Full text of "Historical memorandum and genealogical register of the town of West Boylston, Massachusetts : from its early settlement to 1858 : together with miscellaneous items and incidents"

See other formats

974.402
W496k
1778986

REYNOLDS HISTORICAL
QENEALOGY COLLECTION

G^c

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

lllllllllllllllllllllll

3 1833 01103 5687

Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive

in 2010 with funding from

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center

http://www.archive.org/details/historicalmemoraOOinkeye

HISTORICAL MEMOIIAKDU)!

AND

GENEALOGICAL IIEGISTER ^

or THE

IDVVMJIE W£SX BOYLSTON,

MASSACHUSETTJ

riioM ITS Early Settlement to 18')S

rOi^ElIIER ^VlTll MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND INCIDKNT:

]]Y EETnJAMIN F:1vEYES

{

I J

W O K C E S T E R :

PiliNTED AT THE SPY' ITJNTrNll HOUSE. 'IVI MAIN SITIEE'.
186 1.

1T789S6

00
CO

u^.

.-V

■~^

;~3~'

K'l

:z'

— (

'r-^

.-.

— '

-_--

nr.

("D

._ .

, ^

Z^"

"ZL.

■zr *

—

^^.

:•

c — •.

r^"

•—

.--^

r-3

^ »

■J

:::^

1 — I

'- <

.::,

L-^'

^ -

-;;

■ — '

,—

■z*"

;;

^-^

rr ■- : ^

- ^ -^ i: -O

- ■

'J^

'J.

,-^,

p 11 E r A c ]■: ,

The fi)llo\ving brief Historical Memorandum and Gen-
ealogical Register is iritended to extend no further onward
than 18.58, or fifty years from the organization of tlie
town of ^yest IJoylston, and 138 years from tlie time of
the earliest settlement in tlie town.

The design of this Memorandum and Register is to
bring to view the circumstances whicli led to the origin
and formation of the town, alao to bring to the notice of
])resent and succeeding generations those who first settled
on these hills and in these valleys, thereby opening the
way for further advancement and future prosperity. It is
designed likewise to perpetuate the memory and recollec-
tion of those, who, by their untiring and persevering ef-
forts, amid opposition and resistance, eventually succeeded
in establishing and organizing the town.

The few biographical notes in the genealogical sketch
are designed merely as a deserved tribute to those who arc-
thus noticed.

The miscellaneous items recorded may be thougl^.t ot
little consequence by some, while others may feel a deep
interest in the incidents and occurrences related. It niay
be interesting to the inhabitants of West Roylston fifty
years hence, who may in 1908 celebrate the centennial
anniversary of the town, to know who were their |)rede-
cessors, from whence they came, together with the particu-
lar locality where they resided, and also, who may at that
time be known as tlie lineal descendants of the early set-
tlers. Many wish to know something of those who pre-
ceded them in life, wliile otliers have a curiosllv to trace

birk ihcir lineage to ihc early settlomcnl of the coiMitry,
leclini^ ii sympathy and respect for their progenitors, al-
though tliey may long since have finished their earthly
course. It seems necessary therefore that sonic notice or
rc.\)rd of individuals, families and passing events, should
>.e preserved and transmitted froia one generation to anoth-
er for the use and benefit of the living. There is pleus-
ure and satisfaction in recognising our ancestors, and it
Mould seem that fraternal feeling and filial gratitude alike
demand a remembrance of our friends and relatives avIio
have passed av.ay from the v.'orld, and we should ever man-
ifest a due respect and veneration for their memory and
departed worth.

The Memorandum r.nd Tiegistcr was designed and writ-
ten in 18.JS, wliilo its publication has been delayed from
an a[)prehcM.slon that it might not be useful or acceptable.
But after further consideration it has been determined to
give it publicity, trusting that whoever may chance to
read it will pass lightly over its defects and incomplete-
ness. B. F. K.

AN'kst Boyt.stox, "March, 18G1.

cox T E N T S

"\Vc<t lluylston — liuw ^llulltnl ;iiid bumukd '>

ICarlic-t Settlors, Incllans. .tt-., (>

In^orporatiuii of West UovL-i^n, N

Legal VotLM-d in IbU.S, '.)

Gfncalo;iie:il Sk-ct^li, 10

Jle.-juk'fits — Not Votcr.-i '.5 'J

Original and Earlier Settler^ LO

Ucsitlents bctwceu ITSO am] i^)()H, 11

Rettleri from 1808 to is'jd ic.

KofideiitS in 180S luider 'Jl ^ l.u> of a.;e 4','

Rcsidojits and Le;^al Vtitci-.s lii 1858 .jU

Town OlVicerrf from I>>U8 in l.-^ js, 5"J

Ecclesiastical Record, etc., V)

PLybicians in West I>uyl^t"ii Co

Progveis and liiiprovtiiiLut, Cl

Mis''.ollanei;iia l'ncidLiit--= tlo

Viirii'U- Items, iJT

Military Lh

lli\ ers and l!iiJ.;,es, '. T(»

larniinc;; Jiitircst — J^xtia.rdihaiy l^.■'.nt^, TI

K.\trai;rdinary Lunvjevity, To

Diugrapliical Sketch td" Tii.iiias Keyes, Jr., 77

C>iuoludin;i Keiiiarli^ ^'1

HISTOrJCAL MKMOILVNDUM

OF WEST BOYLSTON.

The town of West Boylstoii is situated 7 miles from
llie city of Worcester, unci bounded on the east by Boyl-
8ton, on the north by Sterling, on the west by Holden, on
the south by Worcester and Shrewsbury ; being about live
miles in length from north to south, and about tliree and
a lialf miles in width from cast to west.

The natural position and scenery of the town is multi-
form and somewhat romantic in appearance, diversified
with hills and valleys, and in all directions interspersed
with springs and streams of water suited to the wants and
convenience of the inhabitants. The soil is generally fer-
tile and productive, and when skilfully managed and
properly cultivated, amply repays the enterprise and labor
of the industrious husbandman.

The early settlers of West lioylston were a hardy, vig-
orous race, social and benevolent in their feelings and
habits, kind and generous to each other, hospitable to
strangers, always making them welcome to such accom-
modations and entertainment as their rude dwellings
would afford. They were strongly attached to the princi-
ples and customs of the pilgrim fathers, carefully observ-
ing and sustaining the institutions of ri?ligion and learn-
ing, habitually and conscientiously attending public wor-
ship on the Sabbath, and having their children sufficiently
educated to enable them to perform the common duties of
social life. Their children also, like themselves, were
carefully taught to cherish the principles and adhere to
the customs so cautiously preserved and maintained by
their progenitors, although later generations seem to
have de^^ciierated and departed to some extent from the
l^

P'> G

course of their ancestors, riml a|)parenily lost that vtr.cra-
tion and regard for their instruction and exanipU* ^^hich
tiliiil respect and a fond recollection might justly require
Ironi their successors and lineal descendants.

Jacob Hinds, Joseph Wooley, Ebenezer Frizzol, licnja-
min liigelow, Jonathan Fairbank, Aaron Xeuton, Kzekiel
Newton, Edward Goodale, Stephen lielknap, Willian\
Whitney, Phineas I'ennclt, Jonathan French, Jonathan
Eovell, and Joi>iah A'v'ihler were i)robably the earliest set-
tlers in this town. They came from llie older towns bc-
\o\v and made an opening here. Others so'.)n followed,
thereby gradually increasing their numbers, thus cherish-
ing the hopes and encouraging the prospects of the new
settlers. The settlement of the town \\:\s probably com-
menced in 1720, or soon after that time.

Trailition says that I'oriaerly the Inilians v.-ere numerous
in and about this town, liaving their wigwams and corn-
patches on the interval and near the river, occupying the
ailjacent hills and plains as huiitiug ground, there being
])lenty of deer, turkeys, and vuiier wihl game, .suited to
their wants and necessiiles. Nearly all the natives h\u\
left this region previous to the settlement of the whites, in
tills immediate locality and adjacent vicinity. Although
the early settlors built a garrison or block-houiC to which
they could repair for the night as a ])lacc of security when
danger was apprehended, yet they were never assaulted by
the Indians, nor is it known that any attack or molest.^-
tion of the new settlers was ever contemplated by ihcm.

The block-house was erected in the southerly ])art of
the town near Stony Rrotdc, ami about 80 rods distant
from the dwelling-house of Iv V. Ihigham. Specimens
of antique relics of the aborigines have frecjuently been
discovered and picked up, such as arrows, stone chisels,
gouges, etc., clearly manifesting the native genius of tliese
sons of the forest.

The circumstances which ultimately led to the origin
and formation ()f this town, were substantially as follows :
The inhabitants of lioylston having determined to build a
new meeting-house, tlie necessity and expediency of which
M-as generally conceded, a dilHculty arose in regard to its

location, the majority choosinp; to erect it near tlie oM
house, wliile the minority, mostly from the west part of the
town, strenuously insisted tliat it should be erected half a
mile northwest of the old house. The majority resolutely
persisted in their choice and determination, relative to the
location of the new house, while the minority were equal-
ly decided and unyieldin<^ m re^^ard to their choice and pre-
ference. It having become apparent that no compromise
or mutual adjustment of the dilhculty could be etVectcd, the
n\iuority seceded, and being joine<l by several inhabitants
froiu tiie adjoining towns of Sterling and llolden, forme«l
themselves into a a society and proceeded to build a meet-
ing-house for their accommodation and convenience, locat-
ing it in tlie westerly part of IJoylston, about three miles
distant from the locality wliere the majority poriiou of fiie
iidiabitants erected their new meeting-house. Had there
been at the commencement and during the progress of thi-;
controversy, more calm, deliberate consideration of tiic
subject, and more pacific conciliatory feelings mani tested,
the disruj)tion and division of the town might have beeji
luoided and harmony preserved.

The new society havijig completed their place of wor-
hhi}), it was solemnly dedicated by appropriate religious
services, January 1, 1795. After the dedication of the
mceting-hoase, a petition for an act of incorporation as a
town was sent to the CJeneral Court, signed by ninety in-
habitants of the towns of l^oylston, Sterling and llolden.
The petition had a hearing in 17130, but being strenuously
o{)posed by the representatives from each of the towns
where the petitioners resided, they only obtained leave to
withdraw their petition, when they immediately sent anoth-
er petition, asking to be incorporated as the second precinct
of Boylston, Sterling, and llolden. This petition was
also earnestly opposed, but in June, 1790, ;tn act was
passed in accordance with the ])rayer of the petitioners,
and soon after a le^'al meeting of the iidiabitants of tl]e
precinct was called, when an organi/zition was ellocted by
the choice of precinct officers, etc., as was provided tor by
the act of incorporation. In less than twelve years after
the legal organization of this precinct or parish, it became
a town by an act of the General Court, agreeably to a pe-

lillou of its inhabitants, taking the name of West Boyl-
ston. The incorporating act is dated January 30, 1808.
The largest pirt of this town was taken from Boylston.
the other portions thereof from tlie towns of Sterling and
Holden. That wliich Avas taken from Boylston, originally
belonged to Shrewsbury, that from ^sterling once bfdonged
to Lancaster, that from Holden was formerly included in
the township of Worcester.

At the time of the incorporation of West Boylston, it
contained 98 dwelling-houses, and about the same number
of lamilies, with a little less than 600 inhabitants. The
number of legal voters in the town at the first election of
State olficers, whicli occurred on the first Monday in
April, 1808, was 105. The number of ratable polls was
less than 160 but exceeded 150, which was the number
then required to entitle the town to a representative to the
Legislature. The whole number of voles cast at the first
I'lection held in this town in April, 1808, for governor,
was 85, of which 60 were for Christopher Gore, 18 for
.fames Sullivan, and 1 for Levi Lincoln. At the first
election held in this town for the choice of a rcprescnta-
tire to the General Court, on the first Monday in May,
1808, Ezra Beaman, Esq. was chosen without opposition.
He was afterwards annually elected until his decease, hav-
ing been chosen four successive limes by his fellow towns-
men to that responsible station.

hi 1808, this town contained 60 farmers, some 10 or 12
mechanics, 1 clergyman, no physician, several laborers of
various occupations, and but 1 jierson of foreign birth.
There was 1 cotton mill, 2 grist mills, 2 saw mills, 1
clothier's mill, 1 tannery, 4 blacksmith shops, 1 cabinet
maker''s shop, and 2 book binderies. There were also 3
merchants occupying as many stores, and 1 tavern, hav-
ing been kept by Major Beaman for more than half a
century.

Of the 105 legal voters at the April election for State
officers in this town in 1808, U-l have since deceased, and
11 yet survive ; of those who have deceased, "79 have died
in- this town, and 15 elsewhere ; of those who yet survive,
5 reside in this town, and G elsewhere. Of the 105 vot-
ers, 97 were at the head of families, while 8 were cither

connectej and assoclatod with families, or in the cirploy
of some of tlie inhabitants.

The foliowinir arc the names of ihc legal voters at ihe
first elections for town and State olFicers, held in West
Ijoylston, in March and April, 1808 :

Ezra Beaman, Jabez Eeaman, Ezra Ileaman, Jr., Silns
Beaman, Abel Bigelow, Levi Eigelow, Stephen ]jigelo\v,
Dennis Bigelow, IStephen Brigham, Edmund Brigham, Jo-
siah P. Brown, Zacliariali Child, Amos Child, Barnabns
Davis, VAias Davis, Bcuben Dinsmore, Silas Dinsmore,
Joseph Dwclley, William Eames, Levi Eames, William
Eames, Jr., Samuel Estabrook, Jabcz Eairbank, Lemuel
Fairbank, Seth Eairbank, William Fai.rbanli, Alpheiis
Eairbank, Jabez Eairbank, Jr., Davis Eairbank, Barak B.
Eairbank, Amos Eairbank, John Eisher, Oliver Gab;, Ol-
iver Glazier, Jason Glazier, ]Mosc3 Goodale, Aaron Good-
ale, Paul Goodale, Peter Goodale, Aaron Goodale, Jr.,
Abel Goodale, Levi Goodale, Jason Goodale, Elijah Good-
enow, Ephraim Iladly, David llarthan, Jacob Hinds, Jo-
seph Hinds, Abel Holt, Abiel Uolt, James Holt, Jonas
Holt, Alvan Howe, Hiram Howe, Timothy Johnson, Reu-
ben Keyes, Thomas Keyes, Jr., Levi Kilburn, Asa liOvell,
Amos Lovell, Amos Lovell, Jr., Samuel Alason, Daniel
Mason, Ezra May, Calvin }»Laynard, Asaph Merrifield,
Louis Merrifield, Israel Moore, Joel Moore, Asa Moore,
Joseph ]\Iorse, Sylvanus Morse, Artemas Murdock, Joshua
Murdoch, William Nasli, Silas Newton, Ebenezer Paine,
Moses Perry, Joseph Perry, Oliver Peirce, Levi Peiree,
llollis Peirce, James Peirce, Jacob Peirce, Jonathan Plimp-
ton, Jonathan Plimpton, Jr., Brigham Prescott, John
Prescott, John Heed, Thaddeus Shattuck, AValter Shat-
tuck, Isaac Smith, John Smith, Simon Stone, John Temple,
Uiiixc Temple, William Thomas, llobert B. Thoma.'*,
Aaron Thomas, Peter White, Joseph Whittaker, Reuben
Wilder, Ebenezer ^yiilington, John Winn, William Winn.

At the time of the incorporation and organization of
this town in 1803, there were nine persons who ucre each
at the head of families but were not legal voters in conse-
([uencc of their not possessing the specific qualification^
re<iuired by the State Constitution to eiilitle them to the

elective franchise. The names of tlicse persons -vvere
Abiel Boynton, Benjamin Carroll, John Dinsmore, Simeon
Farr, Thomas Hathcrly, Benjamin Keyes, Jeremiah
Morse, Daniel Prouty, and Nathan Wilder. Of these^
seven died in this town and two in distant parts of the
country.

At the first town election in West Boylston, held on
the first Monday in ISIarch, 1808, the following town offic-
ers uere chosen, viz : Silas Beaman, Moderator ; Kobert
B. Thomas, Toicn Clerk; ]']zra Beaman, Jonathan Plimp-
ton, W^illiam Pairbunk, Silas Beaman, and Amos Lovell,
Selectmen ; Kobert B. Thomas, Silas Newton, and Moses
Verxy^ Assessors ; Ezra Beaman, Esq., Treasurer; Silas
Beaman, Constable.

GENEALOGICAL SKETCH

Of those indiciduah who iccrc householders and legal vot-
ers in West Boylston, in 1808, the time of the organ-
ization of the town, and others who were resid-
ents and also legal voters but had no respon-
sible connection with anif of the fami-
lies of tlie town.

Abretiatioxs. — Ch. for children, dau. daughter, a. son, m. married, b.
born, d. died.

Beaman, Etir.v, Esq., more generally known as Major
Beaman, was the eldest son of Jabez Beaman, was born iii
Bolton, October, 173<). Jabez Beaman having purchased
a large tract of land in this town, then belonginfj to
Shrewsbury, situated on each side of the Nashua Hiver,
removed here with his family in 174G.

At the death of Jabez Beaman, which occurred in 1757,
Ezra, his eldest son became proprietor of the homestead,
Avhere he ever afterwards rLsidetl until his decease, which
took place June -1, 1811, in the 75ili year of his age. In
1768, he m. Tersis, dan. of Dea. Cyprian Keyes, of Boyl-
ston, with whom he lived about 30 years; she d. in 1788,
aged 49 years. Their ch. were Jabez, Ezra, Levinah,
Persis, Betsey, and Eunice. He was again m. to Mary

iJoylston of Charlestown, who survived him and d. June 6,
1813, aged 62 years.

!Major Beaman was endowed by nature with a strong
mind, possessing a remarkable &{)irit of enterprise, togelli-
er with great energy and resolution, which enabled him to
devise and execute various schemes and plans, not only for
liis own emolument and prosperity, but also for the inter-
est and advantage of the community around him. His de-
signs seldom failed to result auspiciously and in accord-
ance with his desires and anticipations, ^tlajor Beamau
possessed and held a large amount of real and personal
estate, thereby constituting liim the wealthiest man who
lias ever been an inhabitant of this town. Although it
may in truth be said that West Boylston eventually be-
came a town almost wholly in consequence of his great
exertions and untiring efforts, and that he laid the founda-
tion for its future growth and prosperity, and, although he
(lid more to promote the general interest thereof, than all
others associated with him, yet very little,if anything, of ad-
equate importance has been done, (aside from a common
tombstone erected at his grave,) either by individual citi-
zens or the town as a testimony of his extensive usefulness
and great worth as a citizen and public benefactor, or for the
perpetuation of his memory as one of the most distinguish-
ed and influential inliabitants of the town and community
in which he resided. At his decease his remains were in-
terred in the family burying ground, devoted to that use
more than fifty years previous, by his father, Jabez Bea-
man, whose remains were also deposited there. This con-
secrated spot is situated half a mile east of the old Bea-
man mansion, near the public road leading to Boylston,
and is enclosed by a stone wall built in a neat and sub-
stantial manner. Mayor Beaman was not only an active,
leading man in the immediate vicinity where he resided,
but sustained a prominency and wielded an extensive and
controling influence in the community at large. When-
ever a project) of a public nature having the benefit of the
community as its object was originated and brought up
for consideration, he was at once consulted as to its impor-
tance and practicability, when his judgment and expressed
opinion generally had the effect to cause the adoption and

cDiisumation of the scliemc, or its rejection and final aban-
donment, thus clearly demonstrating^ and unmistakabW
manifesting the high estimation in which he was lield by
the leading and prominent portion of his fellow citizens,
on account of his sound judgment and practical wisdom.
J t is a fact, that in justice to him ought to be recorded,
that several of the public roads in this vicinity Mere pro-
jected by him, and although encountering severe and de-
icrmined opposition, yet through his unyielding and per-
severing ettbrts they were eventually establislied, and
became highly useful and beneficial.

!\Iajor Beaman was a patriot, a firm and ardent friend
of his country, being one of the active and unflinching
spirits of the American revolution. He early took a de-
cided stand against tyranny and oppression, taking up
artns in favor of the rights of his country, himself marcli-
ing tothe battle field to resist tlic encroachments of the
enemy. He was \vith the American army at Cambridge
in 1775, and performed a conspicuous i)art during that
memorable period. He was ever ready to render aid and
assistance in any emergency, not only by his influence, but
when circumstances required, he promptly devoted his
time, his proj)erty, and his personal exertions, for the pur-
})ose of sustaining and pushing forward the severe and
arduous struggle for American Independence then in j)rog-
ress. Thus it Avould eeem tliat he was one witli many
others wlio had virtually pledged their lives, their proper-
ty, and their sacred honors in fivor of obtaining and se-
curing liberty, justice, and equal rights to themselves and
their posterity. He was a member of the Congregational
Church in West Ijoylston, and contributed liberally for the
support of the ordinances of religion.

Beama>-, Jabiz, eldest s. of Ezra lieaman, Esq., b. in
17G4, and d. in 1812, being 47 years of age. He n\.
Mary, dau. of Jonathan liond of Boylston, wlio d. soon
rtfter their marriage. He resiiled on the homestead dur-
ing the whole period of his life, assisting liis faih.er in the
various departments of business, connected with his ex-
tensive farming operations, etc.

