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THE 


HISTORY  OF  CAPE   COD: 

THE  ANNALS 

OF 

THE    THIRTEEN    TOWNS 

OF 

BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


FREDERICK    FREEMAN. 
VOL.  II. 


"  These  tbaksactions  and  events,  as  they  peeciselt  fell  out  in  time,  too  much  neg- 
lected BY  OUE  HISTOKIANS,  I  HAVE  TAKEN  THE  GEBATEST  PAINS  TO  SEAECH  AND  FIND,  EVEN 
VASTLY  MOKE  THAN  IN  THE  COMPOSING;  AND  WHICH,  THEOUGH  A  WORLD  OF  DIFFICULTY  AND  MUCH 

EXPENSE,  I  HEEE  PEESENT  rov."—Bev.  Thomas  Prince. 


BOSTON: 

PRINTED     FOR    THE    AUTHOR, 

BY  GEO.  C.  RAND  &  AVERY,  3  CORNHILL. 

1862. 


.C3F7 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1862,  by 

Geo.  C,  Rand  &  Avert, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


/I 

u 


ELECTROTTPED    AT    THE 
BOSTON    STEREOTYPE    FOUNDRY. 


CONTENTS. 


Faoi 
PREFACE, 3 

AliTNALS  OF  SAJSTDWICH, 13 

YARMOUTH 171 

BARNSTABLE, 241 

EASTHAM, .345 

FALMOUTH, "   .   415 

HARWICH, 489 

TRURO, 533 

CHATHAM, 677 

PROVINCETO^VN, 615 

WELLFLEET, C51 

DENNIS, 687 

ORLEANS, 719 

BREWSTER, 737 

ADDENDA 769 

CONCLUSION, 777 

SUBSCRIBERS,  LIST  OF, 781 

INDEX,  Subjects, 787 

Names, 792 

Indians,       802 

Indian  Places, 803 

ERRATA 804 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


•*  To  face  page 

1.  William  Bodfish, 142 

2.  William  Fessenden, 155 

3.  Zeno  Scudder, ' 338 

4.  Benjamin  F.  Hallett, 340 

/   5.  Braddock  Dimmick, ^iyQ 

0.  Thomas  Fish /    .    ,    .    .^^ 

7.  Elijah  Swift, ' 480  ' 

8.  Samuel  Lewis, ' 482 

9.  Thomas  Swift, '  . 483 

10.  John  Jenkins, 484 

11.  Salathiel  ISTickerson, .   611 

12.  Elijah  Cobb, .764 

13.  Ebenezer  Nickerson, 769 

14.  Isaac  Clark, 771 

15.  Amasa  Nickerson, 772 

16.  Benjamin  Burgess, 773 

17.  Isaiah  Crowell, .775 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2011  with  funding  from 

Boston  Public  Library 


http://www.archive.org/details/historyofcapecod02free 


PREFACE. 


The  writing  of  a  preface  has  usually  been 
postponed  by  authors  to  the  close  of  their  work 
— just  as  is  the  practice  of  some  clergymen 
to  write  their  sermon  and  then  select  an  ap- 
propriate text :  but  we  choose  that  the  preface 
precede  the  narrative  not  only  in  the  order  of 
arranging  the  sheet  for  the  bindery,  but  in  the 
order  of  time,  as  a  programme  or  exhibit  of 
what  we  sincerely  intend  to  do  and  as  the  utter- 
ance of  what  we  have  to  say  in  advance  of  the 
execution. 

How  far  we  redeemed  our  pledge  given  in  the 
preface  to  the  former  volume,  is  for  the  public 
and  posterity  to  decide.  We  had,  before  we 
commenced  the  publication,  assiduously  gath- 
ered materials  as  far  as  was  practicable  from 
sources  more  readily  at  command  as  well  as 
from  almost  obliterated  and  widely  scattered 
data ;  and,  as  the  issue  of  the  work  progressed, 
carefully  and  indefatigably  searched  for  other 
data  wherever  there  seemed  a  probability  or 
even  possibility  of  its  being  found  for  the  com- 

(3) 


4  PREFACE. 

pletion  of  our  narrative.  The  labor  necessary, 
very  few  persons  are  competent  to  appreciate ; 
for  only  they  who  have  had  like  experience  can 
estimate  it.  The  difficulties  of  historical  re- 
search always  increase  with  the  remoteness  or 
obscurity  of  the  period;  and  secluded  settle- 
ments where  the  springs  of  important  transac- 
tions lie  thinly  scattered  are  generally  most 
neglected.  Suffice  to  say,  we  have  stinted  our- 
self  neither  in  diligent  inquiry,  wearisome  re- 
search, nor  expense.  We  might,  it  is  true,  have 
incurred  —  and  our  true  policy,  so  far  as  pecu- 
niary self-interest  dictated,  would  have  been  to 
incur  —  less  expense  in  the  exterior  or  mechan- 
ical execution :  but  if  we  chose  to  gratify  our 
own  taste  at  serious  cost  in  the  paper,  typogra- 
phy and  embellishments,  our  readers  were  not 
the  losers.  The  policy  will  be  the  same  in  the 
present  volume.  We  never  had  any  absurd 
expectation  of  pecuniary  emolument  from  the 
History.  I^or  have  we  been  chiefly  ambitious 
of  fame ;  or  we  would  have  selected  other  sub- 
jects, and  eras  prolific  of  remarkable  incidents 
and  distinguished  for  the  magnitude  of  their 
events.  Our  humble  aim  was,  and  still  is,  to 
rear  a  monument  to  the  past  and  perform  an 
act  of  filial  and  patriotic  regard  for  Cape  Cod  — 
our  endeared  natale  solum. 

On   entering  upon   this   second  volume,    we 
would  fain  have   the   reader  advised  in    some 


PEEFACE. 


degree  of  tlie  arduous  nature  of  our  undertaking. 
Were  we  writing  a  History  of  the  United  States, 
or  even  of  the  World,  it  would  be  comparatively 
a  lighter  task ;  for  we  would  then  be  called  to 
deal  chiefly  in  generalities,  travelling  over  ground 
explored  again  and  again  by  able  men,  the  abun- 
dant data  at  hand,  our  pen  moving  with  few  inter- 
ruptions, citrrente  calamo^  and  our  principal  anxi- 
ety not  to  fall  too  far  below  those  preceding  us  — 
whether  in  correct  narrative,  interest  of  arrange- 
ment and  illustration,  or  diction :  but  our  task 
is  to  'pioneer  in  an  attempt  to  rescue  from  ob- 
livion the  fading  memories  of  by-gone  years  and 
to  snatch  from  the  relentlessly  destructive  tooth 
of  time  records  that  have  already  become  in 
part  mutilated  or  illegible  —  the  history  of  a 
portion  of  country  that  has  received  from  his- 
torical writers  hitherto  scarcely  any  attention. 
All  are  familiar  with  the  homely  simile,  "  a 
needle  in  a  hay-stack ;  "  we  have  (to  follow  out 
the  figure)  spent  many  tedious  hours  in  almost 
as  hopeless  a  search  —  examining  as  it  were 
many  a  stack  straw  by  straw  —  the  result  often 
being  only  the  demonstration  that  the  object  of 
search  was  not  there.  When  a  fact  of  any  mo- 
ment or  even  the  simplest  incident  tending  to 
throw  light  upqn  the  past  has  been  found,  we 
have  seized^  with  avidity  and  scrutinized  it 
with  care— ^0  proceed  again  in  our  search. 
Nothing  accessible,  of  the  existence  of  which 
we  were  aware  and  which  gave  hope  of  addi- 
tional light,  has  been  left  unexplored. 


6  PREFACE. 

Dr.  Johnson,  the  great  lexicographer,  has  de- 
fined one  of  his  vocation,  "  a  writer  of  diction- 
aries —  a  harmless  drudge  that  busies  himself  in 
tracing  the  original  and  detailing  the  significa- 
tion of  words : "  we  sympathize  with  him  in  the 
feeling  that  prompted  the  self-pitying  and  self- 
humiliating  soliloquy.  We  do  not  expect  either 
the  present  or  coming  generations  to  appre- 
hend fully  the  pains  which  our  undertaking 
costs.  The  work  accomplished,  future  explorers 
will  profit  by  our  toils.  They  will  have  at  least 
some  faint  landmarks  by  which  to  direct  their 
own  course,  and  possibly  may  detect  some  omis- 
sions and  supply  deficiencies,  some  errors  and 
correct  them ;  the  initiate  toil  they  will  happily 
have  avoided,  and  can,  therefore,  never  know 
the  perplexities  that  attended  it. 

"We  discourse  on  this  wise  not  that  we  may 
find  sympathy ;  but  that  our  position  may  be  so 
far  understood  that  none  may  imagine  that  the 
humble  offering  here  made  to  the  public  is  ac- 
complished by  sinecure,  or  is  reasonably  to  be 
demanded  as  the  work  of  a  moment.  True,  were 
all  the  difficulties  of  the  way  perfectly  compre- 
hended, the  phlegmatic  might  coolly  retort, 
'  C^d  bono  f  the  task  was  voluntarily  assumed.  If, 
tenacious  of  the  example  of  "  (^  Mortality  " 
among  the  monuments,  a  writer  chooses  so  thank- 
less employment,  he  has  the  privilege  conceded 
to  him  of  consuming  in  the  self-profitless  task 


PREFACE. 


energies  that  might  be  better  directed ;  and, 
though  he  may  find  occasion  to  apostrophize 
the  ancient  peninsula  of  his  nativity  with  the 
lamentation,  "The  zeal  of  thine  house  hath 
eaten  me  up,"  he  has  his  labor  for  his  pains.' 
All  this  may  seem  to  morbid  indifference  very 
pertinent;  and,  so  far  from  complaining,  we 
ourself  freely  admit  —  and  as  the  result  of  ex- 
perience unhesitatingly  record  the  confession  — 
that  were  one  looking  to  us  for  advice,  to  inti- 
mate the  thought  of  preparing  the  history  of  a 
county  and  its  several  towns  with  the  aid  of  so 
scattered,  confused  and  almost  obliterate  mate- 
rials, —  adding  to  this  the  severer  duty  of  demon- 
strating what  was  the  origin  of  each  man,  what 
the  line  of  descent  of  this,  that  or  the  other,  or 
even  the  fact  that  every  one  was  actually  born  of 
some  parent,  —  we  would  be  somewhat  inclined 
to  chide  the  temerity.  And  yet,  whilst  we  thus 
confess,  we  are  by  no  means  unthankfully  ob- 
livious to  the  fact  that  both  pleasure  and  en- 
couragement have  been  found  in  the  prosecution 
of  our  labors.  Sincere,  ay,  most  heart-felt  thanks 
are  due  to  those  who  have  evinced  an  interest 
in  our  success.  The  readiness  of  such,  including 
not  a  few  of  wisdom  and  high  position,  to  succor 
the  enterprise,  is  gratefully  remembered,  and 
will  at  the  ^oper  time  and  in  appropriate 
place  at  the  conclusion  of  this  volume  be  duly 
and  particularly  acknowledged.  We  may  add  — 
it  is  hoped  without   incurring    any  gratuitous 


b  PEEFACE. 

charge  of  egotism — that  as  one  of  Cape  Cod's 
noblest  sons  undertook,  nearly  a  century  and  a 
half  ago,  to  rescue  colonial  events  that  in  their 
order  were  becoming  involved  in  obscurity,^ 
and  Morton,  at  an  earlier  period,  performed  a 
similar  task,  the  efforts  of  neither  being  now 
lightly  valued ;  so  this  attempt  to  snatch  from 
the  Avreck  of  time  what  is  memorable  in  almost 
three  centuries  since  the  discovery  of  Cape  Cod, 
we  confidently  believe,  will  be  regarded  with 
favor  by  future  generations. 

In  the  following  pages  the  towns  will  be 
taken  up  in  the  order  of  settlement  or  incorpora- 
tion. If  in  the  annals  of  the  towns  that  precede, 
some  matters  of  general  public  interest  are  re- 
cited that  were  at  the  same  time  similarly 
enacted  in  the  other  towns,  it  will  not  be  ex- 
pected that,  when  we  come  to  the  annals  of  the 
latter,  the  record  of  such  transactions  shall  be 
repeated  in  extenso.  Keference  only  will  be 
made  to  them  where  the  action  was  the  same. 

^  See,  on  title  page,  extract  from  Rev.  Thomas  Prince's  preface  to 
New  England  Chronology ;  and  read  in  connection,  the  record  of  the 
Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  two  or  three  generations  after  :  "  The  Annals  of 
New  England,  which  have  preserved  many  valuable  materials  of  the 
early  history  of  the  colonies,  which  but  for  the  labors  of  their  indus- 
trious author  would  have  been  irretrievably  lost.  Posterity,  to  whom 
the  principles,  feelings,  habits,  and  sufferings  o|Mhe  planters  of  New 
England  will  be  interesting  objects  of  contempl^ron,  will  lament  that 
the  neglect  of  the  contemporaries  of  this  gentleman  prevented  him 
from  bringing  his  work  to  a  conclusion."  His  second  volume  was 
never  published. 


preft^ce.  9 

This  is  not  only  necessary  to  prevent  the  tedium 
of  sameness,  but  to  gain  room  for  what  remains. 
As  time  advances  and  settlements  multiply,  the 
narrative  of  each  will,  of  course,  be  lessened, 
according  to  the  extent  of  years  which  their 
history  covers. 

If  our  narrative  is  chronological  and  a  variety 
of  incidents  are  recorded  that  are  not  only 
merely  local  but  transitory  in  their  effects,  still 
this  method  and  relation  are  necessary ;  the 
order  must  be  seen,  and,  though  often  trifling  in 
and  of  themselves,  the  incidents  are  too  im- 
portant to  be  omitted,  inasmuch  as  they  indicate 
as  nothing  else  can  the  condition  of  things  at 
the  moment  and  the  progress  being  made. 

There  has  ever  been  a  disposition  among 
historical  writers  to  lose  sight  of  the  sparsely 
peopled  and  scattered  settlements  —  the  remoter 
towns,  villages,  and  by-ways ;  and  to  concen- 
trate all  the  interest  of  their  pages  on  cities  and 
their  inhabitants :  the  effect  of  these  pages  will 
be,  we  think,  at  least  to  suggest  the  question, 
What  were  the  city  without  the  country  ?  what 
the  most  flaming  zeal  without  the  yeomanry  of 
the  land  ?  what  the  patriotism  of  a  few  whose 
names  have  ^me  to  be  quoted  with  no  recogni- 
tion of  others  without  the  encouragement  and 
support  derived  from  patriots  around  ?  what 
were  even  a  Washington  without  a  soldiery  and 

VOL.  II.  2 


10  PEEFACE. 

the  back-bone  and  cool  determination  and  fer- 
vent love  of  liberty  that  made  up  the  aggregate 
from  a  whole  community?  Cities  alone  have 
always  been  comparatively  impotent  in  great 
emergencies,  except,  peradventure,  as  the  hot- 
beds of  riots  and  mobs.  The  vox  iwimli  is,  in 
an  important  sense,  the  voice  of  God.  How 
much  the  blessings  of  civil  and  religious  free- 
dom, the  security  and  perpetuity  of  free  in- 
stitutions, and  the  suggesting  and  sustaining 
influences  of  wise  counsels  and  determined  sup- 
port, are  attributable  to  men  and  positions  un- 
acknowledged, were  a  question  of  great  import. 

In  speaking  of  individuals,  sects,  or  parties, 
we  hold  ourself  morally  bound  by  the  promise 
always  virtually  implied  by  the  very  profession 
of  history  —  to  give  a  true  narrative  of  events, 
presenting  no  man,  sect,  or  party,  from  malice, 
hatred,  or  envy,  and  leaving  none  unpresented 
through  fear,  favor,  affection,  or  hope  of  reward ; 
exhibiting  truly  all  public  transactions  as  they 
come  to  our  knowledge,  so  far  as  is  essential  to 
the  ends  of  history.  Although  were  w^e  setting 
forth  a  work  for  the  mere  amusement  of  the 
reader  we  might,  did  our  judgment  approve, 
relate  very  many  anecdotes  and  incidents  of 
men  and  times,  neither  importan^to  history  nor 
suited  to  its  true  dignity ;  we  can  only  be  true 
whether  to  self-respect  or  duty  in  the  compilation 
of  these  pages,  by  discarding  all  such  unw^orthy 


PREFACE.  11 

temptation.  Enough  is  known  of  the  foibles 
of  human  nature,  without  individuation;  and 
transient  weaknesses  that  ought  not  to  obscure 
the  general  reports  of  fame,  may  be  developed 
even  by  exalted  characters.  Personal  differ- 
ences, political  animosities,  religious  dissen- 
sions, are  all 

"  enough  for  life's  woe" 

at  the  time  of  them,  without  being  transferred 
to  stand  as  if  sculpture  on  the  tombs  of  the 
departed,  to  prejudice  the  eyes  of  the  surviving. 
This  last  utterance  would  appear  superfluous, 
were  it  not  that  the  diversity  of  education, 
taste,  and  judgment,  found  among  men,  might, 
without  such  intimation,  expect  us  to  yield  to 
other  suggestions.  We  wish  to  have  it  dis- 
tinctly understood  that  we  have  no  desire  in  any 
respect  to  realize  the  experience  of  Polycletus  in 
the  statue  which  he  executed  according  to  the 
fancy  of  every  one  who  chanced  in  his  studio. 

In  furnishing  genealogical  notices,  we  some- 
what exceeded  in  our  first  volume  the  limits  we 
had  originally  intended ;  but,  notwithstanding 
the  labor  required  in  this  department,  we  are 
still  disposed  to  use  the  great  amount  of  data 
we  have  with  much  care  collected,  to  give  a  full 
view  of  descent  from  original  settlers  generally. 
Let  it  be  understood,  however,  that  if  we  find  it 
more  convenient,  such  notices  may  in  many 
instances  be  deferred  to  the  close  of  this  volume ; 


12  PREFACE. 

and  in  cases  unimportant,  and  especially  those 
of  them  in  which  in  addition  the  blood  take  no 
manner  of  interest  in  their  progenitors,  we  may 
defer  such  notices  altogether. 

We  have  but  one  other  remark  to  make,  and 
that,  inasmuch  as  the  pertinency  of  our  pro- 
nouncing this  preface  a  programme,  may  not 
otherwise  be  understood  by  such  as  shall  only  see 
the  work  when  complete  in  bound  volumes,  is : 
the  issuing  of  it  in  numbers,  or  parts,  as  hitherto, 
and  at  intervals,  is  the  result  of  confirmed  con- 
viction that  this  method  has  advantages  essen- 
tial to  completeness  and  accuracy. 

Sandwich,  April  1,  1862. 


THE 


ANlfALS  OF  THE  TOWN 


SANDWICH. 


"It  is  wise  fob.  vs  to  kbcuk  to  the  bistort  op  cub  ancestoes.  Those  who  do  not 
look  upon  themselves  as  a  link  connecting  the  past  with  the  futcbe,  do  not  pebfokm 
THEiK  DUTY  10  THE  WORLD."  —  Z)awjei  Webster. 


(13) 


3En0crtpttan, 


We  can  THdK  OF  KO  MOKE  APPKOPEIATE  INSCRIPTION  OF  THE  AlTNALS  OF 
THIS  OUR  NATIVE  TOWN,  THAN 

XIST      li/L  ^  1^  O  Tt,"^      OF 
THE    EIGHT    EEVEKEND 

GEORGE    WASHINGTON    EREEMAN,    D.D., 

LATE  MISSIONARY  BISHOP  OF  THE  PROTESTANT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH 
m  THE  DIOCESES  OF  ARKANSAS  AND  TEXAS; 

WHO, 

EMINENTLY    UNITING    WITH    THE    PIETY    WHICH    BECOMES    A    PRELATE,    THE 

LEARNING  OF  A  SCHOLAR  AND   THE  COURTESY  OF  A  GENTLEMAN,  WAS  AN 

ORNAMENT  TO  HIS   PROFESSION:    ALIKE  BELOVED  AND  REVERED  IN 

LITE,    AND    IN    DEATH    LAMENTED    BY    THOUSANDS    WHO    HAD 

ENJOYED    THE    PLEASURE    OF    HIS    ACQUAINTANCE  ; 

BUT  BY  NONE  BELOVED,  RESPECTED,  OR  LAMENTED  MORE  SINCERELY 
THAN  BY  HIS   BROTHER, 

THE  AUTHOR. 


(14) 


ANNALS  OF  SANDWICH. 


A  GRANT  having  been  made,  April  3,  1637,  "to  Mr. 
Edmund    Freeman   and   nine    associates"  who   had  for 
some  time  previous  been  residents  of  Lynn,  (Saugus,) 
"  the  same  year  these  ten  men  of  Saugus,"  viz : 
Edmund  Freeman,  William  Wood,^ 

Henry  Feake,  Edward  Dille^gham, 

Richard  Chadwell,  John  Carman,^ 

William  Almy,^  George  Knott,  and 

Thomas  Tupper,  Thomas  Dexter, 

were,  with  the  exception  of  Dexter,  who  came  subse- 
quently, early  on  the  ground.  With  them,  or  soon 
after,  came  also  a  large  number  of  persons  chiefly  from 
Lynn,  Duxbury,  and  Plymouth,  viz : 

^  Mr.  Almy  left  town  early,  and  prob.  went  to  R.  Island.  It  has  been 
supposed  that  John  of  Portsmo.,  who  was  a  capt.  in  Philip's  war,  was  his 
son.     Of  the  correctness  of  this  last  suggestion,  we  express  no  opinion: 

^  Whether  this  was  the  distinguished  author  of  '  New  England's  Pros- 
pect,' pr.  Lond.  1634,  is,  in  the  opinion  of  some,  an  open  question.  Mr. 
Lewis,  author  of  the  History  of  Lynn,  represents  Mr.  Wood  as  coming  to 
Lynn  in  1629 — admitted  May  18,  1631,  a  townsman  —  a  resident  there  4 
yrs.  during  which  time  he  wrote  New  England's  Prospect  —  sailed  Aug.  15, 
1633,  for  Lond.,  where  he  pub.  his  book  1634,  and  in  1635  his  Map  of  New 
Eng.  engraved  —  the  same  year  returning  to  Lynn,  having  embarked  Sept. 
11  in  the  Hopewell,  Graves  master,  accompanied  by  his  wife  Elizabeth  24 
yrs.  of  age,  and  he  27,  according  to  the  record  in  Westminster  Hall  —  in 
1636  a  deputy  —  and  in  1637  going  with  a  company  of  about  50  men  to 
Sandwich,  and  here  is  Town  Clerk,  active,  intelligent,  talented.  AU  this  is 
sufficiently  circumstantial :  we  shaU.  have  occasion  to  refer  to  the  subject 
again  by  and  by. 

^  Mr.  Carman  does  not  long  appear  an  inhab.  of  S.  But  Mr.  Savage 
mistakes  in  supposing  that  he  d.  in  1638  ;  for  he  had  lands  granted  him  in 
S.  1640  and  1641.  It  is  prob.  that  he  went  to  Long  Island  and  was  the 
patentee  of  Hampstead  where  his  son  Caleb's  baptism  was  the  first  rite  of 
the  kind  administered. 

(15) 


16 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


George  Allen, 
Thomas  Armitage,^ 
Anthony  Besse, 
Ml'.  Blakemore,^ 
George  Bliss,^ 
Thomas  Boardman,* 
Robert  Bodfish, 
Richard  Bourne, 
William  Braybrook,^ 
John  Briggs,^ 


George  Buitt, 
Thomas  Burge, 
Thomas  Butler, 
Tho.  Chillingsworth,^ 
Edmund  Clarke,® 
George  Cole,^ 
John  Dingley,^" 
Henry  Ewer, 
John  Fish, 
Jonathan  Fish, 


Nathaniel  Fish, 
John  Friend,^ 
Peter  Gaunt, 
Andrew  Hallett," 
Thomas  Hampton,^^ 
William  Harlow,^* 
William  Hedge,^^ 
Joseph  Holway, 
William  Hurst,^^ 
John  Joyce,^ 


^  Mr.  Armitage  had  lands  gr.  in  1641,  but  his  name  soon  disappears.  It 
is  supposed  that  lie  returned  to  Lynn. 

^  Mr.  Blakemore,  or  Blackmore  as  generally  written,  was  doubtless  John 
who  was  appointed  to  exercise  the  militia  in  1639.  After  the  mention  of 
him  as  liable  to  bear  arms  in  1643,  his  name  disappears  from  the  records. 

^  Mr.  Bliss  had  lands  in  S.  1641,  and  perhaps  is,  as  one  suggests,  the 
same  who,  in  1649,  was  "  empowered  to  mend  arms  "  at  Newport.  But  he 
was  certainly  in  S.  at  a  later  period,  as  will  be  seen. 

■*  Mr.  Boardman,  from  Lond.,  was  in  Plym.  1634,  remained  in  S.  sever- 
al years,  had  gr.  of  lands  1641,  but  in  1643  was  following  the  occupation 
of  a  carpenter  in  Yarmouth. 

'"  Mr.  Braybrook  is  last  known  as  having  lands  in  S.  1641,  and  may  be 
of  the  same  family  that  subsequently  appears  in  York. 

^  Mr.  Briggs  came  over  1635  a^.  20.  His  estate  was  ad.  on  by  his  widow 
Catharine,  June  1,  1641.     His  will  mentions  s.  Samuel  and  dr.  Sarah. 

''  Mr.  Chillingsworth,  oftener  Shillingsworth  in  the  records,  had  lands 
1641,  and  was  liable  to  bear  arms  in  S.  1643  ;  but  soon  went  to  Marshfield, 
where  he  was  deputy  1648  and  1652,  and  died  1653  leaving  a  wife  and 
children. 

^  Of  Mr.  Clarke  we  are  certain  of  nothing  more  than  that  he  had  lands 
assigned  to  him  in  1641. 

^  Mr.  Cole  had  lands  1641 ;  but,  as  Mr.  Savage  says  "he  d,  about  1653, 
his  inv.  being  in  Lynn  June  28  of  that  yr.,  it  is  prob.  that  he  went  back  to 
the  latter  place.  A  Kenry  Cole  was  in  S.  Hable  to  bear  arms  1643,  who, 
Mr.  Savage  says,  went  to  Connecticut. 

'^  Mr.  Dingley  went  to  Marshfield  1644,  and  d.  1658  leaving  a  family. 

"  Mr.  Friend  had  lands  in  S.  1641,  but  prob.  went  to  Ct.  and  was  a  sol- 
dier in  the  Pequot  war. 

^^  Mr.  Hallett  badlands  in  S.,  and  soon  went  to  Yarm.  In  1640,  June 
28,  "  Andrew  Hallett  of  Sandwich "  conveyed  certain  property  in  S.  to 
Daniel  Wing  —  the  instrument  being  witnessed  by  John  Wing  and  Edw. 
Dillingham. 

^^  Mr.  Hampton  d.  abt.  1638,  and  prob.  had  no  family.  His  will,  March 
1637,  makes  Mr.Leverich,  Thos.  Shillingsworth,  Thos.  Tupper,  Peter  Gaunt, 
Ed.  Kerby,  and  Wm.  Harlow,  legatees. 

'"*  Mr.  Harlow  who  came  to  S.  from  Lynn,  had  lands  in  S.  1641.  He  af- 
terwards removed  to  Plym.  He  m.  Rebecca  dr.  of  Rt.  Bartlett,  Dec.  20, 
1649,  and  had  WiUiam  1650,  &c.  &c. 

'*  This  Mr.  Hedge  is  probably  the  same  that  is  written  Mr.  Edge,  Vol.  I. 
p.  164,  and  removed  to  Yarmouth. 

'«  Mr.  Hurst  m.  Catharine  Thurston,  March  17,  1640,  and  d.  1640.  His 
wid.  ad.  his  est.  June  1. 

"  Mr.  Joyce  went  to  Yarmouth  1643. 


ANNALS    OF    SANDWICH.  17 

Richard  Kerby,  Mr.  Potter,^  John  Wing, 

John  King,  James  Skiife,  Mr.  Winsor,^ 

Thomas  Landers,  George  Slawson,  Mr.  Wollaston,^ 

Mr.  Leverich,  Michael  Turner,  Anthony  Wright, 

John  Miller,^  John  Vincent,'  Nicholas  Wright,  and 

William  Newland,  Richard  Wade,*  Peter  Wright. 

Benjamin  N"ye,  Thomas  Willis, 

A  large  proportion  of  these  brought  families  with  them. 

The  settlement  thus  begun  was  not  indeed  the  very 
first,  as  we  have  seen,  Vol.  I.  p.  113 ;  but  to  what  ex- 
tent the  plantation  at  Manomet  had  grown  before  this 
time,  we  have  no  certain  means  of  ascertaining  :  it  had 
probably  remained  as  it  was  in  1627  —  a  merely  tem- 
porary trading-establishment  and  depot  for  merchan- 
dise ill  transitu. 

In  1638,  a  church  appears  to  have  been  already 
gathered  in  Sandwich,  and  Mr.  William  Leverich  was 
at  the  time,  or  soon  after,  the  pastor. 

Considerable  changes  in  the  population  at  a  very 
early  period,  are  indicated  —  some  removing  to  other 
parts,  and  others  coming  in  to  supply  their  places  : 
but  the  names  of  some  fifteen  of  the  earliest  settlers, 
have,  with  the  addition  of  a  few  others  soon  succeed- 
ing, been  the  prevailing  patronymics  to  the  present  day. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  we  may  not  claim  for  our 
native  town  that  its  settlement  was  projected  by  those 
who  have  usually  been  denominated  par  excellence  '■  the 

^  Mr.  Miller  had  lands  in  S.  1641,  but  was  soon  after  in  Yarmouth. 
^  Mr.  Potter,  probably  Robert,  had  lands  1641. 

^  Mr.  Vincent  was  of  S.  as  late  as  1657  when  he  m.  Mary  Matthews  and 
probably  soon  removed  to  Yarmouth. 

*  Mr.  Wade  disappears  after  1641. 

*  Joseph  Winsor  appears  many  years  upon  the  records  ;  but  Jolvn  is 
probably  the  man  here  intended. 

®  See  Mr.  WoUaston,  Vol.  I.  p.  165.  A  deed  now  in  the  possession  of 
Solomon  Freeman  Esq.  of  Brewster,  dated  Dec.  30,  1649,  from  "Thos. 
Dexter  of  Sandwich,  in  the  Govt,  of  New  Plym.,  in  NewEng.,  in  America," 
to  John  Freeman,  describes  the  conveyance  on  this  wise :  "  lands  next  to 
the  lands  of  Edmund  Freeman  Sr.  gent.  —  meadow  formerly  the  land  of 
Edward  WoUaston  late  inhabitant  of  Sandwich." 

VOL.  II.  3 


18  HISTORY   OF  BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Pilgrims.*  The  early  settlers  here  were,  in  fact,  gen- 
erally, in  some  respects,  a  different  order  of  men :  — 
all,  probably,  '^  non-conformists '  and  '  puritans ; '  and  it 
is  also  probable  that  religious  considerations  had  much 
to  do  with  the  emigration  of  the  chief  of  them.  They 
were,  however,  we  have  reason  to  conclude,  not  unlike 
mankind  at  the  present  day,  led  by  the  spirit  of  adven- 
ture without  being  then  or  subsequently  bent  on  the 
establishment  of  a  theocracy.  Although  they  were 
generally  of  the  number  wafted  hither  by  that  tide  of 
emigration  that  caused  fleets  to  be  in  requisition  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  thousands  who  would  migrate 
and  assayed  to  locate  in  another  colony ;  they  had, 
after  observation  and  reflection,  arrived  at  the  conclu- 
sion that  the  Plymouth  Colony  would,  on  the  whole, 
be  congenial  and  present  as  few  obstacles  to  the  con- 
summation of  their  aspirations,  as  the  Massachusetts. 

England  had,  long  before  the  embarkation  of  ^  the 
Leyden  Pilgrims,'  been  on  the  tip-toe  of  expectation ; 
and  every  report  from  these  shores  had,  from  the  days 
of  Gosnoid,  Pring,  Champlain,  Weymouth,  Popham, 
Smith,  been  scrutinized  by  capitalists  and  adventurers. 
Especially  had  the  description  Smith  gave  of  '  New 
England '  —  accompanied  by  a  map,  and  published  in 
1616,  suggested,  as  he  designed,  projects  for  colonizing. 
His  more  general  history  of  Virginia  and  New  Eng- 
land, did  not  abate  the  interest  that  had  already  been 
awakened.  The  charters  granted  to  different  compa- 
nies before  the  sailing  of  the  Mayflower,  the  one  in 
1606  and  the  other  in  1620,  clearly  disclose  themovings 
of  the  public  mind.  In  fact,  the  settlement  at  James- 
town in  1607,  was  but  the  result  of  a  feeling  long 
cherished ;  for,  twenty  years  previous,  attempts  had 
been  made  to  establish  a  colony  under  the  patronage 
of  Raleigh  -,   and  the  attempt,  the  same  year  of  the 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  19 

settlement  on  James  River,  to  plant  a  colony  on  the 
Kennebeck,  is  another  illustration  of  the  prevalent 
spirit  of  adventure.  The  Dutch  patent  granted  in 
1614,  proves  how  wide-spread  was  this  adventurous 
spirit  at  an  early  day.  The  success  of  those  who  took 
precedence  in  establishing  the  New  Plymouth  Colony 
—  as  commended  by  Bradford  and  Winslow,  and  in 
after  years  by  the  publication  of  Wood's  New  England 
Prospect  embracing  the  Massachusetts  Colony,  very 
naturally  led  to  further  results  ;  and  as  favorable 
intelligence  continued  to  be  received  in  England  from 
time  to  time  through  letters  from  these  colonies,  mer- 
chants, capitalists,  and  others  felt  the  inspiration  and 
associations  for  emigration  began  to  multiply. 

The  '  non-conformists '  were  largely  inclined  to  make 
the  trial:  but  the  thought  of  emigration  was  by  no 
means  confined  to  them ;  as  is  evidenced  by  the  pres- 
ence of  Morrill  in  Gorges'  settlement,  of  Lyford  and 
Oldham  at  Nantasket,  and  of  the  Browns  among  the 
original  patentees  under  Endicott. 

In  the  first  emigration  to  Plymouth,  were  "  but  few 
persons  of  capital : "  but  those  who  came  to  Massachu- 
setts, were,  in  numerous  instances,  men  of  property  as 
well  as  of  standing.^  In  preferring  the  Plymouth  Colony, 
after  a  short  trial  of  the  other,  the  original  settlers  of 
Sandwich  could  not  have  been  influenced  by  the  ex- 
pectation of  a  more  extended  franchise,  for  the  privilege 
was  in  both  colonies  confined  to  "  the  elect,"  and  the 
style  of  legislating  was  in  perfect  keeping  with  this 
principle  in  both ;  nor  was  it  the  assurance  that  severity 

^  "  The  Pilgrim  Fathers,"  by  Bartlett,  London,  says,  "  The  circumstances 
attending  the  settlement  of  Massachusetts  were  widely  different  from  those 
under  which  the  colony  of  the  pilgrims  struggled  into  existence.  In  this 
there  were  but  one  or  two  possessed  of  any  capital  or  influence  ;  the  major- 
ity had  little  but  their  labor,  and  they  had  to  submit  to  the  hardest  condi- 
tions to  obtain  the  means  of  proceeding  to  America.  A  single  ship  had 
carried  over  the  pilgrims  and  their  fortunes :  a  fleet  now  departed  with  the 
emigrants  that  followed  in  their  wake." 


20  HISTORY  OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

would  not  be  exercised  against  all  who  should  dare  to 
propagate  or  express  opinions  at  variance  with  the 
views  of  the  self-constituted  rulers  of  church  and  state, 
for  in  either  colony  due  diligence  was  manifested  to 
weed-out  obnoxious  opinions  and  practices:  but  still, 
the  one  was,  in  their  estimation,  for  some  reason,  to  be 
preferred  to  the  other. 

We  may  safely  challenge  for  the  first  settlers  of 
Sandwich  that  whilst  they  were  generally  friends  of 
good  order,  good  government,  and  wholesome  laws,  and 
were  a  religious  people,  they  were  also  in  a  remarkable 
degree  free  from  the  acerbities  of  polemic  strife.  In 
the  state  of  things  that  they  found  existing  and  to 
which  as  good  citizens  they  submitted  in  all  things 
proper,  there  seems  to  us  a  good  Providence.  The 
very  faults  from  which  their  sympathies  were  withheld, 
became  instrumental  at  last  in  bringing  about  the 
greatest  good.  The  Episcopalians,  the  Baptists,  the 
Antinomians,  and  the  Quakers,  each  in  their  turn,  felt 
the  rigors  of  the  refusal  of  the  right  of  religious  liberty ; 
and  remonstrances  were  not  to  be  treated  forever  with 
derision  nor  the  apathy  of  the  Home  Government  to 
be  unaroused.  Advice  long  disregarded,  at  last  became 
peremptory  demand :  the  right  of  franchise  must  be 
enlarged  ;  religious  preferences  must  be  respected. 
Strange  to  us  at  the  present  day  it  appears,  the  fathers 
of  the  theocracy  regarded  the  question  one  of  "death 
or  submission ; "  and,  conceiving  these  to  be  the  alter- 
natives, deliberately  resolved  to  brave  the  worst :  the 
result  was  —  the  Charter  forfeited,  religious  liberty 
proclaimed,  the  two  colonies  united  in  one,  and  a  death- 
blow given  to  that  intolerance  that  had  exhibited  itself 
lamentably  hitherto.^ 

^  Strange  too,  "  that  whilst  the  English  church  and  government  at  home 
were  charged  with  intolerance,  they  should  have  been  engaged  in  overturning 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  21 

It  has  been  well  remarked  by  an  American  writer, 
"  It  is  deep  cause  for  congratulation,  thanksgiving,  and  praise 
to  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  nations,  that  England  possessed  a  supe- 
rior power  by  Charter  over  the  politic  course  of  the  first  emigrants 
to  this  part  of  the  land,  causing  them  to  respect  the  lives  and  liber- 
ties of  those  who  could  not  agree  with  them  in  religious  matters ; 
for  if  we  look  at  the  severity  of  treatment  exercised  towards  their 
own  kindred  of  pure  and  pious  brethren  who  differed  from  them 
on  trifling  points,  and  take  that  as  a  criterion  and  a  sample  of  a 
government  it  would  have  been  their  jDleasure  to  establish  here, 
we  cannot  be  too  grateful  for  the  check  that  was  given  them ;  and 
if  the  '  quo  warranto '  was  termed  by  them  '  an  instrument  of 
death,'  the  result  has  worked  gloriously  for  all  future  generations 
by  giving  them  a  full  freedom  to  worship  the  God  of  heaven  and 
earth  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  conscience,  and  allow- 
ing every  man  to  be  answerable  to  his  Maker,  and  to  his  Maker 
only^  for  his  thoughts  in  religious  matters." 

Sandwich  being  incorporated  as  a  town  in  1639, 
availed  itself  the  same  year  of  the  right  now  first 
granted  to  towns,  of  choosing  Deputies  to  meet  in  legis- 
lative assembly.  The  Indian  name  of  the  principal  and 
central  village,  was  Shawme ;  other  parts  of  the  town- 
ship, important  as  Indian  settlements,  were  Manbmet, 
Pokesit,  Sciissetf  Kitteaiimiit,  Scorto7i,  and  ComasseJcumJmnet} 

Situation"  and  Boundaries.  —  Sandwich,  the  most  westerly 
town  in  Barnstable  County,  is  situate  on  the  shoulder  of  Cape 
Cod ;  extending  across  the  isthmus  from  Barnstable  Bay  to  Buz- 
zard's Bay.  It  is  bounded  on  the.E.  by  Barnstable  ;  on  the  S.  E. 
and  S.  by  Marshpee  and  Falmouth  ;  on  the  W.  by  Buzzard's  Bay, 
and  N.  W.  by  Wareham  and  Plymouth;  and  on  the  N".  by  Barn- 
stable Bay,  —  The  Town-Hall  is  12  m.  N".  W.  fi-om  Barnstable  the 

a  system  of  exclusiveness  on  the  distant  shores  of  America.  The  tjTanny 
of  the  hierarchy,  it  was  alleged,  drove  the  puritans  to  America  ;  the  tyranny 
of  the  puritans  forced  malcontents  to  found  fresh  colonies,  stirred  up  the 
spirit  of  Roger  Williams  to  proclaim  the  then  new  doctrine  of  the  non-inter- 
ference of  the  civil  magistrate  in  matters  of  religion,  and  urged  the  Episco- 
palians again  to  insist  upon  possessing  religious  and  civil  liberty  for  them- 
selves in  America,  and,  by  so  doing,  threw  open  in  the  land  the  gates  of  lib- 
erty, which  can  never  again  be  closed."  —  Bartlett. 

^  Nearly  all  Indian  names  have  been  diflFerently  written  at  different  times. 
The  modern  orthography,  Monument,  Pocasset,  &c.  is  a  wide  departure 
from  Indian  orthoepy. 


22  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

shire-town  of  the  County;  and  58  m.  S.  E.  of  Boston,  the  capital 
of  the  State.  The  mean  length,  as  also  the  breadth  of  the  town- 
ship, is  about  10  miles. 

Surface,  Natural  Divisioiirs,  &c.  —  The  almost  entire  surface 
of  the  township,  if  we  except  the  salt  marshes,  may  be  said  -to 
consist  of  a  continuity  of  hills  or  downs  of  sandy  loam,  with  valleys 
and  hollows  that  contain  small  streams  and  lakes  or  pools  gen- 
erally denominated  ponds.  In  passing  fi'om  Plymouth  to  the 
Cape  by  the  old  county-road,  and,  soon  after  crossing  the  dividing- 
line  between  Plymouth  and  Barnstable  Counties,  emerging  from  a 
forest  nearly  12  miles  in  extent  with  only  here  and  there  a  habi- 
tation or  small  cluster  of  houses,  the  traveller  is  agreeably  struck 
with  a  view  of  West  Sandwich  —  such  is  the  present  post-office 
name,  better  known  by  its  former  Indian  appellation,  Scusset,  the 
peri^etuity  of  which  name  in  preference  to  modern  distinctions  we 
cannot  but  think  would  be  in  good  taste.  The  brook  which  in 
former  times  ran  through  the  centre  of  this  village,  crossing  the 
county-road,  and  which  indicated  the  course  of  the  early  contem- 
plated ship-canal  across  the  isthmus,^  has  been  obstructed  by  a 
mole  or  dam,  and  raised  to  be  a  pond  furnishing  valuable  power 
for  mills  and  various  manufacturing  purjjoses.  Here,  besides  a 
grist-mill,  are  machine-shops,  including  the  manufacture  of  car- 
riages, cars,  &c.,  near  which  is  one  of  the  Cape  Cod  railroad  sta- 
tions. The  village  is  pleasant;  the  soil  generally  light,  but  mod- 
erately productive.  Scusset,  in  fact,  ftirnishes  some  good  farms ; 
and  one  or  more  of  the  finest  orchards  on  the  seaboard  portion  of 
the  State,  may  be  found  in  this  place.^  In  this  village  also  was 
formerly  kept  the  Inn  long  known  as  *  Swift's,'  which,  with  anoth- 
er in  the  central  village,  long  time  known  as  '  Fessenden's,'  gave 

'  The  stream,  the  course  of  which  is  now  the  bed  of  Scusset  mOl-pond, 
has  been,  with  Herring  River  in  North  Sandwich  and  Manomet  River,  the 
scene  of  repeated  surveys  for  a  canal ;  but  the  construction  has  been  hitherto 
as  often  postponed  although  the  reports  of  commissioners  demonstrated  its 
practicability.  Whether  the  apprehension  that  serious  difficulties  must  be 
encountered  from  sand-bars  forming  at  the  entrances,  and  that  in  the  severity 
of  winter  when  most  needed  the  canal  might  be  obstructed  by  ice,  or  whether 
suiTounding  local  prejudices  prevailed,  we  may  not  pronounce.  In  the  opin- 
ion of  scientific  men,  no  insuperable  obstacle  lies  in  the  way,  unless  it  be  the 
lack  of  a  disposition  to  invest  capital  in  the  enterprise,  and  the  indifi'erence 
of  legislators  to  a  measure  both  eminently  humane  and  of  great  public 
advantage.  The  distance  between  the  navigable  waters  of  the  two  bays,  is 
only  five  miles,  and  the  waters  of  the  two  streams  running  in  opposite  direc- 
tions have  but  a  short  space  between  them,  leaving  the  peninsula  almost  an 
island. 

^  That  located  on  the  farm  and  around  the  summer  residence  of  Hon. 
Watson  Freeman,  is  especially  worthy  of  note. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  23 

to  the  town  a  reputation  whilom  of  having  two  of  the  best  hotels 
in  the  country.  These,  before  the  days  of  Newport  and  Nahant, 
were  the  summer  resort  of  many  distinguished  persons  and  fami- 
lies. Retirement,  comfort,  recreation,  and  health,  were  then  the 
demand  —  which  desiderata  were  not  sacrificed  to  mere  ostenta- 
tious display  and  the  poor  privilege  of  being  jostled  by  a  promis- 
cuous crowd  as  at  modem  watering-places.  Scusset  contains  a 
meeting-house  occupied  by  Methodists,  and  is  divided  into  two 
school-districts  with  each  its  convenient  school-house.^  The  har- 
bor of  Scusset  is  serviceable,  but  has  of  late  years,  being  left 
unprotected,  become  much  obstructed  by  the  ravages  of  winds 
and  tides.  In  the  northern  part  of  Scusset  is  Dean's  Creek,  con- 
necting with  the  harbor,  as  does  also  Scusset  Creek,  into  which 
empties  the  brook  issuing  from  the  mill-pond.  This  pond  yields 
its  share  of  fine  trout.  Sagamore  Hill,  an  ancient  sachem's  seat, 
is  N.  E.  of  the  village.  The  earliest  prevailing  names  in  this  part 
of  the  town,  were  Swift,  Burgess,  Gibbs,  Blackwell,  and  Ellis,  and 
remain  so  to  a  considerable  extent  to  the  present  time. 

The  principal  and  central  village,  Sandwich  proper,  the  Indian 
Shawme,  lies  about  2  m.  E.  of  Scusset.  In  the  midst  of  this  vil- 
lage, formerly  noted  for  its  rural  charms,  is  a  beautiful  sheet  of 
water  ^  connecting  with  another  about  half  a  mile  S.  in  a  deep 
basin  formed  by  surrounding  hills.  This  latter  lake,  or  pond,  is 
the  original  fountain  —  the  lower  pond  being  derived  from  it  and 
having  been  at  the  first  settlement  of  the  town  only  a  small  stream 
meandering  through  a  long  and  heavily-wooded  swamp,  the  re- 
mains of  which  may  yet  be  discerned  in  here  and  there  a  large 
stump  in  the  bed  of  the  lake.  The  dam  thrown  across  this  ancient 
stream,  thus  raising  an  agreeable  expanse  of  pure  water  over  the 
formerly  gently-murmuring  pathway  of  the  surplus  waters  of  the 
upper  lake,  affords  ample  j)ower  for  mills,  &c.,  as  does  also  another 
dam  between  the  ujDper  and  lower  lakes.  The  latter  power  for- 
merly propelled  the  machinery  of  a  cotton  factory ;  the  building 
is  now  employed  as  a  tack  and  nail  factory.  At  the  lower  dam  is 
a  grist-mill ;  and  marble-works  take  the  place  of  the  ancient  card- 

*  Scusset,  lying  N.  and  N.  W.  of  the  Town-Hall  and  partly  between  North 
Sandwich  and  the  central  village  or  Sandwich  proper,  extends  N.  to  Peaked 
Cliff  and  the  lands  of  the  plantation  of  the  Herring-Pond  Indians. 

*  This,  so  agreeable  to  the  eye  and  favorable  for  sailing  recreation,  fur- 
nishes in  winter  an  expanse  of  ice  for  the  multitude  who 

"  sweep 
On  sounding  skates  a  thousand  different  ways 
In  circling  poise  swift  as  the  winds," 

that,  for  location  and  extent,  can  hardly  be  excelled. 


24  HISTOIIY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

ing,  fulling,  and  cloth-dressing  establishments,  whose  utility  has 
been  superseded  by  the  progress  of  the  age.  The  Town-Hall  is 
near  by.^  The  village  contains  five  meeting-houses,  viz. :  Unita- 
rian, Trinitarian  Congregational,  Methodist,  Universalist,  and 
Roman  Catholic ;  also  an  academy,  Masonic  Hall,  hotel,  &c.  These 
are  all  in  that  j)art  of  the  village  on  the  E.  side  of  the  town-brook. 
The  two  school-districts,  one  on  either  side  of  the  stream,  have 
each  commodious  school-houses ;  as  has  also  a  third  district  con- 
nected with  the  central  village  and  S.  W.  of  the  Town-Harbor, 
to  which  village  is  sometimes  applied  the  name  of  Jarvesville^  — 
a  settlement  that  has  chiefly  grown  up  since  the  establishment  of 
the  extensive  glass-works,  and  has  become  the  most  business-like 
in  aspect  and  the  most  densely  settled  of  any  part  of  the  town- 
ship. Here  is  located  the  Roman  Catholic  church  edifice,  and, 
besides  the  works  of  the  Boston  and  Sandwich  Glass  Co.^  and  of 
the  Cape  Cod  Glass  Co.,  are  a  planing-mill,  door,  blind,  and  sash- 
factory,  numerous  stores,  shops,  artisans'  establishments,  &c.  A 
railway  connects  the  first  glass-establishment  with  the  harbor,  and 
the  dejDOt  of  the  Cape  Cod  R,  R,  is  in  this  village.  In  the  eastern 
part  of  the  central  village  are  other  streams,  though  inconsidera- 
ble, that  pass  the  county-road  into  the  harbor.  —  It  were  imprac- 
ticable to  notice  j)articularly  all  the  lesser  natural  divisions  and 
various  public  improvements ;  but  we  may  briefly  mention  Shawme 
N^eck,  (modernized  Town-Neck,)  for  a  long  period  a  part  of  the 
town's  coimnons  —  becoming  finally  the  j)roperty  of  the  represen- 
tatives of  the  original  freemen,  ceasing  thenceforward  to  be  in  the 
control  of  the  town  as  such  ^-  but  to  be  occupied  only  for  pastur- 
age, the  public  to  have  the  right  of  way.  This  neck  lies  adjoining 
the  beach  N.  E.  of  the  central  village.*    East  of  this  neck,  includ- 

'  This  edifice  is  sufficiently  respectable  for  the  economical  views  of  the 
inhabitants  ;  but  is  shorn  of  its  dignity  by  being  partly  leased  for  mechan- 
ical purposes,  rendering  it  not  only  less  safe  as  a  depository  of  records,  but 
giving  it  the  appearance  of  a  work-shop  rather  than  the  manor-house  of  a 
corporation. 

^  So  called  in  compliment  to  the  enterprising  conductor  of  the  fii-st  glass- 
works erected  in  the  place. 

^  In  1850,  a  glass-bowl  made  in  this  establishment  was  presented  to 
Hon.  Daniel  "Webster,  of  which  Mr.  Deming  Jarves,  in  an  accompanying  let- 
ter, says,  "  It  claims  the  merit  of  being  much  the  largest  piece  of  flint-glass 
made  by  machinery  in  any  part  of  the  world.  Two  machinists  were  em- 
ployed six  months  in  forming  the  mould.  This  bowl  is  the  first  made  in  it, 
and  is  called  '  the  Union  Bowl.'     The  name  will  not  render  it  less  valuable." 

■*  This  neck,  the  number  of  the  proprietors  of  which  has  been  much 
reduced,  and  which  is  still  held  in  shares,  has  always  been  found  a  most 
convenient  and  valuable  tract  for  the  purposes  to  which  it  is  applied :  a 
never-failing  supply  of  herbage  for  cattle  has  ever  distinguished  it. 


ANNALS   OP  SANDWICH.  25 

ing  a  part  of  tbe  beach,  is  a  narrow  strip  yielding  the  very  best 
clay  for  the  manufacture  of  brick,  and  it  has  long  been  the  source 
fi'om  whose  kilns  a  plentiful  supply  has  been  had  of  this  necessary 
material  for  building.^  South-west  of  this  neck  and  clay-deposit 
courses  the  salt-water  creek  into  which  issues  the  stream  fi"om  the 
lakes  or  ponds  above,  and  thence  to  the  harbor.  This  creek  and 
the  ponds  afford  their  quota  of  fine  trout.  The  town-harbor, 
although  the  best  on  the  N".  side  of  the  township,  is  eligible  for 
vessels  of  light  burden  only.^ 

Proceeding  eastward  fi'om  the  central  part  of  the  town,  and 
passing  the  town-farm  or  poor-house,  another  village  presents 
itself  at  a  jDlace  called  Spring  Hill,  where  also  is  a  stream  afford- 
ing mill-i3rivileges ;  and  farther  on  is  situated  the  meeting-house 
of  that  quiet  class  of  our  fellow-citizens,  the  Friends ;  beyond 
which  is  the  railroad  station.  Spring-Hill  Creek  makes  up  from 
the  Town-Harbor,  as  also  Muset  Creek.  Farther  on  towards 
Barnstable  is  a  small  stream  emptying  into  Scorton  harbor.  Still 
beyond,  in  that  part  of  Spring  Hill  now  called  East  Sandwich, 
is  a  deep  pond  having  no  outlet,  generally  known  as  Hoxie's  Pond ; 
and  still  S.  E.  of  this  is  another  known  for  more  than  a  half  cen- 
tury as  Dea.  Nye's  Pond,  the  stream  which  issues  from  it  being 
formerly  occupied  by  a  cloth-dressing  and  carding  establishment 
as  well  as  grist-mill  —  now  only  the  seat  of  the  latter.     This  pond 

^  We  may  not  resist  the  inclination  to  notice  one  of  the  scenes  of  juvenile 
recreation  —  ay,  a  recreation  of  maturer  age  also  — 

"  Sports  have  no  date,  but  age  has  need." 
On  the  E.  of  this  beach  is  an  extensive  ledge  of  rocks  where,  at  low-water, 
when  the  rocks  are  exposed,  lobsters  may  be  taken  in  abundance  from  cav- 
ities beneath.  As  is  well  known,  this  fish  is  at  all  times  taken  by  setting 
traps  or  pots  in  deep  water  far  off"  from  the  shore ;  but  in  this  employment 
there  is  no  pastime.  In  taking  the  fish  from  their  dens  some  distance  be- 
yond low-water  mark  —  wading  out  into  the  briny  ocean  rising  to  one's  arm- 
pits, and  by  practised  touch  determining  their  presence  and  position  —  the 
implement  of  assault  upon  this  squilla-genus  in  their  rocky  cavities  being  a 
short  pole  Avith  hook  affixed  —  and  drawing  them  forth  without  mutilation 
and  bagging  them  without  self-detriment,  this  is  an  exercise;  and  all  the 
more  agreeable  because  a  utilitarian  mode  of  bathing  and  sport  combined. 
And  then,  their  transfer  the  same  hour  to  the  boiling-hot  caldron — hoAV 
difiierent  the  luxury  from  that  enjoyed  by  our  unfortunate  fellow-cits  who, 
remote  from  this  field  of  action,  are  content  with  the  fish  after  its  imprison- 
ment perhaps  for  weeks  in  an  irritated  and  feverish  state  from  which  it  suf- 
fers constant  deterioration ! 

^  The  old  channel  of  this  harbor,  which,  with  the  bar  at  its  mouth,  was 
often  changing,  has  within  a  few  years  been  artificially  closed  and  a  new 
channel  cut  by  which  the  harbor  is  thought  to  be  much  unproved.  This  im- 
provement was  made  at  much  expense,  by  consent  of  the  town,  chiefly  by 
the  efforts  of  the  Boston  and  Sandwich  Glass  Co.,  under  the  superintend- 
ence of  Deming  Jarves  Esq. 
VOL.  IL  4 


26  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTAELE   COUNTY. 

and  brook,  which  empty  into  Scorton  Creek  and  Harbor,  have  long 
been  a  favorite  resort  of  anglers  who  never  fail  to  find  in  these  wa- 
ters the  finest  trout.  The  school  districts  in  this  part  of  the  town 
are  two,  with  suitable  school-houses.  Two  or  more  private  schools, 
nnder  the  direction  of  Friends,  are  also  located  in  this  part  of  the 
town,  and  receive  a  good  share  of  encouragement  from  abroad. 

StOl  eastward,  continuing  to  the  Barnstable  line,  is  a  scattered 
and  somewhat  extended  settlement  called  by  its  ancient  Indian 
name,  Scoetok.  This  is  another  school  district.  It  contains  a 
pond  having  no  outlet ;  and  also  an  apology  for  a  harbor.  On 
Scorton  Neck,  which  is  bounded  W.  and  S.  by  Scorton  Creek  and 
is  nearly  surrounded  by  it,  are  some  valuable  estates.  There  have 
been  through  many  generations  notable  instances  of  thrifty  farm- 
ing in  this  part  of  the  township. 

If  we  return  to  our  starting-point,  Scusset,  to  reconnoitre  other 
parts  of  the  town,  we  find  west  of  that  village,  near  the  route  of 
the  once  contemplated  canal,  another  flourishing  village,  with  the 
post-office  designation  of  North  Sajstdwich,  long  and  more  famil- 
iarly known  as  Herring  River}  Hening  Pond,  fi'om  which  the 
river  takes  its  name,  is  a  large  sheet  of  water  extending  far  into 
the  township  of  Plymouth,  and  invested  with  somewhat  of  the 
romantic  both  in  its  location  and  scenery.^  The  river  which  an- 
nually yields  a  large  supply  of  herring  for  the  Indians'  and  Town's 
use,  furnishes  also  a  large  amount  of  water-power  for  mills  and 
various  machinery ;  and,  changing  its  name  at  tide-water  to  Man- 
omet  River,  flows  into  Buzzard's  Bay.  The  waters  of  this  side 
the  isthmus  and  the  Scusset  side,  we  have  already  said,  nearly 
join.  On  this  river  are  the  Manomet  Iron  Works,  near  the  rail- 
road depot,  a  stave-mill,  giist-mill,  &c.  Farther  down  the  river 
is  a  manufactory  for  edge  tools,  &c.  In  the  village  is  a  school- 
house.  Herring  Pond  afibrds  a  supply  of  fine  perch,  and  the  river 
is  excellent  trouting  ground. 

'  A  high  conical  elevation  at  this  place,  was,  since  the  memory  of  the 
writer,  marked  by  numerous  Indian  graves  and  stOl  a  place  of  sepulture ; 
but  has  now  been  discontinued  as  a  bui-ying-place,  although  a  remnant  of 
the  tribe  yet  remain  in  occupancy  of  the  Indian  plantation  lying  on  the 
borders  of  the  village,  but  chiefly  within  the  bounds  of  Plymouth.  The  In- 
dian meeting-house  is  near  by.  It  has  been  said  that  the  name  of  this  ori- 
ginal plantation  is  lost ;  but  there  is,  we  think,  scarcely  room  to  doubt  that 
the  plantation  of  the  Herring-Pond  tribe  was  the  ancient  Comassakumkanet. 

^  This  pond  is  divided  distinctively  into  Little  Herring  Pond  and  Great 
Herring  Pond.  The  latter  lies  chiefly  in  Plymouth.  The  river  which  issues 
from  these,  is  in  North  Sandwich. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  27 

Monument,  the  Indian  Manomet^  is  another  considerable  village 
lying  W.  and  S.  W.  of  North  Sandwich.  Here  was  the  ancient 
trading-house  of  the  Plymouth  adventurers.^  In  Monument  are 
Congregational  and  Methodist  meeting-houses,  an  academy,  and  two 
school-houses.  Here  also  is  a  stream  ^  used  for  milling  and  manufac- 
turing,^ having  its  outlet  in  the  bay  and  situate  in  that  part  of 
Monument  reaching  from  Manomet  River  to  Pocasset.  This  latter 
river,  it  need  hardly  be  said,  is  navigable.  A  good  supply  of  oysters 
and  other  shell-fish  are  yet  found  in  this  river  and  parts  adjacent; 
and  here  also  is  fine  sport  for  those  fond  of  fishing  fortautog,  scup- 
paug,  and  blue  fish.  Between  the  mouth  of  Manomet  River  and 
Cohasset  Narrows,  is  Bourne's  Neck ;  and  near  the  railroad  depot 
in  Monument  is  Bourne's  Pond.  Back  River  harbor,  whose  N.  W. 
bound  is  Rocky  Point,  has  Hog  Island  west  of  its  entrance.  Mash- 
nee  Island  is  S.  of  Hog  Island,  and  E.  S.  E.  of  this  is  Burgess'  Island, 
being  W.  of  the  S.  corner  of  Monument.  At  Back  River  are  salt- 
works —  the  last  remaining  of  formerly  extensive  manufactures  of 
the  kind  in  Sandwich.*  At  Monument  is  a  raiboad  depot,  with 
which  the  Falmouth  stages  regularly  connect. 

Cohasset,  the  point  at  which  the  waters  divide  Monument  and 
Cowesit  —  a  neck  of  land  in  Wareham,  has  a  few  inhabitants,  and 
has  become  somewhat  important  by  reason  of  its  coasting  facili- 
ties. A  whaif,  at  the  Narrows,  in  immediate  contiguity  with  the 
railroad,  becomes  annually  the  deposit  of  a  large  amount  of  coal  for 
manufacturing  and  other  purposes.   Here  also  is  fine  fishing  ground. 

Another  village,  on  Buttermilk  Bay,  known  as  the  Head  of 
THE  Bat,  has  long  afibrded  very  considerable  advantages  for  nav- 
igation. Here,  not  far  from  the  Plymouth  line  is  a  pond  connect- 
ing with  another  smaller  pond  in  Plymouth,  both  emptying  into 
Little  Buttermilk  Bay.  Here  also  is  Se wall's  Pond,  no  outlet. 
Cedar  Pond  empties  into  the  bay.  Agawam  Point  is  S.  of  the 
mouth  of  Cedar  Pond  outlet.  Here  again,  the  supply  of  fish,  es- 
pecially shell-fish,  is  abundant. 

^  Situate  on  Manomet  Eiver  —  a  continuation  of  Herring  Eiver  and  con- 
necting with  Buzzard's  Bay. 

^  Called  Perry's  Mill-pond,  whose  outlet  is  Back  Eiver. 

^  Here  at  present  is  a  grist-mill  and  a  nail  factory.  East  of  Perry's  Mill- 
pond,  is  Deep-Bottom  Pond,  in  the  woods. 

*  For  a  time,  the  net  profits  upon  the  capital  invested  in  this  town  in  the 
salt-manufacture,  averaged  25  per  cent. ;  but  the  business  here,  as  elsewhere 
on  the  Cape,  succumbed  finally  to  a  different  state  of  things  ;  and  the  invest- 
ment, from  being  extensive,  became  from  year  to  year  less  and  less,  until, 
at  last,  the  works  were  used  onlj^  so  long  as  they  remained  undecayed  and 
fit  for  use  without  expensive  repairs. 


28  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Returning  fi'om  this  excursion  in  the  direction  of  Wareham, 
and  retracing  our  steps  through  the  entire  length  of  Monument 
westward  and  southward,  we  come  to  the  ancient  2d  Precinct  of 
Sandwich,  called  by  the  early  Indians  Pouglikeeste  —  at  a  later 
period  Pokesit^  and  now  called  Pocasset.  It  is  situated  on  Buz- 
zard's Bay.  Barlow's  River,  its  nearly  N.  "W.  bound,  is  the  site 
of  extensive  iron-works  for  hollow-ware  and  castings,  as  also  a 
manufacture  of  edge  tools.  Here  is  a  Baj)tist  meeting-house. 
S.  W.  of  the  river's  mouth,  is  Wenaumet  Neck,^  the  extreme 
point  of  which  is  called  Wing's  Neck  —  where  is  a  light-house. 
Between  this  neck  and  Scraggy  Neck,  and  W.  of  Red  Brook 
harbor,  is  Bassett's  Island.  Red  Brook  connects  Handy's  Pond 
with  the  harbor.  On  this  stream,  are  mills  which  turn  out  large 
quantities  of  flour  and  meal.  The  flour  is  celebrated,  and  com- 
mands an  extra  price.  This  jjart  of  Pocasset  is  called  South 
Pocasset.  East  of  Handy's  Pond  is  Swift's  Pond,  and  still  E.  is 
Flax  Pond.  Scraggy  Neck,  formerly  parsonage  property  of  the 
1st  Parish  and  situated  S.  W.  of  Red  Brook  harbor,  is  now  at  high 
water  an  island.  In  South  Pocasset  is  a  Methodist  meeting- 
house occujDying  the  place  of  the  old  2d  Precinct  Cong,  meeting- 
house, and  around  it  is  an  ancient  burial-place.  The  school  dis- 
tricts in  Pocasset  are  three,  with  convenient  school-houses.  As 
we  pass  on  by  the  road  to  N.  Falmouth,  is  a  small  jDond,  and  S.  E. 
of  this  is  Long  Pond,  about  E.  of  which  is  Bear-Hollow  Pond  not 
far  from  the  Marshpee  line  —  all  in  the  forest.  In  Pocasset  waters, 
are  found  an  ample  supply  offish,  including  the  trout. 

We  have  thus,  in  our  wanderings,  since  our  notice  of  Scorton, 
described  a  nearly  semi-circuitous  route,  leaving  a  large  tract  of 
woodland  on  the  left,  in  the  centre  of  the  entire  circuit.  A  road 
cutting  through  this  central  forest,  from  Pocasset  to  Sandwich  — 
central  village,  brings  us,  nearly  equi-distant  from  the  two  places, 
to  the  Soconessit  Ponds,  in  Soconessit  Hollow,  near  by  which  is 
Opening  Pond  —  all  in  deep  recesses  surrounded  by  densely- 
wooded,  rocky,  precipitous  hills. 

If  we  pass  through  these  woods  from  Pocasset  to  South  Sand- 
wich, we  find  N.  of  Bear-Hollow  and  N.  W.  of  Marshpee,  Weeks' 
Pond,  and  E.  of  this  Snake  Pond  —  the  two  united  by  a  narrow 
passage.  The  latter  pond  is  large.  Near  it  is  the  village  now  called 
Gkeenvillb,  where  is  a  Methodist  meeting-house  and  school- 
house.     This  and  other  j)ortions  of  the  S.  W.  part  of  the  town- 

'  Doubtless  the  "Katamet,"  or  "  Kitteaumut,  on  Buzzard's  Bay,"  often 
referred  to  by  early  writers. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  29 

ship,  formerly  known  under  the  general  designation  of  'The 
Woods,'  and  the  particular  designations  Snake  Pond,  Wakeby, 
Hog  Pond,  &c.,  have  become  settlements  of  increased  importance 
known  by  distinctive  post-office  appellations.  Peter's  Pond,  on 
the  E.  side  of  the  village  of  Greenville,  is  a  large  and  beautiful 
lake ;  and  S,  of  this  is  the  Indian  Wakepee.  Between  the  two, 
S.  W.  of  the  one,  and  N.  W.  of  the  other  —  bordering  on  the  land 
purchased  of  the  Mashpees  and  the  present  Marshpee  plantation, 
is  Pimlico  Pond.  Wakepee,  or  as  it  is  now  called,  Wakeby  Pond, 
is  N".  of  Marshpee  Pond  and  united  to  it,  the  latter  being  also 
bounded  on  the  E.  by  purchased  Marshpee  lands.^    Wakeby  is  a 

*  We  are  strongly  tempted,  and  we  have  no  doubt  will  be  pardoned  for 
yielding  to  the  impulse,  to  quote  in  this  place  the  opening  paragraph  of  a 
letter  (priv.  cor.  Vol.  II.  p.  257)  of  Hon.  Daniel  Webster  to  his  son,  and  the 
editorial  note  of  that  son.  Our  admkation  of  Wakeby  and  Marshpee  Ponds 
would  help  us  easily  to  conceive  how  either  might  lend  inspu'ation ;  but, 
whilst  we  confess 

"  The  power,  the  beauty,  and  the  majesty 
That  have  their  haunt  in  dale  or  piny  mountains. 
Or  forest  by  slow  stream,  or  pebbly  spring-," 

we  hardly  supposed  a  ivade  through  the  depth  and  length  of  Marshpee  River 
would  be  most  favorable  to  the  infusion  of  lofty  thought.  The  line  or  two 
of  the  letter,  which  we  give  with  its  facetious  quotation,  will,  with  the  edito- 
rial explanation,  need  no  comment  of  ours  : 

"Maeshfield,  June  12,  1847. 

