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Full text of "Historical sketches of towns in Plymouth and Barnstable counties, Massachusetts"

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HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



OF 



TOWNS 



IN 



PLY3I0UTH AND BARNSTABLE COUNTIES, 

I MASSACHUSETTS. 

, 3 ticUeM 




BOSTON : 
D. DUDLEY & CO., Publishers, 

31 Exchange Street, 
(formerly 8 Congress Square.) 



Sntered according to Act of Congress in the year 1873, by Dean Dudley, in the OtBce of the 
Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 






OOISTTEISTTS, 



Barnstable Town History,.. . .150 I 

Brewster, 133 

Briiljifcwater, 82 

Chatham 1 50 ?o 

Dennis, 150 j)' 

Duxbuiy 110 

East Bridgewater 106 

Easthatn, 124 

Falmonth, 150ee 

Halifax 108 

Hanover, 116 

Harwich 148 

Hiiio-hani, 119 

Hull, 150/tX^ 



Kingston, 

Marion, 

Marshtiekl, 

Marshpee, 

North Bridgewater, 

Orleans, , 

Plymouth, 

Provincetown, 

Sandwich, 

Scitnate, 

South Scituate, . . . . 

Truro 

Wellfleet 

Yarmouth, , 




/ 



Likeness of the author i»t ihe a<j;o of 32 y;vu'.-*. 
Engraved by Mr. Geo. K. Ilalin. 



I S T O Rl' 



T 



OP 

TOWNS IX TLYMOUTII AND BARNSTABLE COUNTIES. 
By dean DUDLEY. 



NORTH BRIDGEWATEIl. 

This town is twenty miles south of Boston, on the Fall 
River branch of Old Colony Railroad. There arc four vil- 
lages in the town, viz: " Centre," " Campello," "Factory 
Village," and " Northwest Bridgewater." 

The Centre is the largest village, containing seven or eight 
churches, and is a great manufacturing and mercantile com- 
munity. The citizens are very patriotic and enterprising. In- 
deed, the whole town is noted for its intelligence and thrift. 
The surface of tho land is generally level, except a few 
small elevations. There are three or four small streams, hav- 
ing factories, where considerable business is carried on. 

This part of old Bridgewater was called the North Pre- 
cinct. But this Precinct included also West Bridgewater. 
In 1738, 55 citizens belonging to the North Parish, petitioned 
the General Court to be set off into a separate township. 
Thereupon they were allowed the powers of a distinct parish. 

Kev. John Porter was called to be the minister in 1740. 
laying in 1802, he was succeeded by his colleague. Rev. Asa 
Meech, who had been called and ordained in 1800, and was 
dismissed in 1811. The third minister was Rev. Daniel 
Huntingdon, ordained in 1812, dismissed in 1833. The 
fourth minister was Rev. Paul Couch, born in Newburyport, 
graduated at Dartmouth College, 1828, settled here in 1835. 
He preached here till 1859, when he was called to North 
Cambridge, Mass. Rev. Nathaniel B. Blanchard, was the 
next minister, a native of Abington, and then, in 1863, Rev. 
Edward L. Clark. 

A Second Congregational Society, was formed in 1824, 
and many other sects have arisen since, which are well de- 
scribed in Kingman's elaborate history of the town. 

Public Schools were early established, and the town was 
divided into " ricks," or districts. 

In 1794, this Parish voted £15, to be assessed on the in- 
10 a 



^X^ O p 



78 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

habitants of the parish for the purpose of English schooling. 
In 1864, the town appropriated a large sum for schools, and the 
people subscribed $1,000 more. The number of polls in 
1840 was 1679, the number of houses 388. In 1860 the 
ratable polls were 1,574, houses 952, valuation of property 
in town $2,173,965. In 1865, the shoes manufactured were 
1,009,700, pairs ; value of blacking made, $43,806 ; acres 
of land improved 3,761 ; acres of wood land, 3,034. 

The north parish of Bridgewater did her part in the ser- 
vice of the French War, and a great many men enlisted from 
this town in the various companies, formed hereabouts for the 
patriot army of the Revolution. Most of their names are 
reported in Mr, Kingman's history, and other facts too nu- 
merous for repetition here. They represent the best blood 
of the town. 

Among them are the names of Packard, Gurney, Cole, 
Kingman, Ames, Beals, Alden, Fields, Perkins, Reynolds, 
Brett, Bryant, Edson, Dickerman, Dike, Groves, Keith, 
Sylvester, Snell, Southworth, Thompson, Thayer, Wash- 
burn, Warren* Porter, Fuller, C'ary, Shaw, Hayden, Crafts, 
French, Pratt, Jackson, Dunbar, Howard, Leach, Pettingill, 
Snow, Keith, Bailey, Orr, Webster, Mitchell, Porter, Thomas, 
Peirce, Knox, Prentiss, Marshall, Lothrop, Cobb, Edgell, 
Allen, Wade, Robinson, Jacobs, Partridge, Wood, Tyler, 
Sparrow, Hancock, Bickncll, Putnam, &c. Some of these 
were of other towns, perhaps aiound North Bridgewater. 

This town took some part in the war of 1812 with Eng- 
land, and a very conspicuous part in the late war of the 
Rebellion. 

" In council March 11, 1817." 
The Military committee of Council, to whom Avas re- 
ferred the petition of Lemuel French and sixty others, be- 
longing to a company of Militia in the north part of Bridge- 
water, now conmianded by Captain Adln Packard, and in 
the third Regiment, first Brigade, and fifth Division of 
Militia, requesting that said company, with the approbation 
of the ofBcers, may be disbanded, and that they, with 
others, may bo permitted to form themselves into a grena- 
dier company, respectfully report that His Excellency 
be advised to disband the company of Militia in the north 
parish of Bridgewater, now commanded b}'' Captain Adin 
Packard, and to annex the non-commissioned officers and 
privates of the same, to the other company in said parish, 
commanded by Captain Silas Dunbar, and to permit the 



NORTH BRIDGEWATER. 79 

aforesaid Lemuel French and his associates, together with 
such others as may hereafter join them from within the 
limits of the said north parish, to form themselves into a 
grenadier company, and when they are organized, to have 
them annexed to the aforesaid third Eegiment. 

(Signed), " D. Cobb." 

"In Council, March 11, 1817." 
This report is accepted, and by the Governor approved" 
(Signed), "A. Bradford, Secretary of Commonwealth. 

" Secretary's office, March 11, 1817." A true copy. At- 
test Alden Bradford, Secretary of Commonwealth." 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 

'« Head Quarters, Boston, March 12, 1817." 
*' General Orders. 
The Commander in Chief having approved the forego- 
ing order of Council, orders the same to be carried into 
eflect. Major General Nathaniel Goodwin, Avill give the 
necessary orders for that purpose, and when said company 
is organized, it will be annexed to the aforesaid third Reg- 
iment." " By His Excellency's command," 
; (Signed), " Ebenezer Mattoon, Adjt. General." 

"Head Quarters, Plymouth, March 18, 1817." 
*' Division Orders." 

The Major General of the fifth Division, directs 
the foregoing general order of the 12th instant, be car- 
ried into effect without delay." 

(Signed), " N. Hayward, Aid De Camp, to M. Genl. 

"Head Quarters, Middleboro, March 25, 1817." 
The Brigadier General of the first Brigade, directs that 
the foregoing General and Division orders be carried into 
effect without delay." (Signed), " Abiel Washburn," 
"Brigadier General, First I3rigade, Fifth Division." 

Note. 

At that date the local militia of what is now Abington, and the 
four Bridgewaters (except the Artillery and Cavalry), formed a Regi- 
ment, known as the third Regiment in First Brigade, in the fifth divi- 
sion Mass. Militia. The Abington Artillery Company belonged to a 
Battalion of Artillery, composed of Abington, Plymouth, and Hanover 
Artillery Companies. 

Note. 

From the office of Captain of this Grenadier Company, Nahura 
Reynolds was promoted to Major of the Plymouth County Regiment 
of Light Infantry, now known as the third Regiment. John Cushing, 
of Abington, was then Colonel of this Regiment, and Cephas Water- 
man, of Kingston, Major. 



80 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

The conipiiiiy of Grenadiers was organized !j,nd annexed 
to the Ihini i': uiaieiit of Infantry, and so continued until 
1834, when it was made a part of the Plymouth County 
Regiment of Light Infantry, then commanded by Colonel 
Gideon W. Young, of Scituate, and afterwards by Colonel 
Nalmm Reynolds of North Bridgewater. 

A Cavalry company existed for a time in North Bridgc- 
Avater. It was known as the Xorth Bridgewater Dragoons. 
Nahum Reynolds was the first who held the office of Cap- 
tain. This dragoon company was not annexed to a Regi- 
ment, but made a Brigade Corps, and annexed to the second 
Brigade in First Division, under Brigadier General Eliab 
Ward, of ]\Iiddleborongh, and continued so to exist under 
General Ward's successor in office, General Ebenezer W. 
Peirce, then of Freetown. 

The population in 1870 was 8,008. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 

Town Clerk. — W. H. Wales. 

Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor. — Isaac Kingman, 
Henry A. Ford, W. H. Wales. 

Assessors. — R. P. Kingman, Edward Crocker, H. A. 
Ford. 

Treasurer. — Oakes S. Soule. 

School Committee. — Ira Copeland, C. W. Wood, A. T. 
Jones, Ellis Packard, C. R. Ford. 

Road Commissioners. — Isaac Kingman, 3 years, E. H. 
Joslyn, 2 years, Jos. AV. Kingman, 1 year. 

Collector. — W. H. Wales. 

Auditors. — R. P. Kingman, C. C. Bixby, Gorliam B. 
Howard. 

Constables. — A. S. Porter, Otis Hay ward, George Pack- 
ard, AVilliam Steavens, Thomas P. Lucas, C. E. Sproul, David 
Bullock, Charles E. Jenney, J. W. Foye. 
CHURCHES, &c. 

Porter Evangelical Church. — Rev. R. G. S. McNeille, 
Pastor. S. AV. S. Howard, Clerk. Simeon Packard, El- 
bridge II. Packard, S. W. S. Howard, George C. Cary, Dea- 
cons. Isaac Kingman, Aug. G. Jones, George C. Cary, 
Standing Committee. 

AVest Alethodist Episcopal Church. — Rev. E. L. Hyde, 
Pastor. Bradford Packard, Sunday School Superintendent. 



NORTH BRIDaEWATER. 81 

First Congfregational Church. — Rev. Henry H. Stevens, 
Pastor. C D. Brigham, L. B. White, H. M. Littlefield, 
Standing Committee. O. S. Soule, Treasurer. W. A. San- 
ford, Clerk. C. D. Brigham, Collector. 

Universalist Society. — Kev. S. S. Hebbert, Pastor. S. A. 
Hayward, Clerk. Elmer W. Holmes, Treasurer. John W. 
Hayward, Collector. E. L. Thayer, L. D. Hervey, Ellis 
Packard, Parish Committee. 

South Congregational Church. — CampSllo Village. Or- 
ganized December 3, 1836. 

Second Methodist Episcopal Church. — T. M. House, 
Pastor. E.Williams, Local Preacher. J. B. Wiswell, Ex- 
horter. 

St. Patrick's Catholic Church. — Main, near Belmont. 
Dedicated 1859. Rev. T. B. McNulty, Pastor. 

New Jerusalem Church. — Main, corner of Crescent. 
Erected 1856. Rev. S. S. Seward, Pastor. 

Swedish Lutheran Church. — Campello Village. Erected 
June 1872. Rev. J. G. Princeli, Pastor. G. M Copeland, 
Apollos Eaton, Ara Snow, Andrew Johnson, H. H. Filoon, 
.J. J. Whipple, W. M. Shedd, D. B. Lovell, C. F. Cope- 
land, Stewards. P. Reynolds, Ara Snow, D. B. Lovell, C. 
F. Copeland, E. Sawtell, J. Montgomery, U. S. Holmes, H. 
L. Thompson, Uriah Montgomery Trustees. G. M. Cope- 
land Sabbath School Superintendent. 

Masonic. — Paul Revere Lodge holds its meetings in a hall 
in Kingman's block on Main Street. Ferdinand Smith, W. 
M. A. Cranston Thompson, S. W. Fred L. Trow, J. W. 
Francis A Thayer, Treasurer. Jonas R. Perkins Esq., Sec- 
retary. John S. Fuller, S. D. H. W. Gammons, J. D. 
A. H. House, M. George M. Copeland, C. R. L Williams, 
S. S. John Westgate, J. S. Hiram D. Kendrick, T. 

Satucket R. A. Chapter. 
C. C. Bixby, H. P ; Alfred Laws, K ; Eqos H. Reynolds, S. 
Regular Meetings for 1873. Friday Evenings, 
April 1 1 , May 9, June 6, July 4, August 8, September 5, Oc- 
tober 3, October 31, November 28, December 26, (Annual.) 

J. R. Perkins, Secretary. 

Odd Fellows. Massasoit Lodge, No. 69. I. O. 0. F. 
Meets in Odd Fellows Hall Thursday Evenings. 
A. E. Paine,N. G ; H. H. Howard, V. G ; R. E. Packard, 
R. Secretary ; H. F. Whitmarsh, P. Secretary ; J. O. Emer- 
son, Treasurer ; J. W. Freeman, D. D. G. Master. 
11 



82 HISTORY OF TO\VKS. 

Temple Lodge, No. 112, I. O. G. T. 

Meets TVIonday Evenings, at CampoUo Village. 

G. M. Skinner, W. C. Templar ; Emily C. Wood, W. V. 
T; W. H. Thayer, W. Secretary; R. P. Keith, W. F. Sec- 
retary ; Peter Dalton, Treasurer ; N. F. Washburn, W. Chap- 
lain ; R. E. Packard, D. G. W. C. Templar. 

Nemasket Encampment. No. 44, I. O. O. F. 

Meet at Tyler's Block, second and fourth Mondays in each 
month. 

Walter Scott, C. P ; H Herbert Howard, H. P ; George F. 
Reed, S. W ; E. Ellis Packard, J. W ; Jos. W. Freeman, 
Treasurer ; Charles W. Packard, Scribe. 

Temperance, &c. Fraternal Lodge, No. 24, L O. G. T. 
Instituted September 28, 1860. 

Temple Lodge, No. 112, I. O. G. T. 
Campello Village, Instituted August 7, 1871. 

Fletcher Webster Encampment, Post No. 13, G. A. R. 
Organized July 1. 1867. 

North Bridgewater Board of Trade, Organized April 5^ 
1871. Rooms in Mercantile Building, Ellis Packard, Presi- 
dent. 

Union Musical Society, of North Bridgewater, Organized 
April 6, 1869. 



BRIDGEWATER. 



This is a flourishing town on the Old Colony Railroad, 
about 28 miles south of Boston. 

The territory of Bridgewater was purchased from the In- 
dians under Osamequin, otherwise Massasoit, the good old 
friend of the early settlers of Plymouth Colony, March 23, 
1649, they paying for it with 7 coats, 9 hatches, 8 hoes, 20 
knives, 4 Moose skins and 10 1-2 yards of cotton cloth. The 
number of the original proprietors was 54, all except Mr. 
Bradford inhabitants of Duxbury. Some of the prominent 
surnames were Bradford, Merrick, Peirce, Rogers, Parti idge, 
Starr, Collier, Wadsworth, Hall, R )bbins, Hayward, Willis, 
Bonney, Standish, Brewster, Sprague, Bassett, Washburn, 



BRIDQEWATER. 83 

Brett, South worth, Alden, Mitchel, Howland, Leonard, Gan- 
nett, Ames, Harris, Gary, &c. The first minister was Rev. 
James Keith of Scotland The Indian name of the place 
M'as fVoimocooto. In 1656 the town was incorporated into a 
separate township, and three hundred acres of land were 
granted to Captain Miles Staiidish including both meadow 
and upland at or near a place called Satucket Pond. This 
is now called Robms^s Pond. 

In 1706 certain inhabitants of the east part of the town 
applied for an act of incorporation by the name of Abing- 
ton and the act was finally passed in 1712. 

Another considerable tract of the town was annexed to 
Pembroke in 1754, and forms the greater part of Hanson. 
Old Bridge water, till Abiugtou was set off, contained about 
96 square miles. 

Some of the prominent families, who came to settle in 
Bridgewater, besides the original purchasers, were Standish, 
Lawrence, Willis, Godfrey, Bailey, Lathrop, and Snow, 
mostly from Duxbury ; and others from various towns of 
Massachusetts, as Packard, Byram, Allen, Whitman, Shaw, 
Bacon, Kingman, Conant, Hooper, Hudson, Lazell, Dunbar, 
Hill, Perkins, -of the Ipswich and Hampton family, Johnson, 
Leach, Field, from Providence, Alger, from Taunton, Snell, 
from England, and Latham, from Marshfield. 

The intercourse of the town was at first mostly with 
Taunton, and the settlement extended from the west, to- 
wards the great Pond. The farmers used frequently to 
carry their grists to mill in Taunton, on their backs. 

At the time of King Philip's war, which commenced in 
1675, the inhabitants of Bridgewater were natives of this 
country, and acquainted with the Indian character. They 
were not inspired by fear of the savage redmen, but stood 
firm and defended their homes, also helping the neighbor- 
ing towns. Seventeen citizens of Bridgewater, armed and 
mounted, were the first of all the country to march against 
the foe in the vicinity of Swansea. 

They were successful in relieving the garrison at Matta- 
poisett, now Gardiner's Neck, and safely returned. On 
May 8, about 300 Indians, with Tispaquin for their leader 
made an attack on the east end of the village on the south 
ide of the river, and set fire to many of the houses ; but 
the citizens rushed from their garrison houses, and fell on 
the savage foe so fiercely, that the Indians gave way, and 
a shower coming up soou extinguished the fires. Another 



8^, HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

assault was made on the the north side of the river, but it 
was repulsed, and before the ensuing morning the enemy 
had disappeared, leaving in ashes two houses and one barn. 
The houses in the village were all fortiiied, but those in 
the outskirts were mostly destroyed by the raids about 
this time. However, it is a remarkable circumstance, that 
in all this war, not one of Bridi2;ewater's inhabitants was 
killed. 

Bridgewatcr was firm and patriotic in the Revolutionary 
War; and, in all the wars of the Republic, she has main- 
tained a resolutely patriotic character. 

Wni. Brett was the first ruling Elder in the town, or- 
dained soon after Mr. Keith. Kev. Daniel Perkins, from 
Topsfield, was the successor of Mr. Keith, ordained in 
1721. He died here in 1782, aged 86 years. 

Rev. John Reed succeeded Mr. Perkins in 1780, and 
died in 1831 aged 79. Mr. Perkins was a graduate of 
Harvard University in 1717. and Mr. Beed of Yale Col- 
lege in 1772. They were both learned and efiicient di- 
vines. Their works follow them. 

The first minister. Rev. Mr. Keith, was a great man, and 
a far seeing prophet in Israel He preached the Temper- 
ance reform even in his early day, and loved mercy rather 
than vindictiveness. His posterity are numerous and 
prominent among the accomplished and manly men of our 
times. 

This town is noted for its educational advantages. Great 
attention has ever been paid to schools, both public and 
private. 

The surface of the the township is level. The soil in 
some parts adjoining water courses is very good, and in 
most parts, it produces fair crops. It has always been 
called a good farming town. 

The manufacture of iron and machinery is extensively 
carried on here. 

North Bridgewater, that is, the northern precinct of the 
town, was incorporated as a separate town in 1821, West 
Bridgewater in 1822, East Bridgewater in 1823 ; and so 
the south precinct was left to retain the aucient nanje. 



9 



BRIDGEWATER. 85 

TOWN OFFICERS, 1873. 

Town Clerk. — Joshua E. Crane. 

Selectmen. — Van R. Swift, Spencer Leonard, I, S. 
Wilbar. 

School Committee. — P. D. Leonard, Rev. Benj.R. Gif- 
ford, George M. Hooper. 

Town Treasurer. — ;VanR. Swift. 

Constables. — F. D. King, John P. Townsend. 

CHURCHES. 

Trinity Church (Episcopal). — Rev. Benjamin R. Gif- 
ford. Rector ; Dr. Joseph Fobes, George Burt, Wardens ; 
Thomas Keith. C. Barney, Waterman Sprague, Vestry- 
men ; Jane M. Edson, Collector, Treasurer and Clerk. 

First Congregational Society (Unitarian), — Washburn 
Square. Organized 1716. 

New Jerusalem Church. — Bedford, corner School. Or- 
ganized 1833. Rev. Theodore F. Wright, Pastor. 

Central Square- Trinitarian Church. — Central Square, 
Organized October 17, 1821. 

Scotland Trinitarian Church. — Scotland Village, Or- 
ganized October 17, 1821 ; reorganized July 4, 1836. 

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. — Center, near 
Main, Organized October 3, 1863. 

MASONIC. 

Fellowship Lodge, F. and A. M. Chartered, June 15, 
5797. Meets at Masonic Hall, Central Square 

Officers. — Hosea Kingman, Master; Isaac Damon, S. 
W. ; Francis M. Kingman, J. W. ; Isaac R. Alden, Treas- 
urer. ; W. K. Churchill, Secretary ; B. T, Crooker, S. D. ; 
Alex. Dove Jr., J. D. ; J. P. Townsend, "Mar. ; Rev. J. 
Hutchinson, Chaplain. ; J. R. Hathaway, S. S. ; L. F. Gam- 
mons, J. S. ; George H. Burt, Organist ; S. Harlow, I. S. ; 
Wm. H. Reiser, Tyler. 

Meetings, 1873. — Annual Communication, September 
1st ; Regular — Monday on or before the Full. 

The population of Bridgewater in 1870 was 3,660. 



86 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

ABINGTON. 

The first grant of lauds in this locality was made in 1654, 
to Nathaniel Souther by Plymouth Colony. Mr. S. was 
the first Secretary of the Old Colon3^ Perigrine White, 
the first born child in this country, was a purchaser of 
land here. The original settlement was made in 1668. 

The Indian name of Abington was Manamooskeagin, 
(many beavers). 

The first minister was Rev. Samuel Brown, ordained in 
1714. The next was Ezekiel Dodge, ordained in 1750. 
The next minister Samuel Mies, ordained in 1771, died 
1814. Rev. Holland Weeks came next, and was installed 
in 1815. 

Soon after several other churches were organized. The 
first Calvanist Baptist Society had for its minister. Rev. 
Daniel Thomas, about 1808. In 1813, the third society 
was incorporated, and Jlev. Samuel W. Colbourn was in- 
stalled pastor. Abington is a good grazing and agricul- 
tural town. 

The boot and shoe manufacture is the principal business 
of the town.. Several important iron manufactures were 
beo"un in Abington. Bells were cast here as early as 1769. 
Cannon and shot were cast here for the Revolutionary war. 

The tack manufacture was early established, they at first 
bein"' made by hand, subsequently by machinery invented 
for the purpose. This machinery was carried to Eng- 
land, and used to the injury of the original inventors. So 
Congress placed a duty on foreign tacks. 

Without this tariff the tack business here must have 
failed, as iron and labor were lower in England than in 
this country. * 

In 1787, a company of Artillery or what was then called 
a " Train of Artillery'" was enlisted and organized in the 
town of Abington and annexed to the standing regiment 
of Infantry, embracing the ^' train hands^ and " alarm lists'^ 
of this town and Bridgewater. 

Seven years later the Abington and Plymouth Artillery 
companies were made a Battalion of Artillery, and these 
two companies, together with the Hanover Artillery formed 
in 180:^, remained a Battalion commanded by a Ma- 
ior until 1831, when disbanded and each artillery company 
was annexed to an infantry regiment. About 3 years later 
the Plymouth, Abington and Hanover Artillery compa- 



• 



AnixGTOJT. 87 

nies Avei-e again macle a Battalion of Artillery, and Capt. 
William Thomas of the Hanover company, promoted to 
Major Commandant. 

In 1843, these 3 companies and the Norton Artillery 
were made a Regiment of Artillery, and the following 
named gentlemen, elected Field Officers. 

Wcndall Hall of Ply month, Colonel ; Daniel Barstow 
of Hanover, Lieutenant Colonel; Earl Hodges of Norton, 
Major. 

As Regimental Staff Officers, were appointed, Francis 
I. Noyes of Boston, Adjutant; Ebenezer W. Peirce of 
Freetown Quarter Master. John P. Wade of Dighton, 
Pay Master ; Levi Hubbard of Plymouth, Surgeon ; Rob- 
ert B. Hall of Plymouth, Chaplain. 

August 31st, 1844, Lieutenant Ebenezer W. Peirce, was 
promoted to Major of this regiment, and on the 5th of 
September, 1846, to Lieutenant Colonel. 

In 1854, this artillery regiment was disbanded, and the 
Abingtou company made a part of the fourth Regiment of 
Infantry in 2d Brigade, First Division Massachusetts Vol- 
unteer Militia, 

As a part of the Artillery Battalion the Abington Com- 
pany performed military duty in the war of 1812, or " last 
war with England," as sometimes called, and as a part of 
the fourth Regiment of Infantry, repaired to Fortress 
Munroe, and there served three months in response to the 
first call of our country, in the late war of the great re- 
bellion. 

Names of officers and enlisted men of the Abingtou 
company, or Co. E. of 4th Regiment of Infantry Col- 
onel Abner B. Packard, in the Brigade of Brigadier Gen- 
eral Ebenezer W. Peirce, on duty three months, from April 
to July 1861, at and near Fortress Munroe, in Virginia, 
Charles F. Allen Captain ; Lewis Soule, Lieutenant ; John 
W. Mitchell, Second Lieutanant; Benjamin F.Caswell, 
Nathaniel O. Holbrook, Henry Humble, and Benjamin F. 
Peterson, Sergeants ; Joshua T. Bryant, Timothy Reed, 
Wm. H. Maine, and Morton E. Harding, Corporals. 

Private Soldiers ; Luther C. Abbot, John E. Bickford, 
Benjamin R Barrett, John A. Barber, James E. Bates, 
Joseph W. Eaton, Thomas N. Cook, William Coi'vvin, 
Joshua Cook, Elbridge R. Curtis, Andrew Dunham, Henry 
F. Dunbar, George A. Edson, Thomas Fuller, Seth P. 
Gurucy, Alva A. Gurney, George M. Harden, Ichabod 



88 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

G. Hall, Thomas Hobart, Charles M. Howe, William B. 
Hathaway, Caleb Howland, Elijah Howard, James E. 
Josselyn, Wm. M. Knowles, W. B. Lincoln, Isaac Lov- 
erage, John A. Leach, John H. Perry, Barnard F. Phin- 
ney, Leonard F. Penny, Hiram F. Packard, James H. 
G. Peirce, Philemon M. Ramsdell, Nathaniel F. Ramsdell, 
Henry H. Reed, Samnel M. Reed, Joseph T. Rundle, 
Zacheus Rowe, Andrew I. Stetson, Joseph A. Steingardt, 
Nathan M. Stuart, Mercer V. Tillson, Thomas Taylor, 
Ebenezer G. Tuttle, James H. Witherell, Ebenezer A. 
Witherell, Otis F. Witherell, Jerome Washburn. 

Commissioned Officers, 3 ; Non Commissioned Officers, 
8 ; Private Soldiers, 49 ; Total, 60. 

Gentlemen of Abington, who have held commissions 
in the local militia higher than that of Captain. 

Major General, Benjamin King. 

Brigadier General, Benjamin King, Henry Dunham. 

Colonels, Aaron Hobart, Luke Bicknell, David Gloyd, 
Benjamin- King, John Cushing, Henry Dunham, Albert 
Whitmarsh, Daniel Gloyd, and Brackley Cushing. 

Lieutenant Colonels, David Gloyd, John Cushing, 
Henry Dunham, Albert Whitmarsh, Joshua F. W^inslow. 

Majors, Luke Nash, David Gloyd, John Cushing, 
Micah White, Henry Dunham, Albert Whitmarsh, Zichri 
N. Whitmarsh, Daniel Gloyd, and Quiucy T. Harding. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor. — 
Marcus Reed, Henry A. Noyes, E. R. Studley. 

Town Clerk. — Henry A. Noyes. 

Treasurer. — George A. Beal. 

School Committee. — James H. Gleason, Samuel Dyer, 
Franklin Poole. 

Constables. — John A.Floyd, Paul Baker, James L. 
Corthell, Josiah Cushman, AVatson Bates, Owen Magiunis, 
George F. Wheeler, Joshua Crooker. 

CHURCHES. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — Union St. East Abing- 
ton. Organized April 10, 187 L Dedicated April 20, 1871. 

St. Bridget's Catholic Church. — Abington Centre. 
Erected in 1861. 

Population in 1870, 9,313. 



ASmoTOK. 89 

First Baptist Church. — South Avenue, South Abiagton. 
Organized October 17, 1822. 

Second Baptist Church. — Union Street, East Abington. 
Incorporated September 1, 1856. Organized May 1, 1854. 

Second Conorreofational Church. — Washington Street, 
South Abington. Organized August 19, 1807. 

Fourth Congregational Church. — North Abington, 

Pastor, ; Deacons, James Ford, Charles 

Stetson ; Clerk, Cyrus Orcult. 

Third Church in Abington. Organized August 27, 1813. 

First Universalist Church. — Washington St. Abington 
Centre. Organized Api'il 20, 1836. 

New Jerusalem Church. — Abington Centre. Organized 
1835. Rev. Joseph Pettes, Pastor: E. W. Cobb, Clerk; 
Lucius Faxon, Superintendent Sunday School. 

Masonic. John Cutler Lodge. Chartered A. L. 5860. 
James E. Smith, W. M. ; Samuel F. Ring, S. W.; Albert 
F. Kelly, J. W. ; E. M. Nash, Secretary. 

SOCIETIES, &c. 

Old Colony Comraandery, Abington. Chartered A. L. 
6863. A. Sumner Stetson, E. C ; James F. Cox, G. ; 
Boalis Sanford, Jr., C. G. ; E. M. Nash, Rec. 

Puritan Lodge, South Abington. Chartered Julv 21, 
A. L. 5S69. 

Abington Council, Chartered 5869. H. F. Copeland, 
M. I. R. ; H. F. Whiddeu, R. I. M. ; A. S. Stetson, L M.; 
E. M Nash, Rec. 

Pilgrim Royal Arch Chapter, Chartered 5862. Wm. H. 
Maine, H. P. ; George L. Richardson, K. ; Hiram C. Alden, 
S. ; E. M. Nash, Secretary. 

Knights of Pythias, Old Colony Lodge, No. 43, East 
Abington. Listituted July 11, 1870. 

David A. Russell Encampment, Post No. 78, G. A. R. 
South Abington. Charles D. Nash, Coni. ; Charles F. 
Allen, S. V. Com. ; Andrew C. Brigham, J. V. Com.; 
James E. Bates, Adjt, ; J. H. Wethereil, Quarter Master. 

Fraternal Division, No. 77, S. of T. North Abington. 
Organized December 20, 1859. 

Home Division, No. 49, S. of T. Instituted August 21, 
1857. G. E. Pratt, W. P. ; William R. Gilson, R. S. 

Mount Vernon Cemetery Association, Abington Cen- 
tre. Incorporated August 5, 1852. Directors, Freeman 
Foster, Henry A. Noyes, William R. Gilson, Merritt 
12 



90 HISTORY Oi" TOWNS. 

Nash, Josiah Cushman, Daniel Blanchard, Albert Cham- 
berlin, C. W. Hovvlaud, S. StiUman Atwood. Freeman 
Foster, President ; H. A. Noyes, Secretary. ; Josiah Ciish- 
miin, Superintendent. 

Harmony Lodge, No. 86, I. O. of G. T. Organized 
January 15, 1866, East Abington. Number of members, 
120. W. C. T. Elijah Thompson; W. Sec, Robert D. 
Warren, 

Waverly Lodge No. 278, I. O. of G. T. North Abing- 
ton. Meets every Thursday Evening. Noah Shaw, W. 
C. T. ; Hattie Beal, W. V. T. ; Elwin Orcutt, W. S. 

Adelphian Lodge, I. O. G. T. Abington Centre. Alonzo 
F. Chase, W. C. T. ; Jennie Freeman, W. V. T. ; Ara- 
bella T. Sears, W. R. Secretary. 

Young Men's Christian Association, East Abington. 

Eooms Phcenix Block, East Abington. Richmond J. 
Lane. President; Josiah A. Torrey, Joseph E.French, 
Vice Presidents ; Nathan Beal, Rec. Sec. ; Richard 
Holbrook, Treasurer ; Frank N. Lawrence, Auditor ; Sol- 
omon H. Shurtleff, Librarian ; J. A. Torrey, Elijah Thomp- 
son, William W. Pool, Cliarles L. Rice, Joshua Curtis, 
Jacob Whiting, Francis M. French, Lorenzo Perkins, J. 
C. Gleason, Directors. 

Post 74, G. A. R. East Abington. McPherson En- 
campment. 

Post No. 73, G. A. R. M. N. Arnold Com., Abington. 

Pilgrim Lodge, No. 75, L O. O. F. Centre Abington. 
Merritt Nash, N. G. ; William Tribou, V. G. ; F. G. Shaw, 
R. S. ; William A. Hurd, P. S. ; C. A. Floyd, T. ; L. 
Gibson, W. 

