleged that Mr Oshorn did assert that the Rev.
Peter Clark's book on Jeremiah, 31st chap. 18th verse, from which
text the doctrine was that the efficacious grace of God is necessary
to conversion, was wrong and erroneous, we find that now Mr. Oshorn
declares that the influence of God's spirit is necessary to conversion,
by which, he says, he umlerstands the same with tflicacious grace of
God mentioned in the above book.
VII. VVe say it appears to us by sufficient evidence, that Mr. Os-
born liatli, from time to time, frequently used strange, obscene, errone-
ous and unguarded expressiotis, too niimeri)us to be mentioned here,
concerning God and his moral perfections, as also concerning Elec-
tion, Redemption, and other great tenets of our holy faith, wiiich ex-
pressions we judge to be contrary 5o that plainness, simplicity and
soundness of speech whicii a gospel minister ougiit to use; and, upon
the whole, it is our judgment and advice, that the Rev. Mr. Osborn
cease and forbear thet^xercise of his ministry, and be suspended there-
from until the twenty-fillh of October next, to which this council shall
be adjourned.
Whether this coLincil met at the time to which they ad-
journed, for the further consideration of this mailer, is not
known. It is beheved, however, that Mr. Osborn was nev-
er afterwards reinstated in the ministry. Whatever good
quahties he possessed, ihey did not avail him with his people
to continue him as their minister, nor wiih his brethren in
the ministry. He had embraced the faith of Arminius, VAhile
they retained the faith of Calvin, and in consequence thought
proper to dismiss him. From Eastham he removed to Bos-
ton, where he o|)ened a private grammar school, wiiich he
continued a number of years, and died between ninety and a
hundred years old.
Richard Knovvles was allowed £2, lOs. for bringing Mr.
Osborn 's family and goods from Plymouth, where he had re-
sided after he came over from Ireland.
The town agieed to send for three judicious men Trom the
neighboring towns to determine where ihe division lineshou}d
be between the parishes, and that their decision should be
binding; on all the inhabitants.
^9
58
Mr. Joseph Lothrop and Mr. John Baker of Barnstable,
and Mr. Elisha Hall of Yarmouth, were chosen.
The town voted to raise by a tax on the polls and estates
of the inhabitants of the middle and south parts of the town,
j£600 to build two new meeting-houses.
Town meetings were held in reference to the division of
the parishes, and to take measures for the erection of these
houses, and also dwelling-houses for tlie ministers in each part;
which was acquiesced in by the whole town except Bil-
lingsgate.
The middle part took measures to obtain a candidate for
settlement with them; and Mr. Isaac Pepper was appointed
to seek for some suitable person, who should be orthodox
and of good conversation. Mr. Benjamin Webb of Brain-
tree, was obtained, and after preaching to them a number of
Sabbaths, received a unanimous call to settle wiih them in
the ministry, to which he gave his answer in the affirmative,
and was ordained 1720.
The town voted to give Mr. Webb the same salary that
was paid to Mr. Osborn, which was £90, for his support and
encouragement in the work of the ministry, with all the min-
isterial lands and meadows in the middle part of the town and
lying south of Blackfish creek. Also a house, which should
be his own property and estate. This was situated near the
meeting-house, agreeable to his choice.
Mr. Webb was born in Braintree, in 1695, and graduated
at Harvard College, in 171_5. Tliat he was a pious, learned,
laborious and faithful minister of (he gospel, and that he was
holy and unblameable in all the ways of life, is ihe universal
voice of tradition.
Mr. Crocker, who was the pastor of the south church in
Eastham, a man of piety and virtue, and a good judge of
moral and religious worth, it is said, pronounced him to be
the best man and the best minister he ever knew.
As he spent his days in the uniform and faithful discharge
of his ministerial duties, he made no great noise in the world
abroad.
It was said by a writer of that day, that his mind was as se-
rene as the sky in a mild evening of June, when the full moon
59
shines without a cloud. Name any virtue, and that virtue lie
practised; name any vice, and that vice he shunned. But,
if any peculiar quaUties marked his character, they were his
humihiy, his gentleness and his love of God. He was not a
Boanerges, but a son of consolation. His visits among his
people were as beneficial as his sermons from the pulpit.
He had the happy talent of giving his conversation a religious
turn, and enforcing the precepts which he liaJ taught public-
ly on the Sabbath.*
The most remarkable event which took place during Mr.
Webb's ministry in Easiham, in which he took part, was the
declaration of the ministers in Barnstable county, against
itinerant preaching. This was aimed particularly against the
Rev. George Whitfield, and was printed in Boston, in 1745.
They state that 'itinerant preaching tends lo destroy the use-
fulness of ministers among their people, in places where the
gospel is settled and faithfully preached in its purity; and
that it promotes strife and contention, a censorious and un-
charitable spirit, and those numerous schisms and separations,
which have already destroyed the peace and unity, and at the
same time threaten the subversion of many cliurches.'
To this declaration Mr. Webb subscribed his name, with
nine other ministers of the county.
He died August 2lst, 174G, aged 51, having labored in
the work of the ministry here twenty-six years, and with
good success. He was greatly beloved and respected by
liis people, and his death was deeply and sincerely lamented.
The number added to the church cannot be ascertained.
The town was fined by the Court £20 for not having a
school, and it was voted that the selectmen humbly petition
his majesty's justices of the General Sessions of the peace to
be holden in Barnstable, to remit or abate this fine, or order
the disposition of it to the benefit of the school in Eastham,
and Mr. Samuel Knowles was chosen to present the petition
and offer the reasons which existed in the case.
1719. A burying-place was laid out at the west end of the
south meeting-house.
* Mass. His. Col. vol. viii.
60
The people living at Potanumaquiet were set off from the
town of Harwich and annexed lo this town; and iliey were
required to pay their regular proportion of the rales of the
town.
The inhabitants of the hamlet of Billingsgate, by their a-
gents, John Doane, Esq., and Mr. Samuel Brown, sent a
petition to the town, to be set off Irom Easiham, to become
a separate township, from the bounds of Truio to the Indian
brook, from thence easterly to the sea. '1 he town refused
to grant their petition.
The old meeting-house was occupied by the north or mid-
dle parish till 1720, when they built a new house near the
bouse of the present Deacon Doane. A burying-place was
laid out adjoining to it, and a house was built for the use of
the minister.
A public county road was laid out through the town, from
the bounds of Harwich to Truro, to be forty feet wide.
At a town meeting a resolution was offered, to take in the
Billingsgate parish, so as to n)ake ihree precincts in the town,
and mniuiain the ministers equally by the whole town. It
passed in the negrilive.
1721. The General Court passed an act to issue £50,-
COO in bills of credit, and loan it in just propoitions to the
several towns in ihe province, according to their taxes. This
was done in consequence of the great scarciiy of money mak-
ing it difficult for ihe tov\ns to support the government.
Mai y meetings were held lo devise the ways and means
of receiving and keeping the town's proportion of this money.
Mr. Isaac Pepper, one of tl.e representatives of the town,
was appointed lo receive and receipt for it to the province
treasury; and Joseph Doane, Esq., Capt. Samuel Freeman
and Nathaniel Freeman were made the trustees of this mon-
ey, to take care of and dispose of it in such manner as they
should receive instructions from the town, pursuant to the act
of the Court. The trustees were allowed by the town six-
pence on every pound of all the money they should let out
agreeably to their instructions, and the same for all they
should receive in after it had been let out. This committee
61
were instructed to let the money out for five per cent, year-
ly, and no more. They were required to take good security
in real or personal estate. Mr. Pepper was allowed fifty
shillings for his trouble and care in bringing the money from
Boston. The proportion of this town was £46S, 10s.
1 722. The town was served with the copy of a petition to
the General Court, by John Doane, Esq., praying that Bil-
lingsgate (now VVellfleet) might be set off" for a separate pre-
cinct as far as Indian brook. John Paine was appointed as
their agent to appear for them at the General Court, to show
cause why this petition should not be granted.
1723. The General Court sent a conmiittee, chosen out
of that body, to visit Eastham, in regard to the above peti-
tion; and a commitiee was raised to wait upon the members
of the Court, and lay before them the circumstances in the
case. The committee of the Court reported to that body in
favor of setting off Billingsgate as a separate precinct, and it
was accoidingly done.
1727. The General Court passed another act, to issue
£60,000 in bills of credit. There was much difference of
opinion among the members of the Court, and in the towns
generally, respecting this measure, as the former bills of
credit were greatly depreciated, the province having no funds
to redeem them. This town voted not to receive their pro-
portion of It; but at a subsequent meeting, they reconsidered
this vote, and chose a committee, Nathaniel Freeman, Esq.,
Mr. Edward Knovvles and Mr. John Paine, to receive the
town's proportion, and let it out according as the law provid-
ed, and they were sworn to be faithful to this trust.
Joseph Doane took £.50,005.
Capt. John Knowles, 100, 00
Israel Cole, 100, 00
Nathaniel Mayo, 40, 00
Benjamin Iliggins, 50, 00
David Doane, 100, 00
Samuel Smith, 100, 00
Thomas Mayo, 17, 15
£557, 15s.
62
These men weie required to give to the town such secu-
rity as should hold them harmless from all loss and damages;
and to pay four per cent, annually to the province treasury,
and the principal as the law provided; and the charges of
bringing the money from Boston, together with the fees of
the trustees for letting and receiving the same.
'Bills of credit iiad been issued for a number of years and
at different times as a substitute for money, in consequence
of Sir William Phipps' disastrous expedition against Canada,
in 1G90, which involved llie province in great expense.
'These had been punctually redeemed until 1704, when
the General Court were induced to defer the redem[)tion of
them for two years, and afterwards for longer periods. Be-
sides these bills to defray the expenses of the government,
there were others issued by way of loans to the towns.'
In 1721, £50,000 were issued and loaned to the towns.
And in 1727, £60,000. The condition of this loan was,
that it should be repaid to the province treasury in five equal
payments in five years, of £12,000 each year.
But these various issues, under the difTerenl denominations
of old tenor^ middle tenor and ntw tenor, 'slid down the same
lapse of depreciation.' At first they were worth nearly the
whole sum which they represented.
In 1702, an ounce of silver was equal to Gs. \Qd. in bills of credit.
1705, " " " 7 " "
1713, " " " 8
1716, " " " 9 " »
1717, « " "12
1722, " " " 14
1728, " " "18 « «
1730, " " " 20 » «
1737, " " " 26 « "
1741, " " " 28 « "
1749, « « " 60 « «
By an act passed by the General Court in 1748, provision
was made for drav/ing into the treasury all the outstanding
bills of credit, and ascertaining in future the rates of coined
silver. It required that the bills should be paid at the treas-
ury in silver, at the rate of forty-five shillings in bills of the
old form and tenor, and eleven shillings and three pence in
63
bills either of the middle or new form and tenor, for one
piece of eight, which was one Spanish dollar.
The funds to redeem the bills were the money voted by
parliament, to reimburse the expenses of the province in-
curred in taking and securing Cape Breton, and a province
tax of dE75,000. In 1749, the former money arrived in Bos-
ton, and was conveyed to the treasury. The sum was f 183,-
694, 2s. 7kd. It consisted of two hundred and fifteen
chests, containing $3000 each, and one hundred casks of
copper. There were seventeen cart and truck loads of sil-
ver, and ten truck loads of copper. This act was designed
to put an end to paper money, and establish a silver curren-
cy for the future. It provided that al'ter the 31st of March,
1750, all debts should be paid in coined silver. This is
said to have been the origin of lawful money.
By this act the most important interests of the public were
promoted, and the principles of justice were settled on a
firm basis by the establishment of a sound and stable curren-
cy, yet it found many opposers, who even attempted to re-
sist it by force.
This was followed by the establishment of a Land Bank,
with the professed design of providing a remedy for the great
inconveniences, that were expected to arise, from withdraw-
ing from circulation all the various emissions of paper mon-
ey, without substituting any other medium of trade than gold
and silver. A company was formed for the purpose of issu-
ing notes or bills of credit, on land security, to an amount
not exceeding £150,000. The extent of the issue, howev-
er, in sums from twenty shillings down to three pence, was
about £49,000.
The subscribers for stock were to receive the sums sub-
scribed in the notes of the Bank, and for security, mortgage
to the directors real estate to their satisfaction, with the con-
dition to pay annually for twenty years, five per cent, of the
principal lent, and three per cent, interest, either in such
notes, or any of the following articles: hemp, flax, cordage,
bar iron, cast iron, linen, sheep's wool, copper, tanned leath-
er, flaxseed, beeswax, sail cloth, nails, tallow or cord wood.
64
These articles were to be delivered to the directors or their
agents, to be employed in trade. This company was com-
posed of eight hundred and sixty-three persons. About four
hunch'ed belonged to Boston, and the oiliers to the different
towns in the province. There were three in Easthaii), viz.
Mr. Samuel Knowles, Mr. William Paine and Deacon John
Freenjan.
This scheme was obnoxious to Gov. Belcher and many-
other influential men, who n)ade great exertions to put it
down, and successfully effected it. The company was dis-
solved by an act of parliament, and in ]743, the General
CoiM-t took the settlement of their affairs out of the hands of
the directors, and vested it in a board of commissioners.
After the lapse of about thirty years, by means of assess-
ments on the partners, and a lottery, the concerns of the
bank were brought to a close.
This bank was the occasion of much confusion, and brought
ruin on many individuals and families.*
1729. The Court was removed from Boston to Salem,
by Governor Burnet, in consequence of a difference between
them respecting his salary, and the right of nomination.
The inhabitants of Boston supported the views of the Court,
and the object of the governor in the removal was that they
might be out of the reach of this influence.
1734. Agents were appointed by the town to meet the
agents of Harwich, Chaiham, Truro and Provincetovvn, at
Capt. Samuel Knowles' liouse in Eastham, on Wednesday,
the 20ih of November, to prepare a petition or memorial to
the governor, council, and re|)resentaiives in General Court
assembled, praying them to set off those towns into a new
county, distinct and separate from the county of Barnstable,
for such reasons as may be given; and they appointed Mr.
William Paine, John Knowles and John Rich as agents to
present their petition or memorial to the Court. This peti-
tion not being granted, they again presented their prayer to
the Court, that they would order that two of the sessions of
* Hobart's History of Abington.
65
the peace of the inferior Court of Common Pleas and Gen-
eral Sessions for the county of Barnstable, be annually held
in the town of Eastham.
The reasons offered to the Court, why their prayer should
be heard and granted, were, their great distance from Barn-
stable, the shire town of the county; the loss of time to the
jurors and all others who were obliged to attend the Courts,
and the great expense attending it.* This was not granted.
1738. Mr. Osborn was dismissed by the church and so-
ciety in the south part of the town. After the dismission of
Mr. Osborn, Mr. Roland Thatcher was employed a number
of Sabbaths to preach the gospel to the south parish. Joseph
Doane and Timothy Cole were appointed to procure a suita-
ble person to supply the pulpit.
This year jurymen were chosen for Barnstable and Dukes
county, Martha's Vineyard having been annexed to this
county.
1739. Mr. Joseph Crocker was unanimously called by
the church and parish to settle with and over them in the
work of the ministry. Mr. Crocker gave his answer in the
affirmative, in the following words:
To the Inhahitants of the South Precinct in Eastham, Greeting:
Whereas you did, on the sixteenth day of April last, give me a call
to the honorable work of the gospel ministry among you ; and did then
signify the same to me by a committee, Joseph Doane, Esq., Deacon
Jonathan Higgins, and others ; these may signify to you that I do ac-
cept of your call to that work on the terms and conditions following:
I accept of the salary and settlement, as by your vote for my settle-
ment, a suitable dwelling-house built, and a parcel of land procured
to set it upon, in some suitable place; such a parcel of land and such
a dwelling-house as was built and procured for a settlement for Mr.
Osborn and Mr. Webb; and to be given to me and my heirs and as-
signs forever, except Providence should open a door for my own con-
venient settling of myself; and then I expect you will be willing to let
me have the value of what you have voted for this, in money.f And
lastly, that while I remain your minister, besides the improvement of
all the ministerial lands and meadows, or sedge ground, laid out for the
* Eastham records,
t Mr. Crocker was then expecting to mai ly a lady of the place who owned a
house, which he did, and he received tl>e value in money.
10
66
use of the ministry in the southerly part of your precinct,! expect that
you will yearly and every year, find, cut, and cart to my door, a suffi-
cient quantity of wood for my own and for my family's yearly use ; al-
so, pay me annually the same salary that is paid to to the Rev. Ben-
jamin Webb, viz. £90. JOSEPH CROCKER.
Eastham, August lith, 1739.
Mr. Osborn refusing to give up the ministerial lands and
meadows to Mr. Crocker, money was paid out of the treasu-
ry to him to enable him in the law to eject Mr. Osborn from
the possession of these lands and meadows; and Capt. Wil-
liam Paine was appointed to assist him in this business.
Mr. Crocker was ordained over this church and society
September 12th, 1739. He was born in Barnstable, and
graduated at Harvard college, in 1734. He was twice mar-
ried, and had three children.
Josiah, who was graduated at Harvard college, had a call
to settle in Yarmouth, but died before the time appointed for
his ordination, aged twenty-five years; Lucia married the
Rev. Simeon Williams of Weymouth; Ann married the Rev.
William Shaw of Marshfield.
Mr. Crocker was a strict Calvinist, a man of prudence,
faithful "as a minister, but destitute of popular talents as a
speaker; a hard student in theology, but without much infor-
mation on other subjects; mild in his temper, and affectionate
in his manners, and greatly beloved by his people.
Previous to this time, all monies for the support of the gos-
pel in both of the meeting-houses had been raised and paid as
their expenses required. It was now unanimously agreed
that they should continue for the present to raise the money
together, but that the treasurer should keep an exact account
of the sums which should be drawn for the use of each pre-
cinct, so that, if ever they should be separate parishes, the
one which had received the most should refund it to the
other.
Several petitions were sent to the General Court, com-
plaining of grievances, and praying for favors.
Samuel Freeman and Ralph Smith were a committee to
petition the Court for an abatement of the town provincial
tax.
67
Another petition prayed the Court to pass an act to pre-
serve Bilhngsgate beach and other common meadows from
destruction, and John Knovvles was chosen as the agent.
1746. A committee was appointed to draw a petition to
lay before his excellency the governor, for the protection of
the inhabitants of Eastham from impressment in the service.
A war commenced in 1744, with the French, and contin-
ued nineteen years. The Indians, urged on by French influ-
ence, again assaulted the towns of New England. To en-
courage them in the work of blood and ruin, they were offered
a reward for every scalp they should obtain. Such a war and
of so long continuance was a calamity indeed. This town was
often called upon for men and money by the government, and
as but few men were willing to enlist, impressments were fre-
quently made. The men who were taken by the Indians,
and whose lives were spared, were sold to the French, which
was the fate of some of the inhabitants of this town.
This year, August 2lst, the Rev. Benjamin Webb died,
aged fifty-one years, having labored in the work of the min-
istry twenty-six years. His death was deeply lamented by
his people.
* Whereas,' say his people, 'God in his sovereign provi-
dence hath taken away by death the Rev. Mr. Webb, our
beloved pastor of the north or middle church of this town,
we look on ourselves obliged to take suitable care to supply
that vacancy as soon as may be;' — it was therefore voted to
make choice of some suitable person to obtain a minister to
preach the word of God to them on probation, in order to his
settlement in the work of the ministry among them. Dea.
Samuel Freeman was chosen for this purpose.
It was then agreed to give the bereaved Mrs. Webb, £30,
old tenor, for her support one year, and her fire-wood, provi-
ded she would board the minister, who should preach to them,
for reasonable pay.
Mr. Josiah Tory was invited to preach as a candidate for
settlement, to whom the church and society gave a call, but
he returned an answer in the negative.
Mr. Ezra Carpenter was invited, and after preaching a
68
number of Sabbaths, the church and society gave him a call;
but as he thought the salary which they offered him was not
sufficient for his support, and making some propositions to
them to increase it, which they did not comply with, he gave
his answer in the negative.
The Rev. Edward Cheever was then invited to visit them
as a candidate, to whom they gave a call to settle with them
in the ministry, which he accepted, and was installed over
them in 1751. Mr. Cheever concluded his answer as fol-
lows:
'I have now come to the conclusion to give my answer to your call
to settle with you, in the affirmative, and do accept of the settlement
and salary which you have provided for me, and ask your prayers that
I may obtain mercy of the Lord, to be faithful and successful in the
■work to which I am called, and wishing that every thing which re-
spects my settlement in this place, may be conducted by the infinite
and wise Counsellor, who hath done all things well, and that grace
and peace may be multiplied to you through our Lord Jesus Christ.
'In the fellowship of the gospel, I subscribe myself yours,
'EDWARD CHEEVER.'
Mr. Cheever was born in Ipswich, 1706; graduated at
Harvard college, 1737; was ordained over the Congrega-
tional church in that town, and married Miss Wigglesworth.
His second wife was Miss Dorcas Doaneofthis town. He
had several sons, of whom one was a physician, but some-
times officiated as a preacher. Mr. Cheever possessed con-
siderable talent and learning, was a very plain preacher, and
his labors were blessed. He served the church and society
in this town nearly forty years, and died August 17, 1794,
in the seventy-eighth year of his age. As no records of the
church are found which were kept by him, it cannot be stated
what number were added during his ministry.
1749. It was agreed to divide the town into three equal
parts, for the better accommodation of the school, and to set-
tle a schoolmaster in each part. The northern division con-
sisted of one hundred and three families, the middle and the
southern of the same number, making three hundred and
nine families, the population of the whole town being about
two thousand. In each of these divisions a committee was
69
appointed (o settle and have the supervision of the school
therein.
Wrecks and parts of wrecks of vessels and other property-
were often cast ashore on the back side of the town, and
picked up by the inhabitants, who gave oath to it before the
town clerk; and the property was taken care of, as the law
directed, for whom it might concern. The law required that
this should be done in all cases, yet it cannot be denied that
it was frequently evaded, and the property found appropriat-
ed to private use, which has often been the case since.
1751. Samuel Knowles, Esq., died at this period. Mr.
Knowles was one of the most distinguished men of the town.
He served his townsmen in various and important offices, to
which they often elected him. He was chosen a represent-
ative to the General Court fifteen times. He held the of-
fices of town-clerk, selectman, juryman, assessor and mod-
erator of town meetings, repeatedly. He was often appoint-
ed on important committees, to set off lands, fix the bounda-
ries between Eastham and other towns, and between the
knds of individuals. He was long a worthy member of the
church, and died much lamented.
1752. New roads and highways were laid out in difier-
ent parts of the town, and money was raised to defray the
public charges. The bounds and marks were renewed be-
tvfeen Eastham and Harwich.
1753. Deacon Samuel Freeman died. The character
and life of Deacon Freeman is worth preserving, and is wor-
thy of the imitation of his descendants of all succeeding gen-
erations. He was elected to the highest and most important
offices within the power of his townsmen to bestow; and
his moral and religious character is apparent from the confi-
dence the church had in him, in giving to him the office of
deacon, in which he served his Divine Master for a long
course of years. He possessed great influence, and used it
to promote the prosperity and happiness of the town, the
province and the church. He died in a good old age, and
was gathered to his fathers in peace.
The town took measures to prevent the destruction of the
western shore.
70
The selectmen were ordered to renew the bounds between
this town and Truro.
1754. Deacon John Freeman was chosen representative.
Then it was voted that he^should stay at home, to save the
expense, and the town would hold him harmless.
It was ordered that the selectmen draw up and send to the
General Court a petition, to have the town released from
sending a representative to them this year.
Money was raised to pay the schoolmasters, and all other
town and precinct charges.
A committee was chosen to settle the school in the middle
part of the town.
An agentvvas chosen to answer to the petition of Samuel
Smith, Esq., to the General Court, concerning Billingsgate
beach and islands.
1757. It was voted that the selectmen should draw out
of the town treasury .£420 old tenor, to pay fourteen men
who had been enlisted to serve in the army during the pres-
ent war with the Indians and French.
A large committee was chosen to regulate and settle the
public schools in the different parts of the town.
It was agreed to excuse the men who were enlisted and
engaged in carrying on the war against Canada, from pay-
ing a poll tax.
The town chose a committee to prosecute the Harwich
people for carrying on the whale fishery at Billingsgate.
Mr. Thomas Knowles died this year. For a number of
years he had held the office of town-clerk, and was employ-
ed in other offices of importance. He was a man of no or-
dinary intelligence, and served his generation with faithful-
ness.
1760. The town appointed an agent to join with the a-
gents of the other towns in the county of Barnstable to send
a petition to the General Court, praying that body to pass
an act to^ lessen the 'number of the Courts in the county.
Col. John Doane was chosen.
In these early days there was but little litigation, and but
few cases, especially from the lower part of the county, to
71
employ the time of the Court, and it was therefore thought
to be unnecessary for the sessions of the Court to be held so
frequently.
Voted to raise f 160 lawful money to pay the schoolmas-
ters, and other town charges.
1761. Agents were appointed to agree with the agents
of Harwich, respecting the taxing of real estate lying in each
town, where the owner lived in the other town.
The report of the committee respecting the taxing of the
inhabitants of this town and Harwich, was as follows: 'Hav-
ing considered the circumstances, and the quality of the land
lying in each town, we have mutually agreed that the town
of Harwich shall assess the inhabitants in said town, for all
the real estate they own in the town of Eastham; and the
town of Eastham the inhabitants in said town, for all the real
estate they own in Harwich.'
Capt. Pepper was appointed an agent to divide the fence
with Harwich, by Skaket River, or to do what might be
thought proper to prevent the cattle from gaining on the flats
and sedge ground.
Money was raised to support the poor of the town. This
is the first notice of a poor tax.
1762. Eastham, in number of inhabitants, wealth and
importance, was the first township in the county of Barnsta-
ble. Billingsgate, then called Wellfleet, being separated
from it, four townships immediately rose above it.
The north precinct sent a petition to the town to be set
off into a separate district, and it was agreed by the town
that their request should be granted.
It was also agreed by both parties, that the privileges for
whaling, fishing, oystering and harboring, should be enjoyed
as before, and that the district be a part of the town of East-
ham so far as in the choice of a representative.
From this time the town felt a deeper interest in the cause
of education, and were more liberal in the support and in-
crease of town schools than before. Several schools were
kept in the different sections of the town. The schools had
been kept in private houses, but school-houses were now
72
built, and large committees were chosen to regulate and pro-
mote the interests of education.