"  My  dear  Son :   I  received  yours  last  night  with  the  gear I 

have  fixed  my  old  John  Trout  rod,  and  it  does  very  well :  — '  Venerable 
man,  you  have  come  down  to  us  from  a  former  generation,'  &c.  &c.  &c." 
....  The  editorial  note  explanatory,  is  this  :  —  "  The  Marshpee  River 
flows  from  a  very  large  lake  called  Wakeby  Pond,  in  Barnstable  County, 
into  the  ocean,  on  the.  S.  E.  coast  of  Mass.  It  is  a  short  and  rapid  stream 
running  into  a  deep  valley,  or,  rather,  ravine,  with  high  precipitous  sides 
covered  with  a  thick  growth  of  small  pines  and  various  kinds  of  brush-wood 
and  shrubs.  The  only  method  of  fishing  it,  is  by  wading  along  the  middle 
and  throwing  under  the  banks  on  either  side,  it  being  unapproachable  other- 
wise owing  to  the  trees  and  underbrush.  It  was,  as  he  states  in  his  auto- 
biography, whilst  middle-deep  in  this  stream,  that  Mr.  Webster  composed 
a  great  portion  of  his  first  Bunker  Hill  address.  He  had  taken  along  with 
him  that  well-known  angler,  John  Denson,  usually  called  '  John  Trout,'  and 
myself.  I  followed  him  along  the  stream,  fishing  the  holes  and  bends  which 
he  left  for  me  ;  but,  after  a  while,  began  to  notice  that  he  was  not  so  atten- 
tive to  his  sport,  or  so  earnest  as  usual.  He  Avould  let  his  line  run  care- 
lessly down  the  stream,  or  hold  his  rod  still  while  his  hook  was  not  even 
touching  the  water  ;  omitted  trying  the  best  places  under  the  projecting 
roots  of  the  pines,  and  seemed  indeed  quite  abstracted  and  uninterested  in 
his  amusement.  This,  of  course,  caused  me  a  good  deal  of  wonder,  and, 
after  calling  his  attention  once  or  twice  to  his  hook  hanging  on  a  twig,  or 
caught  in  the  long  grass  of  the  river,  and  finding  that  after  a  moment  he 
relapsed  again  into  the  same  indifference,  I  quietly  walked  up  near  him  and 
watched.  He  seemed  to  be  gazing  at  the  overhanging  trees,  and  presently 
advancing  one  foot  and  extending  his  right  hand,  he  commenced  to  speak, 
'  Venerable  men,'  &c.  &c.  We  afterwards  frequently  referred  to  the  ch- 
cumstance,  as  he  does  in  the  above  letter." 


30  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

romantic  sheet  of  water,  variegated  by  islands,  and  is  much  fre- 
quented for  sailing  excursions.  Pickerel  are  found  here,  as  in 
numbers  of  the  other  ponds.  Lily  Pond  is  S.  E.  of  Wakeby,  and 
E.  of  Wakeby  is  the  village  of  South  Sandwich.  N.  E.  of  the 
latter  village,  and  S.  of  SiDring  Hill,  is  a  large  pond  called  from  its 
peculiar  shape  Spectacle  Pond ;  S.  of  this  is  Tiiangle  Pond ;  E.  of 
this  is  Lawrence  Pond ;  S.  E.  is  Lower  Hog  Pond,  and  still  E.  is 
Upper  Hog  Pond  —  both  clear  jDleasant  waters,  and  lying  towards 
the  Barnstable  line.  These  aU  are  embraced  within  what  is  now 
called  Faemeesville. 

There  are  numerous  other  smaller  ponds  scattered  over  the 
township :  those  already  mentioned  are  the  most  j)rominent, 
though  some  of  them  are  of  little  importance.  In  short,  the  town- 
ship in  every  part  abounds  with  ponds  and  brooks,  and  numbers 
of  these  are  stored  with  fish  —  perch,  trout,  or  pickerel.  The 
trout,  which,  of  course,  occupy,  for  the  most  part,  waters  from 
which  their  relentless  enemy  the  pickerel  are  excluded,  are  abun- 
dant and  very  fine,  having  access  to  both  fresh  and  salt  water. 
Those  taken  in  the  salt-water  creeks  at  certain  seasons,  are  found 
to  be  much  improved  by  their  alternating  propensities.  This 
beautiful  and  delicious  fish  has  through  a  long  course  of  years 
invited  to  these  waters  numerous  disciples  of  Izaak  Walton. 

The  herring,  largely  suj)plied  in  their  season,  by  Herring  River 
through  which  this  fish  ascends  in  the  Spring-months  to  Herring 
Pond,  for  spawning,  are  much  valued.^  It  was,  from  the  very  first 
settlement  of  the  town,  an  object  to  encourage  the  access  of  this 
fish  to  the  ponds  they  had  been  accustomed  to  frequent ;  but  the 
only  stream  of  which  they  have  held  possession  in  any  considera- 
ble numbers  to  the  present  time,  is  indicated  above.  An  opening, 
as  will  be  seen,  was  early  provided  for  their  passage  to  the  jDonds 
in  the  central  village  —  their  natural  course  having  incautiously 
been  obstructed  by  the  dams  and  mills  first  erected :  but  though 

'  The  reader  -will,  of  course,  understand  that  alewives  are  meant.  Wood, 
in  his  "  New  Eng.  Prospect,  being  a  true,  lively,  and  experimental  descrip- 
tion of  that  part  of  America,  commonly  called  New  England,  1634,"  very 
properly  distinguishes  between  herring  and  alewives :  "  The  herring,"  he 
says,  "  be  much  like  them  on  the  EngHsh  coasts :  alewives  be  a  kind  of  fish 
much  like  a  herring,  which  in  the  latter  end  of  April  come  up  to  the  fresh 
rivers  to  spawn,  in  such  multitudes  as  is  almost  increchble,  pressing  up  such 
shallow  waters  as  wUl  scarce  permit  them  to  swim."  The  English  herring, 
formerly  taken  in  immense  quantities  on  the  coasts  of  the  Cape,  but  especially 
in  Cape  Cod  harbor,  seem  of  late  years  to  have  made  the  waters  of  Lubec 
in  !Maine  and  other  eastern  locations  their  favorite  resort :  the  alewives  are 
ever  as  sure  to  revisit  their  ancient  rivers  as  the  Spring  is  to  return. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  31 

these  fish  have  continued  to  present  themselves  annually  in  suffi- 
cient force  persistently  to  assert  and  hold  valid  their  original  title 
to  the  waters  above,  they  have  ever  evinced  an  aversion  to  scaling 
the  sluice-v^^ay  proposed  for  their  accommodation;  and,  finding 
the  mills  as  persistently  occupying  the  legitimate  path-way,  have, 
as  often,  appeared  to  content  themselves  to  avow  their  disposition 
to  occupy  their  rightful  domain  on  ancient  and  honorable  terms. 
The  long-continued  abundant  supply  from  the  other  source  indi- 
cated, has  thus  far  prevented  further  parley  with  them  or  the 
yielding  of  the  accommodations  demanded. 

The  bays  and  their  inlets  still,  as  formerly,  yield  their  supply 
of  cod,^  haddock,  bass,^  halibut,^  sheepshead,  mackerel,*  tautog, 
scup,  bluefish,  flounders,  smelts,  eels,^  and  other  fish,  whenever  a 
challenge  is  fairly  offered :  but  piscation  was  at  no  period  of  the 
history  of  Sandwich  a  prominent  employment  of  its  inhabitants ; 

'  This  fish  has  certainly  made  no  progress  in  these  waters  since  the  days 
of  Wood  :  he  says,  "  Cod-fish  in  these  seas  are  larger  than  in  New-found 
land,  6  or  7  of  them  making  a  quintal." 

^  Wood  is  quite  enthusiastic  in  his  description  of  the  treasures  of  the 
deep,  and  even  indulges  in  elaborate  rhyme.  He  says,  "  There  be  all  man- 
ner of  fish :  — 

"  The  stately  basse  old  Neptune's  fleeting  post 
That  tides  it  out  and  in  from  coast  to  coast , " 

which  he  pronounces  "  one  of  the  best  fishes  in  the  country,  for  the'  men 
are  soon  wearied  with  other  fish,  yet  they  are  never  with  basse ;  it  is  a  deli- 
cate, fine,  fat,  fast  fish  Jiaving  a  bone  in  his  head,  which  contains  a  saucerful 
of  marrow  sweet  and  good,  pleasant  to  the  palate  and  wholesome  to  the 
stomach.  When  there  is  great  store  of  them  we  only  eat  the  heads,  and 
salt  up  the  bodies  for  winter,  which  exceed  ling  or  heberdine.  Of  these 
fishes,  some  be  3  &  4  ft-  long.  The  fisherman  taking  a  great  cod-line  to 
which  he  fastens  a  piece  of  lobster,  throws  it  into  the  sea  —  the  fish  biting 
at  it  he  puUs  her  towards  him  and  knocks  her  on  the  head  with  a  stick. 
These  are,  at  one  time,  when  alewives  pass  up,  to  be  caught  in  rivers ;  in 
lobster  times,  at  the  rocks ;  in  mackerel  times,  in  the  bays  ;  at  Michaelmas, 
in  the  seas.  When  they  use  to  tide  it  in  and  out  to  the  rivers  and  creeks, 
the  English  at  the  top  of  high  water  do  cross  the  creeks  with  long  seines  or 
bass-nets  which  stop  the  fish,  and  the  water  ebbing  from  them,  they  are 
left  on  the  ground  sometimes  2  or  300  at  a  set." 

^  "  The  wi-y-mouthed  halibut,"  says  Wood,  "  is  not  much  unlike  a  place 
or  turbot ;  some  be  2  yds.  long,  1  wide,  and  1  ft.  thicke  ;  the  plenty  of  bet- 
ter fish  makes  them  of  little  esteeme,  except  the  head  and  finnes  which 
stewed  or  baked  is  very  good.     These  be  little  set  by  while  basse  is  in  season." 

*  These, 

"  The  macrells,  richly  clad 
With  rainebow  colours," 

says  our  accurate  observer,  "  be  of  two  sorts  :  in  the  beginning  of  the  year 
are  great  ones  which  be  on  the  coast,  some  18  in.  long.  In  summer,  come 
in  a  smaller  kind  —  taken  with  drailes,  a  long  small  line  with  lead  and 
hooks  being  baited  with  red  cloth.  Here  they  are  so  fat  as  scarcely  can  be 
saved." 

^  "  Salt  water  eeles  taken  in  pots  made  of  osyers,  baited  with  lobster. 
Some  take  a  bushel  in  a  night." 


32  HISTORY   OF  BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

and  of  late  years  its  dependence  for  supi^lies  of  this  sort  lias  been 
chiefly  on  the  toils  of  the  inhabitants  of  other  places ;  labors  of 
more  utility  taking  the  precedence  here. 

Oysters  which  were  once  very  abundant  and  of  superior  quali- 
ty, have  not  entirely  vacated  their  beds ;  but,  in  some  of  the  best 
locations,  have  become  nearly  exterminated.  They  are  yet  sup- 
plied in  diminished  quantities  from  Manomet  River ;  but,  from  the 
constant  exactions  upon  them,  are  of  small  size.  Those  in  the  bays 
on  the  south  side,  formerly  abundant  and  very  large  and  finely 
flavored,  have  ceased,  except  as  occasionally  the  once  noted  '  bay- 
oyster  '  ^  is  discovered  by  some  lucky  wight,  in  deep  water  whither 
they  have  withdrawn. 

Clams  ^  and  quohogs  are  yet  at  hand ;  the  latter  especially  on 
the  south  side.  Some  of  the  large  sea-clam^  yet  remain  on  the 
north  side,  and  lobsters  in  great  profusion. 

Large  tracts  of  woodland  are  yet  covered  with  oak  and  jsine. 
These  are  valuable ;  and  lie  south  and  west  of  the  villages  that 
are  stretched  along  on  the  old  county-road,  separating  them  from 
the  villages  S.  and  W.  of  these  tracts.  In  these  forests  are  deer 
and  other  game.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  the  oldest,  should  be 
the  only  district  where  are  found  the  original  tenants  of  the  soil, 
biped  and  quadruped  —  Indians  and  the  fallow  deer.^    Partridges 

^  These,  in  their  primitive  condition,  were  very  aptly  described  by  Wood : 
"  The  oisters  be  great  ones  in  form  of  a  shoe-horne,  some  a  foot  long. 
The  fish  without  the  shell  so  big  it  must  admit  of  a  division  to  be  got  ia 
your  mouth." 

^  Wood  says,  "  Clams,  or  Clamps,  lye  under  the  sand,  every  six  or  seven 
of  them  having  a  round  hole  to  take  ah  and  receive  water  at.  When  the 
tide  ebbs  and  flows,  a  man  running  over  these  clam  banks,  wiU  presently  be 
made  all  wet  by  their  spouting  of  water  out  of  these  small  holes." 

'  These  are  doubtless  the  same  of  which  Wood  says,  "  In  some  places 
there  be  clams  as  big  as  a  penny  white  loaf."  —  But  we  can  indulge  no  fur- 
ther in  quotations  from  Mr.  Wood's  account  of  the  fishes  —  except  to  add  a 
few  lines  from  his  notice  of  "shel-fish,"  which  we  give  rather  as  a  specimen: 

"  The  luscious  lobster,  with  the  erabflsh  raw, 
The  brinish  oister,  muscle,  periwig-ge, 
And  tortoise  sought  for  by  the  Indian  squaw 
Which  to  the  flats  dance  many  a  winter's  jigge 
To  dive  for  cockles,  and  to  digge  for  clams, 
Whereby  her  lazie  husbands  guts  shee  cramms." 

*  The  range  for  this  animal  extends  from  Plymouth  and  Wareham  to 
Falmouth  and  Barnstable,  the  Elizabeth  Islands  included.  Under  the  pro- 
tection of  laws  Hmiting  to  appropriate  seasons  the  time  of  taking  them, 
and  defining  the  manner  of  hunting,  deer  have  continued  to  increase.  — 
We  are  here  reminded  of  a  queer  statement  of  Wood  in  his  NeAV  England 
Prospect,  whose  credulity  we  have  had  occasion  to  notice  m  our  former 
volume,  and  whose  narrative  quoted  in  the  preceding  pp.  of  this,  although 
partaking  sometimes  of  the  marvellous,  proves  him  to  have  been,  as  he  is 
represented,  one  of  the  most  intelligent  observers  of  his  time :  he  says, 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  33 

and  quails  are  common.  —  The  forests  and  plains  were  once  the 
common  resort  of  large  flocks  of  sheep.  Raised  here  in  great 
numbers,  the  forage  being  well  adapted  to  their  development, 
Sandwich-mutton  was  once  proverbially  of  excellent  quality.^ 
The  average  price  in  the  month  of  October,  when  sold  to  drovers, 
was  only  about  one  dollar  per  head,  and  the  meat  was  greatly 
preferred  by  connoisseurs.  Goats  were  also  in  the  early  days  con- 
sidered a  species  of  stock  worthy  of  attention !  ^ 

Extensive  salt  marshes  and  fresh  meadows,  yield  large  crops  of 
provender  for  stock ;  but  by  reason  of  the  great  increase  of  the 
English  grasses,  they  have  ceased  to  be  valued  as  formerly.  These 
marshes  afford  much  game ;  but,  notwithstanding  the  aversion  of 
the  owners  of  these  grounds  to  the  foot  of  sportsmen  treading 
down  their  meadows,  the  plover,  curlew,  and  a  numerous  cata- 
logue of  smaller  and  delicious  shore-birds,  have,  from  incessant 
persecution,  become  less  numerous  than  in  former  days.  The 
wild-goose,  duck,  teal,  &c.  with  their  great  varieties,  have  also  be- 
come scarce ;  the  natural  result  of  the  increase  of  population. 
The  whip-poor-will,  the  boblincoln,  and  the  robin,  continue  to  en- 
liven the  air  with  their  notes ;  but  in  greatly  diminished  numbers. 
Although  these  last  belong  to  a  class  of  birds  that  shrink  from  the 
gloomy  and  uncultivated  parts  of  any  country,  not  deigning  to 
dwell  in  solitudes,  or  to  put  forth  their  melody  to  rocks  and  trees 
alone,  they  seem  too  generally  to  have  resented  the  frequent  an- 
noyances which  in  latter  days  they  have  met,  and  seek  for  resting- 
places  of  greater  security.  In  a  word,  the  town,  once  proverbial 
for  its  rural  pleasantness,  has  been  measurably  shorn  of  many  of 
its  earlier  charms.  Still,  it  is  a  delightsome  location,  in  the  view 
of  those  who  have  been  nurtured  here ;  and  no  town  in  our  ex- 
tended country  can  boast  of  a  more  salubrious  atmosphere,  purer 
water,  greater  healthfulness,  or  more  of  the  general  comforts  and 
conveniences  of  life.^ 


"  It  is  not  to  be  thought  into  what  great  multitudes  they  would  increase, 
were  it  not  for  the  common  devouring  wolf.  They  have  generally  three  at 
a  time,  which  they  hide  a  mile  one  from  the  other,  giving  them  suck  by 
turns.  Thus  they  do,  that  if  the  wolf  should  find  one,  he  might  miss  of  the 
other.  Of  these  deer,  there  be  a  great  many,  and  more  in  Massachusetts 
Bay  than  in  any  other  place,  which  is  a  great  refreshment  to  those  planters." 

'  In  the  early  days,  shepherds  were  employed  for  these  flocks.  Of  late 
years,  being  excluded  from  the  woods  and  waste  places,  sheep  have  nearly  dis- 
appeared from  the  town  and  are  an  article  of  import  for  the  necessary  supply. 

^  The  "  Goat-pasture  lots  "  indicate  this. 

^  In  the  Monthly  Anthology  for  1821 ,  we  find  some  notes  by  Tudor,  describ- 
ing an  excursion  made  by  himself  and  kindred  associates,  to  Sandwich  and 
VOL.  II.  5 


34  HISTORY   OP  BAENSTABLE   COUNTY 

The  employment  of  the  people  of  this  town,  is  maritime,  mann- 
factural,  and  agricultural ;  but  the  town  in  its  general  character, 
is  more  agricultural  than  otherwise  —  largely  manufactural,  but 
less  maritime  probably  than  any  other  town  on  the  Cape.  The 
.quality  of  the  soil,  especially  on  or  near  the  E.  side  of  the  road 
extending  from  Scusset  to  Barnstable,  is  generally  good,  well- 
cultivated,  and  productive.  In  other  parts  of  the  township,  there 
is  some  good  soil ;  but  for  the  most  part  it  is  light  and  not  so 
favorable  for  grain  or  grasses.  Orchards  succeed  well,  and  by 
proper  attention  may  be  made  a  source  of  much  profit. 

The  town  being  chiefly  agricultural,  and  next  to  that  manufac- 
turing, the  number  of  vessels  owned  here  is  small,  and  occupied 
generally  in  home-pursuits.  Still,  besides  the  coasters  and  pack- 
other  places  on  the  Cape.  As  these  notes  relate  to  former  times  and 
graphically  detail  some  matters  of  interest,  we  quote,  in  condensed  form : 
"  After  leaving  Plymouth,  on  our  way  to  Sandwich,  we  passed  the 
Sacrifice  Bochs,  covered  with  dry  sticks  by  Indians  —  who  never  allowed 
themselves  to  pass  these  rocks  without  an  oflFering  of  this  kind ;  the  rem- 
nant of  some  unknown  superstition.  On  reaching  S.  we  gave  a  brief  order 
for  dinner.  '  Every  thing  there  was  in  the  house.'  We  had  a  most  esurient 
longing  worthy  of  a  municipality,  for  the  good  things  of  this  region  of  game. 
The  next  order  was  to  send  for  John  Trout,  to  engage  him  during  our 
stay  This  second  name,  like  that  of  Scipio  Africanus,  was  the  reward  for 
the  most  distinguished  services.  His  piscatory  exploits  and  minute  knowl- 
edge of  all  the  haunts,  habits,  and  connections  of  some  of  our  most  valuable 
fishes,  entitle  him  to  the  honor  of  a  distinguished  place  among  the  Ichthy- 
ologists in  the  New  York  Academy,  and  we  hope  this  hint  will  fall  under 
their  notice.  John  is  in  fact  a  man  of  so  much  renown  that  those  who  have 
never  heard  of  him  would  do  well  to  conceal  their  misfortune  ;  for  he  might 
well  say, 

«  Not  to  know  me,  arg-ues  yourself  unknown, — 
The  meanest  of  your  tribe.'  " 

(His  portrait  is  preserved  with  care  among  the  embellishments  of  the  Athe- 
naeum.) "  His  skill  and  alacrity  were  shown  in  some  very  fine  trout  that 
graced  our  breakfast-table  the  next  morning.  —  The  next  day  was  one  of 
those  exquisite  days  of  vernal  softness  and  autumnal  ripeness  harmonious- 
ly blended,  when  the  scattered  clouds  which  were  floating  under  the  mildest 
cerulean  sky,  we  might  almost  fancy  to  be  the  vehicles  that  were  bearing  about 
the  spirits  of  the  blest,  high  above  this  nether  world  of  strife,  conventions, 
and  cattle-shows  ;  —  one  of  those  days,  in  short,  in  which  every  feeling  mind 
would  bless  the  memory  of  our  forefathers  for  having  landed  here.  We 
proceeded  together,  John  as  an  outrider,  to  Deacon  Nye's  Brook,  about  five 
miles  on  the  road  to  Barnstable.  Here,  under  the  auspices  of  John,  — 
'  auspice  Teucro,^  —  one  of  the  party  commenced  snipe-shooting,  and  an- 
other trout-catching.  Another  two  continued  on  to  Great  Marshes,  and  yet 
another  to  visit  Barnstable  toion,  where  he  had  never  been  before,  and  which 
(having  caught  the  inspiration  of  John)  he  reported  on  his  return,  as  very 
little  changed.  Great  Marshes  is  a  fertile  spot  where  the  Otis  family  have 
continued  for  five  or  six  generations,  and  where  the  celebrated  patriot, 
James  Otis  Jr.,  was  born.  By  one  of  the  family  we  were  obligingly  fur- 
nished with  a  few  documents  for  the  Historical  Society. 

"  We  dined  at  four  on  the  proceeds  of  the  day's  sport,  aided,  it  is  true,  by 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  35 

ets,  some  interest  is  taken  in  this  village  in  other  navigation,  and 
whalers  sailing  from  other  ports  find  owners  in  part  here.  Ship- 
building which  was  once  carried  on  in  different  parts  of  the  town, 
the  timber  being  furnished  by  the  forests  at  hand,  has  now  ceased 
entirely. 

The  several  inlets  in  and  about  Buzzard's  and  Buttermilk  Bays, 
as  also  Manomet  River,  afford  safe  harbors  and  sufficiently  com- 
modious for  the  navigation  purposes  of  Umited  extent  in  the  use 
of  craft  of  small  burden,  of  the  inhabitants  in  the  S.  side  of  the 
township ;  whilst,  on  the  opi^osite  side,  Scusset,  Spring  Hill  or 
Scorton  harbors,  with  Town  Harbor,  are  found  in  the  same  degree 
convenient.  The  harbors,  though  adequate  to  the  vocation  gen- 
erally of  the  inhabitants,  are  none  of  large  caj^acity;  and  hence, 

a  few  supplementary  dishes,  of  which  it  is  only  necessary  to  particularize 
Tautog  and  Sandivich  Mutton.  This  latter  is  worthy  of  aU  praise.  It 
resembles  exactly  the  mutton  of '  the  Downs  of  Britain,'  considered  as  the 
first  on  the  island  '  of  that  ilk.'  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  a  gastrologer  would 
devour  it,  a  gastronomer  enjoy  it,  and  a  gastrophilist  appreciate  it.  John 
very  candidly  said  that  trout  were  now  out  of  season.  The  best  months  for 
them  are  May  and  June.  He  agreed  that  the  trout  of  Coatuit  were  among 
the  very  best ;  but,  he  said,  '  the  natives  '  (he  rhymed  them  with  knives,) 
'  were  great  poachers  in  that  stream '  —  (their  own  domain !) 

"  Before  we  dismiss  the  meritorious  John,  a  piece  of  his  reasoning  may 
be  recorded,  that  partakes  a  little  of  the  raciness  of  his  Hibernian  origin. 
"When  asked  what  was  due  for  his  services,  (merely  to  ascertain  the  fact, 
with  no  paltry  trading  notions  of  cavilling  about  the  price,  —  this  would 
not  have  done  with  one  of  his  lofty  pursuits,  the  occupation  of  the  privi- 
leged ones  of  earth,)  —  he  told  us  that '  his  wages  were  $1.25  a  day  ;  this,' 
he  added,  '  was  the  price  when  grain  (corn,  Indian  corn)  was  $  2  a  bushel, 
and  he  should  not  increase  the  price,  although  corn  was  now  selling  at  50  c. 
per  bushel :  he  would  not  charge  more.' 

"The  next  day,  we  went  to  Marshpee  Indian  Meeting-House.  .  .  .  It  was 
Sunday.  The  men  sit  on  one  side  of  the  meeting-house ;  the  women  on 
the  other.  .  .  . 

"  Sandwich  is  one  of  the  most  pleasant  villages  in  Massachusetts.  To 
persons  fond  of  fishing,  sporting,  or  riding,  it  ofiers  greater  resources 
than  any  other  spot  in  this  country.  Snipes,  plovers,  quails,  partridges, 
are  abundant ;  and  also  deer.  Coatuit,  Waquoit,  Manomet,  and  fifty  other 
brooks  are  full  of  the  finest  trout,  &c.  Both  bays  are  full  of  fish.  And  in 
Buzzard's  Bay,  oysters  and  other  kinds  of  shell- fish  are  plenty.  The  roads 
are  excellent  towards  the  Vineyard  Sound.  Some  parts  of  Sandwich  re- 
semble districts  in  Surrey  and  Sussex  in  England. 

"  The  population  is  stationary.  But  then  they  send  off"  numerous  recruits. 
The  State  of  Massachusetts  owes  most  of  its  inhabitants  originally  to  '  the 
Cape.'  You  may  see  a  good  deal  of  poor  land  ;  but  you  see  very  few  poor 
men.  The  whole  appearance  of  the  population  is  solid,  substantial,  com- 
fortable. 

"  The  territorial  extent  is  to  be  estimated  by  adding  triple  to  the  amount 
of  land,  from  the  surrounding  sea.  These  acres  of  the  sea  produce  five 
times  as  much  as  the  richest  fields  of  the  South  and  West.  Fisher  Ames 
once  said  that  'every  cod-fish  drawn  up  had  a  pistareen  in  its  mouth.'  — 
We  would  not  like  to  live  in  a  locality  not  ventilated  by  a  sea-breeze." 


36  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

probably,  decide  measurably  the  business  of  the  town  in  a  mari- 
time aspect. 

The  population  of  the  town  was  in  1800,  as  per  census,  2024, 
occupying  296  houses.  In  1850,  it  was  4181.  In  1860,  it  was 
4489,  and  the  number  of  tenements  903,  occupied  by  960  families. 

The  Cape  Cod  Railroad,  passing  through  the  town,  having 
depots  or  stations  at  Cohasset,  Monument,  North  Sandwich,  West 
Sandwich,  Sandwich,  and  Spring  Hill,  has,  of  course,  changed 
very  much  the  mode  of  travel,  and  may,  possibly,  have  quickened 
the  enterprise  of  the  place. 

Sandwich  has,  in  times  past,  been  distinguished  for  the  educa- 
tional facilities  it  has  afforded.  The  multipUcation  of  schools  of 
high  order  in  every  part  of  the  State,  has  left  it  nothing  entitling 
it  now  in  this  respect  to  preeminence.  Many  persons  of  high  dis- 
tinction have  received  their  academic  education  here ;  and  from 
among  its  own  native-born,  have  arisen  those  who,  from  the  ear- 
liest history  of  the  town,  have  been  talented,  and  whose  patriot- 
ism and  integrity  have  been  approved  by  their  public  career.^ 

Progress  of  the  Town,  from  its  settlement. — We  have 
already  noted  the  first  settlement  of  the  town.  The 
first  circumstantial  account  of  the  Church  in  Sandwich, 
shows  11  male  members,  viz.:  Edmund  Freeman,^  Richard 

*  In  an  early  No.  of  the  publications  of  the  Mass.  Hist.  Soc,  are  statistics 
of  the  mortality  in  the  1st  Cong.  Soc.  in  Sandwich,  from  Jan.  1, 1790,  to  Jan.  1, 
1800 ;  and  as  this  parish  at  that  time  embraced  at  least  three-fourths  of  the 
population  of  the  whole  town  —  say  about  1500  out  of  2000,  those  statis- 
tics may  be  regarded  as  a  very  fan  exhibit  of  the  health  of  the  town  from 
its  fii'st  settlement  to  the  present  time. 


The  deaths  were. 

in 

500 

pop. 

Of  184  deaths 

, 

The  population  living 

24  in 

year  1790. 

31  d.  under  1  year. 

90 

yrs.  or  more,  as 

I  to  30. 

19 

1791. 

18  d 

bet.  1  and  5. 

80 

I  «  11. 

12 

1792. 

9 

5  " 

10. 

70 

L  "     6. 

22 

1793. 

15 

10  " 

20. 

60 

L  "     4. 

20 

1794. 

24 

20  " 

30. 

50 

L  "     3. 

19 

1795. 

13 

30  " 

40. 

40 

L  "    2f 

39 

1796. 

16 

40  " 

50. 

30 

[  "     2^. 

13 

1797. 

12 

50  " 

60. 

20 

i  "     2{. 

6 

1798. 

16 

60  " 

70. 

10 

1799. 

14 

70  " 

80. 

J^'The 

average 

number  of 

10 

80  " 

90, 

deaths  per 

annum,  1 

Bf;  i.e., as 

184  in 

10 

years. 

6 

90  " 

100. 

1  to  81i. 

Note  —  that  the  population  of  the  entire  town  was  in  1790  precisely  1991, 
and  it  had  increased  in  1800  to  2024. 

^  Mr.  Edmund  Freeman,  the  leading  proprietor  of  the  town,  was  born 
in  England  abt.  1590.  He  brought  with  him  from  Eng.,  two  sons,  Edmund 
Jr.  and  John,  one  15,  and  the  latter  8  yrs,  of  age  at  the  time  of  their  embarka- 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  37 

Bourne,  Thomas  Tupper,  Thomas  Burge,  James  Skeffe, 
William  Newland,  Peter  Gaunt,  Richard  Kerby,  John 
Newland,  Ralph  Allen,  and  George  Allen.  And  here 
we  may  as  well  remark  that,  although  it  is  not  our 
purpose  to  give  any  thing  more  than  the  general  eccle- 
siastical history  of  the  towns,  yet,  for  reasons  that  must 
be  obvious,  we  may  mention  with  some  particularity 
the  history  of  the  churches  at  the  leginning,  the  Colony 
generally  being  settled  by  churches  as  such,  and  the 
pastor  and  leading  church-members  in  each  community 
being  the  prominent  personages.  There  can  be  no 
doubt  that  public  worship  was  maintained  in  the  settle- 
ment from  the  very  commencement ;  and  there  can, 
perhaps,  be  as  little  room  to  doubt  that  there  was  from 
the  first  an  organized  church.  "When  the  first  meeting- 
house was  erected  does  not  appear;  but  as  early  as 
1644  it  was  found  necessary  to  repai?'  the  meeting-house, 
and,  singularly  enough,  it  was  then  called  "the  old 
meeting-house,"  This  last  circumstance  is  suggestive 
of  the  impression  that  it  had  been  a  question  whether 
to  repair  or  build. 

If  some  matters  quite  minute  and  of  themselves  of 
little  general  interest  shall  appear  in  the  annals  of  the 

tion  in  1635,  both  of  whom  married  drs.  of  Gov.  Prince.  He  also  brought 
with  him  daughters  :  Alice,  the  eldest,  who  was  17  when  the  family  left  Eng., 
and  who  m.  Dea.  WiUiam  Paddy  of  Plym.,  the  first  treas.  of  the  Colony; 
and  EUzabeth,  the  third  child  in  order,  aged  12,  who  m.  Mr.  John  Ellis  of 
Sandwich.  It  is  said  of  Mr.  Freeman  that  "  he  was  a  man  of  consideration 
in  England,  and  brought  with  him  much  valuable  plate  ; "  which  last  remark 
we  suppose  was  intended  to  be  indicative  of  his  position  in  society.  Such, 
perhaps,  it  might  have  been  at  that  day ;  but  it  would  be  a  poor  criterion 
now.  It  is  said,  moreover,  that  he  acted  as  the  "  confidential  agent "  of 
certain  of  the  "  merchant  adventurers."  This  would  seem  to  be  corrobo- 
rated by  his  correspondence  with  Mr.  Beauchampe,  "  a  London  merchant 
and  valuable  friend  to  the  colony,"  who  was  also  brother-in-law  to  Mr.  Free- 
man. Mr.  Freeman  was  not  only  conspicuous  in  town  affairs,  but  was  from 
1640  to  1646  inclusive.  Assistant  in  the  government  of  the  Colony.  He 
lived  to  be  92  yrs.  old,  dying  in  Sandwich  in  1682.  His  sons  Edmund  and 
John,  were  also  prominent,  both  being  Deputies  to  the  Gen.  Ct.,  and  the 
latter,  who  removed  to  Eastham,  also  Assistant.  The  descendants  of  these 
have  been  numerous  in  the  County  of  Barnstable,  and  are  widely  scattered 
over  the  U.  States  and  elsewhere. 


38  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

towns,  still,  we  trust,  it  will  be  considered  that,  given 
as  they  are  found  on  the  records,  although  in  fragments, 
they  help  the  inquirer  to  apprehend  the  condition  and 
character  of  the  people.  President  Dwight  has  well 
remarked  that  "a  country  changing  rapidly  as  New 
England "  did,  especially  in  its  incipiency,  "  must,  if 
truly  exhibited,  be  described  in  a  manner  like  that  in 
which  a  painter  would  depict  a  cloud:  the  form  and 
colors  of  the  moment  must  be  seized." 

We  have  already  mentioned  Eev.  William  Leverich 
as  the  first  minister,  and  in  a  note,  first  vol.,  have  inti- 
mated the  chief  that  we  know  of  his  early  history. 
The  precise  time  of  his  coming  to  Sandwich  is  not 
asserted.  In  1637  a  lot  was  assigned  to  him  in  Dux- 
bury  where  he  was  associated  with  Rev.  Mr.  Partridge 
in  the  ministry;  but  he  was  certainly  in  Sandwich 
before  1640,  and  probably  immediately  after  the  com- 
mencement of  the  settlement,  for  we  find  in  the  colo- 
nial records  of  that  period,  the  reply  to  sundry  ques- 
tions submitted  to  the  grantors  "  by  Mr.  Leverich  and 
others  of  SandivW  —  showing  pretty  conclusively  that 
he  was  among  the  very  first  on  the  ground ;  or  that  if 
he  was  not  here  in  1637  he  was  in  intimate  union  with 
those  who  were  here,  and  was  seeking  for  light  that 
would  determine  his  deliberations  in  regard  to  a  settle- 
ment here.  We  are  unavoidably  constrained  to  a  con- 
viction of  the  correctness  of  the  former  position ;  be- 
lieving that  he  was  not  merely  performing  a  kindly  office 
for  the  actual  settlers  in  Sandwich  by  his  influence  at 
Plymouth  whilst  he  yet  continued  at  Duxbury  contem- 
plating a  removal,  but  had  already  become  a  hona  fide 
settler,  and  that  the  expression  '^ of  Sandwich"  em- 
braced him  as  well  as  others.^ 

^  The  data  to  which  we  refer,  is  a  document,  of  1637,  entitled  "An 
Answer  to  the  propositions  made  by  Mr.  Leveridge  and  others  of  Sandwich 
concerning  the  land  there."    "We  copy  : 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  39 

The  reason  why  the  settlement,  begun  with  vigor, 
embracing  a  competent  number  of  respectable  and 
well-ordered  families,  with  at  least  the  ordinary  propor- 
tion of  wealth,  generally  united  in  religious  views  — 
views  which,  so  far  as  now  appears,  were  in  consonance 
with  those  professed  by  the  colonial  government,  and 
disposed  as  they  were  to  maintain  the  institutions  of 
religion,  were  not  at  once  allowed  the  rights  of  a  town, 
does  not  to  us  clearly  appear.  One  thing  is  very  evi- 
dent, -—  that  during  its  pupilage  or  probation  of  two  or 
three  years,  it  received  its  due  share  of  the  attentions 
of  that  august  tribunal,  the  Colonial  Court.     We  have 

"  Prop.  1 :  Whether  the  undertakers  have  a  full  gift  of  the  lands  at  Sand- 
"wich,  or  whether  a  conditional  grant  only  for  the  settling  of  a  convenient 
number  there  that  may  be  useful  for  the  commonwealth  and  chiefly  fit  for 
church  fellowship  ?  —  Ans:  To  the  1st  we  answer;  for  your  term  of  under- 
takers, we  rather  put  instead  thereof  Committies  as  suiting  more  properly 
with  the  relation  betwixt  them  and  us,  their  grant  being  conditional  and 
not  absolute,  and  the  trust  committed  to  them  being  for  the  care  of  the  gov- 
ernment and  more  convenient  accommodation  of  such  people  as  shall  be 
qualified  according  to  the  condition  and  intent  of  the  grant  and  their  joint 
premises, 

"  Prop.  2  :  Whether  such  of  them  as  are  still  at  Saugus  shall  have  any 
power  at  all  there,  either  to  dispose  of  things  or  to  possess  any  lands  at  all 
m  case  they  come  not  to  inhabit?  —  Ans:  To  this  2d  we  answer  negatively; 
for  when  they  made  suit  to  us,  it  was  as  a  people  straitened  and  pretending 
removal  really  with  all  possible  conveniency, 

"  Prop.  3 :  Whether  it  may  not  be  thought  convenient  to  add  some  oth- 
ers in  their  stead  to  the  rest,  in  case  they  come  not  —  such  as  are  of  the 
church  there,  or  neighbors  of  good  report  ?  —  Ans :  To  the  3d  we  answer 
affirmatively,  if  need  require :  provided  you  make  choice  of  such  as  the 
Govt,  shall  approve  of,  for  they  are  but  committies. 

"  Prop.  4  .  Whether  they  may  not  substitute  any  in  their  rooms,  in  case 
they  be  necessarily  called  to  be  absent  ?  —  Ans :  To  the  4th  we  answer  as 
to  the  3d. 

"  Prop.  5 :  Whether  if  this  power  be  abused,  how  it  maybe  reformed  ?  — 
Ans :  To  the  5th,  as  abuses  shall  arise,  upon  due  comijlaint  the  magistrates 
must  do  justice  as  in  other  cases. 

"  Prop.  6  :  Whether  in  particular  it  be  not  an  abuse  of  the  power  in  case 
they  should  monopolize  the  chief  places  of  conveniency  for  lands,  woods, 
meadows,  &c.,  to  the  prejudice  of  the  town  in  general  ?  — Ans :  To  the  6th 
we  answer ;  such  the  case  may  be,  and  the  damage  to  the  whole  so  great  as 
not  to  be  suffered :  but  if  the  committies  be  faithful  and  able  of  estate  their 
pains  will  not  be  small,  now  their  estates  must  be  provided  for,  and  their 
pains  will  require  more  than  ordinary  accommodation. 

"  To  the  Query  in  the  letter.  Whether  two  townships,  &c.,  we  answer,  we 
made  the  grant  of  the  lands  to  one  ;  neither  can  there  be  any  other  without 
the  allowance  of  the  Govt. ;  but  if  the  lands  far  off  be  disposed  of  for  farms 
to  men  of  estate,  we  see  no  cause  of  dislike." 


40  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

no  evidence  of  any  dissatisfaction  being  expressed  at 
this ;  and,  therefore,  may  presume  that  however  vigilant 
were  the  authorities,  and  however  strictly  municipal 
regulations  were  enforced,  or  summarily  delinquencies 
were  visited,  the  inhabitants  were,  as  a  community  of 
sober,  intelligent,  law-abiding  citizens,  not  disposed  to 
utter  a  murmuring  word. 

We  have  no  intent  to  recapitulate  all  that  is  found 
on  the  records  of  the  court  from  time  to  time ;  but,  as 
in  our  first  volume,  we  adverted  to  some  instances  to 
convey  an  idea  of  the  watchfulness  observed,  so  here 
we  may  do  the  same  to  show  at  least  the  frequent  in- 
conveniences to  which  the  people  were  subjected  in 
attending  courts  at  Plymouth.  The  legislative  acts  of 
1637,  in  regard  to  the  qualifications  of  freemen  and 
the  conditions  on  which  any  may  become  housekeepers, 
and  of  1638  in  regard  to  the  ringing  of  swine's  snouts 
and  divers  other  regulations,  were  early  felt  to  be  no 
dead-letter  statutes  even  as  affecting  the  newest,  re- 
motest, or  sparsest  settlements.  The  record  of  1638 
tells  us,  "  These  men  of  Sandwich  were  fined  for  not 
having  their  swine  ringed :  viz.  Richard  Bourne,  3  pigs ; 
John  Carman,  1  sow  and  11  pigs;  Thos.  Tupper,  5 
swine ;  Thos.  Armitage,  2  swine."  Again,  at  another 
court,  the  same  year,  for  the  same  neglect,  "Edward 
Freeman,^  Richard  Kerby,  Robert  Bodfish,  John  Ding- 
ley,  Peter  Gaunt,  Richard  Chadwell,  and  John  Burge," 
were  fined.  There  is  no  evidence  that  complaint  was 
made  of  any  injury  being  done  by  the  swine ;  or  that 
the  informer  was  a  resident  of  the  town.  In  fact,  the 
list  of  the  delinquents  embraced  a  large  proportion  of 

'  Edward :  so  say  the  records.  But,  although  the  name  is  repeated,  and 
Mr.  Somerby  says  he  found  it  on  the  Admiralty  record  in  London,  we  are 
inclined  still  to  regard  it  as  a  chirographical  error.  We  suppose  that  Ed- 
mund Freeman  was  intended.  Even  Dr.  Palfrey,  in  his  recent  History, 
makes  Edward  Freeman  the  Assistant  elected  in  1640  ! 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  41 

the  most  influential  of  the  new-comers ;  and,  situated 
as  they  were  at  the  time,  just  commencing  their  re- 
spective operations  in  farming,  it  is  altogether  improb- 
able that  any  inconvenience  could  be  experienced  by 
any  neighbor  on  account  of  another's  swine  not  being 
ringed.  The  ringing  would  give  no  additional  security 
to  gardens  or  grain-fields,  if  that  were  the  object ;  and 
there  were  no  grasses  under  cultivation  the  sward  of 
which  might  be  disturbed.  These  neighbors  were  gen- 
erally widely  scattered,  from  Scusset  to  Scorton.  In  a 
word,  it  seems  quite  incredible  that  any  one  of  the 
actual  settlers  here  was  disposed  to  make  trouble  :  but 
yet  there  existed  a  law  requiring  the  ringing  of  swine, 
even  young  pigs ;  and  somehow  the  authorities  at  the  seat 
of  justice  were  informed  in  regard  to  all  delinquencies, 
and  the  delinquents  were  summoned  to  Plymouth  and  the 
fines  were  assessed !  The  case  of"  Henry  Ewer  and  wife,'* 
before  the  same  court,  we  have  noted,  Vol.  I.  p.  1 50,  as 
also  that  of  Mr.  James  Skeflf  as  a  transgressor  in  bring- 
ing these  worthy  persons  to  Sandwich.  Again,  at  the 
same  court,  "  Edward  Freeman,  Richard  Kerby,  George 
Slawson,  Peter  Gaunt,  John  Dingley,  and  Mr.  Stuteley, 
all  of  Sandwich,  were  fined  10  s.  each,  for  being  deficient 
in  arms."  The  very  same  court  deemed  it  important  to 
have  the  limits  of  the  lands  granted  in  Sandwich  ac- 
curately defined,  ^'^tvith  all  convenient  speed;"  and  directed 
Mr.  Alden  and  Captain  Standish  to  attend  to  the  duty. 
And  now,  the  next  year,  1639,  was  a  time  of  great 
trouble  —  complaint  being  made  against  Sandwich  for 
receiving  persons  as  inhabitants,  who  were  "  unfit  for 
church-society."^     The  "committies"  were  "summoned 


'  If  we  would  estimate  the  partiality  to  some  and  the  rigorous  exactions 
upon  others,  or  the  moral  "  fitness  "  of  those  who  were  thus  brought  in  con- 
flict with  the  civil  authorities,  we  are  constrained  in  candor  to  consider  the 
obliquities  of  the  age.  However  much  we  venerate  the  leading  puritans, 
we  cannot  be  blind  to  the  fact  that  in  their  desire  to  keep  out  and  to  weed 

VOL.   II.  6 


42  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTT. 

to  answer/'  were  "forbidden  to  dispose  of  any  more 
land,"  and  Captain  Standish  and  Mr.  Prince  were  ap- 
pointed to  repair  to  Sandwich  clothed  with  full  power 
to  order  for  the  public  good ! 

But  we  turn  gladly  from  these  proceedings,  leaving  the 
astute  to  explain  these  matters.  The  same  year, "  George 
Allen"  was  "admitted  a  freeman,  and  appointed  and 
sworn  as  constable  of  Sandwich;"  John  Blakemore  was 
^^  appointed  to  exercise  the  inhabitants  of  Sandwich  in 
the  use  of  arms;"  John  Didicut  "presented  himself 
before  the  Court  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance ; "  and, 
Nov.  28,  "  Mr.  William  Paddy,  merchant,  of  Plymouth, 
and  Alice  Freeman  of  Sandwich,  were  married."  It 
does  not  appear  whether,  in  the  latter  case,  it  was 
necessary  to  resort  to  the  court  for  the  legalizing  of 
the  marriage  contract ;  but  we  suppose  it  was. 

Sandwich,  having  this  year  received  its  legal  incorpo- 
ration, was  represented  in  the  General  Court.^  There 
was,  as  we  have  seen,  no  House  of  Representatives  in 
the  Colony  of  Plymouth  until  the  present  year.  Com- 
mittees the  representatives  were  first  denominated,  after- 
wards Deputies  became  the  title.  The  two  that  were  first 
chosen  by  this  town  were  Eichard  Bourne  and  John  Vin- 
cent.^ The  whole  number  of  towns  in  the  Colony  at 
this  period,  was,  including  the  newly  incorporated,  but 
seven  ;  and  the  total  number  of  deputies  by  whom  they 
were  collectively  to  be  represented,  was  16.^ 

out  every  thing  heterodox  according  to  their  views,  suspicion  was  always  on 

the  alert :  ^   -^     ^ ,  ^       ^ 

"  Do  I  not  know  you  for  a  favorer 
Of  this  new  sect  ?   Ye  are  not  sound." 

'  Whether  Sandwich  would  have  attained  so  suddenly  to  the  honor,  had  not 
two  other  more  recent  settlements,  whose  principal  men  were  from  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Colony,  been  applicants  for  incorporation,  is  questionable. 

^  The  notices  of  future  election  of  dejiuties  from  time  to  time,  wiU  appear 
in  the  tables  at  the  close.  The  changes  in  the  Board  of  Assistants,  so  far 
as  those  magistrates  were  taken  from  this  County,  have  already  been  noted 
in  oui  annals  of  the  Cape. 

^  It  has  already,  in  effect,  been  seen  in  the  former  volume,  that,  after  the 
demise  of  Gov.  "Carver,  Mr.  Bradford  being  elected  his  successor,  it  was 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  43 

After  the  incorporation  of  the  town,  the  records  for 
several  years  exhibit  httle  of  interest  beyond  what  has 
already  found  a  place  in  our  general  history  of  the 
Cape.     Abundant  evidence  is  found  of  the  never  tiring  ^ 

vigilance  of  the  law  and  the  impartiality  of  its  admm-  fl 

istration.     A  case  that  was  before  the  Plymouth  Court,  " 

March  1,  1642,  furnishes  proof  to  this  effect :  a  military 
personage,  prominent  in  this  town  and  perhaps  not 
thus  early  so  distinguished  for  his  religious  character 
as  in  after  life  —  at  best  not  now  entirely  above  sus- 
picion or  exempt  from  the  reach  of  legal  discipline, 
stood  charged  with  too  great  a  degree  of  gallantry. 
We  put  the  most  favorable  construction  on  the  affair 
though  the  "  complaint "  was  a  very  serious  one ;  for 
there  appears  nothing  in  his  previous  or  subsequent 
career  to  deprive  him  of  this  leniency.^ 

judged  expedient  to  appoint  also  an  Assistant  to  the  Gov.  The  reason 
for  this,  in  the  first  instance,  was  found  in  the  fact  that  the  Gov.  elect  was 
just  recovering  from  sickness  and  needed  assistance ;  but  the  office  was 
continued  for  other  reasons,  so  that,  in  1624,  five  assistants  were  chosen, 
and  in  1633  two  more  were  added.  The  number  thenceforward  chosen  an- 
nually was  seven  ;  and  the  Gov.  and  Assistants  were  the  Supreme  Judiciary- 
power —  which  arrangement  continued  until  the  time  of  Andros.  Mr.  Ed- 
mund Freeman,  of  Sandwich,  was  elected  by  the  Colony  an  Assistant  soon 
after  the  incorporation  of  the  town,  and  by  successive  elections  filled  the 
office  seven  consecutive  years.  The  change  which  now  took  place  in  the 
govt.,  substituting  a  representative  govt,  for  an  actual  democracy,  was  an 
important  event.  It  was,  as  had  been  the  appointment  of  assistants,  an 
affair  of  convenience  alone  ;  the  extension  of  the  settlements  rendering  it 
altogether  inconvenient  for  the  whole  people  to  meet  in  one  place  as  often 
as  exigencies  might  arise,  to  legislate  ;  and  hence,  to  distribute  the  power 
in  fair  and  equal  proportions,  it  seemed  necessary  to  delegate  it  —  vesting 
in  the  deputies  of  the  several  towns  the  power  which  belonged  to  aU  to 
exercise  in  person  as  a  legitimate  right.  The  transition,  therefore,  occasioned 
but  little  remark.  Indeed  the  whole  process  of  the  organization  of  govern- 
ment from  the  very  first,  appears  to  have  been  the  result  of  convenience 
rather  than  of  any  preconceived  and  well-digested  design ;  and  a  directing 
and  overruling  Providence  is  clearly  visible  in  every  step  of  the  progress 
made.  Professing  to  desire  religious  freedom,  our  fathers,  notwithstanding 
any  peculiar  obliquities  or  inconsistencies  that  to  us  of  the  present  day  may 
seem  to  have  marked  their  views  or  action,  established  on  its  broad  base, 
civil  liberty.  As  Mr.  Baylies  has  observed,  "  Meaning  to  found  a  church, 
they  gave  birth  to  a  nation ;  and  in  settling  the  towns,  they  commenced  an 
empire." 

'  We  think  it  but  fair  to  infer  from  various  circumstances  —  especially 
the  charge  being  so  general,  that  a  degree  of  gallantry  only  incompatible 


44 


HISTORY    OF   BAENSTABLE    COUNTY. 


In  1643,  the  following  persons,  between  the  age  of 
16  and  60,  were  liable  to  bear  arms :  viz. 


Francis  Allen, 
George  Allen  Jr., 
Matthew  Allen, 
Kalph  Allen, 
Samuel  Allen, 
John  BelV 
Edmund  Berry, 
Anthony  Bessy, 
Miles  Black, 
John  Blakemore, 
Thomas  Boardman, 
Robert  Bodfish, 
Richard  Bourne, 
George  Buitt, 
Richard  Burgess, 
Thomas  Burgess  Sr., 
Thomas  Burgess  Jr., 
Thomas  Butler, 
Richard  Chadwell, 
Edmund  Clark, 
Henry  Cole, 
Edward  Dillingham, 
Henry  Dillingham, 


John  Dingley, 
John  Ellis, 
Henry  Feake, 
John  Fish, 
Jonathan  Fish, 
Nathaniel  Fish, 
Edmund  Freeman  Sr., 
Edmund  Freeman  Jr., 
John  Freeman,^ 
Peter  Gaunt, 
Thomas  Gibbs, 
John  Green, 
Thomas  Greenfield, 
Joseph  Hoi  way, 
Peter  Hanbury, 
John  Johnson,^ 
Thomas  Johnson,^ 
John  Joyce, 
Richard  Kerby, 
George  Knott, 
Thomas  Landers, 
Mr.  William  Leverich, 
John  Newland, 


William  Newland, 
Thomas  Nichols, 
Benjamin  Nye, 
John  Presbury,* 
Henry  Sanderson, 
Henry  Sephen, 
Thos.  Shillingsworth, 
James  Skiff, 
William  Swift, 
Thomas  Tupper, 
Michael  Turner, 
John  Vincent, 
Nathaniel  Willis, 
Lawrence  Willis, 
Joseph  Winsor, 
Daniel  Wing, 
John  Wing, 
Stephen  Wing, 
William  Wood, 
Anthony  Wright,^ 
Nicholas  Wright,^ 
Peter  Wright.^ 


with  the  stern  views  of  the  pilgrims,  was  the  maximum  summum  of  the 
offence  ;  although  the  complaint  preferred  was  "  for  lascivious  and  unclean 
carriages  towards  the  wife  "  of  a  man  in  "  Yarm.,  and  sundry  others  in  Barn- 
stable and  elsewhere."  The  vocabulary  of  those  days  must  be  considered 
in  estimating  the  importance  to  be  attached  to  such  a  charge  which  standing 
prominently  on  the  record  would  seem  otherwise  to  require  some  heavier 
sentence  than  "  admonition." 

^  Went  to  Yarm.  ab.  1657,  and  d.  prob.  abt.  1676. 

^  Mr.  John  Freeman  removed  early  to  Eastham,  accompanying  Gov.  P., 
whose  daughter  he  married.  His  possessions  here  were  at  Ploughed  Neck 
and  Scorton  Neck.     See  Vol.  I.  pp.  601,  618. 

^  These  both  disappear  from  the  records  early ;  but  their  descendants  are 
prob.  found  on  the  Cape.  Thomas  by  w.  Priscilla,  had  Priscilla  Nov.  20, 
1657  ;  and  William  June  9,  1659,  who  prob.  removed  to  Falmouth. 

*  Mr.  John  Pkesbuey  was  buried  May  9,  1648  ;  but  no  record  is  found 
of  his  family. 

*  The  three  WrigJits  were  here  in  1637.  Peter  had  children  b.,  viz. : 
Peter  Feb.  28,  1651 ;  and  Adam  Mar.  20,  1652.  Nicholas  had  Mercy  b. 
1651.  There  are  records  of  burials  of  children  1648  and  1649,  Mordecai 
and  Wm.  In  1653  a  deed  by  the  Sachem  of  Oyster  Bay,  L.  I.,  to  Peter 
Wright,  Mr.  Leveridge  and  others,  witnessed  by  Anthony  Wright,  shows 
their  final  location. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  45 

However  much  to  be  regretted  is  the  paucity  of 
material  furnished  by  early  records  for  memoirs  of 
towns,  there  is  much  to  show  that  the  people  here  did 
not  regard  the  institutions  of  religion  as  unimportant. 
As  already  intimated,  at  an  early  period  care  was  taken 
to  provide  a  place  for  public  worship.  That  the  build- 
ing should  in  1644  be  called  "  the  old  meeting-house," 
is  presumptive  that  it  had  been  for  some  time  in  exist- 
ence ;  and  the  inference  also  is  that  the  question  before 
the  people  was  whether  to  build  a  new  meeting-house, 
or  rejMir  the  old  one.  The  latter  was  their  conclusion ; 
and  it  does  not  appear  to  have  been  a  very  expensive 
job.^  We  incline  to  the  opinion  that  the  first  structure 
was  rudely  temporary,  hitherto  without  shingles,  with 
shutters  for  windows,  and  with  thatched  roof;  such  was 
the  early  practice  elsewhere. 

Geo.  Allen  was  this  year  "  licensed  by  the  court  to  cut  hay  at 
the  Ponds  beyond  Sandwich-Plains."  The  necessity  for  a  '  license' 
thus  obtained,  is  perhajDS  explained  by  the  prohibition  that  had 
been  laid  upon  the  committee  or  undertakers ;  since  we  find  that 
the  following  year,  1645,  an  effort  was  made  to  procure  the 
removal  of  the  disability ;  and  in  1646  j)rovision  was  made  for 
"  yielding-up  the  land  undisposed  of,  to  the  town,  to  be  given 
forth  and  disposed  of"  on  certain  stipulated  conditions.^ 

In  1647,  Mr.  Leverich  was  in  court  in  consequence  of  some  mis- 
understanding with  a  jDarishioner ;  but  in  no  way  involving  the 
pastor's  integrity  so  far  as  we  can  judge.  —  An  old  settler  and 

^  The  record  is :  "A  town-meeting,  6  mo.  7,  1644,  warned  by  order  of  the 
selectmen  to  take  course  for  repairing  the  meeting-house  ;  whereupon  divers 
persons  engaged  freely  to  pay  in  good  and  merchantable  Indian  corn,  the 
next  April,  unto  Thos.  Tupper,  for  as  many  bolts  as  would  shingle  the  old 
meeting-house.  The  persons  that  engaged  the  corn  to  Thos.  Tupper  of 
Sandwich,  for  and  in  consideration  that  the  said  Thos,  Tupper  engage  the 
bolts  aforesaid  for  repairing  the  said  house ;  the  persons  that  engaged  the 
corn  are  as  foUoweth  :  — 

Edmund  Freeman,  10  s. ;  Thos.  Dexter,  10 ;    Thos.  Gibbs  Sr.,   9 ;  Ezra 
Perry,  9 ;  Jacob  Burge,  9  ;  Thos.  Tobie  Sr.,  7  ;  and  William  Bassett,  6." 

^  The  rigid  surveillance  that  was  exercised  over  the  disposal  of  lands  by 
those  whose  right  vested  in  them  as  undertakers,  was  not  confined  to  this 
town.  Great  care  was  taken  by  the  court  that  in  every  place  those  only 
who  were  "fit-persons"  within  the  close  construction  of  that  qualifying 
phrase,  should  be  landholders. 


46  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Lis  wife,  who  were  afterwards  conspicuous  araong  the  seceders 
froij^the  'old  ways  of  the  puritans,'  were  also  arraigned  "for  hav- 
ing been  carnal  before  matrimony."^  —  The  next  year,  another 
citizen  was  summoned  before  the  court,  and  forbidden  to  show 
attentions  to  a  certain  female  "  until  the  court  can  better  discern 
the  truth  of  his  pretensions."  ^ — The  miller  also  shared  —  what 
has  been  the  fate,  perhaps  often  without  cause,  of  many  who 
grind  for  toll  —  "a  suspicion ; "  but,  we  are  happy  to  say,  " he 
was  clearedP  —  This  same  year,  1648,  records  the  decease  of 
prominent  citizens,  Mr.  George  Allen  Sr.,^  and  George  Knott.* 

*  The  application  of  the  criminal  law  to  some  cases  then  alleged  to  be 
flagrant  immoralities  too  intolerable  to  be  passed  by  without  reprehension, 
would  itself  hardly  pass  without  reprehension  at  the  present  day.  The 
mortification  and  disgrace  inflicted  by  the  above  complaint  —  the  charge 
founded  alone  on  evidence  furnished  long  after  marriage  by  a  bii-th  occur- 
ring "  before  the  ordinary  time  of  women  after  marriage  "  —  would  hardly 
be  tolerated  even  did  the  law  sanction  the  proceeding  and  the  severity  of 
the  penalty. 

^  There  is  some  ambiguity  here,  but  investigation  shows  that  the  young 
man  "  was  prohibited  by  the  court  from  visits  or  addresses  "  to  the  fair 
damsel,  "  until  some  matters  are  cleared  up  in  regard  to  the  contract : "  the 
incident  is  another  confii'mation  of  "  our  William's"  remark, — 

"  The  course  of  true  love  never  did  run  smooth." 

The  cause,  in  the  present  case,  we  are  unable  to  pronounce ;  perhaps  it  was 

"  '  different  in  blood ; ' 
Or  else  '  misgraffed  in  respect  of  years  ; ' 
Or  else  '  it  stood  upon  the  choice  of  friends.'  " 

This  much  we  know :  her  father,  in  his  dying  moments,  had  supposed  that 
the  two  were  betrothed,  and  had  made  provision  for  theh  mutual  comfort, 
in  his  will ;  and  yet  she  soon  married  another. 

^  Mr.  Allen  was  in  Lynn  1636,  and  came  to  Sandwich  1637.  He  was 
a  deputy  1641  and  '42.  The  record  says  he  was  buried  in  S.,  May  2, 
1648.  His  will  mentions  "  sons  Matthew,  Henry,  Samuel,  William,  and  also 
five  least  children."  It  makes  his  wife  Catharine  executrix.  He  must  have 
been  aged,  as  various  accounts  intimate.  If  we  are  to  regard  the  specula- 
tions extant,  it  is  difficult  at  this  remote  period  to  account  for  the  omission 
of  the  names  of  some  generally  regarded  as  his  sons,  and  especially  of  some 
who  were  older  than  those  named.  He  is  represented  by  Bowden  as  having 
been  an  "  anabaptist  in  England."  Be  this  as  it  may,  he  was  a  member  of 
the  church  in  Sandwich,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Fessenden  reports  both  George  and 
Half  Allen  as  having  been  previously  members  of  the  church  in  Roxbury. 
There  was  a  George  Jr.  in  S.  liable  to  bear  arms  in  1643,  and  also  a  Francis 
and  Half,  as  well  as  Matthew.  George  Jr.  was  m.  before  the  decease  of 
George  Sr.,  as  was  also  Half,  and  almost  contemporaneously  appears  a 
Ralf  Sr.  and  Half  Jr.  We  suspect  that  genealogists  have  confounded  two 
families.     Records  are  the  only  sure  guide. 

■*  Mr.  Knott,  one  of  the  original  grantees,  was  buried  May  3,  1648. 
His  will,  nuncupative,  bearing  date  May  1,  mentions  "my  wife  Martha, 
also  my  son  Samuel  and  my  dr.  Martha ;  "  and  also  indicates  some  pi'ovis- 
ion  for  "  Thos  Dunham  in  case  he  marries  my  daughter."  The  name  is  not 
perpetuated  in  this  town.  The  wid.  of  Mr.  K.  d.  1673.  His  son,  Samuel, 
was  in  the  Indian  war,  and  the  records  of  Gorham,  Me.,  1733,  show  that 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  47 

"We  have  had  occasion  to  infer  that  the  ancient  house 
for  public  worship  in  this  town  was  not  a  very  costly 
edifice ;  by  an  inkling  obtained  from  the  records  of 
1650,  it  may  be  surmised  that  the  minister  had  no 
very  sumptuous  accommodations.  As  is  the  cathedral 
so  is  usually  the  primate's  residence.  It  was  "  agreed 
upon  by  the  town  that  there  shall  be  a  levie  of  £5  for 
Mr.  Leveridge,  to  pay  for  removing  and  parting  of  his 
house  with  boards,  which  was  long  since  promised  to 
be  done  for  him  by  the  town."  If  he  had  hitherto 
submitted  to  occupy  the  shell  of  a  house  without 
apartments,  we  can  but  admire  his  patience  in  waiting 
the  fulfilment  of  the  contract.  The  board  partitions 
"  long-promised/' must,  if  erected — and  we  have  reason 
to  suppose  they  were  in  due  time,  for  the  work  was  com- 
mitted to  four  good  men  and  true,  viz. :  "  Mr.  Vincent, 
William  Newland,  Thomas  Tupper,  and  Robert  Bodfish" 
—  have  been  convenient  both  to  himself  and  family.^ 

A  levy  of  £10  was  also  ordered  "for  defraying  the 
town-charges ; "  and  it  was  "  agreed  to  pay  Mr.  Richard 
Bourne  £1  and  his  levie  (so  much  as  he  is  rated  in  the 
£10  levie)  in  consideration  of  his  labor  and  pains  that 
he  hath  taken  in  business  concerning  the  town,  as  in 
selling  the  lands  to  satisfy  the  committies  and  the  like.'' 

The  public  expenses  do  not  appear  to  have  been  very  onerous, 
if  we  except  the  matter  of  fines  for  j^etty  delinquencies  and  costs 
of  court ;  and  the  pecuniary  resources  of  the  town  were  probably 
not  abundant. 

In  1651,  "the  conditions  on  which  the  grant  of  the 
township  was  made  having  been  fulfilled,  a  deed  of  the 

"  Samuel  Tobey  is  put  down  for  his  uncle  Samuel  Knott,  deceased."     The 
daughter  m.  Thos.  Tobey,  Nov.  18,  1650. 

^  All  contemporaneous  records  and  correspondence  show  that  there  was 
thus  early,  in  both  colonies,  "  a  lamentable  remissness  "  in  the  honorable 
support  of  religious  institutions.  There  is  no  positive  evidence,  at  least 
none  direct,  that  the  people  here  were  particularly  reprehensible  in  this 
respect ;  probably  they  were  not,  bating  what  is  attributable  to  unintentional 
neglect. 


48  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

plantation  was  executed  by  Gov.  Bradford  to  Mr.  Edmund 
Freeman  who  made  conveyances  to  his  associates."^ 

The  same  year,  May  22,  it  was  "ordered  that  these  four  men, 
Goodman  Tupper,  Goodman  Burge  Sr.,  l!^athl.  Willis,  and  Wm. 
Gifford  shall  have  power  to  call  a  town-meeting  by  giving  three 
days'  warning,  whenever  they  see  occasion  for  the  same ; "  and  the 
following  veiy  notable  restriction  was  duly  "voted,  that  what 
neighbors  stay  away  above  an  hour  after  the  time  appointed  shall 
lose  their  votes  in  what  is  done  before  they  come."  It  was  "  also 
ordered  that  the  constable  give  in  his  account  for  the  current  year, 
or  else  shall  stand  another  year  as  constable." 

This  year  was  not  the  end  of  "  the  beginning  of 
ecclesiastical  troubles/'  as  all  New  England  history 
tells  J  but  it  is  worthy  of  note  here,  that  even  this 
date  was  several  years  prior  to  the  itinerant  influence 
of  any  of  "  the  people  called  Quakers."  The  "  religious 
distractions  [which]  now  began  to  exist  all  over  the 
colony,"  cannot,  then,  be  attributed,  as  is  the  manner 
of  some,  to  the  Friends.  These  troubles  already  exist- 
ing prepared  the  way,  no  doubt,  for  the  introduction  of 
new  views  —  such  as  might  plausibly  be  presented  to 
the  disaffected  towards  the  policy  of  the  government ; 
but  the  dissensions  themselves  are  attributable  to  causes 
which  must  be  looked  for  in  the  doings  of  former  years.^ 
The  record  made  by  a  distinguished  antiquarian,  that 

^  The  bounds  are  the  same  described  in  the  subsequent  deed  confirmato- 
ry in  1685,  as  originally  established  by  Capt.  MUes  Standish.  and  Mr.  John 
Alden. 