Bkamax, Ezra, Jr., youngest s. of Yz/.m Beaman, Esq.,
was b, December 27, 177U. After the decease of his fa-

thcr wliicli occuiTcd in IfJll, he became tlie i)roprictor of
the liomestead, and still continues to be the owner and
occupant thereol', beingr now 87 years of r^q. It is a re-
markable incident and of rare occurrence, tliat this ancient
establishment, has now been held and occupied by father
ant] son, each bearing; the same name, during a period of
more tlian 100 years. Mr. Beaman is the proprietor and
liolder of a large amount of real estate, being so located
and its soil and scenery being such, as to render it ex-
tremely valuable. He has ever clierished a filial respect
for his honored fatlier, and yet speaks of him with th;it
deference and regard which true greatness and other valu-
able traits of character he possessed, ju.stly deserve from
his immediate descendants and others who were conver-
sant with him. I'his ancient and time honored establisii-
ment still i)resents in many respects the same general aj.-
j)earance as when Major Beaman left it, nearly 50 years ago.
Bea-man, Silas, Esq., s. of Epliraim and grandson o|
Jabcz Beaman, was b. in 17G5 and d. in 1811, being -If)
years of age. lie m. Persis, dau. of Rev. Asaph Bice of
Westminster, and resided with his parents. At the de-
cease of his father which occurred in 1805, he became the
legal proprietor of the homestead, continuing his residence
tliereon until Ins own decease. Ifis wife survived liim,
and d. in 1815, aged -IG years.

Mr. Beaman was a large athletic man, more tlian 6 feet
in heiglit, and when in the vigor and maturity of life,
weighed more than 300 pounds. He had the advantage
of a good education together witli superior native talems
whicli qualified him to act in tlie vari(nis departments of
life advantageously to himself and beneficially to the com-
munity. He was distinguished and highly esteemed a.-^ a
school teaclier, being eminently qualified therefor. So far
as literary attainments were necessary he was well fitted
for that department, possessing a thorough knowledge of
the rudiments of education. He also possessed the°verv
important faculty of governing a school w iihout resorting
to harsh or severe measures, his word or command af-
ways h?A a controlling influence, causing immediate sub-
mission to his wishes and requirements. He commenced

school tcaclilug whtii IG years of age, and waa thus cm-
})loyed during the ^Yillter seasons for twenty-five years,
jiln-ays succeeding to the general satisfaction of his sclioi-
ars and emi)loyers. Mr. JJeainan's residence was three-
fourths of a mile cast of Major Beaman's place, on tlie
road to Boylston. It is now the residence of Charles II.
Baldwin.

BiGELow, Abel, s. of Dea. Amariah Bigelow, b. in
1755, and married Martha, dau. of Capt. Joseph Bigelow,
in 1778. They had seven ch., six of them living to ma-
ture age. He d. in 1821, being 66 years of age. His wife
survived hira, and died in 1848, at the age of 95 yeara.
Mr. Bigelow was a farmer, and for many years managed an
extensive farm with profit and success. His residence was
situated half a mile south of the Common between the
roads leading to Worcester and Boylston.

Bigelow, Levi, s. of Dea. Amariah l^igelow, b. in
17G5, and d. iii 1833, being G8 years of age. After he
had passed the period of his minority, in consequence of
a severe sickness, he was frequently subjected to a state
of mental derangement, thereby causing much trouble to
his friends and the community. During the latter portion
of his life he resided with Joiin Temple of this town, as u
constant and faithful laborer, and having become free from
paroxisms of mental aberation, he finished out his life a
(piiet and useful citizen.

Bigelow, SxEriiEN, oidy s. of Capt. Joseph Bigelow,
1). in 17G0, and d. in 18 39, being 79 years of age! He
m. Rachel, dau. of William Pike of Framingham, who
survived him, and d. in 1855, being 87 years of age.
They had G ch. who all lived to mature age. He was a
farmer, resided half a mile west of the Common, on the
road Jeading from the West Boylston Bailroad Station, to
the south end of Maiden Hill. His only son, Joseph Big-
elow, now resides on the same premises, being the legal
proprietor thereof.

IkcELOAv, DEN^MS, eldest s. of Abel Biirelow, b. in
1779, and d. in 1851, aged 72 years. He m. Cynthia
Fletcher from Lancaster, who is yet living. After tlie de-
cease of his fatlier, ho resided with his mother, occuj)ying
that portion of the homestead which she received as r

dowry, together with what he received us liis share c>( iiis
father's estate. He had two ch. wlio survived him.

Brigiiam, Stephen, was born in 17-10, or near that
time, and d. in 1812. He was m. early in life, had sev-
eral ch., and resided two miles south of the Common in
this town. He was the proprietor and oceupant of a large
farm, and although not one of the wealthiest citizens, yet
independent and free from pecuniary embarrassment. He
came from Westboro' in the early part of his life and set-
tled in this town, where he resided until his death.

Brigham, Edmund, s. of Stephen Brigham, b. in 176U,
and d. in 1841, being 71 years of age. He m. Mary, dau,
of Nathaniel Brooks of Worcester, and had several ch.
She d. in the meridian of life. He afterward m. the wid-
ow of Jonathan Plimpton, Jr., who survived him and d.
in 1857. Mr. Brigham settled on the homestead with his
father at whose decease he became the legal proprietor of
the premises and continued the occupancy thereof for sev-
eral years, when he sold out and relinquished the business
of farming, in which he had been engaged from his earli-
est years.

Brown-, Josiaii P., was a native of Sterling, and re-
moved to this town with his flimily in 1802, becomintr u
resident, and occupant of a farm in the north part of Tiir
town then owned by Major Beaman, but now in the pos-
session of Lucius Newton. He continued his residence
on this farm for fifteen years, when he left it and relin-
quished the business of farming, and d. by an act of sui-
cide in 1^30, being about 60 years of age. His wife
survived him and has lately deceased.

Child, Zaciiakiah, b. in 1763, was the eldest s. ol
David Child of this town. In 1784, he m. Lydia, dau. of
David Bigelow of Worcester, and settled on a small farm
situated in the south part of the town, adjoining the resi-
dence of his father. Here he resided until his decease,
which occurred in 184.5, at the age of 81 years. They
had a large family of ch., several of whom are yet livlui^.
His wife survived him, and d. in 1840, at (he ago of Ho
years. He was a soldier o[ the lv(M-.-luii<)ii and rccri\od
r. pension for several years.

Child, Amos, s. of David Child, b. in 1765, m. Dorca.^
Davenport of lioylston, and resided awhile witii liis pa-
rents, hut in consequence of sonic difficulty ariging be-
tween himself and his brother, Zachariah, he left the home-
stead and purcliased a farm in the nortlnvest part of the
town, which he occupied several years, when he gave up
farming and became a merchant, occupying a store now
used as a dwelling house, and situated a short distance
from the brick meeting-house in this town. Here he re-
mained until his decease, which occurred in 1839, being
74 years of age. Ilis >vifc d. in 1822, being 55 years o{
age. They had several ch., but one of whom is now liv-
ing. ^ In 1823, he m. Nancy Rice of this town, who is
yet living.

Dayis, C.uiN.vBAS, Esq., s. of Dea. David Davis of
Paxton, b. in 1778, m. Mercy Bellows, settled in this
town in 1802, or about that tin'ie, and established himself
in the business of tanning and currying leather on the
premises previously occupied for the same purpose by his
brother, Simon Davis. He continued his residence iierc
until 1851, when he removed to Paxton, his native town,
where he and his wife soon after d., being more than 70
years of age. Tiiey had four ch. tw^o of whom are de-
ceased. Mr. Davis sustained an unblemished character,
was a quiet, peaceable citizen, enjoying the respect and
confidence of his fellow townsmen, by whom he was fre-
quently promoted to stations of trust and responsibility,
lie was six successive years elected to represent the town
in the State Legislature, performing the duties of that re-
sponsible station to the entire satisfaction of his constit-
uents.

Davis, Ei.ias, a younger brother of Barnabas Davis, b.
in 1784, came here and was employed as an assistant in
the store of his brother, Simon Davis, several years. He
afterwards erected a store in connection with a dwelling-
house and went into trade for himself, but eventually dis-
[)';sed of his business and went to Keenc, N. II., where
he remained a few years and then returned to this town
where he has since resided. In 1805, he m. Mary Pigc-
l(»w of this town, with whom he lived in the marriage
relation more than fifty years. Hor death occurred in

sev-
ssessioii

1857, at the age of 72 years. They had tliree ch., one
son and two daughters, tlie son died in early life, the
daughters are yet living.

DiNSMORE, Reuben, s. of John Dinsmore, b. in 1771,
and died in 1821, in the 50lh year of his age. He ni'.
Polly, dau. of Paul Goodale, in 1800, who survived hira
and died in 1856, being 80 years of age. They had
cral ch., the most of whom are yet living. He
farmer and first occupied the farm now in the pos......

of Benjamin Lee, in the west part of the town. He af-
terwards resided on the farm now in the possession o I
Stephen Hemenway, in the north part of the town, and
finally removed to Princeton, where he died.

DrxsMORE, SiL.^s, s. of John Dinsmore, b. in 1779,
and d. in 1824, being 46 years of age. In 1802, he m.'
Polly, dau. of Amos Lovell of this town, who survived
him and died in 1842, aged 65 years. They had a large
family of ch., six of whom are yet living. lie was^u
cooper, and worked at that business during the earlier
part of his life. Subsequently he worked in a saw mill,
an occupation for which he was peculiarly qualified. He
resided in the house now owned and occupied by Eli W.
Holbrook, near the central bridge in this town.

DwELLEv, Joseph, was b. in 1765 and resided in Wor-
cester in the earlier part of his life, where he m. Mary
Stearns in 1791. He afterwards purchased a farm in this
town, now tli€ residence of James Fiske, on which he set-
tled and resided about 40 years, when he sold his farm
and removed to Oakham, where he d. in 1840, aged 75
years. He enlisted into the army of the Revolut'ion when
15 years of age, and faithfully served his country as a
soldier during the last three years of that war, when he
was honorably discharged and returned home. He en-
dured trials and hardships while connected with the array,
was at the surrender of Cornwallis, and participated in
other scenes of momentous interest and importance. His
only ch., Joseph Dwelley, now resides in Oakham.

E.iMEs, William, was the proprietor and occupant of
a large and valuable farm, situated at the extreme south
part of this town, contiguous to Worcester and ShrcTfs-

bury, on wliich he soUled in the earlier part of life, and
wlicrc lie resided until Ida decease in 1814, at tlie age o!"
n.j years. His wife d. several years previous, 'i'hey had
several eh., some ot" whom arc yet livmf^. This farm was
lately in the possession of Asa Rice, bein^- the place of
his residence at the time of his death.

Eames, I.Evr, s. of William Eames resided witli his
father untd his decease, when he took possession of the
j)remises, and there continued as the occupant in connec-
tion with a youni,^cr brother for several years, when lie
left the homestead and went to Worcester' where he now
resides. In ISOO, lie m. Jlcph/.ibah Winter, who d. in
1816, aged 38 years. He afterward m. a dau. of Luther
lUce of Worcester, who has also deceased.

Eames, WiLLiAxr, Jr., s. of William Eames, m. a dau.
of Luther Rice of Worcester i.n 1808, and resided on the
homestead in connection with his elder brother for several
years, when he removed to Worcester, where he d. in
mature life leaving a flimily.

EsTABRooK, S.VMUEL, s. of Samucl Estabfook, b. in
1747 and d. in IN 1 6, aged 69 years. He m. Sarah Mar-
shall of Holdcn, who survived him and d. in 1820, at the
age of 77 years, lie was a carpenter, and resided on a
farjn of which lie was the proprietor, situated in the south-
west part of this town, being now in the possession of
John Phelps.

Fairbank, Jai'.e/., eldest s. of Jonathan Fairbank, one
of the early settlers of this town, b. in 1738 and d. in
1822, aged 84 years. He was m. in 1760 or about that
time to Miriam Davi.b', and had a large family of children.
His wife d. in the meridian of life much lamented. He
afterward m. Persis Roukcr of Petersham, who survived
him and d. in 1833, aged 89 years. He resided in the
north jiart of the town on the tlirm now in the i)ossessinn
of his gran-'lsou, Uriah Fairbank.

Fairbank, Lemuel, s. of Jonathan Fairbank, b. in
17j1 and d. in 1S19, aged 68 years. He m. Phebe, dau.
of Jacob Winn, one of the early settlers of this town,
who survived hiui and d. in 1824, aged 73 years. Tliey
had several ch., tv/o of whom are yet li^i^g. He w.is ;-i

n vir

■IL'T

fanner, and resided in the north part of the town, his resi-
dence being situated on the iiill road leading to Sterling,
and lately in the possession of John H. Stratton.

Faiubvnk, Setii, s. of Jonathan Fairbank, b. in 1765
and d. in 1833, aged IS years. He ni. Relief, dau. of
Amos Sawyer, in 1777, and settled on a farm in the north
part of the town, near the residence of his elder brother,
Jabez Fairbank. They liad ten ch., iive sons and five
daughters, all of whom survived their parents. His wife
d. in 1839, being 80 years of age. Tliey resided tbrough
life where they settled at the time of their marriage.

Fai [iB\NK, ^VILLrA^f, youngest s. of Jonathan Fair-
bank, b. in 1758 and d. in 1840, aged Si years. lie ni.
Keziah Houghton of oterling, and had several ch., some
of whom are yet living. His wife d. in ISll, and in 1812
he m. Persis Sawyer of Boylston, who survived him and
died in 1851, aged 78 years. He was a farmer, and occu-
pied a farm now in the possession of Silas P. Jh-ucc, in
the north part of the town. He was a man of ability and
prominence, being often chosen to oHices of trust and re-
sponsibility by his fcUow citizens. He was a soldier of the
Jlevolutijii, and received a pension the latter part of his
life.

FAinn.VN'K, Alt ILEUS, eldest s. of Jabe/ Fairbank, b.
in 1705 and d. in 1832, aged 66 years. He m. Polly Wil-
lard of Sterling, who survived him and d. in 1836. They
had several ch. who survived them, some of whom liavo
since deceased. He became the proprietor of a I'arm situ-
ated in tlie northwest part of the town, now in the posses-
sion of Solon F. Ikown, on whicli he resided to the close
of his life.

Fairij\xk, jAiiE7, Jr., 3. of Jabez Fairbank, b. in 1773
and d. in 1843, aged 70 years. He m. Hannah Eager oi"
Sterling, who survived him and died in lS47. T'hey had
several ch., four of whom are yet living. He resided
with his father on the homestead where lie continued un-
til the ch)sc of life, vvhen the premises bacamr^ t!i3 p<is-
strssion of liis son, Uriah Fairbank.

FArun.VNK:, Davis, youngest s. of Jabez Fairbank, b.
in 17 77 and d. in 1857, aged 80 years. In ISO I, he ni.

*" fj.l

520

Rebecca P'airbaiik of this town, who d. in l80o. He af-
terwards m. widow Sally Holt of this town, wlio d. in
1852. He occupied during the earlier portion of his life
the premises ori^^aiially held and occupied by his grand-
father, Jonathan Fairbank, and now in the possession of
Francis Johnson, situated in the north part of the town,
He had but one child who survived him.

Fairbank, Barak B., s. of Lemuel Fairbank, b. in
1779 and d. in 1824, aged 45 years. In 1803, he m. Sal-
ly, dau. of Amos Lovell of this town, and settled in the
north part of the town near the residence of his father, on
ihe old road leading to Sterling, where they continued to
reside until their decease. His wife survived him and d.
in 1847, aged G7 years. They had several ch., the most
of whom are now living. He was a carpenter, and work-
ed at that business the most of his time during the last
years of his life.

Faikbaxk, Amos, eldest s. of Seth Fairbank, b. in
1779 and is yet living. In 1813, he m. Lucy Houghton,
who d. in 1841, being about UO years of age. He lias re-
sided in this town most of the time durintr his life, work-
ing as a common laborer.

FisiiKU, John, removed with his family to this town
in 1806 and resided in the south part of the town, occu-
pying the farm, since the possession of Cicero Hinds, and
now thcj residence of Dana Newton. After a few years'
residence he sold out and removed from this town and has
fcince deceased.

Gale, Oliver, s. of Jonas Gale, one of the early set-
tlers of this town, b. in 1771 and died in 1824, aged 53
years. He m. Esther, dau. of Ebcnezer Willington of
Worcester, who survived him and d. at an advanced age,
having been four times legally connected in the marriage
relation. He was a farmer and settled on the farm now
in possession of the town, and occupied as a pauper es-
tablishment, where he resided several years, wheii he sold
out and purchased a small situation near the centre of the
town where he resided until his decease. This location
now belongs to N. H. Goodalc.
^ Glazier, Oliver, s. of John Glazier of Eoylston, b.
V ill 1763 and d. in 1855, aged 92 years. He was nj. in

17&J to Raciiel, eldest daa. oi' Stephen Ilastinj^b of l\oy\-
ston, who d. in 1841, at an advanced a^o. They had ton
ch., nearly all of whom survived their parents. He pur-
chased a plot of land in this town in 170G, on whicli lie
erected a dwellinfr-house, which was the place of his resi-
dence until after the decease of his wife, when he went U>
Northborough and resided with his eldest daughter until
ids decease. He was a carpenter, and worked at that
business the most of his time.

Glazikr, Jason, youngest s. of John Glazier, b. iu
1767 and is now living, being 90 years of af^e. Jle early
in life m. Sarah, daughter of Joiui Dinsmore of this town,
and lived in the marriage state about 30 years, when she
d. in the meridian of life, leaving several ch. lie after-
ward m. Polly Gerry of Sterling, who is now living, lie
resided many years on the premises now in the possession
of George Dana, situated in the north part of this town.

GooDJLLE, MosES, was b. in 1739 and d. in 1815, aged 7.5
years. He was the eldest s. of Edward Goodale, one of the
early settlers of this town. In 1797, he m. Silence Good-
enow of Boylston, who survived him and d. in 183G, being
about 80 years of age. The place where he resided dur-
ing the last part of his life and at the time of his decease,
is situated 40 rods southwest of the railroad station in
this town, and now the residence of William Bolton. Ho
possessed mental capacities above mediocrity while he v.as
much accustomed to freaks of whimsical fancy and humor-
ous caprice which could hardly fail to excite the merri-
ment of the most serious observer. His decease was sud-
den and unexpected at the time of its occurrence.

Gooi)\Li:, Aaiion, second s. of l-Mward Goodale, b. in
1743 and d. in 1817, aged 74 years. In 1767, he m.
Eujiice, dan. of William Marshall of llolden, who surviv-
ed him and died in 1832, aged 84 years. They had eleven
ch., five s. and six dan., each of them living to mature age;
and all eventually becoming connectetl in the marriage
relation. The youngest of this family is now the only
surviver, being 68 years of age. Mr. Goodale was a farm-
er occupying a farm half a mile west of the Common, now
in the possession of his grandson, (,'hnrles Goodale. On

this farm he settled in early life iind there rei;idcd luilil
ids d(;ccase,

CiooDALK, Paul, third s. of Edward Goodale, b. in 1747
nnd (1. in 1828, aged 81 years, lie m. Eunice, dau. of
Jonathan Lovell, one of the early settlers of this town.
She d. in 1824, aged 77 years. They had nine ch., four s.
and five dan., all of -whom jiave deceased. In 1825, he m.
widow Hetty Lovell of this town, who Burvived him and
d. in lSo7, af^ed 84 years. Mr. Goodale was an enter-
prisintr, successful farmer, occupying an extensive *nd
valuable farm on which he resided nearly 60 years. He
accumulated a large estate, being one of the wealthiest
citizens of the town. He was possessed of ability and
talents which qualified him for extensive influence and
usefulness. He Avas frecpiently chosen by the citizens of
the town to till important stations of trust and responsi-
bility, discharging tlie duties thereof with fidelity and to
the acceptance of the town.

Goodale, Peter, youngest s. of Edward Goodale, b,
in 1752 and d. in 1834, aged 82 years. In 1775, he m.
Abigail, dau. of Benjamin Hinds, who d. in 1809, aged
58 years. They had six ch., only oneof Avhomis now living.
He was again m. in 1809, to widow Rachel Flagg of
this town, who d. in 1828, aged 63 years. He first set-
tled in Gardner, where he resided 15 years, when he re-
moved to this town in 1793, and settled on the homestead
then in the possession of his mother, where he resided un-
til his decease.

Goodale, Aahon, Jr., s. of Aaron Goodale, b. in 1779
and d. in 1840, aged 61 years. In 1805, he m. Mehita-
ble Blake of Holden, who is yet living. They had six ch.,
two of whom are now living. He settled on the farm
originally occupied by Kbenezer Frizzol, afterwards by
T3avid Winch and now in the possession of his youngest
son, Aaron Goodale, being situated half a mile west of
the Common on the south Maiden Hill road leading to
Holden.

Goodale, Abel, Dea., s. of Aaron GooilaU^ b. in 1785
and d. in 1853, aged 68 yeare. Jn e.irly life he m. Grace
Merrifitld, who d. in 1819, ajrcd 3i vcur.s. 'I'hvy had five

ch., two of whom are now living. He was again ni. in
li:521 to widow Mchitable Hubbard of Holden, wlio is
yet living. They had two ch., one of whom is also living.
lie was for nearly 30 years of the latter portion of hi;*
life the proprietor and occupant of the farm originally the
residence of his grandfather, Kdv.-ard Goodale, and now
in the possession of his son, Gardner E. Goodale. Dea.
Goodale was a valuable citizen, a firm, substantial man,
ardent in feeling, discriminating in judgment, decided in
action, never vacillant or equivocal in his course. He
would thoroughly investigate a subject or proposition and
decide upon a proper course of action relative thereto,
then proceed to act with [)romptness and energy, never
turning aside or compromising in the le.ist with opposi-
tion or antagonism. Thus always exhibiting a consisten-
cy of character and conduct, he won the respect and con-
fidence of those with whom he associated and acted in the
various departments of life. He was irreconcilably hos-
tile to secret associations whntever might be their charac-
ter or design, believing them to be anti-republican and of
dangerous tendency.