Population of Abington, 9,313. 



CARVER. 

This town was first settled by the white people, in or 
about 1638, and for many years formed a part of Plymouth. 

It was first set of from Plymouth in June 1707, forming 
a part of Plympton, incorporated as a new and distinct town 
on the 4th day of June, in that year. Carver continued to be 
a part of Plympton from June 4th, 1707, to June Oth, 1790, 
when it was incorporated by the name that it still bears. 



^ CARVER. 91 

The succession of ministers in the old, or original Congre- 
gational Church, have been as follows : — Othniel Campbell, 
from 1734 to 1743. John Howland, from 1746 to 1804. 
John Shaw, from 1807 to 1815. Luther AVright, from 1831 
to 1825. Plummer Chase, from 1828 to 1835. Paul Jew- 
ett, from 1836 to 1839. Jonathan King, from 1839 to 1846. 
Ebenezer Gay, from 1846 to 1851. Stillman Pratt, from 
1851 to 1851. William C. Whitcomb, and Henry L. Chase. 

There are also in town a Baptist and a Methodist Church 
and Societies. 

Carver is about eight miles from Plymouth, and 38 from 
Boston. 

In the late war of the Great Rebellion, Carver furnished 
one of the companies that responded to the first call of the 
country, and promptly repaired to tire field of strife in Vir- 
ginia, serving three months, at and near Fortress Munroe. 
It was a part of Colonel David W. Wardrop's Regiment, in 
Brigadier General Ebenezer W. Peirce's Brigade. Entered 
the service in April, and was mustered out in July 1861. 

Carver lost heavily in the war, the names of soldiers who 
sacrificed their lives for the cause of their country, together 
with tht dates of their deaths, being as follows : 

George E. Bates, May 21, 1863; William H. Barrows, 
July 2, 1863 ; John Breach, May 11, 1863 ; Benjamin W. 

Dunham, October 26, 1862 ; Harry Finney, ; 

Lucius E. Griffith, November 6, 1863 ; Lucian T. Ham- 
mond, July 30, 1862 ; Eli Atwood Jr., December 14, 1862 ; 
Allen S. Atwood, September 7, 1862 ; Josiah E. Atwood, 
July 11, 1863 ; James McShea, January 13, 1863; Wilson 

McFarlin, August 30, 1862 ; Archibald Sturges, j 

Levi Shurtlefi" Jr., October 7, 1862 ; John S. Bobbins, Au- 
gust 30, 1862 ; George H. Pratt, about October 1864 ; El- 
bridge A. Shaw, June 14, 1862 ; Bartlett Shaw, August 30, 
1862 ; Joseph F. Sturges, August 29, 1862 ; Alonzo D. 
Shaw, April 18, 1863 ; James H. Sturges, April 29, 1862. 

Gentlemen of Carver, who have held commissions in the 
militia, higher than that of Captain : Colonel, Benjamin 
Ward ; Lieutenant Colonel, Matthias Ellis ; Majors, Ne- 
hemiah Cobb, John Shaw, Benjamin Ellis, Stillman Shaw, 
and Thomas B. Griffeth, 



92 msTORT or towns. 

TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk. — Peleg McFarlin. 

Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor. — Alvin 
Perkins, Andrew GrifFeth, H. A. Lucus. 

School Committee. — E. T. Pratt, Solomon F. McFarlin. 
Treasurer and Collector. — Thomas Cobb. 
Constable. — Robert M. Dempsey. 

CHURCHES, &c. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — No settled Pastor. 

Baptist Church, — No settled Pastor. 

Congregational Church. — Rev. William Livingstone, 
Pastor. 

Second Advent Church* — John P. Boynton, Pastor. 

Union Church. — No settled Pastor. 

Rescue Lodge, No. 4, I. 0. of G. T. — William Breech, 
W. C. T. 

Population of Carver, 1,092. 



PLYMOUTH. 



This town is situated 37 miles south-west of Boston, at 
*the bottom of a harbor ou the bay of Massachusetts. 

Patuxet was the Indian name of Plymouth. The fine 
plain on which it was built, slopes toward the sea. The 
soil of this plain is poor, but the land adjoining is good 
along the seaboard. The area of Plymouth is large, and 
there are more than fifty ponds in the town, covering 3000 
acres. 

In the rear of the village is Burying Hill, formerly Fort 
Hill. It overlooks the sea, being 1(30 feet above sea-level, 
and embraces about 8 acres. 

On this height the Pilgrims built a fort in 1675, on the 
approach of King Philip's war, one hundred feet square, 
strongly palisaded, ten and a half feet high. The hill is 
now covered with the graves of former generations. 

Among them may be seen the humble monuments of 
Hon. Major William Bradford, (son of the Governoc), 
who died in 1703-4. Edward Gray, Gent , died in 1681. 
Mr. Thomas Cushman, a ruling elder, died in 169L Mr. 



PLYMOUTH. 93 

Thomas Clarke, who came over in the Anne, and died in 
1697, aged about 98 years. ♦ 

Cole's Hill, just back of Plymouth Eock, was the first 
burial place of the Pilgrims. About 50 of the passengers 
of the May Flower, were buried here — among them Gov. 
Carver, and Rose Standish. 

Plymouth was the first town built in Massachusetts, by 
Europeans. There is now no one of the early houses 
standing, but the monuments of the Pilgrims are seen all 
over our glorious country. These are the institutions of 
learning, philosophy, and republican government where- 
ever the descendants of the Plymouth pioneers spread 
themselves, and established their homes. 

The landing at Plymouth Rock was first made Decem- 
ber 11, -1620, O. S, The Shallop containing Carver, Brad- 
ford, Winslow, Standish, and others, with 8 or 10 seamen 
came near shore, and found a harbor fit for shipping. 

A part of their number landed and examined the coun- 
try. Near the shore they found Indian corn had been 
planted two or three years before. 

A beautiful brook was near, and springs of pure water. 
So they judged it a good place for settlement. 

On Saturday the 23, they began to cut timber for build- 
ing. The story of their suflferings, and final success has 
often been told. 

These people are our ancestors, and I take pleasure in 
recounting their exploits. They were brave, noble souls, 
though too zealous and enthusiastic, if not bigoted in their 
religious character. Most of the great spirits of our age 
praise them ; and there never was a more praiseworthy 
cause than the planting of that colony, for the sake of 
liberty. 

I have gleaned facts about them from old records, ftionu- 
ments, books and papers. 

Stephen Hopkins. . 

Stephen Hopkins came over in the Mayflower. His 
name stands 14th among the signers of the compact 
made on board that vessel, with the honorable prefix 
of " Mr." He brought two servants or laborers with 
him, Dotey and Leister. His chldren were Giles, Con- 
stance, Daniaris, Caleb, Deborah, Ruth, Elizabeth, and 
Ocean us, the last born on the sea coming over. He 
joined the emigrants in England, not having been at 
Leydcn wi.h Robinson's cougregation. As the pilgrims 



94 HISTORY OP TOWNS. 

first came to the shore to mend their shallop, Capt. Miles 
Standish was s^it out with sixteen men, armed with mus- 
ket, sword, and corslet, to examine the wild country around. 
"VVm. Bradford, Stephen Hopkins, and Edw. Tilley were 
joined to this band for counsel and advice. Hopkins had 
been on tw^o previous excursions fiom Cape Cod Harbor. 
He seems to have been cool, brave and faithful in times of 
danger. Samoset was lodged for safe keeping at his house 
16 March, 1621. He went -with Winslow to see Massasoit 
at Pokanoket in July 1621. Subsequently Mr. Hopkins 
was much m the public service, being Governor's Assistant 
several years. He was my mother's ancestor, his son 
Giles being the great-grandfather of her great-grandfather. 
From this grandfather Giles, I have several papers handed 
down to me through the six generations. A more partic- 
ular account of these may be seen in the sketches of tow^ns 
on the Cape. 

Mr. Hopkins had 6 acres of land assigned him in 1623, 
for a garden, on the south side of the brook. No other 
one of the company had so much laud except William 
Brewster, the venerable elder. 

The first wife of Stephen Hopkins died in England leav- 
ing two children, Giles, and Custance who married Nich- 
olas Snow. 

In 1632, Mr. H. was a member of the Council of New 
Plymouth, also in 1633. January 2, of the latter year he 
was taxed £1,07 shillings. July 7 he was chosen with 
Capt. Standish, John Doane, Joshua Pratt, Edw. Bangs, 
Jona. Brewster and Robert Hicks to divide the meadow 
gi'ound in the bay equally among the purchasers, according 
to their original shares. Jan. 3, 1633, he was chosen As- 
sistant to the Governor, also Jan. 1, 1634-5, also Jan. 5, 
1635-6.' 

June 7, 1636, John Tisdale, yeoman, entered an action 
in court against him for assault, the said John being dan- 
gerously wounded by him, as he afiirmed. The jury ad- 
judged him to pay £5. to the King and 40 shillings to the 
plaintifi'. 

March 7, 1636-7, he is added to the Governor's Assist- 
ants to advise upon the trade with the Indians in furs, 
corn, beads, &c. 

In 1637, he is chosen with Edward Bangs and others to 
view and apportion the bay grounds between Eel River 
and Plymouth. The same year Mr. Hopkins and John 



PLYMOUTH. 95 

Winslow are appointed for the town of Plymouth to be 
added to the Governor and Assistants to assess men toward 
the charges of the soldiers, that arc to be sent forth for 
the aid of Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut, in the In- 
dian war, 

October 2, same .year, he is fined 40 shillings for suffer- 
ing servants to sit drinking in his house on the Lord's Day, 
and to play at shovel-board, and such like misdemeanors. 
But he is released from the fine. 

Juno 5, 1638, he is presented before the Grand Inquest 
for selling beer for two pence per quart, not worth one 
penny a quart; also for selling wine at excessive rates. 
Kenelm and John Winslow swore against him, and he was 
fined. 

August 7 of the same year, liberty is granted him by 
the Court of Assistants to erect a house at Mattacheese, 
(Yarmouth), and cut hay there this year, to winter his cat- 
tle with, provided it be not to withdraw him from the 
town of Plymouth. February 4, 1638-9 Mr. Stephen 
Hopkins is committed to ward for his contempt of the 
Conrt. 

December 3, 1639, Mr. Hopkins, upon his presentment 
for selling a looking-glass for 16d. the like whereof was 
bought in the Bay for 9d., is referred to further informa- 
tion. 

August 20, 1644, Captain Miles Standish and Mr. Wm. 
Bradford, deposed to the last will and testament of Mr, 
Stephen Hopkins, deceased. He was living the year be- 
fore. • 

Mr. Stephen Hopkins' house, or the house that was his, 

was in 1652, taken by the Government "for an arsenal, and 

for the meetings of the Committees and Juries and other 

suchlike uses." 

/ Of Stephen Hopkins' standing in 1634, Mr. Moore, in 

fea his Lives of the Governors, thus speaks : 

^, " Twenty-four of the 41 Signers of the Compact of 
1820, had fallen before the pestilence ; and of those who 
remained, Stephen Hopkins, Miles Standish, and John 
Alden, were the most prominent individuals. 

flopkins was then one of the principal magistrates ; and 
Alden seems, like him, to have been content with the bur- 
thens of the same office, which he shared for more than 
forty years, outliving all the other signers of the compact. 

Captain Standish, the hero of the settlement, was be- 



96 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

ginning to feel the infirmities of age, and possessed a tem- 
per too natural to his profession to tit him for the duties of 
the chief magistracy. 

The Fortune had brought in 1621, a new accession of 
estimable men to the colony, who were received with wel- 
come, and the standing and qualiiications of Mr. Prence, 
caused him to be selected from among their number, as 
the successor of Governor Winslow, in 1634. 

This gives me an opportunity to introduce some facts 
about other forefathers, in whose fame I rejoice. 

Thomas Piience. 

Gov. Thomas Prence was born in 1600, at Lechdale, asmall 
parish in Gloucestershire, England, on the noith banl?: of 
the Thames, where his family had resided for several gen- 
erations, being probably independent yeomen, and his 
father, at least, a Puritan. 

From the time of his arrival to his death. Governor 
Prence was nearly always in office, as Assistant, President 
of Councils of War, or Governor. For 12 years he was 
Commissioner of the United Colonies. 

His administration was rendered illustrious by his ear- 
nest efforts to introduce a regular system of free schools in 
the Colony. For a time he met Avith great opposition, and 
at first succeeded only so far as to establish a free school 
at Plymouth, which was supported by the profits of the 
fisheries at Cape Cod. 

However, before he died, he had the satisfaction to be- 
hold the system for which he had struggled valiantly, and 
which was fraught with incalculable benefits to posterity, 
in successful operation in most of the towns of this colony, 
and supported at the public expense. 

In his inventory after his decease, 44 school books are 
enumerated, showing him to be a scholar, or at least, a 
lover of learning. These books were probably intended 
for distribution among the public schools. 

Mr. Moore says also in the work above quoted, " Mr. 
Prence and his associates in 1643, obtained a grant of lands 
at Nauset, and went resolutely forward with their new 
plantation. 

These persons were among the most respectable inhabi- 
tants of Plymouth. The church regretted their departure, 
viewing herself as a mother grown old and forsaken by 
her children, if not in their affections, yet in their company 
and personal assistance. But however, the emigratiou 



PLYMOUTH 97 

might have been lamented at that time, it was productive 
of good to the colony ; and eventually led to the settle- 
ment of all the lower part of the county of Barnstable ; 
in consequence of which the Indians there, who from their 
numbers were a formidable body, were over-awed, and 
their good will obtained, and they were prevented from 
joining in hostilities against the English, in the wars which 
afterward occurred." 

He was taxed in 1633, £1. 07 shillings. His first wife 
having died he married Mary Collier, daughter af Mr. 
William Collier, April 1, 1635. I am descended from 
this marriage. 

In 1636, ^Ir. Prence was chosen treasurer of the colony. 

In 1661, lil)erty is granted to him by the court to pur- 
chase a parcel of laud at Satucket, in reference to his mill 
there, and to some other lands he hath there. Satucket 
was the Indian name of what is now West Brewster, ad- 
joining Yarmouthport. 

He resided sometimes at Duxbury, and most of the 16 
years he was Governor, at Plymouth, because the people 
wanted their chief near the seat of government. 

Indeed the coui-t declared it indispensable, that the 
governors should reside there. So, from Eastham, where 
he had dwelt since 1644, he removed to Plymouth in 1663, 
and died March 29, 1673, being buried at Plymouth 
April 8. 

Thomas Clarke. 

Thomas Clarke, who was buried on the hill, came over 
in the Anne, in 1623, being then 23 years old. 

He was probably a seafaring man, as well as carpenter. 
It is recorded that in 1635, he lost a boat worth £15 in 
a great storm in Eel River. 

He had for his garden plot in 1623, one acre on the 
south side of the brook. In 1637, he was the first to vol- 
unteer to go against the Pequot Indians. In this roll are 
Mr. Stephen Hopkins and his two sons, Caleb and Giles. 
At this date he dwelt at Eel River, and was styled " yeo- 
man." 

In '42, he was surveyor of Plymouth. In '51, one of the 
Plymouth committee. He appears to have been a very 
active, trading, speculating man. In 1629, he bought an 
acre of land on the south side of the town for 30 pounds 
of tobacco and the next day sold it to Governor Bradford. 
He purchased a lot of land at Eel River in 1630, for £10. 
13 



98 * HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

He residod at Plymoutli in 1643, and 58. Decemljer 3, 
1639, he was fined 30 shillings for extortion, in that he 
sold a pair of boots and spurs for 15 shillings which he 
^had purchased for 10 shillings. Before 1G31, he had mar- 
*ried Susanna, daughter of widow Mary Ring. Stephen 
Dean married another of Mrs. Ring's daughters. 

Mr. Clarke was elected one of the deputies of Plymouth 
in 1655, and again in 1656. 

March 6, 1654-5, he was presented before the Grand 
Jury for taking six pounds for the bare loan of twenty 
pounds one year, Avhich the jury *« conceived to be great 
extortion, contrary to the law of God and man." At his 
trial the traverse jury cleared him. It was probably a 
false charge. 

The wife of Samuel Jenney dying about 1659, left a 
legacy to her daughter, and placed the child and her por- 
tion in the custody of Mr. Clarke. But on petition of 
Mr. Jenney, the court delivered to him his child, but al- 
lowed the property to remain in custody of Mr. Clarke. 
He died at Plymouth, 24th March, 1697, aged 98 years. 

An artillery company was raised at Plymouth " in the 
days that tried men's soul's," and the organization com- 
pleted July 8, 1777, when Thomas Mayhew was chosen 
Captain, and Thomas Nicholson, Lieutenant. Thos. May. 
hew was the name of the first captain of the Plymouth Ar- 
tillery Company. Thomas Mayhew was also the name of 
the first man from Plymouth killed in battle in the 
late war of the great Rebellion. He was struck in the 
head by a cannon ball, that passed between the color 
bearers of the 29th Regiment, taking oil the bayonet 
of one of the color guard, as he carried his gun at the 
shoulder. The 29th Regiment in the battle of '* Gaines 
Hill" (June 27, 1862), carried both the State and 
National colors, but dispensed with the former soon 
after. Thomas Mayhew, the man slain, was a second Lieut, 
but acting as first Lieut, of the color company (of the 
29th Regiment), his proper position as first Lieut, placing 
him Avhere he stood when killed. 

Colonel Ebenezer VI. Peirce, commanding the Mass. 
29tli Regiment at the battle of Gaines Hill, was on horse- 
back, immediately behind the colors of the regiment, and 
the cannon ball just cleared his horse, and struck Lieut, 
Mayhew, who at the time was near enough to touch the 
colonel's horse with his hand. The story that the colonel's 



PLYMOUTH. 99 

arm was shot off with the same ball that killed Lieut. 
Mayhew, was not true. The Colonel did not lose his arm 
until June 30, 1862, and the cannon ball that took oif his 
arm, cut a soldier .almost in twain, after taking ofl* his arm. 
Both the colonel and Lieut. Avere in their private or per- 
scnal history somewhat allied to, or connected with, the 
Plymouth artillery company, Lieut. Mayhew having been 
formerly a member of the same, and, at the same time, too, 
that the colonel was Major of the regiment to which the 
Artillery company belonged, colonel Peirce having been 
the first who held the ofiice of Llajor of the 4th Regiment, 
after the Plymouth company was made a part of that 
Regiment. 

The Plymouth Artillery company for many ^^ears formed 
a part of an Artillery Battalion, consisting of the Artil- 
lery companies of Plymouth, Abington, and Hanover, and 
during that time the following named Plymouth gentlemen 
held the office of Major Commandant of the Battalion. Jos. 
Thomas, William Pearson, and Ephraim B. Holmes. About 
30 years since, it was made part of a newly formed Artill- 
ery Regiment, and Wendall Hall of Plymouth, (who had 
performed duty in the Plymouth Artillery company twenty 
one years) , Avas commissioned Colonel, Ephraim B. Rich- 
ards of Boston, Lieut. Colonel, and El)enozer W. Peirce 
of Freetown, Major. 

The Plymouth Artillery company performed duty in 
two wars, viz., the ** Revolution" and war of 1812, or last 
*' war with England," as it is frequently called, and very 
generally known. 

Captain William Davis Jr., was captain of th^ Ply- 
mouth Artillery company, at the breaking out of the war 
of 1812, and by the resignation and discharge of Major 
Joseph Thomas, Captain Davis for a time commanded the 
Battalion as senior officer, and thus continued until the elec- 
tion and commissioning of Micah White of Abington, as Ma- 
jor Commandant. 

Major Thomas resigned in the early part of 1811, and 
Major White succeeded him in July 1812. Drafts were 
frequently made about that time, and the Plymouth, 
Abington and Hanover Artillery companies were sometimes 
required to furnish one third of a company each for duty 
as Artillerists in the *' coast guard" and sometimes the en- 
tire-force of each were ordered to the posts of danger. 

The Plymouth Artillery company was disbanded about 



100 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

twenty years since. Another company of volunteer mili- 
tia existed in Plymouth for several years. It was called 
the " Standish Guards." Captain Cooraer Weston, Avas 
the first commander. 

At the first call for soldiers in the late war of the "great 
Rebellion," Plymouth furnished a company for the Third 
Regiment of Mass. infantry, commanded by Col. David 
W. Wardrop, of New Bedford, and in the brigade of 
Brigadier General Ebenezer W. Peirce, of Freetown, and 
performed a tour of duty three months in Virginia, Dr. 
John.H. Jennings, of New Bedford, a Virginian by birth, 
was then Major of the third regiment, and he soon after 
succeeded D. W. AVardrop as Colonel. 

Plymouth also furnished one of the companies of the 
Mass. twenty-ninth regiment, a three-years organization, 
of which Ebenezer W. Peirce was the first Colonel. 

Population of Plymouth in 1870, 6,238. 



TOWN OFFICERS. — 1873-4. 

Selectmen — Albert Mason, William H. Nelson, Lem- 
uel Bradford, Henry Whiting Jr., David Clark. 

Town Clerk — Leander Lovell. 

Town Treasurer — Curtis Davie. 

Collector of Taxes — Lemuel Bradford. 

Assessors — John Harlow, John Perkins, J. A. Rol)bins. 

Overseers of the Poor — John H. Ilarlow, William H. 
Whitman, Lemuel Bradford. 

Sexton — Clement Bates. 

Water Commissioners — Charles G. Davis, Samuel H. 
Deten, Lemuel Bradford. 

School Committee — Albert Mason, Charles B. Stqd- 
dard, term expires 1875 ; Benjamin A. Hathaway, George 
A. Tewksbury, term expires 1874 ; Lemuel Bradford, 2d, 
Charles G. Davis, term expires 1876. 

Superintendent of Schools — Charles Burton. 

Agawam Fishery Committee — B. II. Holmes, Richard 
W. Bagnell, Peleo- C. Chandler. 

Constables — John Perkins, Barnabas Hedge, Harvey 
W. Weston, Stephen Pember, Lewis S. Wadsworth. 

Burial Hill Committee — AVarren S. Macomber, Charles 
Raymond, James B, CoUingwood. 



PLYMOUTH. 101 

Truant Committee — John Perkins, Josiah D.Baxter, 
James B. CoIlin<^wood. 

Surveyors of Lumber — George H. Jackson, Nathaniel 
Brown, Leavitt T. Robbins. 

Inspector and Scaler of Leather — John Churchill. 

Sealer of Weights and Measures — Samuel H. Harlow. 

Committee on Plymouth Beach — Thomas B. Sears, 
Henry Whiting, Charles Burton, Josiah D. Baxter. 

Surveyors of Highways — Albert Mason, Lemuel Brad- 
ford, Henry AVhiting Jr., William H. Nelson, David Clark. 

Field Drivers and Fence Viewers — Joseph F. Towns, 
Nathan B. Perry, Barnabas Hedge, Ezra Finney, Lewis S. 
Wadsworth, Solomon Sylvester, Stephen Doten, Edward 
D. Clark, Lewis W. Thrasher, Hosea C. Bartlett. 

Committee on Fires in the Woods — Franklin B. Cobb, 
Henry Whiting Jr., Alanson Thomas, William T. Davis, 
Gustavas G. Sampson, Thomas Pierce, Horatio Wright, 
Isaac N. Barrows, Otis W. Burgess, Truman Sampson, 
Barnabas Hedge, Henry Whiting, Leavitt T. Robbins, 
Ezra Finney, George W. Cobb, Aaron Sampson, Ziba 
Ellis. 

Superintendent of Water Works — B. A. Hathaway. 

Committee on Shell Fish — Josiah D. Baxter, Barnabas 
Hedge, John. T.Hall. 

Pound Keepers — At the Almshouse, Oliver T. Wood ; 
at Chiltonville, Galen R. Holmes ; at Manomet Ponds, 
Hosea C. Bartlett. 

Board of Engineers — Peleg C. Chandler, Richard W. 
Bagnall, Henry Whiting Jr., Charles B. Stoddard, Leavitt 
T. Robbins. 

Number of Polls, 1,534. 

Tax of Polls, $2.00. 

Rate of Taxation, 1 64-100. 

Valuation of Real Estate, $2,054,850. 

Valuation of Personal Estate, $1,372,325. 

Total Real and Personal Estate, $3,427,175. 

CHURCHES. 

First Parish Unitarian Church — Rev. Frederick N. 
Knapp, Pastor. 

Second Parish Conc^regational Church — Rev. Mr. Briir- 
ham. Pastor. 

Third Parish Congregational Church — Rev. George A. 
Tewksbury, Pastor. 

Baptist Church — No settled Pastor. 



102 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — Eev. Mr. Morse, Pastor. 

Methodist African Church — Rev. Mr. Mason, Pastor. 

Universalist Church — No settled Pastor. 

Advent Cliurcli — No settled Pastor. 

Congre£?ational Church, Chiltonville — Rev. William 
H. Cobb, Paster. 

Congregational Church, Chiltonville — No settled Pas- 
tor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, Chiltonville — No settled 
Pastor. 

Episcopal Church — No settled Pastor. 

Second Baptist Church, (Indian) Cedarville. 

MASONIC. 
Plymouth Lodge, No. 54. 
Meet at Masonic Hall, Main Street, Monday Evening's, 
on or before the full of the moon, Harvey W. Weston, 
W M. ; Charles H. Rogers, Secretary. 

ODD FELLOWS. 
May Flower Lodge, No. 54. 

ISIect at Adelphian Hall, High Street, Tuesday Eve- 
ning of each week. Cornelius F. Bradford, N. G. ; Jon- 
athan C. Marstou, V. G. ; John Churchill, Treasurer ; 
Charles P. Hatch, Secretary ; Lemuel Bradford, Per. Sec- 
retary ; George F. Weston, Barnabas Churchill, Benjamin 
Bramhall, Trustees. 

Sagamore Encampment, No. 45. — Meet first and third 
Friday Evenings of each month. Charles H. Rogers, C. 
P. ; Charles L. Jones, H. P. ; Charles P. Hatch, S. W. 
Nehemiah L. Benson, J. W. ; Lemuel Bradford, Scribe ; 
Cornelius F. Bradford, Treasurer. 

Samoset Royal Arch Chapter — Meets first Thursday of 
each month, at Masonic Hall, Main Street. J. C. Fuller. 
M. E. H. P. ; Stevens M. Burbank Jr., Secretary. 

Collingwood Encampment, Post No. 76. G. A. R. 

Meets at Hall, Middle street, Wednesday Evening of 
each week. Charles E. Barnes, Com. ; Frank S. Finney, 
Adjt. and Secy. 

Plymouth Public Library, at Pilgrim Hall, Court street, 
AVilliam T. Davis, Chrm. Board of Managers ; B. A. Hath- 
away, Secretary ; Joseph L. Brown, Librarian. 

Pilgrim Society OiRcers. — President, Hon. AVilliam T. 
Davis, Plymouth; Vice President, Timothy Gordon, Ply- 
mouth ; Corresponding and Recording Secretary, "William 



MARION. 103 

S. Danfortli, Plymonth ; Treasurer, Isaac N. Stoddard, 
Plymouth; Trustees, Thomas Loring, Plymouth, Hon. 
Nathaniel B. Shurtleft', Boston, Charles G. Davis, Ply- 
mouth, Abraham Jackson, Boston, Hon. Edward S. To- 
bey, Boston, L. Baron Russell, Boston, E. C. Sherman, 
Plymouth, Hon. George S. Boutwell, Groton, William 
Savery, Carver, C. O. Churchill, Plymouth, George P. 
Hay ward, Hingham, George G. Dyer. Plymouth, Eichard 
Warren, New York, Benjamin Hathaway, P lymouth, Ellis 
Ames, Canton, William H. Whitman, Plymouth. 

Plymouth Gas Company, Plymouth. Incorporated 
1853, Capital $40,000, President, Winslow Drew, Trens- 
urer,' William S. Danforth. 



MARION. 



This is one of the newest towns in Plymouth county, 
having been incorporated May 14, 1S52, or a little more 
than twenty-one years since, and is that part of the an- 
cient and time-honored town of Eochester, formerly called 

Marion is about four miles in its medium width and 
length, and therefore contains about sixteen square niles. 

This town contributed 40 soldiers to the Union army in 
the late war of the '* great Rebellion," and 23 seamen to 
the navy. 

It was in what is now Marion, that Awashonks, the 
squaw Sachem of the Taconet Indians, with her tribe 
were encampedwhen found by Captain Benjamin Church, 
and concerning which lie made mention in his very inter- 
esting narrative, (first published more than a century and 
a half ago), in these words. " Some were running races 
on horse back ; some playing foot ball ; some were catch- 
ing eels and flat fish, and others plunging and frolicking 
in the waves." 

Here too it was that this gallant native American Queen 
so cordially received the brave and enterprising officer, 
this truly good and great man, and entertained him, with 
fried eels, bass, flat fish and shell fish ; and around a huge 
blazing fire, she and her people entered into a solemn 



104 HISTORY OF TO^VNS. 

league of pence with, aud pledged their allegiance to, the 
English. 

The circumstances of that event, were doubtless greatly 
felt, and deemed more or less disastrous in their conse- 
quences, to King Philip and his cause, severing him, as this 
did, from a tribe on Avhom he had hoped to rely as ever 
faithful allies. 

At no great distance from this historic spot, while the 
early white settlers were worshipping God, in a <' * corn 
house" the native Indians were performing their noisy Avor- 
ship of spirits around a huge rock, the same hour sometimes 
by both nations being assigned to these exercises. 

As Rochester sent to the field of strife two companies 
of soldiers to battle for the patriot cause, on that ever 
memorable occasion, known as the "Lexington Alarm," 
and afterward acted well her part in the desperate strug- 
gles of the " war for independence," doubtless that part 
now Marion did its share of the fighting, and endured in 
conmion Avith the parent town that suflering incident and 
inseparable from the trying scenes of those terrible times, 
that above all others in this country, Avere said to have 
" tried men's souls,'' and lead us Avith the poet to exclaim, 

" God bless our ancient fathers, 
Their lot was hard enough." 

But just such however as Avas required to fit and prepare 
them, for the troubles they Avere called to meet, the dan- 
gers they so bravely met, and hardships so nobly endured 
and Avhich " kept the kernel in the shell. The British found 
so tough." 

To the local militia of the county, the old " train 
band" in that part of Rochester now Marion, furnished 
the folloAving named field Ofiicers : 

Colonel, l3avid HathaAvay of the Fifth Regiment in 
Second Brigade Fifth Division, from 1826 to 1829. 

Lieutenant Colonel, Gilbert IlathaAvayf of the fourth 
Regiment in First Brigade, Fifth Division, from 1839 to 
April 24, 1840. 

Majors, David Hathaway of the fourth Regiment First 
Brigade Fifth Division, from 1823 to 1826. 

Gilbert HathaAvay of fourth Regiment from 1837 to 1839. 

* That which became a church edifice, was built by Samuel Kiggs, 
for a corn house. 

t Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Hathaway, was a son of Colonel David 
Hathaway. Gilbert went to Michigan, where he was a State Senator. 



MARION. 105 

Names of Marion men who laid down their lives for the 
cause of their country in the late war of the great rebellion : 

Eighteenth jNIassachusetts Regiment, imder Colonel Jas. 
Barnes, Company C. Jesse L. Swift, died December 1, 
1864, and Nathan II. Weeks ; both died of disease. 

Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Company A. Ben- 
jamin D. Clifton, killed in battle. 

Twenty Ninth ]\Iassachusetts Regiment, Colonel Eben- 
czer ^Y. Pcirecf ; Company A., Richard Gurney, killed in 
battle. 

Third IMassachusetts Regiment, | Company E. Andrew 
T. Pratt, killed in battle. 

Ninth New Hampshire Regiment, Company I. Joseph 
Davis, died in rebel prison. 

Of the sufferings of these brave men, it becomes us to 
be mindful, and often to recall, and to acknowledge, theii* 
great worth and sterling virtues, and thus give evidence 
of the truth that — 

" The gallant man, though slain in fight he be, 
Yet leaves his country safe, his nation free, 
Entails a debt on all the grateful State ; 
His own brave friends shall glory in his fate, 
His wife live honored and his race succeed 
And late posterity enjoy the deed." Pope's Homer. 



MARION TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector — Chas. H. Dulano, 
James Blackenship. 

Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of the Poor — J. S. Luce, 
Obed Delano, Horatio N. Washburn. • 

Constables — Daniel Hall, Charles D. Ellis, Herring "In- 
spector, Elijah Brayley. 

CHURCHES, SOCIETIES, &c. 
Congregational Church — Rev. C. A. Kingsbury, Pastor. 
Universalist Church — Henry C. Vose, Pastor. 
Methodist Episcopal Church — No settled Pastor. 

t Colonel E. W. Peirce, while leading the 29th Regiment at the bat- 
tle of White Oak Swamp, June 30, 1862, had his right arm torn off by 
a cannon ball, that cut it off at the shoulder, and of which wound he 
was off duty only 30 days. 

% The Third Massachusetts Regiment went out twice, during the 
war, once as a three month's Regiment, and once for nine months. 

The 18th, 20th, and 29th, were Three years Regiments. 
14 



106 mSTORT OF TOWNS. 