*  The  movement  in  favor  of  religious  toleration,  a  few  years  previous, 
had,  although  unhappily  opposed  by  government,  stout  advocates  —  and, 
if  Ave  may  judge  from  the  now  existing  state  of  things,  there  were  conscien- 
tious and  unyielding  friends  of  religious  freedom,  in  this  town.  The  orders 
of  court  to  compel  attendance  on  the  only  tolerated  public  worship  ;  the 
presentments  of  many,  and  the  fines  and  penalties  imposed ;  the  charges 
now  becoming  frequent,  against  divers  persons  here  and  there,  of  "  speak- 
ing deridingly  against  God's  word  and  ordinances  "  —  charges  that  were 
grounded  on  the  least  expression  of  dissent  from  prevaiHng  dogmas  and 
polities;  and  the  complaints  of  the  "disturbance  of  public  worship"  —  com- 
plaints that  were  equally  founded  on  constructive  grounds,  were  but  the 
sjTnptoms  of  a  conscientious,  determined,  and  serious  contest,  the  cause  of 
which  may  be  expressed  in  brief,  but  the  history  of  which  would  requhe 
volumes. 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  49 

it  is  "not  known  why  Mr.  Edmund  Freeman/'  after 
seven  years'  service  as  an  assistant,  "  was  dropped,"  is 
at  least  suggestive.  We  think  the  reason  is  patent. 
Our  surprise  the  rather  is  that  his  election  was  not  at 
the  first  opposed  by  the  government,  notwithstanding 
the  position  he  held  in  society.  His  views  were  too 
liberal  for  the  age.  The  right  of  private  judgment,^ 
and  the  right  of  petition,  were  principles  not  to  be 
maintained  with  impunity  even  by  puritans  who  hap- 
pened to  be  in  advance  of  the  exclusiveness  of  the 
times.  —  Mr.  Egbert  Bodfish  died  this  year,  Nov.  19. 

In  1652,  Jan.  17,  a  further  order  was  passed  regulating  "the 
manner  of  calling  town-meetings  ; "  —  and  Mar.  12,  it  was  "  agreed 
that  the  Town-Neck  shall  still  be  used  for  pasturage  as  formerly 
from  May  1  to  Oct.  4,  and  that  no  cattle  except  calves  shall  be 
put  in  without  the  consent  of  the  town;"  —  an  "agreement  was 

*  That  the  settlers  here  and  in  the  adjacent  towns  were  generally  homo- 
geneous is  evident ;  but  that  there  should  from  the  first  settlement  of  the 
colony  have  been,  notwithstanding  every  precaution,  the  accession  or  infu- 
sion of  some  whose  views  were  not  fully  in  sympathy  with  those  of  the 
rigid  puritan,  is  not  strange ;  nor  that  others  should  feel  that  there  was  just 
cause  for  complaint  and  express  dissatisfaction  at  what  they  considered  the 
exclusiveness  and  arbitrariness  of  the  ruling  powers.  Hence,  the  occasional, 
but  always  cherished,  avowed  desire  for  the  initiation  of  a  better  order  of 
things.  Mr.  Morrell,  when  he  saw  the  existing  feeling,  as  eai'ly  as  1624, 
meekly  forbore  to  assert  his  rights,  or  even  to  make  known  the  position 
that  had  been  assigned  him.  Episcopalians  were,  from  the  first,  suspected 
and  feared.  The  Anabaptists,  it  was  alleged  significantly  by  one  whose 
"  sagacity  "  excited  his  fears,  were  "  an  engine  formed  to  cut  the  throat  of 
the  infantry  of  the  churches."  As  time  advanced,  intolerance  became  less 
and  less  tolerable.  The  movements  of  Mr.  Vassel  of  Scituate,  and  of  Mr. 
Maverick  and  Dr.  Child  in  the  Mass.  Colony,  were  but  the  symptoms  and 
evidence  of  progress  that  was  being  made.  They  complained  that  persons, 
though  "  sober,  righteous,  and  godly,"  and  even  those  "  eminent  for  knowl- 
edge, not  scandalous  in  life  or  conversation,  and  members  of  the  Church  of 
England,"  were  "  debarred  from  Christian  privileges,"  and  "  denied  civil 
privileges."  They  alleged  that  "  the  fundamental  laws  of  England  were  not 
owned  by  the  colony  as  the  basis  of  government  according  to  the  Patent." 
And  they  "  prayed  that  civil  liberty  and  religious  freedom  might  forthwith 
be  granted  ;  or,  that  if  these  civil  and  religious  liberties  were  refused,  they 
might  be  freed  from  the  heavy  taxes  imposed."  K  their  prayer  should  be 
granted,  they  expressed  the  hope  of  seeing  "  the  ordinances  of  God  highly 
prized,  the  gospel  break  forth  as  the  sun.  Christian  charity  wax  warm, 
jealousy  banished,  strife  and  contention  abated,"  &c.  &c.  The  petition 
gave  great  oflFence.  The  petitioners  were  called  to  account.  Still,  they 
stoutly  asserted  their  right  of  petitioning :  but  in  vain  !  —  The  sequel  is 
by  and  by. 

VOL.  II.  7 


50  HISTORY  OP   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

made  with  Daniel  "Wing  and  Michael  Blackwell  for  the  taking  of 
the  fish  in  Herring-river ; "  —  and  it  was  "  ordered  that  Edmund 
Freeman,  Edward  Perry,  Geo.  Allen,  Daniel  Wing,  John  EUi^, 
and  Thos.  Tobey,  these  six  men,  shall  take  care  of  all  the  fish  that 
Indians  shall  cut  up  within  the  limits  of  the  town,  so  as  to  provide 
safety  for  it,  and  shall  dispose  of  the  fish  for  the  town's  use ;  ^  also 
that  if  any  man  that  is  an  inhabitant  shall  find  a  whale  and  report 
it  to  any  of  these  six  men,  he  shall  have  a  double  share ;  and  that 
these  six  men  shall  take  care  to  provide  laborers  and  whatever  is 
needful,  so  that  whatever  whales  either  Indian  or  white  man  gives 
notice  of,  they  may  dispose  of  the  proceeds  to  the  town's  use,  to 
be  divided  equally  to  every  inhabitant." 

The  court  subsequently  appointed  "  agents  to  receive  the  oil  for 
the  country."  ^  —  The  court  having  ordered  a  way  to  be  laid  out 
from  Sandwich  to  Plymouth,  appointed  Messrs.  Anthony  Thach- 
er,  Thomas  Dexter,  Thos.  Hinckley,  Wm.  Hedge,  Edward  Bangs, 
Joseph  Rogers,  John  Wing,  John  Ellis,  Henry  Dillingham,  James 
Skeff,  John  Finny,  Jonathan  Hatch,  and  Wm.  Bassett,  to  attend 
to  the  duty.  —  The  court  also  directed  the  constable  of  Sandwich 
to  "  call  on  Lt.  Wm.  Newland  to  train  the  military  company ;  and, 
if  he  refuse,  to  appoint  the  Sergeant,  Peter  Wright,  to  do  it."® 

The  town  "  ordered  that  every  inhabitant  shall  bear  his  part 
concerning  the  trial  of  the  action  about  Eel-river  bridge ;  and 
that  Thos.  Dexter  Sr.  be  authorized  to  answer  in  court  for  the 
town."  —  Also  "  that  Goody  Bodfish  shall  have  four  bu.  of  wheat 
due  the  town  from  Geo.  Allen."  * 

In  1653,  the  town  provided  "  for  the  purchase  of  muskets,  cut- 
lasses, powder,  balls,  drum,"&c. ;  —  also  "that  no  man  shall  cut 
timber  on  the  commons'  lots  to  sell  out  of  town,  under  a  penalty 
of  5  s.  for  every  tree  cut ; "  —  further,  "  that  Mr.  Dillingham,  Thos. 
Tupper,  Mr.  Vincent,  and  Richard  Bourne  shall  forthwith  make  a 
rate  of  £34  to  be  jjaid  in  butter  or  cun-ent  money ;"  —  also  "  that 
the  pay  of  aU  whales  shall  belong  to  every  householder  and  to 

^  AU  the  larger  fish  yielding  oil  are  meant.  So  numerous  were  whales 
in  the  bay,  and  such  was  the  activity  of  the  whalemen,  that  instances  were 
frequent  of  whales,  escaping  wounded  from  their  pursuers  and  dying  sub- 
sequently, being  washed  to  the  shores.  Besides  these,  the  grampus  and 
other  large  fish  were  often  stranded  on  the  flats  by  the  action  of  the 
tides. 

^  This,  taken  in  connection  with  the  town's  doings,  indicates  a  diversity 
of  views  in  regard  to  the  rightful  claimants  of  the  oil  obtained  from  drift 
whales  ;  the  colony  demanding  it  as  belonging  to  the  crown. 

^  Variances  between  England  and  Holland  now  gave  cause  for  alarm. 

*  She  was  noAv  a  widow,  and  probably  in  necessitous  ciixumstances. 


■    ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  51 

every  young  man  that  is  his  own,  equally,"  ^  The  deputy,  Mr.  Wm. 
Newlancl,  was  fined  for  not  attending  the  Gen.  Court ;  and  Mr. 
"Wm.  Bassett  Sr.,  for  not  attending  to  an  order  from  the  Council 
of  War. — John  Ellis  received  appointment  as  Lt.  of  the  miUtary. 
An  order  was  passed  requiring  all  swine  going  at  large,  to  be 
"ringed  and  yoked;"  also  "for  the  impounding  of  cattle."  —  It 
was  also  "  agreed  that  Mr.  Leverich  only  shall  have  leave  to  put 
his  horse  in  the  Town-Neck." 

How  soon  after  this  Mr.  Leverich  left  Sandwich  does 
not  appear  further  than  that  in  1654,  he  in  company 
with  several  of  his  parishioners  became  a  purchaser 
and  settler  at  Oyster  Bay,  L.  I.,  and  was  there  voted 
£15  salary  by  the  settlers,  as  their  minister.^     There, 

'  The  contest  for  the  right  of  whales  seems  to  have  been  carried  on  with 
vigor.  It  was  further  ordered,  Sept.  13,  "  that  Richard  Chadwell,  Thos. 
Dexter,  and  John  Ellis,  these  three  men,  shall  have  aU  the  whales  that  come 
up  within  the  hmits  and  bounds  of  Sandwich,  they  paying  to  the  town  for 
the  sd.  fish  £16  a  whale."  It  was  also  "  provided  that  if  any  of  these  three 
men  have  notice  given  them  by  any  person  who  has  seen  a  whale  ashore  or 
aground  and  has  placed  an  oar  by  the  whale,  his  oath  may,  if  required,  be 
taken  for  the  truth  and  certainty  of  the  thing,  and  the  sd.  thi'ee  persons 
shall  be  held  Hable  to  pay  for  the  sd.  whale  although  they  neglect  to  go 
with  him  that  brings  them  word.  And  if  they  do  not  go  with  him,  then 
sd.  person  shall  hold  the  sd.  whale,  and  by  giving  notice  to  any  third  man 
shall  have  paid  him  for  his  care  herein  £1.  And  in  case  there  come  ashore 
any  part  of  a  whale,  these  four  men,  Mr.  DiUingham,  Mr.  Edmund  Free- 
man, Edward  Perry,  and  Michael  Blackwell,  are  to  be  the  judges  of  the 
whale  before  it  shall  be  cut  off  from,  to  determine  the  quantity  less  a  icTiole 
whale ;  and  then,  without  allowing  further  word,  those  three  men,  viz, :  Rd. 
Chadwell,  Thos.  Dexter,  and  John  Ellis,  shall  make  pajTnent  for  sd.  whale, 
\  in  oil,  i  in  corn,  and  \  in  cattle,  all  marketable,  at  current  prices,"  &c.&c. 

^  In  the  Hist,  of  L.  I.,  it  is  said,  "Very  many  went  from  Sandwich  to 
L.  I.  in  1653-4."  The  Hist,  of  Newtown,  L.  I.,  says,  "  In  1652  a  company 
from  New  Eng.  obtained  leave  from  director  Stuyvesant,  to  plant  a  town 
within  his  jurisdiction.  Among  these  persons  M'as  Lt.  Palmer,  who  had 
represented  Yarmouth  in  the  Gen.  Court  of  Plym.  Colony  in  1644  and  as 
late  as  1651 ;  Mr.  Henby  Feake  who  was  early  at  Lynn  and  had  leave  to 
build  and  plant  at  Nahant  1635,  but  removed  to  Sandwich  in  1637  ;  and 
Jonathan  Fish  his  associate  who  also  came  to  Mespat,  i.  e.  Ne-^vtown." 
We  may  add,  there  is  no  doubt  that  Mr.  Fish  removed  thus  early  to  Oyster 
Bay,  and  that  he  finally  became  a  resident  at  Mespat.  His  habitancy  in 
the  latter  place  in  1659  was  fixed.  He  was  there  a  magistrate  and  a  person 
of  character  and  property.  He  had  sons,  John,  Samuel,  and  Nathan ;  and 
d.  in  1663,  leaving  a  widow  Mary  and  sons.  These  were  all  patentees  of 
Newtown  in  1686.  John  finally  went  to  New  Jersey,  and  from  thence  his 
descendants  scattered  abroad.  Samuel  d.  in  1700,  without  issue.  Nathan 
remained  at  Newtown,  and  had  14  children.  —  Mr.  Feake  was  one  of  the 
ten  men  who  projected  the  settlement  of  Sandwich,  and  was  deputy  of  this 
town,  1643-^.  He  had  a  bro.  Robert  who  was  in  Watertown  in  1630,  in 
Flushing,  L.  I.,  in  1650,  and  whose  son  Robert  was  a  preacher  of  some 
celebrity  among  the  Friends. 


62  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

and  at  Huntington  and  Newtown,  lie  doubtless  spent 
the  rest  of  his  life/  if  we  except  the  portion  which  is, 
without  very  good  authority,  said  to  have  been  occu- 
pied in  the  duties  of  a  missionary  among  the  Indians.^ 

In  1654,  Jan.  26,  "  the  town  gave  full  power  to  Mr.  Edward 
Dillingham  and  Richard  Bourne,  to  agree  in  the  town's  behalf 
with  Thos.  Dexter  to  go  on  and  build  the  mill."  ^  —  The  town 
also  gave  "  to  the  wielow  Bodfish  liberty  to  put  into  the  Town- 
Neck,  three  of  her  cattle,  besides  calves."  —  A  committee,  consist- 
ing of  "  Mr.  Dillingham,  Goodman  Tupper,  Goodman  Bourne,  Wm. 

'  The  date  of  the  decease  of  Mr.  Leverich  is  involved  in  some  obscvirity 
by  the  errors  of  writers  whose  investigations  were  evidently  made  with  very 
little  care.  One  account  says,  "  He  d.  in  1692,"  and  that  "  he  was  pastor 
in  Sandwich  1638,  and  in  1647  was  a  missionary."  But  the  fact  that  his 
estate  was  adm.  on  June  19,  1677,  is  conclusive  on  this  point.  He  left  sons 
Caleb  and  Eleazar.  The  Annals  of  Long  Island  say,  "  He  was  charged  with 
having  introduced,  whilst  in  Sandwich,  some  novelties  in  celebrating  the 
Eucharist."  Mr.  L.  having  been  in  the  ministry  of  the  Church  of  England, 
it  is  probable  that  the  "  novelties  "  spoken  of,  were  but  the  formularies  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  in  administering  the  holy  communion.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Fessenden  says,  in  a  letter  addressed  soon  after  his  ordination,  to  Rev.  Thos. 
Prince,  that  Mr.  L.  was  involved  in  trouble  in  Sandwich  "  by  the  utterance 
of  vicAvs  oi  infant  baptism  disapproved  of  by  some  portion  of  his  hearers." 

^  We  find  conflicting  reports  touching  the  scenes  of  his  ministerial  labors. 
One  says,  "  He  was  a  missionary  to  the  Indians,  and  much  engaged  in 
instructing  them  in  1647 ;"  another  says,  "  1657,"  and  that  "he  was  employed 
in  this  service  by  the  commissioners  of  the  United  Colonies."  Mr.  Baylies, 
usually  accurate,  says,  "  In  1674,  Mr.  Leverich  resided  in  Nantucket,  prob- 
ably a  missionary — Nantucket  being  then  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Province  of  N.  York."  But  the  L.  Island  Annals  are  doubtless  reliable. 
That  Mr.  Leverich  went  to  L.  Island  from  Sandwich  is  corroborated  by  the 
fact  we  have  mentioned  Vol.  I.  p.  209,  that  in  1653-4,  a  vessel  belonging 
to  Saml.  Mayo  of  Barnstable,  employed  in  conveying  the  goods  of  Mr.  L.  to 
Oyster  Bay,  was  seized  at  Hampstead  Harbor  by  the  authorities  of  Rhode 
Island  ;  an  interference  requiring  the  interposition  of  the  Plymouth  Colony. 
The  Probate  records  show  that  he  died  there  in  1677.  Other  concurrent 
testimony  induces  the  belief  that  L.  I.  was  the  scene  of  his  labors  after  leav- 
ing Sandwich. 

^  There  must  have  been  a  mill  for  the  breaking  or  grinding  of  corn  in  this 
town  previous  to  1648,  as  we  have  seen.  —  The  first  "  water-miU  for  the 
beating  out  of  corn  "  set  up  in  Plym.  in  1632,  and  soon  after  superseded  by 
"  a  grinding-mill,"  was  the  only  convenience  the  early  settlers  here  had,  for 
a  long  time,  for  turning  their  grain  to  meal,  except  as  afforded  by  the  slow 
and  laborious  process  employed  by  the  Indians  —  the  mortar  and  pestle. 
Tradition  still  points  out  the  course  of  the  old  Indian  path-way  by  which 
the  inhabitants  of  Sandwich  at  first  conveyed  their  grists,  on  their  backs 
often,  sometimes  on  the  back  of  a  horse,  bull,  or  cow,  to  Plym.  It  is  not 
strange  that  great  concern  should  be  felt  to  secure  so  great  a  boon  as  a  mill 
near  at  hand ;  and  yet  of  the  precise  time  when  the  first  was  erected  in 
Sandwich,  we  have  no  means  of  ascertaining ;  nor  do  we  understand  the 
immediate  necessity  now  for  another  mill  unless  the  old  one  had  failed  to 
answer  its  end.  Great  difficulties  seem  to  have  attended  the  fulfilment  of 
the  design  in  the  present  instance. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  53 

Newland,  and  Thos.  Dexter,  was  app.,  May  13,  to  fi-ame  a  petition 
to  the  worshipful  Court  at  Plymouth,  for  a  grant  to  purchase,  and 
assistance  in  purchasing  Manometr 

The  arrangement  with  Dexter  for  building  a  mill  having  failed, 
"John  Ellis,  Wm.  Swift,  Wm.  Allen,  and  James  Skeff,  were  engaged 
to  build  the  mill,  the  town  paying  £20,"  which  sum  was  at  once 
voluntarily  subscribed  by  the  following  persons,  viz. : 
Edmund  Freeman,  Danl.  "Wing,  Benj.  ISTye, 

Ralph  Allen  Jr.,  Geo.  Allen,  Thos.  Tobey, 

Hy.  Dillingham,  Mich.  Blackwell,  Rt.  Harper, 

Hy.  Saunders,  Thos.  Gibbs,  Rd.  Smith, 

John  Burgiss,*  John  Fish,  Peter  Gaunt, 

Matthew  Allen,  Frs.  Allen,  Thos.  Butler,  and 

Anthony  Bessy,  Jos.  Winsor,  Wm.  Bassett. 

Thos.  Ewer, 

Every  town  being  required  by  law  to  procure  a  book 
for  recording  divisions  and  purchases  of  lands,  these 
lands  to  be  duly  bounded  to  prevent  disputes,  the  town 
complied,  and  such  record  was  begun. 

The  state  of  travel  at  this  period,  may  be  appre- 
hended from  the  fact  that  the  road  ordered  by  the  Gen- 
eral Court  to  be  laid  out  from  Plymouth  to  Sandwich, 
and  for  which  service  commissioners  had  been  appointed, 
was  not  yet  constructed.  Both  "Plymouth  and  Sand- 
wich were  presented  for  not  having  the  country  high- 
way between  these  places  cleared  so  as  to  be  passable 
for  man  and  horsed  ^ 

Early  in  1655,  the  mill  would  seem  to  have  been  completed,  for 
the  following  entry  appears  May  18 :  "  The  town  hath  agreed  with 

'  The  name  of  John  Burge,  who  -was  s.  of  Thomas  1st,  is,  after  1657, 
found  in  Yarmouth.     See  annals  of  that  town. 

^  The  first  evidence  of  an  "  Express  "  in  this  direction,  if  we  except  the 
occasional  services  of  the  swift-footed  Indians  previous  to  any  settlement  on 
the  Cape,  is  a  record  this  year  of  "  money  paid  to  John  Smith,  by  the  Gov- 
ernment at  Plym.,  for  conveying  letters  to  Nawsett." 

We  may  not  detail  every  incident  of  early  days,  especially  those  least 
important ;  but  inasmuch  as  Robt.  Ransom,  the  servant  of  Thos.  Dexter  Jr., 
without  doubt  aspired  to  immortality  in  common  with  others,  and  as  the 
only  chance  we  have  to  accord  to  his  aspirations  is  the  present,  it  may  be 
mentioned  that  his  complaint  was  before  the  court,  of  "  ill-treatment ; "  but 
the  servant  "  was  reproved  by  the  court,"  as  was  "  also  Nathaniel  Fish  for 
enticing  him  and  thus  encouraging  his  stubbornness." 


54 


HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


Matthew  Allen  to  grind  and  have  the  toll  for  his  pains."  But  yet 
again,  May  29,  another  mill  was  contemplated :  "  Thos.  Dexter 
engaged  to  build  a  mill,  and  the  town  engaged  to  allow  him  5  pts. 
per  bush,  toll ;  he  to  build  and  maintain  the  mill  and  dam,  and 
all  other  things  thereto  belonging ;  and  to  provide  a  miller  at  his 
own  cost."  —  The  town  appointed  "Mr.  Dillingham  and  Thos. 
Dexter  to  make  a  rate  of  so  much  as  will  bring  the  town  out  of 
debt."  The  rate  was  made  and  "  committed  to  Thos.  Wing,  con- 
stable." —  The  following  record  also  appears :  "  The  train-band 
hath  jointly  agreed,  as  well  masters  for  their  servants  and  fathers 
for  their  sons,  to  give,  each,  a  peck  of  wheat,^  or  two  lbs.  of  butter,  to 
send  one  whom  the  Lt.  shall  appoint,"  for  military  equipments,  &c. 
A  new  meeting-house  was  now  thought  to  be  absolutely  neces- 
sary, as  appears  by  the  following  record :  "  These  several  persons 
have  fully  and  freely  engaged  themselves  to  the  building  of  a 
place  for  public  meetings,  to  give, 


Wm.  Newland, 

£2.  0. 

Wm.  Allen, 

£0.10. 

Mich.  Black  well, 

1.  0. 

Lt.  ElUs, 

.15. 

Thos.  Gibbs, 

1.  0. 

John  Jenkins, 

.  1. 

James  Skiffe, 

1.  0. 

Thos.  Butler, 

.  5. 

Wm.  Bassett, 

.10. 

Edm.  Freeman  Jr. 

,     .10. 

Thos.  Dexter, 

1.  0. 

John  Smith, 

.10. 

Ralph  Allen  Sr., 

.10. 

Thos.  Johnson, 

.  5. 

Ralph  Allen  Jr., 

.10. 

Thos.  Tobey, 

.  5. 

Thos.  Borgis  Sr., 

.10. 

Tho.  Brookfield, 

.  8. 

Anthony  Bessie, 

.10. 

Mr.  Dillingham, 

.  5. 

Richd.  Burge  Jr., 

.  5. 

Ezra  Perry, 

.  5. 

Thos.  Burgess  Jr., 

1.  0. 

Rt.  Harper, 

.  5. 

Matt.  Allen, 

.  5. 

Mr.  Vincent, 

.10. 

Hy.  Dillingham, 

.10. 

John  B  urges. 

.10. 

Benj.  Me, 

.  5. 

Mr.  Freeman, 

1.  0. 

Geo.  AUin, 

.  5. 

Geo.  Bliss, 

.  1. 

Frs.  Allen, 

.  5. 

Wid.  Knott  and  \ 

Hy.  Sanderson, 

.  5. 

2  drs.ofThos.  [• 

.  5." 

Wm.  Swift, 

.15. 

Tobey,             ) 

Rd.  Kerby  Jr., 

.  5. 

The  following  is 

among 

the  entries  of  1655-6,  but 

'  The  growing  of  wheat  in  this  town  has,  excepting  occasional  experi- 
ments, been  long  discontinued ;  but  the  late  Wm.  Fessenden  Esq.  once 
informed  the  writer  that  his  parents  had  told  him  they  had  seen  large  crops 
of  wheat  covering  the  hills  in  Sandwich,  since  denominated  '  the  territories,' 
and  now  considered  as  fit  only  for  pasturage. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  55 

without  date/  and  without  superscription  indicating 
to  whom  it  was  addressed ;  it  may  have  been  an  invi- 
tation extended  to  some  clergyman  engaged  as  a 
temporary  supply  intervening  the  ministrations  of  Mr. 
Leverich  and  Mr.  Smith :  ^ 

"Loving  Brother: 

"  It  is  the  earnest  desire  of  our  families  with  ourselves,  all 
whose  names  are  underwritten,  that  you  may  be  encouraged  by  a 
clear  call  to  continue  and  employ  that  spiritual  gift  and  talent 
which  God  of  his  goodness  and  grace  hath  bestowed  upon  you ; 
hoping  that  if  it  please  the  Lord  to  move  your  heart  to  answer 
us  in  our  desire,  we  will  not  be  backward  to  recompense  your 
labors  of  love  this  year. 

"  Thomas  Tupper,      Edw.  Dillingham,      Thos.  Tobey, 
John  Vincent,  Anthony  Bessie,        Wm.  Swift, 

James  Skiff,  Hy.  Dillingham,        Jona.  Willis,^ 

Rd.  Chadwell,         Daniel  Wing,  Mich.  Blackwell, 

Edm.  Freeman,       Nathl.  Fish,  Joseph  Winsor, 

Thos.  Gibbs,  Thos.  Dexter,  Johana  Swift." 

Thos.  Johnson, 

^  The  two  oldest  Books  of  Record  that  are  in  possession  of  the  town, 
were  commenced  well  enough,  and  so  continued  for  some  time  ;  but  a  habit 
at  last  prevailed  on  the  part  of  succeeding  clerks  of  deferring  very  little  to 
the  order  of  entries  —  these  being  made  often  as  if  the  only  care  was  to  find 
somewhere  a  blank  spot  for  the  purpose.  It  is,  therefore,  difficult  in  some 
instances  to  determine  to  what  period  of  time  a  particular  entry  belongs. 
The  subsequent  books  are  better  arranged,  though  in  some  parts  not  with- 
out defects.     The  3d  vol.  is  a  fine  specimen  of  ancient  chirography. 

^  According  to  traditions,  or  recollections  of  traditions,  gathered  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Fessenden  soon  after  he  removed  to  Sandwich,  there  was  a  long  inter- 
val between  the  pastorates  of  Messrs.  Leverich  and  Smith ;  and  some  por- 
tion of  the  time  occasional  preachers  were  had.  He  says,  "  first  Mr.  Icha- 
bod  Wiswall  who  removed  hence  to  Sagadahoc  and  then  went  to  sea,  and 
after  his  return  settled  and  died  in  Duxbury ;  and  then  Mr.  Thos.  Dally 
who  removed  to  Yarmouth  to  one  Mrs.  Howes  who  administered  to  him  in 
a  consumption,  but  he  died  thereof."  —  The  precise  interval  is  involved  in 
much  uncertainty.  Mr.  Fessenden's  traditions  place  the  "  call  and  ordina- 
tion" of  Mr.  Smith  as  late  as  1675.  He  says  the  church  was  long  "  rent 
with  sore  divisions  —  the  one  part  blaming  the  other  whose  dissatisfactions 
drove  Mr.  L.  away,"  and  the  others  "  falling  into  the  errors  of  Quakerism," 
some  of  whom  had  before  "  become  very  much  tainted  with  Antinomian  and 
Familistical  errors  under  the  ministry  of  Stephen  Batchelor  the  first  min- 
ister of  Lynn." 

^  The  Willis  family  became  finally  extinct  in  town  by  removals.  Mr. 
Thomas  Willis  who  was  a  deputy  of  Lynn  1634,  was  in  this  town  in  1637. 
Nathaniel  was  here  early  and  had  Elnathan  May  20,  1639,  Judith  June 
14,  1641 ;  Bethia  Sept.  14,  1643  ;  and  Mary  Ap.  14,  1648.     In  1656  he  was 


56  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

It  is  difficult  to  account  for  the  absence  of  several 
prominent  names  to  the  above  call  —  especially  the 
names  of  Mr.  Richard  Bourne  and  Mr.  Thomas  Burge, 
who  were  church-members.  Tradition,  as  reported  by 
Mr.  Fessenden  at  the  time  of  his  settlement  some  four- 
score years  after,  says,  "A  most  unhappy  dissension 
occurred  in  the  church  about  the  time  that  Mr.  Leverich 
left."  Mr.  L.  he  represents  as  leaving  behind  him  the 
character  "for  great  piety  and  meekness,"  and  as 
"  seeking  a  quiet  recess  at  Long  Island  "  in  consequence 
of  the  "jealousy  and  uneasiness"  that  certain  persons 
"  had  conceived  towards  him,  they  being  implacable."  ^ 
All  this  is  very  probable ;  for  all  history  unites  in  de- 
claring that  the  spirit  of  insubordination  had  already 
become  generally  rife  in  the  whole  Colony,  as  in  that 
of  the  Massachusetts;  and  that  the  resort  to  severe 
enactments  and  various  devices  was  altogether  insuffi- 
cient to  quell  it  is  evident  on  every  side.  The  people 
every  where  had  not  only  become  clamorous  for  the 
largest  religious  freedom,  but  the  chafed  spirits  of  the 
proscribed  forbade  the  hope  of  a  speedy  return  to  a 
degree  of  quiet  and  decorum  essential  to  good  neigh- 
borhood. It  were  strange  if  the  excitement  of  the 
times  had  not  reached  this  town.  A  diversity  of  views 
had  resulted  even  among  such  as  before  were  harmo- 
niously united  in  the  laudable  desire  to  sustain  regular 
ministrations  as  well  as  to  have  the  just  and  equal  rights 
of  all  recognized  and  maintained.  Evidence  is  found 
of  the  existence  of  such   a   state  of  things   here,  in 


in  Bridgewater.  Laurence  was  here  early,  but  removed  to  Bridgewater  in 
1656.  Jonathan  also  removed  at  the  same  time.  The  three  last  were 
brothers  of  Dea.  John  of  Duxbury  who  was  one  of  the  proprietors  of 
Bridgewater.  From  these  were  derived  those  of  the  name  at  Acushnet  and 
Rochester. 

^  Mr.  Fessenden's  traditions  are  that  "Wm.  Newland,  Peter  Gaunt,  Rich- 
ard Kerby,  John  Newland,  Ralph  Allen,  and  Geo.  Allen,  were  the  "  impla- 
cable "  opponents  of  Mr.  L. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  57 

numerous  instances  that  must  now  for  a  time  checker 
our  narrative  of  pubhc  transactions. 

Peter  Gaunt  of  Sandwich,  being  called  upon  by  the  court  at 
Plymouth  "  to  answer  for  not  frequenting  the  public  worship  of 
God,  affirmed  that  he  knew  no  pubhc  visible  worship ; "  and 
"  Ralph  Allen  "  took  similar  ground ;  ^  whilst  "  Geo.  Allen,"  who 
was  arraigned  for  the  same  offence,  "  dissented "  from  the  views 
of  the  preceding,  but  had  other  excuses ;  and  "  Sarah,  daughter 
of  Rd.  Kerby,"  arraigned  "  for  divers  suspicious  speeches  uttered 
against  Mr,  Rd.  Bourne  and  Mr.  Edm.  Freeman,  was  reprimanded 
and  sentenced  to  be  publicly  whipped  if  the  offence  was  repeated."^ 

In  1656,  July  29,  "  Mr.  Edmund  Freeman,  Thos.  Borgis,  Rd. 
Chadwell,  Mr.  Dillingham,  Mr.  Vincent,  and  others  were  appoint- 
ed, according  to  court  order,  to  do,  as  the  court  hath  ordered,  for 
the  town  in  determining  the  bounds  of  the  lands  —  that  the  same 
may  appear  on  record."  —  It  was  also  "  agreed  that  the  26  acres 
that  Barnstable  hath  upon  Scauton-N"eck,  shall  be  purchased."  ^ 

This  year  is  marked  by  the  first  arrival  in  America 
of  any  of  "  the  people  called  Quakers."  * 


^  Let  it  be  remarked  here  that  hitherto  there  had  been  no  arrival  from 
abroad  of  any  of  "  the  people  called  Quakers."  Whether  the  position  taken 
by  these  two  men  was  in  consequence  of  knowledge  of  the  views  of  that  order 
of  people  then  making  progress  in  England  and  also  in  Barbadoes,  we  have 
no  means  of  determining.  The  probability,  however,  is  that  such  was  the  fact. 
Keports  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Friends  in  England  had  reached  this 
country,  and  probably  some  of  their  writings  ;  and  their  movements  abroad 
were  a  general  topic  of  conversation  among  the  magistrates  and  clergy. 

^  The  presumption  is  that  these  men  aspersed,  were  disposed  to  a  con- 
servative course — such  as  is  well-known  were  then-  character  and  influence; 
and,  therefore,  incurred  the  displeasure  of  the  less  moderate  with  whose 
general  views  of  the  impolity  of  intolerance  perhaps  their  own  were  in 
unison ;  for  Mr.  Fessenden  more  than  intimates  Mr.  Freeman's  disap- 
probation of  ecclesiastical  censures  and  legislative  coercion.  He  gives  us 
to  understand  that  Mr.  F.  was  even  suspected  of  sympathizing  with  the 
Quakers,  and  "  afterwards  left  them  upon  a  detection  of  some  falsehood  and 
villany  among  them,  but  never  returned  to  special  communion  with  the 
church."  The  reason  alleged  by  tradition  for  his  finally  standing  aloof  from 
the  Friends  is  rather  severe,  and  something,  we  trust,  is  here  to  be  par- 
doned to  the  excitement  of  the  hour ;  but  the  latter  charge  is  probably 
incorrect,  inasmuch  as  it  wiU  be  seen  that  he  Avas  still  a  contributor  to  the 
support  of  the  ministry.  Sarah  Kerby,  as  will  appear  from  various  trans- 
actions, had  a  flippant  tongue  and  made  herself  quite  conspicuous  by  her 
zeal  on  many  occasions. 

*  The  right  of  domain,  on  this  part  of  the  Neck,  was  the  occasion  of  much 
trouble. 

*  According  to  'Bowden's  History  of  the  Society  of  Friends  in  America, 
2  vols.,  Lond.  1850  and  1854,'  this  denomination  "date  theh  rise  in  1644  ia 

VOL.  II.  8 


58  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1657,  the  visit  of  Nicholas  Upsall  to  this  place, 
was  the  occasion  of  much  commotion.  We  have  already 
referred  to  this  matter  in  our  first  volume.^ 

"  Complaint  was  now  made  that  sd.  Mcliolas,  Rd.  Kerby,^  the 
wife  of  John  Newland,  and  others,  frequently  meet  at  the  house 
of  Wm.  Allen  for  worship."  — "  Complaint  was  also  made  to 
court,  against  Jane  Saunders  and  Sarah  Kerby  for  disturbance  of 
public  worship." 

Although  these  complaints  were  sought  from  abroad, 
many  of  the  inhabitants  became  involved  in  these 
troubles. 

By  the  following  entry  upon  the  town  records,  it  ap- 
pears that  some  effort  was  still  made  to  sustain  the 
ordinary  institutions  of  religion  :  — 

Leicestershire,  Eng. ;  in  WarwicksHre,  1645 ;  Nottinghamshire,  1646 ; 
Derbyshire,  1647 ;  in  adjacent  counties,  1648-50 ;  and  Yorkshire,  1651. 
The  year  1652  was  marked  by  a  very  considerable  enlargement  of  the  soci- 
ety. And  in  1655,  the  minds  of  some  were  drawn  to  visit  the  western 
world,  and  they  proceeded  to  Barbadoes ;  and,  in  the  Spring  of  1656,  to 
New  England."  George  Fox  says,  "  In  1656,  truth  broke  forth  in  Ameri- 
ca." Those  who  first  came  to  the  continent,  were  Mary  Fisher  and  Anne 
Austin  from  Barbadoes.  The  next  arrival  was  by  a  vessel  from  London ; 
Christopher  Holder,  John  Copeland,  and  six  others,  6  mo.  7th,  the  same 
year.  They  had  "  been  brought  here,"  they  said,  "  in  the  will  of  God,  hav- 
ing been  made  sensible  of  the  cries  and  groans  of  His  seed  which  was  cry- 
ing unto  Him  for  help  and  dehverance  under  cruel  bondage."  In  the  same 
vessel  with  these  last,  came  Rd.  Smith  of  Long  Island,  who  having  gone  to 
England  on  business,  and  now  returning  to  Oyster  Bay,  had  whilst  in  Eng- 
land been  "  convinced."  This  Rd.  Smith,  who  "  was  some  time  in  Taun- 
ton," had  purchased  of  the  Sachems  a  tract  in  the  Narraganset  countiy,  and 
in  1643  had  a  trading-house  where  Warwick  now  stands ;  but,  the  Narra- 
ganset war  breaking  out,  had  retired  to  Long  Island.  He  originated,  says 
Roger  Williams,  "  from  a  very  respectable  family  in  Gloucestershire."  On 
returning  from  Eng.,  he  was  not  only  the  compagnon  du  voyage  of  the  above 
Friends,  but  "  professed  with  them." 

'  Bowden's  Hist,  says,  "  The  first  ofiience  of  this  man  was  his  having 
expressed  his  disapprobation  of  the  law  of  Mass.  against  the  Quakers." 
He  continues,  "  This  cruel  law  had  been  ostentatiously  announced  to  the 
citizens  of  Boston,  by  beat  of  drum,  and  deeply  affected  the  mind  of  this 
man,  and  he  felt  constrained  to  raise  his  voice  in  public  disapprobation  of 
the  act."  But  he  further  says  that  "  UpsaU  had  supplied  the  Quakers 
imprisoned  in  Boston  jail  with  refreshments,  and  had  become  a  convert."' 
Bowden  further  adds,  "  The  hospitality  of  the  kind-hearted  people  of  Sand- 
wich, displeased  the  Governor.  Upsall's  resolution  not  to  leave  Sandwich, 
it  is  supposed,  received  encouragement  from  the  townsmen  by  whom  the 
constabulary  was  restrained  from  enforcing  the  warrant." 

2  Mr.  Rd.  Kerby  took  the  oath  of  fidelity  at  Dartm.  in  1684 ;  the  pre- 
sumption, therefore,  is  that  the  family  finally  went  in  that  direction. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH. 


59 


"  We  whose  names  are  hereunder  wiitten,  do  hereby  engage 
ourselves  to  pay  towards  the  minister's  support,  yearly,  the  sev- 
ei-al  sums  as  folio weth  —  except  as  God  by  His  Providence  shall 
disenable  us,  or  any  of  us  remove  out  of  Sandwich.    July  17, 1657. 


Thos.  Borgis  Sr., 

£% 

Geo.  Buit, 

£0.15. 

James  Skiflf  Sr., 

1.10. 

Thos.  Borgis  Jr., 

.15. 

Rd.  Chadwell, 

1.10. 

Thos.  Tobey, 

1. 

Lt.  Ellis, 

1. 

Thos.  Gibbs, 

1. 

Edm.  Freeman, 

1. 

John  Borgis, 

.15. 

Ezra  Perry, 

.15. 

Rd.  Smith, 

.  6. 

Benj.  Me, 

.15. 

Wm.  Bassett, 

1." 

Who  was  the  minister  of  the  town  at  this  time,  it  is 
impossible  to  decide.  We  have  supposed  that  Mr. 
Smith  commenced  his  labors  here  about  this  time ;  but 
the  fact  is  doubtless  otherwise,  as  will  appear. 

The  account  of  Lt.  Ellis  for  drum,  muskets  &c.  purchased  was 
rendered,  £10.6.7 ;  and  WilUam  Bassett,  constable,  rendered 
account  of  £26.13.9  rate  including  the  disbursement  of  £9.15  for 
"Indian-land  purchase  and  £2.4.8  for  wolf-traps." 

In  1658,  a  record  was  made  of  lands  bounded  by  Mr.  Edmund 
Freeman  Sr.,  Mr.  John  Vincent,  Mr.  Edw.  Dillingham,  Rd.  Bourne, 
Rd.  Chadwell,  Thos.  Burge,  and  Wm.  Newland,  appointed  "  to 
lay  out  and  order  the  true  bounds  of  every  inhabitant's  lands,  so 
that  the  lands  may  be  brought  to  record  according  to  the  order 
of  the  court."    The  owners  were  : 


Frs.  Allen, 
Geo.  Allen, 
Jedediah  Allen, 
Ralph  Allen, 
Wm.  Allen, 
Wm.  Bassett, 
Neh.  Bessie, 
Mich.  Blackwell, 
John  Bodfish, 
Rd.  Bourne, 
Saml.  Briggs, 
Geo.  Buit, 
Jacob  Burge, 
Joseph  Burge, 
Thos.  Burge  Sr., 


Danl.  Butler, 
Thos.  Butler, 
Rd.  Chadwell, 
Thos.  Dexter  Sr., 
Hy.  Dillingham, 
John  Ellis  Sr., 
John  Ellis  Jr., 
Nathl.  Fish, 
Wido.  Fish, 
Edm.  Freeman  Sr., 
John  Freeman, 
Peter  Gaunt, 
John  Gibbs, 
Thos.  Gibbs, 
Wm.  Gifford, 


Thos.  Greenfield, 
Rt.  Harper, 
Joseph  Holway, 
Edw.  Hoxy, 
Lodo.  Hoxie, 
John  Jenkins, 
Thos.  Johnson, 
Wido.  Knott, 
Thos.  Landers, 
John  Newland, 
Wm.  ISTewland, 
Benj.  Me, 
Hy.  Sanderson, 
James  Skiff  Sr., 
James  Skiff  Jr., 


60  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Steph.  Skiff,  Thos.  Tupper  Sr.,  Danl.  Wing, 

Rd.  Smith,  Thos.  Tupper  Jr.,  Steph.  Wing, 

Wm.  Swift,  Mich.  Turner,  Joseph  Winsor. 
Thos.  Tobie, 

"The  town  granted  to  Mr.  Edmund  Freeman,  Jan.  17,  on  his 
release  of  the  town,  a  tract  of  land."  —  Thos.  Tobey  was  "  com- 
missioned to  pay  to  Indians  15  s.  for  every  wolf  killed  by  them." 
—  The  first  record  of  horse-marks  was  this  year :  "  the  horse-mark 
of  James  Skiff."  —  Mr.  Thos.  Hinckley  of  Barnstable  was  commis- 
sioned by  the  court  "to  administer  marriages  in  Sandwich,  Barn- 
stable, and  Yarmouth,  by  reason  of  their  far  distance  from  the 
magistrates^  —  And  James  Skiff  was  appointed  "  to  exercise  the 
military." 

The  great  difficulty  in  the  town,  was  now,  ostensibly, 
sympathy  with  "  the  Quakers ; "  so  that  "  extraordinary 
circumstances  rendering  it  expedient"  a  marshal  was 
provided  by  the  General  Court,  "  to  do  service  in  Sand- 
wich, Barnstable,  and  Yarmouth,"  and  George  Barlow 
received  the  appointment  for  one  year.^  Two  of  the 
English  Friends,  Christopher  Holder  and  John  Cope- 
land,  as  also  Norton,-  were  in  the  habit  of  frequenting 

*  The  office  of  Marshal,  as  also  of  Under  Marshal,  had  been  instituted 
June  3,  1652.  But  the  extra  marshalship  created  by  the  appointment  of 
Barlow,  was  the  result  of  the  peculiar  need  in  these  several  towns  on  the 
Cape  at  this  particular  juncture. 

2  Bowden  says,  "  Holder  and  Copelandwere  in  Sandwich,  20th  of  6  mo,, 
1657  ;  and  their  arrival  was  hailed  Avith  feelings  of  satisfaction  by  many  who 
were  sincere  seekers  after  heavenly  riches,  but  who  had  long  been  burdened 
with  a  lifeless  ministry  and  dead  forms  in  religion.  To  these,  in  the  author- 
ity and  life  of  the  gospel  the  two  Friends  were  enabled  to  offer  the  word  of 
consolation  and  encouragement.  But  the  town  of  Sandwich  had  its  advo- 
cates of  religious  intolerance,  and  no  small  commotion  ensued."  Again,  in 
view  of  their  return  in  defiance  of  the  government,  the  same  author  says, 
"  Their  gospel  ministry  had  been  instrumental  in  convincing  many  at  this 
place  of  the  principles  of  Friends.  .  .  .  The  Gov.  issued  a  warrant  for  their 
arrest  as  '  extravagant  persons  and  vagabonds,'  to  be  brought  before  him  at 
Plym.  A  copy  of  the  warrant  was  refused,  whereupon  Wm.  Newland,  at 
whose  house  the  meetings  of  the  newly  convinced  had  been  held,  insisted 
that  it  was  illegal  thus  to  commit  the  strangers  without  acceding  to  then- 
demand.  A  severe  rebuke  and  a  fine  was  the  result  of  his  operations." 
The  two  prisoners  after  theu-  sentence  appear  to  have  been  taken  back  to 
Sandwich  by  Barlow,  who  had  arrested  them,  for  punishment ;  but  Bowden 
relates,  "  The  selectmen  whose  duty  it  was  to  see  them  whipped,  entertained 
no  desu"e  to  sanction  measures  so  severe  towards  those  who  differed  from 
them  in  rehgion,  and  declined  to  act  in  the  case.  The  marshal  then  took 
them  to  Barnstable  to  a  neighboring  magistrate  about  two  miles  distant, 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  61 

the  place  and  holding  their  meetings.  The  convictions, 
fines,  and  other  penalties  for  countenancing  these  men 
and  others  of  the  same  persuasion,  were  many.^  We 
need  not  be  surprised  that,  under  these  circumstances, 
many  sympathizers  became  ^'  convertsr'^  The  refusal  to 
take  the  oath  of  fidelity  which  was  now  required  of 
all,  augmented  the  hardships  of  which  numbers  com- 
plained.^    The   removal   of  several   members   of  the 

who  he  anticipated  would  lend  a  ready  hand  —  an  expectation  which  was 
fully  realized.  This  functionary  ordered  them  to  be  tied  to  a  part  of  an 
out-house,  and  then  turning  executioner  he  gave  each  of  them  thii-ty-three 
lashes."  Holder  is  represented  to  have  been  a  well-educated  man.  There 
is  a  tradition  that  meetings  were  still  held,  attended  by  large  numbers,  in  a 
secluded  spot  in  the  woods ;  and  that  the  place  of  resort  has,  therefore, 
been  called  '  Christopher'' s  Hollow,'  to  this  day. 

'  Some  who  never  adopted  the  peculiar  tenets  of  the  Friends,  were 
among  the  sufferers. 

^  Bowden  claims  that  "  Wm.  Newland  and  Ralph  Allen  were  among  the 
first."  The  Newlands  were  "  of  Irish  extraction."  The  Aliens  were  "  of 
the  family  of  Geo.  Allen  who  had  been  an  anabaptist."  He  says,  "  There 
were  six  brothers  and  sisters  of  Ralph,  who  joined  the  Friends.  The  father 
had  laid  down  his  head  in  2}eace  before  Friends  had  visited  these  parts.  His 
children  had  resided  upwards  of  twenty  years  in  Sandwich  and  vicinity,  and 
were  much  respected  by  then*  neighbors."  —  We  find  it  stated  in  '  A  Brief 
Account  of  Friends'  Meetings  in  New  England,'  that  "  in  1658  no  less  than 
18  families  in  Sandwich  recorded  their 'names  in  one  of  the  documents  of 
the  Society." — Rouse,  writing  to  England  at  that  day,  says,  "  We  have 
two  strong  places  in  this  land,  the  ojie  at  Newport  and  the  other  at  Sand- 
wich."—  Mr.  Cudworth  says,  the  saipe  year,  "Almost  the  whole  town  of 
Sandwich  is  adhering  toAvards  them."  —  And  the  'Records  of  Monthly 
Meetings  of  Friends,'  show  that  "  the  Sandwich  Monthly  Meeting  was  the 
first  established  in  America;"  and/ this  was  before  the  year  1660  —  before 
they  had  been  generally  established  in  England. 

^  Many  were  summoned  to  Plymouth,  and  fined  £5  each,  for  the  refusal. 
Bowden  records  the  following  "  distraints  made  about  this  period  from 
Friends  resident  in  and  near  Sandwich,  to  satisfy  fines  imposed:  — 

Geo.  Allen,  £25.15.0.  ' 

Joseph  Allen,  5.12.0.' 

Matt.  Allen,  48.16.0. 

Ralph  Allen  Sr.,       68.  0.0. 

Ralph  Allen  Jr.,        18.  0.0. 

Wm.  Allen,  86.17.0. 

Thos,  Ewer^  25.  8.0. 

Peter  Gaunt,  43.14.6. 

Wm.  Giff"ord,  57/;i9.0. 

Thos.  Greenfield,        4.  0.0.  £660.  7.6." 

Robt.  Harper,  44.  0.0. 

It  is  but  sheer  justice  to  the  Friends  to  say,  inasmuch  as  they  have  often 
been  pronounced  "  stubborn  and  self-willed  "  in  these  matters,  that  they  claim 
as  a  substitute  for  such  epithets  credit  for  "  inflexible  adherence  to  consci- 
entious conviction."     Their  refusal  to  "  take  oaths,  perform  military  service. 


Hy.  Howland, 

£  1.10.0. 

John  Jenkins, 

19.10.0. 

Rd.  Kerby, 

57.12.0. 

Jno.  Newland, 

2.  6.0. 

Wm,  Newland, 

36.  0.0. 

Edw.  Perry, 

89.18.0. 

Mich.  Turner, 

13.10.0. 

Danl.  Wing, 

12.  0.0. 

62  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

church  at  the  close  of  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Leverich,  and 
the  more  recent  troubles,  left  the  strength  of  the  church 
much  reduced.  This  state  of  things  was  not,  however, 
peculiar  to  this  town.  Dr.  Cotton  Mather^  called  this 
period  "  the  dark  day  of  the  Colony." 

In  1659,  "the  difficulties  growing  out  of  the  late 
commotions  and  distractions"  continued  unabated. 
James  Skiff,  the  town's  deputy,  was  rejected  by  the 
General  Court  on  account  of  his  friendship  for  his 
neighbors,  the  Quakers;^  and  George  Barlow,  the  mar- 
shal, was  ''- allowed  by  the  Court  to  be  a  townsmanV 
Henry  Dillingham,  "  for  refusing  to  serve  as  consta- 
ble, was  fined  £2  10."  William  Leddra  and  Peter 
Pearson,  ministers  among  the  friends,  were  "  arrested 
at  a  religious  meeting,  carried  to  Plymouth  and  impris- 
oned." And,  June  7,  ^''  the  Court  taking  notice  of  Wil- 
liam Newland  to  be  of  such  as,  in  the  order  that  all 
freemen  who  are  Quakers  or  such  as  do  encourage 
them,  shall  lose  their  freedom,"  ordered  his  appearance 
before  them,  and  he  "  was  disfranchised." 

A  rate  of  £13  was  "  ordered,  to  pay  the  demands  of  Plymouth 
for  the  construction  of  the  bridge  at  Eel-river." — The  town  app. 
"  John  Ellis  and  James  Skiff  to  take  care  of  the  whales  and  all  other 
fish  that  yield  oil  in  quantity ; "  and,  subsequently,  sale  was  made  to 
John  Ellis  of  "  the  right  of  all  such  fish  coming  within  the  limits  and 
bounds  of  the  town  the  next  three  years."  —  A  record  was  or- 
dered of  "all  moneys  paid  in  by  subscribers  for  the  erection  of  the 
new  meeting-house."  ^  —  An  agreement  was  made  with  Rd.  Smith, 

pay  rates,  &c.,  is,"  says  their  apologist  Clarkson,  "  the  result  of  an  estab- 
lished rule  not  to  temporize  or  violate  conscience." 

^  In  his  Life  of  Rev.  Saml.  Newman  who  d.  July  5,  1663,  Dr.  M.  says, 
"  How  many  straits  he  underwent  at  Rehoboth  in  the  dark  day  when  he 
was  almost  the  only  minister  whose  invincible  patience  held  out  under  the 
scandalous  neglect  and  contempt  of  the  ministry,  which  the  whole  colony 
of  Plym.  was  for  a  while  bewitched  into  ! " 

2  Several  deputies  of  other  towns — the  entu'e  minority,  were  "  set  aside  " 
for  the  same  cause.     "  Such  was  the  temper  of  the  times." 

^  Besides  the  sums  before  mentioned  as  subscribed,  Mr.  Thos.  Tupper  is 
now  credited  £l.  Credit  is  also  given :  "  Rec.  also  in  Oil  "  —  probably  the 
receipts  from  drift  whale  —  "£3.3.10."     The  building  account  seems  im- 


ANNALS    OF    SANDWICH.  63 

"  to  keep  cattle  at  Scauton,  from  May  1  to  Oct.  30,  he  to  yard  and 
count  them  every  night."  —  Wm.  Bassett  was  "licensed  hy  the 
court  to  draw  wines ; "  and  "John  Ellis  to  keep  an  ordinary  and  sell 
strong  waters  and  wines,  only  not  to  let  town-dwellers  stay  drink- 
ing unnecessarily  at  his  house."  —  And  Rd.  Bourne,  Rd.  Chadwell, 
John  Ellis,  and  Thos.  Tupper  were  commissioned  "  to  meet  at  the 
house  of  Ralph  Jones  to  run  the  line  between  Barnstable  and 
Sandwich,  in  conjunction  with  agents  appointed  by  the  former 
town."  —  Mr.  Daniel  Wing  d.  this  year. 

In  1660,  the  government  having  ordered  that  "  every  town  shall 
keep  a  troop  of  horse,"  the  town  agreed  with  Wm.  Bassett,  Joseph 
Burge,  and  Stephen  Skiff,  "  to  provide,  each  man  of  them,  a  troop- 
ing-horse and  furniture  fit  for  the  service ;  the  horses  to  be  pas- 
tured in  Town-Neck,  and  themselves  to  be  furnished  with  powder 
by  the  town."  And,  June  18,  it  being  "  training-day,  it  was  mutu- 
ally agreed  by  all  that  had  paid  in  for  the  town's  powdei',  that 
there  shall  be  delivered  to  each  one  of  the  military  company  that 
went  to  Yarmouth,^  2  lbs.  of  powder  and  what  quantity  more  any 
person  shall  pay  for  at  18  d.  pr.  lb." 

Fines  "for  attending  Quaker  meetings"  are  multi- 
plied. The  marshal,  Barlow,  is  "  protested  against "  to 
the  Court,  as  "an  unworthy  man  for  office  and  a  re- 
proach to  the  government."  He  was,  soon  after,  ^'^ fined 
10  s.  for  causing  Benjamin  Allen  to  sit  in  the  stocks  the 
greatest  part  of  a  night  without  cause,  and  for  other 
wrongs."  And  yet,  immediately  after  the  imposition 
of  this  trivial  fine  for  so  grave  offence,  certain  citizens 
not  before  implicated  in  the  troubles,  are  fined  heavily 
"  for  refusing  and  neglecting  to  assist  marshal  Barlow  in 
the  execution  of  his  office  ;  viz.  Joseph  Chandler, 
Kichard  Smith,  and  Nathaniel  Fish.     The  marshaP  was 


perfect ;  but  the  following  disbursements  are  mentioned :  "  Pd.  Benj.  Nye 
and  Thos.  Tobey,  for  the  frame,  £12.  Pd.  Wm.  Bassett  for  500  great  nails, 
£1.  Pd.  for  freight  of  the  butter  and  firkin  of  nails,  1  s.  1  d.  Pd.  Benj.  Nye 
for  3  bu.  corn,  9  s." 

^  The  record  says  "  went ; "  but  sliall  go  is  probably  intended ;  and  the 
occasion  was  a  general  muster  ordered  by  government. 

^  Barlow  was  peculiarly  unfortunate  in  his  domestic  relations.  One 
daughter-in-law,  and  she  a  married  woman,  was  arraigned  "  for  chopping 
her  father  in  the  back,"  and  fined  £10  —  "  the  sentence  being  designed  by 
the  court  to  be  liglit,  she  being  with  child."    And  two  others  who  stood  in 


64  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

destined,  however,  to  figure  in  other  embroglios  than 
those  we  have  mentioned ;  for  he  was  soon  made  con- 
spicuous also  by  his  domestic  infelicities. 

In  1661j  occurred  the  first  instance  on  the  Cape,  so 
far  as  the  records  supply,  of  divorce  a  vinculo  matrimonii. 
We  regret  being  obliged  to  say,  the  husband  was  an 
inhabitant  of  this  town,  and  for  the  criminal  acts  that 
led  to  the  divorce  he  was  "  fined  and  publicly  whipt ; " 
nor  did  this  punishment  suffice  —  for  his  continued 
naughtiness  he  was  "  whipped  a  second  time,"  and  then 
disappears  from  the  town. 

In  1662,  "Thomas  Dexter  and  Edm.  Freeman  the  younger, 
were  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Barnstable  committee  and  set- 
tle the  dispute  about  fish."  ^ 

In  1663,  a  grant  was  made  by  the  town,  of  "  all  the  fish  that 
come  ashore  within  the  town's  limits."  —  It  was  "ordered  that 
wild  cattle  running  at  large  in  the  woods,  be  taken  up  by  their 
owners  before  the  1st  of  May  next ;  and  that  after,  it  shall  be  law- 
ful for  any  man  to  kill  such  cattle  found  at  large,  pay  themselves 
for  their  jaains,  and  give  the  owners  the  rest."  —  It  was  "ordered, 
July  6,  that  the  little  neck  of  land  that  lies  by  Wm.  Newland's 
house,  shall  be  appropriated  as  a  burial-place  for  the  town ;  and 
that  £3.7.4  be  paid  from  the  town's  money  now  in  the  hands  of 
James  Skifij  without  any  more  trouble."  ^ 

In  1664,  May  11,  "Goodman  Chadwell,  Mr. Edm. Freeman,  and 
Thos.  Tobey  were  chosen  to  agree  with  Thos.  Dexter  Jr.  for  the 
grinding  of  the  townsmen's  corn;  and  if  they  fail  to  agree,  then 
12  acres  of  the  land  at  the  river  that  comes  out  of  the  pond  at  the 
head  of  Benj.  ISTye's  marsh,  shall  be  granted  to  any  other  of  the 
townsmen  that  will  set  up  a  mill."  ^ 

the  relation  of  daughters  to  him,  were  before  the  court  "  for  like  carriages 
towards  their  father-in-law,"  and  were  "  sentenced  to  be  set  in  the  stocks" 
which  was  accordingly  done.  Moreover,  George  himself  and  his  wife,  "  for 
ungodly  living,"  were  before  the  court  and  "  were  reproved."  —  We  have 
no  desire  to  mention  all  his  troubles  or  peccancies  ;  and  may,  therefore, 
briefly  remark,  without  citing  subsequent  instances,  that  he  was,  as  before 
told,  '  a  bad  fellow.' 

^  Difficulties,  unhappily  growing  out  of  a  misunderstanding  in  regard  to 
jurisdiction  over  Scorton  Neck,  were  frequent. 

^  This  is  what  is  now  called  *  the  old  burying-ground,'  surrounded  on 
three  sides  by  the  pond  in  the  central  village. 

^  This  was,  doubtless,  at  Spring  Hhl. 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  65 

The  religious  dissensions  were  now  less  prominent, 
but  had  not  ceased  to  be  perplexing.^ 

In  1665,  "  a  controversy  between  Geo.  Allen  and  Rd.  Chadwell 
having  arisen  in  reference  to  a  highway,  Mr.  Edm.  Freeman  Sr,, 
Edm.  Freeman  Jr.,  Thos.  Tobey,  and  Benj.  Nye  were  ajDpointed 
by  the  court  to  settle  the  matter."  —  A  casualty  occurred,  Aug. 
19  —  the  death  of  Thos.,  son  of  Nathl.  Fish,  "  by  the  falling  of  a 
bank  at  the  mill-dam." 

The  interposition  of  the  Royal  Commissioners,  Feb. 
22,  was  opportune,  and  the  effect  most  happy.  Re- 
ligious intolerance  was,  from  this  time,  checked  in 
good  degree. 

In  1666,  Messrs.  Freeman,  Bourne,  Chadwell,  Newland,  and 
Burge,  were  "  appointed  to  make  an  end  of  bounding  men's  lands, 
to  answer  fully  the  order  of  court."  —  Ja|nes  Skiff  Jr.,  the  consta- 
ble, was,  on  the   complaint  of  Wm.  Bafesett,  amerced  10  s.  and 

'  We  weary  by  such  recitals,  but  have  been  as  abstemious  as  consistency 
•with  a  fair  view  of  the  existing  troubles  would  warrant.  "We  have  consci- 
entiously endeavored  to  do  the  Quakers  full  justice ;  and  may,  perhaps, 
be  thought  to  have  amplified  the  injuries  they  received,  unnecessarily  to  the 
damage  of  their  persecutors.  It  is  right  that  the  cause  of  both  parties 
should  be  fully  presented.  We  have  no  sympathy  with  intolerance  by 
whomsoever  exercised  ;  nor  do  we  cherish  any  feeling  Avorse  than  pity  for  ex- 
travagances that  sometimes  provoke  persecution.  No  reasonable  man  can 
doubt  that,  in  the  heat  of  controversy,  there  were  some  egregious  faults  on 
both  sides ;  we  can  neither  utter  one  word  in  justification  of  intolerance  and 
vindictiveness,  nor  can  we  fail  to  recognize  in  such  facts  as  are  found  upon 
the  records,  even  after  the  above  date,  to  wit,  that  Robert  Harper  "  for 
his  intolerably  insolent  conduct  at  Barnstable  in  railing  against  Mr.  Wal- 
ley,  and  at  Sandwich  against  Mr.  Wiswall,  Avas  whipped,"  and  that  Richard 
Willis  "  for  ribald  speeches,  was  set  in  the  stocks,"  evidences  of  a  prevalent 
spirit  not  according  to  the  meekness  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  If  we  mis- 
take not,  yearly  '  Epistles  '  of '  Meetings  of  Friends,'  tell  how  this  spirit  in 
some  instances  recoiled  upon  the  Society  itself.  Let  not  such  wrong  be 
charged  upon  the  Society,  however ;  since  the  highest  exponents  of  its 
principles  and  discipline  have  sternly  rebuked  it.  For  our  own  part,  with 
one  of  these  Epistles,  nearly  two  centuries  of  age,  lying  before  us,  in  which 
solemn  reprobation  is  expressed  of  instances  that  "  seem  to  have  discovered 
such  a  warmth  of  spirit  and  language  that  rather  bore  the  complexion  of 
madness  of  party  "  —  of  "  the  calling  "  a  high  official  "  an  impudent  man 
and  pitiful  governor,  asking  why  he  did  not  send  him  to  gaol  since  his  back 
had  long  itched  to  be  whipped ;  and  calling  another  magistrate  known  to 
be  a  modest,  peaceable  man,  an  impudent  rascal"  —  of  "  challenging  dis- 
putes and  waging  them  with  heat  and  insults"  —  and  "at  last  charging 
Friends  themselves  that  there  were  more  damnable  heresies  and  doctrines 
of  devils  among  Quakers  than  among  any  profession  of  Protestants  "  —  we 
are  impressed  with  the  importance  of  the  due  exercise  of  charity,  and  the 
cultivation  of  peace  and  quietness  among  all  Christian  people. 
VOL.  II.  9 


66  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

expenses, ."  for  going  to  sd.  Bassett's  house  and  taking  away  liquors 
without  order,"  ^ 

In  1667,  Dec.  12,  "  a  full  record  of  the  bounds  of  all  lands,"  was 
completed. — Mr.  Edward  Dillingham  Sr.  d.  this  year  ;^  also  Mr. 
Thos.  Ewek  and  Lt.  John  Ellis.  —  That  smuggling  presented  its 
temptations  thus  early  is  seen  in  the  fact  that  Joseph  Burge  was 
fined  £1  "  for  disorderly  helping  away  horses  out  of  the  colony." 

Of  1668,  we  have  nothing  important  to  record.  Quiet  being 
restored  by  the  wise  influence  of  the  Crown,  events  became  less 
exciting. 

In  1669,  Mar.  18,  the  12  acres  of  land  which  the  town  gave  to 
encourage  the  building  of  a  mill,  were  laid  out  "  at  Little  Pond." 

—  A  shirt  having  been  stolen,  and  sold  by  an  Indian  as  was  alleged 
by  the  person  in  whose  possession  it  was  found,  the  sd.  person  was 
required  by  the  court  "  to  look-up  the  Indian  ; "  and  to  give  him 
the  opportunity,  he  was  bound  over  to  the  next  term. 

In  1670,  an  order  was  passed  in  town-meeting  regulating  the 
"  taking  of pine-Jcnots  from  the  commons'  woodland,  to  make  tarP 

—  Michael  Blackwell  was  appointed  agent  for  the  Herring-river 


'  Mr.  Bassett  had  been  "  licensed  to  draw  -wines,"  but  had  resigned  his 
license.  He  probably  had  the  remains  of  his  stock  on  hand,  and  the  con- 
stable officiously  attempted  '  modern  usage.' 

^  Ml'.  DilHngham  was  an  old  and  respected  citizen,  and  one  of  the  origi- 
nal proprietors.  His  will,  exhibited  June  1,  1667,  by  Stephen  Wing  and 
William  Griffith,  favors  the  presumption  that  he  originated  in  Leicester  Co., 
Eng.,  and  probably  from  BitteswelL  The  will  is,  in  substance,  "  a  deed  of 
gift "  to  his  two  sons,  Henry  and  John,  "  in  trust,  not  to  be  their  proper 
right,  but  of  persons  named :  only  they  are  to  take  care  of  the  goods  until 
the  owners  send  for  them ;  viz.  3  mares  and  3  foals,  2  year-old  horses,  2  milch- 
cows,  1  four-year  old  steer,  1  three-year  old  steer,  1  two-year  old  heifer,  3 
one-year  old  heifers,"  with  some  other  things.  The  persons  mentioned 
*'  in  whose  proper  right  these  goods  are,"  as  follows  :  "  £  22  to  Et.  Low  of 
Bitteswell,  son  to  blind  Rt.  Low  ;  £18  to  Thos.  Low,  commonly  called  Thos. 
Low  of  the  Back  House  ;  £6  to  Thos.  Low,  called  Thos.  Low  in  the  Lane  ; 
£1  to  Thos.  Shatswell ;  £2.10  to  Wm.  Binsent ;  i^=  All  these  are  of  Bites- 
well  in  the  Co.  of  Leicester  ;  £  4  to  Anne  Porter  of  Shawell,  same  Co. ; 
£2.10  to  Rd.  Porter,  do. ;  £1  to  Nathl.  Cox  of  Litterworth ;  £1.10  to  John 
Wright  of  Cottesbith  ;  £4  to  Old  Cart  of  Leine  ;  £3  to  Edward  Clark,  dp. ; 
£1  to  another  man  that  hath  a  bond  of  mine,  of  Earlephilton  ;  £2  to  Will: 
Thornton  of  Neather  Elbrook.  —  I  hope  these  sums  may  hold  out ;  but  if 
short,  to  be  pd.  in  proportion.  There  is  much  loss  in  the  cattle.  Henry 
owes  me  £4,  and  John  £5.10,  for  divers  small  things  I  sold  them;  to  be 
added."  —  It  is  naturally  supposed  that  these  persons  were  former  neighbors 
of  Mr.  D.,  and  had  sent  over  cattle  to  receive  back  the  increase  after  a  term 
of  years.  —  Drusilla,  the  wife  of  Mr.  D.,  had  d.  some  10  yrs.  previous,  viz.: 
Feb.  6,  1656.  His  son  Henry,  b.  in  Eng.  prob.  as  early  as  1627  ;  his  son 
John,  b.  prob.  as  early  as  1630  ;  and  his  dr.  Oseah,  who  m.  Stephen  Wing 
about  1647,  (see  judicial  record,)  and  d.  Ap.  9,  1654,  were  his  only  chikhen 
whose  names  appear  on  the  records. 