Much labor and expense was laid out to preserve the
beaches, shores and sandy lands, from injury by violent
winds and storms; and other public and useful improvements
were made in the town.
The boundaries between the lands of individuals, and be-
tween this town and Harwich, Chatham, and the district of
Wellfleet, were renewed.
A settlement was made by a committee of the accounts
between the town and the district of Wellfleet. The town
paid to the district, as due to them, £21, 10s. Sd. as their
part of the money in the town treasury, raised for the purpose
of schooling.
New highways and roads were laid out, and old roads re-
paired.
These townships continued to flourish till the revolutiona-
ry war stopped their further progress.
Jonathan Higgins was one of the deacons of the church,
and was one of a committee, at this time, to request the
Court of Quarter Sessions to lay a fine of eight shillings on
any person or persons who should be exposed to the small-
pox, and not give notice of it to the selectmen.
1763. A number of petitions were sent by the town to
the General Court, and agents chosen to present them, for
different objects, the most of them being of a local nature.
Edward Knowles was one of the deacons of the church at
this time. He was appointed, with others, to draw up a me-
morial to the General Court, against the petition of a number
of persons, belonging to Harwich, and living at Potanuma-
quiet, to be set off to the town of Eastham. Afterwards the
town concluded to receive them, with the Indian inhabitants
who were included within the line.
1764. The towns of Eastham and Harwich ordered the
respective selectmen of each town to meet, and run a line
and make bounds between the towns. They marked anew
the north bounds at Namskaket, and then run southerly to a
black oak tree near Baker's pond, marked E. H. with a
to
Stone; thence to the southwest part of the pond, to a heap of
small stones in the edge of the pond; thence southerly, to a
stake and stones, near Chatham road; thence southerly, fol-
lowing the road; thence to the southeast, into the bay, by a
rock at the edge of the water; thence to Potanurnaquiel har-
bor, as the channel runs.*
Signed by Jonathan Higgins, Simeon Doane and James
Paine, selectmen of Easitiam; and by Benjamin Freeman
and Elisha Smith, selectmen of Harwich.
The Rev. Mr. Crocker died iMarch 2d, 1772, in the fif-
ty-eighth year of his age, and the ihirty-ihird of his ministry.
In 1765, a line was agreed upon and run, by a committee
from each town, between Easihamand Wellfleet. Beginning
at a white oak tree, at the head of Indian brook, ma:ked on
the south side with the letter E, and on the north side by the
letter W; thence running due east, by liiarked trees, to a
pine tree, marked on the south side E, and on the north W;
thence east to ihe back side; and from the first mentioned
bounds at the head of Indian brook, running westerly, as the
brook runs, to a stake on the beach, at the mouth of said In-
dian brook, crossing the end of Billingsgate point, to Barnsta-
ble bay.
THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS AND DOINGS OF THE TOV/N
FROM 1772 TO 1797, WHEN ORLEANS WAS SEPARAT-
ED FROM IT;— INCLUDING THE REVOLUTIONARY
WAR.
Rev. Jonathan Bascom was ordained over the church and
society in the south part of the town, in 1772.
We come now to a period in the history of Eastham, and
of the whole country, of deep and thrilling interest, 'a time
• This is the prefsent line between Orleans and Bicwster.
11
74
which tried men's souls.' Difficulties and troubles arose be-
tween this and the mother country, of the most alarming and
threatening aspect, in consequence of ihe heavy taxes and
unendurable burdens which England imposed on the colo-
nies. Eastham was not backward to assert the liberties and
rights which were guarantied by the charters and constitu-
tions of Great Britain to the colonies.
1773. A town meeting was called, and assembled the
twenly-sevenih of February, to deliberate and act relative to
the public grievances. Capt. Solomon Pepper being chosen
moderator, the town voted to give their representatives in-
structions touching this matter, and chose a large committee
to make a report on this subject, which was done as follows:
'Your committee chosen for this purpose, now report the following
resolutions, to be passed by this meeting —
' 1. That the several acts of the British Parliament, which are so
generally complained of by these colonies, are manifest violations of
our rights.
'2. That we should be happy if the connection might be continued
between Great Britain and these colonies, and they be governed ac-
cording to the true spirit and meaning of our several charters and the
British constitution.
*3. We justly dread the consequences which the burdens we groan
under, if not removed, must produce.
'4. That every true friend of his country who shall have the offer
of a seat as a judge in the session or court of judicature, upon such a
detestable plan, as we hear is established, will bless his memory, by
rejecting it with abhorrence ; and that all who accept as above, in-
stead of being esteemed the dispensers of justice between man and
man, will be objects of contempt.
*5. That we have aright to meet, deliberate and act on all matters
worthy of our attention, and we look upon that man or society of men,
who can sit still and see their rights and privileges and money daily
taken from them without their consent, not worthy of the name of
freemen.
'6. That we have a right to communicate our sentiments and ask
advice of any or all the towns in the province or elsewhere, if need be.'
These resolutions being offered and read by the commit-
tee, in a full town meeting, they were passed in the affirma-
tive.
75
'Then it was voted, that the rights of Americans, as stated
by the committee of Boston, are agreeable to our sentiments,
and that the inhabitants of the town of Boston deserve the
thanks of their country, for tiieir zeal and activity in the cause
of liberty, as surely they have of tliis town. It was then vot-
ed, that the above sentiments and resolutions be registered in
the town's book of records, for a memorial of the value that
we put upon our rights and privileges. Barnabas Freeman,
Thomas Paine and Joseph Cole were a committee to trans-
mit a copy of these proceedings to the committee of the town
of Boston.'
Such were the resolutions and doings of the town of East-
ham, and they had wise and good men to carry them out.
They imbibed largely the spirit and resolution of their fa-
thers, who left their native country, where they were oppress-
ed and persecuted, that they might enjoy here religious and
civil privileges.
They were by charter, when they came here, entitled to
all the liberties and immunities of free and natural subjects of
Great Britain.
They had not, by coming to this country, forfeited any of
these rights, but were, and their descendants were, entitled
to enjoy all such of them as were a{)plicable to their circum-
stances and condition here. English liberty was founded on
the right of the people to participate in their legislative coun-
cils; and as the colonies were not represented in parliament,
they had the sole and exclusive right of making laws in all
cases whatever, subject only to the king's negative, in the
way provided for by the charter of V\'illiam and Mary. The
allegiance of the colonies was due, not to the parliament,
but to llie king, because he was entitled to the crown, and
because they l)ad bound themselves in allegiance to him in
that capacity.
The parliament had for many years passed acts, not only
imposing heavy duties on imported articles of consumption
into the colonies, but also to regulate their internal policy.
The molasses and sugar act was a revenue measure, and
as such was pronounced a violation of their rights, of the
76
English constitution, and all the charters and compacts with
the colonies. So strong and determined was the opposition
to this act, that James Otis declared that if the king of Eng-
land in person was encamped on Boston common, at the head
of twenty thousand men, with all his navy on our coast, he
would not be able to execute it. As to the laws for regulat-
ing our internal policy, some of them, as the hatter's act,
and that against rolling and slitting mills, and forges, were
never carried into effect.
These and all other oppressive acts of parliament were
firmly resisted. The officers charged with the execution of
the stamp act were compelled to resign. Associations were
formed throughout the province, not to import or use any
foreign merchandise on wl)ich a duly tax was imposed. The
teas sent to Boston by the East India Company were taken
by force out of the vessels in which they were imported,
and thrown into the dock. Many officers appointed by the
king were compelled to decline.
1774. This town took measures in regard to the use and
sale of tea, as a heavy duly had been lately put upon ft by
the parliament of Great Britain, and chose a committee of
correspondence.
ThorDas Paine and Joseph Cole, with seven others, were
made a committee to report to the town concerning the sale
and use of teas, who reported:
'1. That the seven late resolves of the citizens of Philadelphia,
which the town of Boston and several other towns have adopted, are
hereby adopted, as the expression of the sentiments of this town con-
cerning' it.
'2. That the disposal of their own property is the inherent right of
freemen, and that it cannot be rightfully taken from them without their
consent.
' 3. That the duty imposed by parliament on tea landed in America,
is levyinof contributions on us without our consent; and that the claim
of parliament to tax America, is a claim of right to lay contributions
on the country at their pleasure.
'4. That the express purpose for which the tax is levied on our
country, — for the support of the government, and the administration of
justice, and the defence of his majesty's dominions, — has a strict ten-
dency to render our constitutional assemblies useless, and to introduce
an arbitrary government and slavery.
77
'5. That a virtuous and steady opposition against this ministerial
plan of governing America, is necessary to preserve even a shadow of
liberty ; and it is a duly which every freeman owes to himself, to his
country, and to posterity.
*6, That the determination which the East India Company have
lately adopted, to send their tea to America, subject to the payment
of a duty, is an open attempt to enforce the ministerial plan, and a vi-
olent attack on our liberties.
'7. That it is the duty of every American to oppose it.
'8. Tliat whosoever shall, directly or indirectly, countenance this
attempt, is an enemy to his country.'
These with several other resolutions were offered, and a-
dopted by the town of Eastham, at this lime, and were sent
to the towns of Plymouth and Boston, with the thanks of the
town, for their vigilance and care, in giving them the most
early intelligence of this alarming state of public affairs.
The town appointed a large committee of vigilance and
correspondence, who were required to make the most dili-
gent and careful search for any persons who should buy, sell,
or use this detestable article, that their names might be known
abroad, as well as at home.
On the first day of September, of this year, his Excellen-
cy Thomas Gage, Governor of Massachusetts Bay, sent out
precepts to the several towns and districts in the province,
commanding the inhabitants to return representatives to the
great and general Court, ordered to be convened at Salem,
on the fourth day of October then next. But the governor
becoming alarmed by the preparations for resisting the usur-
pations of chartered rights, by the bold spirit of the country
resolves, and the patriotic instructions of the people to their
delegates, issued an order countermanding the summons
for the meeting of the Assembly, and postponed its session
by a proclamation. Notwithstanding this, ninety of the rep-
resentatives, who had been elected in pursuance of the writs
for calling the General Assembly, niet at Salem, at the time
appointed, and after waiting a suitable lime for the governor
to administer the usual oaths, they proceeded to organize the
convention. His Honor John Hancock was chosen chair-
man, and Benjamin Lincoln, Esq., clerk.
After passing several resolves in reference to the conduct
of the governor and other royal officers, and also in reference
to the condition of the country, upon a motion made and
seconded, it was voted that 'the members present do now re-
solve themselves into a Provincial Congress, to be joined by
such other persons as have been, or may be chosen for that
purpose, to lake into consideration the dangerous and alarm-
ing situation of public afiairs in this province, and to consult
and determine on such measures, as they shall judge will
tend to promote the true interests of his majesty, and the
peace, welfare and prosperity of the province.'
The town held frequent public meetings for the purpose
of considering and acting on the condition of the troubled af-
fairs of the country, chose conmiittees of safety, and passed
resolutions of approbation in regard to the proceedings of the
Provincial Congress.
This year the town chose a committee to join with one from
Wellfleet, to propagate the growth of oysters in that bay.
177G. The town voted to give their representative in-
structions to use his influence that the Continental Congress
should declare the united colonies independent of Great Brit-
ain, and that they would defend the cause with their lives
and fortunes; and they made choice of a large committee of
correspondence and safety, according to the late resolve of
the General Court. To encourage enlistment, a bounty of
£8 was given to each man who would enlist in the conti-
nental service, and £3 to volunteers in the provincial ser-
vice. It was voted to pay five shillings per day to Mr. Amos
Knowles, for his services in representing the town in the
Provincial Congress.
1777. A committee was appointed to join with the other
committees in the county of Barnstable, that had or might be
chosen in the several towns, to meet in convention at such
time and place as might hereafter be agreed upon. The ob-
ject of this convention was to renionstrate against any civil
or military officer or officers who had been appointed by the
king, and to petition the Provincial Congress for their re-
moval, if they should think necessary, and also for some pro-
79
tection to the county, or that so many of our men might not
be called away, in our exposed situation to the enemy; and
to consult and deliberate upon any other matters which might
appear conducive to the peace and happiness of the county
of Barnstable. Solomon Pepper, Barnabas Freeman and
Amos Knowles were chosen delegates for this town.
This year the brig Wilkes, Captain Williams, was cast a-
way on the back side of the town, and much property was
stolen from the wrecked vessel. The town held a meeting
and appointed a committee to detect and bring to justice, if
possible, any persons who had committed this robbery, and
take measures to clear the character of the town in this af-
fair.
1778. Money was again raised to encourage the enlisting
of soldiers, to complete the quota of the continental army,
as required of them by the government. The town raised
iSO old tenor for each man who should go lo Fishkill in the
service, agreeable to the resolve of the General Court; also
raised f 1080 old tenor, to encourage soldiers to enlist in
the army for diflerent expeditions; and also chose a committee
to provide for the families of those men who had enlisted in
the continental army for three years or during the war; and
at a subsequent meeting raised £1500 old tenor, to carry
on the war.
1779. The question was before the town for their con-
sideration, whether they would vote to have a new constitu-
tion of government. It was taken by yeas and nays, thirty
voting in the negative and two in the affirmative.
It was agreed that the salaries of their ministers, Rev.
Messrs. Cheever and Bascom, should be £275 old tenor,
each.
It was agreed to choose a committee of eleven men to
regulate the prices of the necessaries of life, according to a
resolve of a state convention held at Concord.
The town had now become poor in consequence of the
war, which had destroyed their fisheries and commerce.
The town often petitioned the General Court to abate
their state taxes, as it was with great difficulty they could
80
support the gospel and schools among them, and pay the sol-
diers which they were required to furnish tor the service.
Their determination to defend their rights and liberties,
however, never for a moment abated, nor were their hopes
of final deliverance from British tyranny lessened.
1780. They agreed to enlist the number of men for the
continental service, which the General Court required of
them, and to pay them thirteen Spanish milled dollars per
montl), in addition to the forty shillings which was paid by
the state, and one month in advance before they marched.
At this time the paper money of the province was so depreci-
ated in value, that sixty dollars of paper were only equal to
one of silver.
The governor, lieutenant governor and senators, for the
first time were chosen by the people. In this town, John
Hancock had forty-three voles for governor; James Bow-
doin, twenty-six for lieutenant governor; and Solomon Free-
man, thirty-six for senator.
1781. The town hired four men to join the army in
Rhode Island, and agreed to pay each of them per month
sixteen bushels of grain and two silver dollars, and to bear
their expenses on the way. These men were David Taylor,
Benoni Baker, Nathaniel Knovvles and Abijah Mayo.
The government passed a resolve that this and the other
towns in the county should furnish a quantity of beef for
the army, which requisition they felt themselves unable to
comply with, and appointed a committee to confer with the
other towns, which resulted in the choice of Doctor John
Davis as their agent to present their petition to the Court,
praying that the requisition of the twentieth of October, 1781,
might be remitted, and that a committee of the Court be ap-
pointed to inquire into the ability of the lower towns in the
county.
Agreed to instruct their representative to use his influence
concerning the fisheries in the northern states, in case arti-
cles of peace should be offered.
John Hancock had forty-seven votes for governor.
1782. The town chose a committee to wait on tl.e com-
81
mittee from the General Court, to collect and lay before
them all the debts of the town, and those of individuals due
to other towns, and also the difficulties and distresses of the
town.
John Hancock had fifty-four votes for governor.
1783. Doct. Samuel Cheever, Amos Knowles and Jon-
athan Linnell were chosen to present a petition to the Gen-
eral Court, praying an abatement of iheir poition of the pub-
lic taxes.
This year was memorable for the happy termination of tlie
horrors of war with Great Britain, which had for almost eight
years been an awful scourge to our county.
These feeble colonies, by the assistance of the God of
battles, endured every privation and suflering, for tlie main-
tenance of their rights and liberties, and obtained from Great
Britain an acknowledgement of their independence. From
this moment the United Slates of America claimed existence
among the nations of ilie world, and no people ever advanc-
ed wiih more rapid steps to pre-eminence in national glory
and importance.
Joy and gladness pervaded every town in the country; a
day of thanksgiving and praise to God was appointed by the
government, and observed by all the religious denominations
in the land.
Soon the town of Easlham began to recover from the mis-
erable poverty into which the war had plunged the inhabi-
tants. The fishermen and those engaged in commerce, went
forth unmolested upon the broad expanse of ocean, to gather
up its riches and repair their losses.
When the war was declared against Great Briiain, the
Continental Congress had no money to carry it on; and hav-
ing no power to lay taxes, their only recourse was to issue
bills of credit, and pledge the faith of the colonies for tlieir
\ redemption. These bills of credit for a time passed as cur-
rently as gold and silver; but as the amount that was neces-
sary to defray the public expenses very much exceeded the
quantity of the specie ciiculating medium, the bills soon be-
gan and continued to depreciate until 1780, when they be-
12
82
came worthless. They remained so until 1790, when Con-
gress passed an act to redeem this paper money, at the rate
of one hundred dollars in bills for one in specie. The whole
amount issued at different times during the war, was two hun-
dred millions of dollars, and yet they were worth in gold and
silver three hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars only.
The whole cost of their independence to the people of the
United States is believed to have been about one hundred
and forty millions of dollars.
John Hancock had fifty-five votes for governor.
1784. John Hancock had forty-eight votes for governor.
1785. The town again prayed the General Court for an
abatement of the public taxes, and appointed Col. Job Crock-
er as an agent to present their petition.
This year a petition was sent to the General Court, re-
specting the valuation which was to be taken, representing a
change in their circumstances.
A committee was sent down by the General Court, to
view the town, and to inquire into their ability, or otherwise,
to pay their portion of the public expenses.
A committee was appointed to procure a grammar school-
master.
Measures were taken to prevent the people of other towns
from digging clam bait within the limits of the town.
John Hancock had fifty-one votes for governor.
1786. The town was districted for the greater benefit of
the schools, and each district drew its proportion of the mon-
ey which was raised for school purposes.
Edward Knowles was deacon of the north church.
1790. Elijah Knowles, Amos Knowles and Isaac Spar-
row were appointed as a committee to draft a petition to the
General Court, for the purpose of regulating the fisheries.
A committee was also appointed to settle the bounds be-
tween the proprietors* meadows on the northern part of Po-
chet island.
1793. John Hancock had forty-nine votes for governor.
1794. Samuel Adams had fifty-five votes for governor.
1795. Mr. Philander Shaw of Marsbfield, son of Rev.
83
William Shaw, pastor of the church in that town, was heard
as a candidate; when a committee of five, Elijah Knowles,
Esq., Dea. Joseph Pepper, Mr. Jonathan Linnell, Dea.
Samuel Smith and Col. Elisha Cohb, were chosen to con-
sider the amount of settlement and salary which should be
given to Mr. Shaw as an encouragement to undertake the
work of the ministry. They reported as follows: That they
should give Mr. Shaw £80 salary and £200 settlement.
This report was accepted and voted by the town. At an
adjourned meeting the town reconsidered this vote, and sent
a committee to Mr. Shaw, who returned with the following:
* To the Gentlemen of the Toivn of Eastham:
'I am informed, by your committee, that you have offered me the
sum of £200 settlement, and £80 as an annual salary, to settle with
you as minister of the north parish in this town. It is my request that
you further add to the salary, the sum of £10.
'PHILANDER SHAW.'
The above request was read and voted; that is, to give
Mr. Shaw £200 settlement and £90 salary; and he was or-
<]ained September 23, 1795.
His father was the son of the Rev. John Shaw of Bridge-
water, who had four sons, three of whom received a public
education, and were ministers of the gospel, and the other a
physician, who practised his profession in his native town.
Mr. Shaw married his first wife in this town, Miss Dor-
cas Doane, daughter of Mr. Joel Doane; his second wife
was Miss Lucy Crocker, daughter of Mr. Alvan Crocker of
Barnstable. He sustained the pastoral relation lo this peo-
ple till October 10, 1841, a period of a little more than for-
ty-one years, when he died, aged seventy-three years. Re-
vivals of religion were enjoyed in the town at some periods
of his ministry. In the winter of 1837 and '38, he repre-
sented the town of Eastham in the legislature of the state
v/ith reputation. After his connection with the parish was
dissolved, which was about two years before his death, he
did not abandon the sacred office, but preached occasionally,
with acceptance, in his own and the neighboring parishes.
As a preacher his ,voice was strong, and his articulation clear
84
and distinct. His sermons were evangelical, and rich in
thonght. His last illness was attended with triumphant faith
in his Redeemer. 'I once thought or feared,' said he, 'that
when I came to my journey's end, I should be down in the
valley; but instead of that, I am on Mount Pisgah, looking
into the promised land, and waiting my departure.' No
record of the number admitted to the church during his min-
istry has been found.
1795. The question came up respecting the revision of
the constitution of the stale, and by order of the General
Court the town was required to express their opinion in
town meeting by their votes, which they did, nineteen voting
for a revision, and four against it.
An agent was chosen to answer in behalf of the town to a
complaint made by the town of Bridgewater, on account of
one Benjamin Webb, a pauper. He is supposed to have
been the son of the former minister of Eastham. Mr. Webb
spent his life as a school-teacher.
The town voted to add £10 to the Rev. Mr. Bascom's
salary; also to pay Seth Knowles' bill for the use of his
house, and for cooks and other necessaries for the ordination
of the Rev. Mr. Shaw.
1796. It was agreed to divide tlie town into two pre-
cincts, and a committee was chosen to carry this agreement
into effect.
Before this time, from 171S, when the south parish and
church were organized, both had acted together, as one, in
the call, settlement and support of the ministers, giving to
each the same amount of salary and privileges; in building
and repairing of the meeting-houses, parsonages, and all oth-
er expenses; which were paid by a tax on the polls and es-
tates of the whole town, except Billingsgate.
Simeon Kingman and Amos Knowles were appointed hum-
bly to petition the great and General Court, to cause a line
and boundaries between this town and Chatham to be estab-
lished.
This petition was granted by the Court, and a committee
of that body sent down to establish this line.
85
The town voted to raise by tax one thousand and sixty-six
dollars and sixty-six cents for the support of the gospel, the
town schools and other public charges.
Elijah Knovvles, Esq., died this year. He had represent-
ed the town nine years in succession in the General Court,
and was one of the most distinguished men of the town, being
often employed in other public ofHces of trust and importance.
His death was deeply lamented by all who knew him.
1797. The question came up for a division of the town,
which was agreed to, and a petition was sent to the General
Court, praying that honorable body to sanction their doings,
and to pass an act to incorporate the southerly part thereof
into a township by the name of Orleans.
Dea. Joseph Pepper, being now the only selectman in the
town of Eastham, was by legal authority required to warn a
town meeting for the choice of officers and other business
proper to be done at said meeting. He issued a warrant
notifying all the legal voters to meet at the meeting-house,
on Wednesday the fifteenth day of March, 1797, to choose
the necessary town oflicers, and a committee to settle ail ac-
counts with the town of Orleans. John Doane, Benjamin
Clark and Samuel Freeman were chosen as said committee.
They met the committee of Orleans, chosen for the same
purpose, at the house of Mrs. Keziah Harding, innhold-
er, of Orleans, on the 11th day of May, and reported that
the town of Orleans was indebted to the town of Eastham
in the sum of two hundred and seventeen dollars and twenty-
five cents; that the town of Orleans should have all the out-
standing taxes in that town; that the town of Eastham should
pay to the town of Orleans, as soon as any of the tribe of
Potanumaquiet Indians should becoine chargeable, thirteen
dollars and ninety-three cents, it being the proceeds of lands
sold by Micah Ralph, by order of the General Court; also,
that ail the former town records of Eastham should belong to
Orleans, with all other books belonging to them in common.
The ammunition was divided equally between the towns, be-
ing fifty-one pounds of powder, seven hundred and twenty-
four pounds of lead and three hundred and ninety-four flints.
86
Two school-houses were built l»y the town at the expense
of four hundred dollars, one in die south and the other in the
north part of the town; also Dea. Benjamin Clark was paid
fifty dollars for his attendance on the General Court.
1799. Seth Knovvles and others obtained liberty of the
town to dig a canal from Herring pond, across the road near
Timothy Cole's, into Great Meadow river, for the purpose
of letting in herrings. They were to have the benefit of the
fishery for fifty years, and obligated themselves to maintain a
bridge over said canal in the town road.
The first salt manufactured by solar evaporation in this
town was made by Dea. John Knowles. During the revo-
lutionary war it was made by boiling salt water in large ket-
tles. This process was slow and expensive. The price of
salt at that lime was one dollar per bushel. After this time,
large sums of money were invested in salt works.
On the fourteenth of December, 1799, George Washing-
ton, the illustrious and beloved father of his country, paid
the debt of nature; and throughout the United States, all
classes of people mourned the event as a great national ca-
lamity. It was recommended by the public authorities that
the twenty-second of February, 1800, his birth-day, be con-
secrated by the whole community to the remembrance of the
savior of our country. The event was noticed in this town.
Grief and sorrow were depicted on every countenance; and
the whole people, as one family, bewailed the death of their
common father.
Samuel Freeman, Esq., was appointed by the general gov-
ernment to take the census of eight of the lower towns in the
county of Barnstable.
A ship from Virginia, with a cargo of tobacco, bound to
Boston, was driven on shore by a violent gale of wind, in
December, a little to the north of Nauset harbor. The crew
were landed in safety, the tobacco in a damaged state. The
owner allowed the inhabitants one quarter for landing and
drying it. The ship was got off and taken to Boston. Dur-
ing the same storm a ship loaded with salt was driven on
shore near the same place. The vessel and cargo were lost,
but the crew were saved.
87
The town chose a commiitee to view the broken lands
between the meeting-house and Richard Atvvood's.
1800. The town was represented in the General Court
for the first time since the division, by Elislia Mayo, Esq
Another district school-house was built at the expense of
the town.
In this and the following year, the votes of the town were
almost unanimously given lor Governor Strong.
The town agreed to build a house, seventeen by sixteen
feet, for the widow Betty Doane, whose house had been
burnt; and a building committee was chosen.
At this time there was but one denomination of Christians
in the town, all worshiping in the same house, which was
too small for their accommodation, owing to the increase of
the population. It was resolved therefore to enlarge it, and
a commiitee was appointed to superintend the work; also,
voted that the town pay twelve dollars for a pulpit cushion,
and eight dollars for military colors. The expense of enlarg-
ing the house was fifteen hundred and sixty-two dollars and
forty-one cents, and the new pews were sold for two thous-
and and ten dollars, bringing into the town treasury four
hundred and twenty-seven dollars and thirty-eight cents.