Protestant Methodist Church — No settled Pastor. 

Masonic, Pythegorian Lodge — Meets at Freemasons Hall, 
Job A. T. Eddy, W. M. Joseph Blackenship, Secretary. 

Societies — Marion Library Association. 

Natural History Society. 

These two institutions -were founded by the munificence of 
Mrs. Elizabeth Taber. 

Population, 898. 



EAST BRIDGEWATER. 

This part of old Bridgewatcr, set off in 1823, was not 
much settled till about 1685. At that time there was a 
horse-bridge over Matficld river, now called " John's 
river." John Howard, Jr. resided on the banks of this 
stream, and had for his neighbors, Samuel Allen, William 
Brett, Isaac Harris, Jonathan Hill, Thomas Whitman, and 
Samuel Allen, Jr. 

The East Parish was formed in 1723, at the East end 
of the North Parish, now called " AVest Parish," and sev- 
eral families of the South Parish were joined to the above 
named families, viz., Barna Seabur}^ Thomas Latham, 
Nicholas Wade, Nathaniel Harden, Charles Latham, Thos. 
Hooper, William Conant, Isaac Lazell, and Joseph AYash- 
burn, and altogether they constituted the Precinct called 
the " East Parish," which is now East Bridge water. Their 
first minister was Rev. John Angier, ordained here in 
1724. He died in 1787, after 63 j'cars of service, and 
was succeeded by his son Samuel, ordained in 1763. The 
next minister was Rev. James Flint, ordained in 1806. 

Beaver and Satuckct rivers, branches of Taunton river, 
supply good water power and mill privileges, which are 
improved by various kinds of mills for manufacturing, as 
cotton, ir(5n, shoes, nails, tacks, carriages, sashes, boxes, 
&c. 

There are two vilkiges in the town. A l)ranch of the 
Old Colony Railroad extending from South Abington to 
Bridgewatcr, passes near one of the villages. Distance 
from Boston, 26 miles. 

Population, 3,019. 



EAST BRIDGEWATER. 107 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

In annual town meeting "\V. II. Osboruo was chosen 
Moderator. 

Town Clerk — Jacob A. Rogers. 

Selectmen — Elijah Latham, Moses Bates, Jacob A. 
Rogers. 

Treasurer — Isaac N. Nutter. 

School Committee — Asa S. Whitman, Ezra Kingman, 
Rev. A. Dodge, for three, Jarvis Burrell for one, year. 

Collector — Ezra S. Whitmarsh. 

Fish Committee — Samuel Keith, W. H. Osborne, B. 
L. By ran. 

Constables — Sidney Packard, Benjamin Liddell, J. H. 
Scribner. 

Voted for Repair of Roads and Bridges ; $3,500, of this 
sum $200 to be apportioned among the highway districts. 
For Removing Snow $200; Support of Poor $1850, Inci- 
dental Expenses and Abatement of Taxes, $450 ; Town 
Officers and Committees $1000, Support of Schools $5,500, 
School Incidentals $600, other School Purposes $600, Pay- 
ment of Town debt $3000. Decoration of Soldier Graves 
$100. Voted the sum of $100 to be expended by the Fish 
Commissioners. Voted that upon all taxes unpaid after 
October 1st., interest be charged at the rate of one per 
cent per mouth, and that all taxes unpaid Jan. 1st., be put 
in due course of law for collection. No discount to be 
made. 

CHURCHES. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. George W. Ander- 
son, Pastor; William B. Hall, Secretary; Samuel F. 
White, Treasurer; Rev. W. F. Farriugtou, Supt. of Sun- 
day School ; Francis Hayward, Samuel F. White, Frank- 
lin Edson, Joseph Mills, Jotham Ilicks, Benjamin R. Rob- 
inson, George T. Mitchell, Cephas Perry, George Elwell, 
Stewards ; Francis Haywurd, Samuel F. White, Waldo 
Hayward, Jotham Hicks, George T. Mitchell, Franklin 
Edson, William Keene, Benjamin R. Robinson, Trustees. 

First Parish (Unitarian), Church — Rev. John W. Quim- 
by. Pastor ; Azor Harris, Charles Rogers, Deacons ; F. S. 
Strong, Robert Young, J. N. Nutter, Parish Committee ; 
Robert Young, Collector and Treasurer. 

New Jerusalem Church — Elmwood Village, Rev. T. 
O. Paine, Pastor ; Thomas Couant, Leader ; L. W. Rich- 



108 HISTORY OP TOWNS. 

ards, S. W. Kcenc, Georire A. West, Thomas Conant, Cru- 
dential Committee; S. W. Keene, Clerk; Samuel Shaw, 
Jr., Treasurer. 

Catholic Church. — (Union and Bedford). Organized 
1862. 

Union Congregational Church, of East and West Bridge- 
water, (Pleasant, near Central) , Organized June 20.1826. 

GOOD TEMPLARS. 

Amaranth Lodge, No. 225. I. O. of G. T. Instituted 
December 20, 1866. Meets every Wednesday evening, 
at the Methodist Vestry. Number of members, 125. 
Officers for term ending August 1st, 1873. GeorgeF. 
Hayward, W. C. T. ; Emma Grow, W.V. T. ; Isaac S. 
Gardner, W. S. ; Minot F. Severance, W. F. S. ; George 
H. El well, W. T. 

Justin Dimmock Encampment, Post No. 124. G. A. li. 
Francis M. Kingman, Commander. 

SONS OF TEMPERANCE. 

Well Spring Division, No. 139. Elmwood Village. 
Organized January 12, 1871. 

Johnny Clem Association. — Organized March 20, 1871. 
Named after John Clem, the drummer boy of Shiloh. Ob- 
ject is to aflbrd assistance to any patriotic purpose. 



HALIFAX. 

This town was incorporated July 4, 1734, and named 
for the Earl of Halifax. 

It was within the present limits of this town, that the 
Nimrod of the red man in 1676, " captured the Moupou- 
setts and brought them in, not one escaping." 

Tradition accords to one Thomas Holmes the distinction 
of Pioneer, or earliest settler in what is now Halifax. 

The first church edifice erected in Avhat is now Halifax, 
was built in 1733. Kev. John Cotton, some^\hat cele- 
brated as an historian, was the first pastor of the church 
gathered here. His successors in the ministerial office 

* Captain and afterward Colonel Benjamin Church, that mighty 
hunter of the Indians.. 



HALIFAX. 109 

have been Rev. Williiim Patten, Rev. Epliraim Briggs, 
Rev. Abel Richmond, Rev. E. S. Howe, Rev. Mr. How- 
laud and Rev. Mr. Kimball, Rev. Mr. Brainard, and Rev. 
Wm. A. Forbes. 

Probably the first commission ever granted to any per- 
son residing in what is now Halifax, was that conferred 
upon John Thompson, in or about 1677. All the militia 
of the Old Colony (now counties of Bariistable, Bristol 
and Plymouth), were then embodied in one regiment. 
Lieut. John Thompson was by trade a carpenter. 

His house was burned by the Indians, in *' Kiug Philip's 
war," that by just a century preceded that of the " Rev- 
olution" or " war for independence." 

His guu, <' lock, stock, and barrel," measured 7 feet 4 1-2 
inches in leugth, and this interesting " heir loom," is now 
possessed by his lineal descendant in the eighth genera- 
tion. Captain Ephraim B. Thompson, of Halifax. 

Halifox furnished the following named soldiers for the 
" continental army" in the Revolutionary War. 

Nathaniel Holmes, James Tillson, Josiah Thompson, 
Prince Witherell, Consider Pratt, Homer Sears, Zebediah 
Thompson, Joshua Fonner, Elisha Faxon, Joseph Tillson, 
and Richard Bosworth. 

This town has the oldest Infantry company in the State. 
The Halifax Light Infantry as it is called, was gotten 
up and organized about ninety years ago, and has per- 
formed duty in the field in two wars, viz., that of the last 
war with England, that commenced in 1812, and the war 
of the "great Rebellion", 1861. Captain Joseph S. Har- 
low led the company in the three months' service, viz., 
from April to July 1861. He was afterward commis- 
sioned Captain of a company raised in the State of Maine, 
and in leadiug which lost his life on the battle field. 

Halifax was formerly the scene of stirring events in the 
history of military operations, most of the Brigade mus- 
ters, that formerly came off in the county were held at 
Halifax. 

Brigadier General Isi-acl Fearing of AVareham brought 
out all the militia of Plymouth county, on a field near 
the " widow Dunbar's" in Halifax, in the autumn of 1803, 
and Brigadier General Ephraim Ward, of Middleborough 
thus assembled Plymouth County Brigade, on Major Thos. 
Drew's farm in Sept. 1826, and on Isaac Thompson's farm 
in the mouth of October 1828. 



110 HALIFAX. 

In the three months' service of 1861, the Halifax Infan- 
try was Company A. in third Kegiment, commanded by 
Colonel David W. Wardrop, and in the Brigade of Brig- 
adier General Ebenezer W. Peirce. It was sent to For- 
tress Munroe. 



HALIFAX TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk — Edwin Inglce. 

Selectmen, Assessors and overseers of the Poor — Ed- 
Avin Inglee, Abram Bonrue, Martin Howland. 

Constable, and Agent of Society for Prevention of 
Cruelty to Animals — W. H. Crocker. 

CHURCHES. 
Baptist Church — No settled Pastor. 
Congregational Church — No settled Pastor. 
Universalist Church — No settled Pastor. 
Population, 619. 



DUXBURY. 



This town is situated six miles north from Plymouth, 
and thirty south-east from Boston. Its Indian name was 
Mattakeeset. 

The first settlement was in the southern part of the 
town, near Plymouth, where the soil is good. The first 
church stood near the water. The village is on elevated 
ground, mostly along a street two miles in length. Blue- 
fish river crosses the northern part of the village. Cap- 
tain's Hill, part of the farm of the renowned Miles Stand- 
ish, is about two miles south from the centre of the town. 

It is bounded on the east by the bay three miles in f 
width. 

The inhal>itants are engaged in commercQ, fisheries, 
ship-building, and the coast trade. Also considerable 
manufacturing is carried on. 

Miles Standish. 
Captain Standish, the military hero, settled in Duxbury 
in 1630. He pi'obably gave the town its name, from Dux- 



DUXBUEY. Ill 

bury Hall, the ancient seat of his family. He was born 
in Lancashire, Eng'lancl, about 1584, and belonged to a 
prominent family, being himself, sometime a soldier in the 
Netherlands. Duxbury was incorporated in 1637. Capt. 
Standish was sent to England in 1625, as agent of the 
Colony. 

Captain Standish was elected an Assistant in 1633, and 
re-elected several times. He held other prominent offices. 
But his great f:ime arises from the brave, and dauntless 
manner in which he performed his part in the early strug- 
gles of our pilgrim fathers. Though small of stature, he 
possessed a spirit equal to every emergency. No giant 
ever bore himself more fearlessly l)cfore his warlike foes. 
A splendid monument is soon to l)c erected to the memory 
of Captain Standish, near where he lived and died. 

William Collieu. 

One of the early founders of Duxbury was AVillium 
Collier, formerly a London merchant, who Avas admitted 
to the freedom of the Colonial Government, and received 
the oath of fidelity Jan., 1633. In 1634, he was taxed 
£2. 05s, that is, more than any other person except Edw. 
Winslow. 

At this time, in the Court Records, he is styled " Mr.' 
the only others.so styled being Wm. Bradford, and Wm. 
Brewster. Jan. 1, 1634-5, he was elected Assistant. July 
5, 1635, he was appointed with 4 others to collect money 
to build a mill with. The ten following years he Avas an- 
nually chosen Assistant. Li 1642, he was elected AAith 
EdAV. Winslow to go to Mass. Bay to treat about the com- 
bination of the two Colonies against the Lidians. 

These Iaa'o men had authority to subscribe and seal the 
articles of Confederation between Massachusetts, Connec- 
ticut and NcAv Haven. He Avas one of the Council of War. 
He died at his home in Duxbury at an advanced age. His 
wife's name Avas Jane. 

Li 1646, he Avas on a committee to draw up the Excise, 
in 57, one of the committee appointed by the Court to re- 
view the Laws and reduce them to such order, as they 
mijrht conduce to the benefit of the Government. 

This town helped to fill the quota or furnish the number 
of men required to be sent out to the neighboring colony of 
Rhode Island, under the command of Captain Michael Peirce 
of Scituatc, about three months after the great battle Avith 
the Indians in the " Narragansett country," and in an engage- 



112 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

ment wltli the Indians led by Qonanchet in person, tliat came 
off near the present village of Pawtucket, the following named 
Duxbury men were slain. Joseph Spraguc, Benjamin Soule, 
Thomas Hunt, and Joshua Fobes. March 26, 1676, was the 
date of that sanguinary battle in which both the Captain and 
Lieutenant of the company were also killed. 

Isaac Pcirce of Duxbury, was a soldier in the Narragan- 
sett Expedition of " King PhilKp's War." lie removed to 
that part of Middlcborough now Lakeville, when on the 
28th of February, 1732, he died, being in the 71st year of 
his age. 

In anticipation of the Revolutionary struggle, a com- 
pany of " Minute Men" was formed in Duxbury in 
1773. Ichabod Alden was made Captain ; Andrew Samp- 
son, Lieut. ; and Judah Alden, Ensign ; Samuel Loring, 
Peter Bradford, John Hanks, and Daniel Loring, Ser- 
geants ; Joshua Ciishing, and James Sh«,w, Corporals ; 
John Drew, Drummer; Amherst Alden, Eifer ; Private 
Soldiers : Samuel Alden, Thomas Chandler, Samuel 
Chandler, Thomas Dawes, Nathaniel Delano, Luther De- 
lano, Barzilla Delano, Thomas Delano, Seraiah Glass, 
Peter Gulliver, John Glass, John Oldham, John Osyer, 
Kimball Ripley, Thaddeus Ripley, John Southworth, 
Joshua Sprague, Thomas Sprague, Samuel Sprague, Uriah 
Sprague, William Sampson, Ichabod S^ampson, Joseph 
Wadsworth, Charles Thomas, Prince Thomas, Consider 
Thomas, Wait Wadsworth, Seneca Wadsworth. 

This, with other companies of minute men of the differ- 
ent towns in Plymouth Count}^, were formed into a Regi- 
ment, and Theophilus Cotton of Plymouth, commissioned 
Colonel, Ichabod Alden of Duxbury, Lieutenant Colonel, 
and Ebcnezer Sprout ot Middlcborough, Major. 

A portion of this Regiment were assembled on the 20th 
of April 1775, to attack the forces of Captain Balfour of 
the British Army, sent out from Boston to awe the pa- 
triots of Plymouth County. 

May 1, 1775, four companies were sent to Plymouth, 
and these remained until the first of September. 

September 1, 1775, Colonel Theophilus Cotton of Ply- 
mouth, with his regiment, went to Roxbury, and formed a 
part of the d(?tachment ordered to throw up entrench- 
ments on Dorchester Heights, March 4, 1776. 

Tlic field and Staff of this Regiment at that time con- 
sisted of Theophilus Cotton of Plymouth, Colonel: Ich- 



DUXBURY. 115 

abod Alden of Duxbury, Lieutenant Colonel ; Joshua 
Thomas, Adjutant; John Cotton Jr., Quarter Master; 
William Thomas, Surgeon ; John Thomas, Surgeon's Mate. 
Company Officers. Captains, Thomas Matthew, Earl 
Clapp, John Bradford, John Brigham, Joshua Benson, 
Isaac Wood of Middleborough, Peleg Wadsworth, Amos 
Wade of Middleborough, Samuel Bradford, Edward Ham- 
mond. Lieutenants, Nathaniel Lewis, Isaac Pope, Jesse 
Sturtevant, Edward Sparrow, of Middleborough, William 
Thompson, Abiel Townscud of Middleborough, Seth 
Drew, Archelaus Cote, Andrew Sampson, Timothy Rug- 
gles. Ensigns, Benjamin AVaruer, Charles Church, Thos. 
Sampson, Nehemiah Cobb, James Smith, Foxwell Thomas, 
Joseph Sampson, Lemuel Wood, Judah Alden, Nathan 
Sears. 



TOWN OFFICEHS. 

Hambleton E. Smith, Moderator. 

Town Clerk — Josiah Peterson. 

Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of the Poor, Surveyors 
of Highways, Constables, and Board of Health — Thomas 
Chandler, Charles H. Chandler, Samuel Atwell. 

Treasurer and Collector of Taxes — Frederic C. Sher- 
man. 

Appropriated $3000 for schools, $2,500 for the poor, 
$3,575 for roads, $7,37G for debt and interest; total 
$16,451. 

Population in 1870, 2,341. 

CHURCHES. 
Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. J. W. Smith, Pastor. 
Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. B. Otheman, Pastor. 
Unitarian Church — Rev. J. Moore, Pastor. 
Congregational Church — No settled Pastor. 



SCITUATE. 



The Indian name was Satuk, (Cold Brook), the name of 
a stream here. It is at the mouth of North river, which 
flows into Massachusetts Bay. The first settlement was made 
about 1633, by people from Kent, England. 
15 



114 mSTORY OF TOWNS. 

Timothy Hatherly was a principal founder of the town. 

He built a saw mill here as early as 1G56, on Herring 
Brook. 

Scituate suffered much during King Philip's war, 19 houses 
being burnt by the savages. 

Robert Hicks. 

There are many fine villages in the town, which extend 
back a long distance from the bay. 

South Scituate was incorporated in 1849, as a separate 
town. The population of Scituate in 1870, 2,350. 

Robert Hicks was in 16 18, a dealer in hides and leather, 
in London, England. He came over in the Fortune in 1621. 
This was the second vessel, that arrived at Plymouth. He 
had one acre of land assigned him beyond the first brook at 
Plymouth. Thomas Prence's acre was in the same locality. 

August 29, 1638, Clement Briggs of Weymouth, felmon- 
ger, deposed, that " Mr. Hicks about 22 years ago was ac- 
customed to pull 300 sheeps' pelts a week and sell them for 
40 shillings per hundred." Mr. Plicks then carried on this 
business of a felmonger in Burm.undsy street, Southwark, 
and Briggs was acquainted with his servant, Thomas Harlow, 
with whom he often conversed in regard to the matter. This 
statement of Briggs was sworn to before Governor Prence 
and William Bradford, Assistant, the date above mentioned, 
1638. 

Mr. Hicks, in 1639, styled " of Plymouth, planter/' sold 
to hi§ eldest son, Samuel his house, outhouses, and garden 
plot in Plymouth, with 4 acres of land lying on the south side 
of the town, also 8 acres on the north side, together with all 
the meadow at High Pines and Island Creek, being 7 acres; 
also 3 cows. 

It is stated in the Plymouth memorial, that Robert Hicks, 
at an early day, was a merchant of Plymouth, and occupied 
the Allyne House. 

In 1632, he was foreman of a jury. The next year his tax 
was 18 shillings. He settled at Duxbury before 1634. Sub- 
sequently he removed to Scituate, and died March 24, 1647, 
at Plymouth, leaving a will dated 28 May, 1645, in which he 
mentions his grand sons John Bangs, and John AVatson, and 
makes bequests to them. Mr. Hicks's first wife was Eliza- 
beth, and his second ^Margaret, who survived him. Her will 
is dated in 1665. Her son-in-law George Watson admin- 
istered upon her estate. In 1661, there was a diflference be- 
tween her and her son Samuel about the will of his father 



SCITUATE. 115 

Robert, and certain goods and chattels of Robert and Marga- 
ret's youngest son Ephralm, and it was agreed between them 
that Samuel should pay his mother ten pounds and loave the 
" winescot bedstead, and the table in the hall to remain to 
the house as now it stands," the house reverting to him at 
his mother's decease. 

Both he and his mother were apparently dwelling in the 
house at this time. Ephraim died in 1649, and his estate 
was used for the support of his mother by order of the court 

In 1660, George Watson, petitioned the Court in behalf 
of his son John WatsoYi, and his nephew John Bangs, lega 
tees of Robert Hicks, that Mr. H.'s name might be entered 
on the records as the purchaser of lands at " Cushena and 
Acoacksett" in place of Samuel Hicks, the son, which had 
been erroneously inserted. By Mrs. Hicks's will it appears 
that she was the mother of the children. So I suppose 
Robert's first wife, Elizabeth, died early. 

The John Bangs above-mentioned was son of Edward, who 
came over in the Anne, the third vessel, in 1623. Edward 
had married a daughter of Robert Hicks. He settled at 
Eastham, and there is a notice of him in the sketch of that 
town. 

Edmund Chandler. 

In 1633, Edmund Chandler owned land in Duxbnry near 
to that of Robert Hicks, which he sold in 1634. He was 
chosen constable in 1636-7. About this time he is called 
'< yeoman." In 1643, he was of Duxbury, under 60 years of 
age. 

He removed to Scituate before 1650, and died there in 
1662, leaving a will, by which he bequeathed to his aaugh- 
ters Sarah, Anna, and Mary, lands in Barbadoes. Pie had 
other sons and daughters. 

He represented Duxbury in the Colonial Court in 1639. 
Jonathan Brewster being the other Representative. Chand- 
ler was also Representative in 1643 and 1645. 

Richard Higgins, a sketch of whom may found under East- 
ham, married Mr. Chandler's daughter Lydia, Dec. 11, 1634. 

The following named Scituate men fell in battle near what 
is now Pawtucket, Rhode Island, March 26, 1676, under the 
lead of Captain Michael Peirce of this town, and while en- 
gaged with the Indians who were led by the famous chieftain 
Conanchet, in person. Captain Michael Peirce, Samuel Rus- 
sell, Benjamin Chittenden, John Lothrop, Gershom Dodson, 
Samuel Pratt, Thomas Savery, Joseph Wade, William Wil- 



116 HISTORY OF TO"\VNS. 

come, Jeremiah Barstow, John Ensign, Joseph Cowen, Joseph 
Perry, and Joseph Kousc. These were killed outright, and 
Thomas Mann, severely wounded. Captain Michael Peirce 
was a brother of William Peirce who made the first almanac 
that was published in this country, for the year 1639. Cap- 
tain William Peirce was killed by a cannon ball at the island 
of New Providence, in 1641. lie was leading an expedition 
fitted out by the colony of " INIassachusetts Bay." A lineal 
descendent of Captain Michael Peirce, and bearing his sur- 
name, led one of the companies of the patriot army sent from 
Mass. to aid in the defence of Phodc Island, in the war of the 
American Revolution, one hundred years after Captain Michael 
fell, at the head of Plymouth Colony forces, upon the soil 
of the same colony (and now State) of Rhode Island, and a 
Captain named William Peirce was killed by a cannon ball 
at the siege of Louisburg, 1746. 



SCITUATE TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk. — James L. Merritt. 

Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor. — George 
C. Lee, William H. Litchfield, Thomas Tilden. 

School Committee. — Caleb W. Prouty, Joseph O. Cole, 
A. J. Waterman, Joseph Bailey, John W. Bailey, Nathaniel 
J. Vinal. 

Constables. — E. C. Gardner, Edward James, J. B. Turner. 

CHURCHES. 
Unitarian Church — Rev. Nicholas P. Oilman, Pastor. 
Baptist Church — Rev. Thomas L. Rogers, Pastor. 
Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. C. S. Nutter, Pastor. 
Congregational Church — No settled Pastor. 
Population, 2,350. 



HANOVER. 



Incorporated in 1727. Settled in 1649. It was taken 
mostly from Scituate. The name comes from King George 
I, who was previously Duke of Hanover. 

Hanover is noted for its pleasant country residences. 

Rev. John S. Barry published a history of the town in 1853. 



HANO\'ER. 117 

The first minister was Rev. Benjamin Bass, ordained in 
1728. The next was Rev. Samuel Baldwin, dissmissed in 
1780. Then came Rev. John Mellen, succeeded by Rev. 
Calvin Chaddock. 

The soil is quite productive, white oak and pine trees grow 
here. 

Hanover Academy was erected in 1807. This town has a 
good Revolutionary record. The Artillery company was 
formed in 1798. 

Population according to ccn&us of 1870, l,(i28. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk and Treasurer. — Bernard Damon. 

Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor. — Hon. 
Jedediah Dwelley, Robert S. Church, Henry J. Curtis. 

School Committee. — Hon. Jedediah Dwelley, Henry J. 
Curtis, William H. Brooks. 

Constable. — Theodore Dyer. 

Road Commissioners. — Hon. Jedediah Dwelley, James 
Cushman, George B. Oldham. 

CHURCHES, &c. 

First Congregational Church. — Rev. Cyrus W. Allen, 
Pastor. 

Second Congregational Church — Rev. T. D. P. Stone, 
Pastor. 

Baptist Church^ Rev. Andrew Reed, Pastor. 

St. Andrews Episcopal Church — W. H. Brooks, Pastor. 

Hanover Academy — Rev. T. D. P. Stone, Principal. 

Masonic. Phoenix Lodge, U. D. F. A. M. — Officers for 
1873. F. P. Arnold, W. M. ; George B. Oldham, S. W. ; 
James Ford, J. W. ; E. M. Sweeney, Treasurer ; R. S. Tal- 
bot, Secretary ; R. C. Waterman, S. D. ; S. Bailey, J. D. ; 
F. Howard, S. S. ; M. C. Bailey, J. S. ; F. A. Davis, Mar- 
shall ; J. Cudworth, Tyler. 

Joseph E. Wilder Encampment, Post No. 83, G. A. R. 
Meets at Town Hall, last Tuesday evening in each month, 
M. V. Bonnev, Comr. 



118 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

SOUTH SCITUATE. 

Incorporated in 1849, being originally a part of Scitu- 
ate. Robert Stetson was the first settler, receiving a grant 
of land here as early as 1634. He built a mill "in 165G, 
on Herring Brook, and was accounted a rich man. 

The mill was burned by the Indians in 16T6, but the 
remains of the dam may be seen yet. Much ship build- 
ing has been carried on upon North River ; and vessels 
Ijuilt here are strong, as the oak of the neighborhood is 
tough and sound. 

Some of the conspicuous families have been the Cope- 
lands, Delanos, Stetsons, Taylors, Tildens, Curtises and 
Fosters. Population 1^661. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk and Treasurer — E. T. Fogg. 
Selectmen — C. A. Litchfield, E. Stowell,T. B. Water 
man. 

CHURCHES. 

Unitarian Church — Rev. William H. Fish, Pastor. 
Universalist Church — Rev. J. B. Tabor, Pastor. 
Methodist Episcopal Church — No settled Pastor. 



KINGSTON 



This town, formerly the " North End'^ of Plymouth, was 
set otf as a separate parish in 1717, by the name of Jones' 
River. The Captain of the Mayflower was Jones. Hence 
the name of the river ; just as Clarke's Island was so 
called from the mate of the Mayflower, as I suppose. 

The town was incorporated by the name of Kingston in 
1726. It is 4 1-2 miles from Plymouth, on the Old Colony 
Railroad, has a good harbor, and is considerably engaged 
in commerce. 

Some of the most noted of the pilgrim fathers had 
their homes in what is now Kingston. 



KINGSTON. 119 

Here dwelt Gov. Bratlford for a time at least, and his 
son Major "William of the Indian wars, lived and died here. 

He built what is now the Sampson House. Here he 
kept the precious writings of his father, among them the 
history of New Plymouth, which remained in manuscript 
till 1855. Elder Thomas Cushman lived here, also John 
Howland, Samuel Fuller, Francis Cooke, and Edw. Gray. 
Population, 1605. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk — Nathan Brooks. 

Selectmen and Assessors — Edward Gray, Aldcn S. 
Bradford, John F. Holmes. 

Treasurer and Collector — Nathan Brooks. 

School Committee — Philander Cobb, Frank H. Holmes, 
Augustus Simmons, Asa C. Hammond, William H. Myrick, 
Lucius Hay ward. 

Superintendent of Schools — Wylie R. Ellis. 

Overseers of Poor — Josiah Cushman, Spencer Drew, 
Davis W. Bowker. 

Constables — George H.Sampson, Cyrus W. Eiplej'. 

CHURCHES. 

First Congregational Society, (Unitarian) — Rev C. Y. 
De Normandie, Pastor. 

Second Congregational Society, (Trinitarian) — Rev. 
eloseph Peckham, Pastor. 

Baptist Society — Rev. T. W. Crawley, Pastor. 



HINGHAM. 



Settled about 1635, by people from Hingham, in Norfolk, 
England. Among them were the Gilmans, Folsoms, and 
Leavitts, who soon removed to Exeter, N. H. 

The Lincolns and Cushings of Hingham have always 
been very prominent families. 

Barber gives a long list of the names of early settlers, 
among them, many distinguished in the annals of our State. 
See Barbefs Hist. Colls, page 504. 

Rev. Peter Hobart was the first minister, and officiated 



120 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

nearly 40 years, then Kev. John Norton preached here 
nearly 38 years. Next Dr. Ebenezer Gay was pastor 68 
years and Dr. Henry Ware from 1787 to 1805, when he 
was appointed Professor at Harvard University. 

Major General Benjamin Lincoln, of the Revolution, was 
born here January 24th, 1732-3, and died May 8, 1810. 

The village of Hinghani is at the head of a bay, which is 
an arm of Massachusetts Bay. 

In King Philip's war, the town suffered in some degree 
from the Indians. Three forts were built. Soldiers were 
raised for the war, of which mention is made in the town 
records. Population, 4,422. 

The " Lincoln Light Infantry Company," of Hingham 
named in honor of Major General Lincoln, responded to the 
" first call" for soldiers made by the country in the late war 
of the •' Great Rebellion." Three hours after the orders 
were received, the company had assembled and was ready 
for duty. 

Under Gaptain Stephenson this company proceeded to 
Boston, from whence as Company H. of the fourth regi- 
ment of Mass. Infiintry, under Colonel Abner B. Pack- 
ard of Quincy, went to Fortress Munroe in Virginia, and 
performed a tour of duty three mouths in the three months' 
service, so called ; the tourth regiment forming a part of 
Brigadier General Ebenezer W. Peirce's Brigade. 

Roll of the " Lincoln Light Infantry Company," in the 
3 months' service in Virginia, commencing in April, and 
ending in July, 1861 : 

Luther Stephenson Jr., Captain ; Charles Sprague, Lieu- 
tenant ; NathanielFreuch Jr., Second Lieutenant ; Joshua 
Morse, Peter N. Sprague, Lyman B. Whiton, and Henry 
Stephenson, Sergeants ; Henry S. Ewer, George W. 
Bibby, George R. Read, and William S. Whiton, Corpo- 
rals ; Samuel Brousdon, Musician. Commissioned 3, 
Non Commissioued and Musicians 9, Privates 67, total 79. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk — Charles N. Mar!.h. 

Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of the Poor and Sur- 
veyors of Highways — Scth L. Hobart, Seth Sprague, De 
Witt C. Bates. 

Treasurer — William Fearing, 2d. 



HINGHAM. 121 

Collector — Andrew J. Gardner. 

School Committee — Ilawkes Fearing, Allen G. Jen- 
nings, Henry Siders, John C. Gardner, Ednumd Her- 
sey 2d, Joseph Sprague, Calvin A. Lincoln, John D. Long, 
John Gushing, Henry Stephenson, J. Winthrop Spooner. 

Superintendent of Schools — A. G. Jennings. 

Constables — George E. Turner, Charles 11. Cook, Grid- 
ley F. Hersey. 

CHURCHES, SOCIETIES, &c. 

Baptist Church, Main street — Rev. J. Tilson, Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, North street — Rev. James 
H. Nutting, Pastor. 

Universalist Church, North street — Rev. D. P. Liver- 
more, Pastor. 

First Congregational Unitarian Church, Main street — 
Rev. Calvin A. Lincoln, Pastor. 

Second Congregational Unitarian Church, Main street. 
South Hinghara — Rev, A. G. Jennings, Pastor. 

Third C(mgregational Unitarian Church, North street — 
Rev. W. G. Todd, Pastor. 

Congregational Trinitarian Church, Main street, Hing- 
ham Centre — Rev. Mr. Garvin, Pastor. 

St. Paul's Catholic Church, North street — Rev. Hugh 
P. Smyth, Pastor. 

Edwin Humphrey Encampment, Post No. 104. G. A. 
R. Hall at Hiugham Centre. Peter N. Sprague, Com. 

Hingham Public Library, Hingham Centre. Hon. Solo- 
mon Lincoln, Piesident ; Henry Siders, Librarian. 

Hingham Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Agri- 
cultural Building, East and Leavitt streets, Hingham Cen- 
tre. Hon. Hlbert Fearing, President ; Henry Siders, Sec. 

Masonic. Old Colony Lodge. Meets Tuesday evening, 
on or before the full moon of each month, at Freemason's 
Hall, South street. Jason W. Whitney, W. M. ; H. M. 
Perkins, Secretary 

16 



122 iaisTORY OF towns, 

MARSHPIELD. 

This place was formerly a part of Plymouth, and called 
Rexham. 

Peregrine White, the first born of the Pilgrim settlers, 
lived and died here. His death occurred July 20, 1704, at 
the age of 83 years. Governor Edward Winslow also dwelt 
in this town, as well as his brother Kenelm. It was incor- 
porated in 1640. The two rivers of Marshfield arc North 
river and South river. The former separates it from Scituate 
on the north. 