ANNALS   OF   S.iNDWICH.  67 

fishery.  —  A  prominent  man  late  an  inhabitant  of  this  town,*  but 
now  a  resident  on  the  Vineyard,  sued  for  and  obtained  a  divorce 
—  his  wife,  whom  he  married  in  Boston,  having  gone  to  Virginia 
with  another  man.  This  and  similar  e|)isodes  we  might  omit  were 
the  mention  not  necessary  to  constitute  the  shades  that  give  prom- 
inence to  the  picture  of  the  prevailing  morality  of  society.  —  Mr. 
William  Bassett  d.  this  year,  ae.  abt.  45. 

In  1671,  it  was  ordered  that  "  all  masters  of  families  and  all 
young  men  that  are  at  their  own  disposing,  shall  kill  or  cause  to 
be  killed,  one  dozen  of  black-birds." 

In  1672,  Mr.  Edm.  Ereeman  Sr.,  Wm.  Swift,  Thos.  Wing  Sr., 
Thos.  Dexter  Sr.,  Mich.  Blackwell,  and  Wm.  Newland,  were 
"  requested  to  go  forward  settling  and  confirming  the  township 
with  the  Sachem  of  Manomet  or  any  other ;  also  to  answer  the 
Barnstable  men  concerning  Aquidnet  or  any  other  persons  that 
shall  lay  claim  to  any  part  of  this  township ;  "  and  Edward  Perry 
and  Joseph  Holway  were  "reqtie'sted  to  use  their  best  endeavors 
to  procure  the  best  evidence,  both  English  and  Indian,  and  to  join 
their  efforts  with  Rd.  Bourne's,  advising  with  him  concerning  the 
Indian  testimony."  —  Edm.  Freeman,  Thos.  Dexter  Jr.,  and  Edw. 
Perry  were  "  apjDointed  to  act  for  the  town  in  the  matter  of  Scau- 
ton  Neck  which  is  the  right  of  the  town,  and  to  answer  at  the 
Plym.  court  to  the  complaint  of  Mark  and  Amos  the  sons  of  the 
Indian  chief,  or  to  any  other  Indian  or  Englishman  that  shall  lay 
claim  to  sd.  Neck  or  any  part  of  it;  Stejohen  Wing,  town  clerk,  to 
sign  the  letter  of  attorney."  —  "  For  six  young  wolves,"  £  2  was 
ordered  "to  be  pd.  to  Danl.  and  Obadiah  Butler."  —  "Old  John, 
alias  Mopes,  Indian,"^  was  adjudged  by  court  "to  pay  Wm.  Swift 
his  demand." 

'  We  suppose  this  to  be  the  same  who  is  elsewhere  called  "  Old  Hope," 
living  at  Manomet,  and  whose  name  occurs,  1675,  in  the  jury  which  con- 
demned the  "  murderer  "  of  John  Sassamon.  In  1679,  his  testimony  was 
taken  by  the  court  at  Plym.  "  in  reference  to  the  little  island  called  Nano- 
messet  lying  near  to  Saconeesit,"  i.  e.  Falmouth ;  and  also  "  in  regard  to  a 
little  neck  of  land  or  little  island  called  Uckatiticet,"  originally  a  neck  "  be- 
longing to  a  great  island  called  Katomuclc"  now  Nashon  ;  and  "  another 
little  island  lying  between  the  sd.  great  island  and  Nanomesset,  which  he 
testified  "  belonged  to  Job  Antiko,  his  grandfather  Comuck,  and  to  Job's 
father  Tom  Antiko."  And  "  the  said  Mope  or  Hope  further  saith  that  the 
sd.  great  island  called  Katomuck,  and  another  little  island  called  Peskelia- 
meesit"  (the  Rev.  Experience  Mayhew  wrote  it  PasJichetonesit  —  the  sup- 
posed Tucker's  Island  of  history)  "  belonged  to  Webacowet."  —  "  Will : 
Numack,  Indian,  also  testified  that  he  had  often  heard  his  father  say  the 
same  concerning  the  islands  commonly  called  Nashanoio  "  —  the  name  origi- 
nally of  the  collective  group.  Webacowet  and  Numack  were  Indians  of 
Saconesset. 


68 


HISTORY   OP  BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 


In  1675,  it  "was  "voted  that  the  fines  and  forfeitures  of  those 
who  neglected  to  go  out  when  drafted  for  the  country's  service,  be 
collected  according  to  the  order  of  the  Council  of  War,  Dec.  30 ;" 
also  that  Thos.  Tupper,  Hy.  Dillingham,  Stephen  Skiiff,  and  Josh- 
ua Borgis  be  of  the  Council  of  "War  from  this  time."  —  A  meeting 
was  "  called,  Feb.  28,  by  Lt.  John  Ellis  and  Benj.  Hammond  the 
constable,  and  liberty  was  granted  to  any  families  that  may  be 
necessitated,  to  repair  to  the  towxi  garrison  for  safety."  It  was 
also  "ordered  that  those  citizens  entitled  to  vote,  who  do  not 
attend  town-meetings,  be  fined  2  s.  6  d.  each  for  each  and  every 
delinquency."  —  The  town,  at  a  meeting  called  for  the  purpose, 
"  granted  liberty  to  the  Indians  to  set  uj)  a  house  to  meet  in  on 
Lord's  days  for  the  present  summer,  provided  sd.  Indians  will  not 
damage  the  meadows  by  letting  their  horses  into  the  same." 

"  The  town  voted,  23d  2d  mo.,  to  record  the  names  of  all  those 
that  can  make  appear  their  just  right  to  the  privileges  of  the  town ; 
whereujDon,  in  open  town-meeting,  the  following  names  were 
ordered  to  be  recorded : 


Caleb  Allen, 
Frs.  Allen, 
George  Allen, 
Jed.  Allen, 
Ralph  Allen, 
Wm.  Allen, 
John  Blackwell, 
Mich,  Blackwell, 
'Neil.  Besse, 
John  Bodfisb, 
Job  Bourne, 
Rd.  Bourne, 


Saml.  Briggs,* 
George  Buit,^ 
Jacob  Burge, 
Thos.  Butler,^ 
Rd.  Chadwell, 
Thos.  Dexter  Sr., 
Hy.  Dillingham, 
John  Ellis  Sr., 
Ambrose  Fish, 
Nathl.  Fish  Sr., 
Edm.  Freeman  Sr., 


Edm.  Freeman  Jr., 
Peter  Gaunt, 
John  Gibbs, 
Thos.  Gibbs  Sr., 
Wm.  Gifford, 
Thos.  Greenbill, 
Rt.  Harper,-* 
Joseph  Holway, 
John  Jenkins, 
Samuel  Knott, 
Thos.  Landers,^ 


^  Mr.  Samuel  Briggs  was  a  son  of  John  who  d.  1641  se.  26,  leaving  this 
son  and  a  daughter.  The  son  had  a  family  in  this  town,  but  there  are  no 
records  of  the  generations  after  them. 

'■^  Geo.  Buit  (sometimes  written  Bewitt)  d.  1675. 

^  Mr.  Thomas  Butler  was  early  in  town,  but  the  record  of  his  family  is 
brief.  There  is  none  of  sons.  Obadiah,  by  Eliz.,  had  a  large  family, 
from  1707  to  1733  ;  and  was  perhaps  a  grandson.  The  name  appears,  how- 
ever, in  both  Barnstable  and  Falmouth, 

*  In  1689,  Mr.  Robert  Harper  was  an  inhabitant  of  Falmouth.  He 
had  been  a  very  prominent  man  in  ail  the  Quaker  troubles,  and  himself  "  a 
great  sufferer."  Besides  his  trials  here  of  fines  in  the  aggregate  of  £44,  he 
was  sentenced  to  15  stripes  in  Boston  in  1659.  By  m.  with  Deborah  Perry 
May  9,  1654,  and  2d,  Prudence  Butler  June  22,  1666,  he  had  a  large  fami- 
ly; and  his  son  Stephen  had  lands  in  P.  1704. 

*  The  first  of  the  name  here  was  Thomas  Landers  1637.    His  inven- 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  69 

John  N'ewland,^  Stephen  Skiff,  Mich.  Turner, 

Wm.  Newland,^  Wm.  Swift  Sr.,  Danl.  Wing, 

Benj.  Nye  Sr.,  Thos.  Tobey  Sr.,  Joseph  Wing, 

Edw.  Perry,  Thos.  Tupper  Sr.,  Steph.  Wing, 

Hy.  Sanderson,  Thos.  Tupper  Jr.,  Thos.  Wing  Sr., 

James  Skiff  Sr.,  Isaac  Turner,  Joseph  Winsor. 
In  1676,  the  name  of  John  Smith  was  added  to  the  list  of 
freemen. 

From  this  latter  circumstance,  it  may  be  inferred 
that  this  was  the  period  when  the  pastorate  of  the 
Rev.  John  Smith  commenced ;  although  some  circum-, 
stances  have  led  to  the  supposition  that  he  may  have 
officiated  here  earlier.^  That  Mr.  Ichabod  Wiswall  and 
Mr.  Thomas   Dally  were   both   employed   here   some 

tory  was  presented  by  Edmund  Freeman  Jr.  and  others  1675.  There  have 
been  many  of  the  name,  branches  of  which  are  also  found  in  Falmouth 
and  Rochester. 

*  Of  the  Newlands,  John  and  William,  though  prominent  men,  we  find 
but  little  on  the  records  from  which  to  condense  genealogical  data.  Mr. 
John  Newland  was  now  deceased,  as  is  evident  not  only  from  the  omis- 
sion of  his  name  as  Sr.,  but  from  the  fact  that  his  widow  Eliz.  d.  May  22, 
1671.  The  John  here  mentioned  as  townsman  was  prob.  his  son.  —  Wil- 
liam m.  Rose  Holloway  May  19,  1648. 

^  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  after  the  departure  of  Mr.  Leverich,  Mr. 
Richard  Bourne  and  Mr.  Thos.  Tupper  officiated,  without  ordination,  for 
some  time.  The  Rev.  Gideon  Hawley  in  his  biographical  reminiscences 
addressed  in  1794  to  the  Hist.  Soc.  of  Mass.,  says,  "  Mr.  Bourne  and  Mr. 
Tupper  were  both  of  them  persons  of  a  religious  turn  —  the  latter  a  little 
tinged  with  the  fanaticism  so  prevalent  at  that  time  in  the  country  from 
whence  they  came.  These  men,  as  I  learn  by  tradition,  carried  on  at  Sand- 
wich the  religious  exercises,  officiating  publicly  on  the  Lord's  day,  each  of 
them  having  his  party,  but  as  the  congregation  was,  all  included,  small,  it 
did  not  separate  —  the  people  agreeing  that  the  one  who  had  most  adher- 
ents at  a  meeting  should  for  the  time  being  be  minister  for  the  day.  In  the 
process  of  time,  the  congregation  settled  Mr.  Smith  in  whom  they  united. 
Mr.  Smith  had  for  a  time  officiated  in  Barnstable,  afterwards  on  Long 
Island,  then  in  the  Jerseys,  and  finally  returned  and  settled  in  Sandwich  as 
pastor.  Messrs.  Bourne  and  Tupper  then  turned  their  attention  to  the 
Indians."  The  inference,  without  further  data,  would  be  that  Mr.  Smith  was 
the  successor,  with  the  above  exceptions,  of  Mr.  Leverich.  He  doubtless 
was  his  successor  in  the  pastorate,  but  after  a  long  interval.  Finding  in  the 
records  evidence  of  provision  being  made  at  different  times  "  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  minister,"  prior  to  the  above  date,  we  naturally  inferred  as  did 
Mr.  Hawley,  that  Mr.  Smith's  ministry  commenced  earlier  than  it  actually 
did.  But,  fortunately,  at  a  late  hour,  we  were  put  in  possession  of  a  letter 
written  by  Rev.  Benj.  Fessenden  soon  after  his  own  settlement  in  1722, 
addressed  to  Rev.  Thos.  Prince  and  designed  to  aid  in  his  compilation  of 
his  intended  2d  Vol.  of  Chronology  ;  and  this  letter  clears  up  some  matters 
that  before  were  exceedingly  indistinct. 


70  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

considerable  time  before  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Smith, 
there  can  be  no  doubt.^ 

Ralph  Allen  and  Stej)lien  Skiff  were  appointed  this  year  "  to 
carry  the  town's  mind  to  Barnstable,  that  the  towns  may  know 
each  other's  minds  in  reference  to  the  bringinof  of  some  of  the 
people  of  the  out-towns,  among  us."^ — And  it  was  voted  that 
"forasmuch  as  it  is  judged  for  the  safety  of  the  town  to  keep  a 
watch  between  Wayquonscott  and  the  sea  beyond  Lt.  John  Ellis' 
land,  [and  the  same  has  already  been  concluded  by  commissioning 
officers  to  be  with  those  chosen  by  other  towns  a  Council  of  War ; 
yet  judging,  notwithstanding,  that  the  object  will  not  be  suffi- 
ciently answered  unless  men  be  hired  to  keep  constantly  out  upon 
service,]  that  Lt.  John  Ellis,  Thos.  Tobey  Sr.,  and  Stephen  Skiff 

^  Mr.  Fessenclen's  letter  to  which  reference  is  made  in  the  preceding  note, 
is  conclusive  on  this  jDoint.  He  confirms  the  tradition  afterwards  repeated 
by  Mr.  Hawiey,  of  the  state  of  things  after  the  departure  of  Mr.  Leverich ; 
saying,  "  They  are  now  without  a  minister,  and  brethren  Bourne  and  Tup- 
per  officiate  alternately."  He  then  adds,  after  reference  to  the  religious 
dissensions  that  for  a  long  time  prevailed  and  the  defection  of  not  a  few, 
*'  They  never  could  attain  a  settlement  of  the  ministi-y  among  them  till 
about  the  year  1675,  in  which  intervening  time  they  had  occasional  preach- 
ers ;  fii'st  Ichabod  Wiswall  who  removed  from  hence  to  Sagadahoc  and 
then  went  to  sea,  and  after  his  return  settled  and  died  in  Duxbury ;  and 
then  Thos.  Dally  who  removed  to  Yarmouth  to  one  Mrs.  Howes  who  ad- 
ministered to  him  in  a  consumption,  but  he  died  thereof.  About  the  year 
1675,  John  Smith  was  called  and  ordained  their  pastor.  About  the  year 
1688,  Mr.  Smith  desired  a  dismission  from  his  pastoral  office  on  account  of 
some  ill  treatment  he  met  with.  A  council  was  called,  and  the  issue  of  it 
was  that  he  continued  one  year  more  in  the  pastoral  office,  and  then  desist- 
ed." Mr.  Fessenden's  tradition  in  regard  to  Mr.  Wiswall  is  corroborated 
by  the  mention  in  the  Colony-court  record  of  one  E,t.  Harper  being  arraigned 
for  "  railing  against  Mr.  "Wiswall,"  at  Sandwich.  We  say  corroborated,  for 
Mr.  Fessenden's  letter  pretends  not  to  historical  accuracy,  and  in  some  of 
the  earlier  statistics  he  is  evidently  misinformed,  as  a  reference  to  records 
show.  The  letter  itself,  however,  is  his  best  apologist :  it  opens,  "  Rev.  Su", 
—  The  Hon.  Col.  Bourne  just  now  informed  me  that  your  New  E.  Chr. 
waited  for  the  rem.s  of  our  place,  and  you  wondered  I  had  not  sent,  &c.  If 
I  don't  mistake  I  once  told  you  the  reas.  why  I  had  not  wrote,  viz.  that 
what  I  could  write  could  not  pretend  to  the  character  of  a  Chronology  wh. 
is  requisite  adjidem,  verce  HistoricB ;  and  on  this  account  had  laid  aside  all 
tho't  of  ever  collecting,  or  sending  what  I  had  heard  and  written  for  my 
own  private  use,  from  some  of  the  most  ancient  and  intelligent  people 
among  us.  The  first  book  of  records  for  the  town  is  partly  lost,  and  the 
remains  are  very  broken  and  scarcely  legible ;  and  the  other  books  have 
little  or  nothing  in  them  to  the  present  purpose :  so  that  the  greatest 
strength  of  most  of  these  collections  lies  in  uncertain  and  doubtful  tradi- 
tion." 

^  A  general  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  the  Cape  was  held  at  B.,  for  the 
purpose  of  inviting  the  exposed  and  sufiiering  from  Indian  depredations  to 
repair  hither  for  succor. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  71 

be  empowered  as  agents  to  hire  for  the  town  as  many  men  as  shall 
be  necessary  to  accomplish  the  end  proposed."  ^ 

The  town  gave  "  Benj.  Nye  leave  to  build  a  fulling-mill  on  a  river 
commonly  called  Spring-Hill  River."  —  Thos.  Dexter  and  Wm. 
Swift  were  chosen  "  to  go  to  Yarmouth  to  And.  Hallett's,  to  meet 
men  from  Barnstable  and  from  other  towns  for  settling  the  bounds 
of  Scauton."  —  An  order  was  passed  "to  prevent  the  destruction 
of  young  trees  by  peeling  the  bark  from  the  same."  —  "A  misun- 
derstanding existing"  among  some  of  the  towns  as  to  some  public 
charges,  and  the  council  of  war  having  determined  that  Sandwich 
pay  the  town  of  Barnstable  £73.16  "to  balance  the  account  of 
charges  that  have  arisen  by  the  late  wars,"  the  town  agreed  "  to 
pay  the  same  out  of  the  great  yate  of  £279.1." 

Mr.  Thomas  Tupper  Sr^,  who  has  all  along  been  conspic- 
uous in  Town's  affairs  and  as  a  religious  teacher  greatly 
interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  Indians,  died  this  year 
at  a  great  age.     His  descendants  are  numerous.^ 

In  1677,  June  30,  "  the  raters "  were  "  ordered  to  make  rates 
concerning  the  war  that  is  past ; "  and  Rd.  Bourne,  Thos.  Tupper, 
and  Stephen  Skiff,  were  app.  "to  take  account  of  what  ought 
justly  to  be  satisfied  for  in  reference  to  the  war  that  hath  already 
been ;  as  also  to  take  account  of  all  the  town's  debts  that  appear 
justly  due  by  reason  of  what  has  fallen  out  in  the  war."  —  A  fla- 
grant case  is  this  year  reported  —  that  of  a  person  having  "car- 
nally known  "  a  young  woman  "  against  her  will."  The  parties 
were  of  the  same  family  name  and  nearly  related.  The  penalty 
of  death  was  not  enforced  because  of  some  circumstances  leading 
to  doubts  in  regard  to  the  accumulating  part  of  the  crime  alleged. 
The  sentence  was  a  fine  and  public  whipping. 


^  The  importance  of  this  precautionary  act  can  hardly  be  overestimated. 

^  He  d.  Mar.  28,  ee.  upwards  of  98  yrs.  His  wife  d.  this  same  yr.  se.  90. 
He  was  one  of  the  original  grantees.  He  was  Selectman  many  yrs.,  Deputy 
19  yrs.,  and  filled  various  offices,  besides  giving  much  of  his  time  "to  the 
work  of  gospelizing  the  Indians."  From  the  'Patronymica  Britannia,  by  Lower, 
Lond.  1840,'  we  extract  the  following  :  —  "  Tupper  appears  in  its  original 
form  as  Toppfer — a  name  well  known  in  the  literature  of  Germany  and 
France.  The  family,  widely  scattered  in  the  religious  troubles  of  the  xvi. 
century,  having  '  lost  aU '  under  Charles  V.  as  obstinate  Lutherans,  were 
called  Toutperd  in  France,  and,  by  corruption,  Toupard  in  the  Netherlands ; 
whilst  in  Germany  and  England  and  among  the  Puritan  fathers  of  Ameri- 
ca, the  name  assumed  the  form  so  familiar  to  the  public  as  the  designation 
of  the  author  of  Proverbial  Philosophy.  The  principal  branch  Avent  to 
Guernsey  in  1548."  —  Another  branch  located  in  Sandwich,  Eng. 


72  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Mr.  John  Ellis,  the  ancestor  of  those  of  the  name 
in  this  town,  one  of  the  oldest  and  first  settlers,  died 
this  year.^ 

The  following  were  added  tliis  year  to  the  list  of  townsmen  : 
Geo.  Barlow,^  ^  Mordecai  Ellis,  Ezra  Perry  Sr., 

Elisha  Bourne,  Benj.  Hammond,^  Ezra  Perry  Jr. 

Daniel  Butler,  Lodowick  Hoxie, 

In  1678,  the  following  appears  among  the  court  orders :  "  This 
may  certify  that  certain  Indians  near  Sandwich,  whose  names  are 
Canootus,  Symon,  and  Joel,  being  apprehended  on  their  confes- 
sion, and  convicted  of  feloniously  bi*eaking  open  a  house  and  steal- 
ing from  a  chest  of  Zechariah  Allen  of  Sandwich,  £25  in  money 
and  they  having  lost  or  embezzled  sd.  money  and  no  other  way 
appearing  how  he  may  be  satisfied  for  his  loss,  the  colony  have 
sentenced  the  above-named  Indians  to  be  perpetual  slaves,  and 
empower  the  sd.  Allen  to  make  sale  of  them  in  N.  England,  or 
elsewhere,  as  his  lawful  slaves,  for  the  term  of  their  lives." ^  Thos. 
Gibbs  Jr.,  and  John  Gifford,  were  added  to  the  list  of  townsmen. 
—  And,  at  a  meeting,  July  15,  "  a  list  was  made  of  the  names  of 
all  who  have  taken  the  oath  of  fidelity :  viz. 

Frs.  Allen,  Mich.  Black  well,  Thos.  Dexter, 

Geo.  Allen,  Jacob  Burge,  Hy.  Dillingham, 

Geo.  Barlow,  Joseph  Burge,  Nathl.  Fish, 

John  Blackwell,  Thos.  Butler,  Edm.  Freeman  Jr., 

^  He  is  called  Jr.,  we  know  not  for  what  reason.  He  must,  we  think, 
have  been  Sr.  of  Sandwich.  There  probably  was  one  of  the  name  older 
in  the  colony.  Mr.  Ellis  m.  Elizabeth,  dr.  of  the  first  Edm.  Freeman,  and 
his  est.  was  ad.  by  the  wid.  Elizabeth  and  son  Mordecai. 

^  That  this  name  was  not  j^laced  earlier  on  the  list  of  townsmen,  shows 
the  estimation  in  which  the  individual  had  been  held.  We  have  referred, 
Vol.  I.  229,  and  in  the  present  pp,  to  the  creation  of  a  marshal  for  the  espe- 
cial benefit  of  Sandwich,  Barnstable  and  Yarmouth  in  1658 ;  the  marshal 
then  and  for  such  purposes  begotten  by  extra  legislative  act,  doubtless  had 
previously  an  existence  somewhere  as  Oeo.  Barlow:  but  where  the  Gen. 
Court  contrived  to  pick  him  up  to  execute  its  mandates,  we  are  unable  to 
say,  and  care  little  to  know  beyond  the  fact  that  he  was  not  a  native  product 
of  Cape  Cod. 

^  Benj.  Hammond,  s.  of  Wm.  and  Eliza.,  from  London,  was  of  Yarm. 
1643,  and  came  to  this  town  about  1650.  His  2d  s.  John  was  b.  in  S. 
Nov.  22,  1653.  He  had,  by  his  wife  Mary,  Rose,  who  d.  1676,  and  others. 
He  removed  from  this  town  to  Rochester. 

^  "  A  sister  of  John  Sassamon  was  this  year  claimed  as  a  slave  by  Joseph 
Burge  ;  the  title  being  proved,  it  was  ordered  by  the  court  that  £5  be  pd. 
for  her  liberty."  "  Many  women  and  children  were  thus  held,  throughout 
the  colony  —  victims  of  the  late  war."  —  Baylies. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  73 

John  Gibbs,  Benj.  Nye,  Thos.  Tobey, 

Thos.  Gibbs  Sr.,  Ezra  Perry  Jr.,  Thos.  Tupper, 

Benj.  Hammond,  Hy.  Sanderson^  Steph.  Wing, 

Joseph  Holway,  Rd.  Smith,  Joseph  Winsor. 

Lodo.  Hoxie,  Wm.  Swift  Jr., 

At  the  same  meeting,  "Peter  Gaunt,  John  Jenkins,  and  Wm. 
Newland,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  rest  of  their  fellow- 
townsmen  that  are  of  their  religion,  do  declare  their  dissent 
against  the  town's  disposing  of  any  privileges  that  belong  to 
them  as  townsmen." 

In  1679,  Sheaij.  Bourne  and  John  Chipman  were  ad.  as  towns- 
men. —  It  was  voted  "  that  Shubael  Smith  be  pd.  £1  for  a  wolf 
killed  by  his  bro.  Benj."  —  Also  "that  £1.15  be  j)aid  to  Indian 
Connelow  for  7  young  wolves."  —  And  "  that  the  School-master 
shall,  for  his  encouragement,  have  his  rate  abated." 

In  1680,  May  18,  Thos.  Dexter,  Stephen  Skiff,  and  Thos.  Tup- 
per, were  app.  agents,  "  to  buy  of  the  Indians  all  the  undisjsosed 
lands  that  lie  between  Plym.,  Barnstable,  and  Suckanessett  bounds 
—  all  that  they  can  purchase  of  the  rightful  proprietors."  —  Thos. 
Dexter  was  licensed  "  to  keep  an  ordinary  for  the  entertainment 
of  strangers."  —  A  meeting  was  held,  Aug.  30,  "  to  arrange  for  the 
support  of  a  minister;  and  a  rate  of  £50  was  ordered."  —  It  was 
"ordered  that  the  £28  in  silver  brought  to  the  town,  be  divided 
among  the  persons  that  jiaid  the  war-rate." — And,  "at  a  town- 
meeting  for  the  choice  of  military  officers,  it  was  agreed  to  allow 
£12  in  pay  as  it  ordinarily  passes,  to  Mr.  James  Chadwick  upon 
consideration  that  he  keep  a  school  in  Sandwich  one  year." 

In  1681,  a  committee  was  app.  "  to  make  sale  of  the  whales  that 
are  lately  cast  ashore  in  the  harbor ;  and  it  was  agreed  that  Jo- 
seph Holway  and  those  with  him  in  cutting-up  the  whales,  shall 
have  that  part  they  have  already  cut  and  secured,  on  paying  £  6 
silver  money  to  the  town."  —  The  following  "  were  ad.  townsmen 
to  vote  for  officers,"  &c. : 

John  Barlow,^  Josh.  Blackwell,  John  Dillingham, 

Wm.  Bassett,  John  Dexter,  Freeman  Ellis, 

^  Whether  Geo.  Barlow  had  been  matrimonially  connected  before  his  m. 
■with  Jane,  the  widow  of  Mr.  Anthony  Besse,  does  not  clearly  appear ;  but 
he  probably  had  been.  John  Barlow,  prob.  s.  of  Geo.,  had,  by  his  w. 
Elizabeth  who  d.  May  10, 1729,  Sarah  Oct.  15, 1693  ;  Keturah  May  29,  1698  ; 
Samuel  Feb.  14,  1700-1;  John  Oct.  30,  1706;  Nathan  Oct.  30,  1710  ^  and 
William  Ap.  14, 1713.  There  have  been  many  families  of  the  name  in  town. 
Some  were  early  at  Rochester  and  Duxbury,  as  also  at  Newport,  R.  I. 
VOL.  II,  10 


Y4 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


Manoali  Ellis, 
Matthias  Ellis, 
John  Fish, 
Edm.  Freeman  Jr., 
Israel  Gaunt, 
Saml.  Gibbs, 
Sam.  Hammond, 
Rich.  Handy, 


Eph.  Swift, 
Wm.  Swift  Jr^ 
Eph.  Tobey, 
John  Tobey, 
Nathan  Tobey, 
John  Wing, 
Nathl.  Wing, 
Saml.  Winaj. 


Caleb  Nye, 
Eben.  Nye, 
Jona.  Nye, 
Nathan  Nye, 
John  Perry, 
Benj.  Smith  Sr., 
John  Smith  Jr., 
Shubael  Smith, 
And  the  following  took  the  oath  of  fidelity ; 
Benj.  Barlow,  Mord.  Ellis,  Ezra  Perry  Jr., 

Ambrose  Fish, 
John  Fish, 
Edm.  Freeman  Jr. 
Saml.  Gibbs, 
Thos.  Gibbs  Jr., 
John  Gilford, 
Saml.  Hammond, 
Rd.  Handy, 
Caleb  Nye, 
Eben.  Nye, 
Jona.  Nye, 
Nathan  Nye, 

EiCHARD  Chadwell,  ail  original  grantee,  died  this 
year,  Nov.  27 ;  and  thus  the  family  name  of  a  prom- 
inent citizen  disappears  from  the  town  records.^ 

In  1682,  Jan.  16,  Mr.  Edm.  Freeman  Sr.  and  Ezra  Perry  Sr. 
were  app.  a  com.  "  to  see  that  the  minister  is  paid  according  to  the 

^  Mr.  Anthony  Besse  came  over  1635  ae.  26.  It  is  said  "  he  preached 
to  the  Indians."  He  Avas  among  the  first  who  came  to  tliis  town  from  Lynn. 
His  -will  bears  date  Feb.  10,  1656-7,  in  which  he  mentions  wife  Jane,  and 
children  Nehemiah,  David,  Anne,  Mary,  and  Elizabeth.  His  inv.  rendered 
1657.  AVe  know  not  the  date  of  the  births  of  these,  except  that  David  was 
b.  May  23,  1649.  We  know  too  that  Anthony  was  of  age  in  1664.  It  is 
said  that  Anne  m.  Andrew  Hallett ;  and  Elizabeth,  we  know,  m.  Joseph 
Bodfish  1674.  The  widow  Jane  m.  2d  the  notorious  George  Barlow.  Her 
will  bears  date  Aug.  6,  1693,  in  which  she  mentions  drs.  Anne  Hallett, 
Eliza.  Bodfish,  and  Rebecca  Hunter,  and  sons  Neh.  Besse  and  John  Bar- 
low. Nehemiah,  by  his  wife  Mary,  had  Mary  Nov.  1680  who  m.  Benj. 
Curtis  of  Plym.  Dec.  3, 1700 ;  Nehemiah  July  3, 1682  ;  Hannah  1684-5  who 
m.  Thos.  Jones  Oct.  5,  1708  ;  Robert  Ap.  31,  1690  who  m.  Ruth  Pray  of 
Bridgewater  May  9,  1712;  Joshua  Feb.  14,  1692-3;  David  Dec.  23,  169.3, 
who  m.  Mary  Pray  July  18,  1717  ;  Benj.  Sept.  20, 1696 ;  and  Ebenezer  Ap. 
30,  1699.  —  The  Besses  were  truly  unfortunate  in  their  connection  with 
Barlow  as  appears  from  sundry  court  records. 

^  He  m.  Katharine  Pressbury,  July  22,  1649,  but  left  no  issue. 


John  Barlow, 
Moses  Barlow, 
Steph.  Barlow, 
Wm.  Bassett, 
Neh.  Bessie,^ 
Josh.  Blackwell, 
Elisha  Bourne, 
Saml.  Briggs, 
John  Dillingham, 
Freeman  Ellis, 
Manoah  Ellis, 
Matthias  EUis, 


John  Perry, 
Benj.  Smith,  s.  of  Rd., 
John  Smith, 
Shubael  Smith, 
Eph.  Swift, 
Saml.  Swift, 
Wm.  Swift  Jr., 
Eph.  Tobey, 
John  Tobey, 
Wm.  Tobey, 
Thos.  Tupper  Jr., 
Saml.  Winaf. 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  75 

order  of  court  in  such  case  provided."  —  It  was  voted,  May  17, 
that  "  forasmuch  as  the  inhabitants  of  Barnstable  have  manifested 
their  desire  to  have  the  bound-marks  sufficiently  set  up  between 
the  towns  of  B.  and  S.,  and  that  this  town  would  make  choice  of 
some  meet  persons  to  join  with  themselves  to  exact  and  set  up 
the  boundaries  aforesaid  that  peace  and  unity  may  still  be  contin- 
ued, Edw.  Perry  and  Joseph  Holway  be  delegated  to  that  duty." 

—  "  Agreed  that  all  town  debts  may  be  paid  in  rye  at  3  s.  6  d.  pr. 
bu.,  barley  at  3  s.,  and  Indian  corn  at  3  s."  —  "Ordered,  Dec.  8, 
that  whales  that  come  ashore,  and  other  great  fish  that  yield  any 
quantity  of  oil,  be  given  to  Thomas  Tupj^er,  Geo.  Allen,  Caleb 
Allen,  and  Saml.  Bi-iggs,  for  ten  years,  for  one  half  the  oil  deliv- 
ered at  the  dock  in  good  casks  —  they  to  pay  a  barrel  of  oil  out 
of  every  whale,  to  the  country  according  to  the  order  of  court." 

—  Samuel  Prince,  John  Allen  Sr.,  Thos.  Tupper  Jr.,  and  Thos. 
Smith  were  this  year  ad.  townsmen. 

The  decease  of  Mr.  Edmund  Freeman,  Sr.,  the  origi- 
nal proprietor  of  the  township,  occurred  this  year.-^ 

Of  the  decease  and  burial  of  his  wife,  see  Vol.  I.  616-18,  and  of  branches 
of  the  family.  Vol.  I.  601  and  618.  All  that  is  certain  of  the  immediate  issue  of 
this  our  progenitor,  is,  that  the  following  children  came  over  with  him  in  1635 
in  the  ship  Abigail,  E.d.  Hackwell  master,  which  commenced  loading  in  May, 
and  soon  after  sailed  from  London,  viz. :  Alice  b.  inEng.abt.  1618,  who  m.Dea. 
Wm.  Paddy  of  Plym.  Nov.  24,  1639,  and  d.  Ap.  24,  1651,  [whose  issue  were 
Elizabeth  Nov.  12,  1641,  John  Nov.  25,  1643,  Saml.  Aug.  1,  1645,  Mercy 
1646,  Thomas  Sept.  6,  1647,  and  Joseph  Sept.  10,  1649 ;]  Edmund  b.  abt. 
1620 ;  Elizabeth  b.  abt.  1625  ;  and  John  b.  abt.  1628 ;  but  some  have  it 
that  there  was  another  dr.  who  m.  Edward  Perry,  inasmuch  as  Mr.  F.'s  will 
June  21,  1682,  pr.  Nov.  2.  1682,  mentions  "  sons  Edm.  and  John,  dr.  Eliza- 
beth Ellis,  and  son-in-law  Edward  Perry,"  to  whom  with  his  g.  s.  Thos.  Paddy 
he  gives  his  property.  We  will  not  enter  here  upon  a  discussion  of  this 
last  conjecture.  It  has  been  generally  conceded  that  "  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Freeman"  who  d.  Feb.  24,  1675-6,  was  the  wife  of  the  Sr.  Edmund  Free- 
man; but  even  of  this  some  doubt  has  been  expressed.  —  Edmund,  s.  of 
the  above,  m.  Rebecca,  dr.  of  Gov.  Thos.  Prence  Ap.  22,  1646,  and,  some 
have  it,  had  Rebecca  —  the  mother  dying  soon  after,  and  the  dr.  m.  Ezra 
Perry.  It  may  be  so ;  this  much  is  certain,  Mr.  F.  m.  2d  Margaret  Perry 
July  13,  1651  —  not  Young  as  some  report  it,  for  the  record  is  plain  —  and 
had  Margaret  Oct.  2,  1652 ;  Edmund  Oct.  5,  1655  ;  Ahce  Mar.  29,  1658 ; 
proh.  Rachel  Sept.  4,  1659  ;  Sarah  Feb.  6,  1662 ;  and  Deborah  Aug.  9, 
1665.  We  say  probably,  for  the  Junior  is  omitted  in  the  record  of  the  last 
three  births.  — Edmund,  of  the  last  family,  by  his  wife  Sarah,  had  Edmund 
Aug.  30,  1683;  Benj.  Jan.  6,  1685-6;  Mary  Mar.  13,  1687-8,  who  m. 
Tim.  Nye  Aug.  7,  1716,  and  d.  June  1734;  John  June  12,  1693;  Thomas 
Mar.  26,  1696  ;  Joseph  July  18,  1698,  who  m.  Tabitha  Tobey  May  9,  1726-7 
and  d.  1790  in  Duxburv,  leaving  there  a  large  family;  William  Dec.  4, 
1700;  Sarah  Dec.  6,  1703,  who  ra.  Isaac  Nye  Feb.  7,  1725-6  and  d.  1786; 
and  Isaac  Oct.  20,  1706.  AH  these  were  b.  in  Sandwich  ;  but  the  father,  just 
before  his  decease,  removed  to  that  part  of  Yarm.  called  Nobscusset,  havmg 


76  mSTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1683,  it  "was  "  ordered  that  Stephen  Skiff  and  John  Blackwell 
join  our  loving  neighbors  of  Plym.  to  set  the  bounds  between 
Plym.  and  Sandwich;  and  that  Shearjashub  Bourne  and  Thos. 
TupjDer  join  with  Suckanessett  men  to  erect  bounds  between 
them  and  Sandwich,  according  to  the  order  of  this  Court."  Also, 
that  "  whereas  wolves  are  very  destructive  in  devouring  our  crea- 
tures, the  Indians  be  paid  for  killing,  a  bounty  of  15  s.  for  old 

exchanged  property  ■with  the  Halls  of  that  place ;  and  hence  his  wiU,  May 
13,  1720,  pr.  May  23,  mentions  him  "  of  Yarmouth."  It  mentions  also 
his  "  wife  Sarah,  two  drs.  and  7  sons,"  and  gives  to  the  eldest  son  "  a 
double  portion "  of  his  estate  -^  a  part  of  which  was  "  lands  in  the  Ct. 
Colony."  It  has  been  supposed,  not  without  somg  reason,  that  his  wife  Avas 
a  dr.  of  Mr.  John  Sunderland.  [Mr.  S.,  in  his  will,  Sept.  7,  1700,  pr.  Ap. 
4,  1704,  names  "  my  Avife  Tarazin,  drs.  Gourdon  Severance,  Mary  Bangs, 
Sarah  Freeman,  and  Mary  Sears,"  as  legatees.  "  Mr.  S.,  late  of  Eastham  " 
1704,  had  been  taxed  in  Yarm.  1676,  then  a  "  school-master,"  and  seems  to 
have  removed  after.]  As  Mr.  F.  failed  to  name  in  his  will  an  executor,  an 
agreement  was  signed  by  the  heirs  June  15,  1720,  sustaining  the  provisions 
of  the  wiU  and  proposing  the  widow  as  administratrix  —  signed  by  "  Sarah 
widow,  Edmd.,  Benj.,  John,  Thos.,  Joseph,  Wm.,  Isaac,  Timo.  Nye  and 
Mary  his  wife,  Sarah  Freeman,"  and  by  "  Ebr.  Wing  guardian  to  the  three 
younger  children"  Wm.,  Sarah  and  Isaac. — Edmund,  eldest  son  of  the 
last  family,  lived  in  Sandwich,  and  m.  Keziah  Presbury.  They  had  Edmund  ■ 
Mar.  14,  1708-9  who  d.  May  27 ;  Lydia  Ap.  8,  1710  Mho  m.  Benj.  Nye  and 
d.  1730;  Edmund  Sept.  30,  1711  O.  S.,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1733;  Prince 
May  13,  1713;  Stephen  Aug.  14,  1714;  Sylvanus  Sept.  7,1716;  Nathaniel 
Mar.  31,  1718;  Keziah  July  7,  1719  who  m.  Snow  of  Ashford,  Ct.,  and  2d 
Shaw  of  Pomfret,  and  d.  1789;  Sarah  Jan.  18,  1720  who  m.  Malachi 
Conant  of  Mansfield,  Ct.  and  d.  1791 ;  Deborah  Ap.  17,  1722  who  m.  Zech. 
Paddock,  removed  to  Albany,  N.  Y.,  and  d.  1803;  Skifi"e  Dec.  28,  1723; 
Thomas  Aug.  17,  1725  Avho  d.  May  21,  1726;  Abigail  Feb.  20,  1726-7 
v>'ho  m.  Wm.  Johnson  of  Mansfield,  and  d.  1782;  and  Margaret  Aug.  21, 
1729  who  d.  Sept.  10.  All  this  large  family  of  14  ch.  were  b.  in  S.,  except 
possibly  the  last,  and  all  ultimately  removed  to  Mansfield,  Ct.,  as  did  the 
parents  to  possess  the  inheritance  of  "  lands  in  the  Ct.  Colony."  Mr.  F. 
d.  June  1,  1766;  his  wife  d.  Ap.  20,  1764.  — Edmund,  2d  s.  of  the  last 
family,  b.  1711,  resided  in  S.  and  m.  Martha  Otis  Aug.  7,  1736  ;  he  then 
removed  to  Nobscusset  and  engaged  temporarilj^  in  school-teaching ;  and 
finally  removed  to  Ct.  and  died  Feb.  11,  1800.  His  issue  was  Edmund  Ap. 
29,  1737,  whose  family  was  the  first  settled  in  Hanover,  N.  H.,  where  his 
wife,  the  first  winter,  was  the  only  female  in  the  township.  He  was  after- 
wards known  as  Col.  F.  of  Lebanon ;  Nathl.  Mar.  11,  1738  who  d.  July 
21,  1740;  Nathaniel  (the  bond,  father  of  the  writer  of  this  history)  Mar. 
28,  1741  O.  S.,  the  preceding  b.  all  in  Yarm. ;  Abigail  May  20,  1743  who 
m.  Aaron  Hovey  of  Mansfield;  Jonathan  Mar.  21,  1745  who  m.  Sarah 
Huntington  of  Norwich,  and  was  Mem.  Cong,  from  N.  H. ;  Otis  May  13, 
1748,  known  in  Hanover  as  Col.  F.,  a  thrifty  farmer;  Russell  July  17, 
1750  who  resided  in  Haverhil,  was  Speaker  of  the  H.  Rep.  of  N.  H.  1797, 
and  also  of  the  Council,  and  was  murdered  Dec.  18,  1805  by  the  infamous 
Burnham  ;  Moody  Ap.  25,  1753  who  d.  in  W.  N.  York,  a  farmer,  July  16 
1828 ;  Frederic  Oct.  8, 1755  who  d.  in  Mansfield,  June  19, 1818,  a  prominent 
man;  and  Martha  Mar.  15,  1759  who  m.  Roger  Hovey  July  6,  1783,  and 
resided  in  Thetford,  Vt.  —  Other  branches  of  the  descendants  of  Mr. 
Edmund  Freeman  b.  1655,  we  shall  take  up  in  other  parts  of  this  volume. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  77 

wolves,  and  5  s.  for  pups."  —  Land  was  this  year  given  to  Mr.  Sam- 
uel Prince.^ 

In  1684,  a  road  from  Barnstable  to  Plym,,  through  Sandwich, 
was  laid  out  by  a  jury  empanelled  by  the  governor.  —  The  town 
"  ordered  that  inhabitants  who  are  70  yrs.  of  age  shall  be  excused 
from  killing  the  quota  of  blackbirds." 

In  1685;,  Sandwich  became  a  town  of  ^the  county  of 
Barnstable'  —  the  Plymouth  Colony  being  divided  into 
three  counties.  The  General  Court  provided  "that  the 
former  titles  of  lands  be  confirmed,"  which  confirma- 
tion under  the  seal  of  the  Colony  was  made  necessary 
in  consequence  of  the  proceedings  of  Randolph.^  — 
Mr.  Thomas  Burge  died  this  year,  Feb.  13. 

'  "  A  house-lot  on  the  commons  near  the  mill."  The  house  he  erected 
and  in  which  his  distinguished  sons  were  born,  is  still  standing.  It  is  much 
to  be  regretted  that  we  shall  not  be  able  to  present  a  full  biography  of  this 
eminent  citizen  of  Sandwich  known  to  be  highly  influential  and  respected, 
and  whose  distinguished  son  did  so  much  to  perpetuate  a  record  of  impor- 
tant events,  and  to  whom  we  are  so  greatly  iadebted  for  many  invaluable 
labors.     See  Vol.  I.  366. 

2  "Be  it  known  to  all  men  by  these  presents,  Tliat  wTiereas  at 
his  Majesty's  Gen.  Ct.  held  at  Plymouth,  the  4th  of  June  last,  it  was  ordered 
and  enacted  that  his  Majesty's  Ct.  of  Assts.  be  from  time  to  time  a  Com. 
empowered  to  examine,  allow  and  confirm  all  such  claims  and  titles  to  lands 
which  were  formerly  gr.  or  allowed  by  the  Gen.  Ct.  either  unto  townships  or 
to  particular  persons,  which  being  allowed  by  the  sd.  Com,  shall  pass  the 
seal  of  the  Govt,  for  further  confu'mation  thereof:  And  forasmuch  as  it  hath 
been  made  to  appear  unto  the  sd.  Court  of  Assts.  now  sitting  at  Plym.,  the 
7th  day  of  July  1685,  that  a  certain  tract  of  lands  was  by  Mr.  Wm.  Brad- 
ford and  his  associates  assembled  in  court  the  3d  day  of  Apl.  1637,  granted 
unto  Mr.  Edmund  Freeman,  Hy.  Feak,  Thos.  Dexter,  with  others  of  their 
associates  to  erect  a  plantation  or  town  in  this  government,  and  to  receive 
in  more  inhabitants  to  them  according  to  order,  and  duly  to  dispose  of  sd. 
lands  to  such  as  were  or  should  be  orderly  admitted  to  them  in  sd.  township 
which  was  afterwards  called  Sandwich,  and  all  such  privileges  allowed  to 
them  as  per  the  Ct.  is  allowed  and  gr.  to  other  townships ;  and  the  bounds 
of  sd.  town  laid  out  by  Capt.  Myles  Standish  and  Mr.  John  Alden  app. 
thereunto  by  the  Ct.,  which  bounds  are  as  foUoweth,  viz.  —  'Westerly  by 
the  dividing  line  between  the  town  of  Plym.  and  the  sd.  town  of  Sandwich; 
and  on  the  East  by  the  line  which  divides  between  sd.  town  of  Sandwich  and 
the  town  of  Barnstable,  which  runs  Northeast  to  the  sea  and  Southwest  into 
the  woods  ,  and  is  bounded  Northerly  by  the  sea  and  Southerly  partly  by 
the  dividing  line  between  them  and  Suckanesset,  and  partly  by  the  Indians' 
lands,  according  to  the  known  and  accustomed  boundaries  ;  —  This  Court 
doth  therefore  declare,  ratify  and  confirm  all  the  aforesaid  lands,  both  up- 
land, swamps,  meadow,  marsh,  and  flax -lands,  with  all  waters,  rivers,  creeks, 
coves  and  harbors  contained  within  sd.  bounds  and  limits,  with  all  and  sin- 
gular the  mines,  fishing-profits,  privileges  and  appurtenances,  to  all  and 


78  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1686,  the  town  was  ordered  by  the  Gen.  Ct.  to  select  a  jury- 
list,  and  to  send  jurors  to  the  court.  —  The  Colony  laws  being 
printed,  and  ordered  to  be  published  in  the  several  towns,  "  Thos. 
Tapper  and  Ludowick  Hoxie  were  appointed  by  the  town  to  divide 
the  law-books  among  the  citizens  according  to  the  last  year's  coun- 
try's rate."  —  Mr.  Thos.  Dexter  Sr.  died  this  year,  Dec.  29.^ 

every  the  sd.  granted  premises  belonging  or  any  wise  appertaining,  to  be 
and  remain  to  the  sd.  town  of  Sandwich  and  to  the  several  proprietors 
thereof  according  to  their  and  each  and  every  one  of  their  common  or  par- 
ticular interest,  right,  title,  and  proprietry  unto  the  sd.  lands  or  other  the 
premises,  or  unto  any  part  or  parcel  thereof  by  grant  or  allowance  of  sd. 
town,  or  by  any  other  lawful  ways  and  means  whatsoever  had  and  enjoyed 
or  to  be  had  and  enjoyed,  and  their  and  each  and  every  one  of  their  suc- 
cessors, heirs,  and  assigns  forever :  To  have  and  to  hold  to  the  sd.  town  of 
Sandwich  and  to  the  several  proprietors  whatsoever  respectively  and  to 
their  and  each  and  every  one  of  their  successors,  heirs  and  assigns  forever, 
and  to  their  and  every  one  of  their  only  proper  use  and  behoof  respectively 
forever,  according  to  the  tenure  of  oiu*  Charter  or  Letters  Patents  to  be 
holden  of  his  Majesty  as  of  his  manor  of  East  Greenwich  in  the  County  of 
Kent  in  free  and  common  soccage  and  not  in  capite  nor  by  Knight's  service 
yielding  and  paying  to  our  sovereign  lord  the  King,  his  heirs  and  successors 
forever  one  fifth  part  of  the  ore  of  the  mines  of  gold  and  silver,  and  other 
fifth  jjart  thereof  to  the  President  and  Council  in  sd.  Letters  Patent  men- 
tioned, which  shall  be  had  and  obtained  within  the  precincts  and  limits  of 
the  bounds  aforesaid,  for  all  service  and  demands  whatsoever  :  —  In  testi- 
mony whereof  this  Court  doth  allow  the  common  Seal  of  this  Govt,  to  be  here- 
unto affixed  for  the  further  confirmation  thereof.  Now,  therefore,  further  know 
ye :  That  I,  Thomas  Hinckley,  Gov.  of  this  Colony  of  New  Plym.,  for  our 
Sovereign  lord  the  King,  for  this  present  year,  1685,  by  virtue  of  l^e  trust 
and  trusts  committed  to  me,  as  well  as  by  a  former  Act  and  Order  made  by 
sd.  Wm.  Bradford  and  his  associates  assembled  in  Court  A.  D.  1636,  as  by 
the  above  mentioned  act  for  the  more  full  assurance  and  absolute  confirma- 
tion of  aU  the  sd.  lands  and  other  the  premises  (in  this  Deed  contained) 
unto  the  sd.  town  of  Sandwich,  and  to  the  several  proprietors  thereof,  their 
and  every  of  their  heirs,  successors  and  assigns  forever  in  manner  and  form 
aforesd.  according  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  these  Presents,  yield- 
ing and  paying  as  aforesaid,  have  hereunto  affixed  the  Common  Seal  of 
this  Government,  this  13th  day  of  July,  1685,  and  in  the  year  of  the  Reign 
of  our  Sovereign  Lord  the  King,  James  the  Second  by  the  grace  of  God, 
of  England,  &c. 

This  Deed  is  recorded  in  the  Thomas  Hinckley,  Gov. 

Book  of  Evidences  of  Lands 
ei;irolled  1681,  &  p.  394. 

Pr.  Nathaniel  Clarice,  Sec't/. 

^  Mr.  Dexter  was,  it  is  supposed,  the  son  of  the  original  proprietor  of 
the  same  name,  whose  ultimate  residence  here  seemed  for  a  time  to  be  in 
suspense.  The  son  was  a  respected  and  useful  citizen.  Of  the  father,  who 
finally  fixed  his  residence  here,  we  can  give  at  best  only  an  ambiguous  ac- 
count :  Mr.  Thomas  Dexter,  the  first,  was  early  at  Lynn,  and  when  ad. 
May  18,  1631,  was  the  owner  of  800  acres  of  land.  It  appears  from  Lewis 
and  others,  that  in  1630  he  bought  of  '  Duke  William,'  alias  '  Black  Will,' 
whose  father  had  been  a  sachem  at  Swampscott  and  d.  before  the  English 
arrived,  the  whole  of  Nahant  —  paying  therefor  a  suit  of  clothes.     This 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  79 

In  1687,  July  12,  Edward  Perry  was  chosen  "commissioner;" 
John  Allen  Sr.  app.  "  sealer  of  measures,  weights,  and  yards ; " 
Thos.  Tapper  "was  chosen  captain,"  John  Gibbs  " lieut.,"  Wm. 
Bassett  "  ensign,"  and  Shubael  Smith  "  military  clerk." 

Black  Will  was  hung  in  1633  by  the  white  people  in  revenge  for  a  murder 
committed,  as  was  supposed,  by  Indians.  Will  was  not  the  offender,  but  his 
prominence  caused  him  to  be  selected  as  the  victim  for  the  retaliatory  act ! 
Gov.  Winthrop  says  that  "Bagnell"  —  the  white  man  murdered,  "was  a 
wicked  fellow  and  had  much  wronged  the  Indians."  Mr.  D.  lived  at  that  time 
on  the  banks  of  the  Saugus  River,  was  an  active  and  enterprising  man,  and 
land-speculator.  He  built  a  mill  and  weir  across  the  river,  and  was  known 
as  '  farmer  Dexter.'  He  also  built  a  fence  across  'the  reach'  at  Nahant 
'  to  keep  out  wolves  and  swine.'  His  relations  with  the  people  seem  not  to 
have  been  quite  peaceful ;  and  he  is  reported  as  having  quarrelled  even  with 
Mr.  Endicott  who  so  far  forgot  his  own  dignity  as  to  strike  Dexter.  In 
1633,  Mar.  4,  Dexter  was  ordered  to  be  "  set  in  the  bilbowes,"  also  fined 
£10  and  disfranchised,  "  for  speaking  reproachful  and  seditious  words 
against  the  Government  here  established."  Nor  did  his  troubles  end  thus ; 
for,  besides  other  difficulties,  he  was  presented  in  1640  "  for  common  sleep- 
ing in  meetings  for  public  worship,"  and  was  fined.  Vexatious  and  expen- 
sive lawsuits  to  Avhich  he  was  a  party,  are  mentioned.  Lewis  says  he 
removed  to  Sandwich,  1637.  This  may  be  correct ;  but  the  established  resi- 
dence of  Mr.  D.  does  not  appear  by  the  records  to  have  been  so  early. 
Indeed  his  turn  for  speculation  and  his  enterprising  spirit  seem  to  have 
made  him  somewhat  a  cosmopolite.  His  assignment  of  lands  in  S.  in  1641, 
was  conditional.  In  1643,  he  was  one  of  those  liable  to  bear  arms  in  S. 
An  interval,  1648  and  subsequent,  seems  to  have  marked  his  domicil  in 
Barnstable,  and  then  again  he  is  of  Sandwich.  Mr.  Savage,  we  sup.  on 
good  authority,  reports  him  as  having  d.  in  Boston  1677.  He  had, 
doubtless,  sons  Thomas  and  William,  and  a  dr.  Mary  is  recorded  as  b.  in 
Barnstable,  Aug.  11,  1649.  The  sons,  Thomas  at  least,  must  have  been  b. 
in  England.  —  Mr.  Thomas  Dextek  Jr.,  whose  d.  is  mentioned  above  as 
occurring  Dec.  29,  1686,  had  by  w.  Elizabeth  who  d.  Mar.  19,  1714,  Eliza- 
beth, Mary,  John,  and  Abigail.  The  first  named  b.  Sept.  21,  1651,  is  said 
to  have  been  a  maiden  in  1717  ;  the  second,  Mary,  is  reported  as  having  m. 
Daniel  Allen  of  Swansey ;  and  the  last,  Abigail,  b.  June  12, 1663,  as  having 
m.  Jonathan  Hallett  Jan.  30,  1684.  —  John,  the  only  son  of  Thos.  Jr.  of 
whom  we  have  knowledge,  m.  Mehitable  Hallett,  sup.  to  be  di*.  of  Andrew, 
Nov.  10,  1682,  having  been  ad.  when  prob.  just  of  age  a  townsman  in  S. 
1681,  where  he  had  Elizabeth  Nov.  2,  1683  ;  Thomas  Aug.  26, 1686,  who  is 
afterwards  called  Jr.  whilst  his  uncle  Thos.  is  called  Sr. ;  Abigail  May  26, 
1689;  and  John  Sept.  11,  1692.  —  William,  the  2d  son  of  Thomas  1st, 
named  above,  m.  Sarah  Vincent  July,  1653,  and  had  Mary  1654  ;  Stephen 
._  1657  ;  Philip  1659  ;  James  1662  ;  Thomas  1665  ;  John  1668  ,  and  Benj. 
1670.  He  is  said  to  have  removed  to  Barnstable  in  1670,  and  to  have  d. 
in  Rochester  1694.  —  Stephen,  s.  of  Will,  who  went  to  Be.,  m.  Ann 
Saunders  Ap.  27,  1696,  and  had  Mary  Aug.  24,  1696  ;  a  son  Dec.  23,  1698, 
who  d.  soon ;  Abigail  May  13,  1699  ;  Content  Feb.  5,  1701  ;  Ann  Mar.  3, 
1703;  Sarah  June  1,  1705;  Stephen  July  26,  1707;  Mercy  July  5,  1709; 
Mu'iam,  Mar.  8,  1712;  and  Cornelius  Mar.  21,  1714.  James,  sup.  to  be 
s.  of  Will.,  in  his  will  June  18,  1697,  mentions  his  w.  Elizabeth  and  dr. 
Elizabeth,  and  "  dr,  if  the  last  be  a  dr.,  or  if  son,"  &c.,  and  names  "  Capt. 
Seth  Tope,  Thos.  Dexter,  and  Benj.  Dexter,  my  dear  brethren,  guardians  " 
to  his  cMdren.  —  The  name  disappears  from  S.,  but  became  common  in 
Rochester,  and  in  R.  Island. 


80  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1G88,  the  pastoral  office  of  the  Rev.  John  Smith, 
terminated  at  his  own  request.  As  the  church  records 
previous  to  the  ordination  of  his  successor  are  lost,  it 
has  been  impossible  to  give,  hitherto,  full  and  authentic 
statistics  of  ecclesiastical  proceedings.  Mr.  Smith  had 
already  continued  to  hold  office  one  year  since  he  first 
urged  a  request  to  be  released ;  being  pressed  thereto 
by  the  advice  of  an  ecclesiastical  council.  The  church 
had  not  yet  recovered  from  the  sad  state  into  which  it 
had  been  thrown  by  the  religious  dissensions  of  the 
last  thirty  years.  The  active  male  members  of  the 
church,  it  is  said,  now  numbered  but  five,  besides  Mr. 
Smith,  viz.  James  Skiff,  Thomas  Tupper,  Thomas  Tobey, 
Jacob  Burge,  and  "William  Bassett.  Mr.  Smith  was 
already  a  man  '  well  stricken  in  years,'  having  consider- 
ably passed  the  *  age  allotted  to  man,'  ^  and  during  his 
entire  pastorate  had  painful  experience  of  the  difficul- 
ties that  are  the  unavoidable  inheritance  of  the  min- 
ister whose  lot  is  cast  in  the  midst  of  party  strife. 

^  He  was  now  74  years  of  age  ;  and  yet  he  sur\dvecl  many,  we  trust,  hap- 
pier and  less  perplexing.  That  part  of  the  obituary  record  that  mentions 
his  decease,  is  so  worn  and  mutilated  that,  for  many  yrs.  the  last  figures  of 
dates  occurring  near  the  margin  of  the  pages  are  eutu'ely  illegible.  "  Mr. 
John  Smith  died  Oct.  2,  17 — ,"  is  all  that  is  recoverable.  We  think  there 
is  good  reason,  from  the  surroundings,  to  add  a  unit  to  the  date  which  looks 
like  171-.  He  evidently  died  at  a  great  age,  and  had  probably  been  long 
disabled  by  the  weight  of  years.  —  Our  attention  has  been  called  by  J. 
Wingate  Thornton  Esq.,  of  Boston  —  one  of  the  most  keen-sighted  and 
accurate  historical  observers  of  the  day — to  a  deposition  taken  for  probate, 
which  may  be  supposed  to  settle  the  question  in  respect  to  the  origin  and 
date  of  birth  of  this  venerable  Sandwich  minister.  It  appears  from  this 
document,  that  the  father  of  Rev.  Mr.  S.  was  Thomas  Smith  of  Brins- 
pittae,  about  5  m.  from  Dorchester  in  Dorsetshire.  The  deposition  is  that 
of  the  son  himself,  "John,  now,  Feb.  8,  1651,  in  Barnstable,  New  Plym- 
outh Colony.  The  sd.  John,  only  son  and  heir,  supposeth  his  age  about 
37,  it  being,  next  May,  21  yrs.  since  he  came  out  from  England."  He,  i.  e. 
the  sd.  John,  "  had  sisters  in  England,  viz.  Hannah  and  Tumson."  He 
must,  then,  have  come  over  in  1630,  at  the  age  of  16,  having  been  b.  in 
1614.  He  was  in  Barnstable  early,  for  he  was  betrothed  to  Susanna 
Hinckley  in  1642,  and  married  in  1643.  He  joined  the  Barnstable  church 
Oct.  13,  1644,  and  is  iirst  mentioned  in  the  S.  records  in  1676.  —  His 
children  were  :  Samuel,  b.  Ap.  1644  ;  Sarah,  May  1645  ;  Eben  Oct.  1646  ; 
Mary,  Nov.  1647  ;  Dorcas,  Aug.  1650  ;  John,  buried  1651 ;  Shubael,  Nov. 
1653  ;  John,  Sept.  1656  ;  Benj.,  Jan.  7,  1658  ;  Ichabod,  Jan.  7,  1660 ; 
Elizabeth,  Feb.  1662  ;  Thomas,  Feb.  1664 ;  and  Joseph,  Dec.  6,  1667. 


ANNALS    OF    SANDWICH.  81 

Early  this  year,  "  an  invitation  was  given  to  Mr. 
Pierpont  of  Roxbury  to  preach,"  whose  ministrations 
were  highly  acceptable,  and  whom  the  people  would 
gladly  have  received  as  their  pastor  j^  but,  after  offici- 
ating here  some  time,  he  felt  constrained  to  accept  a 
call  in  another  direction.^ 

In  1689,  Stephen  Skiff  was  authorized  to  solemnize  marriages 
in  Sandwich. 

In  1690,  Sept.  19,  lands  were  set  apart  for  the  use  of  the  minis- 
try in  Sandwich  —  "for  such  as  shall  be  here  called  and  settled 
by  a  major  j)art  of  the  inhabitants." 

In  1691,  March  11,  an  invitation  to  Mr.  Roland  Cot- 
ton was  extended  to  continue  his  labors  temporarily, 
and  subsequently  he  was  elected  to  the  pastoral  office.^ 
It  was  voted,  Oct.  3,  that  certain  lands  "  be  given  to 
Rev.  Roland  Cotton  —  to  be  held  by  him,  his  heirs  and 
assigns  forever  if  he  remain  among  us  until  God  take  him 
away  by  death  or  otherwise  :  provided,  however,  if  he 

^  Mr.  Fessenden's  notes  say,  "  He  left  an  excellent  character  among  us, 
and  the  aged  that  remember  his  ministry  mention  it  with  great  affection 
and  applause." 

^  The  '  Diary'  of  Mr.  Pierpont  who  was  b.  in  Roxbury  1665,  grad.  H.  C. 
1685,  and  set.  at  Reading  1689,  says  :  "  Ap.  26, 1688, 1  had  a  call  to  preach 
at  Sandwich,  and  on  the  29th  went  there  accompanied  by  Elder  Chipman. 
May  5,  a  public  Fast,  appointed  by  reason  of  sore  drought:  when  the  after- 
noon exercise  began,  God  sent  a  plenteous  rain.  May  9,  returned  fm.  S. 
to  my  father's.  Aug.  8,  went  to  S.  according  to  promise  and  continued 
there  a  month.  The  people  were  very  desirous  of  my  settlement  among 
them ;  but  I  kept  myself  free  from  any  engagement,  as  my  friends  coun- 
selled me.  Sept.  5,  returned  to  my  father's  house.  .  .  .  Received  a  call 
to  Reading  ;  was  in  a  great  strait  and  knew  not  which  way  to  move.  .  I  had 
inclined  to  go  to  Sandwich,  first  because  I  saw  there  Avas  an  opportunity  to 
do  service  for  Christ  m  that  place ;  second,  the  generality  of  the  people, 
except  Quakers,  were  desirous  of  my  coming  among  them  ;  third,  the  young 
men  in  the  place  were  in  danger  of  being  drawn  away  by  the  Quakers  if  a 
minister  was  not  speedily  settled  among  them.  Some  counselled  me  to  go  to 
Sandwich  —  others  to  Reading.  My  honored  father  was  averse  to  my  going 
to  S."  —  The  elements  of  strife  were  probably  not  yet  quiet.  Mr.  Fessen- 
den  relates  proof  of  a  proselyting  spirit  during  the  ministry  of  Mr.  Smith ; 
citing  the  name  of  one,  "  a  member  of  the  church,  proselyted  to  the  Qua- 
kers by  one  John  Stubbs." 

^  It  does  not  appear  that  Mr.  Cotton  was  regularly  inducted  to  the  pas- 
torate for  some  time.  Mr.  Fessenden  intimates  that  there  were  some 
obstacles  m  the  way,  but  does  not  define.  He  says  Mr.  Cotton  was  received 
a  member  of  the  church,  and  appointed  to  be  leader  in  church  affairs  —  to 
examine  and  receive  new  members,  &c. 

VOL.   II.  11 


82  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

die  without  issue,  or  if  he  remove  to  better  himself, 
the  said  lands  shall  revert  to  the  town."  Mr.  Cotton's 
name  was  entered  as  townsman  Oct.  8. 

The  following  other  persons  were  admitted  townsmen  ;  viz. 

John  Allen  Jr.,  Chris.  GifFord,  Saml.  Perry  Jr., 

Nathan  Barlow,  Saml.  Gifford,  Jona.  Tobey, 

John  Chipman  Jr.,  Joseph  Hoxie,  Israel  Tupper, 

Edw.  Dillingham,  Zeth.  Jenkins,^  Danl.  Wing  Jr., 

Mord.  Ellis,  Rd.  Landers,  Benoni  Young. 

Israel  Gaunt,^  Oliver  Norris,^ 

In  1692,  liberty  of  conscience  being  assured  by  the 
Charter,  church-membership  was  no  longer  a  requisite 
for  civil  distinction. — Several  important  additions  were 
made  to  the  church  this  year ;  *  and,,  Aug.  30,  the  church 
renewed  their  election  of  Mr.  Cotton. 

In  1693,  it  was  voted  by  the  town,  to  give  to  Rev.  Mr.  Cotton 
"  to  improve  so  long  as  he  continues  here  in  the  ministry,  the 
small  neck  lying  between  the  two  runs  of  water."  —  It  was  voted 
"  to  engage,  and  pay  from  the  treasury  for,  a  man  to  take  care  of 
the  town's  sheep,  and  to  erect  two  cottages  near  the  sheep-pasture, 
for  the  shepherds."  —  The  town  was  this  year  in  controversy  with 
the  sheriff  of  the  county,  "  he  having  seized  in  right  of  the  Crown 
two  whales  on  shore  at  Town-ISTeck."  ^ 

'  We  are  unable  to  give  any  satisfactory  account  of  the  Gaunt  family ; 
they  were  numbered  among  the  Quakers,  and  finally  the  name  disappears 
from  the  records. 

^  Mr.  Jenkins  had  a  large  family  in  this  town,  but  what  relation  he  bore 
to  others  of  the  name  who  preceded  him  we  are  unable  to  say.  These  also 
were  found  among  the  Friends,  and  their  representatives  may  doubtless  be 
found  in  other  towns. 

^  Mr.  Oliver  Nokris  had  by  his  w.  Margery,  Benj.  Mar.  11,  1695-6; 
Samuel  Mar.  20,  1698-9 ;  John  July  2,  1710.  The  records  do  not  show 
consecutive  generations  of  the  name.  Their  record  is  prob.  to  be  found 
chiefly  in  Plym. 

■*  "  They  received  to  their  number  Mr.  Samuel  Prince,  May  1,  by  letter 
of  dismission  from  the  church  at  Hull,  and  Mr.  Elisha  Bourne  at  the  same 
time.  Mr.  Shearj.  Bourne  was  propounded  Sept.  4,  and  ad.  Se^Jt.  18.  The 
male  members  were  now  10  in  number,  and  the  female  12." 