Goodale, Levi, s. of Paul Goodale, b. in 1783 and d.
in 1854, aged 71 years. In early life he m. Abigail Cros-
by of Holden, who d. in I8l0, being 27 years of age. He
was again m. in 1811 to Eunice H. Brimhall of Oakham
who d. in 1826, aged 38 years. In 1827, he m, Orinda
Cleveland of Medfield, who d. in 1845, being 59 years of
age. He was again m. to Sarah Ann Nelson of Mcdheld,
wlio is now living. He had several ch., the most of
whom are also living. He was a farmer and resided on
the homestead until the last years of his life, when he
changed his residence and became the occupant of the
premises now in the possession of AVinthrop Snow, situ-
ated 80 rods southeast of the railroad station in this town.

Goodale, Jason, s. of Peter Goodale, b. in 1780 and
d. in 1852, aged 72 years. In 1807, he m. Hannah, dau.
of Dea. Asa Lovell, Avho died in 1812, aged 31 years. He
afterward m. Sarah Kaymond of Ashby, who is yet living.
He was a farmer and resided in Winchendon the latter
part of hi? life. Sevcril of his cli. arc now living.

•J4

(i(H)DHNo\v, ]*J.i.)Aii, I Idcst s. of JuHIlS (J (.odcilO V, (if
I^oylston, I), ill ITG."^ ainl d. sudvU nl y in l^-Jl,a^c-(i 5:1
years, lie in. lumicc. <i.in, oi Micnu Ilarlhan, who suv-
vivfd liini and d. in INJ^. aL,-cd .JfJ years. They had ten
eh., onlv three td' whom are now living. lie resided witii
liis lather-in-law, a^.si^lin[r him in the managing of his
l.ani and other matters. In li^04, he erected a distillciy
Nvhirh svas used several years fur manufacturing gin and
cider brandy. These ])remises are situated near the l*>ap-
lisr meetinghouse, and are now in the ])ossession of
CJeorge Holmes, a s. of the late Thomas Holmes of this
town.

H.VDLY, ]->riiJiATM, Avas b. in Sterling, came to this
town and m. rrudence, dau. of John Dinsmore, in 17'.*'.).
He (1. in 1!^14, being nearly 40 years of age, and after his
»iecease, she m. Jonathan Nichols of Holden, and d. in
IS.OG. Mr. Iladly was a cooper, and when not cngagfd
in that business, labored where he could find (•mi)loymfiii ,
He resided in this town some 1 *) or 20 years.

Hakthax, David, eldest s. of ]Micah Harthan, b. i:\
1704 and d. in 1S23, aged .09 years. He m. Prudence,
dau. ol Jacob Winn, and had six ch., only two of whon.
are now living. She survived him and d. in 1840, u'jcA
70 vears. He d. suddenly and alone, in consequence of a
fall. He was a miller, having attended a grist mill fron:
his boyhood until his decease. He was the jiroprietor «>1
the well known and far famed Harthan Mills in this town.
His dwelling ])lace was situated about oO rods north of
tlie railroad station in this town.

Hinds, Jacoi!, s. of Ijcnjamin Hinds, b. in 1707 and o'.
in lS.r2, aged 85 years. He m. Elizabeth, dan. of Jona-
than Fawcett of Ijoylston, uho survived him and d. i:.
1850, aged 82 years. They liad four ch., three of whoir.
luive deceased. He settled on the homestead wlierc 1..;
resided the earlier portion of his life, but eventually lef:
the place of his nativity and resided M'ith his son in the
south part of the town until his decease. He *.vas a furir.-
cr and much in the habit oi' originating new schemes :ind
urojects L>f a i^^.dlosophica! and. >cientiHc character, sa.'.ri

fiolnrr mucli lime and expense in piitliu;,; iIilmii into opera-
• liDii Tor the purpose of trial ami cxporiment.

JliXDs, .Tosiipir, Es(|., s. ol" Benjamin Hinds,!), in 1773
and d. in ISIjo, a;,;ed G2 yuars. in 1798, lie ni. l{cd)c-L'ca
Sawyer of Sleriiir^-, wlio is now livin^";, bciir^ 82 ycMi-.s of
i.^'O. They had :::c'ven cli., lour of whom aio now livini;-.
llu was a bookbinder and a larnici-, succcvssiully pursnin;^
aiul inanaL^in^.^ two kimls of bu.sinos.s at the same time.
JL' was a jirominent, useful citizen of the town, being fre-
ipicntly clioson by the inliabitants to fill offices of trust
and responsibility, and several times represented the town
in the State Le;j;islature. Jlis residence was 70 rods
^ollth of the Common.

Holt, Aekl, s. of Ihir/.ilia Ilolt of Ijoylston.b. in 17-13
and d. in 18! o, aii;c;d 72 ye-irs. lie m. J-hmico, dan. of
Henry Keyes of ]]o)bt()n, who survived him and d. in
1810, a.:;ed 0-3 years. They had bix s, antl two dan., two
of Avlioni are nmv living. He \v;is a I'armer, and resided
one mile south of the Common, on the premises now in
the possession of Cyras L. Kniglit.

Holt, Alill, a younger brother of Abol Holt, was \n. in
ill the earlv [)art of life and h;id several cli., some of whom
arc now living. His wih) d. in 1810, aged oO years. He
snrvived his v;ifo au'l d. in 181,3. He occupied tlio farm
during the foKmer part of his life time, now in the posses-
sion of Brigham Prescott, situated in the north part of tlie
town, on the old road lead to Sterling.

Holt, James, was a s. of Earzilia Holt, Ji'., of Ev^yl-
ston. He d. in 1855, being- about 84 years of age. In
1800, ni. Eunice, dau. ofDea. Asa Lovell, who d. in 1S21,
by an act of suicide in consequence of mental derange-
ment. They had several ch., some of' whom are yet
living. He resided in the west part of tlie town about
20 years of the earlier part of his life, being the proprie-
tor and occupant of a small farm.

Holt, Jonas, s. of Abel Holt, b. in 1779 and d. in
1853, aged 73 years. In 1802, he m. Anne Wran, who
d. in 1845, aged G5 years. They had severed eh., four
of whom are now liviiig. He was a carpenter, and resid-
ed half a mile south of the Common on the old road lead-

'.i.g to Worcester. I'hu pvcnil.scs are now in Uie posses-
sion of Jiis soil, Ward K. iiolt.

Howe, Alvax, in the earlier part of life was a resident
• 'f Shrewsbury. lie in. Mary \\'illini(t()n, liatl a hir;:c
fanily CI ch., removed to this town perhaps in lSU'2or
about that time. Me resided in tlie north part of the
town on the premises now in the possession of the West
Jioylslon Manufacturing Comj^.any. L'or several years he
M'as the occupant of a orist mill then standinur near the
location of the brick factory riow occu])ied by the afore-
said Company. He d. in 1820., aged 60 years. His wife
survived him a few years and also died.

Howe, Hir.vm, s. of Nathan Howe of Shrewsbury, b.
i:i 1775 and d. in 1829, aged o4 years. He m. Olive,
(lau, of Micah Harthan, wlio survived him and d. in ISlj'i,
a^'cd 78 years V\\2y hid several c!i., live of whom -are
now living. He was the proprietor of a iarm in the north
part of the town on the old road leading to Sterling, where
lie resided at the time of his decease. Since that time the
house has been burned, and lluj farm divided and sold to
different individuals and is no lon;.;er a family residence.

JoiiNSOx, I'l.MOTiiv, with his family removed from
Sutton to this town in 180.}, having purchased the black-
smith shop then situated near where tlie factory belonging
to Eli W. Holbrook now stands. Here he pursued the
business of manufacturing and vending scvthes for a few
years, having built a dwelling-house for liis convenience
a:id accommodation, when he sold his cstahlishment to Ja-
cob and Ezekiel Peircc and removctl back to Sutton where
he afterward died,

Keyes, Reuben, eldest s, of Simeon Kcyes, b. in 17GG,
IV.. Olive, dau. of Capt, Joseph Bigelow, had two sons, one
of whom is now^ living. He was a blacksmdth, and erect-
ed a sho[) on the premises now occupied by Charles Morse,
near the railroad station in this town, where he pursued
the business of iiis occupation awhile, and then disposed
of his establishment and built a dwelling-house now in the
possession of N, H. Goodalc, where he resided a few years,
tiien sold out and removed to l^arre, Vt., where he d. at an
idvanced age, his wife and eldest s. having previously de-
ceased.

Keyes, Thomas, Jr., eldest s. of Thomas Keyes, b. in
17<)7 and d. in lS5fi, aged 89 years, lie m. Lydia, dau.
of Micah Harthan, in 1791, and had six ch., only one of
whom is now living. She d. in 1&2-1, in the GOtli year of
her age. He was a farmer and settled on the homestead
with his father, where he resided durinjr the whole period
of his life. Ho was respected by his fellow citizens, who
frequently selected him to fill stations of trust and re-
sponsibility. He became tlie proprietor of the homestead
hy inheritance from his father, and left the same with ad-
ditions and iuiprovcments to his only surviving son, l^en-
jainin F. Keyes.

KiLBiiux, Levi, was b. in Sterling, and there m. Cath-
erine, dau, of Manassah Sawyer, from thence he removed
with his family to tiiis town, having purchased a small
farm situated in the north part of the town, now in the
possession of John S. Cutting, where he resided until his
decease, which occurred in 1847, aged 7^3 years. His
wife d. in 1850, and he afterward m. a second wife who
survived him and d. in 1857. He had four ch. who are
now living.

LovELL, As.v, Dea., s. of Jonathan J^ovell, one of the
early settlers of this town, b. in 1751 and d. in 1814, aged
G3 years. He m. Betty Ilaymond, had one s. and hve
dau., three of whom are now Jiving. His wife survived
him and in 1825 m. Paul Goodale, and also survived him.
Dea. Lovell was the proprietor and occupant of a farm riow
in the possession of h>astus Broad, situated a mile west
of tlie Common, on the north Maiden Hill road leading
to Holden. He was a m;in of integrity and exemplary
character, and a valuable citizen

Lovell, Amos, s. of Jonathan Lovell, b. in 1753 and
d. in 1815, aged 02 years. He m. Mary liall of Concord,
had three s. and five dau., four of wIidui are now living.
His wife survived him and d. iu 183;], at the age of 7 7
years. He was a farmer and resided near his brother, Aj-.i
Lovell, on the farm originally occupied by his father, and
now in the possession of his grandson, Addison liOvell.

Lovell, Amos, Jr., eldest s. of Amos Lovell, b. in
1782, and is now living. In 1307, he m. Martha, eldest

dau. of Abel Li-elow, ulio d. in 1807, a-ed 64 ycuiv
'i licy had ihreo ?., two of wlioni are now liviiii;-. IIo \va:<
a farmLn- and soUled on the homestead with his father,
v.-lierc he resided during- the cariior part of his life, but
eventually relinqui>!ied the po.^;-es.,ion of tlic preuiises to
liis son, Addison Ljvell, and er-cleil ;-. l:iri;-e coinm jd:ous
dwelling-house near the Common^ where he iias since
resided. • .

^^.l-vsox, Samuel, was b. probably as early as 17;".:. and
d. in 183U, being over 80 years of age. He was m., and
had several cli , sonic of whom are now living, lie was a
farmer and resided in the iiortlnvest part of the town, oc-
cupying the farm now in the posses.^ion of his c!;iKiren,
John and Lucy Mason.

Masox, Daxiel, ,s. of Samuel r.Iason, b. in 1780 and
d. in 1818, aged oi years, ile d. by au act of suicide,
supposed to be in consccpience of a depve-ysion of mind
or a kind of mental derangement, to wliich he seemed to
be constitutionally predisposed, lie was somewhat re-
served and serious in his general deportment; industrious
and frugal in his habits, and respected by his iViends and
associates in lii'e.

May, E/.iiA, was b. in Sterling in 1772 and d. in 1815,
aged 40 years. IIo m. Elizabeth, dau. of Ja!)L'z I'airbank,
who survived him and d. in 1845, aged l-') years. Tliey
::ad several cli., two of v/hom are now iiviiig-. lie set'-
tled on a farm in tlie nortiiwest part of this lown, now in
tlic possession of his son, John May, v. here he, resided
until his decease.

.Mayxaud, Calyi.v, came from Marlboro" in ISO I, was
a trader occupying a store ncur the Common in ih:s town,
wdiere he continued in business about live years, when he
removed to ^Sterlinir, and there c^labli.-Iicd liijn.-.clf as a
trader, lie m. Olive, dau. of John I,. AVhiting, and resid-
ed in Sterling a few years, whui they both d., leaving
no children.

Meki:ifield, yVsAPir, was 1). in 1711 and d. in 18LM),
aged 70 years. He removed with his fimily iVam Slier-
burne to tliis town in 178.;, having- piirclrased a firm situ-
ated in the southwest part of th.e ^own, now occupied by

Ira Warren, who m. one of his dau., wlierc he resided un-
til liis decease. His wife survived him and d. in 1845,
aged 89 years. He had ten cli., several of whom are now
living.

Mehrifield, Louis, s. of Asaph Merrificld,b. in 1781
and d. in 1851, aged 70 years. He in. Phebe, dau. of
Sylvanus Morse, wlio died in 1839, a-]jed 60 years. Tiicy
liad several ch., one of whom is now living. They rcsiil-
cd with her father assisting him in the management of his
farm. After the father's decease, he became the proprie-
tor of the farm, and v.as the occupant thereof during the
continuance of his life, leaving the prendscs as a patrimo-
ny to his only son, Louis W. Merrillcld. He was m. a
second time, his wife survived him and d. in 185o, aged
C2 years.

Mooui", Israel, s. of Dea. Israel Moore, b. in 1777
and d. in Ihll, aged o4 years. He m. Mary Cheney,
dau. of Paul Goodale, who survived him and afterwards
m. Nathan Rogers of Holden, where she d. in 1828, aged
50 years. Mr. Moore settled on a farm in the north part
of this town, adjoining that occupied by his father, where
he resided a few years and then sold out and removed to
the hoM'cstead, of which he became the proprietor at the
decease of his father, where he resided until his own de-
cease. He had two sons and two daughters who are now
living, the eldest son, James H. Moore, being now the pro-
prietor and occupant of the homestead.

MooiiE, Joel, s. of Dea. Israel Moore, b. probably in
1780, m. Susanna Kennan, of Rutland, and settled on a
small farm half a mile north of the Beaman place, on the
road leading to Lancaster, and now the residence of L. D.
Newton. He afterward removed to Holden where he d.
in 185G, aged 76 years. He had ch. some of whom to-
gether with their mother are now living.

MooRE, Asa., youngest s. of Dea. Israel Moore, b. per-
haps in 1784 or about that time. He m. Sabia, dau. ol
Dea. Asa Lovell, in 1804, and settled on a farm in the
north part of this town, now held and occupied by a fam-
ily of aliens. He removed from this town, afterward fre-
quently changing his residence, and now resides in Hub-

banlsloii. Ills \\[['c. d. in 18.3-i, a-cd G3 years, and lie U
;igain connected in inarriafre.

Mojisr:, Syla anus, s. cf Joi-.o])Ii ^lorsc, one of the
early setller.s of this town, b. in 17 10 ;ind d. in ISlu,
aired GG years, lie ni. Ph'-l)c Church of New Marlburo\
v.-ho d. in the meridian ol^ liil'. Tlu-y had f^evcral cIj., all
of them having deceased, lie ws a iarnicr and c!Il!■in^
the I ittcr j)art of his life, occupied tlic jjremises ori-innf-
ly belonging to his fatlier where he resnlcd uu'Sl hi-i
decease.

MoiisE, JosF.i'ir, s. of Josoi)h :\Iursc. b in 17oS and d.
in 182G, aged GS years, lie r.i. .Sojdiia, dan, cf ]!LMJaini:i
]3igciow, one of the early settlers gC this t()\^n, win) ^ur-
vivcd him anul d. in 18:j], ng-il 70 yeais. 'Ihev had nine
ch., fonrof wliom aro now liwaL;, 'riic i':,nn c:! w'.iicU he
residi^l is liiroj-fonnhs.of a ni'.lo north nl ti.j Cinnmun,
and lately in iho posi^c-sion cd' liis gr.-.nd.<on, .Tt.'seph
?|[ors:', now deceasjd. A cnnsi.li'r:dde portion of this
farm once belonged to the elder .lo.apli .Moi-o. li is an
incident worthy of notice, that f .nr persons having t!;c
same name in a rei^alar line of divalent, liave sucee.- .lively
hehl and occujned llie same p-remisL'S during a periv)d of
more than one hundred Atars.

:Murdock, Artkmas, Dea., ( hlest s. of William ^Jar-
dock of \\'cstinin'-tLr, b. in i77o and d. in iS^o, aged 79
years. lie m. Keziah (lark of Mediieid, and came to tins
tvwnin ISOl. He suttL.'d on the p--einises now in the
possession of his eldest s , D.ivid C. ?,;urdoch, v.hi're ho
worked, being ii cabim't maker. His wife d. in 18 IS,
aged CS years. They had nine eh., seven of whom are
now living. Dea. Murdoch was u valuable and exemplary
citizen, possessing a nnld, pacific temperament and di^po"-
silion, together with that Jnmesty of ])urpose and integri-
ty of character, which enabled 'him in all hnsincss m.Jt-
ters and transactions to act with that fairness and just
regard for the rights and interests of oti)ers, tha_,t secureil
for him the respect and esteem of ail \\ith v.hom he
chanced to have intercourse relative to the common allair.-'
nt lile. He d. suddenly, a victim to extreuAe pain ami
sufferinu.

.31

MrunocK, Jo.NiiL'A, Dca., a younger hrothor of Arto-
m:is MurJuck, Was b. ia 17sO. He iii. ('Iaiis,s:i ILntslioi ii
ni" Afedii'jkl, and in 1 800, SL>ttlcd in tins town near liis
brother, tlK> jjlice of liis residence being now iri the pos-
session of X. li. Good de. Jle was a e.ibinet nuducr and
worked wiih l,i.s brother. In 1 Si 1. he lenioved to Lei-
cester, aiul there has continued to pursue his occupation
\yit!i sii:cjss^ and advanta- •. His wife d. in kSl7, aj^e.l
Go years. 'Diey had live cli., lour uf whom arc now
living.

N.*.sir, Wir.T.iA'.i, r.ev., tiio iirst minister of tkis town,
was a native (d' W ilkatn.-daur:.:, H'anii;;diire County, ^rass.,
was b. in ITGJ and (k in l^rl.), aevd (SO vean-. iJe came
here in ITll-i and ]r;eac1icd as a cmdidate for settlement,
and was ordained Oct. 11, 1797, as a minister of iIk'
church and society pr.n ionsly organized ia the second pre-
cinct of Ik.vlston, Sterling, and Ilolden. In ly01,<^r
about til It tiiue, .Mr. A'axh in. kdi/.ahclh Doubleday, and
liaviiig purchased a farm in the pouth psrt of thc"tou n.
now occ'Ji)i-d by ]) P. u'orec-Ucr, sellh'd thereon, wiiere
he continued to re-ddc until bl's decease, lie caitinued
in the mini-.try until hSlJ, wiicn hi:s connection witli the
chuch and saei-ty was formally tlissolved at his own re-
quest. His oidy surviving s., Chai-l-s Ixash, iiov/ resides
in ^Vorc.:s;er.

Xi:v/ro.v, Silis, was b. in 1770 and d. in 183(1, aged
Of) years. He came from Paxton to this town in the ear-
lier part of life, m. Eunice, youngest dan. of Ezra Bea-
man, ICsq., who survived him and Is yet living, being 8-1
years of age. He had no pcrmar.ent abode, frequentlv
changing l)i.«i residence utitil 1810, Avhen he purchased a
farm now in the posses.iion of his .son, Jabez P. Xewton,
situated in the northwest j)art of tliis toAvn, wliere he set-
tled and resided until !iis deec'.ae. He had six ch , sever-
al of whom are now living. He was a respectable and
useful citizen, heing frequently elected to i>laces of trust
and responsibility, and once represented the town in the
State Legislature. In 1811, he united with the Congrega-
tional church, and afterwards became a [noaiinent membei
of the (]:!!)ti<t cluirch.

ii// '.w

!^->;

•M' ■ ■, !;i')

IV2

Paine, Ebrnezhk, was b. in 1777 and d. in 1847, a^^a'd
70 years. Jle canio with his family to this town, proba-
bly in 1800, and settled on tlio f<irai ])reviously in the pos-
session of Israel Moorj, an 1 now adjoining the farm of
James II. Moore, in the north part of the town, where he
continued ids residence until his decease. His wife tl. in
1S25, at the age of -19 years. He afterward m. widow
Cynthia Harthan, who survived him and d. in 1H49, aged
G I years. They had ch., some of whom are now living.

Perry, Moses, was b. in 17-33 and d. in 1843, aged
S5 years. lie removed with his family from Hopklntoii
to tliis town in 1^01, and settled on the farm once occu-
pied by Ebenezer Inglesby, an early settler, and now thu-
residence of Jabe/, B. Newton. Here he resided nine or
ten years and removed to tiie stale of Maine. He remain-
ed in that state a dozen years, then returned and re^ided
in this town until his d'jcease. lie bad several cli., some
of whom are now living. His wii'e d. in 1843, previous
to his death, aged 84 years, they having been connected in
nnrriage 04 years.

Perry, Joseph, «. of I\Ioses Perry, b. in 17 70, came
from Ilopkinton to this town in 1801. He ni. Sarah,
daughter of Manassah Sawyer, was a carpenter, resided
with his father a few years, and tlien removed to the state
of Maine where he and his wife are yet living.