The town voted to raise one hundred and twenty dollars
for the support of the district schools; also to divide the
town into four districts.
1804. The town chose a large and respectable commit-
tee to ascertain the practicabiliiy of digging a canal from
Town cove into Boat Meadow river, and thus connect the
waters of the ocean with the bay, for the purposes of naviga-
tion. This committee was to be joined by another from
Orleans, chosen for this purpose, and to petition the General
Court for leave to raise the money by a lottery. The canal
was opened and the water flowed through at high tide, but
the project failed.
1806. The ship Confidence, Isaiah Knowles, master,
which sailed from Boston for Africa, was upset in a violent
gale near the end of the Cape, and driven into the bay, on
the west side of the town, with the loss of all her crew.
1809. Ellsha Mayo, Esq., was appointed an agent, by
the town, to meet, at Orleans, other agents, to be appointed
by the other towns in the county of Barnstable, to petition
Congress for a port of entry in this county.
The town raised thirty-one dollars for the support of sing-
ing.
The enforcement of the embargo law which was enacted
by Congress, caused great suffering on the sea-coast and
throughout our commercial community. Eastham and all
Cape Cod was most severely affected by it. Navigation was
entirely suspended, and our seamen were deprived of their
employment and the means of supporting their families.
1812. War was declared by our government against
Great Britain, in consequence of her claims in derogation
of our rights as a neutral nation, and her practice under that
claim of impressing naturalized and native American citizens
into her service. About this measure of the government
there was much division of opinion, and many opposed it.
This town was unanimously in favor of peace, but passed
no votes or resolutions against the war. The consequence
of the war was, that very soon the fisheries were entirely in-
terrupted. In these the inhabitants were principally employ-
ed, and by them a very large portion were supported.
All communication by water, with Boston and other com-
mercial cities, was cut off, except in small boats running round
by the shore, and that with much danger of being taken by
the enemy, whose ships were anchored in Provincetown har-
bor, and who sent their barges to cruise about the bay. A
number of boats and some of our packets were taken, while
attei7ipting to pass to and from Boston. A number of sea-
men belonging to this town were taken by the enemy in this
war.
1814. An incident connected with the history of this
town is worthy of notice, as it shows the wisdom and cour-
age of one of the inhabitants.
Capt. Matthew H. Mayo, accompanied by Capt. Wins-
low L. Knovvles, left this town, in a whale boat loaded with
rye, bound to Boston, where they arrived in safety. Hav-
89
ing sold their rye, ihey purchased articles for their own fam-
ihes and others, and exchanged their boat for one somewhat
larger. In attempting to make their passage home, when
near the Gurnet, they discovered a pink-stern schooner of a-
bout sixty tons, at anchor within range of cannon shot of
them, apparently fishing, with five' men on deck. Suddenly
a cannon was discharged, the shot of which struck the water
about fifty feet from them; keeping on their course, another
shot fell only a few feet short and skipped over them, on
which they hove to, and the schooner ran alongside their
boat. Capt. Mayo secretly threw over his valuable spy-
glass, that it might not fall into their hands.
They were taken on board the schooner and conveyed to
the British man-of-war Spencer, where they were kept three
days, when an offer was made to ransom themselves and
boat for three hundred dollars; and for that purpose Capt.
Knowles was permitted to go to Boston, to obtain the money,
but was there advised by his friends and a certain naval offi-
cer to give up the scheme.
Capt. Mayo having remained seven days in the ship, was
put on board of the schooner that took him, as a pilot, with
three British officers and twenty men, well armed with a
brass four pounder, muskets, pistols, cutlasses, boarding
pikes and other weapons, and ordered to cruise in the bay.
After two days they were overtaken by a severe north-
west wind. Capt. Mayo advised them to make a harbor un-
der Billingsgate Point; hut it being his intention to deceive
the enemy, and, if possible, to recapture the vessel and make
prisoners of all on board, he anchored in bad holding ground.
The gale still continuing, he went forward unobserved, and
with his penknife partly severed the cable, which soon part-
ed. He then advised the officers to make a harbor to the
leeward, about ten miles distant.
He had previously picked the lock of the first officer's
writing desk, and obtained a pair of brass pistols, which he
secreted under his jacket.
The schooner soon grounded on the flats of Eastham.
The officers now suspected that he had deceived them; but
13
90
Capt. Mayo assured them that they had only struck on the out-
er bar, and would soon beat over, and advised the men to go
below, as they might be suspected by the people who began
to collect on the shore. He gave them a gimblet, with which
they tapped a cask of West India rum, and drank till they
were intoxicated.
The schooner soon began to heel over, as the tide ebbed,
and the officers, finding they were deceived, ordered their
men on deck for the purpose of resistance. Capt. Mayo
immediately threw overboard the arms that were on deck,
drew out his pistols and threatened to shoot any one who
should attempt his life.
He went on shore and requested the people who had as-
sembled there, to notify the proper authoriiies of his circum-
stances. The militia were ordered out and took possession
of the vessel, officers and men, and marched them up to the
public house of Mr. Thomas Crosby, where they were put
under guard for that night. In the morning they were or-
dered to the barn of Mr. George Collins, and a guard placed
over them; but they were soon permitted to escape, and
taking a boat at the shore, went on board of their ship.
The commander sent a barge, and demanded of the town
twelve hundred dollars in specie, threatening that, if it was not
paid in twenty-fo(!r hours, he would land with a force suffi-
cient to burn, indiscriminately, the vessels, dwelling-houses
and salt-works of the inhabitants.
The deputy marshal of the district, having been informed
of the capture of the vessel and crew, demanded the prison-
ers and their baggage; but they having escaped to the Brit-
ish ship, he took the arms and baggage. He also demanded
the vessel, which belonged lo persons in Duxbury; but the
proper authorities secured her to Capt. Mayo, who justly
considered that she was his property. The owners in Dux-
bury afterwards paid him two hundred dollars for the vessel.
If the prisoners had not been permitted to escape, he would
have been entitled to thirty dollars for each of them.
The officer of the barge now peremptorily demanded the
money, or he would immediately execute his threats, upon
91
which the comri)ittee of safety requested some delay, and
pennission to visit the coininodore on board of iiis ship, and
return in twenty-four hours. Finally they paid two hundred
dollars for the baggage taken from the prisoners by the dep-
uty marshal, and one thousand for the protection of the town.
The money was receipted for by the commodore, with a
written promise not to take or destroy any property belong-
ing to the inhabitants of the town of Easiham during the war.
This matter being settled, the British forces left the shore
for their ships.
The selectmen were the committee of safety, and the town
voted to pay all necessary charges occasioned by the British
in threatening to land.
The payment of money for the protection of the town
seems to have been unwise and unnecessary. It can be ac-
counted for only from the great alarm and fear which pervad-
ed the minds of the people, of which the enemy took advan-
tage. On cool reflection, it would appear inipossible for
them to have executed their threat. There was no thickly
inhabited village, the salt-works were scattered at a distance
on the shore, and the flats extend a mile or more, and are
dry at low water. The militia of this and the neighboring
towns, wilh an artillery company having two brass pieces,
from Brewster, were on the spot, ready to repel any attempt
to land.
The town voted to pay those persons who boarded the
militia when called out for defence against the enemy, ten
cents per meal.
During the war a number of men from this town were en-
gaged in privateering. Four of them, Samuel Freeman, Jr.,
Joseph Snow, Josiah Smith and Matthew H. Mayo, were in
ihe Reindeer, Capt. Nathaniel Snow. They were ordered
to cruise from the mouth of the English Channel to the Bay
of Biscay, to intercept a fleet of East Indiamen. They fell
in with it on the coast of France, but as it was under a
strong convoy, they let it pass.
Subsequently they captured six prizes, from which they
took part of their cargoes, and burnt some of the vessels.
92
One of them was an Englisli brig under Spanish colors, on
board of which ihey put a prize-master, and ordered her to
the United States; but she was retaken on the passage.
They fell in with another fleet of merchantmen under a
strong convoy, and remaining near it till dark, they engaged
one of the vessels, which they were on the point of taking,
when one of the convoy coming to her relief, they drew off,
and returned to Boston, having been absent five months.
There were five other men from this place, in the Brutus,
commanded by Capt. Austin, of Boston. They had a num-
ber of severe engagements and took several prizes. After
ihe war, Capt. Austin removed to Texas, and established a
colony which bears his name.
Others, among whom was Capt. Winslow L. Knowles,
engaged in this business with considerable success.
Mr. John Cook, of this town, was in the sanguinary but
victorious battle of Lake Erie. He belonged to the flag
ship of Com. Perry.
1815. The difficulties between this country and Great
Britain being settled by a treaty, the people returned to their
former employments, and were permitted again to sit under
their own vines and fig trees, having none to molest or make
them afraid.
Thus ended the war, in which our country nobly defended
her rights, and her small but gallant navy most honorably and
victoriously, both on the ocean and the lakes, performed
their duty.
1816. This town has generally been very healthy, and
free from epidemical diseases, but this year, in which a most
fearful and fatal sickness prevailed, will long be remembered.
It commenced its ravages in the south part of the town, but
soon extended to every neighborhood and almost every fam-
ily. The first person who died with the disease was buried
on the eighteenth of January, and from that time to the thir-
tieth of May, it swept off seventy-two persons, about one
eleventh of the whole population. The old, the middle
Jiged and the young were indiscriminately cut down by the
fell destroyer. Five were buried in one day, and there was
93
seldom a day, from the first of February to the twentieth of
March, without a funeral. Those who were well could hard-
ly take care of the sick. The most successful prescriptions
that were made were powerful emetics and cathartics.
The assistance and advice of the physicians of the neighbor-
ing towns were had, but yet the greater portion of those who
were visited with this sickness died. The cause of this un-
common epidemic could not be determined by physicians or
others. The weather was noted for its sudden changes from
extreme cold to very warm.
The town most humanely voted to pay the physicians the
amount of their bills, during the sickness, in cases where the
individuals or families were not able to do it.
The town voted to lease the Great pond to Joshua P. At-
wood and others, for fifty years, on the condition that a canal
be dug out in ten years so as to bring in salt water.
1819. The town appointed Harding Knowles their agent
to settle with the town of Standish, in the State of Maine,
respecting two paupers who were formerly inhabitants of
Eastham.
In December, 1820, the ship Rolla, from Surinam, bound
to Newburyport, with a cargo of molasses and thirteen thous-
and dollars in specie, was driven ashore on Nauset beach in
the night. The vessel being old, was soon rendered a com-
plete wreck, and all but three of her crew and passengers
were lost. The survivors found their way to the house of
Freeman Doane, where they were hospitably entertained ten
days, without any compensation. A gentleman of New-
buryport lost an only son, who was washed from the deck
after the ship struck.
The brig Massachusetts. Capt. Hubbard, from Bremen,
with a valuable assorted cargo, bound to Boston, was by a
wrong calculation run ashore on this beach. The cargo was
landed in safety, carted across the Cape, and freighted to
Boston, by Messrs. Doane and Knowles, on a contract for
eleven hundred and fifty dollars.
In 1820, the Methodist Episcopal church was instituted in
this town, through the influence of a camp-meeling held in
94
Wellfleet, in August, 1819. A number of persons from this
place, who attended the meeting, became awakened to a sense
of their lost condition as sinners, and began to inquire most
earnestly 'what they should do to be saved?'
The Rev. E. Wiley, who was then stationed in Wellfleet,
often preached here, and the result was, that an extensive re-
vival of religion was enjoyed in different parts of the town.
A large number of persons were brought to ihe knowledge
of salvation by the remission of their sins. This was the ori-
gin of the Methodist society in Eastham, but it was attached
to the Wellfleet circuit, which continued under the charge of
Mr. Wiley until the next session of the New England con-
ference, in June, 1820.
The Rev. Edward Hide succeeded Mr. Wiley in the
charge of the circuit, and his labors were enjoyed by both
branches of the society during the year, in which time they
so increased, that the next year, Mr. Hide being re-appoint-
ed to the same charge, in connection with the Rev. Heman
Perry, took up his residence here, and supplied them through
the year.
In 1821, the Methodist meeting-house was built. It is a
neat and commodious house, sufficiently large to accommo-
date all who belong to the society and attend the meeting,
being at the present time nearly two thirds of all the inhabi-
tants of the town.
In 1822, the circuit was supplied with the joint labors of
Mr. Perry and the Rev. L. Bennett. Mr. Hide, having
been appointed to the office of presiding elder for the Bos-
ton district, visited this place quarterly, it being within the
limits of his circuit.
This society remained in connection with the Wellfleet cir-
cuit until June, 1823, when it was constituted a separate
station and distinct charge.
This year the Rev. Nathan Paine was appointed to the
charge of this church and society, for two years. At this
time the church was composed of about one hundred mem-
bers.
Since this, the following preachers have been apppointed
to the church and congregation in succession:
95
1825, Rev. E. K. Avery, one year.
1826, Rev. Benjamin Keath, two years.
1828, Rev. Frederic Upham, one year.
1829, Rev. Joel Steel, two years.
1831, Rev. H. Brovvnson, two years.
1833, Rev. Lemuel Harlow, one year.
1834, Rev. T. W. Brown, two years.
1836, Rev. Warren Emerson, two years.
1338, Rev. Thomas Ely, one year.
1839, Rev. Josiaii Litch, two years.
1841, Rev. E. W. Jackson, one year.
1842, Rev. 0. Robbins, two years.
This church has enjoyed interesting revivals from time to
time since its organization, with more or less accession near-
ly every year; but it has suffered many losses, by removal
and death, especially in 1843, when several valuable and use-
ful members were removed by death, as we humbly trust,
to the church triumphant.
The number in the church now, including a few in South
Wellfleet, is one hundred and eighty-five.
CAMP-MEETINGS IN THIS TOWN.
The first of these meetings was held in 1828. After this
time, to 1836, three others were held. This year, the
ground and grove, containing about ten acres, was purchased
by an association formed for that purpose, and an act of in-
corporation was obtained from the General Court in 1838.
It is called Millennium Grove. It is a most beautiful and
attractive spot, and exceedingly well located and adapted for
this purpose. It is near the shore of the bay, where steam-
boats and other vessels land their passengers.
These meetings have brought together very large numbers,
not only of the Methodist denomination but of all other soci-
eties. It has been supposed that nearly five thousand per-
sons have been on the ground at the same time, so that the
strictest regulations have been found necessary to preserve
that order and attention which such a meeting den)ands.
It commences on Tuesday, and continues till the follow-
ing Monday. The attendance is much larger on the Sabbath
than on any other day. '
9G
The exercises are, three sermons delivered from the stand
each day, and prayer and exhortatory meetings in the centre
of the camp, and in the tents during the intermissions, except
at meal times. A large and convenient house has been
erected for the accommodation of the ministers; and tents
for the congregation are so arranged as to form a circle, in
which they sleep; in the rear they cook and take their meals.
These meetings for some years were greatly blessed; large
numbers were hopefully converted, and many backsliders re-
claimed; but recently this does not seem to be the happy re-
sult, and the same is true of other protracted meetings.
The reason of this failure must be resolved either into the
sovereign pleasure of God, or that there has been more of a
secular spirit and interest connected with them than former-
It being held on the Sabbath is the occasion of the most
lamentable violation of that sacred day, by persons who at-
tend with no serious or religious motives.*
1820. Samuel Freeman, Esq., was chosen by the town a
delegate to the convention to be holden in Boston, for the
revision of the constitution of the Commonwealth.
In 1821, Governor Brooks had the unanimous vote of the
town.
In 1826, Harding Knowles, Esq., fell from his pump-
mill, and survived but three days. He was a highly re-
spected citizen, represented the town in the General Court,
and held the office of a selectman and an assessor fifteen
years. His death was much lamented by his friends and
townsmen.
1827. The ship Maine, Capt. Davis, from Baiavia, via
Cadiz, with a cargo of salt and lead, and eighty thousand dol-
lars in specie, was cast on shore at the entrance of Nauset
harbor. The lead and specie were safely landed, and the
vessel being hove off, was taken to Boston.
In 1829, the temperance reform was comn)enced in this
town, through the influence of the Rev. Mr. Woodbury of
Falmouth, and the foundation was laid of the first temper-
* Abstract from the history of this society, by the Rev. O. Robbing in charge.
97
ance society in Eastham. It has, for some years, embraced
the largest portion of the inhabitants, and has been the instru-
ment of producing almost an entire abandonment of the use
of intoxicating liquors, and of invaluable benefit to the morals
and happiness of this community.
This year the old meeting-house was taken down, and a
new and commodious house was built, about one mile and
a half to the northward.
The brig Creole was driven on shore near Nauset harbor.
She was from New Orleans, bound to Boston, with a cargo
of cotton, which was landed in safety, taken over the Cape,
and freighted to Boston. The vessel was also got off and
taken to the same place, by T^Iessrs. Doane and Knowles,
for eleven hundred and fifty dollars.
The town chose a committee to put in force the law against
the sale of spirituous liquors, and agreed to have one licensed
retailer of ardent spirits in town.
1S31. The brig Java, from Java for Boston, with a car-
go of coffee and nutmegs, was driven on shore at the entrance
of Nauset harbor, in a thick snow storm. She was boarded
from the shore with boats, and her crew were landed in safe-
ty. In a few days she became a complete wreck, and her car-
go was scattered on the beach. The inhabitants of Eastham
and Orleans saved large quantities of coffee and some casks
of nutmegs, for which they were allowed a liberal salvage.
1834. It was voted to divide the town into six school
districts.
1836. A number of families living in the south part of
the tov.n, sent a petition to the General Court, praying to be
set off to the town of Orleans. The town appointed the se-
lectmen as a committee to remonstrate against this petition,
which prevented its being granted.
1837. George Collins was authorized by the selectmen
to receive the town's proportion of the surplus revenue, which,
by an act of Congress, was distributed to the different States,
according to their population, and by this State to all the
towns on the same principle. Eastham received twenty-one
hundred dollars.
14
93
Voted to build a bridge over Boat river, and defray the
expense with a part of this money.
Two families, living near Rock harbor, with their proper-
ties, were by an act of the General Court set off to the town
of Orleans.
1838. Voted to loan the remainder of the surplus reve-
nue to individuals in the town, in sums not less than twenty-
five dollars, and to apply the interest annually to the support
of town schools.
1839. In October this coast was visited by a tremendous
storm, which continued thirty-six hours. Many lives were lost,
and much property in shipping and salt-works was destroyed.
Daniel H. Babcock was ordained over the Congregation-
al church and society, and dismissed in 1840. He was a
native of Ohio, and graduated at the Western Reserve Col-
lege. After his dismission, he supplied the South parish in
Yarmouth one year, and is now settled in Cohasset.
Rev. Stillman Pratt supplied this society six months, and
was then settled in Adams.
After hitn, the Rev. Solomon Hardy took charge of the
church and society about two years, and died here, Septem-
ber, 1842. He was born in Hollis, N. H., graduated at
Middlebury College, 1824, studied his profession at the An-
dover seminary, after which he preached a number of years
in the Western states, when he returned and took charge of
the church and society in South Wellfleet, where he remain-
ed three years. He was much devoted to the cause of re-
ligion, and his labors were blessed. He died greatly lament-
ed, not only by his bereaved widow, but by his brethren in
the ministry and all who knew him. His health was always
feeble, but he was strongly supported by the presence of his
Savior in his last sickness, and died with an unshaken hope
of a blessed immortality.
Since his death the church and society have had the labors
of the Rev. E. Pratt.
It is now two hundred years since this ancient church was
planted. It was the third emigration from the Plymouth
church, composed of the Pilgrims, — has had five ordain-
99
ed minislers, and four ineeiing-liouses. The blessings of
heaven ofieii iu former years came down upon the place,
to make [successful the labors of its devoted ministers; but
the numbers who have been added to the church during the
ministry of each, cannot be ascertained, as no records kept
by them are found. Present number, fifty-six. The church
and society has now become so small and feeble, that they
are unable to support an ordained minister to reside with
them.
EDUCATION.
In 1678, the town voted to raise money to continue the
school. This is the earliest notice of a school in the town
found in the records, and the amount is not stated. It is
probable that the first settlers provided for the education of
their children, as well as for the support of a minister.
Money was annually appropriated for this purpose an(I
other town charges, without specifying the sum, until 1700,
when the town agreed to pay the school-masters ten pence per
week for each child.
In 1709, the town was presented by the Court for not
having a school-master.
In 1713, a committee was appointed to regulate the school
for the greater benefit of the inhabitants, who established it
one year in the middle, and the next in the south part of the
town.
In 1718, Mr. Nehemiah Hobart was the school-master,
and ihe town agreed to pay him £10 above his salary, for
assisting Mr. Treat in the ministry.
In 1723, the school is noticed, also in 1749, and 1754.
In 1757, a large committee was appointed by the town to
regulate and superintend the schools.
100
In 1763, the north precinct was set oft' and incorporated
as a separate district or township, and on a settlement be-
tween them of money raised for the support of the schools,
Eastham paid to Welifleet j£21, 10s., as their part of the
money then in the treasury for six months schooling. This
was about one third part of the sum raised by the whole
town, making for a whole year, jE129.
In 1773, the town set up a grammar school; also raised
£26, 13s. Sd. for teaching reading, writing and arithmetic.
In 1779, in a petition which the town sent to the General
Court, for an abatement of their taxes, the reason given was,
that they had great difficulty in supporting the gospel and
schools among them.
In 1785, the grammar school is mentioned as continued.
In 1786, the town was districted for the greater benefit of
the schools, and each district drew from the treasury their
proportion of the money which was raised for this purpose.
In 1796, money was raised for the support of the schools.
In 1797, two school-houses were built, which cost the
town four hundred dollars.
In 1800, a district school-house was built.
In 1803, one hundred and twenty dollars was raised for
the support of the town school; also, two school-houses
were built.
From this time to 1813, the town annually appropriated
two hundred dollars for the support of the district schools.
From this date to 1833, three hundred dollars were annually
raised for this purpose; and from that to the present time,
four hundred dollars annually.
Valuation, $127,764 00. Number of public schools, 5.
Number of children between four and sixteen, 340.
It is not known that any of the sons of Eastham have re-
ceived a collegiate education. The town schools have been
greatly improved within the last thirty years. Teachers of
higher qualifications, and books better adapted to the capaci-
ties of the children, have been obtained. The school-hous-
es during the present year have been altered, and construct-
ed for the greater convenience and comfort of the teachers
and children, and the districts reduced to five.
101
The public buildings in the town, are five school-houses,
two meeting-houses, and there are two wind-njiils for grind-
ing grain. About seventy thousand feet of salt-works are
owned in the town. Tiiere are two vessels owned here that
fish on the 'Banks' for codfish, several that fish for mackerel
and the Boston market, and one packet.
There are about one hundred and seventy families, and one
hundred and fifty dwelling-houses. Although the land has
generally become poor by the injudicious mode of farming
in former years, yet a larger quantity of grain is now raised
than in other towns in the county, according to the number
of acres which it contains. A considerable attention is giv-
en to the raising of vegetables for Provincetown and Well-
fleet markets, beyond what is required for home consumption.
CENSUS.
1644 49*
1663 275
1676 520
1703 . . . . . 948
1749 2000
1764t 1331
1790 2064
1797t 840
1800 800
1810 782
1820 766
1830 ..... 966
1840 955
* Seven families. fTlie year after Wellfleet was separated,
X After the separation of Orleans.
102
DEPUTIES TO THE OLD COLONY COURT AT PLYMOUTH.
1647 — Edward Bansrs and Dea. John Doane.
1648 — Joseph Cook and Richard Higgins.
1649 — Dea. John Doane and Richard Higgins.
1650 — Edward Bangs and Joseph Cook.
1651 — Nicholas Snow and Dea. John Freeman.
1652 — Dea. John Freeman and Josias Cook.
1653 — Nicholas Snow and Joseph Cook.
[From 1654 to 1659, the record of deputies chosen by
the town is lost.]
1660 — Dea. John Freeman* and John Cole.
1661 — Richard Higgins and John Cole.
1662 — Josiah Cook and Daniel Cole.
1663 — Josiah Cook and Edward Bangs.
1664 — Edward Bangs and John Cole.
1665 — Richard Higgins and Josiah Cook.
1666 — Dea. John Freeman and Josiah Cook.
1667 — Richard Higgins and Daniel Cole.
1668 and '69 — No record of deputies.
1670 — Daniel Cole and William Nickerson.
1671 — Jabez Cook and Thomas Paine.
1672 — Daniel Cole and Jonathan Sparrow.
1673 — Dea. John Doane and Jonathan Sparrow.
1674 — Jonathan Sparrow and Jonathan Bangs.
1675 — Jonathan Sparrow.
1676— Jonathan Bangs.
1677 — Jonathan Sparrow and Mark Snow.
1678 — Thomas Paine and Jonathan Sparrow.
1679, '80 and '81 — No deputies.
1682 — Jonathan Sparrow and Jonathan Bangs.
1683 — Jonathan Bangs and Jonathan Sparrow.
1684 — Jonathan Sparrow and Dea. John Doane.
1685 — Dea. John Doane and Jonathan Sparrow.
1686 — Jonathan Sparrow and Mark Snow.
1687 and '88 — Jonathan Bangs.
1689 — Dea. John Doane and Mark Snow.
1690 — Jonathan Sparrow and Thomas Paine.
* Dea. Freeman was for several years an Assistant to the Governor.
10[
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT OF MAS-
SACHUSET'J'^5 AT BOSTON.
1692 — Capt. Jona. Sparrow. 1724 — John Paine.
Ensign Jona. Bangs.
93 — Thomas Smith.
94 — John Doane, Jr.
95 — Thomas Smith.
96 — Thomas Paine.
97 — Samuel Freeman.
98— Israel Cole.
99 — Jona. Sparrow.
1700— Israel Cole.
01 — John Doane, Jr.
02 — Jona. Sparrow.
03— John Paine.
04 — Capt. Sam'l Freeman.
05
06 — Samuel Knowles.
07 — Samuel Knowles.
OS — Samuel Knowles.
09— John Paine.
1710 — Samuel Knowles.
11 — Samuel Mayo.
12 — Samuel Knowles.
Icy
O
14 — John Paine.
15 — Samuel Mayo.
16 — John Paine.
17 — .Joshua Higgins.
18 — John Paine.
19 — Samuel Knowles.
1720 — Samuel Knowles.
21 — Joshua Higgins.
Isaac Pepi>er.
22 — Isaac Pepper.
23 — Samuel Knowles.
26 — John Paine.
26 — Joseph Doane.
27 — Joseph Doane.
28 — Samuel Knowles.