Here are large tracts of salt marsh of much value, which 
are frequented by many varieties of Sea fowl. 

The business of Marsfield is commercial, agricultural and 
manufactming. 

Hon. Daniel Webster, the greatorator and statesman, had 
his home here in the south part of the town, about 12 miles 
north of Plymouth, in full view of the sea. Richly cultiva- 
ted fields surround it. He had 1500 acres of land with 
splendid lawns, gardens, arbors, &c. One of his houses was 
that built by Governor Winslow, himself, over 200 years ago. 

Ralph Chapman was of Duxbury in 1640, a ship carpen- 
ter ; but he removed to Marshfield before 1643. Nov. 23, 
1842, he married Lydia, daughter of Isaac Wills or Wells of 
Barnstable, and they had sons and daughters. Their second 
son Isaac, of Barnstable, married Rebecca Leonard, daughter 
of James Leonard of Taunton, " bloomer," that iS; ion 
manufacturer, being the first in the country. Isaac Chapman 
and his wife, Rebecca, had a daughter Lydia, that married 
John Dillingham of Satucket, (Brewster). 

Ralph bound himself in 1645, to keep the Ferry at ^ew 
Harbor in Marshfield, which had previously been kept by 
Robert Barker. 

In 1656, Ralph Chapman complained that he could no 
longer keep the ferry at North River, as it did not pay ; and 
so he was excused, except that he should bring over the 
magistrates of Scituate if they should require it. 

In that expedition in " King Phillip's War," led by Capt- 
ain Michael Peirce of Scituate, the following named Marsh- 
field men fell in battle, just within the limits of the State of 
Rhode Island, March 25th, 1676, then called the " colony 
of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations :" Thomas Lit- 
tle, Joseph Eams, Joseph White, John Burrows, Joseph 
Phillips, Samuel Bump, and John Low. 



MARSHFIELD. 123 

Captain Peirce of Scituate, and his Lieutenant, - Fuller 
of Barnstable being at the same time slain. 

Captain Peirce, as one of his preperations, had just made 
his will, that commenced with these impressive words, 
" Being by the appointment of God, going out to war against 
the Indians, I do ordain this my last Will and Testament; 
and first I commit my ways to the Eternal God." 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk — Daniel Stevens. 

Treasurer — Daniel Stevens. 

Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of Poor — John H. 
Bourne, Luther Magoun, Israel H. Hatch. 

School Committee — John H. Bourne, Col. H. A. Oak- 
man, George M. Baker. 

Constables — Franklin W. Hatch, Judson Ewell. 
Road Commissioners — Charles P. Wright, Frank Ford, 
Marcellus Hatch. 

Collector of Taxes — William C. Oakman. 

CHURCHES. 

First Congregational Church — Rev. Ebenezer Alden Jr, 
Pastor. 

Second Congregational Church — Rev. James C. Sea- 
graves, Pastor. 

Unitarian Church- — Rev. George Leonard, Pastor. 

Methodist Church — Rev. J. H. Humphrey, Pastor. 

First Baptist Church — No settled Pastor. 

Second Baptist Church — Rev. B. W. Gardner, Pastor. 

?»Ia!shfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society — Pres. 
ident, George M. Baker, Marshfield ; Vice Presidents, 
George F. Andrew, Plymouth; Levi Walker, Marshfield. 

Secretaiy, Francis CoUamore, Pembroke. 

Treasurer, Robert H. Moorehead, Marshfield. 

Auditor, John II. Bourne, INIarshfield. 

Population of Marshfield, 1,659. 



124 BISTORT OF TOWNS. 

EASTHAM. 

Here is where the pilgrims first came to purchase Indian 
corn of the natives. The squaws used to cultivate this corn, 
using ale wives for a fertilizer, putting one in each hill. There 
were extensive salt marshes at Nauset, as Eastham was called 
by the Indians. The tribe here were the Nausets. 

The brooks were full of alewives at certain seasons, when 
these fish were going up to the ponds to spawn and when 
they returned to the sea, as their custom is. Shell-fish were 
abundant, the salt marshes produced hay without cultivation; 
several kinds of berries, as huckleberries, cranberries, and blue- 
berries of the best sorts abounded in the wild lands, and wheat 
grew well here in some fertile spots. Hence we may com- 
prehend why this locality was considered a favorable place for 
settlement, even by the wealthiest and most independent fam- 
ilies of the Plymouth pilgrims. Food Avas at hand for man 
and beast, and the highway of the sea was on every side, ready 
to bear commodities to an^ from other ports of the world. 

Nearly the Avhole church of Plymouth at first contem- 
plated removing to Eastham, and the Colony court made a grant 
to the Church, or " to those, that go to dwell at Nauset," of 
"all that tract of land lying between sea and sea, from the 
purchasers' bounds at Namskeket to the herring-brook at Bil- 
lings gate, with said herring-brook and all the meadows on 
both sides of said brook, with great bass pond there and all 
the meadows and islands within the said tract." 

Rev. Enoch Pratt published a brief history of this town 
in 1844. This work employed some of his leisure hours after 
he had retired from the pastorate of the Congregational Church 
at Brewster. Mr. Pratt says the first seven settlers of the 
town were Governor Thomas Prence, Jolin Doane, Nicholas 
Snow, Josias Cook, Richard Higgins, John Smalley, and 
Edward Bangs. Of these very first inhabitants I am de- 
scended from Prence, Higgins, and Bangs. 

The prominent settlers, wdio came immediately afterwards 
were Major John Freeman, Richard Sparrow, Giles Hopkins, 
Thomas Paine, Rev. Thomas Crosby, teacher of the church, 
also Rev. John Mayo, Ensign William Myrick, John Dil- 
lingham, Kenelm A\^inslow, William Twining, Jonathan 
Cobb, Joseph Rogers, Lieut. John Cole, William Nickerson, 
John Young, John Knowles. Of these, the first eight are 
my ancestors ; and I could tell much more about them and 
their descendants than time or space will now permit. 



EASTHAM, 125 

When this town was first settled there were only three 
other towns on the Cape, viz., Sandwich, Barnstable, and 
Yarmouth. It then extended from Yarmouth to within three 
miles of Namskaket, and across the neck from sea to sea. At 
least this was the tract obtained by the okl comers from Ply- 
mouth Court. 

The town was laid out in 1644. Seven families established 
their homes here, comprising 49 souls. In 1646, Nauset 
was granted the privileges of a township. The inhabitants 
held a town meeting and elected Nicholas Snow, Town Clerk, 
Edward Bangs, Treasurer, and Josias Cook. Constable. 

Among the freeman in 1655, are several new names, — 
Henry Atkins, from Yarmouth, Stephen Atwood, Richard Boo- 
shop, George Crisp, Thomas Paine, Thomas Roberts, Robert 
Wexam, Thomas Williams, Ralph Smith, Daniel and Job 
Cole, Nathaniel Mayo, Jonathan Sparrow, Mark Snow, &c. 

All the historians agree, that those, who settled Eastham, 
were principal famiUcs of the Plymouth pilgrims. 

Many of their descendents are prominent me; chants, Di- 
vines, Lawyers, Scholars, and Statesmen. 

Richard Sparrow. 

Richard Sparrow in 1633, was taxed £9. In '39-'40 he 
was elected Constable of Plymouth. In '42-'3, he was a 
Grand Juror. In '47, Supervisor of Highways. In '53, 
April 6, he was chosen Deputy of Eastham, together with 
Mr. John Doane, to meet the magistrates at Plymouth, and 
with them to treat and conclude such military affairs as might 
tend to the present and future safety of the Colony, a war 
with Holland being anticipated by England. In 1659, he 
was deputed from Eastham, as one of the committee to con- 
sider about letting the Kenebeck Colony trade with the In- 
dians. 

Exact copy of an Ancient Document in my possession, in 
the hand-writing of Mark Snow, July 31st, 1682 : 

"An agreement and final conclnsion of the settlement of the 
bounds betwene the Inhabitants of the town of Eastham 
and the purchasers on the westerly side of the town, from 
Namskeckett River over the neck of land to the Eastern sea : 
viz., beginning at the mouth of Namskeckett river the mid- 
dle of the river soe alonge as the river runs to the head tak- 
ing the southermost arme at the head to a marked tree or 
stone there being a bound formerly sett betwene the town and 
the purchasers there ; and soe from that bound marke to run 
upon a straite line to the head of potanumaq^uitt salt water 



126 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

pond to a spring running out of a swamp and soe to the 
niouthe of the river that runs out of the pond and soe as the 
river runs into the baye and soe directly ouer the baye to 
the midle harbour or potanumaquitt harbour or place of sd. 
harbour where the maine Channell runs out into the sea the 
purchasers excluding any part of the upland of potanumaquitt 
two lands soe called ; alsoe the towne of Eastham doth re- 
linquish any right as to uertue of purchase to any lands on 
the westerly side of the above sd. bounds. 

taken out of Eastham towne, Booke of Records Marked 
It C per Mark Snow, Clarke. 

The upland lying at sesuett from the bound brooke to 
Satucket brook belonging to the purchasers weare laide out 
and lotted and mesured by Mr. Thomas prence, Nicholas 
Snow, Edward Banges, Joseph Rogers, gyles Hopkins, josiah 
Cooke, for these men as followeth ; this 15th of June 1653. 
The first lott of upland IVIr. William Bradford senior : next 
peter wardens 20 acers upland 2 acers long. The second 
lott experience Michael 20 acers upland 2 acers length. The 
third lott Nicholas Snow 20 acers upland 2 acers in length 
The fourth lott Steven Deane 20 acers upland 2 acers in 
length. 

The fifth lott Thomas Clarke 20 acers upland 3 acers in 
length. The sixt lott Mr. Thomas prence 20 acers upland 3 
acers in length. The seuenth lott Joseph Rogers 20 acers up- 
land 3 acers in length. The eight lott giles Hopkins 20 arces 
upland 3 acers in length. The ninth lott Mr. howland 20 
acers upland 3 acers in length. The tenth lo*^t Mr. Collier 20 
acers upland 3 acers in length. The eleuenth lott Edward 
Banges 20 acers upland with the jsland of upland lying in the 
marsh. The medow lying at sesuett lands that belongs to the 
purchasers beginning from the head of Edward Banges ground 
1 acer and ahalfe from the head of Edward Banges ground so 
by the side of the point againe the jsland 20 acres from the 
point lying against the jsland to a Cricke on this side 4 great 
rocks. 1 acer lying on the East side of the jsland to the 
point halfe an acer lying on the south side to a marked tree 
and soe to the Cricke 1 acer from the marked tree at the 
point on the west side of the jsland to a rock lying by the 
upland 3 acers, against Mr. Collier's ground to the 2 marked 
tres on the jsland 1 acer from the marked tree and stake in 
the Medow on the west side of the jsland to a7rocke 1 acer 
at the end of Mr. howlands ground staked out. 

1 quarter of an acer at the end of giles Hopkins ground 



EASTHAM. 1^7 

3 quarters of an acer at the end of Joseph Rogers ground 
halfe an acer at the end of Mr. prenccs ground 2 acers to a 
marked tree at Thomas Clarices ground 1 acer from the 
marked tree to the brooke 3 acers from the brook to a point 
on Steuen Deanes ground 1 acer the point to a litle Creeke 
against steuen Deanes land 

2 acers from the Creeke to a marked tree and a stake in the 
marsh against Nicholas Snows land. 

S acers from Nicholas Snow land to a marked tree at the 
marsh side and a stake in the marsh against experience Mich- 
aell land 4 acres from experience Michaell lands to a marked 
tree on the marsh side so to the Creeke lying against Mr. 
William Bradfords ground. 

a true copie taken out of Josiah Cookes book : per Mark 
Snow, Clarke of the towne of Eastham, this 20th of March 
1683. 

William Merrick or Myrick was a legal voter of Eastham 
in 1655. He is usually called '* Ensign Myrick." He is 
supposed to have been a son of William, of Duxbury. En- 
sign William's wife was " Rebecca," Their daughter Mary, 
born in 1650, married Stephen Hopkins (son of Giles), 23 
May, 1667. Ensign William had another daughter, named 
Sarah, who married John Freeman, Jr., son of Major John 
and his wife Mercy (Prence.) 

Maj. John Feeeman, 

This Maj., or Dea., John Freeman, was son of Edmond, 
Esq., of Sandwich. He was over 16 years of age in 1643 ; 
married Mercy, daughter of Governor Prence in 1649-50,at 
Sandwich ; is a voter of Eastham in 1655 ; was chosen Dep- 
uty of Eastham to the Colony Court in 1656, and 1661 ; was 
one of the Council of War in 1658. 

He was Assistant to the Governor in 1666, "67, '68, and 74. 

He was also one of the Selectmen of Eastham ten years. 

lu time of King Philip's war he was a Captain and mem- 
ber of the Colonial Council of War. 

In a letter to Governor Josias Winslow, dated " 3d, 4 mo., 
1675," at Taunton, he says, ** This morning three of our men 
are slain close by one of our courts of guard, houses are 
burned in our sight ; our men are picked off at every bush. 
The design of the enemy is not to face the army, but to fall 
on us as they have advantage." 

In 1659, he was confirmed by the court to be Lieutenant of 
a troop of horse, the only troop then existing in Plymouth 
Colony, and commanded by Captain (subsequently Major) 
William Bradford of Plymouth. 



128 HISTOIIY OF TOWNS. 

He was promoted to be the Major, that is, commander, of 
the Regiment of Barnstable County. There were no Colonels 
in those days. 

Major John Freeman was the first General Commander of 
the Barnstable County Militia, and commissioned as such, at 
the date of the incorporation of said county. Before that 
time all the militia of Plymouth Colony were embodied as 
one Regiment. But, at the Division into counties, they were 
made into three regiments, one for each County, viz., Barn- 
stable, Plymouth, and Bristol ; and John Freeman, as Major, 
was made the Chief officer of the Barnstable Regiment, a 
regiment being at that time, commanded by a Sergeant Ma- 
jor, and the offices of Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel being 
practically unknown to our militia system. 

He lived to be the patriarch of his family, dying at East- 
ham in 1719. 

In 1672, Major Freeman bought large tracts of land of his 
father-in-law, Gov, Pi-ence, In one Deed, of which I have a 
copy, are the following focts : For £75 current money of New 
England, paid by John Freeman, Senior, of Easthara in the 
County of New Plymouth, Gent., Thomas Prence, Esq,, 
Governor of the Colony of New Plymouth, conveys 30 acres 
at Sagutuckett, butting upon a creek called Masquapoyett. 
The line extended in one direction to a rock marked T. P. 
and westerly over a piece of marsh to a great stone marked 
T. P. Another parcel of the land conveyed was 8 acres of 
swamp and upland adjoining to the south side of the above 
mentioned creek. Another piece was marsh containing 24 
acres on the easterly side of Satuckett river one part adjoining 
to said Creek, and all the marsh on th.> Easterly side of Sa- 
tuckett river. Also 40 acres of upland bounded westerly by ' 
land of Edward Banges, and eastward, by land of Joseph 
Rogers. Also 40 acres of upland bounded on the east by 
land of William Twining and on the west by land of Thomas 
Clarke. Also 15 acres of upland bounding on the Indian 
bounds by the sea and upon the sea by a pond called Aquas- 
seft, also 5 acres of upland lying on the south west side of 
Namskeckett, bounded west ward ly by the land of said Thomas 
Prence, easterly by the land of Joseph Rogers, in all 162 
acres, being all the lands, which are already laid out to the 
said Thomas Prence and INIr. William Bradford, deceased, 
as purchase land, granted to them by the court of Plymouth, 
also all those lands whatsoever, which shall be laid out for 
the said Thomas Prence and William Bradford, aforesaid. 



EASTHAM. 129 

Bradford's Keirs, or assigns, on the easterly side of Satuckett, 
together with all fishing and privileges of whale-fish, cast 
on shore, and all the other rights and appertcnances to these 
lands belonging. 

The witnesses to this deed are Mark Snow, and Jeremiah 
Howes. 

Richard Higgins. 

Richard Higgins was of Plymouth in 1G33, a tailor by 
trade, and taxed 9 shillings that year. 

The name of Higgins and Higginson is apparently from 
Hugonis. They were of Barnstaple, England, as far back as 
1537. lie married in 1634, Lydia, daughter of Edmond 
Chandler. See sketch of Mr. C. under Scituate. In '37, Mr. H. 
was on a jury to " set forth highways about Plymouth, Dux- 
bury, and Eel River. In '44, he was of the Grand Inquest, 
and in '47, one of the town committee of Nausett, for the 
Colonial Court. In '53-4, he was a Deputy or. Representa- 
tive, of Eastham, summoned by the General Court concern- 
ing the confederation of the United Colonies. He was also a 
Deputy from '55 to '60 inclusive. 

In 1657, the General Court granted him land at a place 
about 13 miles from Rehoboth, (probably for his public ser- 
vices), " provided it be orderly purchased of the native pro- 
prietors." In 1668, land was granted him and others be- 
tween Bridgewater and Weymouth. 

In 1643, as a freeman of Nauset, he is called, on the rec- 
ords of the Court, " Richard Higgenson." This was the 
year he settled at Eastham. 

John Mayo. 

Rev. John Mayo became " Teaching Elder" in Barnstable 
1639, Mr, Lothrop being Pastor. Subsequently Mr. Mayo 
removed to Eastham and was *' Religious Teacher" there 
from 1646, till 1655, when he was inducted, November 9, to 
the pastorate over the Second Church in Boston, and con- 
tinued in this place till 1673. Then, *' Growing aged and 
unable to carry out his office," he removed again to the Cape, 
and lived with his daughter Mi's. Joseph Howes, at Yarmouth, 
till his death in 1676. 

His son Samuel of Barnstable, in 1651-2, married Tamo- 
zen or Thomasin, daughter of William Lumpkin of Yarmouth. 
She out-lived her husband, and married secondly Mr. John 
Sunderland, a schoolmaster of Boston, having children by 
both marriages. This sou, Samuel Mayo, was a sea captain, 
17 



HISTORY OF TOWNS. 130 

as appears by the following record, in the Old Colony files, 
under date 1654. 

" The barque, in which Samuel Mayo saileth, is pressed to 
attend to the service of transporting soldiers from Plymouth, 
against the Dutch at Manhattan." 

Giles Hopkins. 

Giles Hopkins, son of the pilgrim Stephen, was born in 
England. He and his sister Constance, who married Nicho- 
las Snow, were the only children of their mother, the first 
wife of the pilgrim. They came over with their father 
in the Mayflower. In 1638-9, he was living at Yar- 
mouth, where he deposed to the will of Peter Werden 
(or AVardeii). October 9, 1639, he married at Yarmouth, 
Katherine Whelden, daughter of Gabriel W. a Surveyor of 
Yarmouth. In 1642-3, Giles was appointed one of the 
Surveyors of Yarmouth. But in 1650, he was of Nauset 
(Eastham), and was one of the surveyors of highways there. 
He held the same office also in 1662. His son Stephen, born 
in September 1642, who is mentioned in his grandfather, 
Stephen Hopkin's will, resided at Eastham, and married 
Mary, daughter of Ensign William Myrick, 23 May, 1667. 
This lady joined the church in 1701, under Rev. Mr. Stone. 
He died October 10, 1718, at Harwich. He was one of the 
few, that had the appellation of *' Mr." commonly applied 
to them. 

Mr. Stephen Hopkins Jr., as he was called, was son of 
the last named Stephen, being born 15 July, 1G70. lie 
married Sarah, daughter of Captain Thomas Howes , of Yar- 
mouth, in 1692. 

Mr. Hopkins died 9 April, 1633, at Harwich. His son 
Ebenezer, born 7 Jan. 1706-7, married 12 Oct. 1732, Rebecca, 
daughter of Eleazer and Patience (Freeman) Crosby, and had 
among other children, Mary, born 1733, married first, Isaac 
Sparrow, of Orleans, and had Eunice, who married Capt. 
Dean Bangs,* Town Clerk and Treasurer of Harwich, in 

* He was a sea captain and merchant, and sailed in his own vessels, 
two of which were schooners, Polly and Reliance, named for his eldest 
daughter and a lady friend. He used to sail out of Boston to various 
ports on our coast and to the AV'est Indies. Seeing the beautful lands 
on the Kennebec in Maine, he conceived the idea of closing his life as a 
farmer ; and his wife wished to keep her sous from the boisterous sea. 
He settled in Sidney, about 1800, near the river, and surrounded liis 
mansion with fruit trees. His family were there with him except the 
eldest, Captain Elkanah, who had already become a shipmaster. At 



EASTHAM. 131 

1794. Mary married secondly, Kenelm Winslow, of Brew- 
ster, and they had eight children. This Mary Hopkins was 
niece of Rev. Joslah Dennis' last wife, and Mr. Winslow's 
father was one of the Executors of Mr. Dennis' will. 

Gentlemen of Eastham, who held field officers' commissions 
n the local militia of the county : 

Colonels, Watson Berry, from October 9, 1815 ; Sam- 
uel Stinson,from Feb. 29, 1832, to June 10, 1835. 

Lieutenant Colonels, Job Crocker, from July 1, 1781 ; 
Elijah Knowles, from August 20, 1790 ; Joslah Lincoln, 
rom Feb 11, 1823 ; Samuel Stinson, from January 21, 1829, 
to February 29, 1832. 

In the battle with the Indians March 26, 1676, Eastham 

ost the following named men, John Nessefield and John 

Walker. They were in a company commanded by Captain 

Michael Peirce of Scicuate, who with his Lieut, were also 

ain in the same action. N 

This battle was fought just within the limits of Rhode 
sland, on the river bank, not far from Pawtucket, and in what 

ength his wife dying, his sons becoming men, and his daughters mar- 
ying, the old gentleman was likely to be left alone, which was perhaps 
the cause of his giving his estate to Isaac and Edward, the two younger 
sons. However, they staid but a short time at home, selling out their 
shares to their elder brother Dean. I used to see the old gentleman 
when 90 years of age. His homestead was sold to strangers, and he 
boarded with his son, Bela. His beautiful trees cast their fruit and 
shade in vain for him. He took much pleasure in reading newspapers, 
especially those of the Universalist sect. He had ever a cheerful word 
for his guests. His conversation abounded in sea-phrases, and was 
enlivened by anecdotes of the former days. 

He said he used to sail up to wliere Bangor is now on the Penobscot, 
when tlvre were but one or two houses there. 

One of liis stories was about the loss of one of his vessels, a barque, 
I think, toL,'ether Avith the cargo. He had entrusted it to the command 
of a neighbor, Captain Berry, who sailed to France, sold the cargo, 
vessel find all, and staid revelling in France, till he had squandered 
every dollar. Then he came home, years afterwards, a disgraced crim- 
inal. '• Out of all that valuable cargo," said the old gentleman, I never 
got anything but this " brass clock" which stood ticking by his side, 
reminding him of the fleeting nature of earthly possessions. He used 
to tell how some of his neighbors tried to discourage him from engag- 
ing in the Revolution, when he was about to sail out as a Continental 
privateer, or to enlist as a volunteer. One of his friends was a kind- 
hearted old Englishman, named John Seymour, whose excellent wife 
Betsey Dean, had given him his Christian name. 

Mr. Seymour said to him, "Dean, do you realize what a dangerous 
step you are taking ? I tell you, England is a mighty nation, and you 
can never conquer. You are sure to be defeated and come to grief. I 
know what England is, but you do not, or you would hesitate about 
making war with such a j'lotcerfid country." 



132 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

used to be called the ^' Attleboi-ougli Gore." Conancliet led 
the Indians, that out-numbered the white people, as six or 
eight to one. 

A contemporary writer of those days said Captain Peirce's 
company killed three times their own number, in that battle. 

The Paines. • 

Thomas Paine was an early pilgrim, and his son Thomas 
married Mary, daughter of Nicholas Snow, about i650, and 
settled at Eastham. This Thomas Jr., had lost an eye by an 
arrow. He was a very prominent man, — Town Clerk, Se- 
lectman, Deputy &c., and died 16 August, 1706. His wife 
Mary died in 1704. They had ten or more children. Robert 
Treat Paine, one of the signers of the immortal Declaration 
of Independence, was a great great-grandson of this Thomas' 
Paine, Jr., and his wife Mary- (Snow), who was a grand 
daughter of Stephen Hopkins of the Mayflower. Robert 
Treat Paine's father was Rev. Thomas, grandson of James 
Esq., of Barnstable. One of the daughters of Thomas Paine 
Jr., the settler at Eastham, and his wife, Mary (Snow), was 
Dorcas, who married Benjamin Vickery of Hull, about 1690. 
Their daughter Dorcas, born 1698, at Hull married 12 Oct. 
1721, Jonathan Sparrow Jr., and they were the parents of 
Isaac Sparrow of Orleans, born 26 November, 17 oO. 

Deacon John Paine, (son of Thomas, Jr., the settler at 
Eastham), married Bennet, .daughter of Major John Free- 
man, and his wife Mercy (Prence). 

Mr. Paine was a Selectman in 1693, Rep. in 1709 and '10. 
Town Treasurer from 1709, to '31 ; Town Clerk from 1704, 
to '29 ; and held other important public trusts. 

Others of this family were ever in public employment, and 
are still, in several of the Cape towns. 

Population of Eastham, 668. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk and Treasurer — Joshna Paine. 

Selectmen — Z. Higgins, Nicholas P. Knowles, Isaiah 
H. Horton. 

Assessors — Nicholas P. Knowles, James Smith, Isaiah H. 
Horton. 

School Committee — Michael Collins, Myrick Clark, Lewis 
Lombard. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. E. Tirrell, Pastor. 



BREWSTEE. 138 



BREWSTER. 



This town is bounded on the east by Orleans, and on the 
south by Harwich, on the west by Dennis and on the north 
by Barnstable Bay. 

Brewster was set off from Harwich in 1803, and named 
for the old pilgrim Elder Brewster. It would have been 
more comely to have called it by the name of one of the old 
settlers, as there were many deserving of such a mark of re- 
spect : Prence, Freeman, Winslow, Clark, Dillingham, Mayo, 
Sec, all good, fair-sounding and honored names. 

The successive ministers from 1700 to near 1800, were 
Nathaniel Stone, Isaiah Dunster, and John Simpkins, men of 
great learning and excellence. 

At Satucket, (which was the Indian name of the western 
part of Brewster), a grist mill on Satucket River, Avas owned 
by Governor Prence at a very early- day, and probably he 
built it. 

In the beginning of the 18th century a fulling mill was 
erected there and carried on for a long time by the Winslows, 
who had previously owned the grist mill. Since then other 
mills have been built, and the place is sometimes called 
Factory Village. It was formerly called sometimes Wins- 
low's mills. 

I have given a sketch of Thomas Clarke the pilgi im, un- 
der another head. 

But he figured much in the early affairs of this county. 

In 1654 he purchased a large tract of land here from 
Experience Mitchell of Bridgewater. This name of Mitchell 
does not occur in Freeman's History ; but the purchase 
was made, and I have a copy of the warrantee deed, in which 
Mr. M. says : "I, Experience Mitchell, formerly of Duxbury, 
but now of Bridgewater, in the Government of New Ply- 
mouth &c., one of the purchasers of the lands of said Ply- 
mouth Colony, in consideration of a certain competent sum of 
current pay to me in hand, at, and many years before, the en- 
sealing and delivery of these presents, by Mr. Thomas Clarke 
of the town of Plymouth, &c., one other of said purchasers, 
well and truly paid, have in the year 1654, given granted, 
bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoffed, and confirmed, and ab- 
solutely do confirm &c., unto said Thomas Clarke his heirs 
and assigns forever, all that tract or tracts of uplands and 
meadows-, that I had or have, as purchaser, lying and being 



134 HISTORY OF TOWNS, 

from the bounds of Yarmouth, ranging three miles to the 
Eastward of a place called Namskeekitt, quite across the 
neck from sea to sea, and from the bounds of Eastham to a 
place called the Eastern- Harbor, as more fully may appear pr. 
Court Records, excepting always reserved out of this present 
grant one small lot of upland with some meadow laid out to 
me adjoining or near unto Mr. "William Bradford's lot, near 
Bound Brook, as may more fully appear by the Records of 
said lots ; which lot I gave my son-in-law, John Washburn, 
who sold it to said Bradford ; but all the rest of my lands 
within the bounds above mentioned, I have sold as aforesaid, 
with all the rights and appertenances thereto belonging." 

After these lands on the Cape had been granted by the 
Plymouth Colony Court, deeds were obtained from the na- 
tive Indians, as this was the condition imposed by the said 
Court. I have an old deed from Sampson, Indian of Nob- 
scussett, in Yarmouth, and Penamusk, his wife, daughter ot 
Nepoyeton, late Sachem of Mattacheese, and Ralph, Indian 
of Xobscussett and Manatotomusk, his wife, daughter of said 
Nepoyeton, conveying to John Wing and Lieut. John Dill- 
ingham of Satuckett, for ten pounds and four shillings, all 
the lands, meadows, &c., held by said Indians in copartner- 
ship with Robin, Indian, and Sarah his wife, daughter of said 
Nepoyeton. In 1711, Samuel Sturges of Yarmouth conveyed 
to Edward Bangs lands in the upper precincts of Harwich, 
butting southerly upon the south sea, 100 acres, more or 
less, said land being bought by said Sturges of Manoah 
Ellis and Joseph Severance, joint owners, they having pur- 
chased a part of it from Caleb Lumbart, and he bought it of 
old Humphrey and Zachary Humphrey, Indians. Another 
part they bought in company with Elisha Eldred, of Jacob 
Crook, Indian, and he had it from Quason, Indian. This 
deed I have. In 1691, Captain Daniel, Indian, conveyed to 
John Wing, John Dillingham, Kenelm Winslow, Paul Sears, 
Annanias Wing, and Joseph AVing, 20 acres of woodland in 
Satucket adjoining to a pond, called Long pond, above the 
mill pond, extending to where the old Indian field was, which 
field had the Indian name of Arsncovcst. 

In 1G76-7, Robin, Indian of Mattacheese (Yarmouth and 
Barnstable), and Sai-ah (wife of said Robin), daughter of Ne- 
poyeton, conveyed to John Wing, and Lieut. John Dilling-' 
ham for £5. 5 shillings, all that tract of lands, which they 
had in partnership with other Indians, lying in the Liberties 
of Yarmouth, between Bound Brook on the West and the 



BREWSTEK. 135 

middle of Saquatuckett (that is, Satucket) Eiver, or Stony 

Brook, on the East, from the North sea to the South sea. 

« 
The Clakks. 

Andrew Clark, son of the pilgrim Thomas Clarke, of Ply- 
mouth, was living in Boston before 1676. He married 
Mehetabel, daughter of Thomas Scottow, of Boston. 

She was baptised 11 Feb. 1649. They had Thomas, born 
in 1672, Susanna, born in 1674, married John Gray, and other 
children. Mr. Clark removed to Satucket about 1676. His 
father, Thomas Clarke, Sen., of Plymouth, in 1693, conveys 
lands in Satucket, for love and affection, to his sons and 
grandsons, viz. : Thomas, son of his son Andrew, a piece 
of land at Satucket, already laid out and in his tenure 
and occupancy, bought of Sachemus, Indian Sachem, in 
1653, with rights of meadows lying by the meadows of 
Mark Snow, also ten acres lying by lands of William 
My rick, and 5 acres lying with lands of Daniel Cole, also 
one moiety of my meadows lying at Nameskeket now in the 
tenure of Mr. Thomas Crosby, with all my purchased lands 
that were purchased in 1674, and 1675, by the water side be- 
tween the lands in the occupation of Thomas Freeman and 
the land that Mr. Prence obtained of Sachemus, both land 
and marsh : also my land which I purchased pf an Indian 
called Keencomset, which John Freeman Jr., hath enclosed 
for a pasture ; also that my land and pasture lying by the 
mills on the Eastward side of Satucket River, that Mr. Thos. 
Prence purchased of Sachemus in the year 1663, and also 
half my grist mill standing on Satucket river but not to have 
the profits of said mill till the term of 7 years after the date 
of these presents. As also one half my meadows lying by 
John Dillingham's house. 

Next I give to my son Andrew Clark and to Mehetabel 
his wife for their lives, all my dwelling house and land that 
is within fence on the westerly side of Satucket River, where 
said Andrew Clark now lives, and also half my meadows ly- 
ing by John Dillingham's, and after the decease of him, 
my said son Andrew Clark and Mehetabel his wife or her 
marriage again, I give the above said lands and meadows unto 
Andrew, Scotto and Nathl., the sons of my said son Andrew 
Clark to be equally divided between them. I further give 
and grant unto my said grandson Thomas Clark all my ten 
acres and 3-4 of land, that I purchased of an Indian called 
Wequam, and also those lands I bought of an Indian called 
Joseph Shantom, with free liberty to my said grandson, to 



136 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

purchase what lands yet remain unpurchased of said Indians, 
viz., "Wequam and Shanton. All the rest of my lands in 
Barnstable county, that I have now or may have, hereafter 
I give to my sons and grandsons, viz., William Clark, James 
Clark, and Nathaniel Clark, and to the sons of said William, 
viz., James, John, and Andrew, except his son Thomas 
above said. 