Peiroe, Oliver, s. of Josiah Peir:e of Worcester, b.
probably as early as 1750 and d. in 1813. He had a fam-
ily and resided in the south part of tliis town, and occu-
pied the farm now in the possession of Nathan Morse,
where he continued to reside until his disease. His wife
died in 1831. Ho had some eight or ten ch , several of
whom are yet living.

Peirce, Levi, s. of Josiali Pierce, b. in 17G0 and d.
in 1833, aged 73 years. He m. Porsis Ilobinson who sur-
vived him, and d. in 1833 aged 71 years. She was a na-
tive of Lexington and distinctly recollected the battle
fought in that place in 177.3, the approach of the Britisli
troops, and other scenes which there occurred on that
memorable occasion. They had seven ch., all of whom
arc now living. His residence was in the south part of

the (o'.\-ii, uclug nj\v in iho ]i()sscssio,n of I.ukc llips'y,
lie v.-j:,s -i r.urwyvjr and wa.-j much cmployetl in that occi;-
pution.

]'i:i!1;'m:, Hollis, eklost .s. of Oliver P^irco, b. jicrhap^
in 1777, or aboul lliat tinit^, and d. in ISoS. J [c ni. I/vi-
cinda ' L<'rrii:cUl, who d. previous to HMO ] [e ;ilt'^ r\var(i.s
m. MiM-cy ?.I,'rrihoUl of tliis t()^',n, who survived Iiiin and p..
Timtvdiy i-'arl-^r and reuiovcd lo tho state of N. Y. ilo
built a 'lunsj and resided durinL;- the earlier part id" lile
hair a leile north (d' tlic ('i)ir.nion. The ])i-eini ses a.r'.' uov/
occupied lyv --torr.^ j'.hhidi^e. lie at'terw.irds re.ddvd ^outli
of tiie Comnion and tliere deeea:jed. lie ii id ch., some ui"
whom arj no .v livin;;-.

P;:rKi:r, JA:n:s, r,. of Oliver Peiree, b. in 1770 and 0.
in 18 11, a ;ed Go years. He m. Sally Pi^ke of lbdd(;:i
v/ho is no.v livin;.';- 'i'iioy had several eh., aome of v,'honi
are also livin.;-. lie v^-as a farmer and resided in tlie soutli
{)a]t of t!r> to'.vn, the prcinisoo bein;.;- now in the posses-
sion of his yonn^c. t son, Lyman Peirce,

Pi:ii'.ei:, Jacoi^ came from Sutton to this town in ISOo,
bcin:i,- ovir'Jl year.s of a<;-a. iPa v/as a blacli-sruitli an 1
work'jd wi'h Timothy Johnson at .scythe i.oakine;, lie
eventually became the pro])rietor of the establishment in
conni' tion witii a youiiL^'er brother. Iw 181)8 he m. Aym-
bah, chh'.-t diu. of Oliver Gi.i/aer of this t:nvn ; and in
182.'j sold out hii interest in business to his brotlear 1'//.l--
kicl i'eirLi\ and r..,:iiovcd to Xortiiboro' v,hcre he drjd.

Pr,i M r ri-N-^, Jux.vtii.vn', renioved Aa)i;i Shr-'W.-bury tv)
this t;:.wn in I8UJ v.dth his (ami!)', and ..'^ettlcd on a larm
in the soul'mpavt; of the town, pre\ i^)udy 'oacupi-tl liy 'i'im-
othy iii!dr.::t!i and nov.' in the possession of James 1).
Moore. Here he resided 20 years and d., bcinir probably
about 70 \ v.'irs of a'.^e. Iii:swile had irrevixusly deceased.
They ii;'.d two s jus and perhaps other ( ii'.ldL\!t.

I^Li.MP rov, .loxATiiAX, Jr., eldast s. of Jonathan Plimp-
ton, reside I in th:' sauth part of the town cm tiie ])remi-,e.s
]iow in tli,' po.'sassion o! J. P. J'aimes. [w 1 --(IG he ni.
Petsev ] laii-is of this town, who d. in ISIO, lie subse-
qiientlv m, Ivatiiee i*eirce of lloldeii, and d. in I'iio, air^"'!

,1 : :■.)■ ■:)

■•■'* . '\ ■■.o,J

i- ■ :. >)'.'.

o3 years. His uife survived him ami m. ]'^dtiiuii(l Brig-
luim — she also survived him and died in I.S-jT.

PrwEscoTT, BRK.jfVM, s. uf Jon.thaii Tr-scott, b. in
1783, and m. in 1807 l-lunieo, the youngest ilau. of Abel
Holt, 'i'liey are both now liviiicr, havin^j; been connected
in the married state 51 years. They liave had lour ch.
two of whom are now livin;jr. j\Ir Trescott is the ])ro[)ric-
tor and occupant of a farm in tlic north part of the town,
formerly the residence of Ablcl Holt. As a niai\i!cbt:'tion
of confidence and respect, he v>as three successive years
chosen by the citizens uf this town to rc})resent them in
the State Legislature.

ruiiscoTT, John, s. of Jonathan Prescott, b. in 1783,
<1. in 1848, aged G3 years. He ni. Ihmice, dan. of John
Dinsmore, who is now living. His residence was in the
north part of the town, near the residence of George Dana
on the road leading to Lancaster. They' had several ch.
who arc now living, and with v^hom the mother resides.

Head, John, was b. in lUuIand in 1770. He came to
this town in early life, ni. Hannah Dwelley, and settled
in the southwest part of the tov/n, residing successively on
the premises now severally occupied by Lenjamin Lei>,
Moses Fisher, and Jose|ih C. Lovell In the latter part
of his life he erected a conuncdious dwelling house near
the Common, now in t'le possession of t^iias Dinsmore,
whore he resided until his decease which occurred in lSo8,
at the age of GO years. He had four ch , two of whom
arc now living. He w^.s a suc.'essfui farmer and held in
jjosscssion a large estate at the time of his decease. His
wife survived him and d. in 1850, aged 77 years.

Sii.vTTCJOK, Tii.vDDr.us, was b. ill 175J and d. in 1819,
aged G7 years. He came to thi.i ti)wn in the earlier part
of life, ni. Susannah Wait of Sterling, and settled a niilc
from the Beaman phice on tlie old road leading to Sterling,
where he resided until his decease. His wife survived him
and d. in 1831. He had two S'Uis wdio survived him and
have since deceased.

Shattuok, Wai/it-R, s, lif Thaddens Sliattuck, burji
in 1778, and d. in 1843, aged 0 1 years. He ni. JJetsey,
eldest dau. of Jeremiah Morse, an<l resided on the home-
stead with his fatlicr v.here he continued his residence

.. .MM.(, .<!;:i;i.

■'-^ 17788S6

tlirou.;Ii life ; his w'dc survived him and is now living.
He was a cooper aiul pursued tluit occupation as long as
he was able to labor.

S.\[[Tit, Isaac, was b. perhaps as early as 17;35, came
to this town in l7So, m. Prudence Catting, and settled on
a farm one mile west from the Comnion now belonging to
L. W, Merrilield, wliere he resided until his decease. His
wife d. ill 1801, and in 1802 lie m. a widow Home of
Southboro', who survived him and d. in 1846. He d.
in 1824, having had six ch., four of whom are deceased.
He was a si)ldier of tiie revolution, and ])erformed good
service for his country during that memorable struggle I'or
liberty and independence, imd by tlio faithlul discharge of
liuty and the fatigue and hardship enduretl, he merited
and ought to receive the gratitude and veneration of the
present and future generations. lie was truly one of
those brave spirits, who by their persevering elforts and
untold sufleringb', helped to consummate the i)atriotic and
noble enterprise in which they were engaged.

Smith, John', was born in Southboro' in 1773. In the
earlier r);irt of life he resided in Boylaton, and m. a clau.
of Artemas Maynard, who lived but a few years after their
marriage. He afterwards m. Martha Hastings, and in
180 1 removed to this town where he d, in 18o;3, aged 81
years. His wife survivetl him and is still living. He had
eleven ch., six have died, and live are now living. He
formerly worked at shoemaking, but latterly at painting.
Hii residence was a sliort distance south of tlie Common,
being now the re:3ldcncc of his son Stephen H. ISmith.

Stoxe, Simon', removed with his family from IJolton to
thi.-3 town in 1807, being ])robably about 2o yrs. of age. He
was a shoemaker, and resided successively in dilferent
parts of the town about 20 years, v.dieu he removed to
Princeton, and there became the occujiant of a f:'.rm where
he with his family still reside.

Temtle, John-, the eldest s. of Jonas Temple of Boyls-
ton, was b. in 17G2 and d. in 1841, aged 79 years. In
1791 he m. Lois, daughter of IMicali Harthan, who d. in
1702, aged 22 years. In 1793 he m. Persis, dan. of Ezra
Ikaman, Esq., previously the wife of Dr. Amariah Bigclow.

v/j,; ■<■

, '-M';

:d:i :H-li.:'W

Mr Temple was an enterprising, j^ucll.-m'uI k.V;!,; r, j:.. >scss-
in^ and occupyini;- an exteii.sive farm t.lLniilcil in il.e south,
erly part of tlie town, ibrnicrly the ri.oiuer.ce oi' ])ea.
Amariah Ei:,^(,-lo\v, an oavly settler ;,n'! {iuinlncnt cili/.eu
of tlie town, and now in the po;.-^e .-ivjii of Jldivjund V.
Brij^liam. His sccokd v.ii'c d. in i;;.')!-, :);;cJ TO v(;:rs. —
.She had three ch, wliilc t^hc w:'s the wife of l)i. D'^htw,
and three after her second niarria.e, — o)-,c of ( i.h tn-.nioli
lias deceased. I\lr 'i'eiuple ^\•as ;i pioininont, aeli;.- c;li/.cn,
possessin;.^ an enicrpri/in:r, cncrj^-elic tenipcraiweiit, tvi^^etli-
cr with iirnmess and duei-vion, v.liicli enabled hiia to act
])romptly and nnhesitatinirly in nialtcis of in(!:iieni: and
iinpoitance. lie w.;s chosen !L^eve::d successive years I>v
tlie citizens of the town as cliaiii/ian hi the lhj:;rd of So-
lectnicn ; and frecjucnily Avas cnlh'd to (he jKrfon/.nrA'e of
other in)j)ortanc dnties o\' a j.nblic charr.ctcr. Alter tlie
decease of his second wife, he ni. Tolly Didiin of lioylston,
uho survived hiin and d. in 18ou.

Tj-mtle, Isaac, yoiinirest s. of Jonas U'eniple, b. in
1781, and d. in 1832 ai^ed -18 years, in l^.Ub, hem.
Hannah Stillman iJigelow of tliis town, a.nd scaled on the
homestead, occupying his father's farm. In I81G, after
the death of his haher, which occurred in 1815, he kit
the homestead and became tlie occu.pant of the premises
formerly tlie residence *of Ca^^it. Joseph liigclow, situated
a short distance west of the Cominon, v,herc he resided
until his decease. His wife d. in IJ'oO, aecd C\ 3ears.
They had three ch. but one of v.-!io;n is now livir.LT.

TiroMAS, AViLi.iA.M, was b. 1". 2 3 and died in 1810,
aged 8.3 years. He came to this (own and settled on the
farm now the residence of D.ivid D. Trescott, situated
half a mile northwest from the railroad station at Oahdale,
where he resided until his decease. He wris m. and had
two sons who survived him. His wife. d. in 1781, aged
43 years. He was again m., his w ife survived him and d.
in 1831, aged 88 years. Ho possessed a peculiar relish
for literature and science, and devoted much time to read-
ing and study, thereby becoming intelligent and interest-
ing to those with whom he associated. He had also a pe-
culiar taste for astronomical research and calculation, his
bias and genius being strongly fixed in that direction.

Thomas, Robert B., Esq., eldest s. of William Tliom-
as, b. ill 17G6 and d. in 1840, aged 80 years, lie m.
Hannah Bcaman of Princeton, who survived him, and d.
in 1855, aged 81 years. He resided in the northNvest
l)art of the town, two miles from the Common, occupying
a small farm now the residence of iJea. Joseph White, and
near the railroad station at Oakdale. He \vas a promi-
nent man in the town, was the first Town Clerk after the
incorporation of the town, several times chairman of the
Board of Selectmen, represented the town in the State Con-
vention of 1820 for revising the Constitution, and was sev-
eral years a member of the State Legislature. He originat-
ed and established tiie '' Farmers' A lnuuiacJc " in 1793,
annually preparing and furnishing the matter for that popu-
lar manual for more than 50 years. He accumulated a
large amount of property, leaving no children to inherit
and retain his estate after his decease. He died intestate,
leaving his estate to his widow and two children of a de-
ceased brother who were his only legal heirs.

Thomas, Aaron, youngest s. of William Thomas, b.
ill 17G9 and d. in 1833, aged 64 years. Hem. Lydia,
dau. of Dca. Ebenezer Mason of Sterling, who survived
him a few months and d. the same year, aged 62 years.
They had three oh., two of whom "iire now living. He
resided in the northwest part of the town near the place of
his father's residence, occupying a fium, although unable
to perform much labor thereon, in consequence of partial
ileprivation of sight. He enjoyed the confidence and re-
spect of his family and others, leaving his ch. a valuable
j)atrimony at his decease.

White, Peter, was b. perhaps in 1770, or about that
time. He m. Sally Moore, and settled in this town in
1797. He liad one son and two daughters, one of whom
d. young. His s. obtained an education and became a
settled minister of the gospel in the State of Maine. He
^vas a clothier, and pursued that business while he resided
here. His place of residence and business was near Har-
than's Mills, the premises being now occupied by Ruel
G. Co wee. In 1813 lie sold out and removed to Spring-
iield, Vt., where he and his wife have since deceased.
4

Vv JiiTTAKER, JosETii, Av.'is probably b. as early as 17.50,
or previous to tliat time, lie J. In 1811. Ho m. a dau.
of William V/liitney, one orUie early settlers of this town.
He resided on or near the premises orij^inally occupied by
^Ir. Wliitney, situated in the nortlnvest part of the town
and now occupied by his grandson, Luther Whittaker.

Wilder, IIeubex, s. of Asa Wilder, b. in 1757 and
^'.. ill 1832, aged 75 years. He m. Mary Peircc of Boyls-
ton, who d. in 1807, leaving; several children. In 1808
liC 111. widow Thankful Whilcomb of this town, who sur-
vived him and d. in 1855, a-;ed £0 years. He v/as a black-
smitli and farmer, and resided in the north part of the
town, on the premises originally occupied by his grand-
father, Josiah Wilder, and after v/ards by his father, and
now occupied by Jolin Brace who is llic legal proprietor
tliereof

Willi NGTox, Ei^exf.zeu, was b. in 17oS and d. in
1835, aged 67 years. He m. Susannah, dau. of Jonas
Gale, wdiod. in 1833, aged G4 yearo. They had five ch.
'v/o of whom are living. He was a blacksmith and also
a farmer, and resided in the soutlicrly part of llu; town oa
the premises crigirially occupied by Mr. Gale, and now in
tlie j)os5C3sion of G. W. Mathews.

Winn, John', s. of Jacob \Vinn,'b. in 1760 and d. in
1843, aged 83 years. He m. Abigail Cross of Boston, who
d. ill 1853, aged 89Yrs. They had ch., some of whom are
now living. He resided in the north part of the town,
v/as a cooper, and occupied the premises formerly the res-
idence of his father, and now in tlie possession of Robert
C. Toombs.

V\^iNN, William, s. of William V/inn formerly of this
town, born perhaps in 1780, or about that time. He m.
Dolly Goss of Sterling — w\is a cooper, and resided half a
mile north of the Beaman ])lace, occupying the premises
now in the possession of \Vindsor Mur.se. He removed
from this town, and afterwards died in mature life.

// , : ! V

'~i .D onv/

RESIDENTS— NOT VOTERS.

The following persons were residents here in 1S08, nnd
eacli at the liead of a family, but were not legal voters :

Boynton, Abid, \Yas b. perhnps in 1755, or about that
Umc, and d. in 1810. He m. Lois Ttaymond who surviv-
ed him, and was again m. and left this town. He resided
in the north part of this town, near Stillwater river, an.l
liad a numerous family of children.

Carrull, Benjamin, removed from Kutland with his fam-
ily to this town in 1807. His wife d. in 1808 and in 1809
he left the town. He was a carpenter and millwright.

Dinsmore^ John, was b. probably before 1750 and d. In
1811. Hem. Sarah AVinn who survived him and d. in
1837. They had some eight or ten ch., two of whom are
210W living. He resided one mile north of the Beaman
place, where he continued his residence until his decease.

Farr, Simeon, a native of Stowe, b. in 1745, came to
this town in 1790, and d. in 1810, aged 65 years. He
m. Mary Snow of this town, who d. in 1800. In 1803 Jie
m. Phebc Bianchardof Harvard, who survived him and re-
turned to that town after his decease.

Ilathcrly, IViomas, wash, in 1743, and d. in 1828, aged
85 years. He was a native of England where he was
pressed into the military service when young, and came to
this country wiili the Jh-itish army, which was stationed at
Boston at the commencement of the American Bevolution.
lie deserted from the army, came to this town, was mar-
ried, and afterwards resided here until his decease. His
wife survived him and d. in 1833, aged 84 years.

Kcycs, Benjamin, eldest s. of Benjamin Keyes of Boyls-
ton, b. in 17G8,came to this town in 1807 and d. in 1821,
aged 53 years. He m. Annis«, dau. of Capt. Joseph Big-
elow, who survived hini and d. in 1845, aged 77 year.s.
They had six ch., four of whom are now livincT.

Morse, Jeremiah, s. of Joseph ^Morse of Holdcn, b. hi
2.759 and d. in 1841, aged 82 years. He m. Belief Strat-

U) iu;jo

i'. / ,i\»-MUj''' .•.'<"v>'\

40.

ton, who survived him and d. in 1848, aged 87 years.
They had a numerous family of ch., several of whom are
now living. He was a shoemaker.

Prouty, Daniel,, was b. in 1779, and m. Sarah, dau. of
Aaron Goodale, in 1803, had ch. ; was a shoemaker ; resid-
ed in the west part of the town one mile from the Common,
the place of liis residence being now in the possession of
Jonathan J\I. Keyes. In 1814 lie removed to the far west,
where lie and his wife have probably died.

Wilder, Nathan, s. of Abner Wilder, b. in 17G0 and d.
in 1822, aged G2 years. He was m. and had ch., some of
whom are now living. His wife d. when about r>0 years
of asze.

A BRIEF NOTICE
Of the Original and Earlier Settlers of West Boyhton,
the time of their Settlement, i^'c, as nearly as can he
ascertained.

Beaman, Jabez, came from Bolton and settled here in
1746, and d. in 1757, aged 52 years. His wifed. in 1774,
aged GO years.

Beaman, Ephraim, s. of Jabez Beaman, settled here
perhaps in 17G3 and d. in 1805, aged G2 years. He m.
T'amar Howe of Boylston, who survived him and d. in
1824, aged 81 years.

Belknap ^ Stephen, settled in this town previous to 1740
and died or went elsewhere before 1773.

Belknap, Ebenezer, settled here in 17G4, and went else-
where previous to 1773. He m. Silence, daughter of
David Winch.

Bennett, Phineas^ settled in this town probably as curly
as 1740, or previous to that time, and d. here.

Bigelow, Amariah, Dca., came to this town and setth^d
perhaps in 1745, and d. in 1780, aged 58 years. He ni.

S;\ralj Kvelctli of rriuccton Avho survived him and d. in
1797.

Bigelow, Benjamin, came here from Marlboro', and
settled in 1735, afierward moving to Connecticut. lie m.
a sister of V/illiam Tiiomas of this town.

Bigelotr, Joseph, Capl., s. of Joseph Bigelow of Boyls-
tun, settled here in 1750 and d. in 1801, aged 75 years.
He married Olive, dau. of Jabez lieaman of this town,
who survived him and d. in 1810, aged 76 years.

Biih/f, Samuel, came from "Woburn and settled here
probably as early as 1750, and d. in 1800. His wife d.
the same year.

Child, David, t^ettled here perhaps in 1740 or about
that time, and d. in 1803, aged 92 years. His wife d. in
1804.

Cutting, Jonathan, settled here in 1745, or about that
time, and d. at an advanced age. He had a large family
of children.

I'lstahrooh, Samuel, came from Concord and settled in
tliis town perhaps as early as 1750, and d. here, beinj
aged.

Fairhank, Jonathan, came from Woburn and settled
herein 17:35, and d. in 1708, aged 89 years. His wife d.
ill 1799.

Farr, J) an id, settled liere in 17 GO or about that time,
ami d. in 1774. His wife survived him, and afterwards
left this town.

French, Joseph, settled in this town, in 1740 or about
that time and probablv d. here, lie rciided near ^Maldch
HiU.

Frizzol, FbcnezLT, came here and settled as early as
1730 and resided here about 20 years, then d. or left the
town.

(J ale, Jonas, settled in this town probably as early ax
1750 and d. here, being aged. His wife survived liim
and d. in 1814.

Glazier, Joseph, settled here perhaps as early as 1755,
and d. or left the to^Yn previous to 1790.
4*-

li-

I' '\
■O if

, , . •. , ./ ;• , n '

^A••^oi

(juodale, Tldward, came from >ravlboro' iu 1738 and d.
)ioro in 175(5, aged 12 years. lie m. Sarah Temple of
^Marlboro', who survived him and d. in ISIO aged 96 yrs.

Gos^^ IMlliam, settled here in 17o0 or about tliat time,
and after a few years' residence d. or left this town.

ILirtJian, JMicah, came from Marlboro', and settled here
in 17G1, and d. in 1803, aged 68 years. lie m. Sarah
Jones of Marlboro', wlio survived him and d. in 18-'U,
aged 86 years.