29— Israel Cole.*
1730— Capt. John Knowles.
31 — William Paine.
32— William Paine.
33 — John Paine.
34 — John Paine.
35 — William Paine.
36 — John Paine, Jr.
37 — John Paine, Jr.
38- William Paine.
39— William Paine.
1740 — John Paine, Jr.
41 — Capt. John Knowles.
42 — Capt. John Knowles.
43— William Paine.
44 — William Paine.
45 — Samuel Knowles.
46 — John Paine, Jr.
47 — Samuel Knowles.
48- -Samuel Knowles.
49— William Paine.
1750 — John Paine, Jr.
51 — Dea. John Freeman.
52
53 — Dea. John Freeman.
54
55 — Dea. John Freeman.
56 — Capt. Jona. Pe[)per.
57 — Capt. Jona. Pepper.
•This year the General Court was held at Salem.
104
-Sylvanus Snow. 1797-
-Jonaihan Doane. 98-
-Syjvanus Snow. 99
-Jonathan Doane. ISOO-
01
-Capt. Sol. Pepper. 02
-Capi. Sol. Pepper. 03
-Jonathan Doatie. 1804
-Maj. Elisha Doane.
-Thomas Paine,
-Maj. Elisha Doane;
Barnabas Freeman.
-Barnabas Freeman.
-Thomas Paine.
-Barnabas Freeman.
11 —
1758-
59-
17G0-
61-
02
63-
C4-
G5-
66-
67-
68— Maj. Elisha Doane; 12-
13-
69 — Barnabas Freeman. 14-
1770 — Thomas Paine. 15
71 — Barnabas Freeman. 16-
72 17-
73 18-
74 19-
75 — Amos Knowles* 1820-
Barnabas Freeman. f 21-
76 — Amos Knowles. 22
77— Capt. Sol. Pepper. 23-
78 — Barnabas Freeman: 24-
Josiah Rogers. 25
79 — Barnabas Freeman. 26-
1780 — Thotnas Paine. 27-
81 — Thomas Paine. 28-
82— Nathan Doane. 29-
83— Nathan Doane. 1830-
84— Nathan Doane. 31-
85— Nathan Doane. 32-
1786 to '94— Elijah Knowles, 33-
Esq. 34-
95 — Simeon Kingman, Esq. 35-
96 36-
-Capt. Michael Collins.
-Dea. Benjamin Clark.
-Elisha Mayo.
to '10 — Samuel Free-
man, Esq.
John Doane.
-John Doane.
—Capt. Heman Smith.
—Capt. Heman Smith.
—Samuel Freeman, Esq.
—Joshua P. Atwood.
—Joshua p. Atwood.
— Harding Knowles.
— Harding Knowles.
—Samuel Freen)an, Esq.
—Samuel Freeman, Esq.
—Harding Knowles.
— Harding Knowles.
—Samuel Freeman, Esq.
—Capt. Jesse Collins.
-Capt. Jesse Collins.
— Capt. Sam'l Knowles.
-Capt. Sam'l Knowles.
-Michael Collins.
-Capt. David A 1 wood.
-Capt. David Atwood.
-George Collins.
-George Collins.
* Blr. Knowles was sent to the second Provincial Congress, at Cambridge, on
tlie first of February.
t Mr. Freeman represented this town in the same body, at Watertown, on the
thirty-first of July.
105
1837— Rev. Philander Shaw. 1841— Henry Horlon.
38— Rev. Philander Shaw. 42— Benjamin H. A. Col
39 — Barnabas Freeman. lins, Esq.
1840— Henry Horton. 43— Elijah E. Knowles.
TOWN TREASURERS.
Edward Bangs, from 1646 to 1665.
Daniel Doane, from 1666 to 1675.
Thomas Paine, from 1676 to 1694.
Joseph Doane, from 1703 to 1708.
John Paine, from 1709 to 1730.
Edward Knovvles, from 1731 to 1740.
Samuel Freeman, from 1741 to 1749.
Edward Knowles, from 1750 to 1758.
Jabez Snow, from 1759 to 1760.
Edward Knowles, from 1761 to 1774.
Gideon Baty, from 1775 to 1779.
Richard Knowles, from 1780 to 1782.
Isaac Pepper, from 1783 to 1785.
Samuel Higgins, from 1786 to 1790.
Isaac Sparrow, from 1791 to 1793.
Elijah Knowles, from 1794 to 1796.
Dea. Benjamin Clark, from 1797 to 1804.
Dea. Ebenezer Paine, from 1805 to 1824.
George Clark, from 1825 to 1830.
Joshua Paine, from 1831 to 1836.
Samuel Knowles, from 1837 to 1841.
Nathan Knowles, from 1842 to — — ■
15
106
TOWN CLERKS.
Tlie following oath was administered to those who were
chosen to this office, by order of the Court:
• You shall fairly and folly serve in the office of a Town Clerk in
the town of Easlham, for the present year, and so long as by mutual
consent the town and you shall aofree, — during which time you shall
carefully and faithfully pen all such records you shall be intrusted
withal) ; and shal! record all town acts and orders, and shall enter all
town grants and ronveyaiioes,
' You shall record all births and niarrinijes and burials, tliat shall be
brought to you within the town ; and shall publish ail contracts of
marriage, you shall be required to do, according to the order of the
Court.'
Dated twentieth of October, 1646.
Nicholas Snow, from 1646 to 1662.
Mark Snow, from 1663 to 1675.
Daniel Doane, from 1676 to 1692.
Mark Snow, from 1693 to 1695.
Thomas Paine, from 1695 to 1703.
John Paine, from 1704 to 1729.
Joseph Doane, from 1729 to 1743.
Thomas Knowles, from 1743 to 1746.
Nathaniel Freeman, from 1746 to 1748.
Thomas Knowles, from 1748 to 1758.
Jabez Snow, from 1759 to 1760.
Edward Knowles, from 1761 to 1774.
Gideon Baty, from 1774 to 1779.
Richard Knowles, from 1779 to 1782.
Isaac Pepper, from 1782 to 1785.
Samuel Higgins, from 1786 to 1790.
Isaac Sparrow, from 1790 to 1793.
Elijah Knowles, from 1793 to 1796.
Dea. Benjamin Clark, from 1797 to 1804.
Dea. Ebenezer Paine, from 1805 to 1824.
George Clark, from 1824 to 1830.
Joshua Paine, from 1830 to 1836.
Samuel Knowles, from 1836 to 1841.
Nathan Knowles, from 1842 to
107
SELECTMEN.*
1663 — Mr. John Freeman, ten years.
J6G3 — " Nicholas Snow, seven do.
1GG3 — Dea. John Doane, fourteen do.
1G65 — Mr. Edward Bangs, two do.
]C(w — " Richard Higgins, three do.
]667 — " Mark Snow, eighteen do.
1667 — " Daniel Cole, nine do.
1GC)7 — " John Doane, Jr., eight do.
1670 — " Josiah Cook, one year.
1670 — " William Nickerson, one do.
167] — Dea. Jonathan Sparrow, ten years.
1671 — Mr. Thomas Paine, nineteen do.
1672 — " Goodman Nickerson, one year.
1673 — " Joseph Harding, one do.
]674 — Capt. Jonathan Bangs, three years.
1687— Mr. Daniel Doane, four do.
1687 — " Jabez Snow, four do.
1688 — " Benjamin Higgins, one year.
1690 — • " Thomas Mayo, twelve years.
1691 — " Thomas Paine, Jr., three do.
1691— " Isaac Pepper, eleven do.
1692 — Dea. Samuel Knowles, six do.
1693 — Capt. Samuel Freeman, six do.
1693 — Mr. John Paine, six do.
1694— " Israel Cole, five do.
1695 — Capt. Edmond Freeman, seven do.
1697 — Mr. Daniel Cole, Jr., one year.
169^ — Lieut. Samuel Paine, six years.
1700 — Mr. Samuel Mayo, Senior, six do.
1700 — " Thomas Mulford, four do.
1700 — " Joseph Doane, five do.
1703 — " Joseph Snow, Jr., one year.
1706 — " W. Freeman, one do.
1707 — " Nathaniel Freeman, one do.
1717 — Edward Knowles, Esq., ten years.
1718 — Mr. Micajah Snow, four do.
1719 — " Jonathan Young, two do.
1719 — " Israel Doane, three do.
1722 — " Samuel Knowles, Jr., six do.
1733— " Samuel Doane, eight do.
1733 — " James Rogers, seven do.
* Their names are given the first year they were chosen, and the number of
years 8iey served, without noticing the yearly changes.
108
1735— Mr. Benjamin Higgin?, one year.
1736 — Capt. John Knowles, one do.
1736 — Lieut. John Freeman, three years.
1736 — Mr. Ralph Smith, one year.
1737 — " Samuel Doane, six years.
1737 — " Samuel Freeman, Jr., one year.
1738 — " John Rich, five years.
1741 — Capt. Samuel Knowles, three do.
1743 — " John Freeman, two do.
1743 — Mr. Jabez Snow, Jr., two do.
1743— " Zohetli Smith, six do.
1743 — " Jonathan Doane, two do,
1743 — " Sylvanus Snow, two do.
1744— " Thomas Knowles, three do.
1744— " Joshua Higgins, Jr., four do.
1744 — " Jeremiah Mayo, one year.
1745 — " Joshua Higgins, Jr., four years.
1747 — Capt. Samuel Smith, one year.
1747 — Mr. Amos Knowles, one do.
1747 — " Jonathan Smith, one do.
1749 — " Joshua Knowles, two years.
1749 — " Edmond Freeman, Jr., two do.
1750 — " James Higgins, seven do.
1752 — " Ebenezer Higgins, two do.
1754 — " Daniel Doane, Jr., four do.
1760 — " Ebenezer Atwood, one year.
1760 — Col.Willard Knowles, four years.
1761 — Mr. Joseph Cole, fourteen do.
1761— « Samuel Smith, 3d, four do.
1762 — " Samuel Doane, Jr., one year.
1765 — " Joshua Knowles, two years.
1765 — Dea. Jonathan Higgins, twelve do.
1769 — Mr. James Snow, one year.
1771 — " Simeon Doane, six years.
1773— " Elisha Smith, two do.
1775 — " Amos Knowles, Jr., five do.
1777 — " Barnabas Freeman, two do.
1778 — " William Myrick, Jr., one year.
1779 — •• Nehemiah Young, six years.
1779 — " Nathaniel Mayo, two do.
1780 — " Jonathan Linnell, Jr., one year.
1781 — " John Doane, Jr., eight years.
1782 — " Gideon Freeman, two do.
1782— " Heman Linnell, twelve do.
1784 — " Joseph Knowles, one year.
109
1788— Mr. Nathan Doane.
1788 — " Sadiuel Higgins, three years.
1791 — " Joseph Pepper, lour do.
1794 — " Hezekiah Higgins, two do.
1797— " Judah Rogers, two do.
1797 — Dea. Joseph Pepper, three do.
1797 — Samuel Freeman, Esq., twenty-three do.
1797— Mr. James Mayo, two do.
1799— Capt. Michael Collins, two do.
1801 — Mr. James Cole, four do.
1801— " Samuel Smith, nine do.
1805— " David Brown, four do.
1807— " Obed Knowles, nine do.
1807 — Harding Knowles, Esq., thirteen do,
1807— Mr. John Doane, five do.
1815— Elisha Mayo, Esq., two do.
1817 — Joshua Atwood, Esq., one year.
1817 — Mr. Freeman Knowles, four years.
1818 — " Timothy Cole, one year.
1818 — " George Clark, two years.
1819 — " Joshua Higgins, four do.
1823 — Capt. Parker Brown, four do.
1824 — Mr. Samuel Knowles, thirteen do.
1826 — " James H. Knowles, five do.
1830 — " Gushing Horton, one year.
1831 — " Barnabas Doane, two years.
1831 — " Barnabas Freeman, four do.
1834— " Noah Doane, two do.
1834 — Michael Collins, Esq., ten do.
1836 — Mr. David C. Atwood, nine do.
1838 — " Joshua Paine, seven do.
HISTORY OF WELLFLEET.
DESCRIPTION.
Wellfleet is bounded on the South by Eastham, on the
North by Truro, on the West by Barnstable Bay, and on the
East by the Atlantic Ocean.
It is about eight miles in length, and from two to three in
breadth.
The soil, except in the north-west part, where the land is
tolerably good, is light and sandy, and in some parts is inca-
pable of producing any vegetation.
The sandy part was formerly covered with a large growth
of pine timber, and the north part with oak, both of which
were used for ship building. About one third of the town
is now covered mostly with young pines. Very little Eng-
lish hay is cut in the town, but there are large bodies of salt
marsh, more than sufficient to supply the cattle in the winter
and pasture them in the summer.
Some grain is raised, but only a fractional part of what is
consumed. There are some low swampy places where gar-
dens are made, by covering them with sand, and fresh hay
is produced.
There are three harbors in the town, all having about the
same depth of water, twelve feet at high tide. One is called
the River harbor, in the north part of the bay; another, in
the centre of the town, called Duck Creek harbor ; and the
third, in the south part, called Blackfish creek.
These harbors are of great importance to the town, as
they are safe, and afford the best facilities for carrying on
Ill
the cod and mackerel fisheries, which have always been very
extensively prosecuted. These employ the largest portion
of the male inhabitants, who derive from them their princi-
pal support.
In some past years there have been more than one hundred
sail of vessels engaged, mostly in the mackerel fishery, and
with great success. The vessels are from twenty to fifty
tons. For three or four years past they have not been able
to take that fish in such quantities as formerly, consequently
the number of vessels engaged has been reduced to about
seventy at the present time. There are three wharves and
packing establishments. Formerly the whaling business was
carried on here extensively, with large schooners, many of
which were built here, of timber that grew on the shore.
Oysters and other shell fish were found in the bay in great
abundance, at the first settlement, which not only afforded a
supply for the inhabitants, but in time were taken to Boston
and other places, for sale. This business has been cariied
on extensively, and profitably to those engaged in it. Shops
and stands were opened in Boston, Salem, Portland and oth-
er places, where the oysters were sold in quantities to suit
the purchasers.
In 1770 all the oysters in the bay died. What caused the
destruction is not certainly known, but it is supposed, that,
as, at this time, a large number of blackfish died and came
on shore, where their carcasses remained, producing a very
filthy condition of the water, it caused this mortality.
The inhabitants of the town tried the experiment of bring-
ing oysters from the South, and laying them down on the
flats, which succeeded well. In the course of a year they
doubled their size, and their quality was much improved. This
soon became a large business, and a number of vessels have
been employed in the spring of every year in bringing them
here. The number of bushels which are now annually
brought is about sixty thousand. Nearly all the oyster shops
and stands in Boston, and in other cities and towns in this
state, are supplied from this place, and are kept by persons
belonging to this town. This business affords a living for
many families.
112
Three fast-sailing and commodious packets are owned
here, which carry freight and passengers to and from Bos-
ton. Also one or two vessels, which bring lumber and wood
from the state of Maine.
There are fifteen fresh water ponds in the town, eleven of
which are situated nearly in a direct line north and south.
Duck pond is in the centre of the town. It is a small
round pond, fifteen fathoms deep, and the sand on the shore
is white and beautiful.
Hopkins' pond, which took its name from Mr. Giles Hop-
kins, who lived near it for many years, is one-fourth of a
mile north of Duck pond, and about the same size, but not
so deep.
Great pond is nearly round, one mile in circumference,
and abounds with red perch. Four small ponds are near it,
the waters of which sometimes flow into it.
Turtle pond is between Long pond and Hopkins' pond.
Long pond is on the eastern side of Great pond, about
twenty rods distant, is one mile in length, and contains red
perch. Near this pond are four or five dwelling-houses, and
the village is called Lewis's neighborhood.
Gull pond is the largest and most beautiful pond in the
town. It is perfectly round, one mile and three-fourths in
circumference, and contains herring and perch. It is at the
eastern extremity of Pearce's hollow, and near the backside
of the Cape. Near it is a small pond, called Nevvcomb's,
which is connected with Great pond by a stream of water,
and another, called Herring pond, which is the source of
Herring brook, from which herring are taken in the spring in
considerable quantities.
There are three other small j)onds near the eastern shore.
Squire's pond is small and round; it is situated in Duck
creek village, and affords perch and eels.
There are four islands in the town.
Bound Brook is in the north-west corner, and is nearly
surrounded by a creek. There are a number of dwelling-
houses on it. It was formerly covered with large wood, of
which onlv a few scattered trees are left.
113
South ofiliis, one-eighth of a mile, is Griffin's island, and
both are about two miles in circumference. The latter has
no wood on it, and only six or seven houses.
South of this, one-fourth of a mile, is Great island, which
forms the western side of the town. It is three or four miles
in circumference, composed of sand, and produces only a
little beach grass.
Lieutenant's island is on the east side of Wellfleet bay,
and south of Blackfish creek harbor. Il is a sand bank, a-
bout two miles in circumference.
The public buildings are two Congregational meeting-
houses and one Methodist, a town-house, a high-school
and district school-houses, and a poor-house; and there are
two wind-mills.
NOTICE OF SOME OF THE FIRST SETTLERS OF THE
NORTH PART OF EASTHAM.
This part of the town of Eastham was not settled until
some years after the middle and south parts, owing to the
greater sterility of the soil. The raising of corn, rye and oth-
er agricultural products, was the business which the first set-
tlers resorted to for their support.
The names of some of the families who first took up these
lands, and settled in this part of the town, have been already
noticed. Some of them were here before 1670, viz. John
Witherell, William Dyer, George Ward, Moses Hatch,
Thomas Newcomb, George Crisp, John Smith, Samuel At-
kins, (son of Henry,) and some of his brothers, and others.
After this time and before 1700, many others settled in
this part of the town, among whom were Nathaniel Covel,
who married Judith Nickerson, of Chatham, 1G9G; Isaac
Baker, who married Sarah Rich, daughter of John Rich;
IG
114
John Rich, who married Mary- Treat, daughter of the minis-
ter, 1700, and was a deacon of the church; John Yates,
who married Abigail Rogers, 169S.
John Doane settled in the north part of Eastham before
1700. He had two brothers, who came from England wiih
him, one of whom settled in Virginia, and was the ancestor
of those of this name in the Southern states, and among his
descendants is Bishop Doane, of New Jersey. The other
eettled in Canada, and nothing further is known of him.
In 1723, John Doane was a justice of the peace, and held
a distinguished rank in the town.
Elisha Doane was the son of the preceding. He married
Miss Cole, and had three sons, Elisha, Joseph and Heze-
kiah. Joseph settled in Chatham, and the other two in this
town.
In 1745, Hezekiah was a colonel in the service of the
colonies against Cape Breton, and was present when the city
of Louisburg, on that island, was surrendered to his Britan-
nic majesty. Afterwards, while on a mackerel voyage near
the Canada shore, he and his boat's crew were fired upon
and taken by the Indians. After enduring great sufferings
during a captivity of several months, they were bought by
the French, set at liberty, and returned home.
His son, Elisha Doane, married for his first wife Hope
Rich, who possessed a strong, masculine, but benevo-
lent mind. They had three sons and two daughters, viz.
Isaiah, who married Miss Bartlett, of Plymouth; Elislia,
married Miss Culler, of Boston; John, married Miss Holmes,
of Boston; Hope, married Doct. Samuel Savage, of Barn-
stable, and had five sons, and one daughter, who married
Hon. Lemuel Shaw, chief justice of the Supreme Court;
Hannah, married the Hon. Shearjashub Bourne, of Barnsta-
ble, member of Congress, 1790.
Col. Elisha Doane was extensively engaged in the whale
fishery for many years. He represented the town in the Gen-
eral Court, and the county as senator, a number of years.
In this body he is said to have commanded more re-
spect and exerted a greater influence than any other member.
115
He possessed a stroni; mind and sound judgment. In llie
latter part of his life he lived mostly in Boston, where he en-
gaged extensively in commerce, and in the whale and other
fisheries, by which he accumulated a very large fortune. At
his death, his possessions in Boston, Wellfleet and other
places were estimated at £120,000 sterling. He was the
richest man in Massachusetts.
His second wife was Nancy HofF, of Boston, who after-
wards married Daniel Stoddard Greenleaf, and removed to
lloxbury,
Hezekiah, son of Dea. Elisha Doane, and brother of the
colonel, married Elizabeth Crowell, of Chatham, and had
seven sons and three daughters. Elisha was killed by a
wind-mill, aged seventeen; Paul and Henry died in the ser-
vice of the revolutionary war; Hezekiah died with small pox;
William was lost in the ship America, which was foundered
at sea, 1783; Joseph married Nancy Beals, of Boston;
Elisha married Susan Basseit, of Yarmouth, and settled in
that town: they had one son, John Bear, and two daughters,
Susan and Elizabeth: John Bear was a man of excellent
character, and a successful merchant, and died, greatly la-
mented, 1S33, aged forty years; Susan married Rev. Na-
thanael Cogswell of Yarmouth, and has had three sons and
one daughter, William Henry, John Bear Doane, Elisha
Doane, and Elizabeth.
Hezekiah Doane, father of the present Elisha Doane,
Esq., was a deacon of the church. He was largely con-
cerned in the whale fishery, and before the war owned six-
teen sail of vessels. He belonged to a crew called the 'seed
corn gang of whalers.' The others were Col. Elisha Doane,
Col. Elisha Cobb, Joseph Higgins and Capt. Winslow Lew-
is. These men generally were of the same crew, and were
the most expert and successful whalers in the place.
Some of the other early settlers in this town, were, Eb-
enezer Freeman, Thomas Gross, John Atwood, John Treat,
(son of the minister,) Elisha Eldridge, Samuel Brown, Ben-
jamin Hamblin, James Cahoon, Benjamin Young, Daniel
B'layo, Jeremiah Mayo, Eleazer Hamblin, David Cole:
116
Capt. Winslow Lewis was a son of the minister. He had
one son, Capt. Winslow Lewis, of Boston, the father of Doct.
Winslow Lewis.
Thomas Holbrook came from Sciluate, and settled here
before 1700. He had three sons, Naaman, Ezekiel and
John. John was the father of Thomas, and he was the fath-
er of the present Joseph Holbrook, who has four sons,
Thomas, Joseph, Samuel Waterman and Jesse.
Elisha Cobb, son of Eleazer, of Hingham, came here a-
bout 1700. His son, Col. Elisha Cobb, was the father of
the present Mr. Thomas Cobb, of Eastham.
NORTH PRECINCT AND CHURCH, ORGANIZED JULY
TWENTY-NINTH, 1723.
In the town of Eastham, from 164G to 1718, there had
been but one place of religious worship and one church.
The inhabitants, in all parts of the town, belonged to this
society, and attended meeting together.
In 1720, they had become so numerous, and the distance
from the south and north parts of the town was so great, that
the inconvenience (especially for women and children) of
attending public worship in the central part of the town, in-
duced them to seek for a separation, that they might build
meeting-houses and settle ministers among themselves.
At the above date, the south and middle parts agreed to
have two precincts, but to remain as one church and society
as regarded all the expenses of building and repairing their
meeting-houses, settling their ministers, and all other charg-
es.
Upon this, the north part, called Billingsgate, asked the
town to set them off into a separate district or town, which
request being denied, they formed themselves into a separate
precinct, called Billingsgate, or the north precinct, extend-
117
ing as far south as Blackfish creek, and were no longer taxed
by Easthatn for the support of the ministry in the middle and
south parts.
They soon built a small meeting-house, which was located
in Chequesset neck, and owned by proprietors. It was but
twenty feet square, and yet sufficiently large to accommodate
the inhabitants.
The number of souls then living north of Blackfish creek
cannot now be ascertained.
The first precinct meeting of which notice is found in the
record, was held July the twenty-ninth, 1723, when it was
voted that the Rev. Josiah Oakes be requested to continue
in the ministry with them, as formerly, and to pay him £80 a
year. Mr. Oakes was the first minister they employed after
their separation, and had preached to them as a supply.
They now gave him a regular call to settle, which he an-
swered in the affirmative.
'I accept of both your former and your latter call, together with
your former and latter proposals ; and accordingly shall continue in
the work of the ministry in the precinct, in order to a settlement among
you. Witness my hand. JOSIAH OAKES.'
Soon after this, at a legal meeting to confirm the call and
proposals of the precinct to Mr. Oakes, for his settlement
over it, twenty-six voters entered their protest against the
settlement of Mr. Oakes, and against the assessor's raising
any salary for him. He continued to preach to them till
1725, when, at a regular precinct meeting, in consequence
of the strong opposition made to his settlement, it was voted
by a large majority, to reconsider all the former doings in
regard to the call, salary and settlement of Mr. Oakes; and
George Williamson and Elisha Eldridge, Jr., were appoint-
ed agents to forbid Mr. Oakes' preaching any more in the
meeting-house in the precinct. Also, Samuel Brown and
Samuel Smith were chosen agents to advise with the neigli-
boring ministers relative to their present circumstances, and
to seek for and procure a minister to supply them.
Mr. Oakes sent a petition to the General Sessions of the
peace holden in Barnstable, for redress, and was joined by
118
John Doane and fifteen others, who united in stating the ill
management of the affairs of tlie precinct relating to his set-
tlement. Samuel Brown and Samuel Smith were appointed
agents to answer to this petition.
Mr. Oakes continued to preach in the precinct to a part
of the inhabitants, without any prospect of a settlement of
ihe difficulties, notwithstanding the decision of the Court,
and the continued attempts of the committees chosen to heal
them, and induce him to leave the place.
The precinct sent a petition to the General Court, relat-
ing to the proceedings of Mr. Josiah Oakes in the work of
the ministry, and the difficult circumstances in which they
were placed, praying for their advice and interference.
In 1727, Mr. Oakes probably left the town. He was
born in Boston, and graduated at Harvard College, 1708.
Mr. John Sumner preached to them for some months, but
no measures were taken for his settlement.
In 1728, a meeting was held to see if the precinct would
build a new meeting-house, or make an agreement with the
proprietors of the old house; and it was concluded and a-
greed between the parlies that the non-proprietors should re-
pair it, by putting in glass windows and otherwise, and keep
it in repair for the space of four years, when they might take
out the glass and other materials, and the house return to the
proprietors, if they should see fit.
Mr. John Rich was appointed to procure a minister.
Rev. David Hall was heard as a candidate, and a com-
mittee chosen to give him a call to settle in the work of the
ministry, which being done, he asked for fourteen days to
consider of it, and then gave his answer in the negative.
It was voted to raise £200 for tlie support of the ministry
and other necessary charges.