*  The  settlers,  in  early  times  of  the  Colony,  regarded  it  an  object  of 
great  importance  to  encourage  the  raising  of  sheep.  In  1633  it  was  enacted 
that  "  no  sheep  shall  be  sold  out  of  the  Colony  "  under  a  penalty  involving 
the  forfeiture  of  their  value.  At  the  above  date,  and  long  after,  large 
tracts  were  devoted  as  "  sheep-pastures  "  and  shepherds  were  appointed. 
The  above  order  was  taken  in  regard  to  "  the  sheep  to  be  kept  on  the 
plains." 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  83 

In  1694,  Nov.  28,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cotton  was  ordained.^ 
In  1695,  Richd.  Allen  and  Timo.  Bourne  were  ad.  townsmen. 
—  "  The  town  did  give  to  those  of  their  neighbors  called  Quakers, 
half  an  acre  of  ground  for  a  burial-place,  on  the  hill  above  the 
Canoe  Swamp  between  the  ways."  —  "  Liberty  was  gr.  to  Elisha 
Bourne  to  set  up  a  grist-mill  upon  Herring  River,  provided  the 
toll  shall  not  exceed  2  qts.  pr.  bu."  —  "  Voted  to  give  back  to  Mr. 
Elisha  Bourne  and  to  John  Gifford,  one  half  the  money  they  lately 
paid  for  not  going  out  when  impressed  in  his  Majesty's  ser- 
vice."—  "Ordered  that  no  Indians  shall  settle  upon  any  part  of 
the  town's  commons  within  two  miles  of  the  country-road." — Cer- 
tain Indians  were  paid  £1.10  "for  the  heads  of  three  wolves."  — 
"  Ordered  that  4  d.  per  M.  be  paid  the  town's  agent  for  catching 
the  town's  herrings."  —  And,  "for  the  schoolmaster,"  £10  was 
appropriated  "  the  present  year." 

In  1696,  it  was  "  ordered,  taking  into  serious  consideration  the 
great  necessity  of  making  provision  for  the  comfortable  support 
of  the  Rev.  Roland  Cotton  now  pastor  of  the  church  and  dispenser 
of  the  word  of  God  here,  no  suitable  provision  being  yet  made  in 
that  respect;  that  £80  be  assessed  to  be  pd.  to  him  Nov.  1,  annu- 
ally :  provided,  however,  that  he  shall  make  void  the  agreement 
of  individuals  with  himself  for  his  maintenance,  and  that  he  shall 
remit  yearly  the  proportion  of  all  those  neighbors  generally  called 
Quakers." 

In  1697,  it  was  "  ordered  that  the  Indians'  land  at  Weekepoh 
be  divided  from  the  town's  lands ;  also  that  a  com.  treat  with 
Indian  Ned  for  lands  beyond  Herring  River." 

In  1699,  " the  Grammar  Schoolmaster"  was  voted  £10  ;  "  he  to 
teach  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic." 

In  1700,  it  was  "  ordered  that  the  selectmen  see  that  the  meet- 
ing-house is  ground-pinned  and  the  windows  mended."  —  Towns- 
men admitted  were 

John  Blackwell,  Gideon  Hoxie,  Eben.  Wing, 

Nathan  Bourne,  Saml.  PeiTy  Jr.,  Jashub  Wing. 

Joseph  Holway,  Jireh  Swift, 

Mr.  Thos.  Smith  d.  this  year,  Dec.  9.     He  was  town-treasurer.^ 

'  Mr.  Fessenden's  letter  has  it,  "Nov.  28,  1694,  after  much  discussion 
and  trouble,  the  Rev.  Mr.  C.  was  ord.  by  laying  on  the  hands  of  Revs. 
John  Cotton  Jr.,  Ichabod  Wiswall,  and  Jona.  Russell.  Cotton  gave  the 
charge,  and  Wiswall  the  right  hand  of  fellowship." 

^  Mr.  Thomas  Smith,  b.  1664,  was  the  8th  s.  of  Rev.  John  Smith.  By 
his  wife  Abigail  who  m.  2d  Col.  Melatiah  Bom-ne,  he  had  Samuel  Jan.  18, 


84  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1701,  the  sum  of  £10  was  raised  "to  pay  James  Battersby 
the  schoolmaster  in  the  S.  E.  end  of  the  town." — "John  Bradford, 
and  Wm.  Shurtleff,  two  of  the  selectmen  of  Plyra.,  and  James  War- 
ren agent ;  with  Wm.  Bassett  and  Dan.  Allen,  selectmen  of  Sand- 
wich, being  app.  to  settle  the  bounds  between  the  two  towns,  met 
and  agreed  upon  the  same,  April  9."  ^  —  In  like  manner,  "  Jam^s 

1688-9;  John  Feb.  7,  1689-90;  Thomas  Dec.  25,  1691;  Isaac  Feb.  11, 
1693-4 ;  Abigail  Jan.  17,  1695-6 ;  Rebecca  Nov.  7,  1697  who  m.  Rev. 
Benj.  Fessenden,  Oct.  18,1724;  and  Shubael  Nov.  20,1699.  —  Samuel, 
the  eldest,  m.  Bethia  Chipman  Oct.  6,  1717  and  had  Thomas  Sept.  7,  1718 ; 
Samuel  Feb.  19,  1720 ;  Abigail  Dec.  16,  1722  who  m.  Saml.  Thaxter  of 
Hing.  Aug,  18,  1743  ;  Bethia  Dec.  10,  1724  who  m.  Thos.  Loring  of  Hing. 
June  2,  1743;  Mary  May  18,  1727  who  m.  Calvin  Gay  Esq.  of  Hing.  Ap. 
2,  1752 ;  John  Sept.  12,  1729  ;  Rebecca  July  19,  1731  who  m.  Elisha  Bis- 
by  of  Pemb'foke  Aug.  2,  1750  ;  Shubael  June  10,  1733  who  d.  1751 ;  Ste- 
phen May  30,  1739  who  d.  early ;  Deborah  May  6,  1737  ;  Stephen  May  30, 
1739 ;  Lucy  and  Lydia,  geminse,  Nov.  3,  1741,  the  first  of  whom  d.  se.  3 
weeks,  and  the  other  m.  Joseph  Loring  of  Hing.  Oct.  27,  1763.  —  The 
eldest  of  this  last  family,  Dr.  Thomas  Esq.,  studied  his  profession  in  Hing., 
and  there  m.  Sarah  Gushing  dr.  of  Danl. ;  after  her  d.  he  m.  2d,  Martha 
(Mayhew)  Parker  wid.  of  Sylvs.  of  F.  and  then  removed  to  Woods  Hole ; 
and  3d,  Rachel  (Doane)  Bacon  wid.  of  Judge  B.  of  Barnstable,  and  dr.  of' 
Isaiah  Doane  of  Wellfieet.  Issue  :  Deborah  July  8,  1739  b.  in  Hing.  and  d. 
Feb.  1,  1748-9  ;  Lydia  Jan.  23,  1740-1,  b.  in  this  town  ;  Thomas  Jr.  Jan. 
25,  1742-3  ;  Sarah  Dec.  3,  1744,  who  m.  Neh.  Webb  Dec.  30,  1762 ;  Sam- 
uel Nov.  11,  1746  ;  Percy  Sept.  25,  1748;  Deborah  Dec.  14,  1750,  who  m. 
Nathl.  Swift  of  F.;  Shubael  Dec.  4,  1752;  Daniel  Sept.  27,  1754;  Bethia 
Sept.  22,  1756,  who  m.  Ichabod  Hatch  of  F. ;  Gushing  Aug.  6, 1758,  who  m. 
a  dr.  of  Rev.  John  Smith  of  Danbury,  Gt.  and  had  Lydia  who  now  resides  at 
F. ;  and,  by  2d  m.,  Martha  who  m.  Galvin  Morse  of  F.  —  Stephen  Esq.,  b. 
1739,  s.  of  Samuel,  m.  Deborah  EUis  Dec.  23, 1762,  and  had  Stephen  Nov.  6, 
1763  ;  Deborah  Feb.  22, 1766,  who  m.  Gol.  Joseph  WaUis  Jr. ;  Wm.  EUis  Dec. 
8,  1767  ;  Samuel  Dec.  28, 1769  ;  Joseph  Otis  Jan.  31, 1772,  all  in  this  town; 
when,  removing  to  Machias,  he  had  Jane,  Lydia,  Eliza.  Otis,  and  George 
Stilman.  Mr.  Smith  was  a  man  of  much  note,  and  d.  in  M.  Sept.  29,  1806. 
—  We  might  write  volumes  containing  genealogical  and  other  interesting 
data  of  the  different  branches  of  the  descendants  of  Rev.  John  Smith ;  but 
we  must  be  content  with  brevity.  We  cannot  forbear,  however,  out  of 
respect  for  that  most  excellent  and  very  intelligent  lady,  the  late  Bethia  Smith 
(who  taught  us  the  very  first  rudiments,  from  Webster's  Spelling-book)  to 
make  record  of  the  family  of  her  father,  Capt.  Samuel,  b.  1746,  who  was 
s.  of  Dr.  Thomas  Smith,  and  d.  June  17,  1809.  By  his  m.  with  Mercy 
Sears  Oct.  24,  1773,  he  had  Mehitable  July  22,  1774,  who  m.  Jireh  Phin- 
ney  of  Machias;  Deborah  Ap.  10,  1777;  Bethia  July  10,  1781,  who  d. 
1856  ;  Mercy  Sept.  23,  1783  ;  and  Samuel  July  31,  1786. 

^  "  Beginning  at  the  Picket-Clift  by  the  Sea-side  ;  thence  running  S.  W. 
a  little  more  westerly  by  marked  range-trees  to  a  rock  on  the  westerly  side 
of  Herring  Pond  about  two  rods  from  its  mouth ;  thence  running  on  a 
straight  line  to  a  marked  pine  tree  standing  near  the  southerly  end  of  the 
Little  Pond  below  the  dwelling-house  of  John  Gibbs  Jr. ;  and  thence  on  a 
straight  line  to  a  marked  pine  tree  standing  by  the  fence  of  the  meadow  of 
Benj.  Gibbs  by  the  Red  Brook,  and  so  runs  rounding  up  as  the  fence  of  sd. 
meadow  runs  to  sd.  brook,  and  so  is  bounded  by  this  brook  unto  the  Bay 
or  salt  water." 


ANNALS    OP   SANDWICH. 


85 


Gorhara  and  Ebenr  Lewis,  selectmen  of  Barnstable,  and  Wm.  Bas- 
sett,  John  Smith,  and  Dan.  Allen,  selectmen  of  this  town,  with  the 
help  of  Maj.  John  Thacher  of  Barnstable,"  determined  the  bounds 
between  their  respective  towns,  May  19.^  —  And"Thos.  Bour- 
man  and  Melatiah  Bourne,  selectmen  of  Sackonesset,  alias  Falm., 
and  John  Smith  and  Wm.  Bassett,  selectmen  of  Sandwich,  met 
and  settled  the  bounds  between  these  two  towns."  ^ 

In  1702,  the  town  gave  to  Rev.  Roland  Cotton  "  all  such  drift- 
whales  as  shall,  during  the  time  of  his  ministry  in  Sandwich,  be 
driven  or  cast  ashore  within  the  limits  of  the  town,  being  such  as 
shall  not  be  killed  with  hands."  —  It  was  voted  "  to  enlarge  and 
repair  the  meeting-house,  the  expense  not  to  exceed  £  50."  —  A 
list  of  the  freemen,  as  ordered  June  25,  was : 


John  Allen  Sr., 
John  Allen  Jr., 
Rich.  Allen, 
Wm.  Allen, 
John  Barlow, 
Nathan  Barlow, 
Wm.  Bassett, 
Neh.  Bessie, 
John  Blackwell, 
Josh.  Blackwell, 
Mich.  Blackwell, 
Elisha  Bourne, 
Nathan  Bourne, 
Shearj.  Bourne, 
Timo.  Bourne, 
Jacob  Burge, 


Dan.  Butler, 
John  Chipman, 
Roland  Cotton, 
Edw.  Dillingham, 
Hy.  Dillingham, 
John  Dillingham, 
Matthias  Ellis, 
Mord.  Ellis, 
John  Fish, 
Edm.  Freeman  Sr., 
Edm.  Freeman  Jr., 
Benj.  Gibbs, 
John  Gibbs, 
Saml.  Gibbs, 
Thos.  Gibbs, 
John  Gifford, 


Saml.  Gifford, 
Rd.  Handy, 
Joseph  Holway, 
Gid.  Hoxie, 
Lud.  Hoxie, 
John  Jennings, 
Saml.  Knott, 
Saml.  Lawrence, 
_01iver  Norris, 
Benj.  Nye, 
Caleb  Nye, 
Jona.  Nye, 
John  Nye, 
Nathan  Nye, 
Edw.  Perry, 
Ezra  Perry  Sr., 


'  "  Beginning  at  a  great  stone  set  in  the  ground  below  and  near  the  dwell- 
ing-house of  Jedediah  Jones  by  an  old  stump,  and  thence  running  down  to 
the  sea  by  a  N.  E.  line  as  two  stakes  are  set  up  in  the  meadow  ranging 
with  sd.  great  stone  5  and  then  running  up  from  sd.  stone  on  a  S.  "VV.  line 
as  the  line  was  now  run  by  Maj.  Thacher  5  miles  up  into  the  woods  unto  a 
pine  tree  marked  on  four  sides,  standing  near  to  and  on  the  northerly  side 
of  the  path  that  leads  from  the  dwelling-house  of  Shearj.  Bourne  Esq.  unto 
the  house  of  John  Goodspeed  above  a  deep  bottom  that  hath  a  hole  of 
water  in  it ;  sundry  range-trees  being  marked  and  some  heaps  of  stones 
laid  in  the  range." 

^  "  Beginning  at  the  spring  near  the  dwelling-house  of  Robert  Lawrence, 
called  Hope's  Spring,  and  thence  running  on  an  easterly  straight  line  unto 
the  middlemost  of  three  pine  trees  that  stand  on  the  S.  E.  side  of  the  cart- 
way that  leads  from  Sandwich  to  Falmouth  a  little  above  a  small  pond  or 
hole  of  water  that  is  between  Ashimuet  Pond,  so  called,  and  sd.  cart-way, 
which  sd.  pine  tree  is  marked  on  four  sides  ;  and  from  that  marked  pine 
tree  to  run  on  the  same  straight  line  to  the  Christian  Indians'  land." 


86  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

John  Perry,  Eph.  Swift,  Israel  Tujjper, 

Saml.  Perry,  Jireh  Swift,  Thos.  Tupper  Sr., 

Saml.  Prince,  Wm.  Swift,  Danl,  Wing, 

Sam,  Sanderson,  Gershom  Tobey,  Ebenr.  Wing, 

Steph.  Skiff,^  Jona.  Tobey,  John  Wing, 

Benj.  Smith,  John  Tobey,  *   Nathl.  Wing. 

John  Smith  Sr.,  Nathan  Tobey,  Sheaij.  Wing, 

John  Smith  Jr.,  Saml.  Tobey,  Steph.  Wing. 

Shubael  Smith,  Thos.  Tobey, 

In  1703,  it  was  voted  to  appropriate  £200  "to  build  a  new 
meeting-house  if  found  necessary."  —  Townsmen  ad.  this  year : 

Danl.  Allen,  John  Landers,  Saml.  Swift, 

John  Bodfish,  Benj.  Peny,  Eldad  Tupper. 

Ezra  Bourne,  John  Pope, 

In  1704,  Mr.  Battersby  was  still  teaching  for  £10  per  annum. 
—  It  was  "ordered  that  £3  be  paid  above  what  is  allowed  by  the 
Province  law,  for  every  grown  wolf,  and  15  s.  for  every  wolf's 
whelp,  if  killed  within  the  town's  limits."  —  The  inscription  upon 
a  grave-stone  in  the  old  burial-ground  indicates  a  shipwreck  this 
year,  near  by.^  —  Zach.  Jenkins  was  ad.  townsman. 

In  1705,  the  bounds  between  this  town  and  Marshpee  were  set- 
tled ;  "  Caleb  Popmit,  Acapesko,  Old  John,  Sunkation,  and  Caleb 
Pognit,  agents  of  the  South-sea  Indians  of  Mashbe,  and  Shearj. 
Bourne,  Wm.  Bassett,  Matthias  Ellis,  and  Hy.  Dillingham,  agents 
for  this  town,"  being  app.  to  run  the  line.^ 

*  He  was  s.  of  Mr.  James  Skiff,  one  of  ths  earliest  settlers  of  the  town, 
who  by  his  w.  Mary  who  d.  Sept.  21,  1673,  had  James  Sept.  12,  1638  who 
removed  to  the  Vineyard ;  Stephen  Ap.  14,  1641 ;  Nathl.  Mar.  20,  1645 ; 
Sarah  Oct.  12,  1646  ;  Bathsheba  Ap.  20,  1648 ;  Mary  Mar.  25,  1650 ;  Pa- 
tience Mar.  25,  1652 ;  Benj.  Nov.  15,  1655 ;  and  Nathan  May  16,  1658, 
who  prob.  went  to  Chilmark.  —  Stephen  Esq.,  by  his  w.  Lydia  who  d.  a 
wid.  Mar.  17,  1713,  had  Abigail  May  2,  1666;  Deborah  July  14,  1668; 
Mary  Nov.  13,  1671  ;  and  Stephen  Feb.  4,  1685. 

^  Here  lyes  y^  body  of  Capt.  Peter  Adolph  of  New  Yorke  aged  48  years, 
who  dyed  by  shipwreck  in  this  bay,  y^  16th  of  March  1702-3  and  was 
washed  on  shoare  3  miles  below  this  towne. 

^  "Beginning  at  a  pine  tree  marked  on  four  sides,  standing  near  to  and 
on  the  northerly  side  of  the  path  that  leads  from  the  now  dwelling  house 
of  Shearj.  Bourne  Esq.  unto  the  house  of  John  Goodspeed  above  the  deep 
bottom  that  hath  a  hole  of  water  in  it,  sundry  trees  being  marked  from  the 
aforesaid  tree  northeasterly  to  a  red-oak  sapling  standing  at  the  northerly 
end  of  Wakpah  Field,  marked  on  two  sides,  with  stones  about  it,  near  the 
cart-way  that  leads  from  Sandwich  to  the  house  of  Shearj.  Bourne  Esq. ; 
from  the  above  red-oak  sapling  to  run  westerly  to  the  road  that  leads  from 
Sandwich  to  Falmouth,  leaving  the  southernmost  branch  of  Peter's  Pond 
to   the   northward;  then   southerly  as  the  road  leads  from  Sandwich  to 


•  ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  87 

In  1706,  "  a  purchase  was  made  by  the  town  of  lands,  of  Zach- 
ariah  Sias,  Indian  —  a  tract  at  Herring  River,  on  the  W.  side  of 
the  Kne  run  between  the  town  and  Indians'  lands ; "  and  it  was 
"  ordered  that  in  laying  out  and  dividing  lands  lying  in  common, 
one  share  shall  be  reserved  for  the  use  forever  of  such  as  shall 
hereafter  be  employed  here  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  by  the 
major  part  of  the  inhabitants."  —  Mr.  Elisha  Boubne,  s.  of  Mr. 
Rd,,  d.  this  year ;  also  Mr.  Thos.  Tupper  Sr. 

In  1707,  "  a  further  division  was  made  of  the  40  acre  lots."  — 
Leave  was  granted  to  certain  persons  "to  box  and  milk  two 
thousand  j^ine  trees,  for  two  yrs,,  £2  to  be  pd.  to  the  town  for 
the  use."  —  An  appropriation  of  £20  was  made  to  secure  the 
services  of  Mr.  Thos.  Prince  "  to  instruct  the  children  in  reading, 
writing,  arithmetic,  and  Latin,"  and  provision  was  made  that  "  they 
who  send  shall  pay  £10  more."^  —  The  sum  of  4  s.  per  day  was 
fixed  upon  as  "the  pay  of  the  town's  representatives  in  Gen. 
Court."  —  The  town  engaged  to  pay  for  wolves  £4  "  in  addition 
to  what  is  provided  by  law." 

In  1708,  it  was  "  agreed  in  town-meeting  that  the  person  who 
takes  care  of  the  meeting-house  shall  ring  the  bell."  And  further 
—  probably  in  consequence  of  representations  made  to  the  Gen. 
Ct.  and  its  action  on  the  same  —  that  in  future  Mr.  Cotton  shall 
have  £70  pr.  annum,  and  £20  for  fire-wood  and  to  enable  him  to 
fence  the  ministerial  lands." 

In  1709,  "  the  sum  of  £20  and  his  diet"  was  voted  to  the  school- 
master, "  he  to  board  round." 

In  1710,  Mr.  Samuel  Jennings  was  the  school-master.  He  was 
voted  £20,  and  it  was  provided  "that  those  who  send  shall  pay 
additional  and  board."  ^  —  It  was  "  voted  to  raise  the  window  seats 

Falm.  aforesaid  till  it  comes  to  a  pine  tree  standing  at  the  westerly  side  of 
Ashimuet  Pond  which  is  the  bound  between  the  towns  of  Falmouth  and 
Sandwich  ;  the  Indians  to  have,  hold  and  enjoy  all  the  lands  to  the  south- 
ward and  eastward  of  the  abovesaid  line  forever  ;  and  the  town  of  Sand- 
wich to  have,  hold  and  enjoy  all  the  lands  lying  northward  and  westward 
of  the  abovesaid  bounds." 

^  It  may  be  unnecessary  to  remark  that  Mr.  Prince  to  whom  reference  is 
here  made,  was  the  same  who  afterwards  became  the  minister  of  the  Old 
South  Church  in  Boston  —  the  noted  author  of  the  Ncav  England's  Annals. 

*  It  is  impossible,  after  much  investigation,  to  give  so  satisfactory  ac- 
count as  we  would  wish,  of  the  Jennings  family.  Mitchell  says,  "  Rd. 
put  himself  apprentice  to  Rt.  Bartlett  of  Plym.  1635  for  9  yrs. ; "  also  that 
Ed.  of  Bridgw.  had  a  legacy  in  Frs.  Godfrey's  will  1666,  and  was  called 
"  kinsman  by  Wm.  Bassett  Jr.  of  Sandwich  1694 ;  "  and  he  supposes  "  that 
Rd.  who  d.  in  B.  1751,  perhaps  from  Sandwich,  and  whose  Avife  was 
Mary  Bassett  who  d.  1734,  was  from  the  above."  Mr.  Savage  says,  "Rich- 
ard was  some  time  in  Sandwich."  Mr.  Baylies  says,  "  Samuel  came  from 
Eng.,  a  town  called  Bennister,  and  settled  in  Sandwich ;  had  a  bro.  who 


88  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

of  tlie  west  gallery  of  the  meeting-house."  —  Also  "  voted  to  grant 
liberty  to  Mr.  Nathaniel  Otis  to  set  a  house  on  the  commons  near 
Peter  Newcomb's  —  somewhere  between  scl.  Newcomb's  house 
and  the  mill."  ^ 

sailed  out  of  Eng.,  a  captain  in  the  merchant-service  ;  and  that,  after  the 
decease  of  that  brother,  Samuel  went  to  Eng.  to  recover  thi  estate,  but  was 
impressed  on  board  a  ship  of  war,  and  in  attempting  to  escape  in  one  of 
the  W.  India  ports  lost  a  hand  and  foot  —  bitten  off  by  a  shark ; "  and 
that  he  was  then  "  19  yrs.  of  age."  All  this  is  very  circumstantial,  and 
chiefly  correct ;  for,  on  referring  to  Hon.  Francis  Bassett  who  is  a  lineal 
descendant  from  this  Samuel  Jennings  Esq.,  we  learn  that  the  escape  from 
a  man-of-war  by  swimming  and  the  loss  of  Hmbs  consequent  upon  it,  were 
not  only  subject  of  family  tradition,  but  he  recollects  having  had  in  his  pos- 
session a  published  account  of  the  adventure,  as  communicated  by  Mr.  Jen- 
nings to  Rev.  Dr.  Stillman.  —  From  the  Sandwich  records,  we  find  that  Mr. 
John  Jennings  is  mentioned  in  the  list  of  freemen  in  1702  ;  and  that,  by 
his  wife  Susanna,  his  children  Avere  a  daughter  (name  illegible)  b.  Sept. 
17,  1668,  who  prob.  was  Remember  who  m.  Joseph  Buck,  his  2d  wife,  Sept. 
20,  1686;  Anne  b.  8  mo.  17,  1670;  John  3,  12,  1673,  by  wife  Ruhamah; 
a  son,  (name  illeg.,  but)  prob.  Isaac,  July  3,  1677  ;  Elizabeth  Ap.  4,  1680 
who  d.  Sept.  13,  1682;  and  Samuel  Feb.  28,  1684-5.  And  this  last  was, 
doubtless,  the  person  whose  adventures  are  narrated.  If  so,  he  was 
prob.  not  born  in  England  as  has  been  generally  supposed.  The  family 
prob.  came  over  early  ;  and  John  was,  it  is  inferred,  the  mariner  who  d.  in 
the  merchant-service. — Mr.  Samuel  Jennings  probably  devoted  himself 
to  the  acquisition  of  a  superior  education  in  consequence  of  his  being 
maimed.  He  Avas  the  Grammar  School-master  in  1710,  selectman  1712, 
representative  1714,  17,  21,  town  clerk  1721-51,  town  treas.  1719-51,  sur- 
veyor of  lands,  trader,  and  possessed  of  large  estate.  He  m.  Remember 
Smith,  dr.  of  Shubael  and  grand  dr.  of  Rev.  John,  Jan.  20,  1713,  who  d. 
Jan.  25,  1717,  and  then  m.  2d  Deborah  .  .  .  who  d.  Feb.  10,  1753.  He 
d.,  according  to  Baylies,  May  13, 1764,  se.  abt.  80.  His  children  were  Lydia, 
Feb.  6,  1714,  who  m.  Nathan  Bourne  of  Scituate  Sept.  6,  1733,  both  of 
whom  d.  in  Hanover  1739  ;  Ruhamah  May  1,  1716,  a  woman  of  fine  educa- 
tion, who  m.  Elisha  Bassett  Oct.  11,  1739;  Samuel  Sept.  9,  1727;  Esther 
Ap.  29, 1731,  who  m.  Jabez  Tupper  Feb.  14, 1759 ;  and  John  Sept.  3, 1734.  — 
Isaac  m.  1st  Rose  Goodspeed,  July  10, 1700,  who  d.  Dec.  21, 1721,  by  whom 
he  had  Elizabeth  Ap.  12,  1701,  who  m.  Isaac  Howland  May  14,  1719;  Ex- 
perience Mar.  10,  1703,  who  m.  Josiah  Ryder  of  Plym.  Oct.  22,  1722 ;  John 
July  31,  1706  ;  Rose  1710  who  m.  John  Ellis  Jr.  Feb.  4,  1731 ;  Isaac  Ap. 
24,  1714;  Mary  Sept.  1,  1717 ;  Benj.  Dec.  12,  1720;  and  by  2d  m.  to  Han- 
nah, had  Hannah  Ap.  21,  1725  ;  Lois  Feb.  7,  1727  ;  and  Eunice  May  25, 
1729.  —  John,  son  of  Isaac,  m.  Anne  Holway  Oct.  3,  1727,  and  had  Avis 
Ap.  11,  1730.  The  last  two  families  prob.  resided  in  Plym.  County.  — John 
of  Sandwich,  son  of  Mr.  Samuel,  m.  Hannah  Sturgis  Ap.  19,  1759,  and 
had  Deborah  Dec.  7,  1760  ;  Samuel  Nov.  15,  1762,  who  went  to  Maine  and 
m.  Olive  Tupper  in  Winthrop  1785  ;  John  Feb.  9,  1765,  who  also  removed 
to  Me.  ;  Hannah  Aug.  1766 ;  Bathsheba  Aug.  27,  1768 ;  and  Sarah  Ap.  2, 
1770.  The  father  d.  and  the  widow  m.  Dea.  Thos.  Bassett  Mar.  15,  1775.  — 
The  Jennings  family,  long  time  prominent  and  highly  respectable  in  this 
town,  has  become  extinct  here  ;  but  lands  are  still  called  after  their  name. 
The  families  first  mentioned  and  those  recorded  in  S.,  may  have  been  of  the 
same  stock ;  but  the  records  of  Duxbury  Avhich  was  the  parent  town  of 
Bridgewater  having  been  all  destroyed  by  fire  prior  to  1654,  it  is  now  im- 
possible to  determine  with  certainty. 

'  Mr.  Nathaniel  Otis  was  2d  s.  of  Col.  John,  and  bro.  of  Col.  James  1st. 


ANNALS    OF    SANDWICH.  89 

In  1711,  "Mr.  James  Dorr  was  employed  as  a  school-master" 
with  a  salary  of  £20.  —  Mr.  Thomas  Tobey  d.  Jan.  9. 

In  1712,  "Mr.  Samuel  Oshorn  lately  of  Edgartown,  was  em- 
ployed at  a  salary  of  £25;"  and  Mr.  Jennmgs  was  also  "still 
employed."  This  seems  to  have  been  the  dawn  of  an  age  of  im- 
provement in  respect  to  schools. 

In  1713,  it  was  "voted  to  jDay  Mr.  Osborn  £60,  in  bills  of  cred- 
it, per  annum,  for  thi-ee  years ;  he  to  teach  in  addition  to  the  usual 
branches,  Latin  and  Greek,  and  make  three  removes  each  year,  i.  e. 
teaching  in  the  centre  four  months,  in  Scusset  four,  and  in  Spring- 
Hill  four,  each  yr.,  those  who  send  to  jDay  to  the  town  for  pupils 
in  reading  alone  3  s.  per  week,  writing  additional  5  s.,  reading, 
writing,  and  arithmetic  6  s,,  and  Latin  and  Greek  8  s.,  —  children 
from  other  towns  to  be  admitted."  ^  —  A  greater  effort  to  sustain 

'  Mr.  Samuel  Osbokn  is  the  same  gent,  who  was  subsequently  settled 
in  the  ministry  at  Eastham^,  continuing  from  1718  to  1737,  and  who  is 
reported  as  having  d.  long  after  "  in  Boston,  se.  above  90."  He  was  b.  in 
Ireland,  of  Scottish  parents,  and  grad.  Univ.  Dublin.  He  was  a  fine  scholar. 
His  son  John,  b.  in  Sandwich  1713,  grad.  H.  C.  1735,  was  also  a  man  of  fine 
scholastic  attainments.  He  has  been  pronounced  "  a  lively  genius."  Dis- 
playing in  college  "  great  talents  for  mathematical  investigations,"  he 
acquired  also  some  poetic  celebrity.  His  "  whaling  song  "  was  long  famil- 
iar with  seamen,  and  we  present  it  as  a  reminiscence  of  a  Sandwich  boy's 
attempt  to  court  the  Muse  : 

"  When  Spring-  returns  with  western  gales,  And  gentle  breezes  sweep 
The  ruffling  seas,  we  spread  our  sails  To  plow  the  wat'ry  deep ; 
For  killing  northern  whales  prepar'd,  Our  nimble  boats  on  board 
With  craft  and  rum  (our  chief  regard,)  And  good  provisions  stor'd ; 
Cape  Cod,  our  dearest,  native  land,  We  leave  astern,  and  lose 
Its  sinking  cliffs  and  lessening  sands.  Whilst  Zephyr  gently  blows. 
Bold,  hardy  men,  with  bloommg  age,  Our  sandy  shores  produce  ; 
With  monstrous  fish  they  dare  engage.  And  dangerous  callings  choose. 
Now  towards  the  early  dawning  East,  We  speed  our  course  away 
With  eager  minds  and  joyful  hearts,  To  meet  the  rising  day  ; 
Then  as  we  turn  our  wond'ring  eyes.  We  view  one  constant  show : 
Above,  around,  the  circling  skies,  The  rolling  seas  below. 
When  eastward,  clear  of  I^ewfoundland,  We  stem  the  frozen  pole. 
We  see  the  icy  islands  stand.  The  northern  billows  roll. 
As  to  the  North  we  make  our  way.  Surprising  scenes  we  iind  ; 
We  lengthen  out  the  tedious  day,  And  leave  the  night  behind  ; 
We  see  the  nortliern  regions  whei-e  Eternal  winter  reigns, 
One  day  and  night  fills  up  the  year,  And  endless  cold  maintains  ; 
We  view  the  monsters  of  the  deep,  Great  Whales  in  numerous  swarms, 
And  creatures  there  that  play  and  leap,  Of  strange,  unusual  forms. 
When  in  our  station  we  are  placed.  And  whales  around  us  play, 
We  launch  our  boats  into  the  main,  And  swiftly  chase  our  prey. 
In  haste  we  ply  our  nimble  oars,  I'"'or  an  assault  designed  ; 
The  sea  beneath  us  foams  and  roars,  And  leaves  our  wake  behind  ; 
A  mighty  wliale  we  rush  upon,  And  in  our  irons  throw  : 
She  smks  her  monstrous  body  down  Among  the  depths  below  j 
But  when  she  rises  out  again.  We  soon  renew  the  fight. 
Thrust  our  sharp  lances  in  amain,  And  all  her  rage  excite. 
Enraged,  she  makes  a  mighty  bound,  Thick  foams  the  whiten'd  sea, 
The  waves  in  circles  rise  around,  And  wid'nino;  roll  away. 
From  numerous  wounds,  with  crimson  flood  She  stains  the  frothy  seas, 
And  gasps,  and  blows  her  latest  blood.  While  quiv'ring  life  decays. 
With  joyful  hearts  we  see  her  die  And  on  the  surface  lay 
While  all  with  eager  haste  apply  To  save  our  deathful  prey." 

This  song  is  said  to  be  much  excelled  by  his  "  elegy  on  the  death  of  a 
young  sister,"  preserved  in  the  '  Boston  Mirror.'  —  After  completing  his 
VOL.  II.  12 


90  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

schools  of  high  grade,  was  accompanied  by  other  favorable  symp- 
toms ;  an  order  was  passed  directing  the  selectmen  "  to  get  the 
glass  of  the  meeting-house  mended,  shutters  for  the  windows, 
door-latches  mended,  and  provide  a  lock."  An  appropriation  was 
also  made  "  for  a  turret  on  the  meeting-house." 

In  1714,  the  town  had  some  trouble  by  reason  of  discontent 
among  the  Indians  in  regard  to  the  lands  they  had  ceded;  and 
the  selectmen  were  required  to  go  to  Plym.  "  to  defend  the  town's 
title  against  Indian  claims." 

Of  1715,  except  the  decease  of  Mr.  Moedecai  Ellis,  an  aged 
and  respected  citizen,  there  is  nothing  notable.  The  only  inci- 
dent we  can  gather  is  that  "  the  town  was  jDresented  at  the  Court 
of  Sessions  for  not  having  a  pound."  —  And  all  that  we  can  relate 
of  1716  is,  that  Rev.  Mr.  Cotton  was  voted  "the  privilege  of  pas- 
turing his  horse  in  the  burying-ground  —  he  to  fence  it  in,  joining 
each  end  of  the  fence  to  the  mill-jjond." 

In  1717,  the  subject  of  "a  fence  from  Picket  Clift^  to  Way- 
quansett  Bay,  to  keep  the  wolves  from  coming  into  the  county," 
was  agitated,  and  the  plan  was  thought  to  be  highly  important. 
The  town  clerk  was  instructed  "  to  confer  with  the  several  towns 
on  the  Cape  "  to  ascertain  "  if  they  will  respectively  furnish  their 
proportion  of  £  500  to  make  a  good  board  fence  of  more  than 
six  ft.  high  ; "  and  the  clerk  was  directed  to  "  promise  in  behalf 

collegiate  course,  young  Osborn  joined  his  father  in  Eastham,  and  assayed 
a  preparation  for  the  clerical  office.  In  due  time,  he  was  permitted  to 
deliver  his  trial-sermon  before  the  assembled  clergy  of  the  county.  AU 
admitted  that  the  production  was  ingenious,  but  as  unanimously  adjudged 
it  not  i^erfectly  orthodox.  It  should,  in  justice,  be  said  that  the  young  man 
studied  theology  not  from  choice,  but  to  please  his  father  to  whose  aspi- 
rations only  the  result  was  a  disappointment.  The  son  then  turned  his 
attention  to  medicine,  with  greater  success.  He  m.  a  Miss  Doane  of  Chat- 
ham, and  removed  to  Middletown,  Ct.,  where  he  d.  May  31, 1753,  ae.  40.  He 
was  not  only  distinguished  as  a  physician,  but  also  as  a  chemist.  He  had 
six  childi'en,  of  whom  John  b.  Mar.  17,  1741,  was  especially  distinguished, 

f)reeminent  as  a  physician,  and  died  in  Middletown  1825.  A  son  of  this 
ast,  John  C,  b.  1766,  was  the  noted  physician  of  Newbern,  N.  C.  ;  after- 
wards, 1807,  Prof,  of  Med.  in  Columbia  College,  and  subsequently  in  the 
N.  Y.  Col.  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  and  d.  at  the  island  St.  Croix,  1819. 
—  The  tomb-stone  of  the  Dr.  John  b.  in  Sandwich,  stUls  stands  in  the 
ancient  burying-place  at  M.,  and  sheAvs  the  following :  "  Here  is  interred 
the  mortal  remains  of  Doctor  John  Osborn.  Ask  nothing  further,  travel- 
ler ;  nothing  better  can  be  said,  nothing  shorter.  Ob.  31  May,  1753,  JE. 
40.  Life  how  short,  Eternity  how  long  !  "  The  monument  on  which  is 
this  engraving,  had  formerly  a  very  pompous  inscription  furnished  by  one 
of  the  executors  ;  but  when  the  son  came  of  age,  he  had  the  whole  efiaced 
and  the  above  substituted. 

'  We  follow  the  record ;  whether  this  was  the  ancient  name,  or  whether 
Peaked  Cliff  ^as,  intended,  we  are  unable  to  say. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  91 

of  this  town  that  whatever  the  fence  shall  cost  more  than  £  500 
shall  be  borne  by  this  town  alone,"  Falm.  acceded  to  the  propo- 
sition ;  the  rest  declined.  In  this  dilemma,  the  town's  represen- 
tative was  "  instructed  to  apply  to  the  Gen.  Ct.  for  an  Act  requir- 
ing the  towns  below,  in  consideration  of  the  great  destruction  of 
sheep  by  wolves,  to  bear  their  j^art  of  the  exjDense  of  a  fence 
across  the  isthmus,  sufficient  to  exclude  wolves."  It  is  hardly 
necessary  to  say  the  apj^lication  was  unsuccessful.  The  scheme 
was  not  so  visionary  as  many  later  enterprises ;  but  local  interests 
were  supposed  to  conflict.  —  Leave  was  granted  to  sundry  persons 
"  to  set  up  a  saw-mill  upon  the  brook  at  Spring  Hill ; "  to  others 
"to  build  a  dam  across  Scusset  harbor  to  prevent  the  overflow  of 
the  meadows;"^  and  to  others  "to  set  up  a  saw-mill  at  Herring 
River,  somewhere  between  the  grist-mill  and  the  pond's  mouth " 
—  under  certain  restrictions. 

Until  the  year  1718,  large  quantities  of  herring  had  been  taken 
from  the  river,  for  fertilizing  the  soil ;  the  whole  surplus  exceed- 
ing the  quantity  required  for  food :  it  was  now  "  ordered  that  no 
herrings  shall  be  taken  in  future  to  '  fish  corn.' " 

In  1719,  Mr.  Jacob  Burge  died,  Mar.  17.^ 

^  The  remains  of  this  dike  are  yet  to  be  seen.  It  is  not  impossible  or 
improbable  that  the  project  may  be  in  part  revived  at  some  day,  of  closing 
the  entire  meadows  south  of  the  principal  creek,  from  the  action  of  the  sea. 
These  marshes,  if  permitted  to  be  overflowed  in  winter  only,  would  be  of 
great  value  as  cranberry  bogs  ,  or  might  be  converted  into  English  meadows. 

^  Mr.  Jacob  Burge  {Burgess  is,  by  corruption,  the  modern  name)  was 
a  prominent  citizen,  son  of  Mr.  Thomas  Burge  who  was  in  S.  in  1637,  dep- 
uty 1646,  &c.,  and  d.  Feb.  27,  1685,  ce.  82.  Jacob  m.  Mary,  dr.  Benj.  Nye, 
June  1,  1660,  and  had  Samuel  Mar.  8,  1671 ;  Ebenr.  Oct.  2,  1673 ;  Jacob 
Oct.  18,  1676;  and  Thomas  Mar.  29,  1680  ;  perhaps  others.  —  Jacob,  son 
of  Jacob,  by  his  wife  Mary,  had  Zaccheus  Mai*.  9,  1704-5 ;  Jedidah  July 
29,  1706,  who  m.  Thos.  Phillips  of  Dux.  Dec.  4,  1729;  Abia  Ap.  14,  1708 ; 
Abigail  June  29,  1709;  Samuel  Nov.  2,  1711 ;  and  Jacob  Nov.  9,  1715. — 
Zaccheus,  eldest  son  of  Jacob  2d,  by  his  wife  Temperance  who  d.  Dec. 
8,  1748,  had  Josiah  who  removed  to  Fairfield,  Me. ;  Thomas  (called  by  dis- 
tinction "Honest  Tommy")  who  also  went  to  Me.  ;  Elisha  1743;  and 
Jedida  1745,  who  m.  Eleazar  Blackwell  Dec.  8,  1763.  — Elisha,  of  the  last 
family,  m.  Hannah  Nye  of  Falm.,  and  had  Betsey  1774  who  prob.  m. 
Elisha  Gibbs  1797;  Elisha;  Abia  Feb.  11,  1776;  Benjamin  Aug.  26, 
1778  ;  Rebecca  Nov.  22,  1781,  who  m.  Thos.  Ellis;  Hannah  Feb.  6,  1783; 
Jacob  Sept.  19,  1786 ;  Hephzibah  Ap.  5,  1788  Avho  m.  Saml.  Harlow  of 
Mid. ;  and  Anson  Dec.  2,  1791,  who  m.  Mary  Crocker.  Mr.  EHsha 
Burgess  d.  Nov.  10,  1832,  se.  89.  —  Benjamin  Esq.,  of  the  last  family! 
m.  Mary,  dr.  of  Mr.  Clark  Swift,  June  3,  1804,  who  d.  Jan.  29,  1861, 
se.  78;  and  their  issue  was  Adaline  June  20,  1805.  who  m,  Nathan  B. 
Gibbs  and  d. ;  Mary  Sept.  2,  1807,  who  m.  1st,  Hirah  Ellis,  2d,  Enos 
Briggs  ;  Thomas  T.  Feb.  10,  1810,  who  m.  Achsah  Gibbs,  and  d.  July  18, 
1834  ;  Eliza  Swift  Mar.  24,  1813,  who  m.  N.  B.  Gibbs  ;  Hephzibah  Feb.  7, 
1816,  who  m.  Dr.  Alanson  Abbe ;  Benj.  Franklin  Sept.  6,  1818,  who  m. 


92  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1720,  Mr.  John  Rogers  was  employed  as  school-master.^ 
In  1721,  "Maj.  Bourne,  Stephen  Skiff,  and  Edw.  Dillingham, 
were  app.  trustees  for  receiving  the  town's  proportion  of  the  pub- 
lic loan  ; "  and  it  was  "  ordered  that  no  individual  shall  receive  of 
the  same  more  than  £  50,  nor  at  less  than  6  ^r.  ct.  int."  —  Col. 
Wm.  Basset,  chief  Marshal  and  Reg.  Prob.,  d.  Sept.  29,  ee.  65. 

In  1722,  the  town  was  deprived  of  the  valuable  and 
faithful  services  of  the  Rev.  Roland  Cotton  who  died 
March  29.^  A  letter  of  condolence  and  sympathy  was 
addressed  to  the  people  by  the  united  act  of  the  minis- 
ters in  the  county,  containing  advice  appropriate  to  the 
circumstances  of  the  town.  The  letter  was  read  in  town- 
meeting,  and  the  meeting  unanimously  "  voted  to  accept 
the  advice  of  the  ministers."  Major  Melatiah  Bourne, 
William  Bassett,  and  Eliakim  Tupper  of  the  church, 
and  Ezra  Bourne,  John  Blackwell,  and  Stephen  Skiff 
of  the  congregation,  were  chosen  a  "  committee  to  sup- 
ply the  pulpit."  In  the  course  of  the  year,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  "  to  treat  with  Madam  Elizabeth 
Cotton  for  the  purchase  of  her  dwelling-house  and 
lands  for  the  settlement  of  a  minister ; "  and  the  town 
concurred  with  the  church  in  caUing  Mr.  Benjamin  Fes- 

Cordelia  dr.  of  Capt.  Abner  Ellis ;  and  Caroline  Beal  Mar.  1,  1821,  who 
m.  Fred.  W.  Sawyer  Esq.  of  Boston,  Sept.  18,  1849.  Benjamin  Burgess 
Esq.  was  many  years  representative  from  this  town,  and  has  filled  various 
offices,  but  is  distinguished  especially  as  an  enterprising  and  successful 
merchant. 

1  Mr.  Rogers  had  by  his  wife  Ann,  Armemaryvetta  Feb.  26,  1719  — 
(the  giving  of  such  a  name  is  almost  presumptive  of  pedagoguism  ;)  Wil- 
liam May  28,  1721;  and  Kathrine  1725,  who  m.  Zebulon  Wing.  —  "Lt. 
Joseph  "  was  in  S.  early.  —  Mr.  Saml.  Osborn,  who  preceded  Mr.  Rogers, 
was  not  only  a  fine  scholar,  but  a  ready  debater,  as  we  infer  from  the  journal 
of  Benj.  Holme,  an  English  minister  of  the  Friends,  who  visited  this  town 
in  1715  at  the  time  of  'yearly  meeting,'  and  soon  after  published  an 
account  of  "  Travels  in  America,"  in  Avhich  he  recounts  "  a  dispute  with  one 
Saml.  Osborne  a  school-master."  Lest  Mr.  O.  should  be  unduly  censured 
.for  taking  up  the  gauntlet  in  Friends'  meeting,  it  is  but  proper  to  state 
that  his  doing  so  is  not  subject  of  complaint  on  the  part  of  Mr.  H.  who 
says  that  he  himself  had  held  a  similar  disputation  at  a  Presbyterian  meet- 
ing at  Nantucket,  also  with  Timo.  Ruggles  at  Sippecan,  as  also  in  nlany 
other  places.  Nor  did  Mr.  H.  find  New  England  alone  opposed  to  his 
views  ;  for,  going  to  Virginia,  he  says  he  "  was  opposed  and  persecuted 
there." 

2  See  Vol.  I.  361. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  Vd 

SENDEN  to  the  pastorate.^  The  salary  voted  was  ^^  £90, 
besides  the  use  of  parsonage  lands  and  meadows ;  for  a 
settlement  in  addition  £250."     Mr.  F.  was  ord.  Sept.  12. 

— In  making  legal  assessments  it  was  necessary  to  include  the 
whole  town  ;  but  the  kind  and  tolerant  feeling  that  now  haiDpily 
prevailed,  is  seen  in  the  fact  that  it  was  soon  voted  that  "  the 
interest  of  the  town's  Loan-money,  shall  he  appropriated  to  pay 
the  ministerial  tax  laid  on  the  people  called  Quakers ;  the  balance 
to  be  paid  out  of  the  town  treasury,  and  thus  from  year  to  year."^ 

In  1723,  Mr.  James  Stewart  d.,  Oct.  30.^ 

In  1724,  Maj.  Bourne  was  app.  "to  answer  for  the  town  at  Barn- 
stable court,  to  the  presentment  'for  not  having  a  school-master 
approbated  according  to  law.' "  * 

In  1726,  it  was  voted  "  to  build  a  poor-house  between  the  town's 
pound  and  mill-river."  —  In  1727,  the  Act  having  passed  for  a  new 
issue  of  Bills  of  Credit,  the  town  received  its  proportion  from  the 
Provincial  treasury,  "  to  be  loaned  to  the  inhabitants  on  good  real 
or  personal  est.  security;  to  no  one  more  than  £20."  —  And  in 
1729,  a  com.  was  chosen  "to  answer  the  presentment  'for  not 
having  a  minister  settled  and  qualified  according  to  law.'  "  ^ 

In  1730,  Mr.  John  Rogers  was  still,  as  for  some  time  after,  in  the 

^  Mr.  Fessenden's  memoranda  say :  "  June  26,  1722,  the  day  of  my 
election  and  call." 

^  This,  to  be  sure,  was  not  an  entire  exemption  of  the  Friends,  but  was 
a  compromise  that  qualified  the  extent  of  grievance. 

3  Mr,  Stewart,  (or  Stuart,)  by  his  wife  Desire  had  Seth  Ap.  2,  1690 ; 
Abigail  June  4,  1692 ;  Gamaliel  Mar.  15,  1694-5  ;  Mary  July  22,  1698  ; 
James  Feb.  24,  1700-1 ;  Mehitable  Ap.  10,  1704;  Sylvanus  Mar.  19,  1706. 

—  Seth  m.  Sarah  Weeks  June  14,  1716,  had  a  family  and  d.  Jan.  4,  1751-2. 

—  Gamaliel  m.  Alice  Gibbs  Sept.  23, 1724,  and  had  Lemuel  Dec.  29,  1725  ; 
Bruce  May  20,  1728  ;  Mehit.  Aug.  4,  1730 ;  Seth  Ap.  2,  1733  ;  Gamaliel 
Oct.  28, 1735  ;  and  James  May  22,  1738.  —  James  m.  Mehit.  Spooner  Aug. 
30,  1733,  and  had  Mehit.  July  17,  1735,  and  removed  to  the  Vineyard. 

*  It  was  necessary  that  school-masters  be  approbated  by  the  magistrates, 
and  such  approbation  was  sometimes  withheld  for  reasons  not  satisfactory 
to  the  people.  —  We  cannot  infer,  from  all  the  data  before  us,  that  the 
position  of  the  minister  was  Avithout  its  trials.  Mr.  Fessenden  makes  a 
mem.  Oct.  24,  1724,  of  certain  members  having  "  gone  to  Barnstable  to 
receive  the  sacrament,"  and  of  "  a  solemn  transaction,  Feb.  23,  1725,"  by 
which  members  were  "  bound  to  a  united  worship." 

*  It  is  very  evident  that  difficulties  of  some  kind  existed  in  the  church, 
and  that  these  were  culminating  for  a  rupture  will  hereafter  appear.  The 
union  of  church  and  state,  in  an  important  sense,  was  still  intimate.  Minis- 
ters not  '  approbated '  by  the  public  authorities,  Avere  sure  to  find  their  path 
beset  with  thorns.  The  proceedings  of  a  people  in  the  settlement  of  a  min- 
ister, must  be  had  with  all  due  deference  to  the  powers  supreme,  or  trouble 
was  inevitable.  The  presentment,  in  this  instance,  was  founded  on  allega- 
tions of  the  disaffected,  and,  the  record  of  Court  says,  was  "  quashed." 


94 


HISTORY  OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


town's  service  as  a  school-master.  The  relative  population  at  this 
period,  of  different  parts  of  the  town,  is  shown  by  the  arrangements 
for  the  school :  "  first  at  Peter's-Pond  four  months ;  then  at  Spring- 
Hill  five  mos. ;  Centre  twelve  mos. ;  Scusset  five  mos. ;  Pocasset 
three  mos. ;  and  Manomet  three  mos.,  in  succession." ' 


'  According  to  Mr.  Fessenden's  mem.,  Mar.  1730,  there  -were  136 
families  in  the  town,  besides  Friends  or  Quakers.  He  gives  that  number 
of  "  Heads  of  Fam."  We  will  not  give  them  alphabetically,  but  follow 
his  own  arrangement,  as  it  probably  indicates  their  localities  : 


"  Joseph  Lawrance, 

Saml.  Lawrance, 

Saml.  Swift, 

Eph.  Swift  &  Sarah  his  w., 

Moses  Swift, 

Hannibal  Handy, 

Isaac  Handy, 

John  Handy, 

Nathl.  Wing, 

Cornelius  Handy, 

Zachs.  Handy, 

Wid.  Wing, 

Ed.  Handy, 

Ebem*.  Wing, 

Nathan  Barlow, 

Peleg  Barlow  &  Eliza,  his  w., 

Saml.  Swift  Jr., 

Jona.  Tobey, 

John  Perry  Jr., 

Elijah  Perry, 

Saml.  Perry, 

John  Perry, 

Elisha  Perry, 

Ezra  Perry, 

Benj.  Perry, 

Benj.  Perry  Jr., 

Abner  Perry, 

Saml.  Perry  Jr., 

Wid.  Perry, 

Ezra  Perry  Jr., 

Nathan  Bourne  and  Mary 

his  w., 
Eleazar  Bourne, 
Benj.  Gibbs, 
Jona.  Bourne, 
Deacon  Tim.  Bourne  and 

Temp,  his  w., 
Tim.  Perry  &Desirehisw., 
John  Ellis  &  Sarah  his  w., 
Wid.  Morton, 
JosiahElUs  &  Sarah  his  w., 
Josiah  Swift, 
Jireh  Swift, 
Joseph  Swift, 

Jabez  SAvift&  Abigail  his  w., 
Wid.  Gibbs, 


John  Blackwell  and  Lydia 

his  w., 
Thos.  Gibbs  Sr., 
Thos.  Gibbs  Jr., 
Saml.  Gibbs  Sr., 
Saml.  Gibbs  Jr., 
Jacob  Burge, 
Saml.  Blackwell, 
Medad  Tupper, 
Micah  Blackwell, 
Joshua  Blackwell, 
Joshua  Blackwell  Jr., 
Joshua  Blackwell  3d, 
Thos.  Burges, 
Lt.  Matthias  Ellis  Sr., 
Malachi  Ellis, 
Eldad  Tupper, 
Eliakim  Tupper, 
Dea.  Israel  Tupper  &  w. 
Saml.  Tupper,      [Eliza., 
Seth  Stewart, 
Seth  Fish, 
Matthias  Ellis  Jr., 
John  Bodfish, 
Isaac  Jennings, 
Wid.  Pope, 
Seth  Pope  Jr., 
Gamaliel  Stewart, 
Lt.  Wm.  Bassett, 
John  Freeman, 
Wm.  Newcomb  and  Bath. 

his  w., 
Seth  Pope  Sr., 
Rd.  Essex, 
John  Foster, 
John  Chipman, 
Nathan  Nye  Jr., 
Joseph  Foster, 
Cornelius  Gibbs, 
Ezra  Bom-ne  Esq., 
Ebenr.  Howland, 
Joseph  Hatch, 
John  Tobey  Sr., 
John  Tobey  Jr., 
Eleazar  Tobey, 
Rd.  Garrett, 


Nathl.  Fish, 
Saml.  Barber, 
John  Barlow, 
Saml.  Barlow, 
Nathan  Tobey, 
Wm.  Tobey, 
Edw.  Dillingham  Sr., 
Cornelius  Tobey, 
Saml.  Tobey, 
Gershom  Tobey, 
Seth  Tobey, 
Col.  Melh.  Bourne, 
Silas  Bourne, 
Simeon  Dillingham, 
Joseph  Nye  Sr., 
Ebenr.  Perry, 
Saml.  Jennings, 
Saml.  Smith, 
John  Smith, 
Capt.  Stephen  Skiff, 
Ed.  Landers, 
Peleg  Nye, 
Ebenr.  Nye, 
John  Landers, 
Benj.  Freeman, 
Wid.  Freeman, 
Wm.  Freeman, 
James  Atkins, 
John  Vnking, 
Edm.  Freeman, 
John  Fish  Sr., 
John  Fish  Jr., 
Tim.  Nye, 
Jona.  Nye, 
Joseph  Nye, 
Benj.  Nye, 
Saml.  Saunders, 
Shubael  Jones, 
Nathan  Nye, 
Samuel  Nye, 
Sylv.  Gibbs, 
Elkanah  Smith, 
Ralph  Jones  Jr., 
Nathan  Landers, 
Sol.  Davis, 
Thos.  Hicks." 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  95 

That  a  very  considerable  clisafFection  was  manifest  in 
the  church  at  this  time,  appears  from  the  town  records, 
but  especially  from  Mr.  Fessenden's  copies  of  letters 
and  other  memorandums,  as  well  as  from  transient 
documents.^  Church  meetings,  councils,  and  remon- 
strances, succeeded  each  other,  and  much  unquiet  is 
noticeable.^  Many  attempts  were  made  to  restore 
unity,  but  without  success. 

In  1731,  a  committee  was  chosen  by  the  town  "to 
answer  in  General  Court  the  petition  of  Mr.  Eldad 
Tupper  made  in  behalf  of  the  disaffected  portion  of 
the  church."^ 

^  The  following  letter  addressed  by  Hon.  Mel.  Bourne  to  Mr.  Fessenden, 
Boston,  Feb.  1730,  is  before  us  :  "I  have  been  to  wait  on  Mr.  Prince  to 
know  what  the  Assoc,  did  yesterday  on  our  affau',  and  he  saith  that  they  all 
agree  that  Mr.  Ellis  hath  broke  in  upon  the  Constitution  of  our  churches, 
and  he  hath  sent  a  letter  to  them  to  justify  his  conduct,  and  saith  that 
what  they  had  done  ought  to  stand  good  until  reversed  by  another  council ; 
but  the  Assoc,  are  not  of  his  mind ;  more  especially  because  he  took  a 
wrong  step,  &c.  ;  and  they  have  chose  a  committee  to  draw  up  something 
to  send  to  Mr.  Ellis  to  show  him  his  error  in  his  late  proceedings  at  Sandw., 
and  was  about  to  send  to  him  in  another  manner,  but  thought  to  use  gen- 
tleness." 

The  copy  retained  by  Mr.  F.  of  another  letter,  addressed  by  himself  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Weld,  Sab.  Morn.,  May  24,  1730,  opens  as  follows:  "  I  am  this 
morning  informed  that  you  are  come  to  preach  to  a  part  of  the  church  in 
this  place  who  have  separated  themselves,"  &c.  &c.  He  objects  to  the 
proceeding  as  irregular  &c. ;  and  closes :  "  These  are  therefore  to  invite 
you  to  the  public  pulpit  to-day,  to  carry  on  all  the  pub.  services  of  the  day, 
that  so  yours  may  be  a  joint  worship  which  will  be  most  pleasing  to  God 
and  acceptable  to  all  good  men."  —  A  similar  letter  was  addressed  to  Mr. 
Ward  Cotton,  subsequently,  and  closes  by  saying,  "  Therefore  out  of 
respect  to  the  memory  of  your  good  father,  &c.  I  shall  concede  to  your  hav- 
ing the  use  of  the  public  pulpit  this  coming  Sabbath,"  &c.  &c. 

*  Reference  is  made  to  a  Council  assembled  June  1729,  and  to  a  Council 
to  be  convened  Oct.  1730,  both  called  by  the  disaffected;  and  a  memorial 
to  the  last  from  Mr.  F.  and  the  church,  is  before  us.  But  it  is  impossible 
to  understand  the  true  causes  of  dissatisfaction. 

^  It  is  difficult  at  this  remote  period  to  apprehend  precisely  the  position 
of  Mr.  Tupper.  That  he  was  a  member  of  the  ancient  church  in  S.  is  evi- 
dent ;  and  that  he  was  at  this  time  exercising  his  ministry  among  the 
Indians.  Tradition  says  "  he  was  a  minister,"  and  records  made  by  him  of 
marriages  and  baptisms,  show  that  at  least  from  1717  to  1746  he  was 
employing  himself  in  ecclesiastical  functions.  With  the  exception  of  two 
entries,  the  rite  of  baptism  was  performed  only  among  the  Indians,  as  were 
aU  the  instances  of  the  solemnization  of  marriages.  The  exceptions  are  : 
"  1726,  —  Martha  Tupper  and  Jedidah  Tupper  Avere  "p.  baptized ; "  and 
"  1745,  May  12,  Jedidah  Burge  the  dr.  of  Zacheus  Burge  was  baptized — all 
by  me,  Eldad  Tupper,  Pastor  of  the  Indian  Church." 


96  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1732,  the  town  voted  £110  "for  repairs  of  the 
meeting-house,  and  for  the  minister's  salary ; "  also 
<£80  for  schools.  —  That  the  erection  of  a  meeting- 
house, was  now  determinately  contemplated  by  the 
opponents  of  the  regular  minister  of  the  town,  indicates 
that  for  a  time  at  least  the  division  of  the  town  by 
religious  differences  is  inevitable.^  —  Mr.  Samuel  Gibbs 
Sr.  died  Nov.  19. 

In  1733,  the  selectmen  were  app.  in  conjunction  "  with  Izak 
Simon,  Matt.  Richard,  James  Hamblin  Jr.,  and  Izak  Simon  Jr., 
Indian  agents,  to  settle  once  more  the  bomids  between  the  town 
and  the  South-sea  Indians."  —  Mr.  Thos.  Gibbs  Sr.  d.  this  year, 
Jan.  7.  —  In  1734,  a  com.  was  app.  "  to  see  if  the  miller  will  bet- 
ter serve  the  town." 

A  petition  was  presented,  Feb.  5,  "  from  certain  per- 
sons disaifected  towards  the  minister,  to  be  released 
from  paying  for  his  support  and  to  be  set  off  as  a  dis- 
tinct precinct."  It  was  refused  "  on  the  ground  that 
the  petitioners  are  widely  scattered,  and  in  all  make 
less  than  20  families ; "  and  it  was  voted  by  the  town 
that  "  the  return  of  the  disaffected  is  the  only  way  to 
restore  our  ancient   glory  of  unity  and  peace."     But 


^  The  following  document  found  among  Mr.  Eldad  Tupper's  papers,  we 
copy  :  —  "  Whereas  we  Jirah  Swift  and  Eliakim  Tupper  of  Sandwich  have 
received  two  promissory  notes  of  a  number  of  the  dissatisfied,  namely, 
Eldad  Tupper,  Joshua  Blackwell  Jr.,  Thomas  Smith,  Samuel  Blackwell, 
Thomas  Swift,  WUliam  Swift  the  younger,  Zacheus  Burge,  Josiah  Swift, 
Mordecai  Blackwell,  Ichabod  Smith,  Jacob  Burge,  in  which  notes  they 
promise  to  pay  us  each  and  every  man  of  them  the  sum  affixed  to  his  name, 
that  is  to  say  :  the  sd.  Eldad  Tupper  £  24,  the  sd.  Joshua  Blackwell  Jr.  £  4, 
the  sd.  Thomas  Smith  £4,  the  sd.  Saml.  Blackwell  £8,  the  sd.  Wm.  Swift 
the  younger  £  1.4,  the  sd.  Thomas  Swift  £4,  the  sd.  Zacheus  Burge  £4, 
the  sd.  Josiah  Swift  £10,  the  sd.  Mord.  Blackwell  £1.4,  the  sd.  Ichabod 
Smith  £1.4,  the  sd.  Jacob  Burge  £8  :  all  amounting  to  the  sum  of  £69. 
12 :  Know  ye,  that  we,  the  sd.  Jii-ah  Swift  and  Eliakim  Tupper,  do  hereby 
promise  that  in  case  we  do  not  lay  out  the  sd.  sum  or  sums  in  buying  or 
procuring  boards,  clapboards,  shingles,  and  work  for  enclosing  and  finishing 
the  meeting-house,  then  the  sd.  notes  to  be  void  and  of  none  effect,  or  to 
be  returned  to  them  again :  Otherwise  to  stand  and  remain  in  full  force 
and  virtue,  as  witness  our  hands  this  13th  day  of  April,  A.  D.  1732. 

JiREH  Swift. 

Eliakim  Tupper." 


ANNALS    OP   SANDWICH.  97 

these  troubles  were  not  so  to  terminate.^  A  Council 
"  of  Rev.  Elders  and  messengers  "  was  convened  Oct. 
30,  at  the  new  meeting-house  of  the  disaffected  to 
organize  a  church.  To  this  proceeding  objection  was 
made  by  the  pastor  and  church,  and  an  earnest  protest 
and  relation  of  facts  were  sent  in.  This  application  of 
the  disaffected  seems  to  have  been  unsuccessful ;  for 

In  1735,  another  "Council  having  been  called  to 
assist  in  forming  a  new  church,  and  to  ordain  a  pastor 
over  it,  the  inhabitants  in  town-meeting  assembled 
March  11,  and  provided  a  remonstrance  to  be  sent  in 
to  the  Council  when  assembled  the  next  day  March  12.^ 
A  committee  was  also  appointed  to  appear  before  the 

^  Justice  to  Rev.  Mr.  Fessenden  requires  us  to  say,  that  he  seems  to 
have  evinced  a  commendable  desire  for  peace.  Several  overtures  to  the 
disaffected  discover  much  fairness  and  a  Christian  spirit,  much  "  grief  for 
the  separation  and  differences,"  and  a  "  hearty  desire  to  have  love  and 
union  restored«" 

^  The  remonstrance  is  as  follows  :  "  Whereas,  it  is  ordained  and  enacted 
by  the  supreme  authority  of  this  Province,  that  the  inhabitants  of  each  town 
within  this  Province  shall  take  due  care  from  time  to  time  to  be  constantly 
provided  of  an  able  learned  orthodox  minister  or  ministers  of  good  conver- 
sation to  dispense  the  word  of  God  unto  them. 

"  And  whereas  it  is  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid  that  the  re- 
spective churches  in  the  several  towns  within  the  Province  shall  at  all  times 
hereafter  use,  exercise,  and  enjoy  all  their  privileges  and  freedoms  respecting 
divine  worship,  church  order  and  discipline,  and  shall  be  encouraged  in  the 
peaceable  and  regular  profession  and  practice  thereof.  And  whereas  it  is 
provided  and  ordained  that  in  such  towns  and  places  where  there  is  no 
church  gathered,  the  ratable  inhabitants  of  such  town  or  place  at  a  meet- 
ing duly  warned  for  that  purpose  by  the  major  part  of  such  assembly  then 
and  there  met,  with  the  advice  of  three  neighboring  ordained  ministers 
shall  choose  and  call  an  orthodox,  learned,  and  pious  person  to  dispense 
the  word  of  God  unto  them.  Upon  these  laws,  and  we  observe  that  by 
such  a  proceeding  as  above  referred  to,  (forming  a  new  church  and  ordain- 
ing a  pastor,)  the  supreme  authority  of  the  Province  will  be  oppugned,  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  this  town  will  be  invaded,  the  laws  of  the  Province 
will  be  eluded,  the  good  order  of  the  churches  as  directed  by  law  in  calling 
and  settling  their  ministers  will  be  overthrown,  and  an  example  so  toler- 
ated and  followed  will  threaten  confusion  and  disorder  to  all  the  churches 
and  towns  in  the  Province.  We,  therefore,  the  inhabitants  of  Sand^ach, 
as  aforesaid,  in  faithfulness  to  our  church  and  town,  and  to  all  the  churches 
and  towns  in  the  Province,  do  bear  this  our  seasonable  and  just  testimony 
against  Mr.  Francis  Wooster  as  disturbing  the  peace  and  order  of  this 
town  and  church  in  contempt  and  defiance  of  the  aforesaid  laws,  and 
against  that  small  number  of  our  neighbors  who  are  thus  endeavoring  in 
an  illegal  manner  to  separate  from  that  minister  and  meeting-house  by  law 
established." 

yoL.  II.  13 


98  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

General  Court  in  pursuance  of  the  remonstrance.  Mr. 
Francis  Wooster^  was,  however,  ordained  pastor  of  a 
new  church  then  and  there  organized,  and  the  new 
meeting-house  at  Scusset  was  henceforward  the  scene 
of  his  labors  for  many  years. 

The  representative  to  the  Gen.  Ct.  was  instructed  by  the  town 
to  ask  "  for  a  gi*ant  of  lands  for  the  support  of  schools  in  the  town." 
—  The  settlement  of  the  Indian  bounds,  was  "  confirmed  by  the 
court  Nov.  27,  and  consented  to  by  Gov.  Belcher." 