Ifinds, Jdcoh, came from T^Iarlboro' and .-settled here in
1720, or soon after that time, being perhaps tlie first white
settler in the town. His re>idence was one mile soutli of
tlie Common, about 80 rods distant from the residence of
]Cdmund F. Brigham. lie m. Grace Morsu of Marlboro'.
lie probably d. in this town.

Iliads, Benjamin, s. of Jacob Hinds settled jiere in
1746. He d. in 1791. aged 69 years. He m. IJizabeth,
iddest dau. of Isaac 'I'emiile of IJoylston. She d. in mid-
dle life. He after .vards m. Tabitha Holhmd, who siirvi\eil
]iim and d. in 1326, ag'.;d 81 years. He had 17 eli., Iti
of whom lived to mature age.

Inglcshy^ Ehcufzcr, settled iicre probably a.s early as
17o0, and removed from this town in 1791. He married
a dau. of Aari)n Newton. Thev had a large family ot
children.

[\tycs, Siinton, s. of Henry Kevcs of Boylston, settled
herein 1765, and d. in 17h2, aged 42 years. Hem. Lucy,
dau. of Isaac Temple of I'oyl^ton — she died in 17T9, aged
o5 years.

Kej/es, Thomas, s. of Dea. Jonatlian Keycs of Boyh.ton,
settled here in 1767, and d. in 1812, aged 75 years. He
m. Mary, dau. of Isaac Temple of Boylston, who died iu
1800, aged 59 years.

Lovcll, Jonathan, came from jMedfield and settled hera
in 1735, and d. in 1792, aged 79 years. His residence
\\as at the west part of this town,

Marshall, William, came from Concord and settled in
this town in 1765. He afterwards removed to Holdeii
whore he died.

Moorc, Isrof^l^ Doa. settled liore probably soon auer
1760, and d. in 1807, aged 7 <■*, yc.irs. He was a native ol'
•Sterling, and resided in tlic north p.irt of this town.

Mnrsr, Joseph, came from ^r:irlboro' and settled hero
in 17-in, and d. in 1770, anred 51 years. He m. Mary
Thomas of Marlboro', wlio survived him and d. in 1801,
a^'ed 71.

Ncivtnn, Anrnn, settled here in 1730, and afterwards
removed to IJolden where lu probably died.

Newton, Kdward, came to this town and settled in
1 730, and d. here, being aged.

Newlmi, Kzrkifl, was prob^ibly as. of Edward Newton,
and settled here in 17j2, and d. in mature life.

Pike., Ehtnczer, settled in this town in 17G0, or previ-
ous to that time and d. here being aged. He was a sol-
dier in the revolutionary war and .^erved his country faitli-
fully.

P?'fsrofl, Jonathnii, 32U\q<1 in this town in 1770 and
d. in 1801, aged 78 years. He was a s. of Kl»enc/.er
Prescott.

Prcscott, Jonal/ian, Jr., s of Jonathan Prescott, settled
here in early life, and d. in 1805, aged 55 years. He m.
Mary Brighani of Shrewsbury, M'ho survived him, and m.
Joseph Goss of Sterling — she d. in 1831, aged 85 years.

Raymond^ Paul and William, were early settlers here.
Paul left the town previous to 1780, and William d. sud-
denly about the same time.

SnoWy Sith, settled in tills town perhaps in 1770, or
near that time, and resided here some "JO years then remov-
ed elsewhere.

Temple, Ephraini, eldest s. of Isaac Temple of Boylston,
settled here in 1751 and removed from this town in 1767..
He m. a dau. of Jacob Hinds ; she d. soon after their
marriage.

Ward Jonas, settled here in 1758, and d. or went else-
where previous to 17''.0.

Whitney, William, settled in this town probably as
early as 1730, and d. liere, being aged.

Wildtr, Jo^iah, settled in this town as early as 17o(i
uud d. here at an advanced age.

Wilder Abner, s. of Josiah Wilder, settled here in ITo!)
or about that time, and d. in 1813, aged 88 years.

Wilder, Asa, s, of Josiah AVllder, settled here j^erhnj).-*
in 1765, and was killed by accident when about oU years
i)f age.

Willard, Thomas, settled in this town perhaps as earlv
us 1750, lie afterwards went to Iluldcn where he d., beinir
aged.

Winch, Dauid, canie from Franilnghani and settled iu
this town in 1750, and died in 1776, being a"-ed.

Winn, Jacob, came from Woburn and settled in tluM
town probably as early as 17-15. He d. here, bein'^ a^ed.
He ni. Sarah Buck of Woburii, ^\\lo survived hirn and d
in 1798.

Woolej/, Joseph, came from Concord and settled herj
in 1730, or about that time. He afterwards went to
i'rinccton where he died.

THE FOLLOWING PERSONS,

With ihcir Families, had a residence in this Tvwn <o:nr

portion of the time between the years of 1780 and 1808:

Anderson, Allen, came here from N. H. in 1790, went

to Holdcn in ISOo, and returned to this town and d. in

1838, being about 70 years of age.

, Andrcios, Samuel, settled here perhaps in 1780 or pre-
vious to that time, and afterwards went to Boylston where
lie died.

Ball, Jonah, came here from Concord previous to 17'J5,
and left this town in 1802.

JJaihf, Ephraim, settled in this town, vent elsewhere
previous to 1790.

■ 'm

:r ;'<■'.'..:'

\ ,, ,\' 'i*'. '« »

'.;i

7r//>\.],u)'f '.

Barthtt, Phincas, settled heu, left tliia town in ISO I,
went to Oliio and died.

Digdow, Am Uriah ^ Dr., s. of Dea. Amarlah Bigeluw,
.settled liere in 1780, and d. suddenly in 1787.

Btaman, Josiah, settled here, lett this town in I8O0,
and went to Siiulesbury and there died.

Bontwdl,Juhn, settled here in 1792, and went to Town-
send in 1805, where he died.

Cutting, Josiah, settled here perhai).s n\ 1780, or about
that time, and d. previous to 1797. His wife d. in 1815,
aged 91 years.

Cutting, Siias, was a native of this town, settled here
probably as early as 1780, went to lioylston in 180(i, and
there died.

Dauis, Siiiwn, came from Paxton and settled here in
1790, went to Boston in 1803, and from thence to Maine,
where he died.

Dioellty, Joseph, came from Old Colony, settled here,
and d. in 1807. His wife survived him and d. in 1831,
aged about 95 years.

Estabruol:, Ezra, was a native of this town, settled
here in 1790, went to Stratton, Vt., in 1795, where hed.

Elagg, llufus, came from Worcester and settled liero,
and die<l in 1805.

Fletcher, Benjiimin, came from New Hampshire in 179<),
settled here, and went to N. Y. in 1798.

Goodale, David, a native of this town, went to Oak-
ham in 1793, and d. in 183.!, aged 82 years. He was a
s. of Edward Goodale.

Gatci, Amos, settled here perhaps in 1790 and removed
elsewlicre in 1801 .

Harris, Danid, settled in lliis town, and in 1806 went
to Lancaster.

Ilildrrth, Timothy, settled here, and went to Sterling
in 1803, and there died.

Holt, Amasa, s. of Abel llult, settled here, went to
Berlin in 1798, and there died.

Kci/cs, Francis, s. of Thomas Keyes, settled here in
1793, went to Central New York in 1807, afterwards to
Pennsylvania where he d. in 1851 aged 80 years.

..;'

r.,'r

,■"

•. ' '

;X. .

uni

{1 9;

Merrijidd, Timothy, came to this town probably in 1785
from Sherburne, and afterwards went to Worcester where
he died.

Parlru/i^e, James, came from Mcdway, settled here in
1778, and went to Boylston previous to 1798, afterwards
returned and d. in 1S21, aged 92 years.

Pifce, Ephraim, a native of this town, removed there-
from previous to 1800.

Sawijer, Munassah, came from Sterling and d. here
suddenly in 1801.

Townscnd Jacob, came from Keading, settled liere and
d. in 180R.

IVhitcomb, ^Samuel, came from Sterling, settled here,
and d. from accident in 1805. He m. Thankful, dau. of
Lemuel Fairbank.

V/liite, John, came from Groton, settled here, went tu
Grafton in 1798, afterwards to Springfield, Vt., where he
died. He m. Acsah Bigelow.

Whiting, John L., came from Shrewsburv, settled here
and d. in 1807.

Winn, William, a native of this town, removed to Vcr-
tnont in 1805.

A inUEF NOTICE

Of several Persons who scitJtd in West Boyhion, and he-
came I^egal Voters therein after the organizatian of the
Town and jJrtvious tu 1&20.

Bigelow, Ezra, s. of Dr. Amariah Bigelow, b. in 1782,
settled here in 1809, m. Cynthia Child, who d. in 1820,
aged 35 years, afterward m. Sarah Grossman who lias al^o
deceased.

Cheney, Joseph, from Newton, m. Sarah Merrincld, set-
tled here in 1809, d. in 1856, his wife having prcviouslv
deceased.

I 'HttJ

Davis, Francis, from Northboro', s. of Phineas Davis,
settled here in 1818, m. Mary Parmenter, who d. in 1828,
aged 33 years. In 1833, he m. Eunice Parmenter, unci
d. in 1838, being 44 ye^irs of age.

Fisher, Alpheus, from Medfield, m. Sylvia Cleveland,
settled here in 1813, d. in 1851, aged'cG years. Mr.
Fisher was honest and Justin all the transactions of life,
ever actuated by the sublime principles of the " higher
law."

FUigg, Samuel, from Holden, m. ^larirarct Kennan, set-
tled in this town in 1808, removed to ^Vorce3ter in 1840
v,-herc he now resides.

Gerrish, Paul, from Ashby, m. Sophia Kilburn, settled
liere in 1817 and removed to Townsend in 1822.

Ilariwrll, Ednnnid, m. Olive Lovell, settled here m
1810 and d. in 1856, aged 71 years. His wife survived
him and is still living.

Hastijigs, Ezra, from Holden, m. ]']unice Eice, settled
in this town in 1810 and d. in 1820, being 70 years of age.

Holmes, Piter, from New Hampshire, m. Olive Graves,
settled here in 1809, and continued his residence in this
town 15 or 20 years, then went elsewhere.

Holmes, Thomas, brother of Peter Holmes, m. Sarah
Graves, settled here in 1810, d. in 1848, aged r)9 years.
His wife survived him and d. in 1857, aged 72 years.

llolt, Asa, s. of Abel Holt, settled in this town in 1816
and d. in 1847, aged 72 years. His wife survived him
and is yet living.

Howe, Asa, settled here in 1810, resided in this town
10 or 15 years then wemt elsewhere.

Hoice, Joel, a brother of Hiram Howe, b. in 1779, m.
Dolly Peirce, settled in this town in 1815 and d. in 1843,
aged 63 years.

Knight, Elijah, from Worcester, m. Eunice Lovell, set-
tled here subsequently to the organization of this town,
and d. in 18-13, aged 63 years.

Lee, Benjamin, from Douglas, b. in 177G, m. Eunice
Lesurc, settled in this town in 1811, being now 82 years

»8T;;07 Oi: J./ oi I, ;:U'

of ago. His wife d. ia 1858, nged 54 years, lie after-
ward m. Lydia Sheldon.

Lccs, John, from JMiglaiid, settled in tills town in 1814,
resided here 20 years then removed to Wtircestcr. He
was several years agent for the IJcaman I\!anufacturiu^r
Company.

Jlourc, Oliver, from Boylston, settled in this town in
1813, m. Olive Temple, d. in 1831, aged -10 years. His
wife survived iiim and m. Chester C. Cutting.

Peirci\ Ezclcid, from Sutton, brother of Jaeob Peirco,
b. in 1787, settled in this town in 1808, m. llutli Perry in
1811, having been connected in marringe 47 years.

Scvcry, Caleb, from ]]c)yLston, iii. Sarah Moore, .settled
in this town in 1810, was suddenly killed in ISlo, when
attempting to stop a horse and carriage while running,
having escaped from the owner. He d, in early life, be-
ing 28 years of age, in the midst of usefulness and prom-
ise, having the respect and confidence of the citizens of
the town, who greatly lamented his jjremature deatli. His
wife survived him and n\. John I^Ierriam of Westminster,
who has also deceaseil.

Taft, Andre, from Uxbridge, settled here in 1818, and
after a residence of 30 years, removed to Worcester and d.
in 18-50, aged 59 years. His v.-ife survived him and is
still living.

White, Joseph, Dea. s of Thomas White, settled here
soon after the organization of this town, m. ]\Iatilda Davis,
in 1817, and during a series of years, was principal agent
of the West Boylston Manufacturing Company.

Whitcomb, John, settled in this town [)erhaps in 1813,
was accidentally killed in 1820 while in the emjiloyment
of the Beaman Manufacturing Comi)any. He was 50
years of age, and left a wife and several children to mourn
his untimely death.

Winter, Call-in, settled here after the organization of
tliis town, and d. in 1838. liis wife survived him and is
now living.

Wood, Nathaniel G., settled here in 1814 or about that
time, and after a residence of several years, removed from
this town. Ilis wife died here in 1819, aged 46 vears.

.-'l,

i>!

•■-. . ,> ..-/: ^::'! >.h},7

)■ ('oM '^.v//^' '/jit i(

SU^^IMAIIY NOTICE
Of those Individuals, ir/io in ISl'S, uurc resident citizens
of ^Vcst Boyhton, and under 21 i/cars of age, but suh-
sequcnthj aitaintd that age and became legal voters in
the town.

JJigelow, Ei)liraim, s. of Abel IJi!,^ol.j\v, m. Mary liritjliam in 1812.

Ligeluw, Asa, s. of Abul Digoluw, ui. Lois llartliaii iu IblT.

Ligclow, .lusopb, s. of Striilioa Jli-X'luw, m. I'ct.~ey .AJ;ir.-li:ill iu 1S21.

CliilJ, Amos, s. of Amos Child, m. iMiuiirc (louknuw iu l^'il.

Dwelly, Joseph, a. of Joscpli Dwully, m. Tryidiusa Parmtntcr iu 1S15.

Fairba:ik, Isaac, s. of Sctb Tairljiink, ui. rruaeuce (Jorrish iu 1817.

Fairbank, Aretas, s. of Sctli Fairbauk, m. Hannah Cook iu l>i'iG.

Fail-bank, G. W., s. of Alphous Fairbank, ni. Juanna Fla-g in 1S2S.

Gla/.ior, John, s. uf Oliver Glazier, lo. Lueiuibi rurineuter in lsl3.

GuoJcile, Asaph, s. of Peter Goodiilc, ni. Pet.-'.y rarnienter in 1812.

Guudale, Ezra, s. of Aaron Gooilalc, m. Sona Perry iu 1813.

Goodale, Charles, s. ef Aaron Goodalc. Jr., i:\. Sarah LnrJett in 1820.

Goodenow, Lyman, s. of Elijah Goodenow, m. Kcbecea Fhigg in 1830.

Uarthan, A. tf., s. of David JIarthan, m. Cynthia Fairbank iu ISIO.

llarLlian, Silius, s. of David Ilartlian, d. unmarried in 1S13.

Jlaithaii, Dennis, s. of David llarthan, ui. Anna lledding in 1822.

Uarthan, W . D., s. of David Uarthan, m. Harriet jNIorsc in 1827.

Hinds, Cicero, s. of Jacob Hinds, d. unmarried iu 185G.

Hinds, Solon, s. of Joseph Hinds, m. Sarah Underwood iu 1SJ9.

Holt, H. K., s. of Abel Holt, m. Lydia Fairbank in 1813.

Holt, Tyler, s. of Abel Holt, m. Arathusa Fairbank iu 1812.

Holt, Russell, 3. of Jonas Holt, m. Sarah Parker iu 1847.

Howe, Larney, s. of Hiram Howe, m. ^Mclinda Knowlton i)rcviou3to IS 10.

Keyes, P. F., s. of Thomas Kcycs, ui. Lois Nichols in 1S22.

Keyes, Thomas, s. of Thomas Keyes, in. Eveline Wurdock in 1827.

Koyes, Artemas, s. of Penjamin Keyes, m. Susan Parker in 1837.

Keyes, Hezekiah, s. of Penj. Keyes, ni. Phebe Keyes in 1823.

Lovell, Asa, b. of Dea. Asa Lovell, m. Hannah Raymond in 1812.

Lovell, John, s. of Amos Lovell. lu. Maria Lyman iu 1822.

May, John, s. of Ezra May, m. Anna Hasting-! in 1828.

Moore, J. U., s. of Israel Moore, m. Jane Delano, previous to 1830.

Morse, Joseph, s. of Joseph Morse, m. Dolly Pullard iu 1822.

Morse, Pernico, s. of Joseph Morac, in. Edna Couant in IS 10.

Morse, Sylv.xnue, 3. of Joseph Morse, m. Harriet Jcnks iu 1838.

THE

NEVVf^.ERRY
LIBRARY

C M I U A L O

.M.>i;o, A\'illi;iiu, s. of Joromiali ZU>vso, in. Miiuhvcll rrcsc^tt in l>ls.
.Morse, Wind.sor, s. of Jcrcmiiih Mur.-ie, m. Sanili (jllazicr in Ib'iO.
.Mui'.-c, Siinun, s. of Jeieuiiah .Morose, m. Lncy (JIazier in l.s'Jl,
-Murdock, L). C, s. of Dua. Aite:iia=- MiuJuclw, in. Adalinu Jviii^' in ls2'
Miu-dock, Artoiiuis, s. df Dlm. Art. :\lurdock, in. 31ary Sluiunda in IbJ:
Xcwton, E. Vj., s. uf Silai Xowton, m. Sarah Turnur in IblS.
A'owton, L. D., f. of bilas Xcwt'in, ni. Xancy liobinson m 16'1G.
I'circe, Luvi, s. of Levi I'eirce, ui. iMary ?derriani in ISlS.
J'oiree, Jusiah, s. of Levi Pcirce, m. Sarah ^[crriaiu in LS'iL
I'eirec, E. I>., s. uf Levi Poirce, m. ^liiiy S. I3i;^elo\v in I'^'.'A.
J'liini)ton, Simon, s. of Jonathan riiniptun, in, Letjoy Lrigliaui in ISL).
I'rescott, David, s. of Jonathan Prc^cott, d. unmarried in ISl I.
Prcjcott, David D., s. of John Pres^ott, m. Lucy C. Peiroo in 1327.
llecd. John, t. of John Reed, m. Lydia Couant in IS'Al.
Smith, Amos, s. of Isaai^ Sur.th, ni. Ly.lia Marshall in 1S13.
Whitin^r, Seth, s. uf J. Lake AVhitin.^r^ i.,. :M;iiy Kendall in 1313.
M'illiu^ton, Oliver, s. of Eb'jUL.'.er ^\'lllingtun, m. Lujy AWbjli in ]S2:i,

VOTERS IX 1868.
The following named persons are citizens and legal vot-
ers of- West Boylston, at the present time, (1858) having
been residents here during a series of past years :

IX W. Allen, C. II. Baldwin, 0. C. Bassett, Ezra Bea-
nKUi, Joseph Bigelow, A. M. Bigolow, Ezra liigelow, E.
W. Bigelow, Euther Bigeluw, 8. L. Bemis, Etlian Blotlg-
ett, Joseph Blnnt, ^Villiam Bolton, John Bolton, Era-tiis
Broad, S. E. Brown, E. E. Brigham, G. T. Brigham, John
Bruce, S. P. Bruce, Ira Bruce, Charles Buck, Bliny Buck,
Joshua Chamberlain, B. T. Ch;i:.e, Abner Chase, Amos
Child, Lotan ClevelantK CM. Clevclanel, E.G. Cowec,
J. ^V. Cross, O. B. Cutler, J. S. Cutting, Ecwis Cutting,
E. L. Cutting, N. L ]kiggett, George Dana, G. E. Dana,
Eli;.s Davis, J. H. Davenport, Eibcrty Dinsmore, lAither
Eames, G. ^V. Eanics, J. B. Eamcs, Gershon Ivames, Storrs
Eldridge, Washington Eairbank, Iliiah Fairbank, Harri-
son Eairbank, James Eisk, Ecwis Eletclier, Jotham Glaz-
ier, E. A. Glazier, N. H. Goodale, Charles Goodale, G.