A committee was appointed to confer with the president
and fellows of the college, respecting some suitable minister
to preach and settle with them,
Mr. Ezra Whitmarsh was obtained, and after hearing him
a number of Sabbaths, they gave him a call to settle with
them for the consideration of £90 a year, and £120 settle-
119
ment, with four acres of land as his own, and the improve-
ment of the ministerial lands. June 16, 1729, Mr. Whit-
marsh gave a conditional answer, and as they could come
to no satisfactory agreement, he left the town.
Voted £120 usual money for the support of the ministry
and other necessary charges.*
1730. Appointed Joseph Atkins to procure a minister
for the precinct, and Rev; Isaiah Lewis was obtained.
A large committee was chosen to make proposals to Mr,
Lewis, to settle with them on the following terms: £110
salary yearly in good and passable money, 'and what strangers
and persons from neighboring towns shall contribute, being
providentially here, shall be added;' also, £200 as a settle-
ment, in good money; also, the improvement of all the min-
isterial lands and meadows owned by the precinct. To
which Mr. Lewis gave the following answer:
' To the Committee of the J^orth Precinct in Easiham:
'Having taken the matter into serious consideration, and after the
advice of sundry worthy persons, and withal humbly applying myself
to God, in whose hands are the hearts of all for direction and assist-
ance, in this great and weighty affair, have come to this 'conclusion,
looking, I hope, at the glory of God, the advancing of the kingdom of
Christ, and the care of souls, (though I may cry out in the Apostle's
language, ' Who is sufficient for these things?') to give rny consent to
tarry with you, and accept of God's call and your invitation, always
expecting an honorable and suitable maintenance, as becomes a min-
ister of the gospel — withal earnestly begging your prayers, that God
would make me a wise and faithful minister of the New testament,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
' I remain your hearty well wisher, and, I hope, your souls' friend,
'ISAIAH LEWIS.'
At this meeting a committee was appointed to request and
receive the approbation of the neighboring ministers for the
settlement of Mr. Lewis.
Voted to raise £240 for the support of the ministry and
other charges.
Mr. Lewis was born in Ilingham, graduated at Harvard
college in 1723, and was ordained here in 1730. Up to
* By usual money is meant that wliicli was current at that time.
120
this time ihe church had not been organized, which was done
by the council who were called here on this occasion. At
this time the church had fifty male members, and probably
more than that number of females. Elisha Doane was dea-
con of the church.
1734. Sylvanus Snow and five others, living on the south
line of the precinct, petitioned the General Court to be re-
leased from paying any public charge here, and a committee
was chosen to answer the Court on this petition.
1734. At the meeting it was agreed and voted to build
a new meeting-house for the precinct, and that it should
stand to the southward of the head of Duck creek, between
the house of Joseph Young and the bridge.
Also, that £200 be raised to build the house.
Voted, to request the town of Eastham to set off this
north precinct, so that it may be made a township. This
request was not granted.
In 1735, Dea. Elisha Doane and Capt. Samuel Smith
were appointed as agents to carry on the building of the new
meeting-house.
John Rich was one of the deacons of the church.
In 1740, the precinct voted to cartsixteen cords of wood
and plough two acres of land for Mr. Lewis, and to lay out
more meadow for his use; also, to finish the meeting-house,
by lathing, plastering and completing the whole, underpin-
ning the sides and pointing them with lime, and paving round
the house with stones and gravel, all which was to be done
for £63.
In 1741, £8 a year was added to Mr. Lewis' salary.
In 1743, dE32 old tenor was added to Mr. Lewis' salary.
In 1745, two spots for pews were sold to repair the glass
for the meeting-house.
In 1747, Dea. John Rich died. Mr. Jeremiah Mayo
was chosen as one of the precinct committee in his place,
and to petition the General Court to abate their part of the
province tax for the ensuing year.
As there was a great depreciation of the colonial bills of
credit, it was voted that Mr. Lewis have £60 new tenor for
121
his salary. He refused to accept this, and proposed 'that
the former agreement should stand for the future, and that
he should give to the parish an acquittance for the time past,
on account of the fall of money, and that they should pay
hirn .£75 new tenor.' This was complied with hy the par-
ish.
In 1750, Mr. Lewis' salary appears to have been in an
unsettled state, owing to tlie depreciation of money and the
high price of the articles of subsistence; consequently a com-
mittee was appointed to confer witli him, iind ascertain what
was the lowest sum, for the time past and for the time to
come, with which he would be satisfied. Such was the
fluctuation in value of the money in circulation and the nec-
essaries of life at that time, that no certain calculations could
be made for future years. It was therefore agreed that his
salary for the ensuing year should be £53, 6s. Sd.
In 1753, another attempt was made to fix on some amount
as a permanent salary for Mr. Lewis, but the same difficul-
ties prevented as before.
Money was voted to repair the balcony and the house,
as was necessary.
In 1754, a committee was appointed, and full power given
them, to see if Mr. Lewis would release the precinct from
the original agreement between them, and if so, on what con-
ditions, for the time past and for the time to come. This
committee reported, that they had offered Mr. Lewis £66,
13s. 4d. lawful money as his yearly salary, with the parson-
age lands heretofore improved by him; to Vvhich Mr. Lew-
is answered 'that he would accept of this, with the addition
of £3, 6§. Sd.' This was not accepted by the parish, and
Mr. Lewis said he would be satisfied with what they should
vote hereafter.
It was however finally settled and agreed that his salary in
future should be £50 sterling, and £3 for liis loss on the
past depreciation of money, for wljich he gave a receipt in
full.
' I acknowledge to have received in full all the grants that have
been made to ine by the precinct, to June the tenth, 1754, and do
17
122
hereby acquit and make void the original agreement to that time and
forward, providing the precinct make good their engagement to me to
that date, desiring withal that 1 may be paid half-yearly.
'ISAIAH LEWIS.
• Eastham, August Slh, 1755.'
In 1755, 2;eneral repairs were made on the meeling-house,
and Richard Arey was appointed a committee to obtain the
materials and see that the work was done.
In 1758, Ezekiel Harding having become a Baptist, the
parish voted that his tax for repairs on the meeting-house,
and for the support of the minister, be remitted. Mr. Har-
ding was the first Baptist who resided in the town, and since
there have been but few of this sect.
In 1759, it was agreed that Tate and Brady's version of
the Psahns and Walls' Hymns be used and sung by the con-
gregation.
It was also agreed to fence the burying-place.
In 1761, a bridge was built over Duck creek, near the
meeting-house, sufficient for carts and chairs to pass over at
high water; and another, with a single plank for foot passen-
gers, near the widow Doane's.
Thomas Holbrook died this year.
A grant was made to Dea. Reuben Rich, of the privilege
for taking alevvives in the Herring brook for four years, at
£2 per year.
It was now agreed to ask the town of Eastham to set them
off into a district or township. Money was raised to defray
the expenses, and Elisha Doane was chosen as their agent
for this purpose.
A committee having been chosen to procure a school-mas-
ter, to keep a public free school at the expense of the pre-
cinct, they reported that they had agreed with a man for £40
per year; also, that the precinct should be divided inio three
school districts, and to have a school committee in each dis-
trict. The report was accepted, and Ephraitn Covel and
Joseph Ward were chosen for the southern district, and Jer-
emiah Mayo, Capt. Elisha Doane, Thomas Higgins and
Elisha Holbrook, for the middle and northern districts.
123
In 17G2, ilie precinct voted to add seven men to assist iheir
agent, Capt. Elisha Doane, in getting this pari of the town
of Easthani set off into a district; and adding two others, mak-
ing ten of the freeholders, they sent their petition to the town
of Easiham, showing their reasons, and the town granted the
request; whereupon the committee sent their petition to his
excellency Governor Bernard, the Council, and House of
Representatives, in General Court assembled, praying that
this precinct (with the exception of Sylvanus Snow, who
desired still to belong to Eastham,) might be set off as a dis-
trict, by the name of Wellfleet. This prayer was granted,
and the act of incorporation passed May 25th, 1763.
Signed by Timothy Ruggles, speaker of the House, and
A. Oliver, secretary of the Council.
The petition was referred, in the House, to Dea. Foster
of Plymouth, Doct. Smith of Sandwich, Col. Clapp of
Scituate, Col. Bradford of Kingston, and to Col. Otis of
Barnstable, of the Council.
Full powers and privileges were granted to the district,
like other towns, except the privilege of choosing a repre-
sentative to the General Court, in doing which they were
required to join with the inhabitants of Eastham.
It was also ordered by the GTeneral Court that John Free-
man, Esq., of Eastham, issue his warrant to some principal
inhabitant of the district, requiring him to call the first meet-
ing of the said inhabitants, in order to choose such officers
as, by law, towns are empowered to choose in March an-
nually. He issued his warrant, directed to Maj. Elisha
Doane, requiring him to notify said meeting. Accordingly
the district assembled at the time required, the fourth day of
August, 1763. Samuel Smith, Esq., was chosen modera-
tor. The following officers were elected: Elisha Doane,
district clerk; Elisha Doane, Dea. Reuben Rich and Sam-
uel Smith, Jr. , selectmen; Ephraim Covel, P]benezer At-
wood and John Sweat, assessors; and all other town officers.
124
DISTRICT OF VVELLFLEET, FROM 17C3 TO 1776.
The first acts of the district, after its organization, were
to raise money for tl;e public expenses, &c., to lay out more
convenient higlivvays, (especially from the north-east arm of
Duck creek, near the meeting-house, to Ezekiel Holbrook's,)
and to build a bridge over the creek, for carts and horses.
A committee was chosen to settle with Eastham respect-
ing the support of the poor; also, to pay Mr. Lewis £1
lawful money, for tlie loss of the time of his carpenters while
building his house.
Eastham paid to Wellfleet £20 as their part of the school
money. The district now took a deeper interest in the sup-
port of schools, and raised more money for the education of
their children, than heretofore. They agreed to pay the
school-master £20, 13s. Sd., with board, for his services;
and chose a committee to oversee and regulate the schools.
In 1764, measures were taken to prevent so great a use
of spirituous liquors.
In 1765, it was agreed to open and enlarge the meeting-
house sixteen feet, to build a porch in front, and a steeple,
with a spire and vane, like that in Harwich. A large com-
mittee, Major Elisha Doane being chairman, was appointed
to make a contract with the carpenters and oversee the work.
Mr. Thomas Young was the contractor, for £133, 6s. 8d.
Another contract iivas made with Mr. Elisha Holbrook, to
provide all the bricks, lime and other materials, to underpin
and pave round the house, for £16.
In 1766, it was agreed that whatever person should be
chosen district clerk, should serve as district treasurer, with-
out any premium, if the same were chosen to both offices.
It was voted to petition the Court of Quarter Sessions to
abate the county tax of the district, and Maj. Doane was
appointed to prefer the request.
Chose a committee to join with Rev. Mr. Lewis to sell
the parsonage lands in Chequesset neck, and to hire out the
purchase money, the interest of which was to be paid annual-
ly to the settled minister of the district.
125
In 1768, the district voted to give Jtlr. John Greenough
his whole tax, to keep a grammar school one year, to he at-
tended only hy such as learn the Latin and Greek languages;
and that the school for teaching reading, writing and cypher-
ing, be divided in proper divisions, and that each draw their
money out of the treasury in proportion to the number of
families.
A conmiittee was chosen to regulate and locate the schools
in the different parts of the district. Tliere were forty-eigiu
families in the south division, forty-eight in the middle, the
same number on Cole's neck and the back side of the town,
and forty-nine on Holbrook's neck, the islands and Pamet
point, making a total of one hundred and ninety-three fami-
lies.
The district received a request from the selectmen of the
town of Boston, to send a committee of one man, to join the
committees from the other towns in this province, and to
meet at Boston, on the twenty-second of September, 1768,
the business then to be made known.*
'Voted, that this district will comply with this request.'
Elisha Doane, Esq., was appointed as their delegate.
In 1769, the grammar scliool was continued by Mr.
Greenough, and the conunon schools, on the same condi-
tions as before.
A petition was sent to the General Court, in conjunction
*Tlii3 Convention was held at Faneuil Hall, Governor Bernard, in June,
1768, liad prorogued and then dissolved the General Conrt, because they refused
to rescind, as they were required to do, the resolution which gave birth to the
circular letter from the House of Representatives to the legislative assemblies of
the other colonies. Application was made to the governor to convene them again,
but he declined doing it without the ex|)ress order of the king. A large body of
troops had been ordered to Boston, to enforce the various acts of trade, at the
point of the bayonet. In this very critical state of aflairs, at the instance of the
town of Boston, delegates from ninety-six towns and eight districts, met at Faneuil
Hall. Being a voluntary assembly and of course without power, all they could
do was to state their grievances 'felt and feared.' Beside addressing the ipeople,
they sent an able letter to Mr. Debert, agent of the province in England, and a pe-
tition to the king, which they desired the agent to deliver with his own hand.
The convention sat about a week. The day after their adjournment, two British
regiments arrived in Boston, and before the end of the year, the town was garri-
soned by about four thousand regular troops. — Hobart's History of Abington.
120
uiili Mr. Lewis, to confirm the doings of the district in re-
gard to the sale of the parsonage lands, &c., that the same
hecorne valid and lawful.
The range or line between the district and Truro was
perambulated.
Oysters were found in great abundance on the flats, at the
first settlement, but at this time the inhabitants had so in-
creased, and such quantities were taken for consumption and
for Boston market, that it became necessary, to prevent
their entire destruction, for the district to take measures to
preserve and propagate them.
In 1770, Mr. Greenough's Latin and Greek school was
continued, and £53, 6s. 8d. was appropriated to support
the common schools, and agents were appointed to employ
school-masters and mistresses, and have supervision.
A petition was sent to the governor, praying him to ap-
point a justice of tlie peace in the district.
Agents were appointed to take care of the Indians' land.
Measures were taken to lessen the number of rum-sellers.
In 1771, £40 was raised, to be appropriated for teaching
reading, writing and cyphering in the district.
1772. An act had been })assed by the General Court,
regulating the taking of oysteis in Billingsgate bay. It was
now voted by the district, to ask the Court to repeal the act,
so far, that in the three summer months they should not be
taken for Boston market, nor in July and August for the use
of the inhabitants.
In 1773, £53, 6s. Sd. was raised for the district schools
and for Mr. Greenough's Latin grammar school, as before.
Fish were allowed to be taken in the Herring orook, only
on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, except for codfish
bait.
The oyster fishery, at this time, appeared to engage the
general attention of the inhabitants. A vote was passed to
the effect that, whereas the oyster fishery in this district was
the principal support of many of the inhabitants, and of great
advantage to the province in general, and whereas, also, it
had been greatly hurt and damaged by j)ersons taking the
127
young oysters, and. notwithstanding the law of the province,
would be ruined, if not timely prevented, it was therefore a-
greed to make and adopt by-laws to preserve them. A com-
mittee was chosen to enforce the penalty against all persons
who should violate the regulations; also, John Greenongh,
Esq., was appointed to inform the Court of Sessions of the
proceedings of the people of the district in this matter, and to
solicit their approbation and allowance. They were approv-
ed and confirmed by said Court, and signed by the clerk, J.
Bassett.
In 1774, letters were received from the committee of
correspondence at Boston, with the votes and proceedings
of that town and of a convention assembled there. The
district meeting, before which these documents were laid,
voted, that a committee of seven persons be chosen to take
the subject into their consideration, and report their judg-
ment upon them to the meeting. Mr. Winslow Lewis,
Hezekiah Doane, Esq., Capt. Elisha Cobb, Joseph Higgins,
Naaman Holbrook, Samuel Smith and Ezekiel Holbrook
were appointed.
At an adjourned meeting the committee made their report,
which being read, was accepted, ordered to be recorded,
and a copy thereof sent to the clerk of the committee of cor-
respondence at Boston. The most patriotic resolves were
passed by the meeting, similar to those which were adopted
at this time by the town of Eastham, in which they pledged
their lives and property to defend their rights and privileges
against the unlawful and cruel enactments and requirements
of the parliament of Great Britain, and that they would not
buy, sell or consume any of those articles on which the gov-
ernment had imposed unconstitutional and unlawful duties.
Also, that they cordially approved of what the inhabitants of
Boston and other towns had done in the affair, and returned
to them their sincere thanks.
Mr. John Greenongh having sold a part of a chest of tea,
contrary to their resolves, made a confession of his error,
and asked to be forgiven and restored to their confidence,
which, after some time, was granted.
128
The school was continued, and the sum of £53, 6s. 8d.
appropriated for its support, and the district was divided into
eight parts or school districts, and one agent for each was
chosen. It was also voted that the selectmen should pro-
vide a grammar school-master. This was the first Enghsh
grammar school.
New measures were taken, in conjunction with Eastharn,
for the regulation and preservation of the oysters, and the
by-laws adopted for these purposes were approved and con-
firmed by the Court of Sessions.
A county congress was held at Barnstable, November IGth
of this year, composed of delegates from the several towns,
to consider the condition of the county and the country.
Messrs. Winslow Lewis, Zoheth Smith, Samuel Smith,
Major Hezekiah Doane and Capt. Elisha Cobb were chosen
10 represent the district at this congress. On their return,
the proceedings of this body, with the resolves and recom-
mendations of the continental congress, were read several
times, when the meeting voted their approbation and hearty
concurrence with said resolves and recommendations, agree-
able to the tenth resolve of the county congress.
A committee was then chosen to see that these resolves
were carried into execution in this district, and the following
persons were chosen: Mr. James Brown, Ephraim Covel,
Timothy Nye, Doct. Samuel Nutting, John Greenough,
Esq., John Sweat, Samuel Waterman and Jonathan Higgins.
The district, judging it to be imj)roper for the officers of
the military company lo hold commissions under the govern-
ment of the king of England, required them to resign, which
they did, and choice was made of Elisha Cobb as captain,
Zoheth Smith as first, and William Chipman as second lieu-
tenant. The district raised a sum of money by subscription
for the suffering poor in the town of Boston, which port had
been shut up by the British parliament.
The districts were nov.' permitted lo assume all the rights
and privileges of other towns, and elected their own rej)re-
sentatives.
1774. Naaman Holbrook and Col. Elisha Cobb were
129
chosen as delegates to the first provincial congress, at Sa-
lem, October 5ih.
1775. Col. Elisha Cobb was chosen as a delegate to the
provincial congress, at Can)bridge the first day of Febru-
ary, and at Waiertown the thirty-first of July.
It was voted to appropriate ,£400 old tenor for the sup-
port of the schools.
The town voted to have a grammar school, and the com-
mittee employed Doct. Samuel Nutting to keep it for one
year.
A committee was chosen to draft orders to enforce obedi-
ence to the military officers of the companies in the town.
These rules required such men as refused to attend on train-
ing days to pay a fine of five shillings. They further pro-
vided that any persons who refused to pay the fine should be
deemed inimical to the country, and that no one ought to
have any society or dealings with such persons.
A committee was sent to Mr. Lewis, to see if he would
abate any part of his salary, in consequence of the scarcity of
money and the difficulty of the times.
In 1776, the town sent a petition to the General Court,
praying to have their province tax abated, owing to the
scarcity of money, and the interruption of their usual busi-
ness in consequence of the war. They stated in their me-
morial that they were situated on the most barren soil of any
part of the province; that all the land capable of being tilled
would not yield corn for more than one quarter of the inhab-
itants; that the harbor, which was convenient for small ves-
sels, was the only advantage they had for carrying on the
whale fishery; that this pursuit, in which they had employed
about tvvo hundred tons of shipping, and by which nine-tenths
of the inhabitants obtained their living, had been cut off by
the British men-of-war which were anchored in Cape Cod
harbor; that most of their vessels were hauled up and perish-
ing, while those which had atten)pted to go out had been
taken; that they were almost without bread and other neces-
saries of life: and therefore prayed that they might be releas-
ed from paying the tax.
18
130
WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN, AND THE PART THIS
TOWN TOOK IN IT.
Agreeable to a resolve of the General Court, (that every
town, at a full meeting called for the purpose, should obtain
the minds of the inhabitants, whether they desired to be in-
dependent of Great Britain,) it was voted by the town of
Wellfleet, that, 'if the honorable continental congress sliould
think proper, for the safety of the good people of the united
colonies, to declare said colonies independent of Great Brit-
ain, we, the inhabitants of the town of Wellfleet, will sup-
port them with our lives and fortunes.'
Col. Elisha Cobb and Mr. Naaman Holbrook were chos-
en representatives, and instructed to use their influence for
this purpose.
In 1777, the General Court made a requisition upon the
town for ten men to serve in the continental army. The
town voted to hire money to pay those men, who would vol-
untarily enlist in the service, £4 lawful money per month.
Agreeable to an order passed by the Court, to prevent
monopoly and oppression, directed to the selectmen, the
town appointed a committee to fix and regulate the prices of
the different articles of subsistence and all kinds of labor;
also to procure ammunition and small arms.
Articles of confederation and union between the United
States of America were now being entered into and adopted
by the continental congress. The town was requested to
express their minds upon the subject; but submitted to the
judgment and wisdom of their representatives.
In 1778, eighteen men were enlisted in the continental
army.
At the same time a committee was chosen to draft and
send to the General Court a petition setting forth the dis-
tressed circumstances of the inhabitants of this place, and
praying for relief. Mr. John Greenough was deputed to
present it.
In 1779, a convention was held at Cambridge, to form a
state constitution. The new constitution of government was
131
read to ilie meeiing at \^'elifieet by the moderator, and the
town unanirnoiisly voted their approval of it.
A subscription was made for Mr. Lewis, on account of
the depreciation of l!ie currency.
In 1779, the British ship-of-war Somerset was stranded
and cast away on the back side, near Truro. The crew
were taken as prisoners, and marched through this town on
their way to Boston. They were supplied with provisions,
which were paid for by the government.
The number of men required of the town for the conti-
nental service was enlisted, and ten silver dollars paid to
each of tliein, in addition to the government Vv'ages.
The town voted to choose three delegates to represent
them in the county convention to be holden in the town of
Barnstable; and John Greenough, Hezekiali Doane and
Elisha Cobb, Esq., were ciiosen.
The Rev. Isaitih Lewis having now become old and fee-
ble, and being unable to ])erform all the labors of the minis-
try, it was voted that he should be dismissed; but, after a
consultation with him, it was agreed that he should relinquish
his claim upon the town for his salary, and continue his pas-
toral connection. £20 was voted for his maintenance.
A large committee was appointed to procure a minister.
A number of persons belonging to this town were lost in
the ship America; one of them was William Doane.
In 1783, a treaty was concluded between this country and
Great Britain, by whicli the difficulties were adjusted, and
the independence of the United States acknowledged.
Great had been the sufierings and poverty which the war oc-
casioned, but far out balancing these and all other evils,
were the blessings obtained.
Wellfieet endured her full share of the evils of war, and
partook as largely as any other town of the benefits of inde-
pendence and peace. The inhabitants were truly patriotic.
They never for a moment relinquished their hopes of success.
They did not sink into despondency under their privations
and sufferings. They furnished, according to their ability,
their full proportion both for the land and the sea service.
132
Having a poor soil, and their fisheries and commerce be-
ing cut off, ihey were reduced to such poverty as to be
poorly able to pay tlieir portion of the public taxes, with the
ministerial, school and other charges, during the war and for
some time afterwards. Soon, however, under the fostering
protection of our free government,- they again engaged in the
fisheries; by a vigorous prosecution of this branch of indus-
try on the wide ocean, and developing the riches hid in the
sands on their shores, they recovered from their poverty and
became prosperous and wealthy.
1784. The committee who were chosen to procure a
minister, employed Mr. Asa Packard to preach as a candi-
date for settlement. After hearing him a number of Sab-
baths, the church and society unanimously voted to give him
a call, with a salary of £100 per annum, and £200 settle-
ment. Mr. Packard, after a consideration of the subject,
gave his answer in the negative. He graduated at Harvard,
1783; and afterwards settled in Wiscasset, Maine.
In 1785, Mr. Levi Whitman, having preached to them a
number of Sabhaths, received a call to settle with them as a
colleague with Mr. Lewis, with the same salary as was of-
fered to Mr. Packard. Mr. Whitman desired the church
and society to join with him and invite the neighboring min-
isters to come and keep a day of fjjsting and prayer with
them, and give their advice in this important matter. Mr.
Whitman subsequently gave his answer in the affirmative.
' Dearly Beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ:
'The great and glorious God, whose providence superintends all
events, having directed and sent me to this place to preach tlie gospel
of Plis Son, and the church and people having given nie a call to set-
tle with them in tlie work of the gospel ministry, — taking the matter
into my most serious consideration, seeking direction from the Father
of lights, and the advice of the neighboring ministers, and all other
circumstances,— I feel it to be my indispensable duty to give myself
to the work of the gospel ministry among you, praying that grace,
mercy and peace may be multiplied to you through our Lord Jesus
Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen!
'LEVI WHITMAN.'
' Wellfleet, February 23d, 1785.'
133
Mr. Whitman was ordained the thirteenth day of April,
1785. The following churches were sent for to assist in this
solemnity: the west church in Boston, the churches in Han-
over, Kingston and Pembroke, the third church in Bridge-
water, and all the churches in the county of Barnstable.
Dea. Gross and Capt. Hamlin were a committee to agree
with some person to make provision for the conncil.
Petitions were preferred to the General Court for various
objects; among others, to prevent the people belonging to
other towns from taking oysters and other shell-fish in our
bay. Rev. Mr. Whitman and Mr. Samuel Waterman were
a committee to draw up said petition.
In 1786, Capt. Winslow Lewis was allowed ^£5, 135. 8d.,
the balance due to him for the use of his house and the at-
tendance of his family at Mr. Whitman's ordination; and
Dea. Gross was paid for five days work performed on the
same occasion.
Rev. Isaiah Lewis died this year, aged eighty-three years.
He was a native of Hingham. He continued in the minis-
try here fifty-five years, during which time he solemnized
two hundred and thirty-three marriages, and two liundred
and nineteen members were added to the church. He pos-
sessed a strong mind, and a heart devoted to the work of
the gospel, in which he labored diligently and with success.
It does not appear how large the church was at his death.
The line was run between this town and Truro, and new
bounds were erected.
A committee was chosen to take care of and regulate the
Herring brook.
In 1787, the Rev. Levi Whitman was chosen a represen-
tative to the convention to revise the constitution of the state.
The town agreed with Capt. Haridin to take the steeple
off of the meeting-house and stop it from leaking, for five
dollars. He was to forfeit ten dollars if the work was not
completed by the last day of .July.