In  1736,  the  town  "  ordered  that  sheep-yards  be  erected  in  difier- 
ent  parts  of  the  town ;  "  also  "  that  all  sheep  be  marked : "  all  which 
was  approved  by  the  court.  —  Mr.  Williasi  Newcomb  d.  Ap.  8.* 

^  Rev.  Francis  Wooster  was  2d  son  of  Frs.  b.  in  Rowley,  who  was  s. 
of  Sami.  b.  in  England  and  came  with  his  f.  Rev.  Wm.  1638-40  and  became 
pastor  of  the  ch.  in  Salisbury.  The  name  is  still  written  Wooster  in  Ct., 
but  is  Worcester  generally  elsewhere.  Rev.  Francis  was  b.  in  Bradford 
June  7,  1698,  where  he  lived  until  1722,  and  then  in  Concord  and  after- 
wards in  Littleton,  in  which  latter  places  he  worked  as  a  blacksmith.  In 
1728  he  was  one  of  the  selectmen  of  Bradford ;  then  resided  in  B oxford 
where  he  was  licensed  to  preach,  after  which  he  came  to  Sandwich  and  was 
ord.  June  18,  1735  "  over  a  church  that  separated  ten  years  before  from  the 
ancient  parish  and  continued  one  year  subsequent  to  his  dismission."  He 
then  went  to  Exeter,  N.  H.  ;  thence  to  Plaistow ;  thence  to  Holiis  1750 
where  he  d.  Oct.  4,  1783.  "  Empio3fed  the  greater  part  of  his  ministry  as 
an  Evangelist "  in  the  destitute  parts  of  N.  H.  and  other  sections  of  N.* 
Eng.  "  Confined  in  weakness  and  in  his  60th  yr.,  he  wrote  a  series  of 
'Meditations  in  Verse  '  which  Avere  pub.  in  Boston  1760."  —  By  m.  with 
Abigail  Carlton  of  Rowley  Ap.  18,  1720  who  d.  Jidy  25,  1774  a?.  78,  he  had 
Francis  Mar.  30,  1721 ;  Jesse  Sept.  5,  1722  ;  Hannah  Oct.  7,  1724,  all  b.  in 
Bradford  ;  Saml.  May  7,  1731  b.  in  Boxford  ;  and  Noah  Sept.  23,  1735  b. 
in  Sandwich.  — His  son  Francis  Jr.  whilst  yet  of  S.,  m.  Hannah  Boynton 
of  Newbury  Oct.  28,  1741  and  then  removed  to  Holiis  where  and  at  Plym. 
N.  H.  he  was  a  yeoman  and  deacon,  and  d.  Ap.  28,  1771.  —  The  2d.  s.  Jesse 
m.  Patience  Pope  of  S.  Mar.  26,  1745,  and  had  Hannah  Ap.  12,  1746.  He 
then  removed  to  Holiis  and  Newbury  where  he  had  other  children,  and  was 
at  the  siege  of  Oswego,  taken  jjrisoner  and  d.  at  Montreal  1757.  —  The 
youngest,  Noah,  b.  in  S.,  went  with  his  f.  to  Holiis  1750,  was  capt.  of  a 
company  which  went  1775-6  to  reenforce  Gen.  W.  at  Cambridge,  was  jus. 
pac.  40  yrs.,  and  mem.  conv.  that  formed  the  constitution  of  N.  H.  ;  "a 
man  of  strong  mind,  sound  judgment,  strict  integrity,  a  proverbially  safe 
counsellor,  and  active  church  member  60  yrs."  He  d.  Aug.  13,  1817  te.  82. 
Several  of  his  sons  were  eminent  divines,  viz.  Rev.  Noah  Worcester  D.  D., 
author  of  "  Bible  News,"  &c.  &c. ;  Rev.  Leonard  of  Peacham,  Vt.  ;  and  Ptev. 
Samuel  D.  D.  pastor  of  the  Tabernacle  Church,  Salem,  and  Secretary  of 
A.  B.  C.  F.  M. 

^  The  first  of  this  name  in  town,  Avas  Peter  Newcomb  who,  "  late  of 
Edgartown,"  m.  Mercy  dr.  of  Shubaei  Smith  Mar.  11,  1699-1700,  and  had 
Mercy  Mar.  4,  1701;  and  Wm.  Aug.  29,  1702.  —  WluJAM  grad.  H.  C. 
1722,  and  bv  his  wife  Bathsheba  had  Mercy  Feb.  4,  1723  Avho  m.  John 
Bassett  Oct.  24,  1742  ;  Desire  May  21,  1725  who  m.Dr.  Elisha  Tobey  Jan. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  99 

In  1737,  John  Landers  d.  Mar.  4,  and  Samuel  Tobey  Sept.  22 ; 
the  year  following  John  Tobey  Sr.  d.  Dec.  26,  and  the  following 
Mar.  12,  John  Smith. 

In  1739,  a  com.  was  chosen  "  to  enforce  the  Act  against  the 
unlawful  killing  of  deer."  Mr.  Nathaniel  Otis  ^  d.  this  year ; 
and  Timo.  Ruggles  becomes  an  inhabitant.^  Mr.  Edward  Dilling- 
ham also  d.  Mar.  29. 

12,  1746;  Peter,  Sept.  4,  1726;  Mary  Ap.  3,  1728;  Wm.  Jan.  27,  1730; 
Hannah  June  4,  1732;  Sarah  Oct.  21,  1737  who  m.  Mr.  Benj.  Fessenden 
Oct.  19,  1760;  and  Thomas  June  11,  1739. —William,  s.  of  Mr.  Wm., 
had,  by  his  w.  Ehzabeth,  Bathsheba  Feb.  23,  1763  who  m.  Capt.  Thos.  Nye 
Feb.  1,  1797 ;  Elizabeth  Ap.  10,  1765  who  m.  Stephen  Bassett  Esq.  Nov. 
20,  1788;  Rebecca  July  14,  1772  who  m.  Capt.  Allen  Nye  July  14,  1790; 
Abigail  Feb.  21,  1777  who  m.  Sturgis  Nye  May  10, 1795  ;  William  Feb.  24, 
1779;  and  Lemuel  Sept.  19,  1782. 

'  See  Vol.  I.  273.  Mr.  Otis  was  Register  of  Prob.,  and  Counsellor  at 
Law.  His  decease  probably  induced  the  stay  of  Mr.  Ruggles  in  town. 
Mr.  Otis  m.  Abigail,  dr.  of  Rev.  Jonathan  Russell  of  Barnstable  Dec.  21, 
1710,  and  his  dr.  Martha  born  Dec.  11,  1717  m.  Edmund  Freeman  of  the 
5th  generation  of  the  name  in  S.  Aug.  7,  1736.  This  maternal  ancestry 
has  suggested  the  Christian  names  of  Russell  and  Otis  in  every  generation 
of  the  Freemans  descended  from  Abigail  Russell  and  Martha  Otis. 

^  The  name  of  Timothy  Ruggles  appears  on  the  town  records  immedi- 
ately after  the  decease  of  Mr.  Otis  ;  but  he  was  here  several  years  before. 
Born  in  Rochester  Oct.  11,  1711  ;  grad.  H.  C.  1732  ;  practising  law  in  his 
native  town  at  the  age  of  24  yrs.  ;  this  son  of  the  Rochester  minister  now 
soon  contrived  to  be  elected  representative  from  this  town,  (the  inhabitants 
of  the  Cape  have  always  discovered  an  amiable  disposition  to  gratify  the 
aspirations  for  office  of  adventurers  to  the  exclusion  of  the  non-imported ;) 
and,  from  being  a  guest  at  the  tavern,  he  becomes  the  landlord.  He  has 
married  the  widow  Newcomb ;  but  the  sign  of  the  old  inn  is  not  therefore 
to  come  down :  its  post  is  firm  enough  to  bear  up  both  the  advertisement 
of  "  Entertainment "  and  Mr.  Ruggles'  professional  '  shingle.'  He  proves 
himself  indeed  a  man  of  vast  endowments.  Connecting  with  his  law  prac- 
tice the  duties  of  innkeeper,  not  simply  the  usual  offices  of  a  taverner  of 
olden  time  are  his,  but  he  personally  attends  both  bar  and  stable  —  equally 
expert  whether  in  currying  a  horse,  mixing  a  cocktail,  impressing  his  guests 
with  the  extent  of  his  varied  lore,  conducting  a  case  in  court,  or  enlighten- 
ing the  wisdom  of  the  legislature  by  his  eloquence.  To  whatever  the  ver- 
satility of  his  genius  directs  itself  he  is  equally  au  fait.  He  was  withal 
endowed  with  military  taste,and  was  destined  to  distinguish  himself  in  that 
department  also.  He  led,  as  CoL,  a  body  of  troops  to  join  Sir  Wm.  Johnson  in 
the  expedition  to  Crown  Point  1755  ;  was  in  the  battle  at  Lake  George  only 
second  in  command  ;  and  was  three  years  Brig.  Gon.  under  Lord  Amherst. 
—  Having  removed  to  Hardwick,  besides  being  several  years  representative 
from  that  town,  two  of  which  he  was  speaker,  he  received  the  appt.  of  Asso- 
ciate Justice  of  the  C.  C.  P.,  and  was  soon  Chf.  Just.  In  1765,  a  delegate 
with  Otis  and  Partridge  to  the  colonial  convention,  he  was  made  President 
of  that  body.  His  popularity  as  a  politician  was,  hoAvever,  fated  to  wane  ; 
the  whigs  became  dissatisfied  with  his  course,,the  H.  of  Reps,  passed  a  vote  of 
censure  on  his  conduct,  and  he  was  reprimanded  from  the  Speaker's  chair. 
His  assurance,  notwithstanding,  never  forsook  him,  and  his  brazen  inso- 
lence knew  no  bound.  ShrcAvd  as  a  lawyer,  quick  of  apprehension,  remark- 
able for  the  boldness  of  his  conceptions,  of  lordly  though  rude  manners, 


100  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

A  committee  was  chosen  "  to  consider  another  peti- 
tion of  those  attending  on  Mr,  Wooster's  ministry,  to 
be  freed  from  paying  towards  Mr.  Fessenden's  salary ; " 
the  petitioners  were  Moses  Swift  and  33  others.  The 
result  was  adverse  to  the  prayer. 

In  1740,  a  bounty  was  offered  for  the  heads  of  crows,  blackbirds, 
and  jays. 

In  1742,  Samuel  Wing  ^  had  "  Hberty  to  erect  a  grist-mill  on 
Spring-Hill  River."  —  The  town  "  ordered  that  a  passage  be  made 

always  artful  in  his  addi'esses  to  a  jury,  in  fact  singularly  sagacious  and 
ingenious,  he  was  eminently  qualified  as  a  demagogue.  Even  when  pitted 
against  Otis  and  other  strong  men,  he  had  influence  though  detested.  In 
1774  he  was  named  as  a  mandamus  councillor  and  proved  a  determined 
loyalist.  Finding  refuge  in  Boston  until  its  evacuation,  he  then  retired 
■with  the  royal  troops  to  Halifax  and  there  organized  a  body  of  "  loyal  mili- 
tia," refugees,  300  strong.  He  d.  in  Nova  Scotia  1798,  se.  87.  With  aU  his 
faults,  he  was  temperate.  Standing  some  inches  over  6  ft.,  of  a  dark  com- 
plexion, manly  bearing,  social,  witty,  with  large  knowledge  of  mankind,  he 
seemed  through  life  to  realize  the  heau  ideal  of  his  ambition  —  the  Magnus 
Apollo  of  his  adherents.  By  his  m.  with  wid.  Bathsheba  Newcomb  1736, 
he  had  Martha  Aug.  9,  1737  ;  Timothy  Jan.  7,  1739  ;  Mary  1741 ;  John 
Sept.  30,  1742;  Rd.  Mar.  1744;  Bathsheba  1746;  and  Elizabeth  1748. 
Two  of  his  sons  were  in  the  enemy's  service  in  the  invasion  of  Nantucket 
and  in  the  repeated  attempts  to  devastate  this  part  of  the  country  1778-9, 
as  was  the  father  in  the  invasion  of  Long  Island.  —  This  note  is  protracted, 
not  because  Mr.  Ruggles  was  worthy,  but  inasmuch  as  he  was  a  remarkable 
character  for  a  long  time  exei'ting  an  influence  here.  "We  will  dismiss  him 
from  further  notice,  with  one  anecdote  of  many  related  touching  his  career 
at  the  bar  :  — An  aged  woman  had  been  subpoenaed  as  a  witness.  Arriv- 
ing before  the  court  came  in,  and  at  a  loss  where  to  dispose  of  herself,  she 
inquired  of  one  who  was  passing  in,  green  bag  in  hand ;  and  he  du-ected 
her  to  the  judges'  seat.  Their  Honors  entering  soon  after  preceded  by  the 
tipstaff,  finding  their  place  so  quietly  occupied  by  a  dame  composedly 
enjoying  her  pinch  of  snufl",  politely  suggested  to  the  lady  to  take  some 
other  seat.  She,  whether  by  way  of  apology  or  resistance  not  recognizing 
the  judges  as  such,  replied  that  she  was  directed  to  sit  there.  By  whom  ? 
asked  the  Chf.  Just.  She  pointed  to  Ruggles,  the  risibles  of  the  bar  and 
spectators  somewhat  moved  by  the  exposure.  She  was,  of  course,  con- 
ducted respectfully  by  the  proper  oflficer  to  another  part  of  the  court-room. 
The  judges  had  not  joined  in  the  general  smile  ;  and,  after  taking  their 
seats,  held  a  momentary  conference,  when  the  Chief  sternly  demanded  of 
Ruggles  his  reason  for  such  indecorum.  The  cool  and  characteristic  reply 
made  with  more  than  usual  nonchalance,  was,  "  May  it  please  your  Honor, 
I  thouglit  that  the  place  for  old  women." 

'  Mr.  John  Wing,  the  ancestor  of  families  of  the  name,  had  sons 
Daniel,  J^hn,  and  Stephen  by  his  wife  Deborah  who  was  the  dr.  of  Rev. 
Stephen  Bachelor.  John  went^fiarly  from  this  town  to  Yarmouth.  Daniel 
m.  Hannah,  dr.  of  John  Swift  and  d.  1658-9.  He  had  Hannah  July  28, 
1642  ;  Lydia  May  23,  1647  ;  Samuel  Aug.  28,  1652  ;  Hepzibah  Nov.  7, 
1654 ;  John  Nov.  14,  1656  ;  and  Beulah  Nov.  16,  1658.  —  Stephen  m. 
Oseah  Dillingham  abt.  1646-7,  who  d.  Ap.  29,  1654,  and  2d.  Sarah  Briggs 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  101 

into  the  pond  in  the  Centre  of  the  town,  for  herrings."  —  Boxes 
being  provided  by  the  Province  for  the  drawing  of  jurors,  and  the 
towns  being  required  to  confoi-m,  "  82  names  of  competent  per- 
sons were  placed  in  the  box."  —  Col.  Melatiah  Bourne  d. 
Nov.  24. 

In  1743,  the  sum  of  £  30  was  added  to  Mr.  Fessenden's  salary  of 
£  90,  "  on  condition  that  he  will  release  the  persons  who  attend  on 
Mr.  Wooster's  ministry,  from  the  payment  of  their  rates." 

In  1744,  "Ebenr.  Wing  and  23  others  of  Pokesit  and  Manomet 
petitioned  to  be  released  from  jDaying  to  the  support  of  Mr.  Fes- 
senden  and  town  schools."  —  Mr.  Seth  Pope  Sr.  d.  this  year, 
Nov.  23  ;  also  Nathan  Barlow,  Dec.  15. 

In  1745,  the  condition  on  which  the  £  30  was  to  be  added  to 
the  nominal  salary  of  the  minister  appears  not  to  have  been  accept- 
ed; for  "Medad  Tupper  and  24  others  attending  a  meeting  in 
the  meeting-house  in  the  westerly  part  of  the  town,"  were  peti- 
tioners "  to  be  excused  from  paying  for  the  support  of  Mr.  Fes- 
senden."    The  request  was  "  negatived." ' 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  Fessenden  died  Aug.  7,  1746.^  A 
committee  was  appointed,  Aug.  15,  to  supply  the  pulpit, 
for  which  purpose  <£60  was  appropriated.  Provision 
was  also  made  "for  the  occupancy  of  the  parsonage 
for  the  present  by  Mrs.  Rebecca  Fessenden  the  widow 
of  the  lamented  deceased."  A  number  of  candidates 
for  the  pastorate  were  proposed.  The  question  of  the 
successor  to  Mr.  F.  was  the  engrossing  topic  for  one 
or  two  years. 

7  mo.  11 :  1654;  and  had  Ephraim  Ap.  21,  1649  who  d.  inf. ;  Mercy  Nov. 
13,  1650;  Stephen  Sept.  2,  1656  by  Sarah;  Sarah  Feb.  5,  1658;  John 
Sept.  25,  1661 ;  Abigail  May  1,  1664  ;  Ebenezer  11:  5  :  1671  ;  and  Mat- 
thias 1:1:  1673.  —  From  the  preceding  have  sprung  numerous  descend- 
ants whose  genealogy  would  fill  a  large  volume.  The  different  branches 
are  widely  scattered,  generally  highly  respectable ;  several  are  now  rep- 
resented in  this  town.  We  wish  we  had  space  for  an  extended  genealogy, 
that  our  pains  in  collecting  it  might  at  least  be  requited  by  the  pleasure  of 
publishing  it. 

'  This  was  the  era  of  much  excitement  occasioned  by  the  itinerant  labors 
of  the  eloquent  Whitefield.  Whether  the  dissension  here  was  influenced  at 
all  by  the  general  feeling  elsewhere  is  not  clear.  It  may,  perhaps,  be 
inferred  that  the  difficulties  here  were  generated,  as  is  frequently  the  case, 
by  slight  and  latent  causes  leading  to  prejudices  that  soon  become  strangely 
inveterate. 

2  See  Vol.  I.  651. 


102  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1747,  a  meeting  was  called  "  to  see  if  the  town  wiU  concur 
with  the  church  in  their  call  to  Mr.  Joseph  Roby."  The  vote  was 
13  in  the  aff.  and  15  neg.  The  town  finally  voted  his  salary,  and 
a  settlement  of  £  300  with  lands  and  meadows  ;  but  so  great  was 
the  lack  of  unity,  that  the  proceedings  were  reconsidered  and  a 
com.  was  chosen  to  advise.  Late  in  the  year,  Nov.,  the  com.  for 
supply  were  directed  by  special  vote,  "  to  apply  to  the  following 
persons,  in  succession,  to  be  heard  as  candidates,  viz. :  Messrs- 
Harrington,  Marsh,  Torry,  Lawrence,  and  Mr.  Cotton  Brown ;  and 
if  none  of  these  can  be  obtained,  then  to  apply  to  Mr.  Appleton, 
the  Pt.  of  H.  College,  for  advice." — Mi\  Nathan  Nye  Sr.  d.  this 
year,  Nov.  27. 

In  1748,  the  question  before  the  town  being  '  shall  we  proceed 
to  the  choice  of  a  minister  ? '  there  were  25  aff.  and  18  neg.  It 
was  finally  "  agreed  that  the  names  of  five  clergymen  shall  be  pre- 
sented, the  town  to  select  two  from  these  and  submit  the  choice 
fi-om  the  two  to  the  church."  The  church  made  choice  of  Mr. 
William  Lawrence ;  in  which  the  town  then  concurred  by  a  large 
majority.  Mr.  Lawrence  not  accej)ting,  great  diversity  of  senti- 
ment again  existed  for  some  time.  Candidates  were  sought,  and 
the  settlement  of  some  proposed  and  negatived ;  until  finally,  in 
Nov.,  "  Mr.  Turrell  was  called,  and  £100  voted  as  his  salary."  Dea. 
Elijah  Perry  and  others  were  app.  a  com.  to  confer  with  Mr.  T., 
but  he  declining  the  call,  other  candidates  were  proposed,  and 
among  them  Mr.  Wilhams.  —  Mr.  Matthias  Ellis  Sr.  d.  this 
year,  Aug.  30. 

In  1749,  Jan.  17,  the  town  concurred  with  the  church 
by  a  large  majority  in  extending  a  caU  to  Mr.  Abra- 
ham Williams.  It  was  voted  that  he  have  "  a  yearly 
salary  of  £400  old  tenor,  or  the  payment  of  that 
amount  in  milled  dollars  at  £2.5  per  dollar,  with  the 
use  of  lands  and  meadows,  and  have  also  £1000  old 
tenor  for  a  settlement."  There  was  "  one  dissentient 
only."  Mr.  Williams  gave  a  favorable  answer.  May  1, 
and  was  ordained  June  14.^  —  Mr.  Thomas  Smith  died 
Feb.  15. 

^  Mr.  Williams,  it  has  been  said,  labored  patiently  to  allay  the  animosi- 
ties that  had  long  existed  resulting  in  the  establishment  of  a  second  church. 
How  long  Rev.  Mr.  Wooster  remained,  does  not  clearly  appear.     Mar- 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  103 

In  1750,  Mr.  Eld  ad  Tupper,  who  had  often  repre- 
sented the  town  in  General  Court,  and  whose  ecclesi- 
astical register  shows  large  care  of  the  Indians,  died 
Sept.  15. 

In  1751,  Mr.  Joseph  Rogers,  the  old  schoolmaster,  was  still 
in  the  service  of  the  town  at  a  salary  of  £20  lawful  money; 
but  information  was  again  made  against  the  town  by  James 
Otis  Esq.,  "  for  not  being  provided  with  a  school-master  accord- 
ing to  law"  Agents  were  chosen  "to  answer  at  the  General 
Sessions." 

In  1752,  Mr.  Silas  Tuppee  '  was  employed  to  teach  the  schools, 
"at  a  salary  of  £26.13.4  lawful  money  and  board." 

The  dissension  that  had  long  existed  in  regard  to 
the  ministry,  was  now  happily  abated;  and,  June  5, 
Mr.  Williams  welcomed  back  to  the  church  twelve  of 
the  members  which  under  his  predecessor's  pastorate 
composed  the  chief  part  of  the  church  at  Scusset. 

In  1753,  the  bounds  of  Sandwich,  between  Barnstable  and 
Marshpee,  were  again  defined.  —  Poaching  in  Herring  River  con- 
trary to  law,  was  cause  of  complaint  thus  early ;  and  "  on  the 
question  whether  the  town  will  remit  to"  (a  prominent  man) 
"  the  i^enalty  of  the  law  for  seining  in  the  river,  he  paying  the 
costs  of  suit  as  far  as  it  has  proceeded  against  him  and  Jim 
Mingo,"  clemency  prevailed.^  —  The  town  petitioned  the  Gen. 
Court,  June  18,  to  reduce  the  number  of  the  courts  of  Gen. 
Ses.  of  the  Peace  and  Inferior  C.  C.  P.  in  this  County,  from  four 
to  two  per  annum. 

In  1754,  Mar.  21,  forty-two  men  were  appointed  by  the  town 

riages  were  solemnized  by  him  as  late  as  1746,  but  none  are  recorded  aiiter. 
The  2d  church  seems  to  have  become  extinct  about  this  time. 

*  Mr.  Silas  Tuppek,  b.  1727,  was  the  son  of  Saml.  Esq.  By  marriage 
with  Hannah  Freeman,  dr.  of  Wm.,  June  2,  1757,  he  had  Anna  Ap.  9, 
1758,  who  m.  Saml.  Gifford ;  Sarah  Ap.  1, 1760  who  m.  John  Fish  ;  Samuel 
Mar.  22,  1762 ;  Polly  who  m.  Nathl.  Aiken  ;  Hannah  who  m.  EHsha  Free- 
man; and  Silas  Feb.  28,  1768.  Mr.  T.  was  long  time  the  school-master, 
also  Town  Treasr.  1761-1766,  and  then,  with  all  his  family,  married  and 
unmarried,  removed  to  Barnard,  Vt.,  where  he  d.  Mar.  28,  1801,  se.  74. 
Aged  people  who  passed  away  since  our  remembrance  were  accustomed  to 
speak  of  him  as  "  School-master  Tupper." 

^  The  fine  was  remitted,  enabling  Mr. and  "  negro  Jim  "  to  congrat- 
ulate themselves  that  they  were  so  well  out  of  this  fishy  afi"air. 


104  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE    COUNTY. 

"  to  fire  the  woods  before  Ap.  16."  ^  —  Mr.  Rowlaistd  Tuppee  d. 
May  12  ;  whilst  in  the  act  of  shaving  his  beard,  he  was  struck  by- 
lightning.^ 

In  1755,  it  was  voted  "to  enlarge  the  meeting-house  by  dividing 
it  in  the  centre  and  putting  in  15  ft. ;  "  for  which  £  60  was  appro- 
priated.—  Mr.  Samuel  Blackwell  d.  this  year,  Jan.  29.  —  The  other 
incidents  of  the  year  are  sufficiently  noted  in  Yol.  I. 

In  1756,  the  meeting-house  being  completed,  the  pews  were 
ordered  to  be  sold  by  auction.  The  pews  having  sold  for  more 
than  sufficient  to  pay  all  exjjenses,  leaving  a  considerable  balance, 
it  was  "  ordered  that  a  steeple  be  built ;     that  the  old  bell  be  sold 

^  It  may  appear  strange  at  the  present  day  that  so  late  as  110  yrs.  ago 
the  practice  of  firing  the  woods  prevailed ;  or  even  that  it  prevailed  at  aU. 
How  long  after  1754  these  firings  Avere  practised,  we  are  unable  to  say.  A 
fire  in  the  woods  at  the  present  day  is  the  signal  of  general  alarm.  But  we 
must  consider  the  changed  condition  of  our  forests.  When  the  country 
was  first  settled,  and  long  after,  these  forests  were  more  passable  than  now. 
The  trees  were  large  and  of  primitive  growth ;  then  yielding  the  very  best 
ship-timber  and  furnishing  an  abundant  supply  of  lumber  for  all  building 
purposes.  There  was,  in  consequence,  very  little  underbrush,  and  the  trees 
were  not  injured  by  the  fu-ings  which  were  practised  by  the  white  man 
as  had  been  the  immemorial  custom  of  the  red  men,  to  destroy,  by  the 
burning  of  the  leaves  and  fallen  branches,  the  lower  limbs  of  these  trees  and 
the  growth  of  noxious  shrubs  and  other  entanglements.  These  firings,  by 
the  settlers,  were  designed  to  encourage  the  growth  of  herbage  for  young 
cattle  and  sheep.  —  The  former  condition  of  the  forests  is  illustrated  by  the 
travels  of  the  company  of  men,  women  and  children  who  left  Newton 
(now  Cambridge)  to  commence  the  first  English  settlement  in  Hartford, 
Ct.,  in  1635.  They  "  travelled  through  a  trackless  wilderness,  having  no 
guide  but  their  compass,  and  drove  with  them  160  head  of  cattle.  Mrs. 
Hooker  was  borne  on  a  litter."  Persons  on  horseback  could  then  ride  con- 
veniently in  any  direction,  except  through  swamps,  thickets,  and  rivers. 
As  Dr.  Hildreth,  of  Ohio,  in  his  description  of  the  new  lands  at  the  West, 
says  :  "  While  the  red  man  possessed  the  country  and  annually  set  fire  to  the 
fallen  leaves,  the  forests  presented  a  noble  and  enchanting  appearance.  The 
eye  roved  with  delight.  Like  the  divisions  of  an  immense  temple,  the  for- 
ests were  crowded  with  innumerable  pillars,  the  branches  of  whose  shafts 
interlocking,  formed  the  arch  work  of  su]Dport  to  that  leafy  roof  which  cov- 
ered and  crowned  the  whole.  But  since  the  white  man  took  possession,  the 
annual  fires  have  been  checked,  and  the  woodlands  are  now  filled  with 
shrubs  and  brush  that  obstruct  the  vision  on  every  side,  and  convert  these 
once  beautiful  forests  into  a  rude  and  tasteless  wilderness." 

^  Roland  Tupper,  b.  1717,  was  uncle  to  the  last  named,  being  young- 
est son  of  Dea.  Israel.  See  Vol.  I.  698.  He  m.  Zerviah  Willis,  dr.  SamL 
of  Dartmouth,  and  had  WiUis  Ap.  15,  1750  ;  Lydia  Mar.  22,  1752 ;  and 
Eliza.  Sept.  22,  1753,  who  m.  Eph.  Kempton  of  Dart,  and  d.  a  widow  Nov. 
29,  1848  86.  95. 

^  We  presume  that  the  steeple  was  to  surmount  a  porch  at  the  W.  end 
communicating  as  in  after  times  with  the  W.  aisle  as  did  also  another  porch 
at  the  E.  end  with  the  E.  aisle.  Many  are  yet  living  Avho  remember;  as  do 
we,  'the  old  meeting-house'  after  its  subsequent  enlargement  —  the  opera- 
tion having  been  similar  to  that  indicated  above,  except  that  the  division 
was  in  a  transverse  direction  giving  a  greater  distance  from  the  front  door 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  105 

and  a  new  one  of  400  lbs.  be  obtained ;  that  doors  be  put  to  the 
seats  below ;  that  tables  be  hung  in  the  old  men's  front  seat,  the 
women's  seats  below  to  be  hung  with  hinges ;  that  curtains  be 
placed  at  such  of  the  windows  as  are  exposed  to  the  sun  ;  that  the 
seats  in  all  the  pews  be  hung  and  tables  fixed  in  them  where 
requested  ;  that  a  place  be  provided  for  all  free  Negroes,  Mulat- 
toes,  and  Indians,  and  that  they  be  not  allowed  to  sit  below,  or  on 
the  stairs,"  A  com.  was  app,  "  to  take  the  key  and  shut  the  door 
against  disorderly  persons  until  time  of  seiwice."  Mordecai  Ellis 
and  Joshua  Fish  were  app.  "  to  take  care  of  the  young  people 
who  are  often  very  rude  on  the  Lord's  days,  and  when  any  do 
ofiend  return  them  to  a  Just.  Pac.  to  be  dealt  with  according  to 
law."i 

As  it  may  be  of  some  interest  at  the  present  day,  to  know  the 
arrangements  of '  the  meeting-house '  more  than  one  hundred  years 
ago,  we  will  give  with  some  particularity  what  we  find  upon  the 
records.     (See  pages  106  and  107.) 

In  1757,  Mr.  Jonis  Chipmak  d.,  Dec.  30. 

In  1758,  Col.  Cotton  and  the  town  rep.  were  app.  "to  answer 
the  petition  of  Thos.  Foster  Esq.  in  behalf  of  the  town  of  Plym., 
and  to  defend  the  rights  of  the  town  respecting  Herring  River." 
—  For  schools,  £33.B.8  was  voted,  "every  scholar  to  pay  addi- 
tional 4  d.  per  week." 

In  1759,  the  legislature  was  again  requested  to  reduce  the  four 
courts  of  Pleas  and  Sessions,  to  two  terms  annually  which  it  was 
"  apprehended  will  be  a  great  saving  of  time  and  charge  and  of 
great  advantage  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  county."  —  The  town 
also  passed  an  order  "  to  prevent  damage  to  sheep  by  dogs."  ^ 

to  the  pulpit  and  greatly  increasing  the  number  of  pews  in  the  body  of  the 
house.  By  the  latter  arrangement  the  entrance  stairs  to  the  gallery  were 
removed  to  the  porches,  and  a  somewhat  different  disposition  of  pews  and 
seats  both  below  and  above  was  effected.  The  venerable  old  meeting-house, 
which  for  many  yrs.  accommodated  the  larger  portion  of  the  town  on  Sun- 
days, and  was  also  the  place  in  which  were  held  all  town-meetings  for  the 
transaction  of  public  business,  continued  to  be  used  until  after  doctrines 
conflicting  with  those  of  the  fathers,  began  to  divide  the  town  into  sects, 
and  then  gave  way  to  an  edifice  of  much  diminished  proportions — the 
Unitarian  meeting-house  which  stlands  on  the  site. 

*  In  1767,  the  petition  of  two  misses  "to  be  relieved  from  a  fine  imposed 
for  laughing  in  meeting,"  was  gallantly  responded  to  by  an  affirmative  vote. 
In  later  days,  the  process  of  administering  justice  to  the  boys  was  more 
summary  ;  there  was  no  opportunity  for  petition  or  repeal :  a  rap  from  the 
strong  arm  of  '  old  Titus '  with  cane  in  hand,  came  with  singular  surprise 
ofttimes  to  the  shoulders  or  heads  of  the  naughty  and  inattentive. 

^  "  For  keeping  a  blood-hound,  or  a  dog  in  part  blood-hound,"  a  fine  of 
18  s.  was  imposed,  to  be  paid  each  and  every  week  such  dog  is  kept ;  and  if 
VOL.  n.  14 


106 


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any  inhabitant  entertain  persons  who  come  from  other  towns  to  hunt  with 
hounds,  such  inhabitant  shall  be  fined  10  s.  for  each  and  every  such 
offence  ;  if  any  tavern-keeper  entertain  such  and  do  not  give  notice  to  the 
town-treasurer  within  12  hours  after  such  hunters  arrive,  he  shall  pay  a  fine 
of  18  s.  for  each  offence  ;  and  if  any  inhabitant  hunt  for  deer  between  the 


ANNALS   or   SANDWICH. 


107 


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20th  of  May  and  the  1st  of  December,  he  shall  pay  a  fine  of  18  s.  Any 
person  killing  a  hound  found  hunting,  and  producing  Ihe  head  to  one  of 
the  committee  appointed  to  look  after  the  deer,  shall  have  2  s.  reward  and 
the  town  will  indemnify  him.  For  information  of  any  breach  of  this 
order,  2  s.  reward. 


108  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

The  next  year,  1760,  the  last  named  Act  was  strengthened  by 
"  an  Act  regulating  hunting."  ^ 

In  1761,  resort  was  had  to  voluntary  contributions  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  ministry.  The  town  also  voted  "  that  the  ministerial 
lands  at  Nonsuch  be  bounded."  —  The  lands  from  which  the  Aca- 
dians  had  been  driven  out  in  N.  Scotia,  being  now  an  object  of 
interest,  three  families  left  town  as  part  of  an  expedition  to  settle 
MatequiaJc,  now  Yarmouth.  The  pioneers  were  Seled  Landers, 
Ebenezer  Ellis,  and  Moses  Perry,  and  they  reached  their  point  of 
destination,  June  9. 

In  1762,  an  addition  of  £13.6.8  was  made  to  the  salary  of  Rev. 
Mr.  Williams.  —  And  the  bounds  between  Plym.  and  this  town 
were  defined  by  Thos.  Foster,  Geo.  Watson,  and  John  Torry  of 
Plym.,  and  Sol.  Foster  and  Jona.  Bassett  of  this  town.^ 

In  1763,  "the  meeting-house  com."  having  rejDorted  that  they 
had  "sold  the  old  bell  for  the  use  of  the  court-house  at  Barnsta- 
ble," it  was  "  ordered  that  the  meeting-house  be  j^ainted." 

In  1764,  two  of  the  most  influential  and  respectable  citizens  of 
this  town,  deceased:  Saml.  Jennings  Esq.,  May  13,  se.  80 ;  and 
Hon.  Ezra  Bourne  in  Sept.,  £e.  88. 

The  discussions  which  had  been  frequent  in  pubHc 
and  private  for  several  years  touching  the  relation  of 
the  colonies  to  the  parent  government^,  were  now 
assuming  a  prominent  feature  in  all  public  affairs. 
The  colonies  were,  as  Burke  remarked,  "  snuffing 
tyranny  in  every  tainted  breeze."  Domestic  manu- 
factures were  here,  as  elsewhere,  the  more  vigorously 
prosecuted  from  the  produce  of  the  fields  and  the 
product  of  the  flocks.     Flax  and  wool,  then  staples  of 

'  The  necessity  for  these  regulations  was  twofold :  Below  the  towns  of 
Plym.  and  Wareham  and  extending  to  Barnstable,  Marshpee  and  Falmouth 
bounds,  was  a  large  district  of  country  covered  with  wood  because  more 
valuable  for  its  primitive  productions  than  for  any  other,  and  this  forest 
was  the  range,  through  a  considerable  portion  of  the  year,  of  large  flocks 
of  sheep;  moreover,  this  district  with  the  woods  of  adjoining  towns, 
embracing  about  20  sq.  miles,  had  always  been  well  stocked  with  deer  :  but 
they  were  being  rapidly  thinned  by  hunters.  Dr.  Thacher  relates  that  in 
1730,  a  Plym.  man  "  killed  3  deer  at  one  shot." 

^  "  Beginning  at  a  white-oak  bush  on  Peaked  Cliff,  marked  on  four 
sides,  with  stones  about  it ;  from  thence  running  S.  E.  3°  to  the  westerly 
side  of  Hemng  Pond  abt.  2  rods  from  the  mouth  of  sd.  pond  to  a  rock ; 
and  from  sd.  rock  to  the  Wareham  line." 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  109 

New  England,  gave  ample  employment  to  the  spinning 
wheel  and  loom  which  were  found  in  every  well-ordered 
famUy ;  wives  and  daughters  priding  themselves  upon 
the  fabrics  which  home  industry  had  created.  But  for 
these  circumstances,  wealth  would  not  have  so  rapidly 
increased,  nor  would  the  people  have  been  so  well  pro- 
vided for  the  exigencies  that  might  arise.  The  feeling 
now  existing  may  be  inferred  from  the  prophecy  this 
year  of  the  younger  Otis,  "  The  world  is  at  the  eve  of 
the  highest  scene  of  earthly  power  and  grandeur  that 
has  ever  been  displayed  in  the  view  of  mankind." 

In  1765,  the  war  between  England  and  France  that 
had  cost  England  250,000  human  lives,  upwards  of 
£111,000,000  sterling,  and  exhausted  the  treasury, 
being  followed  by  a  policy  to  relieve  the  nation  of 
debt  by  a  revenue  to  be  increased  by  taxing  the  colo- 
nies, and  the  stamp-act  being  devised,  the  news  was 
like  a  spark  of  fire  among  gunpowder.  Whilst  mobs 
and  tumults  were  the  result  in  cities,^  indignation  and 
firm  resolve  were  the  result  in  the  country  towns.^ 
The  revolutionary  song  has  it, 

"  King  George,  he  sent  along  his  stamps, 
The  people  stamped  with  rage,  Sii'." 

The  repeal  of  the  stamp-act  in  1766,  being  preceded 
by  a  declaration  of  Parliament  that  the  Crown  had 
and  "  of  right  ought  to  have  power  to  bind  the  Colo- 
nies," did  not  allay  the  excitement. 

*  Oliver,  the  stamp  officer,  was  assaulted  in  Boston,  his  office  demolished, 
and  he  hung  in  effigy  from  the  outstretched  arm  of  a  majestic  elm  long 
after  known  as  '  the  liberty-tree.'  Where  stood  this  tree,  at  the  corner  of 
Essex  and  Washington  Sts.,  the  Hon.  David  Sears,  the  worthy  President 
of  the  Cape  Cod  Association,  caused  to  be  erected  buildings  known  as  '  The 
Liberty-tree  Block,'  on  the  front  of  which  in  bass-relief  is  represented 
the  tree. 

*  The  measure  had  caused  Franklin,  then  in  Eng.,  to  exclaim,  "  The  sun 
of  liberty  is  set ;  the  Americans  must  light  the  torches  of  industry  and 
economy  ; "  to  which  Thomson,  afterwards  secretary  of  Congress,  replied, 
"  "We  shall  light  torches  of  quite  another  sort." 


110  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1767,  the  town  "  ordered  that  a  powder-house  be  built,"  and, 
Dec.  15,  on  "  the  report  of  Col.  Cotton,  Sol.  Foster,  Stephen  Nye, 
Nathl.  Freeman,^  Saml.  Wing,  and  Dea.  Smith  —  a  com.  to  con- 
sider a  matter  of  great  j)ublic  interest,"  the  preamble  and  resolu- 
tions embraced  by  sd.  report  were  twice  read  and  adopted.^ 

At  this  period  Mr.  Elisha  Tupper  whose  father  and 
great-grandfather  had  long  preceded  him  in  the  same 
work,  was,  as  years  previous,  engaged  in  missionary 
elForts  among  the  Indians ;  his  ministrations  being  also 
attended  by  citizens  of  the  town  living  contiguous  to 
the  several  places  where  he  officiated.  His  corre- 
spondence with  the  Commissioners  for  propagating  the 
Gospel  among  the  Indians,  contains  some  valuable 
statistics  not  supplied  from  other  sources.^ 

^  This  is  the  first  notice  in  the  records  of  his  connection  -with  any  pub- 
lic business.  His  deviating  at  all  from  strictly  professional  labors,  was 
caused,  as  is  seen,  by  the  exigencies  of  the  times.  Deeply  imbued  with 
the  spirit  of  libei'ty,  he  is  henceforward  prominent  in  political  movements. 

^  These  were  :  —  "  Whereas  the  use  of  foreign  superfluities  tends  greatly 
to  impoverish  this  Province  and  our  town  —  as  our  money  is  daily  goiftg 
from  us  and  the  drain  is  likely  to  be  increased  by  means  not  only  of  the 
late  additional  burdens  from  England,  but  the  heavy  tax  which  threatens 
the  town  Avith  poverty  and  ruin  unless  all  prudent  measures  be  taken  to 
lessen  the  use  of  superfluities  from  abroad,  viz.  loaf-sugar,  cordage,  anchors, 
men's  and  women's  apparel  ready  made,  household  furniture,  gloves,  men's 
and  women's  shoes,  sole-leather,  sheathing,  deck-nails,  gold  and  silver  but- 
tons, wrought  plate  of  all  sorts,  snufi",  mustard,  clocks  and  watches,  silver- 
smith and  jeweller's  wares,  broad-cloths  costing  more  than  10  s.  pr.  yard, 
mufi"s,  tijDpets,  furs,  and  all  sorts  of  millinery,  starch,  Avomen  and  children's 
stays,  china-ware,  silk  and  cotton  velvets,  gauze,  pewterer's  hollow-ware, 
Hnseed-oil,  glue,  lawns,  cambrics,  silks  of  aU  kinds,  malt-liquor,  cheese, 
hohea  and  green  teas  —  the  extravagant  use  of  these  last  in  the  afternoon : 
Therefore  resolved  that  after  Jan.  1,  1768,  we,  in  order  to  extricate  us  from 
our  distressed  circumstances  and  to  prevent  the  importation  of  European 
commodities  and  superfluities  the  use  of  which  threatens  the  town  with 
poverty  and  ruin,  promise  and  engage  to  and  with  each  other  that  we  will 
not  import  or  introduce  any  of  the  above-mentioned  restricted  articles  of 
foreign  growth.  And  furthermore,  to  the  end  that  this  union  be  not 
violated,  and  the  good  effect  to  follow  from  it  be  not  frustrated  by  any  con- 
siderable inhabitant  not  signing  and  conforming  to  the  regulations  herein 
made  as  far  and  as  well  as  he  can ;  Therefore  resolved  that  if  any  one 
disregarding  the  intentions  of  the  toAvn  still  continues  to  import  or  intro- 
duce any  of  the  afore-mentioned  articles,  such  person  or  persons  shall  be 
by  us  discountenanced  in  the  most  eff'ectual  but  decent  and  lawful  manner, 
though  no  force  or  restraint  shall  be  laid  upon  them.  Resolved,  That  the 
foregoing  be  lodged  in  the  Town  Clerk's  office  for  signatures." 

^  A  Memorial  to  the  Comrs.,  Nov.  18,  1761,  shows  that  the  salary  of  the 
missionaiy  was  £183.6.8,  old  tenor. — At  the  present  date,   1767,  Isaac 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  Ill 

In  1768,  20th  2d  mo.,  a  petition  was  presented  from  the  people 
called  Quakers  for  their  proportionate  share  of  the  ministerial 
lands.  It  was  signed  by  Joshua  Wing,  Geo.  Allen,  Barnabas  Hoxie, 
Gideon  Hoxie,  Saml.  Gifford,  John  Allen,  Edward  Wing,  Edward 
Dillingham,  Josiah  Gifford,  Daniel  Allen,  Zaccheus  Wing,  and 
Samuel  Wing.  The  petition  was  "unanimously  referred  to  a 
com.  to  confer  with  the  petitioners  and  examine  the  foundation  on 
which  the  town  was  settled ;  the  manner  and  reasons  of  the  grants 
of  lands  to  the  ministry ;  and  whether  the  petitioners  have  any 
equitable  right  to  the  same,  and  report."  This  com.  consisted  of 
Messrs.  Sol.  Foster,^  Benj.  Fessenden,  Prince  Tupper,  Jona.  Bas- 
sett,  Enoch  Tupper,  Thos.  Barlow,  and  Dea.  Smith. 

Political  questions  being  again  introduced  by  the 
proposal  of  the  town  of  Boston  for  a  Convention  to  be 
held  there,  the  result  in  town  meeting  showed  that  the 
two  political  parties  were,  at  this  early  period,  nearly 
balanced.  The  vote  was,  after  long  debate,  "  not  to 
send  to  the  Convention,  33  for,  42  against  sending." 

In  1769,  it  was  "  voted  that  the  school-master  shall  go  through 
the  town  as  heretofore,  with  his  school,  once  a  year."  —  A  passage 
for  herrings  "  into  the  pond  that  supplies  Nye's  mill "  was  ordered 

Jephry,  Indian,  proposed  to  relieve  Mr.  T.  of  part  of  his  charge  by  preach- 
ing at  Herring  Pond  for  a  salary  of  £6  ;  a  kindness  that  Jephry  doubtless 
thought  was  not  rightly  appreciated.  —  Statements  made  at  this  date,  rep- 
resent that  besides  Indians  occupying  9  wigwams  at  Scorton,  there  were  8 
families  of  Indians  at  Pocasset  and  as  many  houses — in  all  about  30  souls. 
There  were  also  at  Pocasset  50  Eng.  families.  —  Mr.  Tupper  preached  at 
the  latter  place,  and  "  also  two  miles  from  Mr.  WilKams'  meeting-house,  in 
a  meeting-house  at  Scusset  formerly  built  by  a  party  that  separated  from 
the  Sandwich  church ; "  also  "  once  a  month  at  H.  Pond,  and  occasionally 
at  "Wareham." 

'  The  name  is  upon  the  records  first,  at  the  time  of  the  m.  of  Joseph 
Foster  of  Barnstable  to  Rachel  Bassett  of  Sandwich  Sept.  8,  1696,  from 
whom  were  Mary  Sept.  1,  1697  who  m.  Moses  Swift  Dec.  24,  1719  ;  Joseph 
Sept.  19,  1698 ;  Benjamin  Nov.  16,  1699  who  m.  Maria  Tobey  Dec.  31, 
1724;  Wm.  Mar.  31,  1702  ;  Thankful  Nov.  3,  1703  who  m.  Nathan  Tobey 
Sept.  25,  1725  ;  John  Ap.  12,  1705  ;  Nathan  Jan.  3,  1707-8  ;  Abigail  Feb. 
27,  1708-9  who  m.  Zaccheus  Swift  May  15,  1735  ;  Deborah  Jan.  18,  1710- 
11  who  m.  Isaac  Freeman  Nov.  22,  1733  ;  Ebenr.  May  10,  1713  ;  Solomon 
Sept.  4,  1714 ;  Rachel  Oct.  30,  1716  ;  Hannah  June  17,  1718  who  m.  Jona. 
Churchill  of  Plym.  Dec.  10,  1743  ;  and  Sarah  Sept.  23,  1721  who  m.  Nathl. 
Nye  Nov.  11,  1742. —  Solomon  Esq.,  of  the  preceding  family,  was  some 
time  town-clerk,  and  much  engaged  in  public  aff'airs.  By  his  m.  Avith 
Rebecca  Nye  July  15,  1739,  he  had  Bryant  July  5,  1741 ;  Abigail  Dec. 
30,  1750;  Wm.  Feb.  4,  1753;  Elisha  Oct.  14,  1759;  and  Lemuel  Ap. 
14,  1762. 


112  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

to  be  made.  —  "  Pocasset  having  again  applied  to  be  made  a  Pre- 
cinct, and  a  j)etition  to  this  end  being  before  the  Gen.  Ct.,"  a  com. 
was  chosen  by  the  town  "  to  remonstrate."  ^  Capt.  Thos.  Bourne 
was  app.  for  the  town  "  to  oppose  the  petition  in  Gen.  Ct." 

In  1770,  Mar.  8,  the  town  voted  that  "  until  the  Act  of  Parlia- 
ment is  repealed  which  now  imposes  duties  on  tea,  paper,  &c.,  we 
will  not  purchase  any  goods  of  those  who  import,  nor  of  those  who 
purchase  from  importers ;  and  that  if  any  person  shall  bring  such 
goods  into  town,  we  will  in  a  legal,  just,  fair,  and  prudent  way 
discountenance  and  discourage  the  sale  of  such  goods."  —  A  vol- 
untary payment  of  14  s.  was  made  by  the  '  Friends'  Meeting,'  to 
reimburse  "  the  charge  the  town  had  been  at  on  account  of  a  j)oor 
woman  belonging  to  sd.  Meeting."  ^ 

In  1772,  during  the  month  of  June,  the  town  was 
visited  by  "a  terrible  fire  in  the  woods,  which  was 
attended  with  great  destruction  of  sheep,  and  caused  a 
great  depreciation  of  property."  —  Pocasset  was  incor- 
porated as  "  the  2d  Precinct  in  Sandwich."  —  The  town 
"  ordered  that  the  Province  law  to  prevent  the  destruction 
of  oysters  be  put  in  execution."  —  Samuel  Tupper  Esq., 
many  years  selectman  and  representative,  d.  Aug.  18.^ 

^  The  remonstrants  state  "  that  the  total  of  Real  est.  in  Pocasset  is 
£1255  ;  Personal  £426.5  ;  the  ministerial  tax  £7.10.1  out  of  £70  ;  that 
Mr.  Tupper  is  employed  by  the  Hon.  Comrs.  to  preach  to  Indians  8  miles 
distant  from  Pocasset  meeting-house  ;  that  Mr.  T.  is  not  an  ordained  min- 
ister ;  that  there  is  no  church  gathered  at  Pocasset ;  that  the  number  of 
dwelling-houses  in  that  part  of  the  town  was  but  18  in  1730,  with  90  white 
inhabitants  ;  in  1749,  but  28  dwellings  and  121  inhab. ;  and  now,  1769,  the 
number  of  dwellings  is  but  31,  inhab.  160.  Also  that  in  the  town  are  60 
families  of  Friends,  or  Quakers,  whose  rates  are  not  available  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  ministry.  Furthermore,  that  the  settlements  in  the  town  are 
all  on  the  sea-shore,  or  around  ponds,  and  many  besides  those  residing  in 
Pocasset  are  necessarily  remote  from  meeting.  Moreover,  the  small  old 
meeting-house,  removed,  repaired,  and  set  up  in  Pocasset,  stands  three 
mUes  from  the  nearest  part  of  Manomet ;  the  meeting-house  at  Herring 
Pond  is  gone  to  decay ;  Mr.  Tupper  is  now  about  63  yrs.  of  age,  has  but 
one  Indian  communicant,  and  that  member  60  yrs.  old  ;  and  that  no  other 
missionary  will  be  appointed  after  Mr.  T.  who  cannot  long  serve  the  con- 
gregation." 

"^  The  following  is  in  a  news-journal,  Aug.  16 :  "A  few  weeks  since  sev- 
eral children  were  playing  in  Sandwich  near  the  water,  and  one  of  them 
about  9  yrs.  old,  son  of  Rev.  Mr.  Williams,  fell  in  and  sunk.  After  about 
15  minutes  the  child  was  taken  out  apparently  dead,  but  by  the  usual 
applications  was  recovered." 

^  Samuel  Tupper  Esq.  was  son  of  Dea.  Israel  (see  Vol.  I.  698)  and  b. 
May  4,  1692.     He  was  a  very  prominent  man,  Rep.  7  yrs.  and  Selectman 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  113 

In  1773,  Jan.  26,  a  town  meeting  was  called  "  the 
occasion  for  wliich  being  one  of  serious  moment,"  the 
Eev.  Mr.  Williams  was  waited  on  by  "  a  committee  con- 
sisting of  Moses  Swift,  Deacon  Tobey,  and  Eliakim 
Tobey,"  requesting  him  "  to  attend  before  the  meeting 
proceed  further,  and  open  the  meeting  with  prayer." 
This  being  done,  a  letter  from  the  Boston  committee 
was  read,  setting  forth  their  grievances.  The  speech 
of  the  Governor  to  both  Houses  at  the  opening  of  the 
General  Court,  was  offered,  but  refused  a  hearing.  Sim- 
eon Dillingham,  Moses  Swift,  Mordecai  Ellis,  Zaccheus 
Burge,  Stephen  Nye,  Joseph  Nye  3d,  Simeon  Fish,  Seth 
Freeman,  Nathaniel  Fish  Jr.,  Joshua  Tobey,  and  Dr. 
Nathaniel  Freeman,  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
report  suitable  resolutions  for  the  action  of  the  meet- 
ing. Such  resolutions  were  presented,  adopted,  and 
ordered  to  be  forwarded  to  Boston :  viz. 

19  yrs.  He  m.  1st  Bebecca  Ellis,  Aug.  15,  1717,  and  2d  Hannah  Fish, 
Oct.  14,  1726,  and  had  Mordecai  Sept.  9,  17i8,  who  settled  in  Barnstable; 
Saml.  Feb.  20,  1719-20,  who  went  to  Dartmouth;  Elizabeth  Oct.  22,  1722, 
who  m.  Benj.  Ellis  Oct.  10,  1745 ;  Eebecca  Oct.  14,  1724,  who  m.  Elkanah 
Morton  of  Dartmouth  Dec.  12,  1752  ;  Silas  Aug.  9,  1727,  who  went  to  Vt. ; 
Enoch  Ap.  30,  1729 ;  Peleg  Ap.  1,  1731,  who  went  to  Maine  ;  Jabez  Jan. 
27,  1733  ;  Seth  May  6,  1735,  Avho  went  to  Kingston;  Rachel  Ap.  9, 1737, 
who  m.  Matthias  Ellis  Jr.  Feb.  15,  1759  ;  Thankful  Jan.  23, 1740-1,  who  m. 
Nath.  Phinney  Jan.  13,  1763;  Israel  May  9,  1744,  who  went  to  Vt. ;  and 
Hannah  May  26,  1746,  who  m.  John  Jones  Mar.  10,  1765,  and  removed  to 
Vt.  —  Enoch,  son  of  the  above,  b.  1729,  m.  Mehitable  Davis  Sept.  15, 1748, 
and  had  Desire,  Solomon,  Davis,  Enoch,  Olive,  Seth,  Olive,  Jonathan  May- 
hew,  Mehitable,  and  Grace.  —  Peleg,  b.  1731,  m.  Deborah  Fish  Jan.  24, 
1765,  and  took  with  him  to  Maine  a  large  family  and  had  others  born  there. 
He  bought  the  first  settler's  lot  at  Waterville,  above  the  fort,  on  the  Fair- 
field road.  —  Jabez,  b.  1733,  m.  Esther  Jennings,  Feb.  14,  1759,  and  was 
killed  on  board  an  Eng.  frigate,  being  involuntarily  detained  to  navigate. 
It  is  remarkable  that  the  widow  who  lived  to  a  great  age,  and  had  thus  lost 
her  husband  by  Br.  impressment,  was  the  daughter  of  Sam.  Jennings  Esq. 
whose  suff"ering  from  like  impressment  is  mentioned  p.  88.  The  familj^, 
we  would  suppose,  could  not  have  had  a  very  favorable  impression  of  the 
tender  mercies  of  the  British.  The  children  of  Jabez,  were  William  Ap. 
27,  1760,  who  by  his  cousin  Olive  Tupper  had  Diadama  and  d.  1784; 
Deborah  July  5, 1762,  who  d.  single,  very  aged;  Esther  Oct.  31,  1764,  who 
d.  inf. ;  Jabez  Sept.  10,  1767,  who  was  lost  at  sea ;  and  Esther  Feb.  19, 
1771,  who  m.  and  went  to  Maine.  —  Seth,  b.  1735,  went  to  Kingston,  and 
there  m.  Priscilla  Sampson  Dec.  1,  1760,  and  had  Sam.,  Peleg,  Priscilla, 
Nath.,  Polly,  and  Bridget.  He  d.  in  the  W.  Indies  in  1775.  He  has 
descendants  still  in  K.,  and  others  widely  scattered. 

VOL.  II.  15 


114  HISTOKY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

"Resolved,  That  ovti*  rights  as  men,  Christians,  and  subjects,  are 
derived  to  the  colonies  in  general  and  to  this  province  in  particu- 
lar, from  the  laws  of  Nature,  the  English  Constitution,  and  the 
Provincial  Charter ,  and  that  no  power  under  Heaven  has  a  right 
to  deprive  us  of  them. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  infringement  and  violation  of  our  rights 
are  a  matter  of  just  complaint,  that  ought  to  be  opposed  in  every 
lawful  way  by  the  whole  body  of  the  people  as  unconstitutional 
and  intolerable  grievances. 

"  Resolved,  That  our  patience  has  been  tried  and  new  griev- 
ances come  in  the  place  of  redress,  until  we  are  forced  to  believe 
the  annihilation  of  our  charter  rights  is  intended. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  owe  it  as  a  duty  to  ourselves,  our  fellow- 
men,  and  to  posterity,  to  oppose  in  all  lawful  ways  every  such  viola- 
tion of  our  rights,  and  that  Ave  will  join  with  our  brethren  of  the 
other  towns  in  this  province  in  any  legal  measures  to  obtain  relief. 

"Resolved,  That  our  representative  be  earnestly  requested  to 
exert  his  influence  at  the  Great  and  Gen,  Court  to  retrieve  our 
injured  rights,  and  secure  those  that  yet  remain,  to  us  and  to  pos- 
terity; and  use  his  endeavors  that  a  dutiful,  loyal,  but  most  impor- 
tunate petition  be  preferred  to  our  Most  Gracious  Sovereign,  fully 
and  plainly  pi-esenting  our  grievances  and  earnestly  imploring 
Royal  interposition  in  our  favor,  assuring  Him  of  our  loyalty  and 
the  afiection  we  bear  to  his  royal  j)erson,  crown,  and  dignity ;  that 
we  are  willing  to  continue  our  allegiance,  but  claim  his  royal  pro- 
tection of  us  in  the  enjoyment  of  our  charter  and  of  our  rights  as 
Englishmen,  and  that  our  complaints  are  the  general  voice  and 
not  the  murmurs  of  a  faction  as  has  been  represented."  —  These 
resolutions,  Joseph  Nye  3d,  Dr.  N.  Freeman,  and  Benj.  Blossom 
were  directed  to  transmit  to  Boston.  Mr.  Blossom  refusing  to 
serve,  Seth  Freeman  was  chosen  in  his  jDlace.  —  At  a  subsequent 
meeting,  letters  received  from  the  com.  of  correspondence  in  Bos- 
ton were  read,  and  a  com.  of  cor.  was  chosen  in  behalf  of  this  town, 
viz.  Dr.  Nathaniel  Freeman,  Moses  Swift,  Seth  Freeman,  John 
Allen,  Joseph  Nye  3d,  Geo.  Allen,  Simeon  Fish,  Mord.  Ellis,  Eli- 
sha  Pope,  John  Percival,  and  Joshua  Tobey.  Thomas  Smith  Jr. 
and  Stephen  Chipman  requested  their  dissent  and  protest  against 
all  the  foregoing  proceedings  might  be  recorded ;  and  the  Messrs. 
Allen  requested  to  be  excused  from  serving  on  the  aforesaid  com., 
they  being  *  Friends.' 

At  a  meeting  May  18,  it  was  voted  by  the  town 
"  that  our  representative  is  instructed  to  endeavor  to 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  115 

have  an  Act  passed  by  the  Court,  to  prevent  the  impor- 
tation of  slaves  into  this  county,  and  that  all  children 
that  shall  be  born  of  such  Africans  as  are  now  slaves 
among  us  shall,  after  such  Act,  be  free  at  21  yrs.  of  age. 

In  1774,  Mar.  14,  after  prayer  by  Mr.  "Williams,  the  report  of 
the  town's  com.  of  cor.  was  read,  embracing  letters  received  and 
copies  of  letters  sent.  "  The  doings  of  the  com,  were  approved, 
and  the  thanks  of  the  town  voted  for  their  zealous  devotion  to  the 
true  interests  of  the  country."  It  was  also  voted  "  that  the  letters 
of  the  Gov.  and  Lt.  Gov.,"  and  some  others  embraced  in  the  report, 
"are  replete  with  malicious  enmity."  Also,  "  That  the  Act  of  Par- 
liament imposing  a  duty  on  Teas  imported  into  America,  is  a  tax 
upon  us  without  our  consent,  and  therefore  unconstitutional  and 
ought  to  be  opposed;  That  the  consignees  of  the  tea  sent  by  the 
E.  Ind.  Co.  have  discovered  their  enmity  to  the  country  by  refus- 
ing to  resign  their  agency,  and  have  forfeited  all  right  to  our  pro- 
tection ;  That  whereas  the  assemblage  in  the  Old  South  Meeting- 
house in  Boston  in  Dec.  last  did  as  far  as  was  in  their  power  and 
consistent  with  the  good  of  the  country,  endeavor  to  have  those 
teas  go  safely  back  and  were  obstructed  in  this  endeavor  by  the 
obstinacy  of  others,  the  destruction  of  those  teas  became  necessa- 
ry and  was  wholly  owing  to  the  groundless  objections  of  the  con- 
signees and  their  aiders  and  abettors ;  That  we  Avill  not  import, 
buy,  or  make  use  of  any  teas  purchased  of  the  E.  Ind.  Co.  or  sub- 
ject to  such  unconstitutional  duty,  until  the  Act  is  totally  re- 
pealed ;  That  an  attested  copy  of  these  votes  be  transmitted,  with 
the  thanks  of  the  town,  to  the  coms.  of  cor.  of  Boston  and  Plym. 
for  their  manly  oj)position  to  a  most  pernicious  measure,  assuring 
them  that  we  are  ready  to  join  them  in  ojDjDosing  every  unright- 
eous attempt  upon  our  liberties."  —  Zaccheus  Burge,  Lot  Nye,  and 
John  Dillingham  Jr.  were  appointed  to  supply  the  vacancies  in 
the  committee  of  correspondence  occasioned  by  the  resignations 
of  Messrs.  John  and  George  Allen. 

That  the  inhabitants  were  here,  as  elsewhere  to  a 
considerable  extent,  divided  by  opposing  political  views, 
and  that  to  the  respective  parties  began  now  to  be 
applied  the  distinctive  appellations,  whigs  and  tories, 
is  a  fact  which,  however  sensitive  any  may  be  in  refer- 
ence to  it,  it  were  ridiculous  to  ignore.     It  would  be 


116  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

worse  than  ridiculous  if  an  historian  were  to  attempt  to 
conceal  the  fact  because,  forsooth,  some  may  object  that 
the  exposure  is  '  virtually  exhuming  the  ashes  of  the 
dead.'  So  far  as  is  necessary  to  a  full  view  of  the  dif- 
ficulties attending  the  revolutionary  struggle,  we  do 
not  hesitate  to  state  the  case  freely,  fully,  unequivo- 
cally. Such,  here,  as  began  now  to  be  denominated 
by  the  odious  epithet,  were,  perhaps  generally,  persons 
of  influence.  In  some  instances,  leaders  in  the  oppo- 
sition to  patriotic  measures  had  enjoyed  emolument 
from  the  British  Government.  The  influence  of  pat- 
ronage, however  limited  the  benefit,  generally  leaves 
its  imjDression ;  a  remark  that  need  not  be  considered 
as  apposite  only  to  revolutionary  times.  Men  of  differ- 
ing parties  have  been  found  in  later  times  as  submis- 
sively fond  of  the  crumbs  falling  from  those  in  power 
as  were  any  in  the  days  of  the  favors  of  royalty. 

"  Quid  non  mortalia  pectora  cogis, 
Auri  sacra  fames  ! " 

As  the  excitement  of  the  hour  increased  and  the 
breach  widened,  various  were  the  influences  that  decided 
the  position  of  the  masses.  The  whigs  were  soon  in 
the  ascendency,  but  the  struggle  was  hard.  The  pa- 
triotic had  much  to  contend  against.  Open,  and  also 
secret  foes,  were  around  their  very  dwellings.  Stout 
must  have  been  their  hearts,  to  endure.  Little  know 
we  of  their  dark  and  anxious  hours;  their  sacrifices 
and  trials.  We  would  recall  no  angry  resentments ;  we 
would  rekindle  no  such  passions  from  the  embers  of 
revolutionary  strife :  but  we  would  be  true  to  history. 

At  a  meeting,  Sept.  30,  after  prayer  by  Mr.  Ephraim  Ellis,  Dr. 
Nathaniel  Freeman  was  called  to  the  chair,  the  former  moderator 
retiring  on  account  of  the  business  now  before  the  meeting  he 
having  been  app.  to  represent  the  town  in  the  Gen.  Ct.  to  be  con- 
vened at  Salem  Oct.  5.    Mr.  Nye,  the  rep.,  was  "  instructed  —  not 


ANNALS   OP   SANDWICH.  117 

to  consent  to  any  business  with  the  Council  said  to  be  appointed 
by  Mandamus  under  the  late  Act  of  Parliament;  not  to  conform 
in  any  manner  to  any  of  the  late  oppressive  Acts  by  consenting  to 
pay  for  the  teas  as  required  in  the  Boston  Port  bill ;  that  he  use 
his  endeavors  to  obtain  redress  of  our  grievances,  and  that  the 
constitutional  council  of  the  province  chosen  last  May  by  the  Gen. 
Ct.  be  called  to  unite  with  the  court  as  usuaL"  He  was  also  "  au- 
thorized to  unite  with  the  Congress  of  the  Province  and  act  as  a 
member  of  the  same."  —  The  further  report  of  the  com.  of  cor.  was 
then  read,  and  patriotic  resolves  suited  to  the  occasion  were  passed ; 
viz. :  "  Resolved  that  this  town  approves  the  doings  of  its  com. 
of  cor.,  and  that  the  letters  recently  received  and  now  communi- 
cated, contain  matter  both  interesting  and  alarming  in  regard  to 
which  we  ought  seriously  to  deliberate,  determine,  and  act ;  That 
the  Act  called  the  Boston  Port  bill,  is  not  only  a  most  unrighteous 
violation  of  our  charter  rights,  but  is  an  unparalleled  instance  of 
cruelty,  tyranny  and  oppression  tending  to  alienate  the  affections 
and  annihilate  the  prosperity  of  his  majesty's  subjects,  and  there- 
fore ought  by  all  means  to  be  opposed ;  That  the  two  other  Acts, 
the  one  entitled  '  An  Act  for  the  better  administration  of  Justice,' 
and  the  other  '  An  Act  for  the  better  regulating  the  Govt,  of  the 
Prov.  of  Mass.  Bay,'  are  a  daring  insult  upon  the  peojDle,  directly 
depriving  them  of  the  Eng.  Constitution  and  violating  the  sacred 
Charter  of  the  Province  —  calculated  to  prevent  the  impartial 
administration  of  justice  and  to  encourage  bloodshed  and  murder, 
and  that  should  we  tamely  submit  Ave  cannot  answer  it  to  God, 
our  own  consciences,  our  fellow-men,  or  to  posterity :  therefore 
we  NEVER  WILL  SUBMIT,  but  WILL  OPPOSE  sd.  Acts  cven  though  it 
be  at  the  risk  of  our  fortunes  and  our  lives;  That  as  one  means 
of  obtaining  redress  without  the  carnage  and  desolation  of  civil 
war,  we  will  neither  import  any  goods  whatever  from  Gt.  Britain 
nor  suffer  any  among  us  to  import,  nor  purchase  of  any  one  who 
does  import,  until  our  grievances  are  fully  redressed  and  the  port 
of  Boston  is  opened;  That  inasmuch  as  our  brethren  of  Boston  are 
suffering  in  a  common  cause  and  standing  foremost  in  support  of 
it,  it  is  our  duty  to  afford  them  relief,  and  that  subscription  papers 
be  opened  and  passed  around  through  the  town  by  the  selectmen 
and  com.  of  cor.  —  the  amt.  subscribed  to  be  transmitted ;  That 
whereas  the  Capital  of  the  Province  is  actually  besieged  by  a  fleet 
and  army  constantly  making  hostile  preparations  and  often  seizing 
upon  and  robbing  the  country  of  its  means  of  defence,  we  deem  it 
necessary  for  the  people  to  be  well-provided  with  arms  and  ammu- 


118  HISTORY    OF   BAENSTABLE    COUNTY. 

nition,  and  recommend,  that  every  male  inhabitant  of  this  town  of 
16  yrs.  of  age  or  over  be  provided  accordingly  and  attend  often  to 
military  exercise,  the  com.  of  cor.  endeavoring  to  persuade  the  peo- 
ple thereto  by  calling  upon  them  to  assemble  for  the  purpose,  and 
the  selectmen  securing  powder  for  the  town  —  its  full  complement ; 
That  a  Congress  of  Deputies  for  the  several  towns  in  the  County 
ajDpears  to  us  necessary  at  this  juncture,  and  that  a  com.  for  this 
town,  consisting  of  Dr.  Freeman,  Messrs.  Simeon  Fish,  Joshua 
Tobey,  Lot  Nye,  Seth  Freeman,  Thos.  Nye,  John  Dillingham  Jr., 
Joseph  Nye  3d,  and  Micah  Blackwell,  meet  at  such  time  and  place 
as  shall  be  agreed  upon  by  the  major  part  of  the  coms.  that  shall 
be  chosen  in  the  County;  That  every  person  use  his  best  endeav- 
ors to  suppress  common  pedlers  of  Eng.,  Scotch,  or  India  goods, 
and  the  several  innholders  in  this  town  be  desired  to  refuse  to 
entertain  them ;  That  the  town  clerk  make  a  fair  record  of  all  let- 
ters received  by  the  selectmen  or  com.  of  cor.  from  other  towns, 
and  of  the  letters  they  may  send  or  have  sent,  together  with  the 
reports  of  the  com.  of  cor.  last  March  and  at  the  present  meeting, 
and  iDublish  the  present  doings ;  That  the  selectmen  be  directed  to 
purchase  a  chest  of  arms  and  deliver  them  to  the  inhabitants  at 
first  cost  at  discretion,  and  four  barrels  of  gunpowder  with  lead 
and  flints  in  proportion,  to  be  keyt  in  addition  to  the  town's  pres- 
ent stock ;  That  the  thanks  of  this  town  be  exjjressed  to  the  gent, 
from  the  counties  of  Plymouth  and  Bristol,  who  lately  attended 
in  this  County  to  assist  in  preventing  the  late  opj)ressive  Acts  of 
Parliament  from  taking  effect,"  (a  com.  consisting  of  Dr.  Freeman, 
Seth  Freeman,  and  John  Dillingham  Jr.  being  app.  to  that  duty) 
—  "  also  thanks  to  Melatiah  Bourne  Esq.  for  the  timber  presented 
by  him  to  be  erected  a  liberty-pole." 