Scottow Clark, son of the first Andrew, was a miller, and 
lived on Stony River, otherwise called Satucket River. A 
grist mill on this river was sold in 1677, by Wm. Griffith of 
Harwich, to Thomas Clarke the Pilgrim. This, or another, 
was part of the inheritance of the heirs of Gov. Prence. In 
1696-7, John Tracy Jr., of Duxbury, conveyed his share of 
it with the land adjoining, viz., 100 acres which he had from 
his mother Mary, daughter of Governor Prence, to John 
Gray, for £3, ; and in 1700, Jeremiah Howes, and Sarah 
his wife, and Jean Snow, widow of Mark, sold their shares 
to said John Gray of Harwich, for £6. lis. 

Andrew Clark's brother Nathaniel was for a long time 
Secretary of the Colony. 

The DiLLlNGHAMS. 

Lieut. John Dillingham, son of Edw,, was born in Eng- 
land in 1630, probably at Bltteswell, the family seat in 
Leicestershire. 

Coming over with his father about 1632, he at length in 
1681, became a freeman of Sandwich and took the oath of 
fidelity to the Government. 

About this time he settled at Satucket and became a great 
land owner. This place, which is now in the western part 
of Brewster, was until the incorporation of Harwich, in 1694, 
in the Constablerick or jurisdiction of Yarmouth. 

Before removing from Sandwich he married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Henry Feake 524 March, 1G50. He and his 
brother Henry, administered the estate of his father in 1667. 
He was chosen the Constable of Harwich in 1701. His death 
occurred 21 May, 1715. His will dated 15 November, 1707, 
mentions John, Jr., and other children. This John, Jr., 
married Lydia, daughter of Isaac Chapman, and had John 
born 23 March, 1702, and many other children, and died 11 
Sept. 1746. The last named John married Mehetabel, dau. 
of John Gray and Susanna (Clark), dau. of Andrew, son of 
the old pilgrim Thomas Clarke. This John and Mehetabel 
(Gray) Dillingham, had daughters. Desire, who married 
Benjamin Bangs, and Susanna, wife of Elkanah Bangs, my 



BREWSTER. 137 

great grand-parents on my mother's side. Desire and Su- 
sanna had a younger brother, named John Dillingham, who 
was a distinguished man in his day, and represented his 
district in both branches of the Legislature. Desire had a 
son Edw. Bangs, who became a lawyer of Worcester, father 
of the late Edward Dillingham Bangs, for a long time Sec- 
retary of Massachusetts. 

I believe the old homestead of this Dillingham fiimily at 
Satucket, has ever remained in their possession from Lieuten- 
ant John's day to the present time. In 1857, I was at the 
house where all these generations lived and died. The old 
family Bible contains a record of seven generations. It was 
the first or second John Dillingham, of Satucket, that built 
the house, in which the family still resided. The present own- 
er's name Avas Freeman Dillingham, son of Hon. John and his 
ivife Thankful (Freeman). Hon. John's mother was Mary 
(Snow), widow of Samuel Nye, of Sandwich. 

Edward Bangs. 

Edward" Bangs came over in the Anne in 1623, having 
then perhaps a wife and one or two children. He had 4 
acres for a garden plot at Plymouth, on the other side of the 
town toward Eel River. In 1627, a lot of cattle were first 
brought over from England, and distributed among the set- 
tlers who were divided into groups. Mr. Bangs was placed 
in the 12th group with Robert Hicks and family, Stephen 
Deane, &c. He was then about 35 years old. He married 
a daughter of Mr. Hicks. It has been said that he came 
from Chichester, England ; more likely he came from London 
or its vicinity. 

In 1627, when the Court ordered the undivided lands to 
be divided among the people, so that each person should 
have 20 acres, Mr. Bangs was one of the Surveyors, the 
others being, William Bradford, Edw. Winslow, John How- 
land, Francis Cook, and Joshua Pratt. He is in a list of 
freeman of Plymouth in 1633, and was taxed that year 12 
shillings. In 1634-5, he was appointed to be one of the As- 
sessors, also in '35-6. 

He and Stephen Hopkins were appointed in '37, with the 
Governor and Assistants to divide the meadow lands. 

About this time he was often one of the Grand Jury. In 

'39, he was an Arbitrator between Samuel Gorton and Thos. 

Clarke. A Bark of 40 or 50 tons, to cost about £200, was 

to be built in 1641-2, and Mr. Bangs contributed one six- 

18 



138 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

teenth of the money and superintended the building of it. 
Stephen Hopkins also contributed the same amount. This 
was probably the first vessel constructed in this country. 

Edward removed to Eastham, and was one of the freeman 
there in lG4o. His lands were in and near Satucket. He 
was surveyor of highways there in 1650. 

In 1651, he signed a deed, which was recorded at Ply- 
mouth Registry, Volume 1, page 209, and his wife writes 
her name *• Rebecca." He was Deputy of Eastham in '47, 
'50, '52, 'G3 and '64. 

In '57, he was licensed as a trader at Eastham. In '59, 
the military armed and equipped for service. A troop of 
horse were to be raised in the county, and the town of East- 
ham was required to furnish three troopers. Of these Edw, 
Bangs and Thomas Paine, each agreed to find a man and 
horse for two years, at his own expense. 

Mr. Bangs was for a long time engaged quite extensively 
in trade. He died in 1678. His children intermarried with 
the first families of the county. 

All the Bangses that ever I saw or heard of are descend- 
ants of this pilgrim of Eastham. I think his family name 
was originally Banks, from the fact, that his seal, of which I 
have a clear impression, affixed to the signature of his son 
Jonathan, in 1680, was a crest of Sir John Bankes of London, 
in the time of Charles I., viz., a Moor's head with a cap of 
maintenance, &c. 



Seal of Jonathan Bangs; engraved by S. E. BroAvii, 
• of Boston, from the original impression, made in IGbU. 



Sir John Bankes was son of John Bankes, merchant, nnd 
he probably adopted the ancient crest of his ancestors, accord- 
ing to the usual custom, as Edward Bangs had perhaps done 
before him. In England the name may never have been 
changed in its orthography, as it seems to have been here. 

It is not at all likely that a_ Plymouth pilgrim, or his son 
equally Puritanical, would take the crest of a cavalier, es- 
pecially as they never wrote their name Bankes. 

There are seven original seals on one document among my 
papers (besides that of Bangs,) one of which is T. C. used 
by Thomas Clarke, the pilgrim of 1633, another a regular 
coat of arms, stamped by Major John Freeman, 3 garbs 2 





BREWSTER. 139 

and 1 - crest, a garb and an antelopes's head on a wreath, the 



Seal of Maj. John Freeman, from the original impres- 
sion on the old document of 1680. 



wreath being on a helmet; the third a sort of Phoenix, which 
all the others signers used, viz., Hopkins, Twining, Snow, 
Cole, and Rogers. The Bangs family are scattered over the 
country. Captain Joshua, great grandson of Edward, the pil- 
grim, removed to Maine, and his daughter Mehetabel married 
Gen. Preble of the Revolution, A son of Captain Joshua, named 
Thomas, born in 1713, married Mehetabel Stone, daughter 
of Rev. Nathaniel Stone, and their son Thomas Stone Bangs 
of Harwich, was father of the late Rev. Nathan Bangs, D. D. 
of New York, Rev. Heman Bangs, D. D. of New Haven, 
Ct., Rev. John of St. Joseph's, M., Rev. Joseph, also of 
St. Josephs, and Elijah K. of Toronto, C. W., who in 1856, 
died at Philadelphia. 

The Winslows. 

Keuclm Winslow, (son of Kenelm of Marshfield, brother 
to Gov. Edw.) settled at Satucket about 1668. He married 
iNIercy, daughter of Peter Warden of Yarmouth, and they 
had several children. 

lie (lied in 1715, leaving his homestead to his son Kenelm, 
wlio was born about 1667, and married Bethia Hall. dau. of 
(Jershom and Bethia (Bangs) Hall, 5 Jan. 1689-90. This 
Keuelai second, of Satucket, was a clothier, and held the of- 
fice of Town Treasurer 3 years from 1707, and that of Rep- 
resentative in 1720. It was he that established the business 
of cloth-dressing here. 

He purchased the fulling mill on Satucket River in 1699, 
of John Dillingham, Kenelm Winslow (his father), John Dil- 
lingham, Jr., and Joseph Wing, they transferring their right 
in the property to him on condition that he should keep it 
in working order. 

He died 20 March, 1728-9, in the 62nd year of his age, 
His widow married Joseph Hawes of Yarmouth. The fol- 
lowing is the Inventory of his estate, which contains such a 
minute and circumstantial description of ancient household 
furniture, farming tools, prices, &c., that I deem it worth 
printing. I have the original document, but have corrected 
the spelling of words by AVorcester's Dictionary. 



140 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

*'An Inventory of the Estate of Mr. Kenelm Winslow, of 
Harwich now deceased, taken March 25th, 1729, by Judah 
Paddock, John Sears, and John Paddock : 

Imprimis. 

Item, his wearing apparel, £ s. d. 

" a suit of dark-colored wool cloth, coat, jacket 
and breeches, 

*' a suit of dyed cloth coat, jacket and breeches, 

" a great coat 50s., leather breeches 18s ; 3 linen 
shirts 30s. 

2 wool shirts 20s , 3 caps 12s., 5 pairs of stock- 
ings 24s. 

" an old coat and jacket 6s., 2 pairs of shoes 17s, 
a hat 18s. 

" 2 silk handkerchiefs 9s., one muslin one 4s., 
a pair of gloves 3., 

." a pair of silver shoe buckles lis,, shirt buttons 
and buckle 5s., 

" a wig 15s., a pair of spurs 4s., 2 silk handker- 
chiefs 2s., 

" mittens and garters 3s. 

" a great bible 40s., little bible 4s., and the rest 
of the books 60s., 

*' new cloth 9 yds. 3-4, at 9s. pr. yd. 87s. 9d 

" 8 yds. of black worsted at 4s. 6d. pr. yd. 3Gs. 

a razor 4s. 2 

*' the best bed with the furniture belonging to 
the widow, that is, 3 pairs of sheets, 2 
coverlids, one blanket, linen curtains, bed- 
stead, iron rods, pillows, 2 pillow cases, 
1 bolster 30 

*' another bed to the widow, and furniture, 3 pairs 
of sheets, 2 coverlids, one blanket, blue 
curtains, bedstead, iron rods, 1 pillow, 2 
cases, one bolster. 27 GO 

" a bed and bolster in the bedroom 7 

" bedstead and cord 12s., a single bedstead 15s. 1 7 

" a streaked rag coverlid 20s., a checked blanket 

10s. 1 7 

" a white blanket 8s., a truckle bedstead and cord 

and mat 14s. 1 2 

" an old ilock bed 8s., 3 pillows 35s., a checkered 

yellow coverlid 203. 3 3 



5 


10 


4 





4 


18 


0) 


16 


2 


1 





10 





16 


1 


1 





3 


5 


4 


4 


7 9 



BREWSTEE. 141 

" 1 bolster case 9s. G table cloths 43s. 6 towels 8s. 3 
" 2 yds. new linen cloth 9s., 8 chairs IGs. 1 5 

" 7 black chairs 4s. 6d. pr. 31s. 6d., a white 

chest 10s. 2 16 

" a small box, leather cover 4s. a white table 10s. 14 
" ajointstool 10s., lanthorn 3s., warming pan Ts. 1 
*' Bellows 4s., hour glass 18d., 3 candle sticks 4s. 9 6 
" box iron and heaters 6s., a brush 12d., 2 combs 

16d. . 8 4 

" 2 baskets 2s. 6d., a bill case 3s., 2 pocket books 

2s., a slice 4s. 
" a pair of tongs 6s., money scales 4s. 
" salve galipots, with all the apothecary drugs 
•' a syringe 3s., old pinchers and nippers 3s., 

poke mantle 9s. 
" a flax comb 18s., 10 earthern plates 2s. 6d. 

" a piece of streaked new cloth 5s., an old pan- 

nel 18d. 
'* an old pillion, a red pillion cloth 4s., a new 

pillion cloth 14s. 
" an old saddle 8s., a bridle 6s,, candles 6 lbs. at 

6s., button mould 10s. 
" 11 old trenchers 12d., ivory-hafted knife and 

fork 2s., white skin 2s. 
" a line 18d., a part of a land compass 18d., 

awls 12d. 
" a sawset 12d., 2 hives of bees 24s., Indian corn 

200s. 
" all of the fuel 20s., a grindstone with winch 

10s., a spade 6s. 
" 3 hoes 6s , 1 more table cloth 2s. 6d., cheese 

press 6s,, a brake 4s, 
" flax not dressed 30s., cider-press 4s., 3 shovels 

3s. 
'* 2 forks 6s., 3 rakes Ss., 3 axes 15s., a mortise 

axe 3s. 
" the old horse 60s., 3 swine 183. pr., 54s., a 

speckled heifer 50s. 
•' 2 black heifers 60s. pr. comes to 120s , pair of 

oxen 270s. 19 10 

" a bull and 2 yearlings 85s. 4 5 

" a young calf 18s. 18 

~ 53 3 






11 6 





10 


2 








15 


1 


6 


.54 


3 1 





6 6 





18 


1 


10 


6 


4 6 





4 


11 


5 


1 


16 





18 6 


1 


17 


1 


7 


8 


4 



143 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

" another checkered coverlid 16s., a red rug 4s., 

a checkered blanket 10s. 1 10 

*' a pair of white blankets 16s., 11 pairs of tow 

sheets at SOs. pr. pair 17 6 

" a pair of tow shees 24s., linen sheets 4 pairs 

at 35s. pr. pair 8 4 

" a good coverlid 30s., the negroes' 3 coverlids, 

1 blanket G4s. 4 14 
'< negroes' flock bed and bedstead 15s., cradle 

pillows and rug lis. 16 

" 13 napkins at 45s., 1 pillow case Gs., 2 more 

pillow cases 2s. 2 13 

'' a part of the quilting frames 2s., iron goose Gs. 

a pair of spectacles 14d. 9 2 

" a silver porringer 70s., five silver spoons 150s. 110 
" a looking glass 40s,, andirons 40s. 4 

" a round table 60s., a case of drawers 50s., best 

saddle and bridle 70s. 9 

"11 shillings in silver money, in bills of credit 

50s., in pennies 4s. Id. 3 5 

** a cart and boxes and hoops 60s., a yoke of oxen 

300s., 2 plows 45s. 20 5 

" 3 ox chains 60s., 3 cops and pins 7s., horse gears 

with horse chains 10s. 3 17 

" 2 ox yokes 15s., a horse 300s., 3 cows 350s. 33 5 
" sheep 10s. pr. head, the number not known 
" a negro man named Ceasar Avith his Avife and 

2 children 130 

215 1 3 

" 4 great bottles 10s., 3 small bottles 3s., a broken 

stone jug 2s. 15 

" a small stone jug ISd., 2 jars 2s., 3 earthcrn 

pots 18d. 5 

" 3 more earthcrn pots 3s , a small tub 18d., a 

pitcher Is., earthern bottle 6d. • 6 

*' a dozen trenchers 2s., a mug 8d., meat fork Is., 

a gill pot Is. 4 8 

" a half dozen knives with forks 8s., 1 earthern 

basin and cup 8d. 8 8 

'' a hoop box 14d., a dozen of pewter plates 28s., 

3 large platters 36s. 3 5 2 
' 1 small platter 7s., other pewter 15s,, 1 cham- 
ber pot 6s. 18 



BREWSTER. 143 

2 old chamber pots and other old pewter 10s., a 
tin tunnel 2s. 6d. 

a quart pot 2s., a brass mortar 10s., brass skim- 
mer 18d., linen yarn 26s. 

7 skeins of blue Avorsted with other blue yarn 
and white, 10s. 

a stillyard 15s., a pair of shears 8d. 

an old chest 6s., a lawn sieve 3s., a small stone 
jug 8d., earthern cup 4d. 

a large trunk IBs., a small looking glass 4s., 
a wine glass lOd. 

2 vinegar cruses 20d., a large punchbowl 3s., 

an earthern basin 8d. 

3 speckled earthern plates 4s., earthern salt 

cellar Is., gilt beacon Is. 
a hooped box 14d., an earthern pot with suet 

2s., a grater 6d. 
a large old chest in bedroom 10s., a squareish 

box 4s. 
more blue yarn 2s. 6d., course tow yarn 10 3-4 

lb., all 10. 
more yarn middlings 3 1-2 lbs. 7s., 3 wooden 

dishes 18d. 

1 more dish 6d., ladle 6d., a half bushel 3s., 

scales, weights, all 3s. 

2 water pails 2s., a frying pan 8s., 3 pudding 

pans 18d. 

4 earthern platters 2s. 6d., 8 milk pans 5s., an 

old table 2s. 
the largest iron pot 12s,, another iron pot 9s. 
an iron kettle 1 3s., a brass kettle 100s., a brass 

skillet 4s. 
a small joint-stool 2s., 3 keelers 4s , a meal 

trough 12s 
a churn 4s., a small meal trough 2s., a peal 

18d., a sieve Is. 
all the bags 10s., a pair of looms 50s., other 

loom tackling 12s. 
corn sieves 3s., 2 woolen wheels 10s , 2 linen 

wheels 15s., 
341bs. of flax 18d pr. 51s., 11 lbs. of middlings 

12d pr, lis., 12 lbs. tow 6s. 
a small basket and the wool 4s., oats 30s, 

malt 6s. 






12 6 


3 


19 G 





10 





15 8 





10 


1 


2 





5 5 





6 





3 8 





14 





18 6 





8 6 





7 





11 6 





3 


1 


1 


5 


17 





18 





8 6 


3 


12 


1 


8 


3 


8 


2 






144 HISTORY OF TOWNS 

" rye 70s., beans 4s., flaxseed 12s., wheat 4s., 

flaxcomb 4s. 4 14 

" an old sword 12d., aflaxcomb 10s., wool-cards 

2., four hives 4s-, 17 

" iron fetters 5s., adze 3s., old iron 5s., old cask 

7s., tennant saw 2s. 12 

" sickles 6s., 2 scythes with sneds 12s., other old 

scythes ;^s., rope 2s. 13 

" baskets 3s., 2 pairs of iron wedges 6s., meat 

with tub and barrel 240s. 12 9 

" molassas and barrel IDs., tub of fat 6s., pot and 

butter 10s. 16 

" 2 tubs 6s., 3 barrels in the cellar with vinegar 

20s , 2 jars 3s. 19 

" beer barrel 3s., hogshead of ashes, a tub and 

old pot with soap fat 10s. 13 

" tallow 6s. jar of sweet oil 6s. a crow of iron lis, 1 3 

"" 59 15 6 

154 3 1 

53 S 6 

215 1 3 



Total, 482 3 4 

The last named Kenelm Winslow, had several children, 
one of whom was Kenelm, born about 1700, inherited his 
father's homestead, was a clothier, and held the office of Se- 
lectman 3 years and was a Justice of the Peace and of the 
Quorum. 

He married Zavia, or Zervia Ryder, in 1722, and had a 
large family. He died 28 June, 1783, at the age of 83 years. 
His son Kenelm, born about 1725, had the homestead, and 
married Mary, daughter of Ebenezer and Rebecca (Crosby) 
Hopkins, and widow of Isaac Sparrow of Orleans, and they 
had sons and daughters, one of Avhom was Isaac, who was 
my great uncle, and gave me, in 1849, some ancient relics of 
his distinguished family. 

Isaac had several sons, one of whom is Kenelm. So there 
has been a Kenelm Winslow at Satucket ever since its early 
settlement, about 200 years ago. Long may they live there 
and uphold the honor of their name. 

Military. 

This town was for quite a long time the head quarters of 
the 3d Brigade in the 5th division Mass. Militia. The di- 



BREWSTER. 145 

vision at that time embraced the local militia of the counties 
of Barnstable, Bristol and Plymouth, except the town of 
Plingham. Plymouth County Militia (except as stated) formed 
the 1st Brigade, Bristol County militia, the 2d Brigade, and 
Barnstable the od Brigade in 5th Division. 

The 3d Brigade consisted of three regiments of Infantry 
and a Battalion of Artillery and the first election of gentlemen 
of Brewster to the oihee of Brigade Commandant was in pur- 
suance of the following orders. 

"Head Quarters, Plymouth, March 23, 1815." 
** Division Orders." 

The Major General directs Lieut. Colonel Jona. Snow 
of the Second Regiment, and senior officer of the third Bri- 
gade to notify and warn the field officers of the said 3d Bri- 
gade, to meet and assemble at the house of Mr. Isaiah Parker, 
innholder in Barnstable, on Tuesday the 11th day of April 
next at ten o'clock A. M.,to make choice of a gentleman as 
Brigadier General to command the aforesaid brigade, vice 
Brigadier General Ebenezer Lothrop discharged. Brigadier 
General Sylvanus Lazell of the first brigade will preside. 
(Signed) " N. Goodwin, M. Genl. 5th Div. 

"Head Quarters, Plymouth, April 20, 1815." 
" Division Orders." 

Elijah Cobb, Esq., of Brewster, in the county of Barnsta- 
ble, has been elected and commissioned Brigadier General of 
the third Brigade 5th Division, vice Brigadier General Eben- 
ezer Lothrop resigned, and he is to be obeyed and respected 
accordingly. All vacancies of officers in the Division to be 
filled immediately after the annual May muster. 

(Signed), " Nath'l Goodwin, M. Gen'I 5th Division." 

The rank of field officers at the date of General Cobb's 
promotion was as follows : To each regiment a Lieut. Col- 
onel commandant and two Majors. The majors rank as senior 
Major and junior Major, or as first Major and second Major, 
and General Cobb was only a Major, and we think a junior 
or second Major. Hence he went into the new office over 
the heads of three Lieut. Colonels commandants of regiments. 

General Elijah Cobb was succeeded in tho office of Briga- 
dier General by Jeremiah Mayo Esq., of Brewster, Avho 
also was promoted from the post of Major. General Mayo * 

* The Old Colony portion of the State of Mass., then had seven 
companies of Artillery, viz., Barnstable County two, Bristol County 
two, and Tlymouth County three. In 1343 or '44, all the Artillery 
Companies in the Old Colonj^, were organized as a regiment, and Wen- 
dell Hall of Plymouth, was made Colonel, Ephraim B. Richards of 
Boston, Lieutenant Colonel, and Ebenezer W. Feirce, Major. 
19 



146 HISTOKY OF TOWNS. 

â– was Captain of the Brewster Artillery Company, and pro- 
moted to Major Commandant of the Artillery Battalion, com- 
posed of the Brewster and Falmouth Artillery companies and 
soon after that to Brigadier General. The following is a copy 
of the division order announcing the election of General Mayo. 

" Head Quarters, New Bedford, May 23, 1821," 
** Division Orders." 

Jeremiah Mayo Esq. having been elected as Brigadier 
General of the 3d Brigade 5th Division of Masaachusetts 
Militia, is to be obeyed and respected accordingly. " By 
order of the Major General 5th Division." 

(Signed), Timothy G. Coffin, Aide De Camp." 

The immediate successor of Jeremiah Mayo in the office of 
Brigadier General of the Barnstable County Brigade was 
Ebenezer D. Winslow, also of Brewster, and thus it seems 
that this town furnished three Brigade commanders succes- 
sively. While Brigadier General Ebenezer D. Winslow was 
in office the absence of the Major Generel caused him to as- 
sume the temporary command of the division, he being at 
the time older in commission than Brigadier General Benj. 
King of the first, or Plymouth county. Brigade, or Colonel 
W^illiara Peck commanding the second, or Bristol county, 
Brigade. 

Brewster therefore was for a time Division Head Quarters, 
and while such these are a copy of some of the orders issued 
and promulgated. 

" Head Quarters, Brewster, May 19, 1830." 
•* Division Orders." 

Brigadier General Ebenezer D. Winslow, commanding 
the third Brigade, assumes the command of the 5th Division 
of the Massachusetts Militia, and promulgates the appoint- 
ment of John Baylies of Taunton, as first Aide De Camp, and 
Orderly officers of said division and Philander Washburn, of 
Middleboro, as second Aide De Camp, who have been com- 
missioned, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

*' By order of the commanding officer of 3d Division." 
(Signed), " J. Baylies,* Aide De Camp.'' 



* John Baylies at that time resided in Taunton, where lie had been 
Captain of the Taunton Light Infantry Company, and Lieutenant 
Colonel of the 3d Regiment in Second Brigade, Ffth Division. He 
subsequently resided at New Bedford, and was one of the County 
Connnissioiiers of Bristol County. Ilia native place was Dighton. 
lie belonged to this noble funily of tliat place which furnished an Aide 
De Camp to General Washington. 



BREWSTER. 147 

" Commonwealth of Massachusetts." 
"General Orders." 

Head Quarters, Boston, June 26, 1830. 
In consideration of the representation of Major General 
Cromwell Washburn of the 5th Division, that previous to his 
election, he was under important and responsible engagements 
of business which require his absence from his command dur- 
ing the present season, I have thought proper so far to com- 
ply with his request, as to grant him a furlough from the 7th 
day of June current, when the Court Martial of which he was 
a member, and whereof Aaron Capon (Major General) was 
President was dissolved, until the first day of November next." 
" Brigadier General Ebenezer D. Winslow of the 3d Bri- 
gade, will continue the command of the 5th Division, which 
he assumed upon receipt of official notice of Major General 
Washburn's absence, until the Major General reports himself 
for duty." " By his Excellency's Command." 

(Signed), Wra. H. Sumner, Adjt. General." 

Colonel Sabin Smith of Sandwich, Colonel of the first 
Regiment of 3d, or Barnstable County, Brigade, succeeded 
Ebenezer D. Winslow, as Brigadier General of this Brigade, 
and General Smith was the last who held that position, as the 
Brigade, and also the three regiments of which it was com- 
posed, were all disbanded by an act of the Massachusetts 
Legislature, April 24th, 1840. 



TOWN OFFICERS. 1873-4. 

Town Clerk, and Treasurer — C. S. Foster. 
Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor — C. S. 
Foster, S. T. Howes, E. F. Ryder. 

. School Committee — Tully Crosby, Constant Sears, W. W 
Knowles. 

CHURCHES. 

Baptist Church — No settled Pastor. 
Unitarian Church — Rev. Mr. Dawes, Pastor. 

Population of Brewster, 1,263. 



i48 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

HAHWICH. 

This town formerly lacludcd Brewster, and extended across 
from sea to sea. It was incorporated in 1694, being named 
for Harwich in Essex County, England, It was a famous 
Indian locality. The Satucket tribe of Indians dwelt prin- 
cipally at the head of Seymour's Pond, as it is now called. 
In 169-i, there were 500 in the town accojxling to iSIather. 

Harwich is now situated on the south side of the Cape, 
and the northern part of the old town is now Brewster. 

One peculiarity of Harwich is that it has eight ponds of 
pure fresh water within its limits. 

Thomas Crosby. 

Rev. Thomas Crosby was born in England, in 1634, being 
the son of Mr. Simon Crosby, who came over while this son 
was an infant, and settled at Cambridge. Thomas graduated 
at the College in Cambridge, (which is now called Harvard 
University), in 1653. He was of "good repute in all the 
Colony," Some of his works are mentioned in Sibley's 
late history of the Alumni of Harvard. He succeeded 
Rev. John Mayo, as Religious Teacher at Eastham, his salary 
being £50 a year. 

This office of Teacher to a Church was not inferior to that 
of Pastor, as may be inferred by the fact that Rev. John 
Cotton was Teacher to the first church of Boston, while John 
Wilson was Pastor, although Mr. Cotton was the more famous 
minister. Rev. Samuel Treat succeeded Mr. Crosby at 
Eastham in 1672. But Mr. Crosby ended his services here 
in 1670, and was afterwards a merchant at Harwich. He 
died suddenly 13 June, 1702, at the house of his friends 
in Boston, his home being still at Harwich. 
The Snows. 

Nicholas Snow, came over in the Anne, in 1623. He re- 
moved to Eastham in 1654. Pie was in high offices many 
years. He married Constance, daughter of Stephen Hop- 
kins the pilgrim of 1620, and died in 1676, aged 77. jNIark 
Snow, their son born in 1628, ^vas a man of great usefulness. 
His wife was Jane, daughter of Governor Prencc. 

John Gray. 
John Gray, son or grandson of John of Yarmouth in 1699, 
bought one seventh part of a quarter of a grist mill and two 
thirds of a seventh part of one quarter of said mill with the 



HARWICH. 149 

lands adjoining of Thomas Mayo, Nath'l Mayo and Samuel 
Mayo, which they had received from their uncle Major 
John Freeman and his wife, and from their mother Hannah 
Sparrow, deceased, said mill being in Harwich on Satucket 
River. Fie married Susanna, daughter of Andrew Clark of 
Satucket about 1690. In 1706, he was one of the commis- 
sioners to settle the boundaries between Harwich and East- 
ham. In 1703, he was constable of Yarmouth. In 1721, 
he was chosen Representative to the General Court at Bos- 
ton. Mr. Gray had 12 children. His daughter Mchetabel, 
born 7 April. 1706, married John Dillingham, Jr., who was 
born in 1701. Mr. Gray died 31 March, 1732, at Harwich, 
leaving a large estate. 

Soldiers of the Revolution, by the name of Bangs : Abijah 
of Harwich, Captain, 1776 ; Abijah and Allen, of Colonel 
Nathi. Freeman's Regiment in 1778 ; Barnabas, clerk 1776, 
Benjamin of Harwich, 1776, Chipman, Dean, of Har- 
wich, 1776, afterwards sailed as privateersman ; and his 
father, Elkanah, was a privateersman, and died in the ser- 
vice ; Ehenezer, Edward of Haiwich, 1778; Elijah, Elisha, 
Isaac of Harwich, 2nd Lieut. 1776, Doctor's mate 1779, on 
board frigate Boston, John of Harwich, James of ]\Iid- 
dleborough, 1776 ; John of Montague, aged 16 in 1780 ; 
Jonathan of Yarmouth, Allen, corporal, 1777; Joseph, Joshua, 
Luther, Nathan, Nathaniel, Reuben, 1777; Samuel, Solomon, 
Thomas of Harwich, 1776, and of Captain Small's com- 
pany in 1778, and Zenas. 

Names of gentlemen of Harwich, who have held field officer 
commissions in the local militia of Barnstable County, 2d 
Regiment, 3d Brigade, 5th Division. 

Colonels. Rufus L. Thacher, from September 26, 1832, 
to April 2-1, 1840. He removed to Provincetowu and from 
thence to North Bridgewater, where he died. He was a Deputy 
Sheriff of Barnstable County, and a Trial Justice at North 
Bridgewater. 

Lieutenant Colonels. Second Regiment, 3d Brigade, 
5th Division, Sidney Underwood, from September 15, 1828 
to 1829 ; Horatio Underwood, from September 26, 1829 to 
April 24, 1840, when the 2d Regiment in the 3d Brigade of 
5th Division was disbanded by an act of the legislature. 

Majors. William Gage, from July 1, 1781 ; Nathaniel 
Freeman, from August 20, 1790 ; Calvin B. Brooks, from 
April 17, 1826. 

These commissions of Major were held in the second 



150 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

Eegimeut third Brigade fifth Division, Massachusetts Mili- 
tia. The commanders of the tliird brigade from the war 
of the Revolution to 1840, a period of about 65 years, were 
as follows : Joseph Otis of Barnstable, Nathaniel Freeman 
of Sandwich, Joseph Dimmock of Falmouth, Ebenezer 

Lothrop of , Elijah Cobb of Brewster, Jeremiah 

Mayo of Brewster. Ebenezer D. Winslow of Brewster, 
and Sabin Smith of Sandwich. 

Population of Harwich, 3,080. 



TOWN REGISTER OF HARWICH. 1873. 

The annual meeting of the town took place on Monday 
February 3. It was quite well attended, and was organized 
by the choice of Isaiah Chase, Esq., as Moderator, The 
following officers were then chosen : 

Clerk and Treasurer — Freeman Snow. 

Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor — Thomas 
Kendrick, Watson B. Kelley, and Zephaniah Nickerson. 

Surveyors of Highways — John Kcnney, Leonard Free- 
man, Abiather Doane, Isaiah C. Kelley, Thomas Ellis, 3d, 
Nathan H. Chase, and Alvan Cahoon. 

Field Drivers and Fence Viewers — Charles H. Kelley, 
Z. H. Ellis, E. B. Sears, Patrick H. Cahoon, Eben Weekes, 
J. Crowcll, Jr., and Crowell Nickerson. 

Tythlng Men — Sylvester Kendrick, W. M. Eldredge, 
Nathaniel Doane, J. C. Kelley, Obed Brooks, John Larkin, 
E. B. Sears, and Cyrus Nickerson. 

Surveyors of Lumber — Gideon H. Tripp, Sandford Free- 
man, W. B. Kelley, 

Constables — M. F. Nickerson, Elisha Mayo, Darius Chase, 
A. Lewis Chase, J.B. Cahoon, John Ryder, B. H. Eldridge, 
Benjamin Davis, aud Crowell Nickerson. 