The town was divided into eight districts for the better
regulation of the schools, and two men were chosen in each
district as a committee.
J 34
The districts were located as follows: 1. The two is-
lands, with the families of Joseph Hatch, Thomas Higgins
and Paine Higgins. 2. All the families from the first dis-
trict westward of the county road and northward of Joseph
Parcie's. 3. All eastward of the county road and north-
ward of Rebecca Thomas'. 4. Included Moses Lewis,
Samuel Waterman, and all westward of the road from Sime-
on Atwood's to Barnabas Young's. 5. From the last limits
to Seth Hopkins'. 6. included David Holbrook, Samuel
Baker, Elisha Eigford, and all to the southward as far as
Simeon Newcomb, Jr's. 7. Josej)h Smith, and southward
to take in James Brown and Samuel Watts. S. All the re-
mainder to Biackfish creek.
The schools were continued through the war, and more
or less sums were appropriated for their support, according
as the means could be obtained. A greater interest was
now felt in the education of the youth, and more money was
devoted for this purpose. The town was rapidly recovering
IVom the eflectsof the war; new vessels had been obtained
and were employed in the whale and other fisheries; and im-
proven)ents were effected in the public and private concerns
of the inhabitants.
In 1792 it was agreed to repair and paint the meeting-
house, to erect a porch in front large enough to admit two
flights of steps, and pews in front of the galleries. The
common business of the inhabitants was conducted with zeal
and success. Samuel Waterman, Esq., and Capt. Lewis
were employed to take a plan of the town, agreeable to the
requirement of the General Court. The votes of the town
were given in favor of the revision of the constitution.
The town voted to give the Rev. Mr, Whitman a horse,
not to exceed in value sixty dollars. On account of the de-
preciation of money at different times, the town granted him
an allowance.
New roads were laid out, and suitable j)rovision was made
for the poor of the town, as before.
In 1793 the town voted not to assess any tax, but to pay
ihe state tax and town expenses by the sale of the town
lands and meadow.
135
In 1802 the number of vessels owned in Weltflect was
twenty-five. Five were engaged in the whale fishery at the
straits of Belleisle and Newfoundland. They carried iheir
salt, and if they conld not load up with whale oil they made
up the voyage with codfish. One of these vessels was one
hundred tons, three of them sevsnty-five, and one fifty-seven.
There were, also, four vessels of about forty tons each, en-
gaged chiefly in the cod and mackerel fishery. Four more,
of about thirty ions each, were employed in carrying oysters
to Boston, Salem, Newburyport and Portland. There were
twelve other small vessels, of from sixteen to tweniy-fivo
tons, engaged in the mackerel and cod and other fisheries a-
round the Cape.
1806. The town agreed to enlarge and repair the njeet-
ing-house, and a conimittee was chosen to superintend the
work, viz: Capt. Lewis Hamlin, William Cole, Jr., Thomas
Higgins, 3d, Capt. Lemuel Newcomb and Josiah AVhitman.
The new pews were sold at vendue for !^2,520 61 more than
the expenses. The town voted to give Mr. Whitman a new
and complete suit of clothes.
1807. The town was divided into five school districts,
containing one hundred and ninety-eight families.
EPISCOPAL METHODIST SOCIETY.
This town was first visited by the Rev. Robert Yallaley,
in 1797, who was then appointed to labor in Provincetovvn
and the vicinity. He preached several times in this place.
He was followed by the Rev. IMessrs. Rickhovv, Weeks,
Broadhead, Snelling, Willard, and others.
In 1807 Wellfleet was made a jjart of Harwich circuit.
The Rev. Joel Steele was the first who travelled the circuit.
He was followed by Rev. E. Otis, who was succeeded by
Mr. Joseph A. Merrill, during 1809 and '10. In 1811
Wellfleet was made a circuit in connection with Truro,
which continued until 1827, when it was made a station by
itself. The church was organized in 1802, and contained
three persons, but the number soon increased to ten.
Mr. Ephraim Higgins was the first class-leader. They
136
continued fo meet together for mutual edification and to bear
the word preached, and llieir number gradually increased.
Exhorting one another daily, they were comforted and
slrenglhened. In 1304 they were blessed with a revival,
and a number were added to the chinch. This gave a new
impulse to their faith and zeal to labor for the salvation of
sinners, for whom Christ died. In 1806 they were again
visited wiih a revival of religion, and a gradual increase of
religious influence followed, when in 1810 many were con-
verted to God and added to the church.
They now found that it was necessary to procure a suita-
ble place of worship, (having up to this lime met in private
dwellings,) and having obtained a site, in 1817, they suc-
ceeded in erecting a house of worship on the hill north of
the village, forty feet by thirty-eight. This was the first
meeting-house erected by the Methodist Episcopal church
in Wellfleet.
It was dedicated to the worship of God in November, by
the Rev. George Pickering. At this time, iHcluding the
branch in Truro, there were one hundred and sixty-four
members in the church. This house was soon filled with
willing hearers, and the society were blessed with a pious,
devoted and laborious ministry.
From 1817 to 1821, great prosperity attended this church
and society; the good seed was sown in many hearts, many
of whon) now live to witness that God hath power on earth
to forgive sin. This was a time in the history of this church
which never will be erased from the memory of those who
witnessed it. From this time the chuich enjoyed seasons of
refreshing from tlie presence of the Lord and the glory of
bis power, and such numbers were added, that the house
was found insufficient to hold those who desired to worship
in it. It was enlarged in 1829, so as to make it sixty feet
b}' thirty-eight, containing seventy pews on tlie floor, with
galleries on both sides and for the singers. It was dedicated
to the worship of God in December, by Ilev. F. Lombard,
then preacher in charge. The number in the church at this
time was one hundred and thirty-five. They were now
IS7
blessed with fiiithful ministers, and a disposition was mani-
fested by llie church to co-operate with them in tlie salvation
of sinners. In 1834 God revived his work again, and a
goodly number were added to the church.
In 1842 and '43 the people were visited with a greater dis-
play of God's power and mercy in the conversion of sin-
ners, than had, probably, ever been witnessed since the set-
tlement of the town. It is supposed that about two hundred
persons were the subjects of it. One hundred and twenty-
five were added to the Methodist church, and others to tlie
Congregational church.
The old house now being too small, and the site not so
eligible, it was determined to take it down and build a new
one, sufficiently large to acconmiodate all who might desire
to worship in it.
With the divine blessing the house was built. It is sixty-
seven feet by fifty-seven, and contains one hundred and
eighteen pews on the floor, with galleries on both sides, and
at the end opposite the pulpit, for the choir. The pulpit is
neat, in imitation of marble ; in the rear of which is a beau-
tiful painting. The altar is of mahogany. The pews are
painted pea-green and capped with mahogany.
The outside is of the Grecian order, with a tower and
bell. The basement is of brick, with two convenient ves-
tries above the ground, one thirty-seven by thirty-eight feet,
with three hundred seats; the other thirty-seven by eighteen
feet, with one hundred seats, and separated by folding-doors,
so that they may be thrown into one when necessary. This
house was dedicated to the worship of God, December 5,
1843, by the Rev. Paul Townsend,
It is a most convenient house, and situated in the central
and most pleasant part of the town. The present number
of the church is three hundred, and the congregation is large
and respectable.
The following ministers have been appointed to the church
and society in succession. —
1807— Rev. Joel Steele.
1808— Erastus Otis.
19
138
1809, '10 and 'II— Joseph A. Merrill.
1812— Robert Arnold.
1813— Elias iMarble.
1814— B. Otheman.
1315— H. Pierce.
1816 — Orin Roberts.
1817 — Benjamin Keith.
1818 and '19— Ephraim Wiley.
1820 and '21— Edward Hide.
1822 and '23— L. Bennet.
1824— J. G. Atkins.
1825 and '26— Lewis Bates.
1827 and '28— Joel Steele.
1829 and '30— B. F. Lombard.
1831— N. S. Spaiilding.
1832— Squire B. Haskell.
1833— H. Brownson.
1834 and '35— W. Emerson.
1836— B. F. Lombard.
1837 and '38- H. Perry.
1839— J. M. Bidwell.
1840 and '41— Paul Tovvnsend.
1842 and '43— J. Cady.*
In 1808 it was voted to give Mr. Whitman $500 to ask a
dismission from the work of the ministry in the town, and if
he would not accept of this, to give him nothing. Upon
which he gave the following answer: —
' In consequence of the vote of the town of Wellfleet, making
me an offer of $500, I request of the town a discharge from the work
of the ministry, and that all connection with tlie town as minister may
cease upon the reception of the said sum."
He labored in the ministry twenty-three years, during
which time thirty-three members were added to the church,
and he solemnized two hundred and eighty-two marriages.
After this Mr. Whitman resided in Kingston, where he died
in 1838, aged 92.
* Furnished by Rev. J. Cady.
139
At (lie litne of liis (Jisinission Jonailjan Higgins and Josiali
liich were deacons of ilie church. There were ten uiale
and thirty-nine female members.
Mr. Timothy Davis was heard as a candidate, to whom
the church and society gave an unanimous call to settle with
them as a minister of the gospel, and voted to give him
$500 as a settlement and $600 yearly as his salary. To
this call Mr. Davis gave the following answer: —
' I now inform the church and town of Wellfleet tliat I have re-
ceived from your committee an invitation to settle witii you in the
ministry of the gospel, together witli your proposals making provision
tor my settlement and support. Conscious of the arduous and impor-
tant duties which are incumbent on a minister of the gospel of Christ,
and, I trust, depending on divine assistance and direction, I give my
answer to your invitation in the affirmative, humbly praying that God
would make me an instrument of promoting your edification in Chris-
tian fiiitli and obedience. I ask your prayers tiiat he would be pleas-
ed to overrule my settlement with you (if no unexpected event inter-
vene to prevent it.) for his glory and our mutual good.
'TIMOTHY DAVIS.'
' Wellfleet, October 24, 1808.'
A committee was now chosen to make provision for the
ordination, to provide a house for the entertainment of the
council, and to write to the several churches for as many
ministers and delegates as might necessarily be called. Capt.
Joseph Holbrook, Thomas Higgins, Sd, and Samuel Rider
were the committee.
Mr. Davis was a native of Wrentham, graduated at Har-
vard in 1804, and was ordained November 16, 1808. The
churches represented by their ministers and delegates, were,
Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Harwich, Brewster, Chat-
ham, Orleans, Eastham, Truro, Provincetown and Wrent-
ham, llev. Mr. Simpkins made the introductory prayer;
Rev. Mr. Fiske delivered the sermon; Rev. Mr. Damon
made the consecrating prayer ; Rev. Mr. Burt gave the
charge; Rev. Mr. Shaw the fellowship of the churches, and
Rev, Mr. Waterman made the concluding prayer.
It was agreed that the town respectfully petition the pres-
ident of the United States 'to suspend the embargo, either
140
wholly or partially, according to the power vested in him by
congress, or that he call tiiat body together as soon as
possible, to take the subject into consideration.' The se-
lectmen signed the petition in behalf of the town, end sent
it to the president of the United States.
In 1812, war having been declared by our government a-
gainst Great Britain, this town unanimously made choice of
three men to draw up a petition to the governor of the com-
monwealth, praying that if the militia companies in the towns
of Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet and Truro should be called
into actual service, they might be stationed In some of these
towns for a defence against the enemy; and a copy of the
proceedings was ordered to be sent to the other three towns.
In 1814, the British ships of war, cruisers and tenders
being in the bay, and threatening to land and burn the town,
measures were taken for their security, and a large commit-
tee of safety was cho:ben to watch the enemy and use such
means as were in their power for the public protection and
security.
In 1815 the tovv-n empowered the selectmen to invite the
towns of Eastham and Truro to join them in remonstrating
against the petition of the town of Provincetovvn to the Gen-
eral Court, respecting the fisheries near that town.
A petition was sent to the postmaster-general to have the
post-office removed to Capt. Robert Kemp's.
The church joined the other churches in the county in a
petition to the General Court for liberty to sell and divide
the Hersey donation.*
1816. A committee was appointed to consider and report
on the petition of the Methodist society, that those members
who had been taxed for the support of the Congregational
* Doct. Hersey of Barnstable gave by his will all his large property to the Con-
gregational chiirciies in the county of Barnstable, the income of which was to be
divided annually according to the business he did, during his professional life,' in
each town. The property was left to the care of the deacons collectively, who
met once a year on the premises to hire it out, their time, travel and other expens-
es being paid from the income, which nearly consumed the whole. The portion
which fell to this church on (he division and sale of the property was $.'300. Th«
JntBrest of this has generally been expended in books for the Sabbath echool.
141
minister might have the tax remitted, and the request was
granted.
In 1817 the Rev. Mr. Davis addressed the following to
his parish: —
* To the Selectmen of the Town of Wellftet :
'Gentlemen: — Please to inform my parishioners, tliat, desirous to
promote both their temporal and eternal welfare, I am v/jHing-, for the
present, to make an abatement in my salary of fifty dollars a year.
I wish to be distinctly understood, that I do not relinquish my rio-ht to
any part of my salary. It is my intention, however, to make the
abatement, above mentioned, as long as I live, or as long as I am their
minister, provided that I and my family can live comfortably withont
it. But if, at any future time, my necessities require it, 1 shall consid-
er myself entitled to my whole salary. 'TIMOTHY DAVIS.'
'Wellfleet, lanuary let, 1818.'
1820. Reuben Arey, Esq., was chosen as a delegate to
meet the delegates from the other towns in the state, in con-
vention at Boston, November 15, to revise the consiitniion.
The revised constitution being submitted to the town for
their approval, they unanimously voted in favor of all except
the fourth and tenth articles.
1821. By order of the General Court a valuation of the
rateable property in the town was taken by Eleazer Hig-
gins, Samuel Rider and Reuben Arey, Esq., who were chos-
en and sworn for this purpose.
This year the present Congregational meeting-house was
built. It is large and commodious, and has a tower and bell.
In 1827 a new school district was formed in the south
part of the town, north of Blackfish creek, under the name
of the seventh district. It contained twenty-two families.
It was voted that the agents in the several districts should be
a committee to take care of the schools.
A committee was chosen to examine the roads in the town.
Difficulties had arisen, for the want of records of the roads
as they were originally laid out, which made it necessary to
establish them for the future. Eighteen roads were surveyed
and defined, and accepted by the town according to the re-
quest of the committee, Josiah Whitman, Reuben Arey and
Thomas Higgins.
142
Articles of faith were adopted and signed by the cliurch,
wliicli were truly sound and orthodox. Future applicants
for aduiission were to be required to acknowledge and sign
iheni.
In 1S28 it was voted that no person should be licensed in
the town, the ensuing year, to retail spirituous liquors or
wine. It was also voted to build a foot bridge over Black-
fish creek.
1829. It was voted that the petition of Josiah Whitman
and others in regard to the oysters be passed by, with the
advice that no person steal the same.
The school prudential committees were forbidden to draw
from the town treasury any money to pay to teachers who
were not approbated by the school committee of the town.
Liberty was given to build tombs in the burying-yard-
1831. No books were allowed to be introduced into the
schools without the approbation of the school committee.
Benjamin Y. Atwood had liberty to build a wharf at Black
rock.
Isaiah K. Baker petitioned the town for assistance to build
a bridge from Griffin's island to the main land.
Agreeable to a resolve of the General Court, calling on
the inhabitants of the several towns to express their minds
for or against the accepiance of an article of amendment of
the constitution, changing the commencement of the political
year from tl)e last "Wednesday of May to the first Wednes-
day of January, the town voted unanimously in favor of the
proposed alteration.
March 18, 1830, the Rev. Mr. Davis informed the church
of his desire and intention of leaving them, offering a varie-
ty of considerations which had convinced him that it was his
duty to seek a dissolution of the connection, and requested
that a mutual council might be called for this purpose — to
which request assent was given. The council met at his
house, April 1st, and, after due consideration, dissolved the
pastoral connection between them, and gave him the usual
recommendation as a good and faithful minister of the gos-
pel.
143
Mr. Davis labored here in the ministry twenty-two years,
during wliich one hundred and sixty were added to the
church. He administered baptism to three hundred and
forty-six persons, and solemnized two hundred and fifty mar-
riages. He was much respected and beloved by his people,
and it was deeply regretted that circumstances, which in no
degree affected his ministerial or christian character, should
render the separation necessary. He is still living and la-
boring in the work of the ministrv in the state of JNIaine.
After this the Rev. Mr. Harlow supplied the desk a num-
ber of weeks, and was followed about the same lime by Mr.
Hutchins, when a call was given to the Kev. Stephen Bailey,
who accepted it and commenced his labors here, June 17,
1830, and was dismissed at his own request in 1838. Dur-
ing his ministry here one hundred and thirty-two were added
to the church. Since his dismission he has been employed
as an agent by the Seamen's Friend Society.
December 4, 1833, the second Congregational church was
organized in the south part of the town, and forty-two mem-
bers were dismissed from the old church for the purpose.
A commodious house of worship was erected.
They had no ordained pastor until May 6th, 1842, when
Mr. Isaac A. Bassett was ordained over them. Previous to
this Ume they had been supplied by a succession of minis-
ters — Rev. Timothy Davis, Rev. John Orcutt, Rev. E.
Pratt, Rev. S. Hardy and Rev. Wooster Willey. Mr. Bas-
sett continued with them but one year.
They have enjoyed revivals of religion at different peri-
ods, especially duiing the supply of the Rev. Mr. Orctiit,
when a large number were added to the church. The pres-
ent number is one hundred and sixty.
The Rev. Henry Yanhouten is now the acting pastor of
the church and society, whose labors have been blessed.
In 1834 a Methodist meeting-house was built in this part
of the town, but their number being small, they were not
able to sustain the ministry, and the house has been vacated
for a number of years.
June 18, 1838, the first church gave a call to Rev. Jo-
144
seph Merril! to become iheir pastor. Fie remained about
one year, when at his request the connection was dissolved.
During this lime iliiriy-five members were added to the
church. Mr. Merrill graduated at Dartmouth college in
ISOG.
After this Mr. William H. Adams was heard as a candi-
date, received a call from the church and society, and was
ordained February 17, 1840; and was dismissed at his own
request, in 1841, and recommended to the confidence and af-
fection of the churches, wherever he might be called to labor
in the gospel ministry. Fourteen members were admitted
to the church by him.
In May, 1842, eighteen members were added by Rev.
S. Hardy, and on tlie 29th of the same month, nine more
by Rev. Mr. Boyter — in August, five by Rev. Mr. Bassett.
In the winter of 1843, Rev. George Clark labored here, and
lliirty-nine members were admitted to the church.
February 20ih, 1843, the church and society gave a call
to the Rev. John Dodd, to settle with them as their pastor.
Mr. P. G. Atwood and Doct. J. Mitchell were appointed
as a committee to communicate tlseir doings to him. He
was installed over them October 18th, by a council conven-
ed for the purpose. The council was composed of the fol-
lowing churches and ministers: Brewster, Rev. Mr. Wil-
liams; Orleans, Rev. Mr. White; Eastham, Rev. Mr.
Pratt; South Welifleet, Rev. Mr. Vanhouten; North
Truro, Mr. My rick; Truro; Marlborough Chapel, Boston;
Haverhill, Rev. Mr. Finney; Filchburg, Rev. Mr. Clark;
x\shburnham. Rev. Mr. Cole.
Since the commencement of the present century, the
Lord in his great mercy has often blessed this people by the
visitation of his grace, and revived his work among them.
The church now contains about two hundred and sixty mem-
bers, and the parish is large and attentive to the public wor-
ship of God. The sabbath school and bible classes are at-
tended by large numbers, both of adults and children.
The cause of temperance is advancing, and it is believed
that none of the fishing vessels which sail from the harbors
take any kind of intoxicating drinks with them.
145
The church have labored to put an end both to the trafBc
and use of all iiitoxicaiing drinks. Strong resolutions have
been passed by the church in regard to the use and sale of
intoxicating liquors as a beverage, as being inconsistent with
the principles of morality and religion.
'1st. That this sin, like all others, should be rebuked, in high
places and low places, privately and publicly; and that this church
will justify its members m rebukmg it whenever and wherever it
would be proper to rebuke any other sin, but always in the spirit of
brotherly kindness and charity.
'2d. That this church regard it as their duty to use all christian
measures, in tiieir power, to remove as soon as practicable all vestiges
of this evil from anions us-'
EDUCATION.
No mention is made of a school in this part of the town
of Easthani until 1700, when the inhabitants petitioned the
town to have one set iip !hmh. Tlie town granted the re-
quest, with the condition that they should pay the teacher to
learn their children to read the English bible.
Before this there had been but one public school in the
whole town, which was kept in the central and other parts
in rotation. After this time, this part of the town drew its
proportion of the money that was raised for the purpose,
and a separate school was maintained for the most part of
the lime.
MONEY RAISED FOR SCHOOLING.
1761— £40. [By the precinct.]
1768— £40. [By the town.]
1770— £53, 6*. 8d.
1771— £40.
1773— £53, 6s. 8d.
20
146
1774 — £53, 6s. Sd. [First English grammar school.]
1775 — JE400 old tenor. [English grammar school con-
tinued.]
1779 and 'SO— £200 old tenor.
17S1— £30 lawful money.
From 1782 to 180G — $100 per year on an average.
1807 and '08— ^$100.
1810— $100.
1811 and '12— $200,
1815— $150.
1816 and '17— $200.
1818- $300.
1819 to '21— $200.
1823 to '27— $200.
1828— $300.
1829 to '32— $400.
1833 to '35— $600.
1836— $700.
1837 to '39— $800.
1840 to '43— $1000.*
Valuation in 1840-41, $130,491 00.
Number of school districts, 10.
Number of children between four and sixteen, 595.
The following gentlemen, who belonged to or resided in
this town, received a liberal education: — Hon. Isaiah L.
Green, Naaman Holbrook, Ezekiel Whitman, Levi Whit-
man, John Davis, Thomas Stone.
Mr. Green was the son of the Rev. Mr. Green of Yar-
mouth. He was a near connection of and was named for
the Rev. Mr. Lewis of this town, and resided in his family
after his father's death, and was educated by him. He grad-
uated at Harvard college in 1781. It is not known that he
studied a profession, but ho was for many years a merchant
iu Barnstable; after which he represented this district in
congress, and was subsequently appointed collector of the
revenue at Barnstable.
* Amount for each year in all cases.
147
Mr. Ezekiel Whitman was a native of Biitlgevvater and
nephew of the Rev. Mr. Whitman of this place, with whom
he hved and by whom he was educated. He graduated at
Brown university in 1795, studied the law, and has been for
many years chief justice of the supreme court ol llie stale
of Maine.
Mr. Levi Whitman was a son of the minister. He grad-
uated at Harvard college in 180S, studied the law, and has
been for a number of years a clerk in one of the public offi-
ces in Washington.
Mr. Davis is the son of Rev. Timothy Davis, late of
this town, and is in the practice of the law.
Mr. Stone is the son of the late Doct. Stone, and is in
the practice of medicine in Truro.
1730
CENSUS.
600*
1764
.
.
928t
1766
.
.
965t
1775
.
.
1235
1790
.
,
1113
1800
..
.
1207
1806
,
.
1386
1810
.
* « •
1402
1820
,
.
1472
1830
.
.
2044
1840
•
•
2377
ecinct of W
ellfleet.
t District of do.
i Town of do.
148
PRECINCT TREASURERS.
Mr. John Rich, froin 1723 to 1726.
Mr. Samuel Brown, from 1727 to 1729.
Mr. Jeremiah Mayo, from 1730 to 1732.
Mr. Israel Young, from 1733 to 1741.
Mr. Daniel Mayo, from 1742 to 1756.
Mr. Zoheth Smith, from 1757 to 1759.
Elislia Doane, Esq., from 1760 to 1762.
DISTRICT CLERKS AND TREASURERS.
Maj. Elisha Doane, from 1763 to 1765.
Capt. Ephraim Covel, 1766.
Maj. Elisha Doane, from 1767 to 1773.
TOWN CLERKS AND TREASURERS.
Mr. Ezekiel Flolbrook, from 1774 to 1800.
Mr. Lewis Harnlen, from 1801 to 1808.
Samuel Waterman, Esq., from 1809 to 1813.
Mr. Jeremiah Newcomb, 1814.
Samuel Waterman, Esq., from 1815 to 1823.
Josiah Whitman, Esq., from 1824 to 1833,
Mr. Ezekiel Higgins, 1834.
Josiah Whitman, Esq., from 1835 to 1839.
Giles Holbrook, Esq., from 1840 to 1844.
DELEGATES TO THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
In 1774, the district of Wellfleet assumed all the privileg-
es of other towns. For fifty-one years Wellfleet was con-
nected with Eastham in the choice of representatives to the
General Court. This year Mr. Naanian Holbrook and Col.
Elisha Cobb were chosen as delegates to the first provincial
congress which was held at Salem, October 5th, 1775. Col.
Elisha Cobb was chosen a delegate to the second congress,
held at Cambridge, the first of February, and the third, held
at Watertown, July 31st.
149
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.
1776— Col. Elisha Cobb. J823-
Mr. Naaman Holbrook. 1827-
1781— Elisha Doane, Esq. 1829-
1782— Col. Elisha Doane. 1830-
1785 — Capt. Jeremiah Bickford.
1787— Hezekiah Doane, Esq. 1831-
1788— Mr. Michael Collins.
1791— Mr. Michael Collins. 1832-
1792 — Mr. Samuel Waterman.
1794— Samuel Waterman, Esq. 1834-
1795— Samuel Waterman, Esq.
1797— Mr. Reuben Arey. 1835-
1798 — Maj. Hezekiah Doane.
1801— Capt. Lemuel Newcomb. 1836-
1802— Mr. Reuben Rich.
1804— Capt. Lemuel Newcomb. 1837-
1806 — Capt. Lemuel Newcomb.
1808— Josiah Whitman, Esq. 1838-
1809— Mr. Beriah Higgins.
1810— Mr. Beriah Higgins. 1839-
1811— Mr. Beriah Higgins.
1812- Mr. Beriah Higgins. 1840-
1813— Mr. Beriah Higgins.
1814— Josiah Whitman, Esq. 1841-
1820— Reuben Arey, Esq. 1842-
1821— Reuben Arey, Esq. 1843-
-Reuben Arey, Esq.
-Josiah Whitman, Esq.
-Mr. Benj'n R. Witherell.
-Mr. Benj'n R. Witherell.
Mr. Joseph Holbrook, 3cJ.
-Benj'n R. Witherell, Esq.
Mr. Joseph Holbrook.