A  full  account  of  the  great  gathering  of  '  the  Body 

of  the  People/  to  which  reference  is  made  in  the  last 

resolve,   appears    under   its   appropriate   date   in   the 

history  of  the  county. 

At  a  legal  meeting,  Nov.  11,  Dr.  Freeman  moderator,  Mr.  Wil- 
liams having  opened  the  meeting  with  prayer  further  action  was 
had  that  shows  the  town,  by  its  majority,  was  still  inflexible  in 
its  patriotic  course.  It  was  "Voted,  That  those  mandamus  coun- 
cillors and  others  who  have  accepted  of,  or  acted  under  commis- 
sions or  authority  deiived  from  the  late  Act  of  Parliament  passed 
the  last  session  for  changing  the  form  of  govt.,  and  who  have  not 
conformed  to  the  resolves  of  the  Prov.  Congress  of  Oct.  21,  be 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  119 

stigmatized  as  infamous  betrayers  of  their  country  and  rebels 
against  the  state ;  the  town-clerk  to  record  their  names  as  such." 
—  A  second  resolve  expresses  approbation  of  the  doings  of  the 
Prov.  Cong. ;  a  third  proposes  "  the  reorganization  of  the  military 
companies  of  the  town  —  the  officers  to  be  chosen  by  the  mem- 
bers \ "  a  fourth  and  fifth  authorize  the  newly  elected  officers  "  to 
demand  the  colors,  halberts,  drums,  &c.  in  the  name  of  the  town 
of  any  persons  in  whose  hands  found,  any  further  supply  needed 
to  be  procured  at  the  town's  expense,  a  competent  person  skilled 
in  military  exercise  to  be  employed  to  instruct  the  companies  and 
especially  the  minute  company ; "  a  sixth  threatens  "  the  resent- 
ment of  the  town  upon  any  who  refuse  duty ; "  a  seventh  designed 
"  to  compel  the  payment  of  all  moneys  belonging  to  the  Province 
in  the  hands  of  collectors  or  constables,  to  the  Receiver  General 
app.  by  the  Prov. ; "  and  an  eighth  constituting  Dr.  Freeman,  Jo- 
seph Nye  3d,  Seth  Freeman,  Simeon  Wing,  and  Simeon  Fish,  a 
com.  to  "  consider  the  recommendations  of  the  Prov.  and  Continen- 
tal Congresses,  and  report  at  an  adjourned  meeting."  An  appro- 
priation of  £  80  was  made  to  enable  the  selectmen  "  to  pm-chase 
military  stores." 

We  need  add  nothing  more  in  regard  to  the  exciting 
scenes  of  the  latter  part  of  the  present  year  5  only  let 
it  be  remembered  that  these  were  enacted  when  lib- 
erty was  treason,  and  when  the  halter,  not  laurels, 
was  the  promised  meed  of  patriotic  daring. 

It  is  not  unusual,  even  after  the  lapse  of  three  fourths 
of  a  century,  to  hear  it  flippantly  suggested  that  the 
measures  adopted  by  ^the  sons  of  liberty'  were  too 
stringent  and  savored  of  oppression.  This,  however,  is 
said  without  duly  considering  the  artful,  determined, 
and  malevolent  course  of  the  tories.  It  was  natural 
that  loyalists  should  be  regarded  with  suspicion;  for 
how  could  they  sympathize  with  ^the  cause  of  their 
country'  ?  This,  indeed  they  were  not  required  to  do ; 
but  they  were  expected  to  refrain  from  overt  acts  of 
sympathy  with  the  Crown  in  opposition  to  '  the  patriot 
cause.'  The  question  for  the  patriotic  to  decide,  was, 
^  What  is  pohtic  ? '    It  was  necessary  that  the  adherents 


120  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

to  the  Crown  should  be  restrained.  A  different  course 
could  hardly  have  been  expected  by  the  loyalists  them- 
selves. The  policy  was  the  same  the  loyalists  would 
most  assuredly  have  instituted  had  they  the  upper 
hand.  If  the  only  offence  of  the  tories  had  been 
loyalty,  we  might  all  deplore  their  misfortunes.  It 
may  be  said  that  they  were  generally  honest  in  their 
views.  But  the  whigs  were  equally  honest ;  and  their 
patriotism  was  reviled,  and  their  lives  were  confidently 
expected  by  their  opponents  as  the  forfeit.  Self-pro- 
tection demanded  the  restraints  they  imposed.  These 
restraints  evoked  resentment,  hate,  revenge;  and 
prompt  action  and  the  utmost  vigilance  became  indis- 
pensable. Mr.  Sabine  has  stated  that  not  less  than 
20,000  loyalists  took  up  arms  against  the  revolutionary 
struggle !  In  this  town,  for  a  time,  parties  were  nearly 
balanced.  We  confess,  we  envy  not  the  moral  sense 
of  the  citizen  who  can  at  this  day  assert  that  his 
sympathies  are  with  the  loyalists  of  that  eventful  period. 
Of  such,  it  may,  doubtless  generally,  be  said, 

"  Look,  how  the  father's  face 
Lives  in  his  issue." 

In  1775,  Feb.  1,  at  a  town-meeting,  Dr.  Freeman  moderator,  a 
large  com.  was  app.  "  to  see  that  the  recommendation  of  the  Con- 
gresses be  carried  into  execution :"  viz.  Nathl.  Freeman,  Steph.Nye, 
Joseph  Nye  3d,  Thomas  Nye,  Benj.  Freeman,  Silvanus  Nye,  Joseph 
Lawrence,  Lot  Nye,  John  Percival,  Simeon  Fish,  Nathl.  Fish) 
Simeon  Wing,  Jonathan  Handy,'*Thos.  Bourne  Jr.,  Timothy  Perry, 
Thos.  Swift,  Elisha  Ellis,  Benj.  Fessenden,  and  Eliakim  Tohey. — 
At  a  town-meeting,  Ap.  24,  Col.  Nathl.  Freeman^  being  mod., 
"some  fresh  intelligence"  was  communicated  "by  Mr.  Sampson," 
whereupon  it  was  "  voted  that  a  watch  be  app.  for  the  sea-coast, 
and  that  watch-boxes  be  built  at  the  several  stations,  and  the 
watchmen  be  paid  2  s.  per  night."  —  Col.  Freeman  and  Stephen 
Nye  were  chosen  to  represent  the  town  in  the  Prov.  Congress 

'  Dr.  F.  had  this  year  been  app.  by  the  Council  of  the  Province,  Lt.  Col. 
of  the  1st  regiment  of  the  county. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  121 

to  be  held  at  Watertown  on  the  30  inst.  —  A  resolve  similar  to 
that  passed  by  the  Prov.  Congress  condemnatory  of  Gage,  was 
subsequently  passed  by  the  town  and  entered  on  its  records.^  — 
It  was  also  "  voted  that  5000  bu.  of  corn  be  purchased  by  the 
selectmen  at  the  town's  cost  to  supply  those  that  need."  —  The 
town  assembled  again,  July  12,  to  aj^point  delegates  to  the  Con- 
gress to  be  held  at  Watertown  on  the  19th ;  and  Col.  Freeman 
and  Joseph  Nye  Jr.  were  chosen. 

In  1776,  Mar.  12,  Jesse  Barlow  had  "leave  to  turn  the  country- 
road  so  as  to  accommodate  the  mill  he  projDoses  to  build." 

At  a  meeting,  June  21,  it  was  "  voted  that  should  the 
Hon.  Congress  of  the  United  Colonies  declare  these 
Colonies  independent  of  the  kingdom  of  Great  Britain, 
We  SOLEMNLY  ENGAGE  witli  our  lives  and  our  fortunes  to 
support  them  in  the  measurer 

It  was  voted,  Aug.  9,  that  "  whereas  sundry  inhabitants  advanced 
£30  lawful  money  to  procure  men  to  go  to  Boston  or  the  fortresses 
.adjacent,  in  the  jjlace  of  men  required  of  this  town  by  the  Coun- 
cil, this  sum  be  refunded."  —  And,  Oct.  9,  it  was  "  voted  to  pros- 
ecute all  who  have  neglected,  or  shall  neglect  to  appear  at  military 
musters  as  required  by  law." 

In  1777,  May  2,  it  was  "  ordered  that  Rev.  Gideon  Hawley  and 
Mr.  Elisha  Tujjper  be  repaid  out  of  the  treasury  the  sums  they  are 
resj)ectively  rated  for  lands  in  this  town."  —  At  a  meeting,  June  30, 
it  was  first  "  voted  that  Rev.  Mr.  Hawley,  now  in  town,  be  waited 
on  by  Dea.  Smith  and  Dea.  Swift,  and  requested  to  open  this  meet- 
ing with  prayer."  Mr.  H.  attended  and  performed  the  service,  when 
the  assemblage  proceeded  to  business.  A  com.  was  chosen  to 
prevent  monopoly,  &c.  —  Mr.  Silas  Tupper  was  continued  teacher 

'  "  Voted  that  a  resolve  of  the  following  tenor  having  been  passed  by  the 
Prov.  Cong.,  viz. :  '  Whereas  Gen.  Gage  since  his  arrival  in  this  colony  has 
conducted  as  the  instrument  in  the  hands  of  an  arbitrary  ministry  to  en- 
slave this  people  ;  and  a  detachment  of  troops  under  his  command  has 
been  ordered  by  him  to  the  town  of  Concord  to  destroy  the  public  stores  ; 
and  by  this  clandestine  and  perfidious  measure  a  number  of  respectable 
inhabitants  of  this  colony  have  without  any  provocation  by  them  given 
been  illegally,  wantonly,  and  inhumanly  slaughtered  by  his  troops  :  There- 
fore resolved  that  the  sd.  Gen.  Gage  has  by  these  and  many  other  means 
disqualified  himself  to  serve  this  colony  as  its  governor,  and  that  no  obedi- 
ence ought  in  future  to  be  paid  to  his  writs,  proclamations,  or  any  of  his 
acts  and  doings,  but  that  he  ought  to  be  regarded  as  an  unnatural  and 
inveterate  enemy  to  the  country  : '  —  this  town  do  unanimously  acquiesce 
in  said  resolve." 

VOL.  II.  16 


122  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

of  the  town  school.  —  At  a  meeting,  Nov.  11,  the  families  of  sol- 
diers in  the  country's  service  from  this  town,  requiring  the  public 
sympathy,  Mr.  Seth  Freeman  was  app.  "  to  supply  them  for  the 
approaching  winter."  —  It  was  also  "  voted  that  whereas  there  is 
a  considerable  sum  of  bills  of  this  and  other  states,  in  the  hands  of 
the  town  treasurer,  which  bills  it  will  be  unlawful  to  offer  in  any' 
payments  after  Dec.  1,  the  treasurer  endeavor  to  get  the  sd. 
money  exchanged."  —  The  Confederation  of  the  Colonies  was 
approved.^ 

In  1778,  the  small-pox  in  town  caused  much  alarm.  A  "pest- 
house  "  was  jDrovided,  the  roads  near  and  around  it  were  "  fenced- 
up,"  nurses  who  had  had  the  disease  were  provided,  a  "  red  flag 
hung  at  the  fencings,"  all  intrusion  upon  the  grounds  was  prohib- 
ited, and  even  cats  and  dogs  running  at  large  were  killed  to  pre- 
vent contagion.  —  Col.  Freeman  and  Joseph  Nye  Esq.  were  cho- 
sen reps.  May  22  ;  after  which  election,  Mr.  Seth  Freeman  being 
mod.,  the  Constitution  or  form  of  Govt,  agreed  upon  by  the  Con- 
vention of  the  State  Feb.  28,  "was  distinctly  read,  and  debated, 
and  finally  approved,"  ayes  86,  noes  13,  and  the  reps,  were  formally 
instructed  to  give  their  vote  for  the  same.  Other  matters  of  grave 
interest,  as  was  supposed,  created  the  necessity  of  instructions 
extraordinary.^ — It  was  "voted  that  8s.  per  night  be  allowed 

'  "  Whereas  the  Hon.  Continental  Congress  have  published  Articles  of 
Confederation  and  Perpetual  Union  to  be  entered  into  by  the  States  in 
America  named  ;  and  have  recommended  to  the  Gen.  Assembly  to  invest 
its  delegates  with  competent  powers  ultimately  to  subscribe  in  the  name 
and  behalf  of  the  State  such  Articles  of  Confed.  and  Perpet.  Union ;  and 
•whereas  the  Hon.  House  of  Representatives  of  this  State  regarding  the 
matter  of  great  importance,  but  beyond  the  usual  course  of  business,  have 
recommended  to  the  several  towns  to  instruct  their  Representatives  to  act 
and  to  do  as  their  respective  towns  shall  judge  most  for  the  advantage  of 
this  and  the  other  States  ;  and  sd.  Articles  having  been  now  read  again  in 
town  meeting :  Voted  that  Joseph  Nye  Esq.,  our  representative,  be  in- 
structed to  assent  to  sd.  Confed.  as  proposed  by  Congress,  we  of  this  town 
judging  that  it  will  be  greatly  to  the  advantage  of  this  and  the  other 
United  States  of  America  that  sd.  Confederation  be  ratified." 

^  These  instructions  were  as  follows  :  "  To  Col.  N.  F.  and  J.  N.  Esq., 
Reps,  for  the  town  of  S;  for  the  ensuing  year  :  Gent.,  By  making  choice  of 
you  to  represent  this  town  in  the  Gen.  Assembly,  we  have  reposed  great 
confidence  in  your  attachment  to  the  cause  of  the  country,  and  in  your 
abilities  to  serve  it.  "We  think  it  expedient  nevertheless  to  mention  some 
things  by  way  of  instruction.  At  a  time  when  every  insidious  measure  is 
being  taken  by  the  Br.  ministry  to  divide  us  and  to  induce  the  continent  to 
relinquish  their  independence,  we  are  anxiously  concerned  lest  our  public 
councils  be  embarrassed  by  the  admission  of  designing  and  inimical  ])er- 

sons  as  members.     The  late  election  for  the  town  of has  justly  excited 

alarm.  The  choice  of  '  a  person  who  in  every  stage  of  the  present  con- 
test with  Gt.  Britain  has  appeared  not  only  as  an  opposer  sf  all  Congresses, 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  123 

each  man  employed  by  the  military  officers  on  the  watch ;  and 
that  Capt.  Simeon  Fish,  Capt.  Ward  Swift,  Lot  Nye,  Stephen 
Nye,  and  John  Smith  be  a  com.  to  procure  the  number  of 
men  required  of  this  town  for  the  continental  army."  ^  —  It  was 
voted,  June  9,  that  "  whereas  sundry  persons  in  this  town  have 
advanced  £540  to  hire  9  men  to  serve  in  lieu  of  9  men  detached 
from  the  militia  of  this  town  for  8  mo.  in  the  State  of  Rhode 
Island,  the  sd.  sum  be  raised  by  tax  and  refunded ; "  and  that 
"  whereas  Gideon  Rose  who  was  a  soldier  in  the  Cont.  army  is 
reported  dead,  the  agent  for  supplies  of  families  of  Cont.  sol- 
diers, continue  to  supply  the  family  of  sd.  Rose."  —  Voted,  Sept. 
8,  "  to  raise  £1500  to  defray  the  tovv^n  and  county  charges  for  the 
present  year."  —  A  proj^osal,  Oct.  2,  to  raise  £  518.3  "  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  schools,"  failed  —  the  interests  of  education  being 
necessarily  postponed  to  the  crushing  exactions  of  war. 

The  necessity  for  a  nightly  watch  on  the  coasts  was 
imminent.  The  inhabitants  were  kept  constantly  on 
the  qui  vive,  not  alone  by  reason  of  the  annoyances  and 
depredations  to  which  they  were  subject  by  an  enemy 
whose  presence  on  the  smTomiding  waters  was  of 
daily  observation ;  there  was  now  reason  to  apprehend 

continental  or  colonial,  and  of  American  independence,  and  as  the  head  and 
principal  of  the  tory  faction  in  this  county,  was  a  course  of  conduct  that 
appears  to  us  characteristic  of  very  few  towns  in  this  state.  The  danger- 
ous plots  against  the  state  which  have  lately  been  discovered  ;  the  numbers 
among  us  that  have  johied  the  enemy  ;  the  unfriendly  disposition  of  many 
in  this  county  still  among  us  ;  and  the  enemy's  ships  frequently  alarming 
our  coasts  ;  are  circumstances  that  forebode  danger,  and  we  would  have  you 
represent  these  matters  to  the  Hon.  Court,  and  the  necessity  of  their  point- 
ing out  some  speedy  method  for  guarding  against  these  evils.'  Further  we 
think  it  our  duty  to  instruct  you  to   acquaint  the  Ho.   of  Reps,   with  the 

political  character  and  conduct  of ,  and  to  use  your  influence  that 

neither  he,  or  any  other  person  of  such  dangerous  political  principles  and 
conduct  shall  be  vested  with  a  power  by  which  the  state  shall  be  injured, 
the  House  scandalized,  and  disaffection  and  jealousies  excited.  —  We  wish 
for  no  unreasonable  exemption  from  the  public  levies  of  men  or  money ; 
we  wish  to  do  our  full  proportion  ;  but  we  think,  considering  the  fact  that 
we  have  raised  our  full  quota  for  the  Continental  army,  and  as  many  more 
are  now  required  of  us,  you  should  let  the  Court  understand  this  matter, 
and  that  whilst  we  desire  no  more  than  credit  for  the  men  Ave  have  raised 
in  a  just  proportion  with  other  towns,  we  think  it  necessary  as  our  men 
are  much  drained  off  by  the  land  and  sea  service  and  the  circumstances 
before  related,  that  guards  should  be  stationed  in  this  county  for  our 
present  security."     Voted,  "  nemine  contradicente." 

'  These  repeated  requisitions  called  into  the  service  many  of  the  town's 
best  men.  At  this  time,  among  the  volunteers,  were  William  Handy,  John 
Freeman,  William  Bodfish,  and  William  Nye. 


124  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

some  grand  demonstration  verifying  rumors,  and  ful- 
filling the  threatening  taunts  of  the  tory  faction.^  — 
Roland  Cotton,  Esq.,  died  May  16.^ 

In  1779,  the  tory  faction  was  not  only  subdued; 
many  of  them  had  abandoned  the  town.  The  course 
of  the  whigs  had  been  resolute,  and  for  a  time  not 
unattended  with  danger  —  for  their  opposing  towns- 
men were  maddened,  and  determinedly  vindictive  as 
long  as  there  was  hope.  Such  as  remained  in  town, 
had  now  become  gentle  as  lambs  j^  numbers  absent 
were  meekly  suppHant*     Among  the  arrested,  impris- 

*  Such  demonstration  was  intended  when  the  Br.  fleet  left  its  position  off 
N.  London,  Sept.  4,  commencing  operations  next  day  at  N.  Bedford  and 
Fairhaven,  and  on  the  10th  at  Falmouth.  We  are  sorry  to  record  as 
illustrative  of  the  spirit  which  actuated  the  tories,  that  some  of  their  num- 
ber acted  as  guides  to  the  enemy  on  these  occasions. 

2  Mr.  Cotton,  s.  of  Eev.  Roland  C,  was  a  grad.  H.  C.  1719.  He  resided 
in  Woburn  many  yrs.,  and  was  Rep.  of  that  town  ;  was  also  Clk.  of  the 
Ho.  of  Rep.  1739-1753,  and  from  1759  to  1765  being  succeeded  in  1766 
by  Saml.  Adams.  Returning  to  Sandwich,  he  was  here  elected  Rep.  in 
1753  and  other  years.  Whether  he  postponed  marriage  till  late  in  life,  we 
know  not.  AU  that  we  do  know  of  his  family  is  from  the  Bost.  Gaz.  Oct. 
20,  1760 :  "  On  Friday  the  3d  inst.  Roland  Cotton  Esq.,  Rep.  for  the  t.  of 
S.  and  Clk.  of  the  Hon.  Ho.  of  Reps.,  was  m.  to  Miss  Deborah  Mason  of 
this  town,  a  very  agreeable  young  lady  and  endowed  with  all  those  virtues 
and  accomplishments  requisite  to  make  the  marriage  state  agreeable  and 
happy.'' 

^  Still,  the  old  affront  was  long  festering  ;  and  it  may  be  a  question  whether 
its  virus  did  not  affect  generations  of  descendants  then  unborn.  Suffice 
to  say,  among  the  posterity  of  these  men  have  been  leading  men  of  divers 
political  parties.  The  descendants  of  refugees  are  to  this  day  numerous  in 
the  Br.  Provinces.  Some  who  joined  the  royal  forces  in  Rhode  Island, 
took  refuge  in  Long  Island  and  other  parts ;  and  some  returned  by 
permission. 

■*  It  would  occupy  too  much  space  to  do  more  than  refer  to  two  or  thi-ee 
instances,  as  a  sample  of  many  :  "  A  letter  directed,  from  the  '  prison-ship '  in 
Boston,  to  Col.  Freeman,  was  communicated  to  the  town,  Mar.  11,  and  in 
town-meeting  it  was  "  voted  that  the  town  consent  to  the  applicant,  Capt. 

,  coming  home,  as  he  requests,  on  parole  to  visit  his  family  and 

settle  his  affairs,  under  such  limitations  as  the  Gen.  Ct.  or  Council  shall 

du-ect."  —  An  "  address"  to  the  town  signed  by ,  was  also  read, 

and  referred  to  the  same  com.  that  had  charge  of  the  former  case  ;  viz. :  Col. 
Freeman,  Joseph  Nye  Esq.,  Lot  Nye,  Malachi  Ellis,  John  Smith,  Silv. 
Jones,  and  Dr.  Smith ;  who  reported  '  that  the  case  of  the  applicant  is 
peculiarly  embarrassing  through  his  own  previous  misconduct,  but  demands 
pity  ;  that  if  his  present  professions  are  the  real  sentiments  of  his  heart 
and  his  sincere  resolution,  he  should  be  permitted  to  obtain  a  pardon  and 
retuiTi  to  his  family  and  estate  —  provided  all  be  done  at  such  time  and 
under  such  ciixumstances  as  are  consistent  with  the  public  safety  and  the 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  125 

onedj  proscribed,  or  banished,  were  not  a  few  belonging 
to  this  town,  whose  names  need  not  be  repeated.  The 
record  of  them  is  not  essential  to  a  faithful  exhibit 
of  the  perils  of  the  period. 

It  was  voted,  May  19,  that  £1000  be  hired  to  meet  the  town's 
expenses.  —  On  the  petition  of  Seth  Hall,  a  soldier  of  the  Cont. 
army,  it  was  ordered  that  his  family  be  suiDplied.  —  The  following 
action  was  had,  July  5 :  "  Whereas  the  town  is  called  upon  to 
raise  12  men  by  draft,  lot,  or  voluntary  enlistment  to  re-inforce  the 
Cont.  army  for  9  mos. ;  in  which  requisition  the  people  called 
Quakers  are  included,  whose  proportion  is  at  least  3  of  the  12  • 
and  as  one  or  more  persons  of  this  town  has  lately  enlisted  — 
reducing  the  number  the  town  ought  in  equity  to  raise ;  Voted 
that  8  men  be  raised,  and  that  the  town  will  advance  to  them  such 
encouragement  as  is  proper."  Also  "  Voted  that  the  town  will  in- 
demnify the  militia  officers  for  any  fine  to  which  they  may  be  lia- 
ble for  not  drafting  12  men."  —  Also,  "Whereas  the  town  is  called 
upon  to  furnish  4  men  to  serve  in  the  State  of  R,  Island,  and  one 
person  belonging  here  has  already  enlisted.  Voted  that  3  men  be 
raised  for  that  service."  And  "  Voted  that  if  the  requisite  number 
of  men  to  answer  the  call  of  June  8  and  9th  are  not  obtained  by 
voluntary  enlistment  within  one  week,  the  captains  of  the  military 
shall  proceed  agreeably  with  the  resolve  of  court."  Also  "  Voted 
that  this  town  will,  to  provide  against  inequalities  of  remuneration 
and  encourage  enlistment,  make  just  compensation  for  all  such  past 
services  —  having  regard  to  time,  nature  of  service,  and  the  value 
of  money  at  the  time  of  payment ;  "  and  that  Col.  Freeman  and 
others  "  adjust  this  matter  and  report." — The  requisition  for  shoes 
and  stockings  for  the  army  was  also  referred. 

A  petition  from  Jas.  Warren  Esq.  in  behalf  of  the  inhab.  of 
Plym.  presented  to  the  Gen.  Ct.,  praying  that  sd.  town  may  have 
the  right  of  taking  herrings  in  the  river  running  through  this 
town,  or  otherwise  have  liberty  to  take  sd.  fish  in  seines  from  the 
pond,  having  been  read  together  with  a  citation  to  this  town  to 
show  cause;  it  was  "voted  that  Col.  Freeman,  Stephen  Nye, 
Benj.  Fessenden,  Maj.  Bourne,  and  Seth  Freeman  Esq.  be  a  com. 
to  answer  sd.  petition ;  and  that  Col.  Freeman  be  agent  for  the 
town,  to  defend  its  right  in  Gen.  Ct." 


general  good ;  and  that  our  reps,  be  instructed  to  lend  the  applicant  their 
assistance.'     "  Adopted  nem.  con." 


126 


HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


Mr.  Lot  Nye  was  chosen  delegate  to  the  Convention  for  form- 
ing anew  Constitution.^  —  The  sum  of  £2550  advanced  by  the 
com.  for  the  quota  of  soldiers  required  of  the  town,  was  allowed ; 
as  also  the  expenses  of  the  com.  £150.  —  The  Convention  at  Con- 
cord having  recommended  a  tariff  of  jDrices,  it  was  "  voted  that 
Seth  Fi'eeman  Esq.,  Stephen  Nye,  Thos.  Burge,  John  Peny,  Jona. 
Handy,  Capt.  Simeon  Fish,  John  Ewer,  Peleg  Nye,  and  Silv. 
Jones  be  a  com.  to  state  the  prices  of  labor  &c.  according  to  the 
5th  resolve  of  the  aforesaid  Con  v.  of  July  14;  and  that  the  regu- 
lations be  posted  in  the  ijublic  houses."  A  com.  was  also  apjD. 
"  to  publish  the  names  of  all  persons  violating  sd.  regulations,  that 
the  offenders  may  be  dealt  with."  ^ 

In  1780,  Mar.  8,  the  town  voted  "  to  petition  for  reimbursement 
of  expenses  in  support  of  the  Indian  poor."  —  "  That  Indians,  na- 
tives, be  allowed  2  bis.  of  herring  to  each  family."  — And,  May  12, 
that  Rev.  Mr.  Williams,  Lot  Nye,  Dr.  Thos.  Smith,  Col.  Freeman, 


^  The  proceedings  generally,  of  this  meeting,  were  reconsidered,  for  causes 
unknown.  —  We  find  also  on  record  the  following:  "The  proceedings  of 
the  Convention  held  at  Concord,  July  14,  being  read,  it  was  "  voted  that  this 
town  do  approve  of  and  adopt  the  result  of  sd.  convention."  In  reference 
either  to  the  object  of  this  convention,  or  the  expediency  of  being  repre- 
sented in  it,  when  proposed,  there  seems  by  the  record  to  have  been  some 
difference  of  opinion  ;  but  at  a  late  day,  it  was  ordered  "  That  the  select- 
men inform  the  Prest.  of  the  convention  held  at  Concord,  that  this  town 
approves  of  the  doings  of  that  conv.,  and  would  have  been  represented  had 
it  not  been  for  the  present  deplorable  situation  of  the  town  in  regard  to 
the  enemy,  having  been  obliged  to  march  for  the  defence  of  Falm.  orx 
alarm,  and  being  in  constant  expectation  of  being  again  called  upon." 

^  The  schedule  of  prices  fixed  was  as  follows  : 


Ind.  corn,  pr.  bu., 

£4.00.00. 

B.  Sugar,  pr.  lb., 

£0.14. 

Rye,            "     " 

5.  2, 

Molasses,  pr.  gal., 

4.  9. 

Wheat,        "     " 

8. 

Coffee,  pr.  lb., 

.18. 

Beef,  pr.  lb., 

.  4. 

Bohea  Tea, " 

6. 

Mutton,   " 

.  4. 

Chocolate,  " 

1.  4. 

Cheese,    " 

.  6. 

Flax,           " 

.15. 

Butter,     " 

.12. 

Wool, 

1.  7. 

N.  E,  Rum,  pr.  gal., 

4.18. 

Common  labor,  pr.  d., 

2. 

do.         pr.  gill, 

.  6. 

Mowing,  pr.  d., 

3. 

Grog,  pr.  mug. 

.16. 

Carpenter-work,  pr.  d., 

3. 

Oak  wood,  pr.  cord, 

8.  2. 

Mason's-work       "     " 

3. 

Raw  hides,  pr.  lb., 

.  4. 

Team  :  1  ton,  pr.  mile, 

1.  1. 

Sole  leather, 

1.10. 

Shoeing  horses,  around, 

3.12. 

Men's  shoes,  pr.  pair, 

6.12. 

Horse-hire,  pr.  mile, 

.  4. 

One  axe. 

7.10. 

Horse-keeping,  grass,  pr. 

d.,     .12. 

Eng.  hay,  pr.  ton, 

32. 

do.              hay,      " 

.18. 

Salt  hay,     "     " 

16. 

Boards,  wh.  pine,  per  M. 

43. 

Oats,  pr.  bu.. 

2. 

Shingles,        "          " 

14. 

do.  pr.  pottle, 

.  5. 

Inns :  Dinner, 

.15. 

Potatoes,  pr.  bu., 

1.  6.  8. 

"      Supper, 

.13. 

Turnips,    "     " 

1.  8. 

"      Breakfast, 

.13. 

Salt, 

7. 

ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  127 

Micah  Blaclcwell,  Simeon  Wing,  and  Thos.  Bourne  Esq,  be  a  com. 
"  to  take  under  consideration  the  Constitution  agreed  upon  by  the 
delegates  of  the  people  and  transmitted  to  the  tOAvns  for  their 
acceptance." 

The  requisition  now  being  for  24  men  additional  from  this  town 
for  pub.  service,  it  was  voted,  June  20,  that  the  town  will  comply ; 
and  the  militia  officers  iu  conjunction  with  Col.  Freeman,  Messrs. 
Micah  Blackwell,  Stephen  Nye,  and  John  Smith  were  app. "  to  pro- 
cure the  men  on  the  best  terms  possible."  At  the  same  time  "  a 
petition  to  the  Hon.  Council  and  Ho.  Reps,  of  the  State  of  Mass. 
Bay,"  was  adopted,  the  object  of  which  was  to  secure  equality 
through  the  country  in  the  burden  of  joroviding  soldiers.^  At  a 
meeting,  June  24,  it  was  "  voted  that  the  24  men  required  of  this 
town  under  the  new  levy  of  June  5,  be  j)aid  not  exceeding  1 20  in 
silver  pr.  month  ;  and  that  in  case  men  cannot  be  procured  at  that 
rate,  the  town  will  indemnify  the  officers  and  pay  the  fines 
incurred."  Also,  "  that  the  com.  be  directed  to  apply  to  such  of 
'  the  Meeting  of  Friends '  as  are  thought  to  have  money  to  spare, 
for  a  loan  in  case  fines  are  imposed  ;  and  that  in  case  they  refuse 
they  shall  be  liable  to  be  drafted."  ^ 

The  requ.isitions  Avere  now  frequent,  and  beyond  the  ability  of 
the  town  to  answer  promptly.    Another  was  made  June  23  for  29 

'  "  The  petition  &c.  humbly  sheweth :  That  the  inhab.  of  the  town  of  S. 
have  ever  complied  with  the  requisitions  of  the  Gen.  Ct.  for  the  raising  of 
men  and  with  as  much  alacrity  as  possible,  and  trust  they  have  hitherto 
answered  the  expectations  of  the  Court :  But  they  beg  leave  to  represent 
that  they  think  themselves  injured  by  being  obliged  to  pay  a  part  of  the 
fines  of  such  towns  as  are  deficient,  having  neglected  or  refused  to  comply 
as  this  town  hath  done.  Such  is  the  case  :  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
town  who,  though  they  cannot  vote  or  have  any  influence  in  the  town  of 
Barnstable,  are  liable  to  have  their  lands  which  lie  within  the  limits  of 
Barnstable,  taxed  to  pay  a  part  of  the  fines  imposed  justly  upon  sd.  town 
for  neglect  to  procure  its  quota.  .  .  .  The  fault  is  not  in  any  inhab- 
itant of  this  town ;  and  we  think  they  only  who  are  guilty  should  he  fined. 
.  .  .  Required  in  June  to  raise  16  men,  they  raised  but  6  ;  in  conse- 
quence of  which  that  town  has  been  fined  £  6000,  and  unless  the  Gen.  Ct. 
interposes,  some  of  the  inhab.  of  this  town  of  S.  who  have  already  paid 
their  full  proportion  of  our  quota,  must  pay  a  part  of  the  fine  thus  incurred 
and  the  expenses  of  the  two  agents.  .  .  .  We  therefore  humbly  re- 
quest .  .  .  that  the  towns  that  comply  may  not  have  cause  to  com- 
plain that  they  fare  worse  than  do  those  towns  which  do  not  procure  their 
men,"     ,     .     .     &c. 

^  These  were  trying  times  ;  and  if  the  Friends,  who  had  throughout  the 
war  enjoyed  immunity  from  liability  of  being  called  to  bear  arms  in  defer- 
ence to  their  conscientious  scruples,  and  whose  coff'ers  were  all  this  time 
replenished  whilst  their  neighbors  had  borne  the  heat  and  burden  of  the 
day,  had  the  abundant  ability  to  help  the  town  by  a  loan  in  this  time  of 
need  and  extraordinary  sacrifice  ;  we  presume  the  above  vote  will  not  be 
considered  as  highly  censurable. 


128  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

men,  and  yet  another  a  few  days  after  for  6  men.  The  town 
assembled  and  "  voted  to  raise  them,  and  assess  the  expenses  as 
required  for  the  24  men  demanded  on  the  5th  of  June,"  It  was 
further  "  voted  that  if  the  men  cannot  be  jDrocured  for  the  wages 
offered  by  the  town  in  addition  to  the  wages  paid  by  the  State, 
the  town  will  submit  to  be  fined."  —  Again,  Dec.  2,  a  requisition 
for  22  men  for  3  yrs.,  or  during  the  war,  was  made ;  as  also  for 
clothing  and  shoes;  and,  Dec.  18,  the  town  after  due  considera- 
tion, "voted  to  obtain  a  loan  of  £660  lawful  money  in  silver  or 
gold  for  the  purpose  of  complying  with  the  call."  —  Mr.  Timothy 
BouENE  d.  Oct.  5,  ae.  77.^ 

In  1781,  July  6,  the  town,  to  comply  with  the  requisition  of 
June  16,  voted  |13  pr.  mo.  to  each  soldier  to  be  raised,  in  addition 
to  government  pay;  and  July  17  it  was  reported  by  the  com.  that 
they  had  "procured  the  4  men  to  serve  in  Rhode  Island,"  but  had 
been  obliged  to  promise  "  $  20  jDr.  mo.  to  each,  to  be  paid  in  sil- 
ver." —  A  call  for  18  men  for  the  Cont.  army  June  30,  was,  by 
cause  of  some  oversight  in  the  State  authorities,  not  commimi- 
cated  until  Sej)t.  5,  when  all  the  men  capable  of  bearing  arms  were 
employed  in  the  defence  of  the  coast.  A  com.  was  immediately 
aj)p.  "  to  rejDresent  to  the  Gen.  Ct.  the  situation  of  the  town,  but  in 
the  mean  while  to  see  what  can  be  done."  —  It  was  voted,  Nov.  2, 
"  that  4  d.  pr.  lb.,  silver,  be  paid  for  beef  to  answer  the  requisition 
of  the  Court  for  21,353  lbs."  It  was  found  utterly  impracticable 
to  procure  the  beef  on  any  terms.  A  part  was  finally  procured 
and  offered;  but  the  agent  of  the  Superintendent  of  supplies,. 
Jona.  Howes,  refused  to  receive  any  -unless  the  whole  quota  was 
forthcoming.     He  also  refused  the  money  tendered  as  a  substitute. 

In  1782,  Jan.  11,  the  town's  rep.  was  instructed  to  use  his  utmost 
endeavors  "  to  secure  a  strong  appeal  from  the  Gen.  Ct.  to  Con- 
gress for  positive  instructions  to  be  given  to  Commissioners  for 
negotiating  a  peace,  to  insist  on  the  right  of  the  U.  States  to  the 
fisheries  as  an  indispensable  article  of  any  treaty  that  may  be 
made."  —  The  town  felt  it  incumbent  to  memorialize  the  Gen.  Ct., 
setting  forth  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  procuring  the  required 

'  Mr.  Bourne's  line  of  descent  was  from  Mr.  Richard,  through  Job 
who  d.  1677,  Dea.  Timothy  b.  Ap.  18,  1666,  who  m.  Temperance  S-wift,  and 
had  Job,  Benjamin,  Joanna,  Mehitable,  and  last  Timothy  Dec.  5,  1703. 
By  his  m.  with  Elizabeth  Bourne,  he  had  Benjamin  Jan.  25, 1744,  who  grad, 
H.  C.  1764  ;  and  Shearjashub  Mar.  10,  1746. — Doct.  Benjamin,  the  grad- 
uate of  1764,  by  his  m.  with  Hannah  Bodfish  had  a  large  family,  the  7th 
being  Benj.  Esq.  June  1,  1784,  still  surviving,  who  also  has  a  large  family. 
Doct.  B.  was  learned,  somewhat  eccentric,  and  a  noted  citizen  living  to  old 
age,  and  a  man  of  large  landed  estate. 


AIJNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  129 

quantities  of  beef  for  the  Cont.  avmy.^  —  It  was  voted,  Jan  31,  that 
"  the  selectmen  be  directed  to  apply  to  the  Gen.  Ct.  for  the  wages 
due  the  3  months'  men  of  this  town  that  are  on  the  roll  of  Capt. 
Matthias  Tobey,  which  wages  belong  to  the  town  —  the  town 
having  paid  the  men."  —  Also  "  that  the  assessors  be  a  com.  to  use 
their  best  endeavors  to  procure  one  or  more  constables  on  as  rea- 
sonable terms  as  possible."  ^  —  It  was  voted,  Mar.  14,  that  Brigadier 
Freeman,  Stephen  Nye,  Joseph  Nye  Esq.,  and  Dr.  Smith  be  a  com. 

^  It  was  stated,  in  substance,  '  that  process,  it  was  understood,  was  about 
to  be  issued  by  the  Superintendent  of  supplies  of  beef,  against  the  town 
treas.,  and  money  does  not  suffice  to  stay  the  execution :  they  are  con- 
strained, therefore,  candidly  to  submit  the  facts  in  the  case  ;  that  tliis  town 
is  one  of  the  places  that  by  reason  of  its  peculiar  situation  and  suspension 
of  business,  greatly  suffers.  We  would  not  dwell  upon  the  difficulties, 
losses,  and  burdens  we  are  called  to  encounter  ;  but  we  think  the  poverty 
of  our  lands  in  general,  the  removal  of  great  numbers  of  inhabitants,  the 
loss  of  the  fisheries  in  which  180  men  of  this  town  were  employed  and 
which  was  emphatically  the  source  on  which  they  depended  for  even  the 
means  to  pay  taxes  as  well  as  to  procure  the  necessaries  of  life  never  here 
produced  in  sufficient  quantities  for  the  supply  of  the  inhabitants  ;  together 
with  the  fact  that  we  have  never  been  able  to  substitute  other  branches  of 
business  to  compensate  the  loss,  should  be  considered  by  a  govt,  whose 
justice  and  good  policy  is  to  afford  relief  l-ather  than  to  oppress.  Our 
small  stocks  are  exhausted ;  and  yet,  without  the  means  of  obtaining  money 
for  urgent  necessities,  we  have  been  fully  impressed  with  the  importance  of 
the  cause  in  which  our  country  is  engaged,  and  have  ever  looked  forward 
with  desire  to  the  happy  day  when  it  shall  enjoy  peace,  safety,  and  an  unin- 
terrupted commerce,  and  have  struggled  hard  to  comply  with  every  requi- 
sition of  govt.  Soldiers  have  been  procured  by  our  giving  securities  for 
enormous  sums.  —  As  it  was  known  to  be  impracticable  to  sujjply  the  beef 
required  unless  it  could  be  purchased  elsewhere,  a  tax  was  ordered  for  the 
whole  sum  with  a  view  of  either  procuring  it,  or  paying  the  amount  in 
money  to  the  superintendent ;  but  such  has  been  the  pressing  demand  upon 
the  constables  for  other  taxes,  they  have  been  able  to  collect  but  a  small 
portion.  About  £4000  of  the  old  emission  was  sent,  but  refused,  though 
received  from  govt.  ;  and  £  7090  obtained  on  the  credit  of  the  town,  the 
agent  also  refused  unless  he  could  have  the  whole,  and  this  it  was  not  in 
our  power  to  obtain.  Our  stocks  which  with  our  houses  and  lands,  are  the 
last -resort,  wei'e  exposed  at  auction,  but  few  or  no  bidders  appeared  Your 
petitioners  pray  that  the  sum  of  £3882  received  from  govt,  in  pay  for  mile- 
age, clothing  &c.  may  now  be  received  back  into  the  treasury  at  the  same 
rate  at  Avhich  it  was  received  from  the  treasury,  viz.  :  75  for  1  ;  that  such 
abatements  be  made  as  we  are  entitled  to  under  the  last  valuation  ;  that 
such  sums  as  are  due  from  govt,  for  the  wages  of  6  and  3  months'  men 
may  be  deducted  from  the  gross  amt.  of  our  beef-taxes  ;  and  that  the  sd. 
execution  may  be  stayed  until  further  order  from  the  Gen.  Ct. :  without 
which  we  apprehend  that  many  inhabitants  will  be  driven  to  despair,  and 
those  exertions  discouraged  which  they  would  yet  continue  to  make.' 

*  As  on  this  officer  devolved  the  duty  of  collecting  taxes,  it  was  exceed- 
ingly difficult  to  get  any  one  to  serve.  Taxes  had  been  so  often  assessed, 
and  so  onerous  were  they,  that  they  could  not,  in  many  instances,  be  col- 
lected without  occasioning  distress.  Hence  the  premium  that  must  now  be 
offered  for  some  shape  of  a  man  void  of  sensibility. 
VOL.   II.  17 


130  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

in  conjunction  with  the  selectmen  "to  wait  on  the  Commission- 
ers app.  by  the  Gen.  Ct.  to  come  into  this  county  to  view  it ; " 
and  that  sd.  com.  make  such  representations  as  shall  be  proper. 

The  representative  was  directed,  Mar.  29,  "  to  endeavor  to  pro- 
cure a  law  to  jDrevent  the  destruction  of  hen-fish,  alias  peqhaugs^ 
in  the  bays  and  rivers  —  a  law  similar  to  that  of  1765  for  the  pro- 
tection of  oysters."  —  Action  was  also  had  to  secure  the  enforce- 
ment of  existing  laws  for  the  preservation  of  shell-fish,  "  against 
interlopers  from  abroad."  —  Persons  were  app.  "to  take  every 

legal  method  to  prevent  the  estate  now  improved  by  widow 

from  being  confiscated."  ^ 

There  were  at  this  time  numerous  applications  for  permission 
to  refugees  to  visit  their  families  yet  remaining  here  ;^  —  requests 
which  could  not  be  granted  in  extenso  for  reasons  that  are  obvious.^ 

In  1783,  Jan.  13,  the  rep.  of  the  town  was  instructed  not  to 
give  his  consent  "  to  half-pay  being  allowed  officers  dismissed  from 
the  army."  —  A  correspondence  was  instituted,  Feb.  3,  with  the 
several  towns  in  the  county,  proposing  the  choice  of  delegates  at 
the  annual  March-meetings,  to  assemble  at  the   court-house  in 

'  Her  husband  had  d.  abroad,  a  refugee.  Other  and  similar  instances 
induced  the  appointing  of  a  com.,  the  next  year,  "  to  take  into  considera- 
tion generally  the  subject  of  the  estates  of  absentees,"  "whose  families 
might  otherwise  suffer.  The  circumstances  of  two  widows  are  especially 
mentioned  :  theii'  husbands  had  died  in  the  enemy's  service ;  their  estates 
were  confiscate  ;  and  the  com.  were  directed  to  make  such  representations 
to  the  court  as  might  effect  the  postponement  of  further  action,  and  restore 
their  families  to  the  full  possession  of  the  property. 

^  There  certainly  was  exhibited  a  commendable  disposition  to  extend 
indulgence  as  far  as  was  compatible  with  the  public  interests.  The  follow- 
ing record  appears,  Oct.  28  :  "  Whereas  it  is  reiiresented  that  there  are  a 
number  of  persons  that  went  from  this  town  to  Long  Island,  who  have 
manifested  a  desii'e  to  visit  their  relations  here,  Resolved  that  the  authority 
of  the  Govt,  be  solicited  to  grant  permission  to  A.  wife  of  B.  C,  D.  the 
wife  of  E.  F.,  G.  the  wife  of  H.  I.,  J.  the  wife  of  K.  L.,  M.  the  wife  of  N.  O., 
and  P.  Q.  with  such  of  their  children  as  are  under  15  yrs.  of  age,  and  also 
to  the  children  of  R.  S.,  to  come  to  this  town  under  a  flag  of  truce,  to  visit 
their  friends,  subject  to  such  restrictions  as  may  not  be  incompatible  with 
the  public  safety.  \ oieA,  nem.  con."  —  The  alphabetical  designations,  we 
need  not  perhaps  say,  are  not  initial  distinctions. 

^  The  whigs  and  the  country  had  full  emplo3'ment  without  granting 
indulgences  that  might  lead  to  extensive  concert  of  action  on  the  part  of 
the  disaffected,  and  constant  communications  with  the  enemy.  The  people 
seem  to  have  been  well  disposed  to  toleration  ;  but  if  any  think  otherAvise, 
they  must  also  admit  that  the  tories  had  been  quite  as  intolerant  and  belli- 
gerent. Those  located  in  the  Br.  Provinces  seem  to  have  retained  unfriendly 
feelings  towards  the  patriotic  for  a  long  time.  As  late  as  May  24,  1786, 
the  Boston  Centinel  records,  "  The  refugees  in  Nova  Scotia  continue  to 
exercise  their  cowardly  malice  on  every  person  who  may  come  that  took 
part  with  the  U.  States  during  the  war." 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  131 

Barnstable  "to  represent  to  the  Gen.  Ct.  the  distressed  condition 
of  the  county  at  large,  or  of  such  towns  as  may  agree  to  this  pro- 
cedure." And,  Mar.  5,  Maj.  Bourne,  Stephen  Nye,  John  Smith, 
Melatiah  Bourne  Esq.,  Capt.  Moses  Allen,  Joseph  Nye  Esq.,  and 
Dr.  Thos.  Smith  were  app.  on  the  part  of  this  town  "to  attend 
the  projDosed  convention  on  the  last  Tues.  of  the  month."  It  was 
also  "  voted  that  the  delegates  to  sd.  conv.  use  their  endeavors  to 
have  the  inferior  courts  reduced  to  two  per  annum." 

Certain  inhab.  of  Plym.  having  jaetitioned  to  be  annexed  to  this 
town,  the  town's  consent  was  given.  And,  Mar.  12,  "  the  consta- 
bles were  ordered  to  exert  themselves  to  collect  money  enough  to 
satisfy  the  execution  against  the  town,  and  were  instructed,  if  they 
must  distress,  to  begin  with  those  that  are  assessed  highest."  ^ 

The  return  of  the  blessings  of  peace,  we  have  akeady 
noticed,  perhaps  sufficiently  for  the  brevity  of  local 
history,  in  Vol.  I.  But  we  may  be  pardoned  for  a  few 
additional  remarks.  The  success  of  the  American 
Revolution  was  the  triumph  of  reason  and  of  right; 
of  reason,  for  the  public  mind  had  long  been  familiar 
with  the  topics  of  controversy,  the  revolution  being, 
in  fact,  in  preparation  long  before  the  first  blow  was 
struck ;  of  right,  for  the  people  wished  only  to  defend 
their  rights  —  there  was  no  desire  to  plunder  or  spoil 
—  there  were  no  resentments  to  be  appeased  only  by 
death  or  misery.  The  Colonies  had  long  been  treated 
by  the  parent  State  with  neglect,  harshness,  and  injus- 
tice ;  and  the  people  had  not  read  without  profit  of 
Pharaoh  and  his  discomfiture.  Master  spirits  having 
invoked  discussion  and  inquiry,  the  efiect  was  gradual 
and  sure.  The  influence  upon  the  masses  was  acknowl- 
edged by  the  readiness  with  which  the  many  received 
counsel  from  the  lips  of  those  ardent  sons  of  liberty. 
Had  there  been  no  master  spirits,  the  cause  would, 

^  The  necessity  for  this  was  greatly  modified,  if  not  entirely  abrogated  by 
a  special  resolve  of  the  Gen.  Ct.,  Oct.  9,  by  which  the  loyal  portion  of  tiie 
community  whose  negative  action  in  furnishing  soldiers  or  pecuniary  means 
for  the  prosecution  of  the  war  was  required  to  supply  past  deficiencies.  The 
requisition,  no  doubt,  appeared  to  such  persons  severe  ;  but  who  will  say  it 
was  not  just  ? 


132  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

indeed,  have  been  hopeless.  But  the  distinction  had 
begun  early  to  be  understood,  between  charters  which 
guarantee  sacred  rights,  and  charters  which  serve  only 
as  a  ligament  between  colonies  and  the  king.  The 
people  clearly  saw  relations  existing  for  which  no  royal 
charters  could  provide.  They  were  no  more  to  be  sat- 
isfied with  grants  of  right  from  tyranny;  they  were 
determined  to  receive  their  freedom  no  more  as  a  gift 
from  sovereignty:  they  claimed  it  as  theirs  of  right. 
Thanks  to  an  overruling  Providence  and  to  patriotic 
leaders,  the  people  had  risen  above  all  delusions  fostered 
hitherto  by  monarchists  and  despots.  The  goodness  of 
God  should  evqr  be  gratefully  confessed,  who  gave  in 
times  of  difficulty  and  danger,  men  of  virtue  and  noble 
daring  to  the  counsels  of  the  country.     Some  may 

"  decline  so  low  from  virtue  " 

as,  at  the  present  day,  to  be  incapable  of  discerning 
its  beauty,  or  of  aspiring  to  its  delights ;  but  there  are 
few,  probably,  from  whom  the  impress  of  Deity  is  so 
wholly  effaced. 

What,  had  the  patriots  failed !  What,  had  their  stout 
words  fallen  on  faithless  ears !  What,  had  their  votes 
and  resolves  ended  in  mere  bravado !  The  leading 
spirits  would  not  only  have  been  doubly  despised  — 
the  scorn  of  deluded  followers,  and  the  butt  of  their 
enemies'  derision ;  but  military  despotism  would  have 
ensued  and  perpetuated  its  oppressive  reign !  We 
would  not  inordinately  herald  their  praise ;  we  would 
not  by  any  poor  words  of  ours  assay  to  vindicate  their 
merit  —  the  attempt  would  be  preposterous  as 

"  with  taper-light 
To  seek  the  beauteous  eye  of  Heaven  to  garnish." 

They  were  not  aspirants  for  place ;  but  they  would 
have  the  people  free.     They  were  not  invaders ;  they 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  166 

were  defenders  of  the  rt^ht.  They  sought  not  their 
own  aggrandizement ;  they  were  intent,  regardless  of 
peril  or  sacrifice,  on  vindicating  to  these  Colonies  a 
place  among  the  nations  of  the  earth.  Fearful,  they 
well  knew,  were  the  odds  on  the  part  of  the  oppressor ; 
but  a  sling  and  a  stone  had  once  conquered,  and  their 
confidence  was  in  ^  the  God  of  armies.' 

Nor  was  the  influence,  as  is  too  generally  taught, 
chiefly  from  the  cities  or  larger  towns  ;  the  sons  of  lib- 
erty were  found  widely  scattered.  It  has  been  well 
remarked  that  a  country  thinly  peopled,  but  salubrious 
—  its  scenery  grand,  but  retired  from  the  bustle  of 
tempting  impulses,  is  most  favorable  to  development 
physical  and  moral.  The  revolution  found  the  people 
in  the  smaller  towns,  if  not  in  advance  of  the  age, 
fully  up  with  it ;  and  in  these  towns  were  the  strength 
and  vigor  to  sustain  it  "  Unpaid,  unclothed,  unfed, 
tracked  in  the  sn  ws  with  the  blood  of  their  footsteps, 
they  turned  not  their  faces  to  their  country  with  resent- 
ment, nor  from  their  enemies  in  fear."  With  all  its 
disadvantages  of  position  and  the  encouragement  with 
which  these  disadvantages  inspired  the  unhappy  men 
who  clung  to  royalty,  this  town  performed  its  full  share 
of  the  work.  We  claim  no  more :  but  this  we  may 
unhesitatingly  assert. 

Mr.  Ephraim  Ellis  died  this  year,  June  4,  aged  67 ;  ^ 
and  Mr.  Benjamin  Fessenden,  Oct.  24,  aged  55. 

In  1784,  Aug.  8,  the  Rev.  Abraham  Williams,  whose 
pastorate,  eminently  peaceful  and  successful,  had  ex- 
tended through  a  long  course  of  years,  died  aged  58.^ 

'  Mr.  Ephraim  Ellis  was  emphatically  a  good  man.  He  was  prob. 
without  ordination ;  but  was  much  employed  in  preaching  to  the  Indians. 
Descended  from  Lt.  John,  by  Matthias  Sr.,  and  Malachi  who  m.  Jane 
Blackwell  Jan.  3,  1715-16,  he  was  father  of  Malachi  b.  Mar.  6,  1738-9, 
who  m.  Susanna  Dennis  of  Rochester  Nov.  7,  1759,  and  who  was  a  soldier 
of  the  revolution ;  and  of  Nathl.  who  removed  to  Barnard,  Vt. 

^  For  notice  of  Mr.  WiUiams,  see  Vol.  I.  565.     We  may  not  omit  to 


134  HISTORY  OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Elisha  Bourne  had  liberty  granted  him  to  erect  a  dam  across 
Herring  River  under  certain  restrictions. 

Of  1785,  nothing  remarkable  is  recorded.  "Scragged  Neck" 
was  the  subject  of  dispute  between  the  1st  or  ancient  parish,  and 
the  Pocasset  parish  or  2d  precinct.  This  controversy  was  of  sev- 
eral yeai's'  continuance.  —  It  was  voted,  May  12,  that  Gen.  Free- 
man, Maj.  Bourne,  Joseph  Nye  Esq.,  Stephen  Nye,  and  Seth 
Fi'eeman  Esq.,  be  a  com.  "  to  represent  to  the  Gen.  Ct.  the  pecu- 
niary embarrassment  of  the  town,"  growing  out  of  the  late  war. 

In  1786,  Mar.  8,  a  com.  was  chosen  "  to  procure  a  grammar 
school-master;"  and  A]).  3,  another  "to  consider  the  application 
of  the  2d  Precinct  for  a  part  of  the  ministerial  lands,  and  to  report 
whether  the  town  can  consent  to  act  with  said  precinct  in  the  set- 
tlement of  a  minister ; "  and  also,  May  10,  another  "  to  receive  the 
continental  money  belonging  to  the  town,  and  also  that  held  by 
individuals,"  with  a  view  of  effecting  an  exchange.  —  Mr.  John 
Smith  Jr.  died  this  year  Jan.  10,  se.  55. 

In  1787,  April  18,  the  Kev.  Jonathan  Burr  having 
been  called  to  the  pastoral  charge  as  successor  of  Mr. 
Williams,  was  ordained.  —  The  representative  election 
resulting  in  the  choice  of  Messrs.  Thomas  Bourne  and 
Thomas  Smith,  was  the  subject  of  protest  ;^   and  the 

mention  a  worthy  and  Christian  man,  one  of  two  slaves  that  Rev.  Mr.  Wil- 
liams brought  with  him  to  Sandwich  —  a  man  and  woman  —  Titus  Win- 
chester. On  his  monument  is  written,  "  His  fidelity  to  his  earthly  master 
was  only  equalled  by  that  which  he  constantly  displayed  to  his  Heavenly." 
After  the  decease  of  Mr.  Williams,  Titus  followed  the  seas  as  steward  for 
some  years,  and  by  industry  and  economy  acquired  considerable  property 
which  afforded  him  comfortable  support  in  honored  old  age.  The  balance 
of  his  property,  he  bequeathed  to  the  parish,  and  fi-om  the  interest  of  the 
bequest  the  town  clock  was  purchased.  A  writer  in  the  Sandwich  '  Cape 
Cod  Advocate,'  says,  "  While  the  memorial  of  Titus  which  will  not  decay 
we  may  believe  is  in  Heaven,  so  long  as  yonder  clock  shall  tick  we  shall 
have  a  memento  of  slavery  and  piety,  freedom  and  benevolence,  in  the 
history  of  an  African  who  would  not  accept  liberty  during  the  life  of  the 
faithful  master  and  pastor  by  whom  he  was  probably  led  to  Christ." 

'  A  protest  was  entered  against  the  legality  of  the  proceeding  "  for  the 
reasons  that  the  meeting  was  not  properly  warned  ;  that  those  who  presided 
were  not  constitutionally  chosen  ;  that  persons  not  qualified  by  law  were 
allowed  to  vote,  the  Act  of  Wm.  and  Mary  being  the  criterion  for  deter- 
mining who  wei"e  legal  voters  which  Act  is  null  and  void,  instead  of  the 
Act  of  the  Gen.  Ct.  passed  Mar.  23,  1786,  thus  admitting  persons  to  vote 
who  had  not  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  as  also  inhabitants  of  the  District 
of  Marshpee  ;  that  the  constable  Avho  warned  the  meeting  was  not  qualified, 
not  having  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance ;  that  the  presiding  oflficer,  one  of 
the  candidates  for  rep.,  unreasonably  and  arbitrarily  refused  to  put  a  motion 
to  divide  ;  that  legal  votei'S  were  refused  ;  that  the  meeting  was  conducted 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  135 

representatives  were  instructed} — Messrs.  Thomas  Smith 
and  Thomas  Nye  were  chosen,  Dec.  11,  "delegates  to 
the  Convention  to  be  holden  in  Boston  in  Jan.  next." 
—  Mr.  Elisha  Tupper,  the  missionary,  died  this  year  at 
Pocasset,  aged  about  80. 

In  1788,  the  question  of  the  adoption  of  a  new  Con- 
stitution, or  Form  of  Government  for  the  United  States, 
was  decided  in  the  negative,  noes  73,  ayes  3.^ 

in  an  unfair  and  unusual  manner,  the  moderator  saying,  '  I  will  determine 
votes  as  I  jjlease,  and  not  as  the  objectors  please  ; '  and  that  the  town  not 
having  so  many  as  375  ratable  polls  is  entitled  to  but  one  representative. 
Moreover,  had  the  town  been  permitted  to  act  legally,  a  diflerent  person 
from  either  of  the  two  said  to  be  elected,  would  have  been  the  choice  of  the 
town."     Signed  by 

Seth  Freeman,  Lemuel  Pope,  John  Percival, 

Stephen  Nye,  Saml.  Fessenden,  Jas.  Freeman, 

Joseph  Nye,  Nathan  Nye  Jr.,  Zenas  Nye, 

Ab.  Williams,  Saml.  Ellis,  James  Faunce, 

Elisha  Pope,  Benj.  Tobey,  Paul  GifFord, 

Heman  Tobey,  Nathl.  Bassett,  John  Pope, 

Cornelius  Tobey,  John  Tobey,  Moses  Allen. 

Melatiah  Tobey,  Saml.  Freeman, 

^  These  instructions  were  :  "  To  endeavor  to  have  the  Gen.  Ct.  removed 
out  of  Boston  ;  to  have  the  Constitution  revised ;  to  purge  the  house  of 
all  unconstitutional  members ;  to  endeavor  to  prevent  the  effusion  of  blood, 
by  causing  peace  and  good  order  to  be  established  in  the  State  ;  to  have 
salaries  reduced ;  to  reduce  all  public  securities  to  the  price  actually  given 
for  them  ;  to  have  State  securities  liable  to  taxation  as  others  are ;  to  have 
large  duties  laid  on  all  luxuries ;  to  have  clergymen  taxed  as  others  are ; 
to  have  the  act  suspending  the  privilege  of  '  habeas  corpus '  repealed ;  to 
secure  an  act  for  the  better  regulating  the  business  of  the  country  ;  to 
have  the  mode  of  taxing  better  regulated  ;  to  prevent  all  grants  to  the  col- 
lege, and  unreasonable  grants  to  any  man  or  body  of  men  ;  and  to  secure 
an  Act  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  shell-fish  in  Buzzard's  Bay." 

^  The  Confederation  under  which  these  States  achieved  their  independ- 
ence, was  a  league  of  sovereign  states,  but  not  the  sovereign.  It  had 
power  to  contract  debts  and  to  pledge  the  public  faith ;  but  it  had  no  power 
to  levy  taxes  or  impose  duties  for  the  redemption  of  the  pledge.  Its  man- 
dates had  neither  the  sanction,  nor  the  efficiency  of  supreme  law.  It  was, 
indeed,  competent  to  declare  war  ;  but  not  to  raise  armies  to  carry  it  on. 
It  was  authorized  to  make  treaties  ;  but  not  to  regulate  commerce  —  their 
most  fi'equent  and  salutary  object.  It  is  fortunate  that  at  this  period  when  new 
and  antagonist  parties  had  arisen  and  conflicting  views  were  to  jeopard  the 
fruit  of  our  fathers'  toils,  so  many  of  the  wise  and  good  who  had  shared  in 
the  perils  of  the  revolution  still  survived  to  stand  at  the  public  helm  and 
direct  the  affairs  of  state.  They  had  sought  to  establish  a  government  for 
the  public  good  —  a  popular  govt.  ;  and  its  foundations  they  hoped  would 
be  lasting  —  its  structure  cemented  in  the  affections  of  free  and  equal  sub- 
jects, all  having  knowledge  of  its  operations  and  a  participation  in  its 
exercise ;  but  the  perfecting  work  was  yet  to  be  done.  There  was  danger 
that  conflicting  views  would  array  state  against  state  ;  and  even  an  approx- 


136  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Applications  continued  to  be  made  by  persons  who  had  become 
aliens  by  reason  of  their  predilection  for  royalty,  for  the  privilege 
of  becoming  "  naturalized^  ^ 

In  1790,  Jan.  19,  the  town  offered  "a  bounty  of  $25  to  any  who 
shall  kill  the  wolf,  catamount,  or  tiger,  infesting  this  and  the 
neighboring  towns  and  destroying  sheejD ;  which  bounty  was  in- 
creased to  130,  Mar.  11,  when  it  was  "ordered  that  if  in  the  opin- 
ion of  the  com."  to  whom  the  subject  was  referred,  "  a  general 
muster  of  the  inhabitants  be  necessary  to  secure  the  depredator, 
every  able-bodied  man  be  called  to  engage  in  the  duty."  —  Lib- 
erty was  granted  "  to  Elisha  Bourne  and  associates  to  build  a  dam 
across  Manomet  River  for  the  j^urpose  of  setting  up  a  forge  or 
other  works."  —  A  review  of  the  warrants  addressed  to  the  con- 
stables at  this  time  and  subsequently,  directing  them,  as  afore- 
time, "  to  warn  out  of  town  "  new  residents,  shows  that  no  excep- 
tions were  made.  Among  the  '  warned,'  were  some  of  the  most 
respectable. 

We  have  now  arrived  at  a  period  from  which  we 
shall  be  less  minute  in  our  record  of  events ;  noting 
only  the  more  important,  and  leaving  for  the  future 
historian  to  diffuse  minor  matters  that  the  records  from 
this  date  will  render  plain  and  perfectly  intelligible. 

imation  to  such  an  occurrence  brought  ■with  it  danger  of  rupture  and  disso- 
lution and  general  paralysis.  Diversity  of  local  interests  necessarily  gave 
rise  to  opposing  wishes  and  opinions,  the  hope  of  the  enemies  of  our  coun- 
try, the  fear  of  its  friends.  These  hopes,  these  fears,  were  arrested  by  the 
Constitution.  And  yet,  after  the  lapse  of  long  years  —  after  the  work- 
ing of  the  system  has  seemed  to  be  perfect  as  is  compatible  with  the  frailty 
of  mortals,  that  Constitution  is  assailed !  The  fear  has  been  expressed  that 
we  shall  become  '  the  shame  of  the  world,'  the  Union  dissolved  !  that,  then, 
"  with  vastly  augmented  power  and  lust  of  domination  in  some  of  the 
States  in  comparison  with  the  dangers  from  which  the  Constitution  saved 
the  country,  and  irremediable  disparity  in  others  leading  to  aggression,  to 
war  and  to  conquest,  liberty  will  be  buried  in  the  same  grave  with  the  Con- 
stitution !  Not  a  single  evil  remedied,  but  the  number  augmented  by  tens 
of  thousands."  —  The  contentions  of  "  strangers  Avho  have  never  been 
allied,"  it  has  been  truly  remarked  by  the  distinguished  civilian,  are  not 
like  those  of  "  brethren  alienated,  embittered,  inflamed  and  irreconcilably 
hostile  "  The  dissolution  of  the  Union !  "  It  is  the  highest  imprudence 
to  threaten  it,  it  is  madness  to  intend  it.  If  the  Union  we  have  cannot 
endure,  the  dream  of  the  revolution  is  over,  and  we  shall  Avaken  to  the  cer- 
tainty that  a  truly  free  government  is  too  good  for  mankind." 