Measurers of Wood and Bark — W. B. Kelley, Sandford 
Freeman, Gideon II. Tripp. 

Pound Keepeas — Orrick Doane, Isaiah Smith, and John 
W. Baker. 

Committee to settle with the Treasurer — Erastas Chase, 
Isaiah Chase, aud Zephaniah Nickerson. 

Herring Committee — Nathaniel Doane, Eben Eldredge, 
Alvan Cahoon. 



HARWICH I50a 

School Committee — John Kenney for 3 years, Charles 
H. Kelley for 3 years, and Benjamin F. Bee, one year, in 
place of Dr. G. N. Munsell, resigned. 

Nathan Walker bid off the collection of taxes in the West 
section at 1 3-10 per cent. Mark F. Nickcrson bid of the 
collection in the East section at 2 per cent. 

MONEY KAISED. 

For Bridges, |500 

Support of Poor, 3500 

" " Schools, ^ 5000 

Eepair of Koads, 1800 

Miscellaneous Expenses, 6600 



Total, $17,400 



CHURCHES. 

Baptist Church, West Harwich — Rev. James Barnaby,* 
Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, East Harwich — Rev. Charles 
Stokes, Pastor. 

Congregational Church, Harwich — Rev. Mr. Ward, Pastor. 

Congregational Church, Plarwichport — Rev. Mr. Dun- 
ham, Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, North Harwich — Rev. Jas. 
Thompson, Pastor, 

Methodist Episcopal Church, South Harwich — Rev. S. 
Snow, Pastor. 

Catholic Church, Harwich — Rev. C. O'Connor, Pastor. 

Christian Church, South Harwich — Rev. Davis Lothrop, 
Pastor. 



*Rev. James Barnaby was born in Freetown, son of Ambrose 
Barnaby Jr. (and his wife Phylesia Burt), grandson of Captain Ambrose 
Barnaby (and his wife Elizabeth Gardiner), great grandson of James 
Barnaby Jr. and his wife Joanna (Harlow), and great great grandson 
of James Barnaby (and his wife Lydia Bartlett, a daughter of Robert 
Bartlett of Plymouth.) 



1506 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 



ORLEANS. 

This place was often called Namskakct by the Indians. It 
was the south part of Eastham, and incorporated as a sepa- 
rate town in 1797. 

On the south of Orleans arc Brewster and Chatham. Like 
these two towns it has a number of fine, fresh ponds. At 
the north east of the town is Nauset harbor. 

Orleans extends across the cape a distance of 3 or 4 miles. 

Namskaket Creek partly divides the town from Brewster. 
The land near it is called Skaket. 

The principal villages are Orleans, South Orleans and Rock 
Harbor. 

This town produces good crops of corn and hay, and the 
shores and coves abound with excellent clams^ quahogs, bass, 
tautog, eels, &c. 

HiGGiNs AND Bangs Families. 

Richard Higgins, the pilgrim, is by Mr. Freeman, said to 
have been of Celtic origin. I have given a sketch of him in 
another place. His son Benjamin, born in 1G40, was one of 
the Selectmen in 1688, and died 14 March. 1691. Benja- 
min's son Isaac, born 31 August, 1672, had several children 
by his wife Lydia. It is unknown to me who this lady was. 
But one of their daughters named Rebecca, born 10 October, 
1705, became the second wife of Edw. Bangs, son of Capt. 
Edward, whose father Capt. Jonathan, was son of the pilgrim. 

Edw. Bangs and Rebecca (Higgins) were the parents of 
Elkanah Bangs, named probably for Rebecca's brother Elka- 
nah Higgins. This Elkanah Bangs, of Harwich, my great 
grandfather, was born 31 March 1732, and married Susanna, 
daughter of John Dillingham, and died in the Privateer ser- 
vice of the Revolution Feb. 1777, leaving several children. 

He appears to have been one of those taken prisoners by 
the British, and held on board the Jersey Prison Ship. Sev- 
eral of his neighbors were also prisoners on board that ship. 
Among them, Thomas Mayo and his son Ebenezer, Benjamin 
Berry and Isaac Clark. These brave men were citizens of 
that part of Harwich now called Brewster, 

I do not find anything about this Jersey Prison ship in 
Freeman's History, but there arc persons living, who re- 
member hcarino; much about it from their fathers of a 
former generation. After Elkanah Bangs had disappeared 
from the scene, his sons and cousins cno:a<i:cd in the strife 

. DO 

for iudepeudeuce, with undaunted zeal. His sou Dean was 



OllLE^LNS. 150c 

at difFcrent times, in l)oth the land service and marine, as 
a privateersman. Isaac, nephew of Elkanah, was a vohni- 
tcer at the Lexington Alarm. Having gnidnated at Har- 
vard in 1771, and stndied medicine, he enlisted, as Doc- 
tor's mate, and afterwards Avas a Lieutenant in Washing- 
ton's Army, and marched to Virginia, where he died in the 
service in 1780, aged 28. I have several years since pu]>- 
lished most of his Diary which he kept while on duty in 
Boston, Roxbury, New York, &c. He was a scholar, sol- 
dier and patriot of the highest stamp. His brother Joshua, 
also died in the lievohitionary service in Rhode Island, in 
1778, aged 26 years. His brother Edward was father of 
Edw, D. Secretary of jNIassachusctts. 

There Avere 55 soldiers in the Revolutionary War by 
the name of Higgins, from Cape Cod families. One was 
Captain Joshua, of Eastham ; another. Captain Reuben ; 
and a third, Lieut. Ebenezcr, of Eastham. ]Mr. Pratt says 
in his History, " this family is numerous and repectal)le." 

Sparrow Families of Orleans. 

Jonathan Sparrow, son of Richard, the pilgrim, was 
constable in 165G, and took the freeman's oath in 1657. 
In '62, he was appointed by the Court one of a committee 
to take an invoice of the liquors, gunpowder, shot and 
lead that is brought into this government. In '65, he was 
engnged as schoolmaster. 

]\Ir. SparroAv Avas a military man. 

In '6-i, he belonged to a troop of horse. He was also 
a Deacon of the Church, one of the Selectmen of Eastham 
ten years, and Deputy many years to the Colony Court, 
and Representative to the Massachusetts General Court at 
Boston after the Union of the Colonies for a long time till 
1802. In 1789, he Avas commissioned as one of the Jus- 
tices of the Associate Court. In 1690, the war Avith the 
French and Indiai:s called for men and money from CA^ery 
town. The miUtia of Eastham Avas put on a Avar footing. 
Mr, Sparrow Avas chosen Captain, and Jonathan Bangs, 
Ensign. 

Captain SparroAV, on the 19th December, 1675, partici- 
pated in the great Narragansett Fight, as iirst Lieutenant 
of Captain John Gorham's company, it being the second 
company in the Plymouth County battalliou under Major 
William Bradford, in the forces of the United Colonies of 
Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Plymouth, led by Gov. 
Josias Winslow, as General in Chief. Capt. Sparrow mar- 
20 



150^ HISTORY OF TOWNS 

ried first Rebecca, daughter of Edward Bangs the pilgrim, 
secondly, Hannah, daughter of Governor Thomas Premce, 
and thirdly Sarah, daughter of Geoi'ge Lewis. The second 
and third wives were widows. His children Avere by the first 
marriage. His son Jonathan, Jr., was born in 1665, and 
died 9 March, 1739-40, at Orleans in the 75th year of his 
age. I don't find whom he married, but he had a family, 
and his son Jonathan, born in 1721, was father of my great 
grand father Isaac Sparrow, who was found murdered and 
thrown into a pond, probaljly by the Indians, a year or two 
after his marriage with Mary Hopkins, dau. of Ebenezer. 

Local Militia. 
LiEUTENAKT CoLONELs. Jabcz Sparrow, from December 
1, 1797; Moses Higgins from October 9, 1815; David 
Eldridge from Febrmuy 29, 1832, to March 30, 1836. 

Population in 1870, 1,324. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk, and Treasurer. — Freeman Maj^o. 

Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor. — Free- 
man Doane, John Kendrick, Ensign B. Rogers. 

Collector. — Freeman Mayo. 

Constable. — Freeman Mayo. 

School Committee. — Joseph H. Cummings, Chr. ; Charles 
E. Harwood, Superintendent. 

CHURCHES. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — Rev. J. B. Washburn, 
Pastor. 

Baptist Church. — No settled Pastor. 

Congregational Church. — Rev. Charles E. Harwood, 
Pastor. 

Universalist Church. — Rev. Rufus S. Pope, Pastor. 



YARMOUTH. 150e 

YAEMOUTH. 

In the time of Governor Bradford's administration " the 
bounds of Yarmouth on the easterly side, were from the 
town to a certain Brook called by the Indians Shuckquam, 
but by the Euirhsh Bound Brook, and all that neck of land 
northward called by the Indians, Abquict (alias Aquict), 
with all the u[)lands and marsh meadow, which lie on the 
westerly side of the said Brook towards the town into the 
mouth of said Brook, and from a marked tree at the path 
on the said Bound Bro; k by a straight line south and by 
east, to the South Sea, so it extend not in length above 
eight miles. Excepting and reserving unto Missatampaine, 
the Sachem, the lands from Nobscussett pan, westerly from 
a marked tree unto another marked tree at a swamp, extend- 
ing westerly and from thence to another marked tree west- 
erly by a straight line to the sea, and from the northerly 
end of the said Nobscussett pan to the sea by a line from 
the "westerly side of the said pan." 

Yarmouth is bounded on the west by Barnstable and on 
the east by Dennis. It has good harbors on each side of 
the Cape for fishing and coasting vessels. 

The inhabitants here, as in most of the Cape towns are 
engaged principally in nautical pursuits. But there is 
considerable other business done. Many fresh ponds of 
pure water are scattered over the town. Bass river runs 
from one of them, partially dividing Yarmouth from Den- 
nis. The villages are Yarmouthport, Yarmouth, South 
Yarmouth, and West Yarmouth. 

Yarmouth was settled by the whites, about 1637. The 
Indian name was MattacJieese. 

Some of the principal families here at the start were 
those of Payne, Tabor, Crowe or Crowell, Hoar, Palmer, 
Thacher, Ilawes, Howes, Nickerson, Sturgis, Sears, Miller, 
Lumpkins, Worden or Warden, Wheldon, Gray, Paddock, 
Matthews, Joyce, Arnold, &c. 

Mr. Amos Otis of Yarmouthport knows a great deal 
about these men and their descendants. He ought to pub- 
lish a history of the town. The town records before 1677 
were mostly destroyed and lost. 

Among the noted men of the town in later times are the 
following names : Tobey, Hall, Hedge, Taylor, Chapman, 
Hamblen, Griffith, Gorham, Davis, Aldeu, Doane, Hallett, 
Baker, Baxter, Reed, Bassett, Dennis, &c. 



150/" HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

William Lumpkin. 

Wm. Lumpkin was elected and sworn Constable of Yar- 
mouth 3 March, 1639-40. He Avas on the Grand Jury in 
1642-3, l)cin2; then a citizen; a Surveyor of highways in 
1652-4-5 ; a Kepresentivc to the Colony Court in 1652. On 
the Grand Inquest in 1659, and foreman of a Coroner's 
Jury in '67. On 5th INIarch, 1667, Wm. Lumpkin and 
Peter Worden, Avere tiued ten shillings each for disturbance 
at the Yarmouth meetiug House. 

This distur])ance consisted in their sitting in a corner 
and taking the liberty to converse together in a low tone 
during the service. They probably Avhispered too loud. 

My Lumpkin's Avife Avas Tamzen or Thomasin. He had 
a daughter of the same name, who married first Captain 
Samuel Ma^'o, mariner; andsccondlj^Mr. John Sunderland. 

The Howes Family. 

Thomas Hoaa'cs, planter, Avas one of the original pur- 
chasers of jMattacheeso (Yarmouth). He took the oath of 
allegiance to the King and fidelity to the GoA'^ernment 7 
January, 1638. jMarch 5, l()38-0, he was one of the com- 
mittee to divide the })lanting lauds at the first division, and 
give each man a share " according to iiis estate and qual- 
ity." He Avas one of the Grand Inquest in 1644, and one 
of the Council of War in 1658. 

He Avas frequently licpresentative to the Colonial Court 
from Yarmouth. In his will dated 26 September, 1665, 
he mentions his Avife Mary, Avho survived iiim, and sons, 
Joseph, Thomas, and Jeremiah. 

Captain Thomas Hawes, the son, dAvelt at Yarmouth, 
He Avas admitted a freeman in. 1647. His Avifc was Sarah, 
daughter of Edward Bangs, the Pilgrim. He went in the 
third expedition in 1776, against the Indians at Mt. Hope, 
also in the fifth expedition, Avith 21 men from Yarmouth. 

He often re|)resented the town in the Colojiy Court, and 
held other high offices. His death at Yarmouth occurred 
in November, 167(). 

John Gray. 

John Gray was at Yarmouth able to bear arms in 1(543 
His wife Avas Hannah, daughter of jMr. William I/innpkin, 
of Y., and they had, among other children, William, horn 
in 1650, Avho is probably the " Ca[)tain AMlliam" that was 
in several expeditious against the Narraganselt Indians. 

In 1641-2, " Mr. John Gray," as he Avas called, was pre- 
sented by the Grand Jury for Sivcariiig, and connnitted to 



YARMOUTH. 150^ 

prison. In 1676, a tax Avas laid on the inhabitants to de- 
fray the expenses of the Avar Avith King Philip, and Han- 
nah Gray, the Avidow of John Vas taxed £1 11 3, Kenclm 
WinsloAv£4 13 6, Mrs. Prencc £1 3 4, John Dillingham 
£6 17 9, and Captain Howes £6 7 3. Several of these 
parties resided at Satuckct, Avhich Avas then in the liberties 
of Yarmouth. 

The Cii-vrMAxs. 

Isaac Chapman, Awas son of Ralph and Lydia (Wells, or 
Willis), Avho AA'as daughter of Isaac AVells, or Willis, of 
Barnstable. The family of Chapman came from Southwiirk, 
in Surrey, a suburb of London, England. 

Isaac Avas born 4 August, 16-17, at ^Marshfleld, and mar- 
ried in 1678, Ilel)ecca (Leonard), daughter of James of 
Taunton, the first " bloomer" in America. Isaac had been 
living sometime in Bristol, Rhode Island before coming to 
Yarmouth. 

His daughter Lydia, born in 1675, married the second 
John Dillingham of Satucket, and died in 1760, leaving a 
numerous funily. 

I have an original Deed, A\diich gives several interesting 
particulars respecting the Chajnnans. 

The following is a l)rief abridgement of the paper. '* We 
Isaac Chapman, l)lacksmith, Isaac Chapman, Junr., cord- 
Avainer, and Ralph Chapman, yeoman, all of Yarmouth, in 
the county of Barnstable, and EdAv. Sturgis, yeoman, of 
the same toAvn, for £35, convey to Joshua Benson, hus- 
bandman, and Eph. Washburn, blacksmith, both of Plymp- 
ton, in the county of Plymouth, a certain lot of cedar and 
spruce swamp, situated in the the toAvn of Rochester, in 
said Plymouth county, AA'hich is the fourth lot belonging to 
Wm. Bradford's share at the first, being the same land 
bought by us of James WinsloAV, late of Rochester, de- 
ceased, Avhich he convcved to Isaac Chapman and Kenelm 
Winslow of HarAvich." " Date, 1733. 

The above John Dillingham is called by their son John, in 
a paper, dated 25 January, 1753, "j^eoman, late of HarAvich," 
and in the same paper it is asserted that he gave by his 
will certain lands to his son Jolni, the Avriter, and to his 
six sisters, daughters of the deceased John, viz., Lydia 
(Clark), Hannah (Bourne), deceased, Rebecca (KnoAvles), 
Al)igail (Freeman), Thankful (Pope), and Sarah (Freeman. 

The husband of Hannah Avas Jonathan Bourne of Sand- 
Avich, gent. Lydia Avas AvidoAv of Roland Clark. Abi- 



1507^ HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

gail was wife of Prence Freeman. Sarah was wife of 
Benjamin Freeman Jr., of Harwich. Rebecca was Avife of 
Amos Knowles, yeoman of Eastham, and Thankfnl was 
wife of Thomas Pope, yeoman, of Dartmouth. 

The pieces of hmd mentioned as having been given to 
these daughters by the will of Mr. Dillingham, were scat- 
tered over a wide extent of the surrounding country, 80 
acres were on the southerly side of the mill-pond and 
were called SaphnnJccrmd Neck. One piece was the 8th lot 
in the lower tier of lots above the mill-pond. One piece 
lay on the northerly side of the county road, and was 
known as the Grave Fasiu^e. Also a tract of land in 
Ci'oclcy Neck, and two pieces between the two county roads 
that led from Stony Brook to Yarmouth. Also a piece at 
the elbow of the mill pond, extending south eight degrees. 
This last lot Avas, however, part of the land given to John, 
son of the testator, and brother to the six daughters above 
named. 

A parcel of meadow land was also bequeathed to three 
of the daughters by their father. This original paper, 
which is an agreement to exchange several pieces of land 
with each other, is signed by the daughters except Hannah 
(Bourne) deceased, and Thankful (Pope) whose name was 
subscribed by Samuel Willis, prob bly her uncle or cousin, 
as her mother was Lydia (Willis.) Their husl)ands also 
signed. They were all good plain writers. The signature 
of John Dillingham stands first and is a bold, fine one. 
The whole paper is in his hand, and shows him to have 
been a scholar, or at least, a good business man. It was 
acknowledged before Thomas Winslow of Barnstable 
County, and Samuel Willis of Bristol County, Justices of 
the Peace. The will of this John Dillingham, the 3d John 
of Satucket, is dated 4th of August, 1758, and mentions 
his wife Mary, who survived him a short time. This lady 
â– was widow of Samuel Nye, of Sandwich, and her son John 
Dillingham, born 8 November, 1752, Avas the 4th John Dil- 
lingham of Satucket. The first wife of the 3d John was 
Mehetabel, daughter of John Gray and his Avife Susanna 
(Clark). The second wife A\\as Abigail Hinckle}'-, Avho 
left one daughter named Mehetabel, Avho married Mr. 
Greenough of A\^clllleet. The three daughters, Desire, 
Susanna, and Khoda Avere children of the first marriage. 

Mr. Dillingham by his Avill, above mentioned, expresses 
strong religious convictions, and gives most of his estate 
to his Avife and his son John, then 6 years of age. 



YAEMOUTH. I60i 

The testator John, gives to his three daughters, Desire 
Bangs, Susanna Bangs, and llhoda Snow, to each of them 
thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence. 

To his daughter Mehetabel he gives a piece of land and 
all the estate his late wife Abigail brought to him. He 
named his wife Mary for executrix ; but she died in about 
a year, and Enos Snow, husband of lihoda, one of the 
three daughters, was appointed to settle np the estate. 

MiLiTAKY Affairs. 

At the '^Jirst call" for soldiers the following are the 
names of those who responded. It being the alarm con- 
sequent upon the attack made by the Indians upon the in- 
habitants of Swanzey, in June 1675, or one hundred years 
almost to a day before the battle of Bunker Hill. 

John Gorham, Captain ; Nathaniel Hall, and Samuel Hall 
Corporals ; Private Soldiers, Daniel Baker, William Baker, 
Thomas Baxter, John Berry, John Chase, James Claghorn, 
John Crowell, Yelverton Crowell, Joseph Egleston, Thos. 
Folland, Wm. Folland, Wm. Gray, Joseph Hall, Samuel 
Howes, Samuel Jones, Richard Lake, John Matthews, 
John Pugsley, Benjamin Ryder, James Severance, Jonathan 
Smith, John Taylor, Richard Taylor, Samuel Thomas, 
Thomas Thornton, Joseph Whelden, and Jotham White. 

A united effort by the colonies of Massachusetts Bay, 
Plymouth and Connecticut was made in 1675, to conquer 
the Indians and particularlj^ for the destruction or subju- 
gation of that (then) powerful tribe called the " Narra- 
gansetts," occupying a part of the then colony of Rhode 
Island. 

Plymonth Colony was required to furnish two companies 
and these as a Battalion were led by Major William Brad- 
ford, a son of the worthy Governor of that name. 

Captain John Gorham commanded one of these com- 
panies with Jonathan Sparrow, as Lieutenant. The names 
of some of those men then serving in this company were 
John Gorham, Captain ; Jonathan Sparrow, Lieutenant ; 
Sergeants, William Witherell, William Gray, aud Nath.l 
Hall ; Corporal, John Hallett ; Private Soldiers, James 
Claghorn, Henry Gold, Henry Gage, Benjamin Hall, 
Ananias Wing, Samuel Sturgis, John Pugsley, Samuel 
Baker, Richard Taylor, William Chase, John Whelden. 
' The great battle in which this company took a part was on 
Sunday afternoon December 19, 1675. Captain Gorham 
escaped unhurt, but his first Sergeant, William Witherell 
was severely wounded. Captain Gorham being stationed 



150/ HISTORY OF TO^VNS. 

with his company in Swanzey, sickened with a fever and 
there died February 5, l(i7(3, or less than two months after 
the great Narragansett l)attlc, that was the most sanguin- 
ary conflict tliat New England had ever known. 

The following named men from the Cape served one 
month in " King Philip's AVar," subsequent to the Narra- 
gansett Expedition. 

Thomas IIoAves, Captain; Samuel Hall, Sergeant; 
Abram Hedge, John Mathews, John Wheldcn, Samuel 
Thomas, Sanmel Young, John Taylor, and Benj. Ryder. 
At a later date in that war, were sent out under Captain 
Henry Gold, John Taylor, William Gage, Henry Gage, 
James Maker, John Mathews, John Wheldeu, Benjamin 
Ryder, and William Nickerson. Captain Tliomas Howes 
w^as out again in the field with a company of 21 men whose 
names have not come to our knowledge. 

The Cape towns were also well represented in the com- 
pany led by Captain J^Iichael Pelrce of Scituate, in the 
battle with the Indians under the noted chieftain Conanchet 
and which was fought near Pawtuket, Rhode Island, March 
25, 1676, and in which Captain Michael Peirce and a very 
large part of his company were slain. 

John Gorhum (a son of Captain John Gorhum who 
died in Swansey), was Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment 
under Colonel Benjamin Church sent to fight the Indians 
in (what is now the state) of Maine in 1704, and a lineal 
decsendant of Captain Michael Peirce, connnanded a com- 
pany in a Massachusetts regiment of the Patriot army of 
the revolution, in service at Rhode Island, just a century 
after Captain Michael Peirce led a company of Plymouth 
Colony into the same government, to do battle with the 
Indians. 

In the " old French War" (1745), so called, one of the 
regiments was led by a member of the Gorhani family, 
and the ofiice of Lieutenant Colonel also filled by one of that 
name, and concerning v.diich the work entitled, " jViles'' 
Wonder Working Providence" has the following : 

" "VVliilst we in honor these commanders have, 
Lets turn our thoughts to Colonel Gorham's grave 
Who with his ancestors distinguished are, 
As men of courage, mighty in the war. 
He lies interred in the new conquered soil, 
The fruit of his and other warlike toil, 
Lieutenant Colonel Gorham nigh of kin, 
To his deceased Head, did honor win, 
Unite in nature, name and trust they stood, 
Unitedly have done their country good." 



YARMOUTH. I50k 

The names of the Capt.'iins in Colonel Gorham's Regi- 
ment, were Jonathan Carey, Edward Dimmick, Elisha 
Doane, Sylvanus Cobb, Israel Bailey, Gershom Bradford, 
and Saranel Lombard. 

The old rhymes concerning two of these Captains were 
as follows : 

" Now Captain Carey seized with sickness sore, 
Resigned to death, when touched his native shore ; 
And Captain Dimmick slain by heathen hand, 
As was his father under like command." 

Of the Major of this Regiment, who survived the shocks 
of battle and disease, the rhyme continued, 

" May Major Thacher live in rising fame, 
Worthy of ancestors that bear his name." 

The names of those Yarmouth soldiers slain in battle 
March 26, 1676, were John Matthews, John Gage, Wil- 
liam Gage, Henry Gage, and Henry Gold. These were in 
the company commanded by Captain Michael Peirce, of 
Scituate, who with his Lieutenant, were also at the same 
time slain. Conanchet led the Lidians in person on that 
hard fought field. 

Names of Yarmouth gentlemen who held field officers' 
commissions in the local militia of Barnstable County. 

Colonels. John Thacher, Enoch Hallett, from July 1, 
1781 to 1790 ; Thomas Thacher, from February 22, 1798 ; 
Isaiah Bray, from December 2, 1823, Joshua Hamblin, from 
March 1, 1816. 

Lieutenant Colonels. Enoch Hallett, from 1776 to 
1781, Isaiah Bray, from November 20, 1818 to December 
2, 1822, Gorham Crowell, from December 2, 1822 to No- 
vember 17, 1825. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4. 

Town Clerk and Treasurer — William P. Davis. 

Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor — 
Thatcher Taylor, Elisha Taylor, Braddock Matthews. 

School Committee — Rev. John W. Dodge, Rev. E. E. 
Chase, Daniel Wing. 

Collector — Elisha Parker. 

Constables — Elisha Parker, Charles M. Bray. 

Deputy Sheriff — Charles M. Bray, 

21 



1501 HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

CHURCHES. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — No settled Pastor. 
Swedenborgian Church — William H. Mayo, Pastor. 
Universalist Church — Rev. Mr. Bradley, Pastor. 
Congregational Church — John W. Dodge, Pastor. 
Methodist Episcopal Church, South Yarmouth — Rev. 
George W. Whitcher, Pastor. 
Friends Society. 
Population of Yarmouth in 1870, 2,425. 



BARNSTABLE. 



This is the county town of Barnstable County, and lies 
about 65 miles south east of Boston. 

The place was called Maitacheese by the Indians. Rev. 
John Lothrop of Scituate, and some of his society settled 
here in 1639. 

The names of some of the first settlers were Annable, 
Bourne, Caseley,Cobb, Cooper, Crocker, Cudworth, Dimoc, 
Ewell, Fitzrnndall, Fuller, Hinckley, Lewis, Linnell, Lom- 
bard, Parker, Robinson, Rowell, Shalley, Wells, Allyn, 
Mayo, and Hull. Governor Thomas Hinckley, was born 
here. James Otis, the patriot, was born in this town, in 
1725, and was killed by lightning at Andover in 1783. His 
father Colonel James Otis, born 1802, was son of Colonel 
John, born 1657, son of John, Jr., son of John, born 1620, 
first of Hingham, and last of Scituate. The second John 
was the first of the name who remained and died in Barn- 
stable. He was the grandfather of Colonel James, of the 
Revolution, who died in 1778. 

This family have produced many distinguished charac- 
ters. They came originally from Barnstaple in Devonshire 
County, England. Amos Otis, Esq., of Yarmouthport is 
one of this family, and he has taken much pains to study 
the history of his native town, and the genealogies of the 
families that have dwelt there. Rev. Oakes Shaw, born 
in 1736, at Bridgewater, graduated H. C. in 1758, was or- 
dained here in 1760, and died in 1807. He was the father 
of the late Chief Justice Lemuel Shaw, L L. D. 

The harbor of Barnstable on the north side of the Cape 
is good for vessels of light draught. Packets ply between 



BARNSTABLE. 150m 

this place and Boston, and steamers between here and the 
neifjhboruig ports, as well as to Boston. 

Hyannis is a flourishing village 4 miles south from the 
Court house, on the south shore of the Cape. It has a 
good harbor for all classes of vessels. There are other 
good harbors in the town, as at Oysterville, Centreville, 
Cotuit, &c. A branch of the Old Colony Railroad extends 
from Yarmouth, to Hyannisport. 

Barnstable gentlemen who held the commissions of Gen- 
eral and field oflScers in the local militia of Barnstable 
County : 

Brigadier Generals, Joseph Otis, Ebenczcr Lothrop. 

Colonels, William Bassett, John Otis, James Otis, 
Joseph Otis, Ebenezer Lothrop, from July 12, 1796. 

Majors, George Lewis, from July 1, 1781, Ebenezer 
Lothrop, from August 16, 1790, Nathaniel Jenkins, from 
May 20, 1806, Sylvanus B. Phinney, from July 27, 1830, 
to January 12, 1838, 

The town of Barnstable furnished a part of Captain 
Michael Peirce's company in that bloody engagement with 
the Indians led by Comanchet March 26, 1676, and which, 
was fought on the bank of the river near the town of Paw- 
tucket, just within the limits of the State of Rhode Island. 
The names of those Barnstable men '• who bravely fought 

and nobly fell" on that occasion, were Lieutenant 

Fuller, John Lewis, Samuel Linnet, Samuel Childs, and 
Samuel Bremen. Captain Michael Peirce was of Scituate. 
He was also slain. 

An early writer speaking of this battle and the ' conduct 
of Captain Peirce's company, says "they fought until 
nearly every man fell, with a bravery like that at Therm- 
opyloe, and deserving as great success." 



TOWN OFFICERS. — 1873-4. 

Town Clerk and Treasurer — F. G. Kelley. 

Selectmen, Assessors, Overseers of the Poor and Sur- 
veyors of Highways — Andrew Lovell, Samuel Snow, 
Levi L. Goodspeed. 

School Committee — N. Hinckley, Chairman, O. N. 
Bearse, Nathan Edson, Zemira Kendrick, E. Scudder, F. 
G. Kelley, Samuel Snow, Daniel Scudder, Charles L. Bax- 
ter, Nelson G. Marchard, Horace Nickei-son, M. H, Whel- 



15071 HISTORY OP TOWNS. 

den, F. B. Goss, L. L. Goodspeed, Joseph E. Hall, A. S. 
Crosby, Asa F. Bearse, George W. Doane. 

Collector — James, Coruish . 

Constables — William F. Jones, Thomas Harris, Chas. 
H. Denison, John B. Lovell, A. S. Crosby. 

CHURCHES. 

Congregational Chlirch, Hyannis — Rev. E. Turner, 
Pastor. 

Universalist Church, Hyannis — Rev. Rufus S.Pope, 
Pastor. 

Baptist Church, Barnstable — Rev. Nathan Chapman, 
Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, Barnstable — Rev. D. D. 
Cheney, Pastor. 

Unitarian Church, Barnstable — Rev. Henry F. Edes, 
Pastor. 

Masonic. Orient Chapter of R. A. M., Hyannnis — 
George J. Miller. H. P. ; Theophilus Bassett, K. ; Oliver 
Hallett, S. ; Rufus Pope, C. H. ; John B. Baxter, P. S. ; 
John W. Chapman, R. A. C. ; Albert Perry, M. 3rd V. ; 
William Childs, M. 2nd V, ; Alexander G. Cash, M. 1st 
V. ; Alvin S. Hallett, Treas. ; Charles H. Nye, Sec. ; C. 
C. Crocker, Tyler. ; meetings Tuesday on or before Full 
Moon. 

Fraternal A. F. and A. INI. Lodge. 

Charles W. Hinckley, W. M. ; Alexander G. Cash, S. 
W. ; Samuel M. Robinson, J. W. ; Zenas Marston, Treas. ; 
Oliver C. Hoxie, Secy. ; Joseph Lewis, S. D. ; Sturgis 

C. Baxter, J. D. ; Wendell L Hinckley, S. S. ; Henry C. 
Lombard, J. S. ; Charles C. Crocker, Marshall ; R. S. 
Pope, Chaplain ; Heman I. Coleman, Tyler. Regular 
meetings first Monday in each month. 

Mariners' Lodge, A . F. and A. M. of Cotuit Port. 
John B. Baxter, W. M. ; Thomas Chatfield, S. W. ; Asa 
F. Bearse, J. W. ; Andrew Lovell, Treas ; John M. Handy, 
Secy. ; Bennett W. Dotridge, S. D. ; William Childs, J. 

D. ; Franklin Cannnett, S. S. ; U. M. Hutchins, J. S. ; 
Sylvanus Porter, Marshall ; Alonzo W. Phinney, Chap- 
lain ; M. W. Dotridge, Tyler. Regular meetings first 
Wednesday in each month. 

Orient Chapter organized September 9th, 185G. 
Fraternal Lodge organized June 8th, 180L 



WELLFLEET. 150o 

Mariners' Lodge, organized March 10, 1870. 
James Otis Lodge — Meets Friday evening of each week 
at Masonic Hall. 

Dawn of Truth Lodge — No. 70, I. O. G. T. 
Meets at Union Hall, "Wednesday evening of each week. 
Edward Hallett, W. C. T. ; Joseph N. Parker, Secretary. 



WELLFLEET. 



This town lies between Eastham and Truro, extending 
across the Cape. It Avas a part of Eastham till 1763, and 
usually called by the Indian name of PononaTcanet. In 
the old records, it is called Billingsgate. 

The act of incorporation by its present name is dated 
May 25, 1763. The village is on the west shore. The 
people of this town are principally engaged in fisheries, 
and the coast trade. In 1776, this town voted '* That if 
the Honorable Continental Congress shall think j^roper, 
for the safety of the good people of the United Colonies, 
to declare said colonies independent we, the inhabitants of 
the town of Welltlcet, will support them with our lives 
and fortunes." 