,>i '].'■■' '■'■■ .:>■

1*'. Goodale, Aaron Goodale, F. E. Goodalc, Levi Go>^,
Sninuol Haley, L. 3.1. Harris, T. H. Harris, O. JJ. Harris,
Xalmm Hastings, Dennis Hartlian, W. li. Hartlian, S. F.
Hcmmenway, Henry Hcnncssy, Solon Hinds, ]')ertran(i
Hinds, Albert Hinds', E. H. IFinds, Luke Hipslev, E. AV.
Holbrook, Stephen Holt, Henry Holt, H. F. Holt", Uussell
Holt, AV. I'i. Holt, George Holmes, Horatio Honghton,
John Houghton, E. ;^L Hosnier, L. ?.L Hosmer, G. L.
Howe, Samuel Hov.c, W . V. Howe, Joel Howe, G. F.
Howe, r)arney Howe, Francis Johnson, W. 11. Johnson,
II. S. Jewett, JL F. Kcyes, Arlcmas Kcycs, Ile/ekiah
Keyes, J. M. Kcyes, T. N. Keyes, W. AV. Keyes, A. l\
Knight, C. L. Knight, J. F. Ivnight, Samuel Lawrence,
John Lawrence, I). IL Lamson, Lenianiii\ Lee, U. M..
Lord, Washburn Lombard, l^. A. Lesure, H. A. Loring,
Amos Lovell, Addison Lovell, Fphraini Lovell, J. C. Lov-
ell, John -May, John Mason, Samuel Mason, William
Mason, G. W. Matthews, William Matthews, C^iarles
Merrifield, L. W. Merrilield, Windsor Morse, Simon Alorse,
liernice Morse, Cliarles Morse, Nathan ?>Iorse, F, E. ]^.Iorse,
J. 11. Moore, J. D. Moore, D. C;. Murdock, William Mur-
dock, G. L. ]Murdock, Cephas !^.Iaz/.y, Jonas Ahiz/y, J. 1> .
Newton, L. D. Newton, L. F. Newton, William ^siclu)ls,
Henry Norcross, Albert Oakes, T. X. Phelp.s, E/ekiel
Peirce, Estes Peirce, Levi Peirce, Jonathan Peirce, Lyman
Peirce, p]. B. Peirce, Henry Peirce, C. L, Pratt, Aionzo
Pratt, lirighani Prcscott, D. D. Prescott, Sylvester Pres-
cott, D. G. llawson, David lleed, 11. G. liecd, Thomas
Sargent, 0. B. Sawyer, Henry Sawyer, llandoli)h Scarlett,
S. H. Smith, Benjamin Smith, Boland She])ard, p]mcrson
SpofFord, A. V. Sheldon, Levi .Sturtevanl, Pliny Stearns,
A. G. Taylor, A. W. Taylor, AVilliam 'i'homas, N. II. Til-
ton, Aaron Tilton, L, B. Tilton, P. C. Toombs, I). T.
Tenny, Horace Warner, \V. W. Warner, G. \V . Warren,
Ira Warren, Eli Walker, Josej)li ^\'hite, Thomas AMiite,
W. N. White. T. 11. White, Joseph Whittaker, Luther
Whiltaker, Woodbury Whittemore, J. N'. West, A. J:.
^Vinter, A. H. Wood, John Wheeler, D P. \Vorcester.

L>,ra Beaman, ]']lias Davis, vVmos Lovell, and Brighani
Prescott, were residents and legal voters here in 18'LS, as
they also are in 1858.

;; i' .'HI .J .: .M , ;• !/
1/ .0. .!. ,}t 'm:/5 .;) ,f,

TOWN OFFICERS FROM 1808 TO 1858.

MoDEP.ATOii. The following pcr.sons were severally
Moderators of the annual ^larcli Meetings in West Bo}k-
ton, from 1808 to 1858, viz. :

Silas Bcaman, Silas Newton, Paul Goodalc, William
Fairbank, R. B. Thomas, J. M. Smith, Andre Taft, J. F.
Fay, E, ^I. Ilosmer, I). C. ^Murdoch, Benjamin F. Keyes,
J. C. Lovell.

Town Clerk. Since the organization of the town of
West Boylston in 1808, to 1858, the office of Town Clerk
lias been held as follows:

From 1808 to 1809, R. B. Thomas; 1800 to 1813, Jo-
seph Hinds; 1813 to 1823, Ezra Bi^^elow ; 1823 to 1825,
Francis Davis ; 1825 to 18S0, Scth White ; 1S30 to 1837,
Ephraim Bigclow ; 1837 to 18-10, B. F. Keyes; 18-10 to
1850, Barney Howe ; 1850 to 1855, 0. B. Sawyer ; 1855
to 1858, Horatio Houghton.

Selectmen. The following persons were each elected
and respectively served one or more years as Selectmen
of West Boylston, from 1808 to 1858:

Ezra Beainan, Jonathan Plimpton, William Fairbank,
Silas Beaman, Amos Lovell, Paul Goodale, John Temple,
Barnabas Davis, Silas Xewton, Jacob Hinds, R. I>. Thom-
as, Josepli IHnds, Hiram Howe, Alplieus Fairbank, F.ben-
ezer Paine, Ezra Bigclow, Cal^b Scvrry, Jonathan IMimp-
ton, Jr., Ezekicl Peirce, Ezra Beaman, Jr., Thomas Keves,
B B. Fairbank, John Reed, Paul Gerrish, Levi Goodale,
F'rancis Davis, Simon Plimpton, Oliver ]\Ioore, Jacob
Peirce, Abel Goodale, Brigliam Prescott, Seth White,
liCvi Peirce, Jr., Joseph White, Thomas Holmes, Dennis
Harthan, Asa Bigelow, Aaron Goodale, Silas Walker,
Amos Lovell, Jr., Samuel Brown, John ]\[. Smith, Ephm.
Bigelow, Charles Nash, B. F. lv(\ves, J. H. Moore, Thom-
as White, Jr., John Lees, Cicero Hinds, ]•]. M. Ifosmcr,
Moses Brigham, Lotan Cleveland, E. F. Brigham, W. B.
Hartlian, D. C. Murdoch, Samuel Lawrence, John May,
E. W. Holbrook, Addison Lovell, J. D. Lovell, L. D.

New'ioii, John Lawrence, Jofiatli-an Peircc, L. 11. Harris,
Joliii i^rontiss, G. F. Ilov/e, Levi Gos3, H. F. liult.

CiiAiRMAX OF SLLr.'jTNiKN'. Tlio scvcrul individuals
hero indicated, were cich respectively Chairman of the
board of Seloclineu of West Buyhtou one or more years,
from 1808 to 13^38, as follows :

i-:zra iJcaman, 4 years ; William Fairbank, 1 year ; John
Temple, G years; il. B. Thomas, 3 years; Ezra Bigelow,
3 years; Joseph Hinds, 4 years ; Francis Davis, 1 year;
Joseph White, 4 years; Silas Newton, 1 yenr ; Asa iri;^r-
elow, 1 year; Dennis ILirthaii, 2 years; B. F. Iveyes,'^2
years ; 'i'homas Holiiios, 1 year ; K. M. Hosmcr, 3 years ;
Lotan Cleveland, 5 years; D. C. Murdock, 4 years ; Addi-
son Lovell, 1 year; Jonathiai I-idrco, 1 year; L. M. Har-
ris, 1 year ; John I'rentiss, 1 year ; Samuel Lawrence,
1 year.

Ovi:rsi:eus of the Pook. From 1808 to 1335 the
Selectmen had the oversight of the paupers of West Boyls-
ton. Since 183o, Overseers liave been chosen who have
had the charge and direction of those supported at the
expense of the ti)wn. The following persons here named
have been severally and successively chosen Overseers of
the Poor from 1835 to 1858 :

^^ Joseph White, Fr.mcis Davis, Fphraim Bigelow, Andre
Taft, Cephas Muzzy, V/aldo Winter, P.enjamin Smith,
Windsor Morse, Thomas White, Jr., Cicero Hinds, E. :M.
Hosmer, Henry Hcdt, Levi Cood.de, Charles Goodale, J.
li. Moore, John Lawrence, R. C. Toombs, James Fisk,
L. M. Hosmcr, L. ^L Harris, Aaron' Goodale, Levi Stur-
tevaiit, Moses Fisher, S. H. Smith, J. C. Lovell, C. C.
Cutting, E. F. Brigham.

Assessors. The following j)erson3 were chosen and
served as Assessors foi' the town of West Boylston, one
or more years from 1808 to 1858 :

K. B. Thomas, Silas Newton, Moses Perry, Barnabas
Davis, Jacob Hinds, John Temple, iJiram Howe, Ezra
Beaman, Jr., Thomas Kcyes, Levi Kilburn, John Bead,
B. B. Fairbank, Ezra Bigelow, Ezekiel Peircc, Jacob
Peirce, Alpheus Fisher, Francis Davis, J. W. Fairbank,
Joseph White, Levi Peirce, Jr., Asa Bigelow, A. E, Win-

tcr, Cicero lliiids, Amos Child, Jr., James Lees, D. C,
Aturdock, AV. P. Howe. E. }^I. llosmcr, Francis Fla-i:,
Samuel Lawrence, Erigham Prescott, A. P. Kiiif^lit, F. L.
CuttiniT, Elias Davis, i)aviil Head, O. J5. Sawyer, Henry
7Iolt, Jonathan Peirce, Horatio Houghtun, A^hlison Lov-
ell, S. H. Smith, L. ^I. Harris, Uriah Fairbank.

ToAVN Tra:AsuiiEK. The oHice of Town Treasurer of
West Boylston has been tuccessively held from 1 808 to
185S, by tiie Ibllowiiig persons, viz :

Ezra Bcaman, Ezra Bcaman, Jr., Barnabas Davis, Jon-
athan Plimpton, Andre Taft, Francis Davis, Jolin Lees,
Scth White, Thomas Holmes, Ezekiel PL-iice, A. ]■]. Win-
ter, E. B. Newton, Moses Bri^dian, Samuel Brown, 11. W.
Holbrook, Dennis Harthan, 6. B. oawycr.

IIepreSkntativks. West l^oylston has been entitled
to one Representative each year since lier incorporation as
a town, and has been represented frour ISOH to lfi68 as
follo\^•3 :

Ezra Beaman, 4 years : Barnabas D.ivi:*, G years ; Jo-
seph Hinds, 5 years; 11. J^. Thomas, 5 years; Silas Xew-
ton, 1 year: Thomas AVhite, jr., 1 year; Siias Walker, 1
year; B. F. Kcycs, 1 year; Levi Pierce, jr., 1 year;
Dennis Harthan, 1 year; Samuel lirown, 1 year ; Brii;hain
Prescott, 3 years; Addison Lovell, 1 year ; Amos Child,
jr., 3 years ; Eli W. Holbrook, '2 years ; V]. M. Hosmer, 'i
years; O. B. Sawyer, 1 year; D. C. ^hirdock, '2 years.
Deleg.vtes to State CoxvEXTroxs.

In 1820, a State Convention was held in Boston for the
purpose of revising the Constitution of ^Lissaciiusetts. —
Ilobert B. Thomas waa chosen delegate to the aforesaid
Convention from AVest Boylston, and accordingly repre-
sented the town on that occasion.

In 1853, a second State Convention was held in Boston
for the purpose of further revising* the Constitution, llev.
Joseph W. Cross was chosen a deleg:ite from this town to
said Convention and performed the service for which he
was appointed.

Delegates to the County Coxventiox of 18P2.

At a legal town meeting in West Boylston, held in July,
1812, Joseph Hinds, Jolin Tem})le, and William Fairbank,

were ciioscn delej^atcs to the Couniy C'onYcntion then ^oan
to be holden at Worcester, to take into C(jnsl(lerati()n the
situation of the country in conseciiience of the war then
rxistincT between the United States and Great Britain, and
to adopt such measures as eircunistances, the exigenees of
the times, and the public <x<m)vI nn^i;lit seem to demand.—
Tliey accordingly attended tlio Convention and pnrticip:aed
in its proceedings.

ECCLESIASTICAL IlECORD, &c.

THE CONGKEOATIONAL SOCII'TY.

The original church (Congregational) in ^Vcst I'ovh-
ton uas formed in 179G, consisting of o3 members, em-
bracing widely different oj)inions relative to religions doc-
trine. The majority favored Armenian sentiments, while
the minority were decidedly Calvinistic. Kev. AVilliam
Nash, the tirst minister, favored the Armenian side, and on
that account was o])posed at t!ic time of his settlement by
the Calvinistic ])ortion of the church and society, wdio
were never satished with his ])reaeliing and ministerial
labors. In lh02, religious conference meetings were orig-
inated and regularly held on the first Thursday of each
month, by a respectable portion of the church, the meet-
ings being oj)en to all who wished to participate in them.
This movemefU received no favor from Mr. Nash, although
repeatedly consulted and urgevd to aftbrd aid and assistance
in its origin and eventual progress, 'i'hese meetings were
sustained, although ^Ir. Nash and the majority of the
members of the churcli declined to countenance or assist
in promoting the object iir any way whatever.

In 1809, the first religious revival in this town occurred,
and continued with increased interest for several monthg.
It caused much excitement and encountered severe oppo-
sition, although a large ])ortioii of the people \vcre favora-
bly alfectcd thereby. During this revival season many
persons became interested, were hopefully converted, and

'I'i:' '

Jl■[^;A^:^x>^

0-: ;«!1VI

f <;i' ]:■■

nr:'. W'

afterwards })rorc--sed relii^ioii, sonic joining the Congrc^'a*
tional cliurch, while others unitjil with the Ihqjtists.

The Cc)ngreg:ition;il church :uul society, (iurin::; tlie l:isl
40 years, have been l'avor(;d '.vith several inLere-^ting tea-
sous uf special religious attention, resulting in the hojio-
ful conversion and addition of many })ersons to the chuicli.

The fir;it mueting-hoLisc (Congregational) in Wobt
Boylston, was dedicated to the e:ervicc and worsljip of Al-
mighty God, January 1st, 17'Jo. A sermon v/us prcaclied
on the occasion by llev. Daniel Grosvenor of Paxton. —
After that period several candidates were successively em-
ployed to ])reach until March, 1797, wlicn Mr. William
Nash from Williamsburg and a graduate of Yale College,
received a call from the church and society to settle with
them as a preacher of the gospel, with a stipulated annuul
salary of {i?3o3.ou, which invitation lie acce^jted, and was
accordingly ordained the lith day of October of that year.
The church and society in extending the invitation to
]\Ir. Xash to become their minisier were not altogether
united. In his answer of acv:L[)tancc, j.Ir. Nash s})eaksof
"the want of entire unanimity", and furllier says, " those
gentlemen to whom my services have not been so accepta-
ble as I could wish, I respect." He continues, " In act-
ing agreeably to their own best judgment, they have
exercised a right which belongs to every christian, and
ought not on that account to receive the censure or disaf-
fection of any."

The opposition to ]'^^r. Nasli came from tliose wlio ad-
hered to the Calvinistic iaith, and sup})(ising him to cherish
sentiments decidedly antagonistic to their vieus, believed
it to be their duty to oppose his settlcm.ent with them in
the ministry. The minority for the time quietly submitted
to the wishes of the majority, and for several years " kept
the unity of the sj)irit, not by an entire union of opinion,
but in the bond of peace."

Although the feelings of disapprobation of the senti-
ments and services of J,Ir. Nash seemed for a while ti^ be
dormant, yet they were never extinguished, but remained
smouldering, preparatory for an explosion when the pres-
isure should become suihciently intense. In 181 '2, the
disafiection tov/ard Mr. Nash had become tio great that ?n

attcii)]U \v;i.s in.-.de to dlbiniss him. In 1 81 1, his lic;ilth
became seriously impaired, rendering him unable to ])re;if,h
or disciiarye oilier parocliial duties. In 1815, ho was dis-
missed at his own rccpiest, and liis connection willi t'.e
society formally dissolved by a nuitua! council, in accord-
ance wilh the conditions of his settlement. After tlie
dismission of Mr. Nash, various gentlemen were succes-
sively employed to preach as candidates until 1820, Avhen
^larshall Siicdd frcnn Xcwton, received a call to settle, wl'.h
.111 annual s;dary of 8')00, wdiich he ileclioed to accept.

In December, 1820, ]Mr. John I^oardman IVom Xew-
buryport, a graduate of Dartmouth College, wa>s invited
to settle lierc in the ministry, M'ilh an annual salary <jI*
8500, by a vote of 05 to 28, wdiich invitation he accepted
and was ordained as pastor of tlio Coni^rregational church
and society, February 28th, 1821. In 18ul, xMr. IJoard-
man was dismissed at his own request, and afterward set-
tled in luist DouL^-las wliere lie died in 1842, in the merid-
ian of lile.

In September, 183-t, llev. Elijali Paine, a native of
Ashlield, and who had been a settled minister in Claro-
mont, N. II., was invited to become pastor of the Con-
gregational church anil society in this town, \vitli an annual
salary of C'GOO. lie accepted the invitation and was in-
stalled tlic od day of November, in that year. i\lr. Inline
died suddenly, Sept. Mth, i8;U), aged o8 years.

In 1837, Mr. Brown I-hnerson of Harvard, was ordained
as successor of Mr. Paine, having received a call from the
church and society, with an annual salary of {r'GOO. lie
was dismissed at his own recjucbt, Nov. Gth, 1800.

Kev. Joseph W. Cross, who had been settled in iiox-
boroucih and dismissed, was installed pastor of the Con-
gregational church and society in this town, March 11th.
1840, witii an annual salary of {^700.

THE 2; ATT I ST SOCIETY.

About 70 years ago, a Ihiptist clergyman from abroad,
of reputable character and standing, on one or two oc-
casions, prL-ached at the huusj of David Goodale in tliis
town, being probably tlio iirst minister of that denomina-
tion that had ever [)rcaclied here. It has been said by

,1'iViK

■'1 :'\

. , r.i ;..■

i . 1 ' ' 1 .

■•''■'■ ,;'

'.(,•;

', ' ' :.-J '- *■- !> /■:..!:•.;.

f,-i..!

/iliv .''i Bf

those who were in ritlciulauce at. the time, that his Uilmrs
wore able, elTectlvc, and well lecLivcd, i)rodticiii,i; a p;c)od
impression upon the hearers. Not lon<r after tliis time,
another minister of the same order preaclicd at ^^r. Good-
ale's to a respectable audience, which was edified and much
interestotl. After this tiiUL' it is not luiown that any liap-
tlst minister ])reached in this town until the sprini,' of
1 810, when idder Luther Goddard of Shrewsbury, was in-
vited by a member of the Con^rc^fational church, to attend
a reli^^^ious meetinji,- at the Centre School-house in this
town. lie cordially accepted tiie invitation and preached
on that occasion, and also on a similar occasion not long
afterward. Probably the year 1810 is the period from
wdiich to date the origin of the B.iptist denomination in
West lioylston, wiiich has gradually increased until it h;is
become an cHicient church and society.

In l&lo, the Jiiptists formed a society in this town, but
bad preaching only a part of the time for several years —
In 1819, a Baptist church was organized liere, consisting
of about 50 members, and since that period the church
and society have sustained and enjoyed the regular preach-
ing of the gospel. They have also been favored with
several seasons of special religious interest, resulting in
the hopeful conversion and ultimate accession of a large
number to the church.

The following ministers have been successively pastors
of the Baptist Church in this town since 1819, viz: llev.
Nicholas Braiich, Bev. Alien Hough, Uev. C. C. B. Crosby,
Bcv. Abiel Fisher, Bev. Josej)h G. Binney, Bev. Borenzo
(). l^ovell. Rev. Sewall S. Cutting, Bev. Leonard Tracy,
Bev. Kazlett Arviue, Bev. Timothy C. Tingley, Bev. Zcnas
V. Wild, Bev. Geo. 11. Darrow.

THE I.IUEUAL SOCIETV.

The Liberal Society in this town at the commencement
of its existence, was composed of those who seceded from
the Congregational Society, in consequence of the s<ittlc-
nient of a minister who held and preached Calvinistic
sentiments.

'i'he history of the origin and formation «d' this society
is subst mlialiv as follows : — In 1 81 5, the connection exi^t-

, !■

r .ry;i

,;T

in;; between the R.ev. Mr. Xasli anil the Cungrci^^ationai
chui-cli nnd society, was dissolved at his own request, after
which the majority of the society manifested an unyieldini;-
dctcrnnnation to have Unitarian prcachin;^;, and eventually
to settle a minister of that stamp ; wliile a majority of tlie
Ciinrch and a minority of the Society were oj)poscd to
every movement liaving- a tendency in that direction. The
exertions put forth to edcct the fav(nite and anticipated
result eventually })roved an entire I'ailurc.

Tho comniittce for supplying- the pulpit, after having
employed several Unitarian candidates to preach, inadver-
tantly procured one of the Ortliodox stamp, who made a
favorable impression, llius entirely chan;,Mn<; the f-elin^'s
and course of many of the peojde, tliereby giving the Or-
thodox the ascendency, which, after much edbrt and perse-
vering; exertion, resulted in liie settlement of a minister
embracing evan<^elical sentiments. The opposition event-
ually seceded and formed a new Socict}', taking tlie name
of The First Liberal Society in West ]joylston. T'his So-
ciety at the present lime (1858) has little more than a
nominal existence. Most of the prominent original mem-
bers have deceased, and llie society has had ])reaching
during the last few years only a portion of the time.

THK lUKTIIODlST SOCIETY.

The Methodists have also a Church and Society at Oak-
dale, where tliey enjoy the stated ministratimis of the
gospel, attended with apparent benefit and success. Ke-
spectable numbers attend meeting here on the sabbatli,
and considerable interest is manifested by the people for
the support and maintenance of tiie institutions of religion
among themselves.

In former years, dissension and aniniosity prevailed to
some extent between the several religious societies in this
town, but during the last 20 years very little denomina-
tional feeling has been manifested, while harmony and
fraternal intercourse have generally been in the ascendent.

PIIYSICIAXS IN WEST BOYLSTOX.

Dr. Ainari.'ili ni^elow '.v;is llio llrst rosiJont j))iy.slcl;in in
this town. lie sjttlo;! licro as a ])i\icl.itio:icr in ITrfO, ur
iibout that time, and died .sndilenly in 11 til.

])r. Uriah ]'ij^eh)\v i'rom Weston, .settled here as a jdiy-
sician in 1788, and aftorwartls went to central Xcvv York,
v.here ho died at an a.lvanced a'jc.

Dr. Nicholas Jcnks iVoni North l^fooknold, settled in
t)ii.-5 town as a physician in IbD'J, and after a residence of
ten years, went to Southbrid<;e.

Dr. John i\[. Smith settled in this town as a phiysiciaii
in 1810, and resided hero lil'teen years, then \vent to
JSonthbridge, where he died in the meridian of life.

Dr. Jacob Moore settled here as a physician in 1828 and
died in 1831. lie was a youn:; man of amiable character
and of much promise relative to the fa ture.

Dr. Sherman Smith settled here as a ])hvsieian after the
decease of Dr Moere, then went to Y\'alpole, N. 11. ^vhelc
he afterwards died snddenly.