-Col. Joseph Holbrook.
Benj'n R. Witherell, Esq.
-Mr. Eben'r Freeman, 2(J.
Mr. Joseph Higgins,
-Mr. Thomas Holbrook, 2d.
Capt. Amaziah Atwood.
-Mr. Richard Libby.
Mr. Jonathan Hickman.
-Mr. John Daniels.
Mr. Richard Libby.
-Mr. Atkins Dyer.
Mr. Nathan Paine.
-Mr. Nathaniel P. Wiley.
Capt. Solomon R. Hawes.
-Capt. Solomon R. Hawes.
Mr. Nathaniel P. Wiley.
-Mr. Seth H. Baker.
-Mr. Seth H. Baker.
-Mr. Isaac Paine.
SELECTMEN.
1763— Maj. Elisha Doane, eight years.
1763 — Dea. Reuben Rich, seven do.
1763 — Samuel Smith. Jr., ten do.
1765 — Zoheth Smith, seven do.
1769 — Naaman Holbrook, eight do.
1770 — Jonathan Young, eighi do.
1771 — Ebenezer Atwood, four do,
1772 — Capt. Hezekiah Doane, four do.
177,5— Col. Elisha Cobb, four do.
1777 — Winslow Lewis, one year.
150
1777 — John Sweat, one year.
]779 — Barnabas Young, ons do.
1779 — Joseph Smitli, two years.
1780 — Tiiomas Holbrook, twelve do.
1781_VVilliam Cole, six do,
1787— Capt. Lewis Mainlen, thirteen do.
1787 — Reuben Arey, nine do.
1798 — John Witherell, five do.
1800 — Thomas Higgins, six do.
1804 — Samuel Newconib, four do.
Hezeldah Ptich, three do.
1805— Matthias Rider, two do.
1807— David Holbrook, two do.
1807 — Stephen Atwood, two do.
1809 — Joseph Holbrook, twelve do.
1809 — Beriah Higgins, four do.
1809 — Freeman Atwood, six do.
1813— John Wiliierell, two do.
1813 — Jeremiah Newcomb, two do.
1814 — Elisha Brown, one year.
1814 — Robert Kemp, two years.
1814 — Edmond Freeman, one year.
1815 — Reuben Rich, one do.
181b' — Moses Hinckley, three years.
181(3— Josiah Whitman, Esq., four do.
1818 — Samuel Ryder, one year.
1819 — Reuben Arey, Esq., nine years.
1823 — Capt. Freeman Atwood, four do.
1827 — Joseph Higgins, four do.
1827 — Benjamin R. Witherell, six do.
1827 — Thomas Hatch, four do.
1829 — Moses Lewis, one year.
1829 — Cornelius Hamblen, two years.
ISoO — George Ward, four do.
1830 — SainueJ Higgins, one year.
1831 — Micah Dyer, fouryears.
1831 — Ebenezer Freeman, two do,
1833 — Reuben Arey, Jr., one year.
1837 — Caleb Lumbard, five years.
1837 — Thomas Higgins, Jr., one year.
1838 — Elisha Freeman, six years.
1838 — Amaziah Atwood, three do.
1838 — Joiin Newcomb, three do.
1841 — Knowles Dyer, three do.
J844— Bethuel Wiley.
HISTOHY OF ORLEANS.
DESCRIPTION.
Orleans was formerly ihe south part of Eastham, but it
was separated fronj that town, and incorporated by its pres-
ent name, March 3d, 1797.
It is bounded on the East by the ocean, on the South by
Pleasant bay and Chatham, on the West by Brewster and
Harwich, and on the North-west by Barnstable bay. The
county, which sketches east from Buzzard's bay to this place,
here turns to the north, and extends in that course to Truro,
The length of the township is five miles, and the breadth
from three to five miles. The surface of the land is some-
what hilly. The county road runs through the north-west
corner of the town.
Orleans is of very irregular form, the lines which separate
it from the adjoining townships being crooked, and its shores
being indented by coves and creeks.
Town cove has been described in the history of Eastham.
The neck of land on the east side of this cove is called Ton-
set. The soil here is good.
A river or creek runs into Pleasant bay. The head of it,
where it is narrow, is called Zeb's cove. Vessels drawing
seven feet of water can come a half a mile below this cove,
the northern part of which is two miles and a half from the
mouth of the river, where it is half a mile wide.
The land east of this river is named Barley neck. The
land here is better than that of Tonset.
152
On the east side of Barley neck are coves, vvhicli commu-
nicate wiili Pleasant bay, and which separate the neck from
Nauset beach.
The land which is situated between Barley and Tonset
necks, and which terminates in Wood's neck, is called Po-
chet. Here iliere is rdso some good land.
Ncrth-easi of Pochet, near the ocean, is a small neck of
land, containing about fifty acres, called Weeset. It is sep-
arated from Tonset by a cove.
These several necks constitute a peninsula, the whole of
which is denominated Pochet. The isthmus is not more
than half a mile wide, and is situated between Town cove
and Zeb's cove on the south.
A narrow beach forms the barrier of the waters which vrash
the eastern shores of Orleans. At Nauset harbor it joins
the main land. On this beach, about half way between the
entrances of Nauset and Chatham harbors, the trustees of
the Humane Society, some years ago, built a hut to shelter
the shipwrecked mariner.
Near this place, many years ago, was the mouth of Porl-
mumqutt harbor, which filled up gradually.
This beach, on the inside, the most of the way, is skirted
with salt marsh.
There are several islands in Pleasant bay, within the limits
of Orleans
The largest is Pochet island, which is east of Barley neck,
and contains the best land in the township. On its north-
east side is a small body of salt marsh.
South-west of Pochet island is Sampson's island, contain-
ing about thirty acres of good land. For many years after
the first settlement of the town this island was used entirely
for pasturing sheep. East of it and near it is a large body
of salt marsh.
On the south, and connected with it at low water, is Hog
island, containing about ten acres.
Southerly of Hog island is Sepson's island, which covers
an extent of twenty acres.
These islands add much beauty to this sheet of water, and
i53
give it a just title to the name which it has recei^-etl, thai of
Pleasant bay.
Nearly opposite to this town, in the ocean, it is said, is ihe
point where the tides from Narragansett and Massachusetts
bays meet, and wlience they separate, — the flow of the sea
above this point being towards the nortli, and below it towards
the south.
Leaving the peninsula of Pochet, and travelling round Or-
leans river or creek, on the west side of it is Naun)koyiclc
neck, which is formed by Higgins' river on the north of it,
and Naumk'oyick creek on the south.
The south part of the township is called Potanumaquiet.
This territory was inhabited by the Nauset tribe of Indians a
long time after the settlement of the town. Their burying-
place is still to be seen, and it is not more than seventy years
since their meeting-house was standing.
The land here is light and sandy. It is mostly cleared,
only a small part being now covered with brush-wood.
In the north-west part of the town, or the part bordering
on Barnstable bay, is Namskaket creek, which is three quar-
ters of a mile long, and which, as far as it goes, is the divid-
ing line between Orleans and Brewster. It is very narrow,
and its mouth is not quite bO deep as Rock haibor. The
territory near it, as vvtil as the creek itself, is called Skaket.
The land is light and sandy.
Little Skaket creek is some distance north of the Nam-
skaket, and still smaller.
Rock Harbor creek, lying north of Little Skaket, is nearly
dry at low water, and at high tide is not more than seven
feet deep. On all these creeks there are bodies of salt marsh.
There are no brooks in the town; but ihei'e are sixteen fresh
water ponds, which serve for the watering of cattle and other
purposes.
From the description now given, it is apparent that there
is a portion of good land in the township; but the greatest
part of the soil is light and sandy, and some absolutely bar-
ren. Pochet island, years ago, would produce twenty bush-
els of Indian corn loan acre, without manuring; Barley and
21
154
Tonset necks, fifteen wiiliout and thirty with mannre. The
horse-foot, or king-crab, was formerly much used for
manuring land when platiied with Indian corn and potatoes.
It was chopped into small pieces, of which not more than
one or two were put in a hill: but while it aided the crop it
tended to exhaust the land. For many years attention has
been paid to the collection of sea-weed from the shores; but
more at the present time than formerly. It is spread on the
land, and ploughed into the furrow, and sometimes put into
the potato hills. The corn raised here is 'solid and heavy,
and formerly many hundred bushels were annually sent to
Boston market. Rye and other vegetables are producedy
sufficient for the consumption of the inhabitants. Some cat-
tle are fattened for the honie market, and several are sold in
the towns below. Sufficient butter is manufactured for the
use of the inhabitants. Forty years ago not more than ten
tons of English hay was cut; at the present time the quanti-
ty is estimated at two hundred tons. Peat and other swamp
lands have been cleared ami sown with English grass. The
salt marshes are of two kinds, sedge and short grass, and
nearly eight hundred tons of salt hay are cut. There are a
number of small orchards.
Very little wood is left in the township. The inhabitants
use peat for fuel. This article is a good substitute for wood,
and there are many swamps and meadows from which it can
be obtained in sufficient quantities. The people were igno-
rant that they possessed this important article, until (many
years ago) their minister, Mr. Osborn, who had learned the
use of it in Ireland, first pointed it out, and taught them the
art of drying and preparing it.
But the shores and coves of Orleans are uiore fertile than
the land. The riches hid in the sands are not easily estima-
ted. Though oysters are not to be found on the shores of
Orleans, yet quahaugs and clams abound in greater profusion
there than in any other part of the county.
The quahaug is a round and thick shell-fish. It does not
bury itself deep in the sand, is generally found lying on it in
deep water, and is taken with iron rakes made for the pur-
155
pose. Sometimes a few 'are picked up above low uaier
mark. It is but little inlerior to the oyster. It is cooked in
various ways; roatied, boiled, fried, or made into soups or
pies. About hall" an iucli of" the inside of the shell is of a
purple color. This the Indians broke ofF and converted
into beads, which they called black money: it was of double
the value of wampum, or vvtiiie money nsade of the peri-
winkle.
The sea clam is found on the flats at low water. Before
the Indians learned of the English the use of the hoe, ihey
hilled their corn wiih these shells, for which use they were
adapted by their sii^e.
The small clam is found in much greater abundance, and
the business is a source of much greater j)rofit. They bury
themselves in the sand, from four to eighteen inches deep.
The Indians were very fond of them, and being unacquaint-
ed with salt, they made use of iheui and their liquor to sea-
son their nasaum[) and boiled corn. Tiiey are considerably
used by the inhabitants for food, and would be more valued
if they were less common; but as long as a peck of clams,
which is sufficient to afford a small family a dinner, can be
prociu'ed with a little more labor than a peck of sand, they
will not be very highly prized. Previous to 1802 five liun-
dred barrels were annually dug here for bait. In that year
one thousand barrels were collected, and for years afierwards.
Between one and two hundred of the inhabiiants were em-
ployed in this business, and received from their employers
three dollars a barrel for digging, opening, salting and filling
the casks. From twelve to eighteen bushels in the shell
must be dug to fill a barrel, when opened. A man can earn
at the business seventy-five cents a day.
A barrel of clams was worth six dollars.
A thousand bushels of clams are equal in value to six or
eight thousand bushels of corn, and are procured with much
less labor and expense. When, iherefoj'o, the fishes with
which the coves of Orleans abound are taken into consider-
ation, they may be truly regarded as more beneficial to the
inhabitants than if the space which they occupy were cover-
ed with the richest soil.
15G
The riches which they yield are inexhaustible ; for after a
portion of the shoie has been dug over and nearly all the
clams taken out, at the end of two years, it is said, they are
as j3lenty as ever. It is even said, by many persons^ that it
is as necessary to stir the clam ground frequently as it is to
hoe a field of corn; because, if this is not done, the clams
will be crowded so closely as lo prevent them from attaining
any size.
The land in Orleans is culiivaied mostly by old men and
small boys, as the male populaiion between the ages of twelve
and forty-five are engaged in the cod fishery and other des-
criptions of seafaring business. The fishing vessels in which
they make their voyages are but few of them owned in the
town, but are taken on shares from Duxbury, Plymouth,
Boston and other places. The only vessels owned in Orleans
in ISOO were three coasters, which brought fire-wood and
lumber from the state of Maine, and one packet, plying be-
tween Rock harbor and Boston. At the present time there
are two packets, some larger vessels engaged in commerce,
and a few other small vessels.
When the census was taken in 1800 the number of inhab-
itants was 1095. There were one hundred and seventy-four
families, who occupied one hundred and forty-two dwelling-
houses. The houses were generally neat, convenient build-
ings ; five of them only were two stories in height. There
. was no village in ilie town, but ilie population was scattered.
There were then three school-houses and the meeting-house,
which stood on the isthmus of Pochet, and two wind-mills.
In 1830 there were two hundred dwelling-houses and a-
bout three hundred families. The valuation of the real and
personal property was 5^150,624.
An academy was built in 1827. This building is of con-
venient size and two stories in- height. It contains a school-
room in the lower story and a hall above. The building is
owned by proprietors, who employ teachers qualified to in-
struct, in the higher branches of learning, those who have
passed through the town schools. This institution has been
of great importance to those engaged in seafaring pursuits,
157
in furnishing ihem with the instruction necessary to the pros-
ecution of their business, as well as to others of both sexea
who remain at home. iSiany have here been quahfied as
teachers, and have taken charge of the town scliools.
By an act of the General Court of I^lassaciiusetis, passed
the third day of fiJarch, 1797, this part of Eastliam was
separated from that town and incorporated as an independent
township, with all the privileges and inununities of the other
towns in the commonwealth. Signed by the speaker of the
House, Edward H. Robbins ; the president of the Senate,
Samuel Phillips, and by the governor, Samuel Adams.
Isaac Sparrow, Esq., was authorized and empowered by
the act to issue his warrant to some principal inhabitant of
the town of Orleans, requesting hiin to notify and warn the
inhabitants to meet at some suitable lime and place in the
town, to choose such officers as other towns were by law re-
quired to choose in the months of Pdarch and April annually.
The above act secured to the town of Orleans forever all
the ministerial lands then occupied and improved by the
Rev. Mr. Bascom, situated in the town of Easiham, It was
also enacted that the shell-fishery should remain and be en-
joyed by the inhabitants of Easiham and Orleans, in the same
manner as before, and should be regulated by the selectmen of
each town.
Isaac Sparrow, Esq., issued his warrant to Hezekiah Hig-
gins to notify and warn the freeholders and others qualified
to vote in town aliairs to meet at the public meeting-house
in said town, on the 16ih day of March.
The town being assembled, agreeable to the above notice,
made choice of Hezekiah Higgins as moderator. Benjamin
Taylor was chosen town-clerk and treasurer; Hezekiah Hig-
gins, Heman Linnel and Judah Rogers were chosen select-
men, and all other necessary town officers were chosen.
It was also agreed to send a petition to the General Court,
praying ihein to pass an act to prevent all persons fi-orn other
towns from catching eels in Oiieans, and Simeon Kingman,
Hezekiah Higgins and Jonathan Hopkins were chosen as a
committee to attend to it.
158
The votes of the town were polled for governor, &c.
Increase Sumner, for governor, liad 59 ; Edward H. Rob-
bins, for lieutenant governor, 59 ; David Thacher, for sena-
ior, 59. Simeon Kingman was chosen to represent the town
in the General Court.
The tov\n chose a committee of five persons to prosecute
the inhabitants of other towns for taking shell-fish in the town
of Orleans.
Money was raised for the support of the gospel and for a
town school or schools, and a committee was appointed to
regulate the latter. An addition was also n!ade to ilev. Mr.
Bascom's salary. |)333 33 was raised to support the schools,
and |)3G6 for the support of the poor. The town agreed
ihat three school-houses should be built in the three districts,
under the direction of the selectmen. Fish wardens were
chosen. A conmiittee was appointed to agree with East-
ham, and also with the two parishes in Harwich, with respect
to the taxing of real estate, lying in those towns, belonging
to the inhabitants of Orleans.
A committee was appointed by a resolve of the General
Court to repair to Orleans and Chatham, to ascertain, settle
and establish the boundary line between said towns. 'Hav-
ing met and fully heard the parlies, together with their pleas
and allegations, and having all the witnesses and records pro-
duced by both parties, and maturely considered the same,'
the conmiittee agreed upon, settled and established the fol-
lowing as the boundary line between said towns: — ' Beginning
at the south-easterly corner of the town of Harwich, in
Pleasant bay, from thence running easterly to the northward
of Strong island to a stake set in the ground on Pocha beach,
which stake bears south, seventy-five degrees east, from a
black rock situated in the edge of the water of said bay, and
from said stake a due east course into the sea; providing
that nothing, in establishing the present line, shall be consid-
ered as to affect private property.'
This committee were Isaac Thomson of Middleboro',
John Dillingham of Brewster and Ebenezer Crocker of
Barnstable. Their report was accepted by the General
Court in February, 1797.
159
1798. Increase Sumner, for governor, had 73 votes;
Edward H. Robbins, for lieut. do., 58; Solomon Freeman,
for senator, 116; Micajah Coffin of Nantucket, for repre-
sentative to congress, 70. Simeon Kingman was chosen to
represent the town in the General Court, The usual sum
was raised to carry on the schools in the different parts of
the town, and the minister and selectmen wore constituted a
committee to examine the teachers and regulate the schools.
1799. Micajah Coffin received 78 votes for representa-
tive to congress.
Four families were set off from Eastham to this town.
1800. The death of General George Washington
was noticed by the inhabitants, and at their request an ora-
tion was delivered by the Rev. Jonathan Bnscom, which was
printed ai the expense of the town.
The major part of the votes for governor, lieut. governor
and senator had been given for some previous years to In-
crease Sumner, Edward H. Robbins and Solomon Freeman.
This year Elbridge Gerry received, for governor, 90 votes;
Moses Gill, for lieut. do,, 55; Solomon Freeman, for sena-
tor, 92; Isaiah L. Green, for representative to congress,
52.
The meeting-house was repaired and painted. The old
porch on the front was taken down, and a new one, two sto-
ries high, was built, in which the gallery stairs were placed;
the end doors were closed and four new pews built, which
were sold to pay the expense of the repairs, $482.
1802. According to Mr. Bascom's request, the town
voted not to make good his salary, on account of the depre-
ciation of money.
A pal! was purchased to be used at funerals.
More attention than usual was given to the broken landa
and the roads.
The bounds between this town and Brewster were re-
newed.
1803. The General Court having granted to the county
of Barnstable a township of land in the district of Maine, to
endow a public academy, to be located in the most conven-
IGO
;etupart, Tiniotliy Buscom, Esq., was chosen to meet the
cotnmittee of said Court, on Tuesday the iwenty-sixih day
of July, to determine in what town it should be established.
This institution was located in Sandwich..
1804. It was agreed that certain individuals might join
with the people of Eastham to dig a canal from Town cove
to the bay; that they niight petition for an act of incorpora-
tion, and for a lottery, provided they would secure the town
fron) all liability. The project failed.
James Sullivan, for governor, received 80 votes; William
Heath, for lieutenant governor, 70; John Dillingham, for
senator, 71 .
New regulations were adopted for pasturing the flats and
sedge grounds.
Isaiah L. Green, for representative to congress, received
72 votes; Lemuel Williams, for the same oflice, 10.
Money was appropriated for a singing-school.
1806. The school-houses, which belonged to the dis-
tricts, were purchased for the town by a committee, viz.
Mr. Hezekiah Higgins, Dea. Sparrow and Dea. Rogers,
for the sum of six hundred and ninety dollars.
In 1807, the Rev. Jonathan Bascom died, aged sixty-sev-
en, having labored here in word and doctrine thirty-five years.
He was a man of good talents and acquirements; domestic
in his habits; pious and devoted to his calling; facetious and
kind in his disposition; and his death was much lamented by
his people. He administered baptism to nine hundred and
ninety-six persons,* admitted two hundred and foriy-five to
the church, and solemnized three hundred and seventeen
marriages.
A small house was built for the town's military stores.
Mr. Benoni Baker was appointed by the town to prevent
dogs from coming ,into the meeting-house on the Sabbath,
and was paid for this service.
Hon. Isaiah L. Green, for representative to congress, re-
ceived 28 votes.
* Wliat was called the half-way covenant was in use at this time. Persons not
belonging to the church, on owning this covenant, brought their cliildren to be bap-
tized.
101
The town and church took measures to procure a candi-
date for setiienietit in the niinislry, and Mr. Jesse Fisher
was heard. A call was given to him to settle with them, and
$500 was voted as his salary; also, that lie should have the
liheriy to he absent three Sahbailis each year; and that if he
should be sick for some time the town would sujiidy the pul-
pit, and his salary stop, for that time. Mr. Fisher declined
settling on these conditions.
1803. iMr. Daniel Johnson was then invited to preach to
them as a candidate. A unanimous call was extended to
him to settle, and the sum of $535 was offered to him dur-
ing his natural life, or ^GOO [ler annimi, with the use of a
pew in tiie meeting-house; his salary to be annually esti-
mated — one quarter on corn, rye and flour, one quarter on
dry cod-fish, one eighth on pork and beef, one eigiith on
wood, and one quarter on the remaining articles of consump-
tion, in equal proportions.
The deacons of the church were appointed as a committee
to inform Mr. Johnson of their proceedings, and to report to
the town the result. This call and the conditions being sat-
isfactory, he gave his answer in the affirmative, and was or-
dained xVlarch llih, 1808.
Mr. Willis of Kingston made the introductory prayer;
sermon, by Rev. John Reed, D. D., of Bridgewater; or-
daining prayer, by Rev. Hezekiah Sanger, D. D.,of do.;
charge, by Rev. William Shaw, D. D., of Marshfield; fel-
lowship of the churches, by Rev. Philander Shaw of East-
ham; and concluding prayer, by Rev. Mr. Kendall of Ply-
mouth,
At this time Mr. Johnson's salary was estimated as fol-
lows: — Corn and rye, $1,00 per bushel; flour, $7,00 per
barrel; dry cod-fish, $3,75 per quintal; beef, $5,75 per
hundred; pork, $9,00 do. do.; butter, twenty-five cents per
pound; cheese, thirteen cents do. do.; molasses, forty-four
cents per gallon; oak wood, $8,50 per cord.
Mr. Johnson is a native of West Bridgewater, and gradu-
ated at Brown university, 1S04. He continued to be the
pastor of the church twenty years, when he was dismissed ai
22
162
his own request, believing, in consequence of many unpleas-
ant circumstances which existed at that time, that he mij^h.t
be more useful in some other part of the Lord's vineyard.
He was to this town and church a very devoted and faithful
minister of Jesus Christ.
When he was settled here he was a Unitarian and an Ar-
minian, but he was soon convinced of these errors and hope-
fully converted.
During his ministry here there were revivals of religion,
and one hundred and fjfiy members were added to the church.
He baptized five hundred and twenty-five jh'i sens and sol-
emnized two hundred and forty-four marriages.
Since his dismission from this people he has been preach-
ing in western New York, with good acceptance and suc-
cess.
Capt. Gideon Gardner, for representative to congress, re-
ceived 99 votes.
1809. lion. Levi Lincoln, for governor, received 116
votes; Hon. Joseph B. Varnum, for lieuienant governor,
114; Hon. Joseph Dimmick, for senator, 104.
For the first time the town raised and assessed the tax to
defray the expenses of the ministry separately from the mon-
ey raised to pay the town charges.
1810. Hon. Elbridge Gerry, for governor, received 125
votes; William Gray, for lieutenant governor, 123; Joseph
Dimmick, for senator, 111; Hon. Isaiah L. Green, for
representative to congress, 30.
Power was given to the selectmen to establish the line and
bounds between this town, Chatham and Eastluim.
About this time two new school-houses were built.
Money was raised to support the poor, and for all other
town expenses.
Four new pews were made in the meeting-house, and the
proceeds of their sale applied for the support of the gos])el.
A bass-viol was also purchased: this was the first instrument
ever used to assist the singers in this j)laco.
A remonstrance was sent to the General Court against a
petition which the town of Brewster had presented to that
163
body, praying that horses might run at large on the west
shore.
1812. An attempt was made to enlarge the meeting-
house, hy carrying out the back end twelve leet, bnt as thero
were many opposed to it the project was relinquished.
The votes fur governor and other stale officers were the
same as in former years. John Dillingham, Esq., for sena-
tor, received 117 votes; John Reed, fur do., 22, and for
representative to congress, 35.
This year was memorable on account of the declaration of
war with Great Britain. This being a fishing and commer-
cial town, the inhabitants suffered much, being cut off from
these employments, by which the f;reater portion of them ob-
tained their support. But, notwithstanding this, they readi-
ly and earnestly engaged in the defence of the country, and
did what they could, both on the sea and on the land, to ob-
tain those rights for which the war was waged. The nu'liiia
was trained, equipped and held in readiness to obey the call
of the governnient in defence of their own or other towns.
This was truly a republican town, and a great majority of
the votes was iijvari.ibly given for men of the same politi-
cal sentiments, both for United States and state rulers.
1813. A road and landing-place was laid out at Rock
harbor. The land being claimed by individuals as their pro-
perty, much pains was taken to search the ancient records,
from which it was found that this land was never set off to
the claimants or their ancestors, but was the legal property
of the town.
The town agreed to pay the expenses of training the mili-
tia.
1814. The British ships of war were in Provincetown
harbor, or cruising in the bay, and they threatened to land
and destroy the salt-works, vessels and other property in the
town. A committee of safety was appointed, and sentinels
were placed on the west shore, to give the alarm if the enemy
should attempt to carry their threats into execution.
John Reed, Esq., for representative to congress, received
SO votes; Thomas Hazard, for do., 25.
164
It was voted to provide for the miliiia, whenever called out
of town, till they anived at head-qoariers.
Tiie exempts in the town pioposed to form themselves in-
to an anillcry company, provided the e;overnment would fur-
nish them with proj)er munitions of war. Simeon Kingman,
Esq., was sent to Boston to communicate this proposal and
obtain stores and pieces for said company, — the town having
agreed to pay him twenty dollars for his time and expens-
es, — but as he was unsuccessful and returned without the ar-
ticles, the company was not organized.
The enemy made attempts to land, but were driven back
by the militia, who suffered no loss of life, although one or
more of the assailants were killed.
Money was demanded of the town, that protection and se-
curity might be guaranteed to the properly and inhabitants,
but the offer was promptly rejected.
1815. A treaty of peace was concluded between our gov-
ernment and Great Britain, and the war ceased, to the great
joy and prosperity of the town.
A petition was sent to the General Court for permission to
sell the remaining portion of Indian lands in this town and
Brewster.