Some of the most prominent names in this town's his- 
tory are Knovvles, Doane, Paine, Covel, Holbrook, Ham- 
blen, Waterman, Newcomb, Whitman, Higgins, Smith, 
Greenough, Young, Cole, Rich, Atwood, Cobb, Lewis, 
Arey, Freeman, Dyer, Gross, Hatch, Witherell. The first 
minister was Jositih Cakes, the second Isaiah Lewis, from 
Hingham. Rev. Levi Whitman was the third, ordained 
in 1785, and his successor was Rev. Timothy Davis, or- 
dained in 1808, succeeded by Rev. Stephen Bailey about 
1831. The population in 1870, was 2,135. 

Early in the war of the Revolution the commissioned 
oflicers of the " train band," in Wellfleet were required to 
resign their positions in the militia, and their places, thus 
vacated, were filled by the choice of Elisha Cobb, Captain, 
Zoeth Smith, First Lieutenant, and William Chipman, 
Second Lieutenant. Captain Cobb was soon after pro- 
moted to Colonel of the reo^iment. 

Officers in the local militia of Barnstable County iu 
Wellfleet. 



I50p HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

Colonels. Willard Knowles, Elisha Cobb, Joseph Hol- 
brook 3d, from March 10, 1825. 

Majors. Ellsha Doane, Hezekiah Doane, John With- 
erell, from December 1, 1797, to April 15, 1815. 



TOWN OFFICERS. — 1873-4. 

Town Clerk, and Treasurer — James T. Atwood. 

Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor — B. 
S. Young, N. C. Nickerson, William Stone. 

School Committee — T. W. Stone, H. P. Harriman, 
Richard K. Freeman, George T. Wyer, Albert Holbrook, 
Sylvester Hinckley. 

Constables — R. C. Sparrow, James Graham. 

Collector — Isaiah Barker. 

Trial Justice — George T. Wyer. 

CHURCHES. 

Congregational Church — No settled Pastor. 
Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. Charles McRead- 
ing. Pastor. 



TRURO. 



The earliest English settlement within the limits of 
Truro, was commenced in or about the year 1700, or more 
than one hundred and seventy years since. 

The Indian name was Pamet, but the English called 
it Dangerfield ; and when incorporated as a tewn, it 
received the name of Truro. 

The purchase of the Indians was made about 1697, and 
the incorporation effected in 1709. 

Rev. John Avery was the first minister settled here and 
he was ordained in 1711, and practised medicine also, and 
became greatly beloved by the people. He died in 1754, 
and was succeeded in the ministry, by Rev. Caleb Upham, 
who went to his rest in 1786. Rev Jude Damon was 
the next minister. 



TRURO. 1505- 

The grave of Rev. Mr. Avery is marked by a stone 
bearing the following inscription : 

'♦ Here lie the remains of ye Reverend Mr, John Avery, 
who departed this life 3'^e 23d of April 1754, in the 69th 
year of his age, and 44th of his ministry, the first pastor 
ordained in this place." 

" In this dark caverc, or this lonesome grave, 
Here lies the honest pious virtuous friend. 
Him kind Heaven to us as Priest and Doctor gave, 
As such he lived, as such, we mourn his end." 

The cod and mackerel fiishery has long been carried on 
by the people of this town, 63 vessels at one time having 
been employed in the business. Salt is made here to some 
extent. 

In the early days of this town the lands were exposed 
to depredation from strangers, who used to come and steal 
timber, grass, &c. The owners of lands here came mostly 
from Eastham. Those first mentioned in the town Records 
are Thomas Paine, Jonathan Bangs, Steven Snow, Caleb 
Hopkins, Ephraim Doane, John Savage, Israel Cole, Con- 
stant Freeman, and Benjamin Small. 

Thomas Paine was chosen, in 1701, agent of the pro- 
prietors, to purchase lands of the Indians, and give them a 
fair price therefor. Samuel Treat was admitted to citzen- 
ship in 1705. 

The town was called Dangerfield in 1705. Lands were 
often appropriated for the support of the minister, after 
Rev. Mr. Avery came in 1710. The Paiues have nearly 
always held the ofiice of Town Clerk of Truro. The pres- 
ent population is 1,265. 

Truro was within the limits of the 3d Regiment, 3d Bri- 
gade 5th Division Massschusetts Militia, and John C. 
Knowles of this town was the last that held the ofiice of 
Major of that Regiment. 

Truro is 8 miles from Provincetown, and 42 from Barn- 
stable. 

Upon one of the highest elevations in town, was erected 
a church edifice, that could be seen for a great distance 
from almost every direction. It was of a style that long 
since passed away Churches of this style longest remain- 
ing were to be seen in some parts of New Hampshire, that 
at Lee being almost identical with it in size and form. 



150r 



BISTORT OF TOWNS. 



TOWN OFFICES. — 1873-4. 

Town Clerk, and Treasurer — Samuel C. Paine. 

Selectmen, Assessors, and Overseers of the Poor — 
Smith K. Hopkins, Thomas H. Kenney, Ephraim Rich. 

School Committee — Barnabas Paine, Robert AV. Laird, 
Betsy H. Holsberry. 

Constable — Lot Hardins:. 

CHURCHES. 

Congregational Church — Rev. Edward \V. Noble, Pas- 
tor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. Isaac Sherman, 
Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. George S. Macom- 
ber. Pastor. 



PROVINCETOWN. 



The earliest pilgrim Inrth occurred here, being that of 
Peregrine White, son of William and Susanna White, on 
board the Mayflower, November, 1620 — 

" When bleak and wild by old Cape Cod, 
Blew the fierce November gale, 
Alone the little vessel roamed 
With a lingering stranger's sail." 

That primitive son of New England lived 83 years, dy- 
ing at Marshfield, July 20, 1704. This hook of land then 
called only " Cape Cud," claims the honor of being the 
arm that first shielded the pilgrims, and " the holy ground," 
where first they trod. Here, too, the 100 passengers of 
the Mayflower, while she lay in the beautiful harbor, made 
and siijned "a mutual covenant for the better orderinor and 
preservation of this new colony in the northern parts of 
Virginia." This town, originally connected with Truro, 
was made a district in 1714, in the constablerick of that 
town. It was incorporated, by the name of Provincetown 
in 1727. 

The first record in the oldest town book, is the following : 

<* Ezekiel Cushing, son to the Reverend Mr. Jeremiah 
and Hannah Cushing, was born 28th of April, 1698.'* 



PROVINOETOWN. 150* 

The next record is that of his wife's birth December 1, 
1703. The handwriting is that of Mr. Gushing. He calls 
himself *' Town Clerk." This first writing is the plainest 
and best in the book, as is often the case in town Regis- 
ters. 

The towm clerks, that successively subscribed their 
names after Mr. Gushing, are Samuel Smith, 1730 to '68 ; 
Richard Perry, 1771, acting clerk, Samuel Atwood, 1773 
to '94 ; Josiah Nickerson, 1802; Elisha Dyer, from March, 
1835. 

The position of tlie place has ever rendered it very ad- 
vantageous to the commercial interests of the country ; but 
its exposed condition in time of war was a great hindrance 
to its permanent settlement. At the time of its incor- 
poration the inhabitants were by law exempted from tax- 
ation ; so it flourished for ten or twelve years. Then it 
began to dwindle, so that, in 1748, only two or three fam- 
ilies remained. In 1755, it contained about ten dwellings. 
In my visit here in 1847, I conversed with an intelligent 
old lady, Mrs. Susanna (Bates) Gook, widow of Solomon 
Gook, Jr., and daughter of Reuben Bates of Scituate and 
his wife Mary (Hay den) daughter of Joseph Hay den. 
Mrs. Gook was then over 90 years old. She remembered 
the Battle of Lexington and Goucord ; and how the wo- 
men cried and wrung their hands at the news, and the men 
of Scituate melted up their mackerel leads to make bullets. 
She had lived in Provincetown 70 years, and was there on 
a visit three years, before she settled there. Slie said the 
place then had no wharf. A house, covered with cedar 
bark, stood where the Bank is. It belonged to Nathan 
Atwood. Besides this there was no dwelling from Jesse 
Gook's present house to Truro. In 1776, there were but 
36 families. She used to spin and weave, and send her 
cloth to Bridge water to be stamped for ladies dresses. 
Seventy years ago there was but one vessel sent from here 
to the grand Banks, that is, the Swallow, owned by Sam- 
uel Ryder. The rest of the fishers were boats, 

The first minister was Mr. Spear, who moved away with 
the rest in 1748. The next minister was Rev. Samuel 
Parker, ordained in 1774. His salary was £45, and was 
for twelve years paid him by the Government. At a town 
meeting 4 March, 1800, it was voted to give Mr. Parker 
$300 for the year's salary. A church was built in 1763. 
Mrs. Cook said the first Methodist minister came here about 

22 



150t HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

64 years ago, by a vessel, and preached at the house of Mr. 
Samuel Ryder, the same in which William Cook dwelt in 
1847. 

The first settled Methodist minister, llev.Alexander Mc- 
Lane from Ludlow, came 48 years ago. He was popular 
and won over many who had previously been bitter op- 
ponents to join his church. Some of them had, a few years 
before, helped to destroy the frame of the first Methodist 
meeting house. The early Methodists here were compelled 
to pay Church rates for the support of Rev. Mr. Parker, an 
so much persecuted, that many of them removed to Maine. 
Sanmel Ryder, Richard Ryder, Ebenezer Ryder, John 
Kinney, William Reade, Simeon Bates, Jesse Kilbourne, 
David Kilbourne, Solomon Collins, and Henry Atwood, 
all settled on the Penobscot river ; and Charles Atkins, 
with his wife (Ruth Kilbourne) and his son Charles with 
his wife (Rebacca Nickerson), settled at Mount .Vernon, 
in Kennebec County. 

About 1811, the Methodists had increased so as to out- 
number the Orthodox, and so they voted themselves the old 
church edifice, and authorized Mr. McLane to preach 
therein, instead of Mr. Parker. The Sexton was a Meth- 
odist and he locked out the Orthodox party. Mr. Parker 
soon after died, and his heirs kept the Church Records. 

Plowever, Rev. Nathaniel Stone was engaged by the 
Orthodox Society in 1817, to preach at a salary of f 500. 
The pastor in 1847, was Rev. Mr My rick, and his fiock 
was the smallest in town. The Union meeting house is 
sometimes occupied by the Univeralists. Their first min- 
ister was J. B. Dods. The Methodists are numerous and 
prominent. The town has grown fiist in late years. I saw 
Mr. Jonathan Nickerson, who was Collector in 1812 ; and 
it is a fact worth recording, that he paid more tax in 1847, 
than the whole town paid in 1812. 

Cranberries are raised here, and there are some good 
gardens. Muck from bogs is brought and mixed with the 
sand, making fertile garden plats. 

There are several packets and steamers constantly com- 
ing and going. On the 15th day of July, 1873, the Old 
Colony Railroad was opened to this town, connecting it 
with Boston, which is 116 miles distant by land, and 50 
miles by water. 

Whale fishing and Codfish ing have ever been the main 
resources of wealth to this people. The harbor is one of 



PROVTNCETOWN. 150tZ 

the finest in the world. Many of the old families here 
came originally from the upper Cape towns. 

Excellent well water is obtained by digging deep, through 
the sand. The climate is not so cold in winter as inland, 
and the summers are cool. It is very conducive to lon- 
gevity. The color of the people is darker than inland, 
owing probably to the effect of more wind and less shade. 

Population in 1855, 3,096, in 1870, 3,864. 



TOWN OFFICES. — 1873-4. 

Town Clerk and Treasurer—^ Seth Smith, Jr. 

Selectmen and Assessors — Silas S. Young, Artemas 
Paine, John Swift. 

Overseers of the Poor — David Smith, Artemas Payne, 
Silas S. Young. 

Collector — Henry W. Cowing. 

Superintendent of Schools — B. F.Hutchinson. 

School Committee — John M. Crocker, Horace A. Free- 
man, Mrs. H. A. Hutchinson, Mrs. Harriet Mitchell, Mercy 
M. Hopkins. 

Chief Engineer Fire Department — John D. Hilliard. 

Constables — J. Cook, John M. Carnes, E. J. Kill- 
bourn, R. D. Baxter. 

CHURCHES. 

Methodist Centenary Church — Rev. W. M. K. Bray, 
Pastor. 

Methodist Church — Rev. J. H. James, Pastor. 

Universnlist Church — Bev. S. L. Beal, Pastor. 

Congregational Church — Rev. G. S. Blanchard, Pastor, 

Catholic Church — Rev. C. O'Connor, Pastor. 

Fairbanks Lodge No. 12, 1. O. G. T. — Josiah A. Small, 
W. 0. T. ; Sarah Burt, W. V. T. ; James A. Small, W. Sec. 

Masonic — Joseph AVarren Chapter. R. A. M. 

Joseph P. Johnson, M. E. H. P. ; Loring Young, E. K. ; 
J. E. Rich, E. S. ; J. E. Bowley, Treas. ; H. S. Freeman, 
Secy. ; John W. Atwood, P. S. ; J. S. Atwood, R. A. C. ; 
J. F. Tobey, M. 3rd V. ; W. H. H. Weston, M. 2nd V. 
A. Smith, M. 1st V. ; D. Ryder, Tyler. 

King Hiram Lodge — E. P. Cook, W. M. ; J. M. 
Crooker, S. W. ; A- P. Hannum, J. W. ; A. L. Putnum, 



150v HISTORY OF TOWNS 

Treas. ; R. W. Swift, Secv. ; M. N. Gifford, S. D. ; J. W. 
Whitcomb, J. D. ; David Stull, S. S. ; H. A. Freeman, 
J. S. ; M. Rogers, Tyler. 

Marine Lodge, No. 96, I. O. of O. F. — Solomon D. 
Nickerson, N. G. ; James A. Small, V. T. ; Isaiah A. Small, 
Sec. ; A. T, Smith, Treasurer. 



MARSHPEE. 

Rev. Richard Bourne of Sandwich, the Indians' friend, 
procured this tract of country as a reservation for the na- 
tives. He first obtained a deed of it from Quachatisset 
and others, for the benefit of the Marshpee, or South Sea, 
Indians. His deed was so drawn that no part of the lands 
could be transferred to any white person, Avithout the con- 
sent of all the Indians, and this deed was ratified by the 
Government at Plymouth. He afterwards formed a church 
among the Indians in 1670, and after his death in 1685, 
Simon Popmonet, one of the Indians succeeded as preacher 
at Marshpee, and continued there 40 years, when he was 
succeeded by Joseph Bourne, grandson of Richard. 

The next minister was a native called Solomon Bryant, 
in 1742. Rev. Gideon Hawley was installed in 1758. The 
place was incorporated in 1834, as the *' District of Marsh- 
pee." The inhabitants choose their own officers, and man- 
age their own afftiirs, with the aid of a commissioner ap- 
pointed by the State. It contains about 22 square miles, 
south of Sandwich, west of Barnstable, north of Vineyard 
Sound, and east of Falmouth. 



TOWN OFFICERS. — 1873-4. 

Town Clerk — George R. Coombs. 

Selectmen — Darius Coombs, Walter R. Mingo, Silas 
Pells. 

Treasurer — Virgil B. Collins. 

School Committee — Walter II. Mingo, Watson Ham- 
mond, Silas Pells. 

Overseers of the Poor and Surveyors of Highways — 
Darius Coombs, Walter R. Mingo, Silas Pells. 

Constables — Jacob Pockuett, Elijah W. Pocknett. 

Collector — Darius Coombs. 

CHURCHES. 
Baptist Church •— Rev. S. A. Blako, Pastor. 



CHATHAM. 150^^; 



CHATHAM. 



Monomoyick, or Monoino}^, was the Indi m name of the 
locaity now called Chatham. 

Mr. William Nickerson, under date of April 10, 1()()5, 
bought of the Indian Sachem JoJtii Qiiason, a tract of laud 
near Potanumaquet, bounded east by the Great Harbor, 
south by a line which extends west by south ijito the 
woods from Weequaset to a pine tree marked, on four 
sides, and north Ijy a line extending to the further head of 
a pond to a place called Porchommock. 

June 19th, 1672, Mattaquason and John Quason, Sachems 
of Monomoyick, for and iu consideration of one shallop, ten 
coats of trucking cloth, six kettles, twelve axes, twelve 
hoes, twelve knives, forty shillings in wampum, a hat, and 
twelve shillings in money, sold to William iNickerson a 
tract of land and meadows at Monomoyick on the west 
side of Muddy Cove and extending southerly to Matcha- 
poxet Pond, thence by a creek to the sea, and extending 
easterly to Oj^ster Pond. March 20, 1678, and August 16, 
1682, Nickerson bought more lands, of the Indians. Mr. 
N.'s title to these lands was disputed, aud he was obliged 
to compromise with others, who claimed under Colonial 
grants. 

June 11, 1712, was the date of incorporation as a town 
by the name of Chatham. 

Ministers of the gospel in Chatham : Rev. Jonathan 
Vickery commenced his labors in, or about, 1699, and was 
succeeded by Rev. Gershom Hall in 1703. Rev. John 
Latimer in 1707. Rev. Joseph Lord in 1719. Rev. M. 
Roby in 1783. Rev. Ephraim Briggs in 1796. Rev. Stet- 
son Raymond in 1817. 

Mr. Raymond was a native of ]Middleborough, Mass., 
aud graduated at Brown University, Provideuce, Rhode 
Island, in 1814. He Avas ordained in Chatham, April 9, 
1817, and hero continued in the pastorate of the Cong, 
church until June 24, 1829, when he removed to Assonct 
Village in Freetown, Mass., and became the pastor of the 
Congregational Church in that town, where he proved a 
very acceptable minister, and continued to dispense the 
Avord of God to that people until 1835, a period of about 
six years, when he removed to Bridge water, Mass. 

Mr. Raymond was a ver}"" worthy man and an excellent 
citizen, acquiring, as he deserved, that good name more to 



150a; msTORY of towns. 

be desired than gold or silver, and his memory in that 
town still continues to be blest. 

Mr. Raymond was succeeded at Chatham by Rev. Mr. 
Scovel who continued one year, Rev. Mr. Fletcher, and 
Rev. Mr. Stone, both for brief periods, and in 1834, by 
Rev. Isaac Brigo^s, and then by Rev. John A. Vinton. 

The present population of Chatham is about 2,500. 

Concerning one of the early wars in which the country 
was engaged, we find the following pertaining to this town, 
it being the copy of an order from the Governor of the 
(then Province, now) State of Mass. and directed to Col- 
onel Otis, the commander of all the militia of the County 
of Barnstable, that were, then embodied as one regiment. 

" Boston, Januaiy 26, 1711-12. 

Upon application made to me setting forth the danger 
that the Village of Monamoy is in of the French privateers, 
and the weakness of the inhabitants to defend themselves, 
being so few, I do hereby decree, order and direct that no 
men of the foot company of the place be taken by impress 
for any service other than their own Village aforesaid, 
without my especial orders under my hand for so doing." 

" This to continue until further orders." 

(Signed), "J. Dudley." 

" To the Hon. Colonel Otis, Barnstable," 

This was Colonel John Otis, who was born in 1657, and 
was a representative to the Colonial Court 20 years, Colonel 
of Barnstable county militia 18 years. Judge of the Pro- 
bate court 13 years. Chief Justice of the court of Com- 
mom Pleas, and a member of His Majesty's Council, 21 
years. He died September 23, 1727. 

His son Colonel James Otis, born in 1702, was also Col- 
onel of the Barnstable county militia. Joseph Otis born 
March 6, 1726, was Major, then Colonel, and then Briga- 
dier General of Barnstable County militia in the days of 
the war for independence. General Joseph Otis was a son 
of Colonel James, and grandson of Colonel John Otis. 

Brigadier General Joseph Otis was a younger brother of 
the distinguished orator and patriot, James Otis Jr., who 
was born Feb. 5, 1725, and graduated at Harvard College 
in 1743, and also of Mercy Otis " the historian." She was 
born September 14, .1728, and became the wife of General 
James Warren of Plymouth. 

The militia of Barnstable County from about 1657 were 



CHATHAM. 150y 

a part of the Plymouth Colony regiment, one regiment 
then embracing all the militia of the colony, and thus con- 
tinued until 1(385, when the colony was divided into three 
counties, and at the same time into three regiments, the 
militia of each county forming one. While a part of the 
colonial regiment their regimental commanders had been 
Josias Winslow of Marshfield, and William Bradford of 
Plymouth. The Barnstable regiment, while all the militia 
of the county remained in one, was successively commanded 
by John Freeman, William Bassett, and John Otis. 

As one regiment, it remained about 40 years, and was 
then divided into two, and subsequently into three. When 
made two regiments, Chatham fell within the limits of the 
second.* 

In preparing for defence, the people of Chatham took 
^' time by the forelock " and reorganized the militia January 
12, 1775,when Lieutenant Benjamin Godfrey was promoted 
to Captain, Richard Sears chosen Lieutenant, and Joseph 
Crowell, Ensign. Captain Benjamin Godfrey commanded 
a company at the Bunker Hill battle, June 17, 1775. He 
was promoted to Colonel of the 2d Regiment in Barnsta- 
ble brigade, July 1, 1781, with Job Crocker of Eastham, 
as his Lieutenant Colonel, and William Gage Major. 

Lieutenant Richard Sears was born in 1749, and for a 
time held a seat in the Mass. Senate. He died May 13, 
1839. 

The first Sears in America was Richard, whose son 
Knyvet, was father of Daniel of Chatham. This Daniel 
had a sou Daniel, whose son David was a rich merchant, 
and died in Boston. The first Richard had also a son Paul 
of Yarmouth, from whom the late Joshua Sears of Boston, 
was descended. 

The names of Chatham field officers in the local militia. 

Colonels. Benjamin Godfrey, from July 1, 1781; 
Joseph Doane, from August 20, 1790. 

Lieutenant Colonels. Hugh Nickerson, from March 
1, 1816. 

Majors, Allen Nickerson, from April 13, 1818 ; John 
Topping, from June 6, 1823. 

* Many of the inhabitants of the Cape towns were away at sea so 
much of the time, that it became difficult to keep up a military or- 
ganiztion on a peace basis. Very few companies of uniformed militia 
ever existed in Barnstable County. Of these might be named the 
Brewster Artillery, Falmouth Artillery, and Baraatable Light Infan- 
try Company. 



150z HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

TOWN OFFICERS. — 1873-4. 

Town Clerk, and Treasurer — Levi Atwoocl. 
Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor — Joshua 
Y. Bearse, Warren Eogers, Elisha Eldriclge. 

School Committee — David H. Crowell, Chairman. 
Constables — L. L. Bearse, Samuel H. Young. 

CHURCHES. 

Congregational Church — Rev. Hiram Day, Pastor. 
Universalist Church — Rev. George Proctor, Pastor. 
Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. Edward A. Lyon, 
Pastor. 

Masomc. St. Martin's Lodge — B. D. Gilford, W. M. 



SANDjliWCH. 



This town was called Shmvme by the Indians. It was 
first settled by white people, in 1(537, Edmond Freeman 
being at their head. It is well watered by streams and 
ponds, game and fish are abundant in and around the old 
town. The schools of learning are good and prosperous, 
and the village is one of the most important on the Cape. 
It lies on the Old Colony Rairoad, which now extends to 
Provincetown, and is 12 miles north of Barnstable, and 
53 south-east from Boston. This is the home of Mr. Fred- 
erick Freeman, who has published a splendid History of 
this County. Mr. Freeman is a lineal descendant of the 
first and second Edmond, I believe. I hope he may^^live 
long to enjoy the plaudits of his host of patrons and friends. 

This town was, at an early day, a noted place for the 
Friends' or Quakers' demonstrations. Much might be 
written about their persecutions, down from the occasion 
when one of them told the good old Thomas Preuce, that 
he lied. "Thomas," said he, "thou liest." I strongly 
suspect, that this ancient forefather did lie. But then the 
Quaker was not civil to speak so roughly to him. lie was 
the temporal Governor and deserved respect from all good 
citizens. 

Humphrey Norton said, " Thomas, thou liest, thou art a 
malicious man." 



SANDWICH. 150aa 

The Governor hfid charged him, to liis face, with of- 
fences against the laws. 

He believed himself innocent of such crimes. If we 
take a modern, liberal view of this matter, probablj- there 
was no criminality in Norton's conduct, altliough he was a 
turbulent and violent man. ]5ut Governor Prence was far 
from being " malicious." So I guess they both lied. Fa- 
natical zeal will sometimes make ruffians and liars of good 
men. Let us attribute their failings to faults which lean 
to virtue's^ side, and give them unbounded praise forever- 
more for the grand institutions they established 'for us in 
this wilderness of America. 

The Swifts. 

About 18 years ago I compiled,for Mr.Richard K.Swift of 
Chicago, an elaborate history and genealogy of the Swift 
family of this country, comjirising the descendants of Wm. 
Swift of Sandwich. This Wm. Swift wasb(>rn in England 
at a place called Bocking in the County of Suffolk, came 
over early, and settled at Watcrtown, Mass. After a short 
time he removed to Sandwich with his wife Joane, and 
both of them died at Sandwich, he leaving sons and dau^h- 
ters, from whom descendants are living in all parts of the 
country. I know not what became of that book, but hope it 
may be published, as it would be of great interest to the 
family. It contained tabular genealogies, and personal 
sketches of all the cons[)icuous characters from the pil- 
grim ancestor down to the present time. 

I have memoranda of the descent of two or three 
branches. One is that of" Elijah Swift of Falmouth, 
son of Oliver C, born 1T97, son of Elijah, born 1774, son 
of Wm., born 1747, son of Wm., born 1717, son of Wm., 
married 1707, son of Benjamin and his wife Hannah (Wing), 
son of Wm., born 28 August, lb54, sou of Wm., able to) 
bear arms in 1643, son of Wm., the pilgrim. 

Edmond Freeman. 

Edmond Freeman came from Devonshire, England. He 
and his family came over in the Abigail, sailing from Lon- 
don in July, 1635, being then 45 yaiivs of age. 

In 1636-7, he was one of the Great Inquest to inquire 
of all abuses within the body of the Government 

In '39-40, he was elected Assistant — Appointed June 
2, 1640, a magistrate or judge for thi^eo towns, Barnstable, 
23 . '* 



i50bb HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

Yarmouth, and Sandwich — Elected Assistant also in '40- 
1, '41-2, '42-3, '43-4, '44-5. 

In 1641. he was presented by the Grand Jury for lend- 
ing a gun to an Indian. Of a Council of War in 1642, 
against the Indians. In 1651, Mr. Freeman and his wife 
were presented by the Grand Inquest for not frequenting 
the public worship of God, contrary to order made the 
6th of June, 1651. He died at Sandwich, in 1682, aged 
92 years. His wife, Elizabeth, died at Sandwich 14 Feb- 
ruary, 1675-6, aged 35 years. 

Hexry Feake. 

Henr}'' Feake, brother to Robert of "Watertown, was at 
Saugus (Lynn), in 1637, whh Edward Dillingham and 
Edmund Freeman, and the}"^ all three removed to Sand- 
wich about that date. 

In 1640, he was on a committee with Governor Prence 
and others to divide the meadows among the citizens. 

In this division he had 20 acres for his share. " Mr. Ed- 
mond Freeman" had 42 acres, " Mr. EdAvard Dillingham" 
had 8. The rest had about 4 or 5 acres each. 

He was of the Grand Inquest in 1642. Ills daughter 
Elizabeth married John Dillingham, son of Mr. Edward 
Dillingham, 24 March, 1650, and outlived her husband. 
Mr. Feake was the Deputy, or Representative of Sand- 
wich of the Colonial Court in 1643-4. 

Edward Dillingham. 

Edward Dillingham and his brother John appear to have 
come from Bitteswell in Leicestershire, England. The 
family were landed gentry there before 1600, as may be seen 
in Nicholls' History of that County. Their arms were, 
arg , ten fleur de lis, 4, 3, 2. 1, ppr. 

Edward was a legatee of his brother John of Ipswich, 
who died early, and Sir Richard Saltonstall and Governor 
Thomas Dudley helped to settle his estate. In 1632, Ed- 
ward took cattle of Emaiuiel Downing of London, for a 
third of the increase. 

In 1637, Mr. DiUingham was living at Saugus (Lynn), 
and with nine other men was by the Plymouth court, granted 
liberty to view a place in the Old Colony to sit down on, 
and have sufficient land for three score families, on the 
conditions propounded to them by the Government and 
Mr. Winslow. 



S.VNWICH. 150cc 

These nine men were Edmond Freeman, Henry Feake, 
Thomas Doxter, AVilliam Wood, John Carman, Richard 
Chad well, William Amey, Thomas Tupper, and George 
Knott. Most of these men settled at Sandwich, and in a 
list of Freeman of Sandwich, in 1643, are the names of 
Dillingham, Feake, Freeman, Knott, Chadwell, and Tup- 
per. Mr. Dillingham brought over from Bitteswella herd 
of cattle, which ho took from his neighbors on shares ; that 
is, he was to return the cattle with part of their increase in 
subseqnent years. The fulfilment of this agreement is 
provided for in his will. 

He was elected Dcpnty of Sandwich in 1643. Mr. D. 
was one of the founders of Sandwich and a much respected 
citizen. His daughter Oseali married Stephen Wing, 
who was Town' Clerk of Sandwich in 1669. His wife's 
name was Drusilla, who died 6 February, 1656. Mr. D. 
died in 1667. 

Brigadier General Nathaniel Freeman of this town, com- 
manded the entire militia force of Barnstable County for 
many years. He was Colonel of one of the regiments of the 
militia in that ounty in the time of the Revolutionary war. 
Soon after that war the State of Mass., that had been divided 
into S military divisions was subdivded and made to consti- 
tute a larger number, by which the Old, or Plymouth, Colony 
portion came to be one whole division, and numbered the 
oth. Of this then new 5th division of the Mass. Militia, 
Doctor David Cobb of Taunton, was by the Legislature 
elected chief commander with the rank, title and commission 
of Major General Doctor David Cobb in the war of 
the Revolution had belonged to vthe military family of the 
father of our country, the immortal Washington, and the 
commission he held upon the staff of the commander in chief 
had entitled him to the rank of Colonel. 

Two other Brigadiers, beside General Nathaniel Freeman, 
were overstepped by this act of the Mass. legislature. Gen- 
eral Freeman both as an officer and a patriot deserved well 
from his country, and this was not the way to express a 
proper appreciation of his sufferings " for the public good,'* 
his services and personal sacrifices. Truer words were never 
spoken than that " Republics arc ungrateful ;" and General 
Freeman was but one of a vast multitude of American patriots, 
who have been brought to realize this truth in all its bitter 
reality. 

Upon the resignation of General Cobb, the legislature of 



I50dd HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

our State, proceeded to add insult to its injury already done 
General Freeman, by putting into the office of Major General 
his Junior officer in rank, viz., Brigadier General Nathaniel 
Goodwin of Plymouth, commander of the first Brigade in 
said fifth divison (the first, Brigade then consisting of all the 
local militia of Plymouth County, except the town of Hing- 
ham). 

This act proved that " /^/.sV. s/raiv ihat brcalcs the camcVs 
hack," for General Freeman resigned, and in his letter of 
resignation, he, in a manly tone, and dignified manner, set 
forth his cause of grievance. 

That injustice done to General Freeman was continually 
practised toward the Barnstable Brigade, during the long 
period of about fifty-five years As often ^s the office of the 
Major General became vacant, just so often did the Plymouth 
or Bristol County Brigadier succeed in securing the succes- 
sion, until within about one week before the disbandment of 
the 5th division (when the office of Major General being 
vacant), the legislature promoted to that place, Brigadier Gen- 
eral Sabin Smith of Sandwich, the Senior Brigadier General 
of the division, who had once been superseded by the 
Bristol County Brigadier, his junior in rank and date of 
commission. 

The ink of General Snrlth's connnission as Major General 
had scarcely dried before the same legislative body, that had 
elected him to the command of a division, abolished that same 
division by disbanding it, and every military body of â– which 
it consisted, save a few uniformed companies of Light Infan- 
try, Artillery and Hifleraen, that were assigned to another 
command. 

The town of Sandwich was prompt in raising a company 
for the Union Army In the late war, sending out one of the 
first or earliest companies of *' three years men" that reached 
the scene of operations in Virginia.* 



TOWN OFFICERS. — 1873-4. . 

Town Clerk, and Treasurer — H. G. O. Ellis. 
Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor — II. G. 
O. Ellis, Keubcn Collins, Isaiah Fish. 

* The Sandwicli Company ai'riving iu Virj^inia so early in the war 
as it did, was for a tinio made part of a " three months' regiment," 
under Colonel David W. Wardrop, and subsequently put into a three 
years' regiment, commanded by Colonel Ebenezer W. Peirce. 



FALMOUTH. 150ee 

School Committee — Charles Dillingham, Joseph W. 
Ewer, William C. Spring-. 

Superintendent of Schools — Louis H Manuel. 

Constables — E.T. Pope, jNIicahTinkham, Ward S. Curtis. 
CIIUKCIIES. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. John Liversey, Pastor. 

Congregational Church — Rev. Frederick Oxnard, Pastor. 

Roman Catholic Church — Rev. H. F. Kinnerney, Pastor. 