]3r. Samuel Gri^^gs settled here as a physician in 1832,
and remained in this town some fourteen or fifteen years,
then went to N\'estborougli where he now resides.

Dr. Ephraim Loveil is a native of this town, and settled
here as a physician in 1811, and still remains here.

Dr. George \V. Warren settled here as a successor to
Dr. Griggs, and still continues his residence liere as a
practising pliysician.

Dr. Isaac Chenery settled in the easterly part of llolden,
adjacent to this town, in 1770 or about that time, Avlicre
he resided until his decease in 1822, being in the eighti-
eth year of his age. lie was distinguished on account of
his skill and sound judgment, and also for his moderate
demands upon his employers for medical attendance. lie
obtained the contulence and respect of the community
around him, including the population of this town. The
people here became so attached to Dr. Chenery, and so
highly appreciated his practice, that younger physicians
who made the experiment of locating here, failed to obtain
sufficient encouragement to remain permanently.

u,i\i^\y. ^1

PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMEXT IN W. liOYLS-
TON FROM 1803 TO 1858.

During the lust fifty years, mucii has been done to pro-
mote tlie })rosj)crity and improve the condition, and general
appearance ot" this town. Within the last liftecn years
the Worcester and Nashua Railroad lias been built, pas-
sing directly through the town, affording such convenience
and accominodation to tlie inhabitants as in no other way
could be secured. At the West Boylston station, a dis-
tinct and delightful view of a large portion of the town
presents itself to the eye of the observer, often attracting
the special notice and attention of the passing stranger.

'J he several Manufacturing Establishments in West
Boylston present a thrifty and flourishing appearance, —
Much taste and skill are disccrnable in the location and
construction of tiie several manufactories, and in layin<r
out and building up the villages connected therewith. The
scenery about them is pleasant and dclighil'ul and cannot
fail to attract the attention of every observer.

That which first meets the eye ^vhcn viewing the prem-
ises of the lieaman Manufacturing Company, is the artifi-
cial pond filled with water for the operaticni of machinerv.
This pond was originally designed and built by Major
Jjeaman, sixty-five years ago, for the purpose of operating
a gristmill. It has been recently enlarged, and now pre-
sents a sublime and magnificent appearance. The trees
and railing about this pond, and elsewhere in the vicinity,
contribute essentially to the beauty and splendor of the
village. The proprietors of this establishment have made
large expenditures for the purpose of rendering it commo-
dious and valuable as well as pleasant and attractive. The
])roperty of the corporation is estimated at more than

.sioo,obo.

The AVest Boylston Manufacturing Company at Oakdalc,
together with the village connected with it, is pleasantly
and commodiously situated, exhibiting neatness and order
in its position and arrangement. This establishment lias
long been mostly under the superintendence and direction of
G

De:i. Joseph White, who is one of the proprietors, and lias
devoted much time and attention to tlic promotion of its
prosperity and success. The farm belonging to the ccmu-
pany is a specimen of good liusbandry, having by proper
care and judicious management become fertile and produc-
tive.

The Central Manufacturing Kslablisliment is conven-
iently located near the centre of the town and in the vicin-
ity of the railroad station. The scenery about this es-
tablishment consists mostly of trees of various kinds
planted by the proprietor, E. W. Holbrook, and presents a
tasteful appearance, and a few ytars hence will probably
exhibit a decree of beauty and splendor which will attract
the notice of strangers and others who may cliance to view
the same.

The ^lanufactory at Ilarrisville has a substantial and
enduring appearance, being built of stone. This establish-
ment exhibits ap})arent thrift and enterprise, and speaks
favorably of the industry and perseverance of the proprie-
tors.

The public roads in various parts of the town are to
some extent adorm^d with trees, mostly elm and maple,
planted by enterprising individuals, not only beautifying
their localities but also affording convenience and comfort
to the pasiiing traveller, protecting him from the scorching
rays of a meridian sun, during the summer months of the
year.

There are now standing in different sections of the town,
not only within the limits of the highways but also on
adjoining localities, several large majestic elms and other
trees of original growth, which it is hoped will long be
permitted to remain as objects of splendor and attraction.
It would seem ruthless indeed, and exhibit an utter desti-
tution of that good taste and generous feeling which ought
ever to be cherished, to allow these monuments of individ-
ual protection and care to be destroyed.

Within the last few years there have been erected in this
town two large buildings, which are occupied as Bool
Manufactories; one near the Railroad Depot and the other
on tliC o])posite side of the river near the brick meeting
house. A considerable amount of business is done at each

"■■A. \.<J

of these establishments. A large quantity of hoots arc
annually manufactured at Oakdale village in this lown ;
there are also several shops in tiie town where boots are
manufactured to some extent. A large number of ])crsons
ure here actively engaged in this business, profitably alike
to themselves and their employers.

MISCELLANEOUS.

FiiiE, that devouring element, has occasionally broken
over the restraints of caution and care, and done its fearful
Avork here. Tlie first destructive fire which is known to
have occurred in this town, one in which was invoh ed the
most seiious and awful consequences, was the burning of
the dwelling house of Josiah VVilder, situated in tlic north
part of the town, on or near the spot where the house now-
occupied by John Bruce and son stands. This tire
occurred in January, 1740. About the middle of the
night, jMr. Wilder and his wife were aroused from sleep,
their house being on fire ; the flames had alreacK- made
such progress as to compel them to leave the house as
speedily as possible. Mr. Wilder rushed out, siezed an
axe, cut a hole through the side of the burning house near
the bed wdiere his son Asa lay, and pulled him out thereat,
while the room w^as full of fire and smoke. He wasnearly
suffocated nnd badly burned, but soon recovered. Mrs.
Wilder, in haste to make her escape, inadvertantly opened
the cellar door, and with a child in her arms, plunged into
the cellar, where they perished. Three other children also
perished in this dreadful conflagration. Abner, the eldest
son, was fortunately from home at the time, staying at a
neighbors for a few days, and consequently escaped this
calamity so fatal in its effects.

On the 6th of May, 1770, the dwelling house of Cap(.
Joseph Bigelow, situated near where the house of Jonas
Muzzy now stands, a short distance west of the common,
took lire by a spark from the cK'imncy alightinif on tlie

roof, and the liouse with a portion of its contents was
entirely consumed. This fire occurred on the sahhatli
wliilc the people were generally gone to meeting three
miles distant, and only Mrs. Bigelow with the younger
children of the family were at home ; consequently no
seasonable effort could be made to extinguish the fire.

In 1842, a dwelling house belonging to Liberty Dins-
more and Mrs. Olive Whitney, situated near the brick
meeting house, was burned with a portion of its contents.

In 1848, a dwelling house belonging to Luther Eamcs
and occupied by him, situated in the southerly part of the
town, took fire on the roof and was mostly consumed, with
some portion of its contents.

In 1853, the Yalley Hotel, situated near the Bcamaii
place, belonging to Elias Davis and occupied at the time
by James E. Wood, was destroyed by fire with a part of
its contents.

A few years since, a dwelling house belonging to Charles
Fairbank, and 30 years ago the residence of Hiram Howe,
situated in the northerly part of the town, then unoccu}>iecl,
was entirely consumed by lire, sui)posed to be the work
of an incendiary.

August 23d, 1831, the Congregational Meeting-house
then standing on the common, was set on fire by a fiash
of lightning, and entirely consumed. The fire took in
conse{}uence of shavings being carelessly left under some
part of the flooring at the time the house was erected.

In 1801, a Christ-mill belonging to ]Micah Harthan, and
the fulling-mill adjoining belonging to Peter White, with
most of their contents, were entirely destroyed by fire.
Another mill upon an improved plan, M'as immediately
erected on the same spot, and also burned in 1847, then
belonging to Amos Child and G. W. Dinsmore. Another
building standing near, and formerly occupied as a cloth-
ier's shop, was also burned at the same time. Still anoth-
er grist-mill, more valuable and commodious, in connection
with a shop for mechanical purposes, has since been erect-
ed and put in successful operation on the same j)remiscs
by lluel G. Cowce. It is hoped that this valuable build-

lag will never fall a prey to tlie same devouring elcincut.
which consumed its predecessors.

In 182o, the blacksmith shop situated near where tlie
Central factory now stands, then belonginLi; to E'.ekicI
l*elrce, and occupied by him as a scythe manufactory, was
entirely destroyed by fire.

Within the last 20 years three valuable cotton manufac-
tories have been destroyed by fire in this town, and others
erected in their stead.

During the last 50 years, 4 barns have been burned, I)
by lightning and 1 by an incendiary.

In 1790, there were four families in this town and nearly
in the same neighborhood, whose children then living
amounted in the aggregate to 4 5, all of whom, with two
exceptions, lived to mature life, were married, and had
from live to ten children each. Four of the original num-
ber are now living.

Sarah Harthan is the oldest person now living in this
town. Siie was the eldest child of Micah Ilarthan, was
born January 19, 1703, being now 95 years o( age. She
was born in Lancaster, where slie resided 18 years; then
resided in Sterling five years ; afterwards in I3oylston 22
years ; and during the remainder of life to the present
time, her residence has been in West Boylston. During
()0 years of the first part of her life she resided successive-
ly in each of the four towns just mentioned, not changing
licr residence or leaving the place of iier nativity. Since
that time she can hardly be said to have left the homestead,
still living with one of the family descendants and within
a short distance of the very place where she commenced
life.

The dwelling-house now occupied by Ezra Beaman was
erected in 1764, by his father Ezra Beaman, Esq. It was
built in a thorough and substantial manner, perfect and
complete in all its parts, special care being exercl-sed in
selecting materials and in the construction, ^vith reference
to durability and permanence. It is now in a good state
of preservation from its base to the top, clearly showing
that with proper attention and care, it may remain another
century as a memento of its original and venerable occii-

f)^nt, unless destroyed by some unforeseen casualty, or
demolished by u ruthless hand, careing little or notliin^r fur
antique specimens of innate enterprise and adventurous^
active energy. This ancient, noble structure, in its size,
form and appearance, was probably at that time, Avith few
(.'xceptions, unsurpassed by anytiiing of the kind in the
adjacent towns or even in the county. If nothing further
is to be done to perpetuate the memory of Major Jiennum.
the father and benefactor of this town, it is to be lio[)ed
that this specimen of early enterprise may be allowed to
remain, and be carefully preserved to mark the residence
of one, who by his own persevering efforts, arose to wealth
and distinction, at the same time accpiiring and exercising
an influence justly belonging to a patriot aad jniblic ben-
efactor.

In 1794, the first meeting house in this town was erect-
ed; and in 1831 it Avas destroyed by fire, caused by a
stroke of lightning. At the raising of this house, a man
whose name is lost, was suddenly killed. Jn 1832, three
commodious meeting houses were erected, belonging re-
spectively to the Congregational, Baptist, and Liberal
Societies. A convenient Hall has been erected at Oakdale,
and is now occupied by the Methodist Society. A Chapel
has also been erected in the central part of the town for
the accommodation of the Catholic portion of the popu-
lation.

In 1808, now 50 years since, there was but one church
and religious society and but one clergyman in this town.
To that society every family in the town belonged, and all
taxable persons paid their legal proportion towards the
support and maintenance of the ordinances of religion.

In 1818, George ^Icirifield, a lad nine years of nge and
brother of Charles Merrifield of this tov^^n, when sliding
from a hay scaffold, came in contact with a hay-puller
which entered his body and caused his deadi.

In 1855, Emmons Glazier, son of Jonas Glazier, was,
drowned here while bathing in the river.

There have been six deaths in this towi\, by suicide,
within the last 60 years.

Various itkms.

At the time of the incorpor.itiou of tlic town of West
Boylston, Jonas Temple and Tliomas Keyes of lioylstofi,
and Jonas Mason of Sterling, although included within
the limits of the new town, were allowed, together with
their estates, to remain connected with the respective
towns to w^hich they then belonged. This privilege so
liberally granted them, they tenaciously adhered to until
their decease, when their real estate came under the juris-
diction of the town within the limits of which it was
included.

Antliony Taylor, son of Eleazcr Taylor, of Boylston,
was born in 1749, came to West IJoylston in 180S, where
he resided until his decease wliich occurred in 1819, aged
70 years. He was a large, stout buJIt man, and supposed
by his contemporaries not to be surpassed in physical
f«)rce and muscular strength by any man in New England.
In early life, while in full possession of vigor and vivacity,
he performed several extraordinary feats, the relation of
which might seem to challenge the belief of the most cred-
ulous. Yet the credibility of those wh.o witnessed and
have given an account of the wonderful exhibitions of
power and strength manifested and put forth by this man,
would render it quite certain, and perhaps beyond a rea-
sonable doubt, that nothing more than the truth has been
stated relative to him. An instance of the manifestation
of his extraordinary muscular power, was the lifting of a
ticld piece, while with the army at Cambridge in 17 75, with
the intention of placing it upon his shoulder, which he
probably would have accomplished had not those around
him by their interference prevented, regarding such an ef-
fort imprudent and hazardous. Other accounts relative to
the developement of the uncommon physical force of this
individual might be mentioned, having been received from
reliable sources and corroborated by indisputable testi-
mony.

The number of deaths in West Bovlston, from 180H tu

^r. ji'.vi;,; 'j::

l8o8, was near 1100. Daring tlie t\vc4ve years previou!-:
vo 1808, while the town was a precinct, the number of
deaths was between 70 and 80. Much the larger portion
of tlie mortal remains of those who have deceased in this
town since 1796, are deposited in the public buryiii;^^
l^rouud adjoining the Common.

There is a large buttonwood tree, venerable for age and
appearance, standing by the roadside near the ancient Bea-
man mansion house, planted there more than one hundred
years ago by the elder Ezra Beaman while in his boyhood,
being at the time but thirteen years of age. This relic of
the early doings of him who once resided on those prem-
ises, may serve as a memento to awaken the memory rela-
tive to the distinguished individual who possessed a larger
share of energy, enterprise, and public spirit than any one
else who ever resided in this town.

There is standing at the present time, within the limils
of the road and opposite the Eeaman burying ground, near
the residence formerly occupied by l-^phraim and Silas Bca-
nian, a stately oak of venerable appearance and ancient
growth, which should be permitted there to remain as a
s[)ecimen of enduring permanence. Although there, have
been instances in this town of splendid and beautiful trees
situated in special localities, having been unnecessarily
<Aestroyed, it is hoped th.at such examples hencefortli will
be of rare occurrence.

MILITARY

Benjamin Blgelow^ one of the early settlers of this
town, went as a soldier with others in 1745, and assisted
in the reduction and capture of Louisburg and Cape Bre-
ton, then belonging to France and considered as the Gi-
bralter of America. Tlie capture and possession of this
place with its fortress was regarded as a highly important
acquisition to the British crown. On his return from this
•expedition, Mr. Bigelow bfouglit with him several ar'aclc:i

". vj :'': <■

ti'i

of iron nianufactiire, some of whiili are yet in use on the
farm which he then occupied, and which is now iti tiiu
possession of B. F. Keycs.

Ephraini and Ithanicr Bennett, sons of Phineas Bennett,
one of the early settlers of this town, enlisted as soldiers
in the army which went to Ticonderoga in 1758, and at-
tempted the reduction of the fortress at that place. They
were in the so called " ^ilorning Fight " that then occur-
red, and wdiich continued four hours, resulting in a disas-
trous defeat. These two young men were both killed in
that terril)le conflict.

At the commencement and during the progress of the
war of the American Revolution, the inhabitants of the
district now comprising the town of West lioylston, were
zealous and active in ellorts to obtain and secure ibr tiiem-
selves and the Colonies, liberty and independence. Major
Beaman was a prominent and leading spirit in this impor-
tant and patriotic enterprise, while others around him
Avere also firm and determined in favor of freedom and
the rights of the people. On several special and import-
ant occasions the citizen soldiers here turned out, readily
leaving their families and business to engage in the service
of the country, and that witliout ])ay or remuneration,
other than the satisfacticjn of having promptly discharged
their duty. During the continuance of the war, several
men here enlisted and were joined to the regular army at
different periods, all of whom, with a single exception,
served out their time, returned hon\e, and live'd to enjoy
the blessings and advantages resulting from the toils and
suffering which they had bravely endured. Their names
were Kzra Beaman, John Bixby, Jos. Bixby, Z;ichariah
Child, Jos. Dwelley, Wm. Fairbank, Oliver Glazier, Benj.
Hinds, Jr., Jason Hinds, ' Ebenezer Inglesby, Ebenezer
Pike, Paul Kaymornl, Isaac Smith, John Temple, Nathan
Wilder, and John Winn. These bravo and patriotic men
have all deceased, but tlieir memories should long be cher-
ished by a grateful people with feelings of respect and
veneration. Several of them lived to receive from the
country a ])ension, which their faitiiful services merited and
to whicli tlicy were justly entitled. Oliver Glazier who
survived all the others, died in I800, airod 92 years.

Tivc first Military Company or Train Band in this town,
'.vas organized in 1801, consisting of the able bodied
men between 18 and 45 years of age. This company
then numbered about 50 men, and at the first election of
officers, Sihis Newton was chosen Captain ; Elijah Goode-
now, Lieutenant ; Hiram Howe, Ensign. Tlie following
persons were severally and successively elected to the Cap-
tainship of this company, from time to time, during the
continuance of its organization, viz : Silas Newton, Elijah
(ioodenow, Levi Kilburn, Silas Dinsmore, Barak B. Fair-
bank, Josiah P. Brown, Jonathan Plimpton, Jr., Peter
Holmes, Levi Goodalc, Ephraim Bigelow, Asa Bigelow,
Dennis Harthan, Levi Pierce, Jr., Willard Worcester, Eb-
ciiezcr Fisk, and Ward B. Uarthan. This company con-
tinued some 30 years in an organi/ed capacity, and then
l)ecame extinct.

RIVERS AND BRIDGES.

There are two rivers running into this town, the Still-
water from Sterling, and the Quinepoxet from Holden,
forming a junction near the village of Oakdale, thence
passing along through the central portion of the town to
iioylston and Lancaster, continuing its course to Nashua,
N. IL, where it empties into the Merrimac.

There are four prominent bridges in the town ; two at
Oakdale, one at Central Village, and r.nother near the an-
cient and well known Beaman situation.

In 1856, the Beaman bridge was rebuilt with stone, at
an expense of about $4000, and is considered durable and
permanent. It has three arches of sufficient capacity to
take the water that passes along in the channel of the
river. The committee chosen by the town to superintend
the building of this bridge, were Addison Lovell, John
Prentiss, and Samuel Lawrence.

In 1819, the Central Bridge was rebuilt in a thorough
substantial manner, upon an improved plan, principally
under the direction and superintendence of David C. Mur-
dock. Chairman of the Board of Selectmen at that time,
at an expense of about $900.

THE FAKMING INTEREST

The number of fanners in West Boylston at the pres-
ent time (1858,) is 70, liaving slightly increased durin^L';
tlie last 50 years. Althougli some advance has been made
in tlie bui^iness of agriculture and Ihe art of husbandry,
yet it is doubtful \v)ielher larger quantities of grain and
otiier valuable products are now produced, than tiicre
Avere 50 years ago. In 1808 and j)revious to that tiiiiu,
there were annually produced in this town, probably not
less than 3000 bushels of rye, and perhaps about the same
quantities of corn and oats. Most of the farmers produc-
ed a sufhcient quantity of wheat to alYord a supply I'or
their families. It M'as an occurrence almost unknown at
that time, for a farmer to purchase a barrel of flour. During
the winter, season the farmers transported considerable
(juantities of rye me.d to ]h)ston, for which they received
$1.25 per bushel, thereby realizing a fair proht.

rifty years ago and previous to that time, large quanti-
ties of cider were made in the town which was not oi'ten
sold for less than $1.00 and sometimes for 82.00 or more
per barrel, consequently it was a profitable production.
It was then generally considered a necessary article for
common use, and almost every family used several barrels
annually. Most of the large farmers considered a cider
mill to be a necessary appendage to their farm, and would
feel themselves greatly deficient if not in possession of
this convenience.

PECULIAR AND EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS,

The following peculiar and extraordinary events have
occurred in by-gone years, operating not only in this im-
mediate locality, (West Boyiston,) but were experienced
and their effects felt generally throughout New England.

" The Gnat Earlhqi/aL-r,'' as it has been termed, linp-
[iL'iied late in the evonin^^ (jf Ndv. Is, IToo, uiiil produced
1,'rcLit alarm ;md conster.i it'u)n, its ttllcls being very appa-
rcnt and siirprisini^. Dwcllinu^ liouses were shaken so
severely as to cause Iteltles and other tilings to rattle and
make an unusual noise, dishes, plate.-:, &g., falling from
shelves, and beds on which j)eople were sleeping, apparently
rocking like a cradU-. In the westerly part of this town
a hmall piece of land settled down sever;d feet, evidently
in consequence of this occurrence, traces of it being yet
visible.

The Hard IVintcr. T!ic "Winter of 17S0 has ever
been spoken of as '• Th- Hard Winter," by those who
lived at that time, ami otliers Avho have succeeded them.
It was remarkable for the great depth of snow which lay
upon the grouiul for a long while, and on account of the
severe cohl Avcather, which continued for several successive
weeks. A snow of some depth fell in November before
tlic ground was frozen, niid remained through the winter.
Towards the last of December, a snow storm occurred of
several days continuance, and huvin.g subsided, the snow
was ascertained to be five or six feet in depth, entirely
covering the rocks, fences, iSic, the roads being wholly im-
passable and so remaining for several weeks. Oxen and
horses were not used lor a long time. Wood for the hrc
was cut from day to day in the lots, and drawn to the
dwellings on hand-sleds, by men and boys wearing snow-
shoes. By the same process grain and meal were trans-
ported to and from the mill for family use. After the
lapse of six or eight weeks trie cold began to abate, the
snow gradually settled down, and eventually vanished
away, the ground immediately became dry and ready for
cultivation. There was no rain after the ground was cov-
ered in November, until the snow had entirely disappeared
in the spring — a period of four or five months.