ISIG. The same epidemic prevailed here as in Eastham,
and many died. Doct. Seabury being sick of the same fe-
ver, Doct. Phinney of Barnstable was employed; and the
town voted to pay him thirty-three dollars for his services in
those faiiiiiies that were not able to pay.
The ministerial upland was sold at public auction, and the
interest of the purchase money applied for the support of the
gospel.
John Reed, Esq., for representative to congress, received
16 votes; Walter Folger, Jr., for do., -30.
1817. John Reed, for representative to congress, re-
ceived 30 votes; Walter Folger, for do., 22; Henry Dear-
born, for governor, 45; John Brooks, for do, 13; Solomon
Freeman, for senator, 50.
1818. A large and respectable committee was appointed
by the town, to make a representation to congress respecting
165
the salt-works owned by the inhabitants, and praying that the
duty miglii be continued on salt.
Another committee was chosen, to join the committees ap-
pointed by the towns of Brewster and Harwich, to petition
the General Court for liberty to sell all the remaining land,
which lay partly in each town, and had belonged to the Po-
tanumaquiet Indians, for their benefit. This petition was
granted by the Court, and ihe land was sold for three hun-
dred dollars, which sum was equally diviried.
A channel was dug through the back side beach, below
Strong island, by the inhabitants of this town and Chatham,
for the benefit of the salt meadows on the inside, but it soon
filled with sand and their labor was lost.
1819. Tlie town was divided into six school districts,
and two new school-houses were built.
REFORMED METHODIST CHURCH.
Several ministers of this denomination, particularly Rev.
Mr. Drit, had visited and preached in ihis town before 1820,
when a church was organized and a meeting-house erected.
For some years they had the labors of difTerenl n)inisiers,
until 1830, when the society began to dwindle, and the house
was closed, Tiie number belor)ging to the church and soci-
ety has not been asceitained.
EPISCOPAL METHODIST CHURCH.
From the remains of the above a new church was organ-
ized in 183G, inider the care and direction of the bishop and
conference. 'Ihe old house was taken down and another
built, near the academy, in 1837. It is a very neat and com-
modious building for public worship, forty-four by thirty-six
feet. The society have had the labors of Rev. T. G. Brown
two years, Rev. P. Crandall one, Rev. J. Litch one, Rev.
H. Perry one, Rev. J. Bicknell one. Rev. T. G. Blake
one, and Mr. E. B. Hinckley, who is now with them.
They have had revivals of religion at different times, and
hopeful converts have been added to the church, the number
of which is not known to the writer. The church and soci-
ety comprise about one fifth of the inhabitants of the town.
16G
IS2G. Strong measures were taken to suppress the sale
and use of spiriuiotis liquors. No person was approbated
by the selectmen to retail the poison.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
'The Baptist church in Orleans was constituted in June,
1826. Rev. John Peak and Rev. Otis Wing performed the
services of the occasion. The original nicmbers were dis-
missed from the Baptist church in Brewster,
'Althougli the church was small at first, (only eight in num-
ber,) they were encouraged to hope in God, feeling confident
that he would sustain them in their work, and maintain the
cause in which they had engaged.
'Rev. Mr. Wing preached lo them one third of the lime
from their organization until October, 1837. After this they
were supplied by diflerent ministers for a period of seventeen
months. In the autumn of 1828 a convenient house of wor-
ship was completed and dedicated to Almighty God. Rev.
Jesse Pease preached the sermon of dedication.
'In February, 1829, they had so increased that they thought
the time had arrived for them to make an etlort to maintain a
pastor. They succeeded. Rev. Winthrop Morse was the
man of their choice. \Vhen Mr. Morse commenced the la-
bors of a pastor with the church their prospects were flatter-
ing; the vviiy seemed to be prepared ior then) lo go on to
certain victory over all opposition. But, instead of pros-
perity, trials came. It was soon manifested that diflerent
views were entertained, and the result was, the removal of a
worthy, alTectionate and faithful pastor, and the exclusion of
several from tlie church.
'Mr. Morse asked and received his dismission in April,
1831. At that time the church was greatly discoinaged ;
being destitute of a pastor, and their pecuniary resources not
suflicienl lo ir.aintain one, they moiunfully said, "By whom
shall Jacob arise, for he is small." They had preaching,
however, the most of the time after Mr. Morse left them,
till November, 1832. Then, having received encouragement
to hope for assistance lo support a n)inisler, they secured the
1C7
services of Rev. Enoch E. Chase. During the ministra-
tions of Mr. Chase the church enioved a sood derree of
harmony, and were nourished and comforted hy the pure
word of God, v\hich was brought before them in a plain and
affectionate manner, and their hearts were made glad in wit-
nessing; the conversion of sinners. He retained the reiaiion
of pastor till April, 1S3G, and then asked and received his
dismission. In November following Rev. Silas Riply be-
came pastor of the church, and continued his services till
September, 1837. The ministrations of Mr. Rii)ly were
owned and blessed of God. The chiu'ch was edified and
instructed; several were brought to the knowledge of the
truth, were baptized, and gave themselves to the church.
'After Mr. Riply asked and received his dismission the
church employed Rev. Jesse Pease till April, 1S3S. When
Mr. Pease left Rev. Davis Lothroj) accepted the call to be-
come pastor, and has continued his labors to this time (July,
1843) Within liie last five years God has been very gra-
cious to his people. Peace and good will, for the most of
the time, have prevailed among them — the manifestation of
the Holy Spirit has been repeatedly realized, and sinners, of
every class, have been converted to God. One hundred
and forty-nine have been connected with the churcii since
its organization. The number in the church at the present
time is one hundred and eigl)t.'
1829. It was resolved by the Congregational church and
society to build a new house of public worship. They say —
'This being an important epoch in the history of this church
and society, it should be recorded to the praise of God that
he has inclined the hearts of this peoj)le to build an house
for God, and with great unanimity in their councils and pro-
ceedings, have accomplished this important undertaking.'
The old house, which had stood one hundred and eleven
years, was taken down, and the new one was raised on the
sixteenth of July, 1829, and was finished on the eighteenth of
November anfl dedicated to the sacred Trinity. It is a large
and cotrimodious house, with a lower and bell.
16S
At iliis time the Rev. John Turner was their preacher,
and he was particularly instrumental in engaging the people
in this work. Some difFiculiies arose between Mr. Turner
and the church, and his labors with them were discontinued.
After this the Rev. Mr. Scovel supplied the pulpit for
some lime. During this period a commitiee of the church,
to which Mr. Scovel was joined, was appointed to draw up
articles of faith and a new covenant, with rules of govern-
ment. The following articles were reported, unanimously
accepted, adopted, and ordered to be primed.
1. We believe that tliere is one God, tlu; Father, Son and Holy
Ghost.
2. That the Scriptures ofthe Old and New Testament were given
by Divine Inspiration, and contain the only perfect rule of faith and
practice.
0. That God maintains a righteous government over all his crea-
tures.
4. That man ims fallen from the state for which he was origin-
ally crfated, and is by nature entirely destitute of lioliness.
.'>. That an atonement is made for all by the Lord Jesus Christ,
so that repentance and faith are now the conditions of salvation.
G. We believe in tiie nec(!ssity of our being renewed by the ngen-
cy ofthe Huly Spirit; in the increase of holiness, and perseverance
unto sa\vatiiin, of all who truly believe in the doctrine of a general
resurrection ; in the everlasting blessedness ofthe righteous, and the
endless punishment of the finally impenitent.
A disagreement arose between the church and society re-
specting the labors of Mr. Scovel, which induced him to
leave them.
Committees were then chosen by the church and society
to obtain a minister.
The following rules were adopted by the church, who
agreed to be governed by them:
1. We will not attend places of amusement, such as bring dishon-
or on the cause of Christ.
2. We will regard the Sabbath as a day sacred to the worship of
God.
3. Wc will pay for the support ofthe gospel at home and abroad,
ns God shall give us ability ; and, as heads of families, we will attend
family worship morning and evening.
169
4. We will punctually attend the monthly concert of prayer, pre-
paratory lectures and church meetings, and as far as possible encour-
age our minister in promoting vital godliness among us, by God's as-
sistance.
The church formed themselves into an association for the
due observance of the christian Sabbath.
1831. The poor house was built, which is a large and
convenient building. There are now twenty-two paupers,
who are supported at an average expense of about sixty cents
each per week.
UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.
1833. ' The Universalist society was organized, having
had preaching of their peculiar sentiments at a much earlier
period.
'Individuals who seceded from the Congregational society
were the first members of it. In the winter of 1834 they
were incorporated by the name of the Universalist Society
of Orleans. In the year 1833 they built their meeting-house,
which is thirty feet by forty, containing fifty pews on the
floor, with galleries on three sides. It cost $1750, and is a
neat and commodious house.
' The first regular settled preacher was Rev. Ezekiel Vose,
who was ordained in 1834, and held his connection with them
until 1840, when he was succeeded by Rev. James G.Burt,
who left them in the spring of 1843, and their present pas-
tor. Rev. Stillman Harden, was settled.'
The town undertook to improve Rock Harbor river. A
special meeting was called to consider the subject, and it was
thought that it might be made deep enough for vessels to
come in and go out at high water. An act of incorporation
was obtained by a company formed for that purpose, and a
dam was built across the creek, to prevent the escape of the
water. By letting it out at low water it was believed|tbat
the channel would be sufficiently deepened, but the experi-
ment did not prove successful. The whole expense was fl-
bout $2000.
23
170
The town was divided into nine school districts.
The portion of the surplus revenue received by the town
was ^^3000. For two )'ears it was loaned to individuals on
good security. At the end of that time the disposition of it
became a matter of dispute and contention, and it was voted
that a portion of it should be aj)propriated in payment of
town expenses, and the remainder to build a town house.
In 1835 Mr, Siillman Pratt was heard as a candidate for
settlement, and received a unanimous call to become pastor
over the Congregational church and society.
In a letter to Mr. Pratt the committee say —
'At a regular meeting ofthe Congregational church we have vot-
ed, unanimously, to give you a call to settle over us in thu gospel
ministry as our pastor. WILLIAM jMYRICK, )
JOSHUA DOANi^, } Cominillee.
DANIEL CUMMINGS, )
'Orleans, 3lst March, 1835.'
With this call the parish concurred as follows:
« Mr. Siillman PraU,
' Dear Siii: — The Congregational society in Orleans being, on suf-
ficient grounds, satisfied of your ministerial qualifications, and iiaving
good hopes from our past experience of your labors, that your minis-
terial labors will be profitable to our spiritual interests, do earnestly
call and desire you to undertake the pastoral otBce in said society.
' And, that you rnay be free from worldly cares and avocEtions, we
hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay you the sum of five hun-
dred dollars annually, dining the time cf your being and continuing^
the regular pastor of said society.
'And in case either party become dissaiisfied, by giving three
months' notice this connection shall be dissolved.
' In witness whereof we subscribe our names.
•TOSHUA BOANE, ^ Commitlce oj the
TIjOMAS HlGGIi\S, V Congregational Soci-
DANIEL CUxMMINGS, ^ d^.
' Orleans, 31sl March, 1835.'
The answer of Mr. Pratt was as follows:
' To the Congregational Church and Society in OrleariS:
' Dear Brethren and Friends: — I have received your joint call
inviting me to the pastoral office among you, and whils I trust I am
not insensible to the responsibilities ofthe station, and my own ina-
bility properly to discharge its duties, yet having prayerfully consider-
ed the subject, and presuming still on your candor and forbearance,
171
desiring moreover to rely implicitly on divine ilUimin».tion andstrength,
I will endeavor to serve yua according- to the best of my powtr —
earnestly requesting an interest in your [irayers, that wisdom and
otrengtii may bo vouciisafed from above, suliicient for every efiiut to
advance your spiritual interests and eternal good — wishing you the
bleaisings of heaven in t!;is life, as well as tlie favor of God hereafter.
' In tlie bonds of the gospel,
•STiLLMAN PRATT.'
'Orleans, ./i/?;i7 luili, 1835.'
An ecclesiastical council was convened April 22, 1835,
when Mr. Pratt was ordained. Rev. Mr. Orciut made the
introductory prayer; Rev. E. Pratt preached liie sermon;
Rev. Mr. Boyter made the ordaining jirayer ; Rev. Mr.
Shaw gave the charge, and Rev. hit. Wiliiams made th«
concluding prayer.
A parsonage iiouse was buiil, and the liersey fiuid ($540,)
was expended in part payment of it. For ahout eight years
previous to the settlement of Mr. Pratt the church and so-
ciety had been wiihout a regularly ordained minister over
iheu!, during wliicl) lime ilie church had been diminishing in
numbers and slrengtii. Mr. Pratt continued with them about
four years, and during liiat lime the church and socieiy ex-
perienced several relreshmg showers of God's grace, \vlnch
resulted in the hcpefu! conversion of one iiuudted and hfteen
souls.
The whole number at the time of his disniission, which
was in 1S39, was one hundred and sevenly-tive. The con-
gregation tlien embraced one hundred stnd seventy-one fami-
lies and seven hundred souls — about one third of the entire
populalio!) of the town.
The reason of his separation from iheni was, that the par-
ish did not conform to their agreenicsit with him, in the pay-
ment of his salary. He was dismissed by a mutual council
called for the purpose, Apid 23, 1839, and is now settled in
Adams. The council, having the fullest confidence in the
christian and ministerial character of Mr. Pratt, cordially
and afTectionalely recomtnended him lo the churches of
Christ, wherever he might be called in the providence of
God 10 preach the gospel, as a minister in regular standing.
172
The Rev. Hazael Lucas supplied ihe pulpit two years,
when the Rev. Jacob White, their present minister, com-
menced his labors with them. Al that time the nuniber of
members of the church was one hundred and fifty. The
number at present is one hundred and ninety-one. The
congregation on the Sabbath is large, and there are but fe\r
who do not regularly attend public worship. The Sabbath
school and bible classes contain about one hundred and fifty.
The cause of temperance is very prosperous in the town.
EDUCATION.
MONEY RAISED AND APPROPRIATED FOR THE TOWN
SCHOOLS.
1797— $333 33. 1798—^75. 1799~$200. 1800—
^200. 1801 to 1815— $246. 1816 to 1826— $300. 1826
to 1836— $360. 1836 to 1844— $900.
Number of public schools, 9.
Whole number of pupils, 1069.
Number between four and sixteen years, 608.
Valuation, ^175,335.
CENSUS.
1797 1244
1800 .... 124S
1810 1248
1820 .... 1348
1830 1799
1840 .... 1953
173
SELECTMEN.
1797 — Hezekiah Higgins, four years.
Heman Linnel, one year.
Dea. Judah Rogers, sixteen years.
1798 — Jona. Hopkins, one year.
Thomas Arey, one do.
1799 — Dea. Richard Sparrow, thirteen years.
1801 — Barnabas Twining, three do.
1804 — Nathaniel Knovtles, seven do.
1811 — Gideon Snow, two do.
1812 — John Myrick, eleven do.
1813 — Stephen Snow, one year.
1814 — Daniel Cummings, fourteen years.
Jabez Sparrow, three do.
1817 — Thomas Higgins, six do.
1818 — John Kenrick, Esq., thirteen do.
1820 — Asa Rogers, four do.
1824 — Jona. Freeman, one year.
1827 — Joseph L. Rogers, five years.
1828 — Elisha Cole, seven do.
1829 — Zoeth Taylor, one year.
William Smith, one do.
1832 — Sparrow Horton, two years.
1833 — Matthew Kingman, two do.
1834 — Joshua Doane, five do.
1835 — Edward Barber, three do.
Asa Hopkins, seven do.
1842 — Joseph G. Sloan, two do.
1S44 — Josiah Freeaian, one do.
174
TOWN-CLERKS AND TREASURERS.
Benjamin Taylor, from 1797 lo 1300.
Timotiiy Basconi, from ISOO to 1814.
Gideon Snow, (Vom 1814 to 1834.
Barnabas Snow, from 1634 to 1840.
William Myrick, from 1840 to 1844.
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL COURT.
1798 and '99 — Simeon Kingman.
1800 to 1807— Dea. Richard Sparrow.
1808 and 1809 — Jona. Bascom.
ISIO — Richard Sparrow.
J 811 — Simeon Kingman.
1812 to '1(3— -Jona. Bascom.
1817 to '24 — Daniel Cummings.
1825 to '27 — John Doane, Esq.
1828 — Daniel Cnmmir.gs.
1829 — Daniel CutTimint^r, ; John Doane, Esq.
1830 — Daniel Cummin2,s ; John Kenrick, Esq.
1831 — John Kenrick, Esq.; Sparrow Horton.
1833 — Elisha Cole; Tluucher Snow.
1834— Eiisha Cole; Elisha Hopkins.
1835 — Ebenezer Rogers; Elisha Cole.
1836 — Ebenezer Rogers; Thonias Mayo.
1837- — Edward Barber; Richard Sparrow.
1838 — Edward Barter; Luthfr Snow.
1839 — Luiher Snow; Nalhaniel Freeman.
1840 and '41~Josluia Doane.
1812 snd '43— Seth Uigr^ns.
I7fc
THE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVEN PROPRIE-
TORS.
The following fact in the history of the town of Easthani
did not come to the knowledge of the writer until it was too
late to insert it in its proper place.
In the year 1743 the town made a division of all the re-
maining undivided upland and sedge lands, belonging to all
the inhabitants in common, lying southerly fiotn a line run-
ning from Slut's bush to Boat Meadow river, and then by
vote granted them to one hundred and thirty-seven persons,
f. e. all the male inhabitants, at that time, over twenty-one
years of age, vvlio became the legal proprietors of them.
After many years these lands became valuable, in conse-
quence of the grass which grew up where there was little or
none at the time of the division. Deep channels became fill-
ed and covered w-iih grass, which also sprung up on the edge
of the meadow west of the beacli. Of late years the town
has contended that these new meadows were cotiimon pro-
perty and should be under iis control.
A committee was cliosen to investigate the matter, and
power given them to apply to Hon. Nymphas Marston for
his opinion, who, after an examination of the case, staled
that the town had no title to the premises, but that the town
did in 1743 convey this property to the one hundred and
thirty-seven proprietors, their heirs, assigns, &c.
ERRATA.
Page 3d, Gtli line, instead of "one mile," read three 7niles.
Page 15ih, last line, instead of "thy" read your.
Page 15th, 10th line from bottom, instead of "lives" read life.
Page 35, 7th line, instead of "teacher" read trooper.
Page 68, 24th line, instead of "Dorcas Doane" read Dorcas Cook.
Page 115, 9th line, instead of "Greenleaf" read Greenovgh.
Page 128, 4th from bottom, instead of "districts were" read district
was.
Page 139, 5th from bottom, instead of "Burt" read Burr.
Page 141, 1st line, instead of "request" of the committee, read
report.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT
OF THE
CUSTOMS AND MANNER OF LIVING
IN THE DAYS OF OUR FOREFATHERS.
It may be interesting to the younger portion of the present genera-
tion, to know the simple manners, and modes of life, of those from
whom they have descended, especially, as a great change has taken
place in these respects, in the last half century; nor is it considered
inapplicable to this work. Some parts of the following account are
taken from the Rev. H. White's early History of New England, and
by him, from the Old Colony Memorial, and other parts from the
writer's own reminiscences, and traditionary information.
MANNER OF DRESS.
In genera], men old or young had a decent coat, vest, and small
clothes, and some kind of fur hat. Old men had a great coat, and a
pair of boots; the boots were substantially made of good leather, and
lasted for life; they were long and reached to the knee.
For every day they had a jacket reaching about halfway down the
thigh, striped vest, and the small clothes, like the jacket ; made of
home spun flannel cloih, fulled at the mill, but not sheared ; flan-
nel shirts, and knit woollen stockings, with leather shoes, and a silk
handkerchief for holidays. In the summer they wore a pair of wide
petticoat trowsers, reaching half way from the knee, to the ankle.
Shoes and stockings were not worn in summer, when at work on the
farm. Boys, as soon as they left their petticoats, were put into small
clothes, summer or winter. These were made of home manufac-
tured cloth for common, and everlasting, for meeting dress. The
oldest son had a pair of the latter cloth, and when he had outgrown
them, the next took them, and so down to the tenth son, if there
were so many of the family.
This manner of dress continued till long trowsers were introduced
which were called tongs, and did not differ much in shape from those
now in use. They were made of tow cloth, linen and cotton, in
the summer, and in the winter of flannel, and were soon worn by old
men, as well as by young men and boys. Young men never wore
greatcoats. I recollect, says a writer of those past times, a neigh-
24
178
bor of mjf father's, who had four sons between nineteen and thirty
years of age ; the oldest got a pair of boots, the second a surtout, the
third a watch, and the fourth a pair of silver shoe buckles. This
made a neig-hborhood talk, and the family were supposed to be on
the high road to insolvency.
The women, old and young, wore homemade flannel gowns in the
winter, and in the summer, wrappers, or shepherdress ; it was with-
out a waist, and gathered round the neck.
They were usually contented with one calico gown ; but genecally
had a calimanco or camlet, and some had them made of poplin. The
sleeves were short, and came only to the elbow ; on holidays, they
wore one, two, or three ruffles on each arm, sometimes ten inches
wide.
They wore long gloves, coming up to the elbow secured by what
was called tightens, made of black horse hair ; round gowns had not
come in fashion, so they wore aprons, made of checked linen, cotton,
and for Snuday, white cotton, long lawn, or cambric. They seldom
wore caps, only when they appeared in full dress ; they had two
kinds ; one was called strap cap, which was tied under the chin, and
the other, round cord cap, which did not come over the ears. They
wore thick and thin leather and broadcloth shoes, with wooden heels
covered with cloth or leather, an inch and a half high, with peaked
toes which turned up. They generally had very small muffs, and
some wore masks.
In those days the young women did not consider it a hardship, nor
a disgrace, to walk five or six miles to meeting on the Sabbath, or on
lecture days; in the country towns, scarcely a chaise, or any other ve-
hicle was used. The common conveyance was by horses fitted out
with saddles and pillions. A man and woman rode together on the
same horse, and sometimes a little boy rode before the man, and an
infant in the lap of the woman: no inconsiderable journeys were made
in this way.
Horses then were made to pace, that they might carry their riders
more gently. It was not until a little before the revolutionary war,
that they were learned to trot. A horse that would sell for forty dol-
lars was considered as of the first quality, and one more than nine
years old, was considered of little value.
In those ilays everj' body went to meeting on the Sabbath and lec-
ture days, however distant they lived. Those who owned horses, did
not consider them any more their own, than their neighbors, on that
day. It was the custom in many, if not all country towns, for the
owner, with his wife, to tide half way to a horse block made for that
purpose, and there hitch his horse, and walk on, for his neighbor to
ride who set out on foot, and so when they returned.
179
THEIR MANNER OF LIVING.
Their dinners in the winter season were generally the same. First
they had a dish of broth, called porridge, with a few beans in it, and
a little summer savory ; then an Indian pudding with sauce ; and then
a dish of boiled pork and beef, with round turnips, and a few pota-
toes. Potatoes were then a scarce article ; three or four bushels
were considered a large crop, and these not larger than a hen's egg.
Their suppers and breakfast were generally the same ; those who
had milk ate it with toasted bread ; if not, sweetened cider, with
bread and cheese. Sabbath mornings, they generally had chocolate,
or bohea tea ; the first sweetened with molasses, and the last with
brown sugar, and with them, pancakes, dough-nuts, brown toast, or
some sort of pie. They had no dinners till after meeting ; when they
had a roast goose, or turkey, or spare rib, or a stew pie; in the
spring and summer, they generally ate bread and milk for supper and
breakfast.
At that time, no family had a barrel of flour ; the farmers broke
up a piece of new ground and planted with wheat, and turnips ; this
wheat, by the help of the sieve, was their flour. A writer of years
gone by, says "the chiefest corn they planted, was Indian grain, be-
fore the)' had ploughs ; and let no man make a jest at pumpkins, for
with this food ihe Lord was pleased to feed his people, to their good
content, till corn and cattle were increased."
Their corn before they had built mills to grind it, was pounded
with a wooden or stone pestle in a mortar made of a large log hol-
lowed out at one end. They cultivated barley, much of which was
made into malt for beer, which they drank instead of ardent spirit.
They raised flax, which they rotted in the water, and then manufac-
tured it in their families into thread and cloth.
The first houses which they built were very coarse rude structures.
They had steep roofs covered with thatch, or small bundles of sedge
or straw, laid one over another. The fire places were made of rough
stones, and the chimneys of boards, or short sticks, crossing each
other, and plastered inside with clay. In a few years houses of a
better construction began to appear. They were built with two sto-
ries in front, and slofjed down to a low one in the rear ; the windows
opened outward on hinges, and were small. The glass was small,
and in the shape of a diamond, and set in sashes of lead.
The fire places were hugely large, and could receive a four foot log
besides seating the family of children in the corners, where they
could look up and count the stars. They were uniformly placed,
so as to front to the south, on whatever side of the road they might
be, and the object was that, when the sun shone on it, the bouse
might serve as a sun-dial.
ISO
It is said to have been the custom of the first settlers to wear their
beards so long, that in the winter, it would sometimes freeze together
so that it was difficult to get their vessels to their mouths, from
which they took their drink.
The common address of men and women was, Goodman and Good-
wife ; none but those who sustained some office of dignity, or belong-
ed to some respectable family were complimented with the title of
Master or Mistress ; in writing they did not use the capital F, but
two small ones as fF.
THE MANNER IN WHICH SOME OF THEIR PUBLIC
OFFICERS WERE ELECTED.
By an order of the Masachusetts General Court, corn and beans,
were required to be used in voting for counsellors ; the corn to man-
ifest elections, the beans the contrary, on the choice or refusal of a
candidate ; the law imposed a heavy penalty, if more than one corn
or bean was used by one person.
The manner of living, and the mode of dress, was much more fa-
vourable to health than at the present time. Acute fevers were fre-
quent, the principal of which were called the long or slow fever,
which ran thirty-five, forty, and sometimes fifty days before it form-
ed a crisis ; and the slow nervous fever, which ran generally longer
than the former. Pulmonary comjjlaints, or consumptions were much
less frequent than now; indeed a young person was rarely visited
with this disease. The duty of tl e exton of the church, was not on-
ly to ring the bell, and sweep the house, &c. but keep the hour-glass,
and turn it at the commencement of the minister's sermon, who was
expected to close at the end of the hour ; if he went on, or fell short
of the time, i was a sufficient cause o. complaint.
<l