Masonic. DeWitt Clinton Lodge — W. C. Spring, W. 
M. ; Henry F. Delano, Secretary. 

Star- of Hope Lodge, L O. G. T. — Horace Lovell, W. 
C. T. 



FALMOUTH. 



Falmouth wus incorporated as a town in 1686. Mr. 
Samuel Shiverick was the first gospel minister located 
here, and his labors closed before 1700. Rev. Joseph 
Metcalf was the second minister. He graduated at Cam- 
bridge. He died in 1723, and was succeeded by Mr. 
Josiah Marshall. Rev. Samuel Palmer came next. He 
was ordained in 1731, and was succeeded. by Mr. Zebulon 
Butler, who Avas ordained in 1775, and dismissed in 1778. 
Next in course came Rev. L^aiah Mann, Rev. Henry Lin- 
coln, Rev. Benjamin Woodbury, Rev. Josiah Bent, and 
Henry B. Hooker. 

The Congregational Church in East Falmouth was or- 
ganized in 1810, and that in North Falmouth in 1833. 

Two streams in the town afford water power that has been 
improved to carry the machinery of woolen mills. 

The grave stone of Reverend Samuel Palmer, the fourth 
minister settled in this town, is still to be seen in the vil- 
lage cemetery, and bears ther following inscription. 

. " Here lies interred the body of the Rev. Samuel Pal- 
mer, who fell asleep April ye 13th 1775, in the 68th year 
of his age and 45th of his ministry." 

" His virtues would a monument supply, 
But underneath these clods his ashes lie." 

Whale fishing was formerly carried, on here, nine vessels 
being therein employed, tonnage of the same 2823, hands 
employed 250, capital invested' $260,000. 

J'almouth and Brewster for many years had each au 



150/f HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

Artillery company, and these Avere the only companies of 
that arm in the militia service of the commonwealth that 
ever existed in Barnstable County. The Old Colony por- 
tion of the State, in those days, could boast of seven com- 
panies of Artillery, Barnstable County as before remarked 
having two, Bristol County two, and Plymouth County 
three, and these were organized as three Battalions of 
Artillery, each battalion being commanded by a Major, 
who received his orders direct from the Brigadier General. 

In 1843, (thirty years ago), all the Artillery companies 
within the limits of these three counties, were embodied 
as a regiment of Artillery, the first is the earliest regiment 
of Artillery that ever existed in the local militia of the 
Old Colony portion of the State. 

Wendell Hall of Plymouth, was made Colonel of this 
new regiment, Ephraim- B. Richards of Boston, Lieuten- 
ant Colonel, and Ebenezer W. Peirce of Freetown, Major.* 

Captain Weston Jenkins for a long time was commander 
of the Falmouth Artillery Company, and the military 
records show that Captain Jenkins while liolding that of- 
fice, was tried by a Court Martial sitting in Plymouth, 
of which court Brigadier General Abial Washburn of 
Middleborough, was President. This court was held in 
March 1817, and a part of its record is as follows : 

" At the same court was tried Captain Weston Jenkins 
of the Battalion of Artillery in the third Brigade, on the 
following charges exhibited against him by Brigadier Gen- 
eral Cobb, and the Brigade Major of the third Brigade, 
viz : First, Disobedience of orders and neglect of duty 
for not bringing your field pieces on parade on the 25th 
October, 1815, agreeably to orders." 

" Second. For disobedience of orders and neglect of 
duty for not attending yourself, nor ordering your com- 
pany to attend,the regimental muster of the first Kegiment 
third Brigade, in the town of Sandwich, the 11th day of 
October last agreeably to orders." 

* This artillery regiment existed about ten years, and during that 
time Wendell Hall ol Plymouth, and Daniel (Jloyd of Abitigton, held 
the office of Colonel. Ephraim J3. Richards of Boston, Elieuezer W. 
Peirce of Freetown, Charles Brooks of Hanover, and James Bates of 
East Bridgewater, Lieutenant Colonels. Ebenezer W. Peirce, Daniel 
Gloyd, James Bates, and Quincy F. Harding, Majors. 

*ln 1814, Captain Weston Jenkins of the Falmouth Artillery Com- 
pany, witli o"J men captured a British privateer called the " Retaliation," 
commanded by Captain Porter. 



FALMOUTH. 109^^ 

" Captain Weston Jenkins being called, answered and 
pleud not guilty to the charges." The court after hear- 
ing and maturely considering the evidence, are of opinion 
that Captain Weston Jenkins is guilty of diso])edience of 
orders and neglect of duty on the ]5tii October, 1815." 

" The Court then decided that Captain AA'eston Jenkins 
is not guilty of the second charge alleged against him." 

" The Court having taken into consideration the offences 
of which it hath adjudged and deemed Captain Jenkins 
to be guilty, do sentence him to be reprimanded in or- 
ders." Captain Jenkins on reflection, will be fully sensi- 
ble of the unmilitary appearance of a company of Artillery 
on parade without field pieces, and, if horses cannot be 
procured in the town of Falmouth, to transport them, when 
a reasonable compensation is paid by the Government, the 
Major General would recommend a petition to disband the 
company. This last remark was the suggestion of Major 
General Nathaniel Goodwin, when approving the sentence 
(if the Court. 

Barnstable County at that time had three regiments of 
Infantry, and instead of allowing the Artillery to muster 
as a Battalion it was usual to order one artillery company 
to muster with the lirst and the other with the second or 
third regiment, that the Brigadier General when coming 
upon the field to re lew a regiment might receive the ar- 
tillery salute or number of guns or discharges prescribed 
in the tactics. Brigadier General Cobb, let it be observed, 
was the officer, or one of those who preferred the charges 
against Captain Jenkins for omiting to bring the guns, and 
thus putting it out of his power to fire the salute. 

General Cobl) was then Brigadier General of the Barn- 
stable County Brigade, and doubtless felt great chagrin, 
and took it as a personal insult, that he should be received 
without the artillerj^ salute, because Captain Jenkins had 
left his field pieces at home. 

County officers residing in Falmouth. 

Justices of the Peace — Samuel P. Bourne, Jabez Davis, 
Erasmus Gould, Isaac S.Lawrence, Thomas H.Lawrence, 
Thomas Lewis, Jr., Joshua C. Robinson, Oliver C. Swift, 
Richards. Wood, North Falmouth, Francis A. Nye, West 
Falmouth, Gilbert R. Boyce. 

Trial Justice — Richard S. Wood. 

Notary Public — Richard S. Wood. 

Deputy Sheriff — Isaac S. Lawrence. 



IbOhh HISTORY OF TOWNS. 

Some of our readers may perhaps think that we have 
given to much attention to the subject of the local militia, 
but let it ever be borne in mind that with the early settlers 
and also with the founders of the liepublic, the military 
ranked side by side with the church and the common school, 
aud these Ihree, to their minds, formed a trinity ; on which 
they confidingly relied, as the bulwark of civil and relig- 
ious liberty. 

And these militia records from which we have copied are 
not to be found either in public libraries or the archives of 
the State, but were saved and preserved by a gentleman 
after the old sytem was abolished in 1840, and his act of 
saving is the l)est proof he could possibly have furnished 
of his conviction that " every j)artide of historic truth is 
precious,''^ a conviction or conclusion,that has done as much, 
and perhaps even more to hand down the name and glori- 
ous deeds of Colonel Benjamin Church, as that of killing 
King Phillip, and capturing Anawan. 

Falmouth gentlemen who held commissions in the local 
militia of Barnstable County higher than that of Captain. 

Brigadier General. Joseph Dimmock, from 1794. 

Colonels. Joseph Dimmock, from August 16, 1790 : 
Barachiah Bassett, David Nye, from May 20, 1806 ; Syl- 
vester Bourne, from September 24, 1832. 

Lieutenant Colonels. Joseph Dimmock, from July 
1, 1781 to August 16, 1790; Sylvester Bourne, from Oc- 
tober 18, 1831, to September 24, 1832. 

Majors. David Nye, from July 12, 1796 to May 20, 
1806 ; Joshua Nye, from September 28, 1820 to Decem- 
ber 12, 1826 ; Francis Nye, from August 17, 1827.^ 

Captains ot the Falmouth Artillery Company, with the 
date of commissions. 

Weston Jenkins, from August 14, 1806 to March 16, 
1819; Nathaniel Shi verick, from December 21, 1819 to 
October 30, 1821 ; Jesse Noble, from August 10, 1822 to 
November 17, 1825 ; Sylvanus Hatch, from July 1, 1826. 

Majors of the Battalion of Artillery to which the Fal- 
mouth company of Artillery belonged. 

Benjamin Foster of Brewster, from May 2, 1811 to 
April 4, 1820 ; Jeremiah ^Mayo of Brewster, from May 
29, 1820 ; Nathaniel Shiverick Jr., of Falmouth, from Oc- 
tober 30, 1821 to May 30, 1831. 



FALMOUTH. 150n 

TOWN OFFICERS— 1873-4. 

Town Clerk, and Treasurer — Thomas Lewis. 

Selectmen and Assessors — Thomas Lewis, William 
Nve, ]\Iatiah Gifford. 

Overseers of the Poor — Joshua C. Robinson, Arza Fish, 
Francis A. Nye. 

School Committee — Prince G. Moore, Peter E. Childs, 
Crocker IL Bourse, Levi L. Fish, J. C. Robinson, Job F. 
Davis, Silas J. Eldred, Henry Jones, Isaac S. Lawrence, 
Jabez Davis, Israel B. Davis, Silas Hatch, 2d. 

Collector — Isaac S. Sherman. 

Constables — Crocker H. Bcarse, Isaac S. Lawrence, 
Francis A. Nye, Shubael Norton. 

CHURCHES. 

Episcopal Church, Wood's Hole — Rev. Hiram Carle- 
ton, Rector. 

First Congregational Church, Falmouth — Rev. Henry 
K. Craig, Pastor. 

Second Congregational Church, Hatchville — Rev. David 
Perry, Pastor. 

Third Congregational Church, North Falmouth — No 
settled Pastor. 

Fourth Congregational Church, Waquoit — Rev. James 
Cnshing, Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, Falmouth — No settled 
Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, East Falmouth — Rev. 
John Fish, Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, West Falmouth. 

Friends' Society, West Falmouth. 

Masonic. Marine Lodge, meet Monday evenings on or 
before the full of the moon, at Masonic Hall, Main street, 
J. C Robinson, W. M. ; F. E. Davis, J. W. ; A. P. Stur- 
gis, S. W. ; E Gould, Secretary. 

Academy. The Lawrence Academy, Lucien M. Hunt, 
Principal. 

In 1841, a young man, the »ole survivor of his family 
died and endowed this Institution with the sura of $10,000, 
as a permanent fund. The condition was that it should 
forever be called by his name. He survived his father but 
live months, and after providing tor his relatives by suit- 
able legacies, he bequeathed to the Second Congregational 
Church, $10,000. 



150;}* HISTORY OF TOWNS. 



DEISTNIS. 



The Indian names of this town, formerly a part of Yar- 
mouth, were for the western part JVobficusseft, for the 
northern Sesuet, and for the other part Quivet. It was 
incorporated in 1793, being named for the Rev. Josiah 
Dennis, the old popular minister, who settled m that 
locality in 1727 and died 31st Aug., 1763. 

I have a copy of his will and inventory. The will is 
dated Nov. 19, 1761. He says both his body and mind 
are sound. First he recommends his soul to God, who 
gave it, when it leaves the body, in hope of salvation by 
Jesus Christ, his body to be decently buried in the earth, 
in hope of a joyful Rcsurection. To his beloved wife 
Phebe (Hopkins), he gives, besides what the Uiw allows 
her, one third of his real estate during her natural life, 
and all the personal estate she brought at her marriage, 
that is, it is not to be reckoned as any part of his prop- 
erty. To his daughter, Hannah Dunster, 20 shillings ; 
to the church 32 shillings to buy a silver cup for the 
communion table, hoping more maybe given, "so that 
a handsome one may be purchased for that use." 

He gives 26s. 8d. to the poor of the parish of Yarmouth. 

*'I give Dr. Stillingfleet's Origines Sacrae to my 
son-in-law, Mr. Dunster, as a token of my respect, as 
also the book-case in which I keep my books at present." 
Some of his books he says he will take out to be given to 
his children, and the rest Mr. Green may sell and give 
the proceeds to such of his children as may most need 
assistance. 

He says he intends to leave some written instructions 
behind him for his heirs to observe. The rest of his per- 
sonal estate is to be divided between his widow and his 
two daughters Abigail and Jane. And his real estate is 
also to be equally divided between the same parties. 

He appoints his "well-beloved friends," Rev. Mr. 
Joseph Green of Barnstable and Kenelm Winslow of 
Harwich to be his Executors. Mr. Winslow was the third 
Kenelm of .Satucket, born in 1700. 

According to his inventory his estate amounted to £641 
lis. lOd ; of this account the real estate was £291. 

Dennis was a distinct parish from 1721, being called 
the " East Precinct " of Yarmouth. It extends from north 



DENNIS. 150^^ 

to south about eight miles across the cape, and from' east 
to west seven miles. 

It is seventy-eight miles south-east from Boston. North 
Dennis was the ancient seat of the numerous and powerful 
JSTobscusseUSf whose successive chiefs were Sachemus, Little 
RoMiiy Sampson, &c. 

The first salt works here were established by John 
Sears and Ms neighbors in 1776, and this is said to have 
been the beo;inning of the manufacture of salt in this 
country by solar evaporation. The inhabitants are much 
eilgaged in commerce, fishing and coasting. 



TOWN OFFICERS.— 1873-4. 

Town Clerk and Treasurer — Obed Baker, 2d. 

Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of Poor — I. B. 
Hall, Alvin Small, Warren Snow. 

School Committee — Samuel Howes, Chr. 

Auditors — Miller W. Nickerson, Levi Howes, Doane 
Kelley. 

Constables A. Baxter, S. Howes. 

CHURCHES. 

Congregational Church, So. Dennis — Rev. William C. 
Reed, Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. Edward Edson, 
Pastor. 



HULL. 

*' As goes Hull, so goes the State." 

Hull is a small town on the Nantasket peninsula south 
of Boston harbor. It was incorporated in 1644. 

The village is nine miles soutli-east from Boston by water, 
but twenty-two by land. It extends north-west from Co- 
hasset nearly five miles, and has a beautiful beach, four 
miles in length. 

There are several fine hotels here for summer resort. 

Population 261. 

The Town Clerk and Post Master have both neglected 
to furnish us with a list of the town officers, although 
repeatedly requested to do so. 



150?? HISTORY OF TOWNS. 



APPENDIX. 



The following autographs are engraved from the origi- 
nals, signed by Maj. John Freeman, Mr. Thomas Clarke, 
the pilgrim, and Capt. Jonathan Bangs, son of Edward, 
the pilgrim, at Satucket in 1680. I suppose these ancient 
men have many thousands of descendants scattered over 
the world. 




WAEEHAJVI. 



See Page 63. 



This was formerly the eastern part of Eochester, a 
plantation of Plymouth. The Indian name was Wawayan- 
tat. It was tirst settled about 1G82. Wareluim is at the 
head of Buzzard's Bay, and watered by three rivers, the 
Weweantit, Wamoiiiko, and Agaivam, all which fall &bout 
50 feet, making a good water power. 

The harbor is good and safe for vessels drawing 12 feet. 

There are many mills and much iron working carried on 
in the town. Fish of many kinds abound in and around 
"Ware ham. 

The town was incorporated in 1739. Population in 
870, 3,098. 



APPENDIX. 150mm 

Town Officers of Wareham for 1872-3. 

Town Clerk, Treasurer and Collector — Alviu F. Gibbs. 

Selectmen, Assessors and Overseers of the Poor — 
Nathaniel Sherman, Aklen Besse, Benjamin F. Gibbs. 

Committee on Town Accounts — William A. Caswell, 
James R. Sproat, George F. Wing. 

School Committee — John M. Kinney, Galen Hum- 
phrey, Samuel B. Bumpus. 

Herring Committee, Agawam — All>ert S. Hathaway, 
Samuel S. Bourne, Lewis D, Perry. . 

Weweantit — Joseph Shurtleif, W^m. A. Keyes, Henry 
W. Hall. 

Constables — William L. Chipman, Alexander Swift, 
Daniel E. Swift, John A. Walsh, Isaiah C. Smith. 

Highway Surveyors — William H. Mackie, John Gallt, 
Ebenezer Bryant. 

Sextons — Charles H. Besse, Clark G. Swift. 

Fire Wards — Joseph ShurtlefF, A. S. Nye, A. S. Hatha- 
way, George F. W^ing, William A. Caswell, Josiah C. Besse, 
Galen Humphrey, Nicholas Sherman. 

Weighers of Coal — I. B. Bolles, Alexander Swift, Frank 
W. Kingman, J. W. Hurley, William H. Fearing. 

Sealers of Weights and Measures — Alexander Swift, 
Francis Carr. 

Surveyors of Lumber, Wood and Bark — Galon Hum- 
phrey, William A, Keyes, Lewis Waters, George F. W^ing, 
Albert S. Hathaway, Charles F. W^ashburn. 

CHURCHES. 

First Congregational Church — Rev. I. C. Thacher, Pas - 
tor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church — Rev. William Livesey, 
Pastor. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, East Wareham — Rev. Wil- 
liam Livesey, Pastor. 

St. Patrick's Catholic Church — Rev. H. F. Kinuerney, 
Pastor. 

Masonic. Social Harmony Lodge — Regular meeting 
second Friday in each month, at Masonic Hall, Main Street. 
George F. Wing, W. M. ; John M. Besse, S. W. ; A. B. 
Weston, J. W. ; E. A. Gammon, Secretary ; N. J. Sher- 
man, Treasurer. 

Mount Horeb Lodge No. 150, L O. G. T. — Meet 
Wednesday evenings, at Parker Mills. John M. Besse, 
W. C. T. ; Henry Babcock, Secretary. 



PLYMOUTH COUNTY. 



Incorporated June 2, 1685. Shire Town, Plymouth. 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 



Deputy Sheriffs. 

Abington — Josiah Cushman. 
Bridgewater — P. D. Kingman. 
Duxbury — Wm. J. Alclen. 
Honover — Hira W. Rates. 
Hingham — G. F. Hersey. 
Marion — Daniel Hall 
Marshfield — John Baker. 
Middleborougli — James Cole, 

N. Bridgewater — Otis Hay- 
ward. 
N. Carver — Benj. Ransom. 
Plymouth — John Perkins. 
<' John Atwood. 

Rochester — R. C. Randall. 
Scituate — J. O. Cole. 
Pembroke — Francis Merritt. 
S. Scituate. Willard Terry, jr. 

Jailer and Master of the 
House of Correction. 

Plymouth — James Bates. 

Sessions of the Probate 
Court. 

At Abington, 4th Mon. of May, 
Aug., and Nov. 

At Bridgewater, 4th Mon. of 
Sept. 

At East Bridgewater, 4th Mon. 
of Feb. and Dec. 

At Hanover, 4th Mon. of June. 

At Hingham, 4th Mon. in 
March. 

At Middleborou^h, 4th Mon. of 
Jan., April, and 2nd Mon. in July. 

At North Bridgewater, 3rd 
Mon. April and Oct. 

At Plymouth, 2d Mon. of .Jan., 
Feb., March, April, May, June, 
Sep., Oct., Nov., and Dec. 

At Wareham, 4th Mon. of Oct. 



County Commissioners. 

Joseph T. Wood, Middlebor- 
ough, term expires Dec. 1875; 
Wm. P. Corthell, Abington, 
1873; Charles H. Paine, Halifax, 
1874. 

Special Commissioners. — Fred- 
erick Howard jr. of No. Bridge- 
water; Jedediah Dwellcy, Han- 
over, 1874. 

Times of Meeting — At Ply- 
mouth, 3dTu. in March, 1st Tu. 
in Aug. and Jan. 

Commissioners of Insol- 
vency. 

Abington — Jacob B. Harris. 
North Bridgewater — Jonas R. 
Perkins. 
Plymouth — Albert Mason. 

Wreck Commissioners. 

Duxbury — Elisha Holmes. 

Hull — Nehemiah Ripley, jr. 

Marshfield — John Baker, Otis 
Baker, Curtis B. Goodsil, George 
H. Hall. 

East Marshfield, Charles H. 
Tilden. 

Plymouth— Josiah D. Baxter, 
Barnabas H. Holmes. 

South Plymouth — Comfort 
WhitiniT. 

Scituate — Perry L. Parker, 
John Tilden. North Scituate — 
Wm. J. Mewcomb. 

Master in Chancery. 

Plymouth— William H. Whit- 
man. 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 



150oo 



Commissioners to Qual- 
ify Civil Ofllcers. 

Abiii<rton — Jesse E. Keith. 

Bridpewater — Josh E. Crane, 
Abi-;iham Wushbiirn, 2(1. 

Iliiiaiiani — Amos Bates, Solo- 
inoii Lincoln. 

Middleboroutr)) — Everett Rob- 
inson, Eliab Ward. 

North Bricl<i:f'waror — Geo. "VV, 
Bryant. Jonas R. Perkins. 

Plymouth — Wm. S. Danfortli, 
Jacob II. Loud, John J. Ru.ssell, 
William II. Whitman. 

Rochester— Jos. Haskell, The- 
opliihis Kinjr, James Ruggles. 

Scituatc — John Beal. 

South Scituate — Samuel A. 
Turner. 

Wareham— Seth Miller. 

West Bridgcwater — Austin 
Packard. 

Justices of the Peace. 

[Inchidiiif: Justices of the Peace and 
Qnonini desiird.ated Ijy a * ; mid Justices 
throuchout the Commonwealth desig- 
nated by a t-] 

Abington — Charles W. How- 
land, Fi'eeraan P. Howlaud, Jes- 
se E. Keith, Micah Nash, James 
Noyes, Henry B. Pierce, Otis W. 
Soule, Georire L. Richardson, 
Samuel B. Thaxter, John D. 
Wormell. East Abington — Na- 
thaniel Beal, Charles Beaise, 
fJacob B. Harris, Zenas Jenkins, 
Ezekiel R. Studley, Charles AV. 
Soule, Franklin Smith, Jrlo'ace 
C. Totman. North Abino-ton — 
David Ford, James Ford, George 
W. Pratt, Edward P. Reed. 
South Abington — William P. 
Corthell, All3ert Davis, Samuel 
Dyer, Charles S. Morse, Wm. L. 
Reed, Hosea F. Whidden. 

Bridgewater — Samuel Breck, 
Frederick Crafts, fJoshua E. 
Crane, Phillip E. Kill, *Lewis 
Holmes, Mitchell Hooper, Lafay- 
ette Keith, Francis D. King, Ho- 
sea *Kingman, Philip D. King- 
man, Williams Latha m, Frank- 
lin Leach, Philander Leacb,Spen- 



cer Leonard, fAsa Millet, Lloyd 
Parsons, Jeremiah Tucker, Eli 
Washburn. 

Carver — f Jesse Murdock, Ben- 
jamin Ransom, William Savery, 
Thomas Southworth, Thomas 
Viinghan. 

Duxbui-v — William Bradford, 
William H. Cummings, Jonathan 
S. F. rd, John Holmes, John S. 
Loring, Samuel Loring, Joshua 
W. Swift. South Duxbury — 
Ilarvev Soule. West Duxbury 
— Elbridge Chandler, Henry B. 
Maglathlin, Geo. B. Standish. 
South Marshfield — Benj. Boyl- 
ston. 

East Bridgewater — Jacob 
Bates, Jos. Chamberloin, Aaron 
Hol-art, jr., Henry Hobart, Ben- 
jamin AV. Keith, Thomas Keith, 
AVm. H. Osborne, Calvin Reed. 

Halifax — Edwin Inglee, Chas. 
H. Paine, Ira L. Sturtevant, 
Ephraim B. Thompson. 

Hancver^Robert S. Curtis, 
Jedcdiah Dwclley. 

Hanson — Andrew Bowker, Jo- 
sephus Bryant, Robert Perry, Jo- 
seph Smith, George F. Stetson. 

South Hanson — Isaiah Bearce, 
Eben B. K. Gurney. South Han- 
over — Edward Y. Perry. 

Hingham — Quincy Bicknell, 
fSolomon Lincoln, Charles N. 
Marsh, Charles W. Seymour, 
Elijah Shute, Sidney Sprague, 
fJoseph B. Thaxter. 

Hingham Centre — James S. 
Lewis, Henry Siders. 

Hull — Lewis P. Loring. 

Kingston — Joseph S. Beal, Al- 
den S. Bradford. Philander Cobb, 
Samuel E. Cushman, AValter H. 
Faunce, Edward Gray, Noah 
Prince, Edwin Reed. 

Lakeville — Reuben Hafford, 
Abiezier T. Harvey, John F. 
Montgomery, Job Pierce, Eleazer 
Richmond, Churchill T. AVest- 
gate, Henry L. Williams. Asa T. 
AVinslow, J. AVinslow. 

Marion— *Obed Delano, Dan- 
iel Hall, Barnabas Hiller, Joseph 
S. Luce, Moses H. Swift. 



shfield — John Baker, Wai*- 
ren W. Barker, Nathaniel J. Da- 
mon, John Ford. North Marsh- 
field— f Hiram A. Oakman. 

Matfapoisett — Wilson Bar- 
ptow, Noah Hammond, Thomas 
Nelson, N'>ah C. Stnrtevant. 

Middleboronoh — John Ben- 
nett, Sylvanns Hinckley, Samnel 
T. Patterson, Noah C. Perkins, 
Everett Kobiiison, Jolm C. Sulli- 
van, William A. Thompson, An- 
drew L. Tinkham, Sidney Tuck- 
er, Eliab Ward. Cornelius B. 
AVood, Geoi-ofe W. Wood, Joseph 
T. Wood, t William II. W^ood. 
North Middleborough — Andrew 
L. Alden, Zebulon Pratt, Wm. 

B. White. East Middleboronoh 
— Joshua M. Eddv, Anofustus H. 
Soule. Rock— Ichabod F. At- 
wood. South Middleborough — 
Stillman Benson. 

North Bridge water — Frederic 

C. Blanchard, George^W. Bryant, 
David L. Cowell, Francis M. 
French, Sunnier A. Hayward, 
Augustus T. Jones, Edwin H. 
Kingman, Isaac Kingman, *Jonas 
II. Perkins, Wm. Perrv, Loring 
W. Puller, Isaac E. Snell, Ed- 
ward Southworth, fJonathan 
White. Campello — Nelson J. 
Foss, Josiah W. Kingman, Galen 
E. Pratt. 

Pembroke (East), George F. 
Hatch, Andrew E. Poole. North 
Pembroke — Francis Col'amore. 
South Hanson— Willi.nu H. H. 
Bryant. 

Pl> mouth — Gustavus D. Bates, 
James Bates, *Jos'h D. Baxter, 
Lemuel Bradford, Charles Q. 
Churchill, Charles M. Coolidge, 
James Cox, Daniel E. Damon, 
t William S. Danforth, f Charles 
G. Davis, Wm. T.Davis, George 
G. Dyer, Timothy Gordon, John 
T. Hall, Jienjamiii A. Hatliaway, 
Barnabas H. Holmes, Thomas 
Loring, f Jacob 11. Loud, Lean- 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 



der Lovell, Albert Mason, John 
Perkins, Thomas Pierce, Daniel 
J. Bobbins, Edmund Robbins, 
fJohn J. Russell, Thomas B. 
Sears, Chas. W. Spooner, Isaac 
N. Stoddard, * William Thomas, 
Ezekiel C. Turner, *William H. 
Whitman, Oliver T. Wood. Chil- 
ton villc — George Bramhall. 

Plyni])ton — jas. C. Ellis, Zac- 
cheu« Parker, William Perkins. 
North Plympton — Zenas Cush- 
man, 

Rochester — John Blackmer, 
Thomas Ellis, Theophilus King, 
James H. Look, George Pierce, 
James Ruggles, George M.White. 
North Rochester— Israel F. Nick- 
crson. 

Scituate — *John Beal, Ezekiel 
Jones. North Scituate — Joseph 
O. Cole, George C. Lee. 

South Scituate — Ebenezer T. 
Fogg, Charles A. Litchfield, Geo. 
n. Torrey, *Saniuel A. Turner. 
Hanover, Lemuel C. AVaterinan, 
Samuel Tolman, jr. West Scitu- 
ate — Elisha Jacobs. 

Wareham — William L. Chip- 
man, Joseph P. Playden, Darius 
Miller, Setli Miller, jr., James G. 
Sproat. East Wareham — John 
M. Kinney, AdoI[)!ins Savery, 
Nathaniel Sherman. West Ware- 
ham — Nol)le Howard. 
j West Bridgewater — Jas. How- 
] ard, William H. Jennings, Austin 
[ Packard. 

! Trial Justices. 

I Abiiigton — Otis W. Soule. 
I Bridgcwater. --Lewis Holmes. 
! East Bridgewater — William H. 
Osborne. 

Hiiigham Centre. — James S. 
Lewis. 

Middleborough. — Cornelius B. 
Wood. 

North Bridgewater. — Jonas R. 
Perkins. 

Plvmouth — Albert Mason, 



A- RECORD. 

The publishers have placed on tlie title page the likeness of Mr. Dudley, which has been nice- 
ly engraved by Messrs. Bricher & Coaant. Mr. Dudley has often been personated by dishonest 
people, who found they could more easily collect money and obtain favors by sailing under his 
popular flag. In one case he recovered a large sum from the pirate who appropriated his 
works. This means is therefore used to guard against future deceptions of that sort. 

Mr. D. has been many times solicited for his likeness and sketches of his life to insert in 
biographical works. These solicitations he has generally repelled, hoping that his record might be 
more interesting and complete at a later time of life. But sketches have been inserted in several 
works, tluit are necessarily very imperfect. There is one in Allibone, another in Drake's 
late Dictionary of American celebrities. But the best is in Duyckinck's American Literature. 
Several of these sketches fail to mention that Mr. D. ever compiled, printed or published a 
Directory ; whereas he has produced more than fifty stich works, nearly all of them in large 
octavo form, and compiled with the utmost care and at vast expense, both of labor and stock. His 
works have ever been praised by the press, for the beauty of their workmanship and the excel- 
lence of their composition and matter. Besides the Directory publishing business, Mr. D. has 
done, in the meantime, much printing and literary work, writing articles few the journals, maga- 
zines and other periodicals, exploring the lab^ryntlis of ancient family history, genealogy, her- 
aldry, &c., farming, gardening, and caring for his large, young family. He spent his first 
six years in Massachusetts, as a school teacher, in which vocation his success was marked, and 
lie has the printed reports of his schools to prove it. Then followed his travels in this country, 
ind a year's sojourn in England, where he studied the history and archaeology of the early 
times, and wrote letters lor Amencan journals. He spent some time in Washington collecting 
naterials |or a History of the Cotton Trade and Manufacture in this country, which work was 
published in New York in 1853. Next he held a clerkship in the Tax Receiving Office of New 
York City, where he noticed some of the political frauds upon that city's Treasury, and reported 
'•Jem to the editors of the Herald and 'I'rihune. But Mr. Greeley remarked, tliat the Democrats 
'-jould steal worse than tiie Whigs, and the Herald man said it would'nt pay to expose such 
ings. 



Mr. D's. legal studies occupied five or six years in Suffolk county ; since which he has 
been a member of the Massachusetts bar, and Justice of the Peace. lie also belongs to th( 
of the United States Courts, and his practice has been quite successful, although he hai 
devoted much time to it. 

His early works were the following : — 

Dudley Genealogies, 1848 ; 

Pictures of Life in England and America, 1851 ; 

Genealogical Charts, Pedigrees, Arms, &c., 1855 ; 

History and Genealogy of the Swift Family in America, 185^ ; 

History of the First General Council of Nice, 1860 ; 

Officers of our Union Army and Navy ; Their Lives and their Portraits, 1862 ; 

Social and Political Aspects of England and the Continent, 1862 ; 

Many years since, he was elected an Honorary Member of the Florida State Historical S 
ty. and the Minnesota State Historical Society, and Corresponding Member of the Wisc( 
State Historical Society. He has been a member of the New England Historic Genealo 
Society for about twenty years. He also belongs to many other societies, library 
ciations, &c. 

Mr. D. has published the Boston Business Directory for nine successive years, and has 
employed by the city of Boston to compile the annual census of children of school age, fo: 
last ten years, and also to collect statistics of private schools and institutions of learning, 
year his annual task included the gathering of statistics in Boston, for the great Vienna E 
sition, from which has resulted great and distinguished honor to the modern Athens. 

Mr. Dudley is just fifty years old, having been born in 1823, in a wild, mountainous regie 
Maine, where most of his early associates have probably passed their lives in rural employnK 
He is self-educated, having been left an orphan at twelve years of age, and dependent ei.ti 
upon his own resources. His health is now in a precarious state, owing partly to a frail c 
stitution, and partly to excessive care and labor. Since the great fire of last November, 
M'hich his entire printing material, business library and many other valuaViles were destro 
with no insurance to repay the loss, he has felt the burden of business more than ever, and lo 
for rest in a more retired situation, with less care, and more opportunity for literary 
scientific study. But the toil and turmoil cease n^t. 



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