" The Dark DayT ever remembered and spoken of by
tliose who witnessed it, occurred ^.lay 19, 17«0. It was
remarkable on account of its extraordinary appearance,
iilling the minds of the people generally with wonder and
surprise. So strange and novel was the appearance on that
day that many were struck with consternation, .spending

,,■-■).<

:j;','':i. ::'" .' r;

the most of their time in conversation relative to this sin-
gular phenomenon and what mijjjht follow it. Early on
the morning of that daj', the atmosphere had the appear-
ance of being filled with dense fog of a yellowish hue,
being in great commotion, apparently rolling abowt in
large masses, constantly rising and moving along. So
great was the darkness at mid-day that many families
found it necessary to use lighted candles while they par-
took of their dinner. The following night was as uncom-
monly dark as was the preceding day. Nothing unusual
followed this phenomenon.

A Severe Frost occurred on the night of May 17th,
1794, causing great damage and loss to the farmers' in con-
sequence of its destructive eirects upon grain, fruit, &.c.,
not only in this immediate vicinity, but also throughout a
large portion of New England. The day preceding was
unusually cold, and during the night the surface of the
ground was frozen, and in many localities, ice was formed
on water an eighth of an inch in thickness. The spring
was early and unusually forward. The farmers had larwc
quantities of winter rye growing upon their lands, which
at this time looked remarkably well, and seemed to prom-
ise an abundant crop. It had already attained its full
lieight, and was in bloom, but was so severely frozen that
on the next day being thawed by the rising sun, it fell to
the ground, and was entirely destroyed. A second growth
sprung up but produced no grain of any value, being en-
tirely blasted. Indian corn having been planted early, was
up and looked well, and although much frozen, was not
materially injured. Apples at this time, in some localities,
were nearly as large as full grown cranberries, and with
very few exceptions were wholly destroyed, and most
other kinds of fruit also shared the same fate.

Drought of 1805. During the summer of 1805, a
drought was experienced in this vicinity and other portions
of New England, probably of greater severity than has
occurred since that period, or for many years previous.
On the tenth of June of that year, the rain fell in torrents
during the day, thoroughly soaking the ground and filling
the streams with water to overflowing, producing the great-
est freshet which happened throughout the year. From
7

that time tlierc ^\-as no rain liereabouta until the last daj
ol" July following, ulicn a small cloud came over late in
the afternoon, raining moderately twenty or thirty minutes.
The drought continued with increased severity until Sep-
tember, ^vhen frequent showers occurred, sufficient to
moisten the ground and revive droopin^; nature, thereby
dissii)atiny; the alarm and gloomy forebodings then exten-
sively prevalent. During this season of drought the pas-
tures and other grass lands became sere and destitute ol'
any thing green, aflbrding but a scanty subsistence for
cattle, sheep, &lc. In some localities grasshoppers became
so numerous as to devour and destroy every kind of vege-
tation that came in their way, causing great injury and
damage to grain, fruit, and other productions of the soil,
resulting in loss to the farming interest, and consequently
to the community.

A Total Eclipse of the Sicn, visible in this vicinity and
adjacent parts of the country, occurred June 1»), 1806:
probably the most remarkable one in its appearance and
effects, that has occurred for a hundred years. The day
on -which tliis phenomenon happened, was fair and pleas-
ant, the atmosphere still and serene, and the sky cloudless,
thus affording ample opportunity for notice and observation.
This eclipse occurred in the forenoon, the middle being
between eleven and twelve o'clock. The sun v/as in total
obscuration about two minutes, when nature assumed the
appearance of evening, the fowls hastened to their roosting
places, apparently overtaken by surprise, the chill of even-
ing was felt, and stars were distinctly visible to the eye of
the observer. The greatest splendor of the scene was the
suddenness of total obscuration and afterwards the sudden
and precipitant rush of the sun into open day. Asa whole
the scene was sublime and magnificent, and highly grati-
fying to the many who beheld it.

7Vic Great Blow, as it has generally been termed, occur-
red Sept. 23, 1815, was severely felt in this vicinity, and
throughout a large portion of New England. It was de-
structive in its effects, causing much damage and loss to
the community. Extensive quantities of wood and timber
were blown down, many valuable fruit trees were turned
over and destroyed, apples, i>ears, peaches, <S>lc., were

nearly all blown iVom the trees, almost entire) v covering
tlic ground in orchards and other localities where fruit
trees chanced to stand. In many instances sheds ami
^rnall buildings were blown down and demolished, and
wooden fences generally shared the same fate. Traces ol
this tempest arc yet to be found in some ])laces, and prob-
ably will be visible for years to come. This was undoubt-
edly the greatest and most extensive tornado that has
occurred in this region since the bcltleinent of New Eng-
land.

Culd Summers. During the last fifty years, or from
ISOs to 1858, several seasons have occurred which were
rather cold and consequently unfavorable to agricultural
pursuits. The coldest and most unpropitious season was
that of 1816, it being unusually cold from the commence-
ment to the end of the year. During the summer months
there was very little warm weather, and many days were
so cold as to render the clothing of winter convenient and
necessary. In June of that year, spots on the sun were
distinctly visible to the eye, the atmosphere frequently
presenting a thick, dusky appearance, like that of a severe
winter's day, the cold at the same time being so severe as
to make it pleasant and desirable to sit by a lire. It was
frequently so cold as to render it uncomfortable to labor
in the field. One farmer in this town (West Boylston,)
on one of those cold days in the latter part of June, being
busily engaged in ploughing a piece of land, actually lei't
the field and turned out his team, then retired to his house
saying it was so cold he could not stand it to follow the
plough. During the summer there was a scarcity of feed
in the pastures, and not more than half the usual crop of
hay was cut fr"om the mow-lands. So scanty was the croj»
in some cases, that hay was taken from the field and sold
for 825 per ton. Many farmers disposed of a portion of
their cattle the best way they could for fear of starvation.
Indian corn was mostly spoiled by the autumnal frosts,
very little of it being fit for use. English grain being
i)etter adapted to a cold season, was heavy and good, and
;i fair crop was generally obtained by the farmer.

In 1832, the season was colder than usual. During the
night of the last Wednesday in ]\Iay of that year, snow

fell in llils region so as to entirely cover the ground, an«l
remained through the next day, it being so cold as to pre-
vent thawing, but no damage was caused thereby. Indian
corn on low land was mostly spoiled by the early frosts of
autumn, M'hile on more favorable localities it ripened and
produced an abundant crop of hale heavy corn.

Remarkable Longevity. Mrs. Sarah Goodalc, relict of
Edward Goodaie,one of the early settlers of this town, was
born in Marlboro' in 1714, and died here in 1810, being
in the ninety-seventh year of her age. She Avas the oldest
person who has died, here since the settlement of the town,
having been a resident here nearly 80 years. She was a
robust, vigorous woman, industrious and frugal, being well
qualified for the station she occupied in life. When about
40 years of age, i\Ir. Goodale died leaving six young child-
ren, (five sons and a daughter,) with their mother, to get
along in the world the best they could. The mother be-
came the guardian of the children, assuming the direction
and management of them until they arrived at the age
when they might legally act for themselves. She retained
the ftirm in her possession, and by her industry and econ-
omy attended by the blessing of God, she was enabled to
award to each of her children their just proportion of their
father's estate, at the time when they became legally enti-
tled to assume the possession thereof, while at the same
time herself had become the bona fide owner of the home-
stead. These children all lived to old age, and in their
turn manifested a fdial respect for their honored mother
by extending the same dutiful care to her during the latter
portion of her life, which she bestowed on them Avhiie in
their cliildhood and early years. She was a professor of
the Cliristian religion and always apparently acted in the
fear of God and in accordance with the principles of" the
Higher Law." During her life, she manifested a firm
I'aith and confidence in Christ as her Savior, and conse-
quently her death was peaceful and jiappy. Her children
survived her and afterwards died as follows :

Moses died in 1815, aged 75 years ; Elizabeth died in
1837, aged 96 years; Aaron died in 1817, aged 74 years ;
Paul died in 1828, aged 81 years; David died in 1832,
aged 82 years ; Peter died in 1854, aged 82 years. These

ckildren were early taught to regard and observe tlie prin-
ciples and customs of the puritans, and manifested through
life a becoming respect and veneration for the instruction
received from an affectionate, devoted p;!rent. They were
also professors of the Christian religion.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
THOMAS KKYES, Jr.

Thomas Keycs, Jr., was born April 20, 1802, and died
Oct. 30, 1831, at the age of 20 years. He was the sec-
ond son of Thomas and Lydia Keyes, of West Boylston,
and grandson of Thomas Keyes who settled here in 1767.
He was a member of the Congregational Church in this
town. The following biographic sketch is taken from
''The Young Mechanic," for April, 1832. Tiie writer
v)f the sketch was then and is now a citizen of Boston, as
indicated by the signature :

THOMAS KEYES, JR.

It is a pleasing task, to follow through all the mazes,
and to dwell upon the incidents connected with the rise-
of an ingenious man, however he may have been favoreil
bv circumstances, or assisted by fortune. If we dwell
with pleasure upon the character of such a man, with
what sensations must we trace the rise and progress of
that man, who, imitating the course pursued by Franklin,
Ferguson, and Simpson, rises from obscurity by his own
efforts, without tlie advantages of education, the assist-
ance of fortune, or the advice of friends, and beats out a
path which those in better circumstances would scarcely
attempt to follow. That the life of a mechanic, distin-
guished for his perseverence and application, and with all,
u native of our own states, will te interesting, (at least to
mechanics,) I will not question. It indeed must be a
fiource ofinterest to any one, to see an individual of their

own class in society, in circumstances inferior to tlicnl''
selves and with less means of improvement, struggling to
overcome the difficulties and disadvantages with which lie
i.-s surrounded ; endeavoring, by every means in his pow-
er, ;^witIiout injury to otliers) to better his condition,
cither in fortune or acquirements. Such an individual
should surely be tlie object of universal esteem. It has
been justly remarked, that although the disadvantages
are great, of those who are obliged to begin their acquaint-
ance with science late in life, yet all tlie chances of ihe
race are not against them. Tiic time they have lost, and
are anxious to redeem, of itself gives a stimulus that will
m.ikc up for many disadvantages.

Such was the case with the subject of this sketch, who
\vas born at West lioylston, Mass. His time appeared of
so much importance to him that he often denied himself
the necessary time for sleep. As he did not apply him-
self to a mechanical business until he was 20 years of age,
lie considered it a duty to redeem it if [)ossible. Tlic
(• luse which prevented him until this age from following
iiis favorite pursuit, was neither poverty nor inclination,
hut the wishes of his friends, who "not seeing as he saw,"
endeavored to check what they considered his wayward
fancies, and to fix his mind upon the cultivation of the
farm, of which he ^\'as to become a part possessor. Al-
though he appeared to yield tt) tlie wishes of his friends,
yet he never could bring his mind to acquiesce in the idea
of spending his life in a pursuit so contrary to his inclina-
tions. While with his hands he cultivated the soil, his
Tuind was panting for that knowledge which he knew as a
mechanic he could practice. And, the time which was
not occupied in labor on the farm, he spent in the cultiva-*
J ion of his mind. Although he devoted himself to math-
ematics, natural philosophy, and astronomy, yet his taste
for music appears first to have shown itself; and the in-
:::cnuity displayed in his first attempt to gratify himself is
worthy of notice, and is thus described by a friend : "the
ilrst known of his musical performances was upon an in-
strument of his own manufacture while he was very
young ; it was made of a shingle, with silk strings strained
ricross in tlie m.aniier of a violin, a small stick from an

i>.pple Iran, and some ]i:ur from a horse's tali served lor a
bow; and upou this rude instrument the young performer
lias pro(hiced music which has been listened to with con*
sidcrable pleasure." From this rude but successful at-
tempt miiy probably be traced the first desire he had to
make himself master of the art in which he afterwards
became very proticient as a performer npon several instru-
ments. Some time previous to his leaving the farm, his
attention was attracted by a description of an organ in a
cyclopedia to which he h;ul access, and from the accurate
account of the different parts there given, he formed the
idea of making one himself, the parts of which were to
be of wood. This was considerable of an undertaking to
one situated ns he was, without tools or materials, and
many would probably have abandoned the scheme as im-
practicable ; but his persevereancc led hiui to devise means
to obviate these dithculties, and by the friendly assistance
of a cabinet maker who allowed him the use of his tools»
lie was enabled to accomplish his object to his perfect
satisfaction.

But, with all the fi\-cination and pleasure which natural-
ly follows the study of music, it was made to give way to
the more solid sciences. Of these, mathematics, (wliich
is considered by some as the most dry and insipid of all
studies, ) held the first place in his esteem. It was con-
sidered by him in its true light — as the only foundation
on which the other sciences could be firmly built, lie
thought no time mispent, while engaged in solving the in-
tricate and abstruse problems with wiiich it abounds ; and
1 have ofteu heard him observe, that "mechanics were not
aware of the disadvantage of attending so little, to this
all-important science."' It must certainly be confessed,
that it has been very much neglected by this class of the
community; for if we look around and see how many
liave been ruined by schemes, which, with a little atten*
tion to the truths explained in this science, they might
have avoided, we cannot lail of being impressed with the
necessity of urging it upon the candid consideration of
mechanics. Let it but be realized, that this is the key
vtone by which the grand arch of science io secured, and
on which the hopes of genius must be based, then will

, io . . . , , , . f ;

■"■'" i

those difficulties which appear insurmountable, vanish—
the abstruse will be simple, the useless important, and
the tedious pleasing.

In the study of astronomy, which had engaged his at-
tention during the latter part of his life, he ''found his
knowledge of mathematics of the greatest service in mak-
ing the numerous calculations which were necessary in
the construction of apparatus, by the aid of which correct
ideas could be conveyed to the minds of the youthful and
uninformed, of this sublime and interesting science. An
Orrery, which he contrived for the purpose of illustrating
the relative motions of the solar system, is very simple
and economical, and when united with its correct calcula-
tions and ease of management, forma one of the most
useful instruments of tlie kind. To be used in connexion
with his Orrery, he had in view an apparatus wliich was
to embrace the Lunarium and Tclhirium on a different
plan from any at i)rcsent known. ]]ut unfortunately the;
traces of the design which he has left are so obscure, that
it is impossible for any one to understand his views suffi-
ciently to complete it. A piece of board which he had
prepared for the purpose of making a working draft of
liis plans, was not used, in consequence of liis being taken
ill with that disease, from which he never recovered.

In addition to the studies which have been mentioned,
he likewise pursued that of drawing and painting ; the
latter, liowever, occupied but a small share of his time.
To his taste for painting, may be attributed an apparatus
he contrived, a description of wliich, may not be uninter-
esting ; an experiment in optics, which is no doubt famil-
iar to many, and is performed by having a piece of circular
board painted in equal proportions of blue, yellow and
red, and made to revolve with great velocity. The board
Will appear while whirling of a dirty white. If the board
were divided into twelve parts instead of three, and should
have four series of the colors, blue, yellow, and red, one-
fourth of the velocity would produce the same effect. The
• camcleoscope ' is tlic name of the machine contrived by
Mr. Keyes, so called from the various changes of color
produced by it while in motion. It is made by cutting
out nine of the twelve parts of the board, and leaving but

one series of col«)rs equally divided. Then by making'
four such boards jiainted \vith various colors, revolve be-
hind each other with diflerent velocities, it will exhibit a
continual change of color; and if by any means it could
I>e stopped, when a pleasing shade presented itself, it
might be known what colore had produced it. This was
a scheme, which is probably more curious than useful. —
But although it might not have been of any practical utili-
ty, yet it might have contained hints which may hereafter
be applied with advantage.

We may licre regard a trait in the character of Mr.
Keyes which is worthy of all imitation, that of communi-
cating information to others freely, and especially those
discoveries which we have made, and do not know to
what purpose to apply them. A free communication of
sentiment and opinion between different persons, is ac-
knowledged to be of the greatest benefit, Tlie institu-
tion of Lyceums, and other societies, is but to assist in
accomplishing this end. Mr. Keyes was fully aware of
the advantage resulting from persons associating together
for mutual instruction ; and acknowledged that he had
been greatly assisted in the study of astronomy by being
a member of a small society of individuals in his native
village, who met together for mutual improvement in that
science. At the head of this social club, was the venera-
ble and respected astronomer and philosopher, Ilobert B.
Thomas. To this gentleman Mr. Keyes looked up with
reverence ; his kindness in furnishing books, and assist-
ing him in his various studies, were favors which were
never forgotten.

Let it not be urged, that a person who (urns his atten-
tion to many things can do nothing well ; for, although
it may be true in some degree, yet it is not without excep-
tions. Sir William Jones, the greatest civilian of modern
times, contended, 'Mhat no opportunity for improvement
in any study, which presented itself, should be neglected;''
and he himself, while studying the law, took advantage of
vacations lo peruse the light works of the French and
Italians, besides makinir a favorite pursuit of dancing and
fencing. And yet, all this variety, which would be
thought to distract his attention, aided in making him

the greatest lawyer and most i)rofound scliolar of liis
age. The uhol(j object of all tlie studies of Mr. Kcyes
tended to one grand point— the acquisition of knowl-
edge. If Ills pursuits are various, they were no Ic^s
correct. A^ a cabinet maker, a clock maker, an ap-
paratus makir, or a student, his work bore the stamp of a
matliematical mechanic.

I have thus attempted to compile a few incidents of the
life of one, worthy of the respect of all classes, but cs-
l)ecially of that of which he was the ornament. 1 will
not pretend to say, that he was more of an ornament to
mechanics that many others who have preceded him ; for
there have been those, whose names have been suffered'
to moulder in oblivion, when they deserved to have been
handed down for the admiration of posterity. But, if'»
bome have been neglected, it does not follow that we
should neglect all. Instead of neglecting them, let us en-
deavor hereafter, to perpetuate the remembrance of those
whose lives aflbrd an example worthy of imitation. The
rapid march of intellect and improvement among the pro-
ducing classes, within a few years past, awakens the fond-
est hopes for its permanence and duration. If this state
of things should continue, biographies and examples will
be needless. And we can now apparently lift the veil of
futurity and see the existence of that state, ** when in the
proud career of mind our country will seek her fame."

J. .M. w. ■

CONCLUDING llEMARKS.

In closing tlie Historical Memorandum of West Boyls-
ton, it may not be thought improper to inquire somewhat
in regard to the past and respecting the future.

Where are those adventurous, enterprising men, together
with those directly and intimately associated with them in
life, who cominonced the settlement of West Boylston,
and others who followed and resided here from 1720 to

1770, or a portion of that time, some in llie niadiiit)- oi*
life, others in childhood i^nd youth, all lookinj^ forward
with hope and anticipation r None of thut interesting and
long to be remembered portion of our ancestors and prede-
cessors are now living, all having paid the debt to nature
due.

Wliere are those who commenced life in this town after
the close of the first 50 years froni the ])criod when the
original settlers located here and previous to ISOS, the
time when the town assumed a legal organized position :
Some- 50 or 60 of that number are y(^t living and reside-
here, and perliaps about the same luunber dvc also living
and reside elsewhere, thus showing th;it since the incorpor-
ation of the town, now fifty years since, about five -sixths
of those in life and residing liere at that time, have found
" the last of earth " and gone to participate in scenes be-
yond this fleeting world.

What is in the future and will be developed to human
view and observation during the next 50 years, is to a
great extent, altogether beyond the stretch of the imagina-
tion or conception of the far-seeing and accurate calcula-
tor ; and what might now be suggested for consideration
as a probable or possible occurrence, may not only be a
demonstrable fact but an existing reality, before the close
of the next half century. Events auspicious and desirable
and also adverse and lamentable, will undoubtedly trans-
pire, alternately causing joy and sorrow, not only to indi-
viduals and to distinct families, but to the whole com-
munity.

In 1908, when the centennial anniversary of this town
shall be celebrated, perhaps some, how many c;innot be
conjectured, who are now here enjoying and participating
in occurrent scenes and events, may be present with others
yet unborn on that interesting occasion ; while much the
larger portion of the present inhabitants of this town will
then be numbered with the silent dead.

What will then be said of us who arc now here actively
engaged in the busy scenes and transactions of life. Will
our general course as social beings, residing and acting in
this community, and our individual moral influence be
such through life as to merit and elicit tlie grateful recol-

lection and approval of our successors, who may chance
ihon to hold and occupy' these dwellings, which we must
ere longr vacate, and leave to be remodelled and become
tlie residences of our descendants and others? Shall wl-
rightfully deserve the same trilmte of veneration and rc-
s])cct from those we leave behind, to which our ancestors
and predecessors are justly entitled to from us? Consid-
erations like these might protitably occupy some of those
leisure moments which occasionally overtake us, imd nioy
the ellect be to cause our mark in life to be so made as
not to prove a blot on our future memory.

E R R ATA.
On page 10,— 4th line from the bottom, read Persis for Tersi.'.
On pa-e 11.— 0th lino from the bottom, read Major Beaman for Mayor

Bcamau.
Un pa-o 25— last lino in the sketch of Abiel Holt, read leadms for lead.
On page 29— 5th lino from the bottom, read S<:bra for Sabia.
On page 37,— in the sketch of the life of Aaron Thomas,- 3d line, read

Dca. Jonas Mason iuitcad of Dea. Ebcnczcr Mason,

fmf^-f.

61^ ^

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Historical memorandum and genealogical register of the town of West Boylston, Massachusetts : from its early settlement to 1858 : together with miscellaneous items and incidents"

See other formats