^  Upon  application,  and  after  reference  to  a  com.  who  reported  favorably, 
Ap.  7,  1788,  it  was  "  voted  that,  as  it  appears  that  no  disadvantage  will 
accrue  to  the  State  or  town  by  permitting  T.  U.,  V.  W.,  and  X.  Y.,  to  be 
naturalized,  this  town  recommends  them  as  good  subjects  ;  and  that  Abra- 
ham AVilliams,Stei)hen  Nye  and  Geo.  Allen  be  a  com.  to  petition  the  Gen. 
Ct.  in  their  behalf." 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  137 

In  1792,  the  privilege  of  erecting,  nnder  proper  restrictions,  a 
saw-mill  at  the  mouth  of  the  Herring  Pond,  was  granted  to  Benj. 
Bourne  and  others ;  also  "  of  setting  up  a  forge  or  other  works."  — 
The  depredations  of  the  wolf  seem  to  have  continued  to  the  j)res- 
ent  time ;  "  a  general  muster  of  the  inhabitants  "  was  ordered,  "  for 
his  destruction." 

In  1794,  Nathaniel  Freeman  Jr.  Esq.  received  the 
unanimous  vote,  save  one,  as  representative  to  Con- 
gress. —  The  vote  on  the  revision  of  the  Constitution, 
May  6,  1795,  was  unanimously  in  favor.  —  In  1796, 
May  2,  in  special  town-meeting,  Gen.  Freeman  being 
moderator,  it  was  "  voted  that  the  true  spirit  and  mean- 
ing of  the  Constitution  ought  to  be  strictly  adhered  to ; " 
and  that  "  this  town  do  place  full  confidence  in  the 
wisdom  and  integrity  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
in  Congress  respecting  the  Treaty  lately  negotiated 
with  Great  Britain."  —  In  1797,  an  ineffectual  effort 
was  made  to  divide  the  town ;  the  movers  desiring  to 
include  Monument,  Pocasset,  and  some  other  portions 
in  a  new  township. 

In  1800,  the  disputes  which  aifected  many  parishes  in  the  State, 
touching  "  the  compensation  to  ministers  on  account  of  a  depre- 
ciated currency  and  the  increased  expenses  of  living,"  did  not  fail 
to  interrupt  for  a  time  the  tranquillity  of  this  town  also.  These 
were  amicably  adjusted  here,  Nov.  3,  by  the  unanimous  vote  "to 
stipulate  the  clergyman's  salary  l>y  the  princij)al  necessaries  of  life 
so  as  to  make  the  compensation  equal  to  what  it  was  at  the  time 
of  the  ordination  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Burr."  —  Mr.  Joshua  Hall  d.Feb. 
24:}    Hon.  Nathaniel  Freeman  Jr.  d.  Aug.  22.    (See  Vol.  1. 561.) 

'  Mr.  Joshua  Hall  was  b.  in  Dennis  1716.  By  his  m.  with  Temperance 
Nye  Oct.  4,  1744,  who  d.  Nov.  27,  1803  as.  77,  he  had  Mary  Sept.  10,  1745 
who  m.  Benj.  Nye  Jr.  Dec.  3,  1765  ;  Elisha  Aug.  21,  1747;  Stephen  Dec. 
4,  1749;  Mehitable  Mar.  9,  1752  who  m.  Lemuel  Bassett  May  21,  1772  and 
2d  David  Parker  ;  Thankful  July  27,  1754  who  m.  John  Knowles  Mar.  15, 
1774;  Joanna  Nov.  8,  1756  who  d.  unni.  Dec.  3,  1777;  Lydia  June  18, 
1759  who  d.  unm.  May  16,  1790 ;  Joshua  Dec.  16,  1761 ;  Joseph  June  10, 
1764;  and  Temperance  Dec.  31,  1769  who  m.  Doct.  Jonathan  Leonard- 
May  10,  1796.  — Elisha,  b.  1747,  m.  Deliverance  Bassett  Oct.  20,  1768,. 
and  had  Jonathan  May  17,  1769  ;  and  Elisha  May  2,  1771.  His  widow  m. 
2d  Isaac  Knowles  of  E.  —  Stephen,  b.  1749,  m.  Mary  Freeman  of  E.  Mar. 
19,  1776,  and  2d  Cath.  Davis  of  Be.  Nov.  22,  1789,  and  had  Gideon  and 
VOL.   II.  18 


loo  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1801,  May  14,  the  town  consented  to  a  canal 
across  the  Isthmus  of  the  Cape,  for  the  construction  of 
which  appHcation  was  being  made  to  the  legislatm'e 
by  sundry  persons  for  incorporation.  —  The  boundary 
between  this  town  and  Barnstable  was  renewed  \  alsa 
between  this  town  and  Marshpee. 

In  1803,  Melatiah  Boubne  Esq.  cl.,  Feb.  21,  se.  68. 

In  response  to  the  petition  of  Rev.  Jonathan  Burr 
and  others,  "  Sandwich  Academy  was  established  "  Feb. 
21,  1804,  "and  a  Corporation  of  Trustees^  provided, 
for  the  purpose  of  promoting  piety  and  virtue  and  for 
the  education  of  youth  in  such  languages  and  in  such 
liberal  arts  and  sciences  as  the  trustees  shall  order  and 
direct."  A  grant  of  one  half-township  of  six  square 
miles,  of  unappropriated  lands  in  the  District  of  Maine, 
was  made  by  the  legislature  "for  the  use  of  said 
Academy  —  on  condition  that  $3000  be  actually  raised 
and  secured"  from  other  sources  for  the  endowment 
of  the  same.~     Nathaniel  Freeman  Esq.  was  authorized 

others,  and  d.  Sept.  15,  1828.  —  Joshua,  b.  1761,  m.  Eunice  "VVinslow  of 
H.  Nov.  1790,  and  had  Winslow  and  others,  and  d.  July  14,  1835. — 
Joseph,  b.  1764,  m.  Abigail  Young  of  O.,  and  had  Joseph,  Nehemiah,  and 
Nabby  Y. — Jonathan,  g.  s.  of  Joshua,  b.  1769,  m.  Abigail  Bascom,  dr. 
Rev.  Jona.  of  O.,  Oct.  9, 1794,  and  d.  Mar.  19, 1806.  They  had  Temperance, 
Elisha,  Jona.  B.,  Delia,  Charles. 

'  The  trustees  named  in  the  Act  of  Incorporation  were : 

"  Rev.  Jonathan  Burr,  Rev.  Henry  Lincoln,  David  Scudder  Esq., 

Hon.  Nathl.  Freeman,  Rev.  Oakes  ShaAv,  Rev.  Nathan  Stone, 

Dr.  Jona.  Leonard,  Mr.  Wm.  Bodfish,  Thos.  Thacher  Esq., 

Wendell  Davis  Esq.,  Rev.  Levi  Whitman,  Rev.  Jude  Damon, 

Jas.  Freeman  Esq.,  Rev.  John  Simpkins,  Mr.  Steph.  Bassett, 

Mr.  Wm.  Fessenden,  Richard  Sears  Esq.,  Thos.  Jones  Esq." 

It  will  be  understood  that  a  majority  of  this  Board  (10  out  of  18)  were 
residents  in  other  towns  ;  Falm.,  Barnstable,  Wellfleet,  Brewster,  Chatham, 
Dennis,  Yarm.,  and  Orleans  being  represented.  It  Avas  designed  to  be  a 
County  institution,  and  as  such  was  regarded.  In  the  preliminary  meetings 
held  by  prominent  gent,  in  the  county,  for  consultation  —  it  being  under- 
stood that  this  county  was  entitled  to  an  appropriation  of  lands  for  an 
institution  of  learning  —  the  decision  Avas  made  that  this  tOAvn  should  be  its 
location,  with  particular  reference  to  the  preeminent  qualifications  of  Rev. 
Mr.  Burr  as  a  finished  scholar  and  successful  instructor. 

^  This  sum  Avas  provided  by  the  subscriptions  of  many  persons  in  this 
tOAVTi  and  others  in  the  county ;  the  subscribers  giving  their  notes  under  a 


ANNALS    OF    SANDWICH.  139 

by  said  Act  of  General  Court  "  to  appoint  the  time  and 
place  of  holding  the  first  meeting  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees  and  to  give  notice  of  the  same."  For  several 
years  after  the  oj)ening  of  the  academy  it  was  among 
the  most  noted,  flourishing  and  useful  institutions  of 
the  kind  in  New  England.  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Buer, 
more  than  to  any  other  individual,  are  the  establish- 
ment and  high  reputation  of  this  school  at  its  start 
to  be  attributed.^ 

Ill  1805,  Oct.  24,  d.  Mr.  John  Nye;^  and  1806,  Feb.  25,  Mr. 
Stuegis  Nye.^ 

In  1807,  the  bounds  between  this  town  and  Falmouth  were 
renewed,  —  The  town  petitioned  the  legislature  "  for  the  better 
government  of  the  Herring  Pond  and  Marshpee  Indians;"  the 
system  hitherto  jDursued  having,  in  the  opinion  of  the  town,  been 
"  needlessly  expensive  without  corresponding  advantage  to  the 
governed."  —  The  Kev.  Gideox  Hawley  d.  this  year,  Oct.  3.* 

supposed  guarantee  that  their  beneficence  would  secure  to  their  children 
and  to  posterity  the  enjoyment  of  superior  academical  privileges. 

'  Mr.  Burr  was  not  only  a  fine  scholar,  but  greatly  interested,  con  amore, 
in  the  cause  of  education.  His  '  Compendium  of  English  Grammar '  long 
occupied  a  position  in  schools,  widely  and  almost  universally  as  did  Noah 
Webster's  Spelling-book,  and  was  highly  appreciated. 

2  Mr.  John  NvEwas  father  of  the  late  Capt.  John  Nye  of  the  Army  1812, 
and  from  him  is  descended  Gen.  James  W.  Nye  at  present  Gov.  of  Nevada 
Territory. 

^  Mr.  Sturgis  Nye  Avas  son  of  Joseph  Nye  Esq.,  one  of  the  most  active 
men  of  the  town  during  the  revolutionary  period. 

^  We  have  aheady  said  much  of  Mr.  Hawley,  in  our  chapter  on  Marsh- 
pee,  Vol.  I. ;  and  we  the  more  gladly  refer  again  to  this  venerable  man,  not 
only  because,  though  residing  among  the  people  of  his  charge,  he  always 
claimed  and  had  conceded  to  him  the  right  of  franchise  in  this  town  ;  but 
that  we  may  note  some  matters  that  have  recently  fallen  under  our  eye. 
To  the  patronal  ear  of  the  N.  E.  Historic  Gen.  Soc,  a  paper  has  recently 
been  read,  and  has  since  gone  before  the  public,  written  by  one  M-ho  pro- 
fesses to  have  made  Indian  relics  a  subject  of  inquiry  ;  setting  forth  that  on 
Cape  Cod  certain  hearths  have  been  discovered,  called  '  Indian  hearths '  — 
which  qualifying  appellation  he  regards  as  a  misnomer  inasmuch  as,  accord- 
ing to  his  views,  the  Indians  never  construct  paved  hearths,  but  scoop  a 
hole  in  the  earth  and  buUd  their  fires  in  that ;  and,  to  account  for  the  exist- 
ence of  these  hearths  found  here,  the  gentleman  supposes  them  to  have 
been  built  by  '  the  Northmen '  alleged  by  Danish  antiquarians  to  have  dis- 
covered the  country  in  the  tenth  century.  The  theory  is  ingenious  —  sup- 
posing the  premises  to  be  correct ;  and  to  support  that  theory  he  argues 
that  Vineland  must  not  only  have  been  an  island  near  Cape  Cod,  but  that 
upon  the  Cape  itself  they  landed  and  constructed  these  hearths.  We  do 
not  understand  him  to  assert  that  Cape  Cod  was  the  island  ;  for  he  inti- 
mates that  the  island  may  have  disappeared,  through  the  action  of  the  sea 


140  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1808,  the  embargo  restrictions  were  severely  felt,  as  also  in 
the  succeeding  year. 

The  Academy  had  now  probably  reached  the  height 
of  its  prosperity,  under  the  educational  charge  of  that 
eminent  instructor,  Elisha  Clap  A.  M.  as  preceptor,^  and 
Miss  Bathsheba  Whitman  as  preceptress.^  Religious 
dissensions  now  beginning  to  be  rife  in  Massachusetts, 
did  not  fail  to  affect  the  hitherto  generally  united  and 
prosperous  congregation  of  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Burr 

—  Avhich  supposition  he  endeavors  to  support  by  reference  to  geological 
changes.  It  is  true  that  some  islands  have  disappeared ;  and  it  is  also 
true  that  some  parts  of  the  formerly  main  land  have  become  islands,  as,  for 
instance,  Scraggy  Neck  in  this  town.  But,  unfortunately  for  the  theorist,  it 
remains  to  be  disproved  that  the  Indians  of  Cape  Cod  did  construct  paved 
hearths.  Mr.  Kendall,  an  English  traveller  of  correct  observation  and  much 
candor,  assures  the  public  that  such  hearths  were  in  use  among  the  Indians 
of  Marshpee  as  late  as  1807  when  he  visited  the  tribe.  Although  he  found 
but  one  or  two  wigwams,  the  400  inhabitants  then  existing  having  generally 
adopted  the  habits  of  the  white  peojjle  around  them  ;  still  in  some  instances 
where  English  houses  in  other  respects  were  in  use,  the  smoke  was  allowed 
to  pass  through  a  roof  without  chimney,  the  fireplace  or  hearth  being  built 
of  brick.  Mr.  K.  had  good  opportunities  for  investigation;  for  Mr.  Hawley 
was  yet  living :  "  I  found  Mr.  H.  infirm  and  far  advanced  in  years,  but  I 
received  from  him  a  hospitality  and  welcome  most  fervent  and  gratifying. 
I  remained  two  nights  in  his  house,  and  experienced  much  attention,  not 
only  from  himself,  but  his  family  also  ;  and  these  circumstances  have  per- 
haps made  the  more  impression  upon  me,  because  I  had  not  reached  Boston 
before  I  learned  that  he  was  dead." 

Whilst  on  this  subject  of  "  relics,"  we  may  as  well  forestall  the  tempta- 
tion that  might  otherwise  beset  some  future  antiquarian  to  make  a  mar- 
vel of  hieroglyphics  upon  rocks  in  Sandwich  woods.  They  have,  indeed, 
already  become  the  wonder  of  some  ;  especially  the  engravings  upon  a 
rock  near  Round-swamp.  Possibly  these  annals  may  surviA'e,  and  perad- 
venture  may  be  consulted  in  future  years  ;  and  if  they  chance  to  meet  the 
eye  of  a  zealous  antiquary  who  shall  be  ready  to  pronounce  the  engravings 
Runic,  and  to  think  he  has  found  proof  presumptive  and  almost  posi- 
tive that  Erik,  or  Biarne,  or  Thorstein  was  here,  let  him  be  advised  that 
this  town  long  years  ago  was  the  home  of  a  lovelorn  swain  —  belonging  to 
a  good  family  —  who  spent  his  hours  chiefly 

"in  leafy  grove,  or  forest  dense," 

chiselling  rude  monuments  of  his  passion. 

'  Mr.  Clap  was  a  grad.  of  H,  C.  1797.  As  an  able  teacher  he  was 
greatly  distinguished,  and  among  his  pupils  were  many  who  became  emi- 
nent men.  Born  in  Dorchester  June  25,  1776,  he  m.  Mary,  dr.  of  Hon. 
Rt.  Treat  Paine  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Dec.  In  .,  and  d.  in  Boston  Oct. 
22,  1830. 

*  Miss  Whitman  was  a  most  indefatigable  and  accomplished  preceptress. 
She  was  from  Bridgewater,  dr.  of  Dea.  John  Whitman  who  lived  to  be 
over  106  yrs.  of  age.  She  d.  at  Bridgewater  at  a  very  advanced  age, 
beloved  and  highly  respected. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  141 

was  pastor ;  nor  did  unanimity  characterize  the  admin- 
istration of  the  affairs  of  the  Academy  as  heretofore.'^ 
This  seemed  the  only  impediment  to  increased  pros- 
perity. Large  numbers  resorted  hither  from  all  parts 
of  the  land,  for  instruction.  In  a  year  or  two,  as  dis- 
putes and  animosities  increased,  the  number  of  pupils 
in  the  Academy  began  sensibly  to  diminish;  and  so 
rapid  was  the  decline  that,  before  the  close  of  the  cor- 
poration's first   decade,  it  was   evident   a  fatal   blow 

^  The  yeai'  1808-9  was  a  season  of  unusual  attention  to  religion,  and  115 
persons  were  added  to  the  church  —  a  very  large  proportion  of  whom  were 
heads  of  families.  As  the  religious  interest  increased,  so  did  opposition  to 
the  pastor  and  to  the  doctrines  preached  by  him.  Mr.  Bun-,  when  settled, 
was  doubtless  an  Arian  —  but  classed  with  those  whose  general  religious 
sentiments  were  Arminian.  A  change  of  views  involved  a  change  in  paro- 
chial instructions,  and  aroused  opposition.  Mr.  Clap,  a  licensed  preacher, 
was  in  the  habit,  by  previous  arrangement  with  the  pastor,  of  taking  the  lead 
in  public  worship  in  Sandwich  village  every  sixth  Sunday  when  the  pastor 
officiated  in  the  meeting-house  at  Monument.  Mr.  Clap's  religious  views 
were  in  unison  with  the  oj^position,  and  uncompromisingly  against  Calvin- 
ism. The  Board  was,  at  this  time,  very  fairly  constructed,  consisting  of 
the  following,  (with  two  vacancies  :) 

Sandwich.  Barnstable. 

Hon.  Nathl.  Freeman,  Pres.,  Hon.  John  Davis, 

Rev.  Jona.  Burr,  David  Scudder  Esq. 
Dr.  Jona.  Leonard, 

Steph.  Bassett  Esq.,  Falmouth. 

Hon.  Wendell  Davis,  >  Rev.  Henry  Lincoln, 

Jas.  Freeman  Esq.,  Thos.  Jones  Esq. 
Wm.  Bodfish  Esq., 

Mr.  Wm.  Fessenden,  Treas,,  Chatham. 

Mr.  Elisha  Clap,  Sec.  Richard  Sears  Esq. 

Yarmouth.  Brewster. 

Elisha  Doane  Esq.  Rev.  John  Simpkins. 

But  Mr.  Burr  and  others,  in  consequence  of  the  religious  dissensions 
which  were  now  entering  into  the  action  of  the  Board,  resigned  their  seats 
as  trustees,  and  as  vacancies  occurred  they  were  filled  by  the  choice  of  per- 
sons of  the  town,  so  that  in  a  short  time  the  Academy  was  under  dix'ection 
wholly  local  and  sectarian.  The  public  interest  in  the  institution  was  at  an 
end,  and  the  ample  endownent,  with  the  once  bright  prospects  of  Sandwich 
Academy,  passed  under  a  cloud  ;  -so  that  when  the  inquiry  has  been  made 
in  later  years  respecting  the  endowment,  echo  but  repeats  the  question.  No 
regular  provision  has  been  made  for  academic  instruction  these  many  years, 
and  the  present  building  stands  as  if  chiefly  to  remind  the  passer-by  of  the 
once  splendid  career  of  its  predecessor.  —  "We  take  pleasure  in  saying  that, 
since  the  preceding  lines  were  penned,  we  are  assured  that  under  the  pru- 
dent management  of  Dr.  Harpur  of  the  present  Board,  some  portion  of  the 
funds  are  saved  and  in  course  of  accumulation. 


142  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

forbidding  all  hope  of  its  future  prosperity  had  been 
inflicted  upon  the  institution. 

In  1809,  Mr.  Elisha  Pope  Sr.  died,  Feb.  1 ;  Deacon  Thomas 
Bassett,  in  May;^  Capt.  Samuel  Smith,  June  17,  also  Wil- 
liam BoDFisH  Esq.^ 

^  Dea.  Thomas  Bassett,  b.  Jan.  4, 1717-18,  (see  Vol.  1. 351,)  m.  Patience 
Tobey  Feb.  13,  1746  ;  and  2d\vid.  Hannah  (Sturgis)  Jennings  Mar.  15,  1775, 
had  issue:  Lemuel  Feb.  26,  1747  who  m.  Mehit.  Hall  May  21,  1772; 
William  July  6,  1749  who  m.  Mary  Smith  Mar.  24,  1774  ;  Cornelius  June 
24,  1754  who  m.  Abigail  Smith  and  went  to  Lee;  and  Deborah  Nov.  1, 
1766  who  m.  John  Smith  1786.  —  William  had  Patience  Dec.  12,  1774 
who  m.  Levi  Nye  May  10,  1795  ;  Abigail  Ap.  12,  1778  who  m.  Joshua 
Tobey  Dec.  1,  1799  ;  Thomas  Nov.  17,  1780  who  m.  Abigail  Swift  1810  ; 
John  Jan.  8,  1783  who  m.  Lucy  Fessenden  1812,  and  2d  Lucia  Dillingham ; 
William  July  26,  1775  ;  Mary  Jan.  12,  1788  who  m.  Frs,  F,  Jones  1810  ; 
Charles  Oct.  2,  l790j  Nathan  July  27,  1793;  and  Henry  T  July  28,  1801. 

^  Mr.  BODFlSH  being  a  trustee  of  Sandwich  Academy  and  also  a  military 
man,  these  circumstances  aside  from  his  position  otherwise,  made  his  obse- 
quies unusually  imposing  —  the  pupils  of  both  departments  of  the  Academy 
with  their  teachers  and  the  trustees  preceding  the  corpse,  as  also  the  mil- 
itary, in  the  funeral  procession.  For  the  likeness  which  appears  on  the 
opposite  page,  our  acknowledgments  are  especially  due  to  his  grandsons, 
Mr.  William  Bodfish  of  W.  Greenwich,  R.  I.,  and  Mr.  Robinson  Crocker 
Bodfish  of  New  York  ;  (to  the  latter  we  are  under  many  obligations  because 
of  his  patriotic  interest  in  a  faithful  record  of  historical  events  —  an  ardor 
not  inferior  to  his  filial  regard  for  ancestry.)  Mr.  B.,  more  familiarly 
known  by  his  military  prefix,  was  descended  from  one  of  the  earliest  and 
most  conspicuous  of  the  first  settlers.  None  of  the  name  now  remain  in 
town  ;  the  branches  of  the  family  are  widely  dispersed.  As  veterans  in 
genealog.  investigations  have  not  succeeded  to  their  own  satisfaction  in 
demonstrating  some  matters  of  pedigree  in  relation  to  this  family,  we  will 
not  be  expected  to  determine  them  beyond  doubt ;  but  Ave  think  the  follow- 
ing is  reliable:  —  The  ancestor,  Robert  Bodfish,  was  early  of  Lynn,  a 
freeman  May  5,  1635,  and  in  Sandwich  1637.  He  was  one  of  the  six  men 
("  Geo.  Allen,  John  Vincent,  Wm.  Newland,  Rt.  Bodfish,  Anthony  Wright, 
and  Rd.  Bourne  ")  deputed  by  the  town  to  conclude  articles  of  agreement 
with  Edmund  Freeman,  wherebj',  being  "  acquitted  of  all  damages  by  rea- 
son of  his  buying  the  purchase,"  the  latter,  Feb.  26,  1647,  assigned  to  these 
men  representing  the  interests  of  the  town,  the  entire  purchase  made  of 
Gov.  Bradford  and  associates.  A  Robert  Sr.  and  Robert  Jr.  were  in  Lynn 
1635,  and  there  cannot  be  much  doubt  that  these  were  father  and  son,  both 
coming  to  S.,  the  latter  soon  removing  to  Barnstable.  The  eldest  was 
licensed  "  to  draw  Avine  in  S."  1644,  and  filled  sundry  positions  of  trust ; 
but  d.  Nov.  19,  1651.  His  wife,  Bridget,  is  mentioned  without  name  as  a 
widow  1652,  and  as  no  record  is  made  in  S.  of  her  decease,  the  presumption 
is  that  she  became,  Dec.  15,  1657,  the  2d  w.  of  Mr.  Samuel  Hinckley, 
father  of  Gov.  H.  The  children  of  Robert  1st,  we  suppose,  were  Robert 
Jr.  Avho  removed  to  Be.,  Elizabeth,  and  Sarah.  It  should  here  be  noted 
that  a  John  Bodfish  was  of  S.  1641,  and  a  John  Sr.  is  mentioned  1675,  of 
both  whom  nothing  further  appears  on  the  records.  A  birth  of  one,  name 
illegible,  is  mentioned  Mar.  27,  1648.  Mr.  Savage  says  Elizabeth  m.  John 
Crocker,  2d  w.,  Nov.  1659 ;  and  Sarah  m.  Peter  Blossom  June  4,  1663. 
But  Mr.  Otis  says  it  was  Mary  who  m.  Crocker  1659.  Mr.  O.  says  "  Robert 
did  not  become  an  inhabitant  of  Be."     We  have  supposed  that  Robert  Jr. 


Boston  Tiiblic  library, 


>^>^^^ 


B.DEC^l^.^  1758, 


D.JUNE  17™  1809 


LitKof  Sir.myMaitT-  f,  Knapp  44-0  Broadway ,11  .Y, 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  143 

In  1810,  the  amount  raised  for  schools  was  1 500.  —  Mr.  Ste- 
phen Nye  d.  July  6,  ae.  90.^ 

In  1811,  leave  was  "granted  to  Samuel  Wing  and  others  to  erect 
a  dam  and  works  of  a  cotton-factory,  on  the  stream  between  the 
upper  and  lower  ponds  in  Sandwich  village,  at  a  place  near  WoLf- 
trap  Neck  so  called." 

did  remove  to  Be.,  and  had  in  S.,  before  removal,  Joseph  b.  Ap.  3,  1651. 
Robert  was  in  Be.  1660,  and  it  is  said  the  family  removed  thither  1657.  It 
may  be  that  all  these  were  children  of  Rt.  1st.  Be  that  as  it  may,  Joseph, 
of  Barnstable,  m.  Elizabeth  Bessey  June  1674,  and  had  John  Dec.  6,  1675  ; 
Joseph  Jr.  Oct.  1677  ;  Mary  Mar.  1,  1679  who  m.  Josiah  Swift  of  S.  Ap. 
19,  1706  ;  Hannah  May,  1681  who  m.  Rd.  Thomas  ;  Benjamin  July  20, 
1683  ;  Nathan  Dec.  27,  1685  ;  Ebenezer  Mar.  10,  1687-8 ;  EUzabeth  Aug. 
27,  1690  who  prob.  m.  Reuben  Blish  Jan.  25,  1717;  Rebecca  Feb.  22, 
1692-3  who  m.  Benj.  Fuller  Mar.  25,  1714  ;  Melatiah  Ap.  7,  1695  who  m. 
Samuel  Fuller  June  20,  1725  ;  Robert  Oct.  10,  1698 ;  and  Sarah  Feb.  20, 
1700  who  m.  Joseph  Smith  Jr.  Mar.  8,  1727.  The  father  of  this  family  d. 
Dec.  2, 1744  se.  94.  —  John,  eldest  of  the  preceding  family,  removed  to  this 
town  from  Be.  and  m.  Sarah  Nye  of  S.  May  24,  1704.  Issue  :  Mary  Mar. 
9,  1705-6  in  S.  who  m.  Wm.  Freeman  Dec.  6,  1726 ;  John  Feb.  5,  1708-9  ; 
Hannah  Sept.  23,  1711  who  m.  Zeph.  Hatch  of  R.  I.  Ap.  3,  1735;  Joanna 
Oct.  22,  1714  who  d.  Jan.  20,  1735-6  ;  Sarah  Mar.  21,  1717  who  m.  Eben 
Hatch  2d  of  Falm.  Mar.  3,  1742  ;  Elizabeth  Mar.  30,  1720-1  who  m. 
Nathan  Nye  Jan.  29,  1747  ;  and  Joseph  Sept.  20,  1725.  —  Joseph,  of  S., 

Joungest  of  the  preceding,  m.  Mary  Ellis  Sept.  5,  1745,  and  had  Sylvina 
une  19,  1746  who  m.  Silas  Hatch  1767  ;  Nathan  Mar.  19,  1748  ;  Hannah 
Jan.  18,  1750  ;  Nymphas  May  5,  1752  who  removed  to  Maine  ;  Mary  Dec. 
30,  1754  who  m.  James  Chrystie  Dec.  25,  1785  ;  Joseph  Oct.  9,  1756  ;  and 
William  Dec.  1,  1758.  —  William  Esq.,  youngest  of  the  last,  m.  1st. 
Lois  Nye  of  F.,  dr.  of  Sol,  1784,  who  b.  Mar.  15,  1761,  d.  Dec.  9,  1793, 
and  2d  Abigail  Fessenden  of  S.,  dr.  of  Mr.  Benj.  Ap.  14,  1794,  who  b. 
Feb.  26,  1764,  d.  Aug.  21,  1852.  Issue :  Sally  D.  Mar.  15,  1788  who  d. 
Ap.  3,  1843 ;  WiUiam  Ap.  4,  1789  ;  Joseph  Nov.  13,  1790  who  d.  Sept.  12, 
1809  ;  Loisa  N.  Sept.  30,  1793  who  m.  Wm.  Eldridge  of  R.  I.  1819  and  d. 
1821;  Sylvina  H.  Oct.  6,  1796  who  m.  Rev.  Benj.  Haines  1846;  Nathan 
June  22,  1799  who  d.  in  N.  Orleans  ;  James  H.  June  6,  1801  who  m.  EHza 
Hobbs  Nov.  26,  1829  and  d.  Mar.  14,  1850  ;  Abigail  F.  Dec.  29,  1802  who 
m.  Rd.  Edwards  Jr.  Oct.  29,  1827  ;  Thomas  F.  Sept.  13,  1804  who  d.  Nov. 
21,  1817;  and  Russell  S.  Dec,  14,  1805  who  m.  Sarah  J.  Coffin  of  Nan- 
tucket Ap.  24,  1828.  —  For  further  gen.,  see  Barnstable  and  Falmouth. — 
The  gentleman  whose  portrait  we  present,  was  of  a  social  and  generous  dis- 
position, public  spirited  and  enterprising.  Largely  engaged  in  commercial 
pursuits,  his  encouragement  of  ship-building  and  maritime  adventures 
imparted  to  these  departments  of  industry  a  j^rominence  that  gradually 
declined  after  his  decease  and  has  never  been  renewed  to  the  same  extent. 
He  represented  the  town  in  the  Gen.  Ct.  seven  years,  and  was  also 
Jus.  Pac. 

'  Mr.  Stephen  Nye,  active  and  patriotic  in  the  revolutionary  period, 
was  son  of  Nathan  who  m.  Dorothy  Bryant  Ap.  12,  1715,  and  had  Rebecca 
Nov.  26,  1715;  Mary  Ap.  26,  1718  ;  Stephen  June  6,  1720;  Nathan  Oct. 
13,  1722  who  was  father  of  Peleg,  Peter,  Nathan,  Nathaniel,  &c.  ;  Deborah 
Oct.  5,  1726;  and  William  Sept.  1,  1733  who  was  the  father  of  Elisha.  — ■ 
Stephen  m.  Maria  Bourne  June  7,  1744,  and  had  Elisha  Ap.  27,  1745  who 
m.  Lucy  Tobey  Ap.  2,  1767,  and  removed  to  Maine;  John  Dec.  22,  1746 
who  resided  at  Monument;  Nathan  Jr.  Feb.  20,  1749  who  m.  Hannah 


144  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Certificates,  under  Hhe  Eeligious  Freedom  Act/  began 
now  to  be  lodged  with  the  town  clerk,  by  inhabitants 
claiming  to  be  members  of  the  Methodist  Society ; 
"the  Methodist  Society  of  Sandwich  and  Falmouth" 
having  been  incorporated  Feb.  28.  —  The  connection 
of  Eev.  Mr.  Burr  as  pastor  of  the  ancient  Congrega- 
tional Parish,  was  dissolved  Sept.  5.  Lord  Bacon  has 
well  remarked,  "  The  greatest  vicissitude  of  things  is 
the  vicissitude  of  sects  and  religions :  the  true  religion 
is  built  upon  a  rock ;  the  rest  are  tossed  upon  the  waves 
of  time." 

Gideon  Hawley  Esq.  and  his  estate  were  this  year  set  off  from 
Marshpee  to  this  town.  —  Mr.  Motto  Bryant  d.  Ap.  10 ;  and  Mr. 
Malachi  Ellis  d.  June  23.  —  The  sudden  death  by  casualty  of  an 
enterprising  young  ship-builder,  James  Chrystie  Jr.,  Nov.  9,  was 
the  occasion  of  deep  sympathy.^ 

The  declaration  of  war  in  1812  found  the  inhabitants 
here,  as  in  other  towns,  divided  in  regard  to  great 
national  questions  with  the  usual  amount  of  party  zeal 
and  acerbity. — -Seth  Freeman  Esq.  died  July  19,  aged  81. 

In  1813,  certificates  were  lodged,  March  6,  in  behalf 
of  a  large  number  of  persons,  159,  as  members  of  a 
religious  association  called  the  Calvinistic  Congrega- 
tional Society.  These  were  adherents  to  the  ministry 
of  Bev.  Mr.  Burr.^ — Succeeding  him  as  minister  of  the 

Butler  Dec.  10,  1772,  and  Sarah  (Fessenden)  Allen  May  15,  1796,  and  was 
many  years  selectman  of  the  town  ;  Hannah  May  10,  1751  who  m.  Tobey  of 
Machias  ;  Stephen  Jr.  Ap.  30,  1753  ;  Susanna  and  Abigail,  gem.,  July  27, 
1755  the  latter  of  whom  m.  Motto  Bryant ;  Jonathan  Nov.  27,  1757  ;  Wil- 
liam Nov.  24,  1760;  Zenas  Mar.  31,  1763  who  m.  Mary  Freeman  Feb.  10, 
1785  ;  Rebecca  Jan.  24,  1766  who  m.  Paul  Gifford ;  Christina  Ap.  1769 ; 
and  Sabria. 

^  He  was  killed  by  the  falling  of  a  mast  which  he  was  engaged  in  placing 
in  position ;  and  the  fact  that  he  was  expecting  to  be  married  within  a  few 
days,  gave  intensity  to  the  general  regrets.  He  was  s.  of  James  Chrystie 
Sr.,  long  time  a  noted  master  shipwright,  who  m.  Mary  Bodfish  Dec.  5, 
1785,  and  had  James  Jr.  Nov.  25,  1786  ;  Mary  Mar.  10,  1788  who  m.  Benj. 
F.  Lombard  of  Boston  Sept.  20,  1808  ;  Lois  Ap.  3,  1791 ;  George  Nov.  28, 
1792  ;  and  Esther  Mar.  20,  1795  who  m.  John  Fessenden.  Mr.  C.  was  of 
Scotch  extraction. 

^  The  contest  which  resulted  in  the  dismission  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Burr  from 
the  1st  Parish  was  long  and  severe.     The  parties  were  finally  pretty  evenly 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  145 

First  Parish,  was  the  Rev.  Ezra  S.  Goodwin,  ordained 
March  17. — Mr.  Branch  Dillingham  died  April  21. 

In  1814,  Feb.  26,  an  Act  incorporating  William  Fes- 
senden  Esq.  and  others  under  the  title  of  "  the  Calvin- 
istic  Cong.  Soc.  in  Sandwich,"  was  passed  by  the  legis- 
lature, the  first  meeting  to  be  called  by  Nathl.  Freeman 
Esq. ;  and  said  society  was  soon  duly  organized. 

A  com.  of  public  safety  was  apjD.,  June  27,  the  movements  of 
the  enemy  on  the  surrounding  waters  constantly  threatening  de- 
struction of  property ;  and  sd.  com.  was  authorized  to  apply  to  the 
proper  authorities  for  a  detachment  of  the  militia  of  the  town  to 
guard  the  shores.  —  Contributions  having  been  forced  from  some 
of  the  towns,  and  being  demanded  of  others,  by  the  enemy,  as  the 
condition  on  which  towns  would  be  exempt  from  conflagration 
and. private  or  public  property  from  depredation,  it  was  here  voted, 
Sept.  20,  that  "  in  case  of  any  attack  by  the  enemy  we  will  defend 
the  town  to  the  last  extremity."  Application  was  made  to  the  Gov. 
and  Council  "  for  50  stand  of  arms  and  2  six-pound  field-jDieces 
with  ammunition  and  equijjments "  also  "  for  150  soldiers  to  be 
stationed  in  the  town  ready  for  any  emergency."  —  Wm.  Deodt 
d.  this  year,  Oct.  6,  se.  20} . 

In  1815,  the  selectmen  were  instructed  to  petition  the  legisla- 
ture for  the  repeal  of  the  Act  connecting  the  Counties  of  Dukes 
and  Nantucket  with  Barnstable  County  for  the  choice  of  senator. 
—  The  remarkable  storm  of  Sept.  23  has  been  already  noticed  in 
our  first  volume.^ 

balanced,  only  two  or  three  majority  being  obtainable  for  the  dissolution  of 
the  connection.  In  the  church  it  was  otherwise  ;  99  members  (44  males 
and  55  females)  adhered  to  their  pastor,  and  14  were  opposed.  By  legal 
technicalities,  the  minority  of  the  church  retained  the  church  temporalities 
and  records.  The  majority  claimed  to  be  the  ancient  church,  holding  "  that 
a  church  is  a  distinct  body  from  the  parish,  independent  of  it  for  its  exist- 
ence and  the  exercise  of  its  discipline  and  rights."  By  Councils  this  claim 
was  sustained ;  but  by  the  Sup.  Court  Avas  overruled.  The  funds  of  the 
church,  chiefly  the  accumulations  from  sacramental  contributions,  went, 
therefore,  into  the  hands  of  the  minority  ! 

^  Drowned  by  accident  on  board  a  vessel  in  the  Bay.  The  father  of  Mr. 
D.,  Samuel,  was  Scotch-Irish,  and  was  twice  married.  By  the  two  wives, 
Sarah  and  Sylvia,  he  had  Samuel  May  16,  1782  who  m.  Mary  Nye  Nov.  22, 
1803  ;  William  Mar.  5,  1784-;  Charles  Ap.  18,  1787  ;  Sarah  Aug.  8,  1789  ; 
Thomas  Jan.  25,  1792;  Allen  G.  June  6,  1794;  James;  and  Svlvia  Jan. 
11,  1802.  — Charles  b.  1787,  m.  Betsy  Nye,  dr.  Wm.,  and  had  Charles 
Mar.  31,  1818 ;  Deborah  N.  Mar.  20,  1821 ;' James  C.  May  28,  1823  ;  Sarah 
M.  Mar.  2,  1828 ;  and  James  C  Oct.  21,  1825. 

^  The  only  loss  (if  life  in  this  town  by  that  storm  was  of  a  young  woman, 
VOL.  n-  19 


/ 


146  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1816,  the  country  being  again  free  from  the  tur- 
moil of  war,  business  began  to  resume  its  wonted  chan- 
nels. —  Hon.  James  Freeman,  high  sheriJff  of  the  county, 
died  Jan.  10. 

In  1817,  the  Kev.  Mr.  Burr  requesting  it,  his  con- 
nection with  the  people  of  his  charge  was  dissolved ; 
not  in  consequence  of  any  disaffection,  for  the  society 
was  perfectly  harmonious  and  highly  prosperous.^  — 
Mr.  "William  Freeman  died  July  3,  and  Stephen  Bassett 
Esq.  died  Sept.  18.^ 

In  1818,  Jan.  18,  the  town  having  received  order  of 
notice  on  the  petition  of  Israel  Thorndike  and  others 
for  leave  to  cut  a  canal  through  the  Isthmus  of  Cape 
Cod,  it  was  "  voted  that  such  a  work  if  practicable  will 
be  of  public  utility  and  that  this  town  will  interpose 
no  obstacle."  —  The  Eev.  David  L.  Hunn  was  ordained 
Feb.  25,  over  the  Calvinistic  church  and  society.  The 
Monument  Congregational  Church  which  had  hitherto 
been  a  constituent  part  of  the  Calvinistic  society,  was 
by  consent  to  be  constituted  a  distinct  church,  and  a 
distinct  parish  was  organized.^ 

Miss  Temperance,  dr.  of  Mr.  Caleb  Pen-y.  She  was  passenger  on  board  a 
vessel  bound  to  Newport.  The  vessel  sought  a  harbor  in  N.  Bedford,  but 
■was  driven  furiously  against  a  wharf,  and  Miss  P.  was  drowned  notwith- 
standing strenuous  efforts  of  the  citizens  of  N.  Bedford  to  rescue  her. 

'  Mr.  Burr  removed  to  Boston ;  but  finally  returned  to  pass  the  residue 
of  his  honored  and  useful  life  in  this  town. 

^  Stephen  Bassett  Esq.  was  gt.  g.  s.  of  Col.  "William,  g.  s,  of  William 
and  Abigail,  and  s.  of  Nathaniel,  who  m.  Hannah  Hall  of  Y.  July  4, 
1745,  and  had  Rebecca,  Joseph,  Abigail,  Edmund,  Hannah,  Nathl.,  Elisha, 
Stephen,  Jonathan,  Anselm,  and  Isaac. — Joseph  m.  Cynthia  Tobey  Oct.  10, 
1773,  and  wid.  Grace  (Carnes)  Webb  1802,  and  had  Rebecca  May '22,  1777, 
who  m.  Thacher  Lewis  ;  Edmund  Nov.  22, 1780,  who  m.  Mary  Nye ;  Hannah 
May  12,  1786,  who  m.  Joseph  Dimmick;  Joseph  July  13,  1790;  Cynthia 
Feb.  19,  1803,  who  m.  Joseph  Hamblen;  and  Celia  Jan.  1,  1805,  Mho  m. 
Jona.  E.  Chipman.  —  Stephen  Esq.  m.  Elizabeth  Newcomb  Nov.  20,  1788, 
and  had  Martha  B.  Oct.  15,  1796,  who  m.  Chs.  Nye;  and  Elizabeth  Sept.  5, 
1799,  who  m.  Ezra  Tobey.  —  Jonathan  m.  Temperance  Crocker,  1790,  and 
had  Nathl.  Oct.  17,  1793;  David  Oct.  3,  1795;  and  Lydia  May  1,  1799. 

^  The  Monument  church  at  its  organization  consisted  of  about  30  mem- 
bers ;  and  the  withdrawal  from  the  parent  church  was  on  account  of  the 
distance  rendering  it  inconvenient  for  theu'  families  to  attend  service  in  the 
Centre. 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  147 

In  1819,  May  3,  it  was  voted  by  the  town  that  "there  shall  be 
no  retailer  of  distilled  liquors  licensed  in  this  town  after  the  expi- 
ration of  the  present  licenses ;  and  that  tavern-keej)ers  be  notified 
that  unless  they  desist  from  mixing  and  selling  to  town-dwellers 
they  are  not  to  be  ajsprobated  after  their  present  term." 

In  1820,  Oct.  16,  Russell  Freeman,  EHsha  Pope,  and  Seth  F. 
!N'ye,  Esqs.,  were  chosen  delegates  to  the  Convention  to  be  held  in 
Boston  in  ISTov.  prox.  for  revising  the  Constitution  of  the  State.  — 
The  bounds  of  this  town  and  Plym.  were  renewed,  June  30. 

The  incidents  that  we  shall  record  henceforward  will 
be  few.  Our  pages  are  already  swollen  far  beyond  our 
expectations,  and  we  hasten  over  the  remaining  years 
to  the  conclusion  of  these  annals. 

In  1821,  a  venerable  citizen,  Mr,  Josiah  Ellis,  d.,  Aug,  27,  se. 
76.  In  1824,  Capt,  Seth  Fkeeman  d,,  Oct.  28,  — The  Pocasset 
or  2d  Precinct,  originally  Congregational,  having  for  many  years 
abdicated  its  claims  to  the  distinction  by  favoring  the  use  of  its 
property  by  the  Methodists,  about  this  time  under  the  ministry 
of  Rev.  Mr,  Britt  assumed  the  title  of  Reformed  Methodist  — 
renouncing  the  government  of  so-called  bishops  and  the  plan  of 
itinerancy.  —  In  1825,  the  sad  disaster  occurring  by  which  the  town 
was  involved  in  grief  for  the  loss  at  sea  of  a  number  of  its  most 
enterprising  young  men,  has  been  mentioned  Vol,  I.  625.  Dea. 
Thomas  H.  Tobey,  a  good  man  and  valuable  citizen,  d.  the  same 
year ;  ^  also  Mr.  Charles  Gibbs,  Nov.  6.^  In  1826,  Jan.  21,  the 
loss  of  Capt.  Josiah  Ellis  Jr.  and  others  occurred  in  the  Bay,  as 
has  been  noticed  Vol.  I.  773.  Mr.  Benjamik  Freeman  d.  Mar. 
10.  A  com.  was  app.  by  the  town  to  prevent  strangers  taking 
sand  and  stones  from  the  sea-shore  to  the  injury  of  the  beach. 
The  town  also  petitioned  Congress  for  the  erection  of  a  light-house 
at  Beach  Point  in  Barnstable.  The  bounds  between  this  town 
and  Barnstable  were  renewed.  The  appropriation  for  free  schools 
this  year  was  1 800. 

^  Dea,  Tobey  was  4th  son  of  John  Jr.  who  m.  Mercy  Howes  of  Y.  Nov. 
15,  1759.  Dea,  Thomas  H.,  b,  Oct,  1,  1770,  m.  Thankful  Crowell  of  F., 
Mar,  1,  1799,  and  had  Freeman  C,  May  8,  1806,  and  Watson  F,  Feb.  10, 
1809,  The  youngest  of  the  family  of  John  Jr.,  was  James,  b,  Jan.  4,  1778, 
who  m.  Temperance  Crowell  of  F,,  1804,  and  d,  Dec,  15, 1855,  se,  77  :  11 :  11, 
He  had  Josiah  Aug.  31,  1808. 

^  From  Thomas  Gibbs  who  was  here  1639,  were  descendants  almost  innu- 
merable. Mr.  Charles  Gibbs,  b.  May  9,  1756,  was  son  of  Barnabas  b.  1722, 
who  was  son  of  Barnabas  b.  1684,  who  was  s.  of  John  b.  1644,  who  Avas  s. 
of  Thomas. 


148  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1827,  the  bounds  between  this  town  and  Falmouth  were 
renewed.  —  A  reward  of  $100  was  offered  by  the  town  to  encour- 
age the  kilhng  of  a  wolf  that  was  causing  great  destruction  of 
sheei3.  Mr.  Peleg  Hoxie  d.  Mar,  14,  se.  33  ;  and  Hon.  Nathan- 
iel Freeman,  Sept.  20,  se.  87.^ 

In  1828,  Col.  John  Feeeman  d.  se.  65.  —  The  town  voted  that 


'  Dr.  Freeman  was  b.  Mar.  28,  1741,  0.  S.,  and  was  the  3d  son  of  Mr. 
Edmund  Freeman  b.  1711,  of  the  line  of  Edmunds.  He  m.  Tryphosa  Colton 
of  Killingly,  Ct.,  May  5, 1763,  who  d.  July  11, 1796,  a?.  53,  and  2d  Elizabeth 
Gifford,  wid.  of  Josiah  of  Falmouth  and  dr.  of  Mr.  John  Handy  of  this  town. 
His  children  Avere :  Edmund  May  4,  1764,  (who  was  a  practical  printer,  dis- 
tinguished by  his  editorial  abilities  and  sterling  wit, — publisher  and  editor 
of  "The  Herald  of  Freedom"  commenced  by  him  Sept.  1788,  "a  paper," 
says  the  late  J.  T.  Buclvingham,  "  remarkable  for  the  boldness  of  its  tone  in 
narrating  current  events,")  m.  Elizabeth  Pattee  of  Maine  and  d.  July  1, 1807, 
leaving  a  family;  Nathaniel  Mar.  1,  1766,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1787,  and  m. 
Polly  Ford  of  Boston,  and  was  twice  elected  to  Congress — continuing  a 
member  from  1797  to  his  decease  Aug.  22,  1800;  Abigail  Aug.  23,  1768, 
who  m.  Col.  Abraham  Williams  Jan.  4, 1786,  and  2d  Geo.  Ellis  of  Fairfield, 
Me.,  Mar.  15,  1801;  Martha  June  10,  1770,  who  m.  Wm.  Fessenden  Esq. 
Aug.  7,  1794;  Jonathan  Otis  Ap.  6,  1772,  who  m.  Lucy  Crocker  of  Falm. 
Dec.  10,  1794,  and  d.  in  Washington,  N.  C,  Nov.  2,  1835,  having  been 
highly  esteemed  as  a  physician,  honored  as  a  clergyman  of  the  Presbyterian 
church,  and  eminent  as  an  instructor  of  youth — remembered  by  many  of  the 
prominent  citizens  of  the  South  as  their  honored  preceptor  and  most  valued 
friend — leaving  two  sons,  the  one  a  counsellor  at  law,  the  other  a  physician ; 
Rufus  Oct.  18, 1773,  who  m.  Hannah  Palmer  of  Falmouth,  and  d.  in  Charles- 
ton, S.  C,  Mar.  5,  1807,  leaving  a  family;  Tryphosa  C.  Dec.  14,  1775,  who 
m.  Capt.  Samuel  Parker  of  Barnstable  Mar.  30,  1797  ;  Sarah  June  16, 1778, 
who  m.  Shadrach  Freeman  Esq.  Mar.  22,  1795 ;  Nancy  Sept.  2,  1780,  who 
d.  Mar.  24,  1790;  RusseU  Oct.  7,  1782,  who  having  been  settled  some  time 
in  Maine  in  the  profession  of  the  law,  returned  to  the  practice  in  this  county, 
and  m.  Eliza  J.  Sturgis,  dr.  Capt.  Thos.  of  Be.,  1817,  and  d.  Jan.  9,  1842; 
Abraham  Williams  Aug.  17,  1784,  who  removed  to  Maine  and  m.  Nancy 
Fairfield  Nov.  1,  1809;  Geo.  W.  June  13,  1789,  who  settled  in  N.  Carolina 
and  m.  Ann  Yates  Gholson,  dr.  of  Col.  Wm.  Yates  and  wid.  of  Hon.  Wm. 
Gholson  of  Va.,  and  after  being  several  years  distinguished  as  an  instructor 
of  youth,  was  many  years  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Raleigh,  N.  C,  and  then 
of  Emanuel  Church,  Newcastle,  Del.,  receiving  the  honorary  degree  of  D.  D. 
from  the  University  of  N.  C.  1839,  and  unanimously  elected  Bishop  of  the 
South-Western  Diocese  embracing  the  whole  of  Texas,  Arkansas,  and  the 
Indian  Territory,  1844,  consecrated  Oct.  26,  his  death  occurring  at  Little 
Rock,  Ark.,  Ap.  29,  1858 — leaving  sons:  Frederick  Dec.  1,  1799,  who  m. 
Ehzabeth  Nichols  di".  of  Geo.  N.  Esq.  of  Raleigh,  N.  C,  Dec.  26,  1821,  2d 
Hannah  Huntington  Wolcott  dr.  of  Hon.  Frederick  W.  of  Litchfield,  Ct., 
Ap.  21,  1834,  and  3d  Isabella  WilHams  dr.  of  Capt.  Hartwell  Williams  of 
Augusta,  Me.,  Nov.  18,  1841;  Tryphosa  Colton  Jan.  24,  1801,  who  m.  Rev. 
Louis  Jansen  June  16,  1837,  and  d.  in  Bolivar,  Tenn.,  May  11, 1852;  Nancy 
Jan.  24,  1802,  who  d.  Dec.  8,  1804;  Nathaniel  Ap.  19,  1803 ;  Elizabeth  H., 
May  23,  1804,  who  m.  Rev.  Davis  Lothrop  Mar.  6,  1827 ;  Love  Swain  July 
23,  1805,  who  m.  Weston  R.  Gales  Esq.,  mayor  of  the  city  of  Raleigh,  N.  C, 
Ap.  21,  1825  ;  Tryphena  July  9,  1808,  who  m.  Capt.  Isaiah  Harding  Feb.  24, 
1837;  and  Hannah  B.  Mar.  24,  1810,  who  d.  Dec.  21,  1848:— a  family  of 
twenty  children,  all  of  whom  bat  two  lived  to  adult  age  and  married. 


ANNALS    OF    SANDWICH.  149 

none  shall  be  approbated  as  retailers  of  intoxicating  liquors. — In 
1829,  the  amount  approi^riated  for  public  schools  was  |1200. 

In  1830,  the  pastoral  relation  between  the  Rev. 
David  L.  Hunn  and  the  Trinitarian  Congregational 
church  and  society  was  dissolved ;  ^  and  Hon.  Wendell 
Davis,  counsellor  at  law,  at  times  representative  of  the 
town  in  the  legislature  and  state  senator,  and  now  high 
sheriff,  died  Dec.  30.^     (See  Vol.  I  630.) 

In  1831,  in  the  month  of  January,  a  heavy  snow, 
about  3  feet  deep  in  the  woods,  proved  fatal  to  great 
numbers  of  deer.  People  provided  with  snow-shoes, 
barbarously  captured  or  killed  about  200 ;  of  these  40 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Hunn  was  from  Longmeadow,  and  a  grad.  of  Yale. 

^  It  may  be  expected,  perhaps,  that  we  will  note  with  particularity  the 
profession  of  Law,  as  illustrated  by  its  members  in  the  progress  of  the  town. 
It  would  be  a  pleasure  to  do  so ;  but  in  any  such  attempt  difficulties  are  to 
be  met.  In  the  early  days  of  the  colony,  there  were  few,  if  any,  whose  edu- 
cation had  been  exclusively  directed  to  legal  attainments.  The  same,  indeed, 
may  be  said  of  the  profession  of  Medicine.  It  so  continued  for  many  years. 
In  fact,  strange  as  it  may  now  appear,  the  clergy — to  Avhom  has  been  gen- 
erally conceded  by  historians  a  large  share  as  "the  principal  instruments  in 
keeping  alive  the  spirit  of  enterprise  in  the  wilds  of  America" — were,  how- 
ever arduous  their  ecclesiastical  functions,  "  the  trusted  physicians  and  law- 
yers in  the  communities  of  their  respective  parishes  "  for  several  generations. 
And  it  has  been  conceded  also  that  whilst  they  were  able  and  leariied 
theologians,  they  "  generally  were  very  far  from  contemptible  as  lawyers." 
Towards  the  close  of  the  first  hundred  years,  a  change  begins  to  be  apparent. 
Tl^p  names,  however,  of  those  who  were,  in  strict  technicaKty,  members  of 
the  legal  j^rofession,  it  is  difficult  to  designate  with  certainty  until  a  much 
later  period.  To  say  nothing  of  those  who  constituted  the  ffi'st  courts,  Mr. 
Richard  Bourne  very  early,  Shearjashub  Bourne  Esq.  as  early  as  1676,  and 
Mr.  Samuel  Prince  from  the  year  1682,  were  much  conversant  with  the  duties 
that  appertain  to  the  profession.  Hon.  Ezra  Bourne  was  a  lawyer,  both 
by  education  and  profession  as  well  as  practice  as  early  as  1700.  Col.  Wm. 
Bassett,  Mr.  Samuel  Jennings,  and  Silas  Bourne  Esq.,  were  all  lawyers  by 
courtesy,  if  we  may  judge  by  the  frequency  of  their  employment  in  legal 
matters  ;  and  so,  certainly,  was  Nathaniel  Otis  Esq.,  if  he  was  not,  de  facto, 
a  member  of  the  bar.  But  the  first  in  town  that  we  can  with  confidence 
pronounce  a  professional  lawyer,  if  we  except  Hon.  Ezra  Bourne  who  was 
early  on  the  bench,  is  Hon.  Timothy  Ruggles,  about  1739.  Mr.  Solomon 
Foster,  town-clerk,  was,  by  force  of  circumstances  probablj'^,  rather  than 
from  a  desire  for  professional  honors,  called  to  the  performance  of  many 
duties  that  now  devolve  on  the  profession ;  as  were  others  at  a  later  period. 
The  next,  however,  that  we  find  in  town  to  whom  the  honors  are  fully 
accorded,  is  Hon.  Nathaniel  Freeman  Jr.  Esq.,  and  next,  immediately 
on  his  decease,  is  Hon.  Wendell  Davis  ;  then  Hon.  Russell  Freeman, 
Seth  F.  Nye  Esq.,  and  C.  B.  H.  Fessenden  Esq.,  at  later  periods.  The 
present  occupant  of  the  position  is  E.  S.  Whittemore  Esq. 


150  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

were  taken  alive.     The  stock  was,  by  this  unworthy 
act,  sensibly  diminished : 

"  As  flies,  to  wanton  boys  — 
They  kill  us  for  their  sport." 

The  Rev.  Asahel  Cobb  was  installed  pastor  of  the 
Trinitarian  church  and  society  March  31.  —  Capt. 
Thomas  Swift  died  April  9.^ 

In  1832,  additional  legislation  was  found  necessary  to  prevent 
the  destruction  of  shell-fish.  The  line  between  this  town  and 
Falmouth  was  renewed.  —  Mr.  Elisha  Bukgess  d.  Nov.  10,  se.  89.^ 

In  1833,  the  Rev.  Ezra  S.  Goodwin  died  Feb.  5 ;  ^  and 
the  Rev.  John  M.  Merrick  was  installed  as  his  successor 


*  The  Swifts  descended  from  Mr.  William,  who  d.  1642,  are  like  the  stars 
for  multitude.  Capt.  Thomas  m.  Cynthia  Blackwell  Oct.  3,  1793,  but  left 
no  issue.  He  was  son  of  Thomas,  who  m.  Abigail  Phillips  Nov.  15,  1752, 
and  had  William  Sept.  4,  1753,  who  d.  young;  Clark  Sept.  23,  1755 ;  Re- 
becca Feb.  12,  1760,  who  m.  Seth  Swift;  Joseph  June  30,  1762 ;  Nathaniel 
Dec.  31,  1764;  Maria  Ap.  28.  1767,  who  m.  Jonathan  Beale  of  Braintree 
Nov.  29,  1787 ;  Thomas  Jr.  May  13, 1772  ;  William  May  1, 1777  ;  and  Levi 
Mar.  13, 1780.  Joseph  b.  1762,  removed  with  most  of  his  family  to  Scipio, 
N.  Y.  He  was  father  of  Rev.  Seth  who  grad.  H.  C.  1807  and  was  settled 
at  Nantucket,  but  d.  in  Oswego,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  12,  1858,  se.  71. — Branches 
from  JiREH,  who  m.  Abigail  Gibbs  Nov.  26,  1697,  became  widely  dispersed 
and  some  were  much  noted.  Among  these,  were  Dea.  Jieeh  of  Acushnet 
b.  in  S.  1709;  Rev.  Seth  of  Williamstown  s.  of  Jabez,  and  his  son  Rev. 
Elisha  of  Pittsburg;  Rev.  Dr.  Job  b.  in  S.  1743  and  grad.  Yale  1765; 
and  Hon.  Zephaniah  LL.D.  who  grad.  Yale  1778,  was  in  Cong.  1793,  sec. 
of  legation  with  Mr.  EUsworth  to  France,  judge  1801,  and  Chf.  Just,  of 
Connecticut  1806-19,  "  learned  and  upright,"  and  author  of  treatises  long 
recognized  as  authority  in  courts. 

^  We  have  mentioned  Mr.  Burgess'  lineage,  p.  91.  The  family  name 
has  been  numerous  in  town,  and  branches  are  widely  spread.  From  Jacob, 
son  of  Thomas  Sr.  is  descended  also  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  Burgess  D.  D.  of 
Dedham.  By  another  branch  of  the  same  original  stock  is  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Geo.  Burgess  D.  D.  bishop  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  Maine.  From 
Thomas  Jr.,  who  left  the  town  about  1661  with  no  very  favorable  antece- 
dents, is  supposed  to  be  descended  the  distinguished  Hon.  Tristram  Bur- 
gess of  R.  I. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  634.  Over  the  grave  of  Rev.  Mr.  G.  is  a  monument  thus 
inscribed:  "In  memory — of — Rev.  Ezra  Shaw  Goodwin  —  Pastor  —  of 
the  first  Cong.  Church — and — Society  in  Sandwich, — who  died — Feb.  5, 
A.  D.  1833  — in  the  — 46th  year  of  his  age  — and  — in  the  20th  yr.  of  his 
ministry. — This  memorial  —  of — their  beloved  Pastor — is — here  placed  by 
his  bereaved  flock — with — grateful  recollections  —  of — the  services,  vu'tues, 
and  endowments  —  of  their — pious  instructor,  their  enlightened  guide,  their 
faithful — counsellor,  their  constant  work-fellow — in  —  the  cause  of  Chris- 
tian liberty,  —  their  cherished  associate,  their  generous  —  and — afiectionate 
friend.  —  Absent  in  the  flesh,  yet  with  us  in  the  spirit." 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  151 

in  charge  of  the  First  Parish,  May  11.  The  Monument 
Church  was  organized  July  9 ;  and  about  the  same 
time  a  meeting-house  that  had  been  set  up  near  Snake 
Pond  was  removed  to  Pocasset  to  be  occupied  by  Bap- 
tists. —  Mr.  "Walley  Goodspeed  died  July  3.^ 

In  1834,  measures  were  taken  to  provide  increased  and  better 
accommodations  for  the  town's  j^oor. — Mr.  Jeremiah  Bowman  d. 
Ap.  11  ;2  and  Mr.  Levi  Nye,  July  9,  se.  61.^ 

In  1835,  horses,  cattle,  and  swine  were  restrained  from  running 
at  large.  —  Dea.  Lemuel  Feeemaist  d.  this  year,  Aug.  24,  a3.  78  ;* 
and  Mr.  Lazaeus  Ewee,  May  2,  as.  89.* 

^  For  Goodspeed  genealogy  see  Barnstable. 

^  He  was  descended  froniTHOMAS  Bowman  (sometimes  written  Bowerman, 
Burman,  and  Bourman)  who  was  early  in  Barnstable,  and  whose  posterity 
were  early  in  Falmouth,  where  David  was  b.  who  ni.  Ruth  Dillingham  dr. 
of  Jeremiah,  and  2d  Hannah  Wing  di".  of  Zaccheus,  and  had  Jeremiah, 
Thomas,  and  Peace.  Jeremiah  m.  Deborah,  di*.  of  Zaccheus  Wing,  and 
sister  to  his  father's  2d  wife,  and  removed  as  did  his  father  to  Sidney,  Me., 
but  returned  to  this  town  1788.  His  children  were  :  Charlotte  ;  David  who 
m.  Sarah  Allen ;  Ruth  who  m.  Benj.  Swift ;  Abner ;  and  Asa  1786.  The 
mother  d.  Feb.  12,  1816.  — See  Falmouth. 

^  Mr.  Nye  was  a  devoted  Methodist  and  local  preacher.  His  line  of  de- 
scent from  Benjamin  1st  was  by  Jonathan  b.  Nov.  20, 1649 ;  Benjamin  b. 
1697  ;  Thomas  b.  1741  who  m.  Thankful  Blossom  June  7,  1764,  He  was 
b.  Feb.  16,  1773,  and  m.  Patience  Bassett  May  10,  1795,  and  Elizabeth 
Bourne  Feb.  5,  1802.  The  4th  of  the  issue  was  Lemuel  B.  Ap.  23^  1805, 
who  m.  Eliza  Sears  Ap.  21,  1833. 

■*  Dea.  Lemuel  Freeman  was  descended  from  that  branch  of  the  family 
of  Mr.  Edmund  and  Sarah  Freeman,  at  the  head  of  which  stands  Benjamin, 
b.  in  1686,  who  m.  Patience  Nye  Jan.  30,  1712-13,  and  d.  Feb.  23,  1773, 
SB.  87.  They  had  Phebe  Mar.  29,  1713,  who  m.  Ellis;  Josiah  Jan.  27, 
1715-16,  who  m.  Bethiah  Hall  Mar.  22, 1743^,  and  removed  to  Middleboro' ; 
Remember  Mar.  9,  1717-18,  who  m.  Edward  Dillingham  Mar.  24,  1741-2 ; 
and  Benjamin  Sept.  9,  1725.  —  Benjamin,  the  youngest  of  the  preceding, 
m.  Sarah  Nye  Nov.  11,  1756,  and  d.  Jan.  5,  1784-5,  se.  58.  They  had  Sarah 
1757,  who  m.  Amaziah  Wilcox  who  was  droAvned  Jan.  10,  1816 ;  Lemuel 
1758  ;  Remember  who  m.  John  Thacher  of  Barnstable  July  28,  1785  ;  Ben- 
jamin; and  Patience  who  m.  Henry  Wood  July  19,  1798,  and  removed  to 
Little  Compton. — Of  this  last  family,  Dea.  Lemuel  m.  Mercy  Hoxie  Sept. 
22,  1790,  and  Bathsheba  Fessenden  May  26,  1793,  and  had  Mercy  Aug.  27, 
1792 ;  Sally  F.  May  10,  1795,  who  m.  James  N.  Bassett ;  Nathan  Sept.  13, 
1797  ;  Henry  W.  Ap.  6,  1800  ;  Benj.  Aug.  4,  1802,  who  d.  young;  Rebecca 
Oct.  28,  1805,  who  m.  James  N.  Bassett  Nov.  1,  1827  ;  and' Bathsheba  Feb. 
9, 1808,  who  m.  Caleb  Nickerson  of  Provincetown  Ap.  6, 1830. — Benjamin, 
brother  of  Dea.  Lemuel,  m.  Matte  Eldredge  of  Falmouth,  and  d.  Mar.  10, 
1826.  They  had  Lucy  Ap.  9, 1794,  who  m.  Asa  S.  Bowley  Esq.  of  Province- 
town  Mar.  10,  1839 ;  Ezra  Aug.  3,  1797,  who  m.  Polly  Nickerson  Oct.  4, 
1824,  and  d.  July  29,  1839 ;  Watson  May  19,  1800,  who  m.  Mary  Atkins 
Dec.  2,  1824;  Cynthia  Jan.  13,  1803;  and  Kilburn  AV.  Oct.  21,  1806,  who 
m.  Ann  P.  Holmes  Jan.  13,  1828. — Nathan  Esq.  of  Provincetown,  Prest. 
of  the  Bank,  is  son  of  Dea.  Lemuel. 

^  Mr.  Lazarus  Ewer,  b.  June  9,  1746,  son  of  Shubael  who  m.  Martha 


152  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

la  1837,  the  town  voted  to  receive  its  proportion  of  the  surphis 
revenue  of  the  National  Government ;  the  interest  to  be  used  for 
the  support  of  schools,  for  the  maintenance  of  which  1 2000  was 
EiDpropriated. — Mr.  Silas  Swift  d.  Feb.  5.^ 

In  1838,  as  appears  by  a  diary  kept  by  an  aged  citizen,  "there 
was  no  snow  from  18th  Dec.  last  to  Feb.  3." 

In  1839,  Rev.  Mr.  Merrick  retired  from  the  pastorate 
of  the  First  Parish,  and  in  Sept.  the  Rev.  Eliphalet  P. 
Crafts  was  installed  over  the  same. 

In  1840,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Fuller  d.  Ap.  9 ;  and  Mr.  Wm.  J. 
Feeeman,  town-clerk,  Oct.  9.^ 

In  1841,  Mr.  Thomas  Pope  d.  Feb.  1;^  Mr.  Joshua  Tobet, 
Mar.  4;  and  Capt.  Prince  Tupper,  Aug.  18,  se.  75. 

Tobey  Jan.  1,  1740-1,  who  was  son  of  John  b.  1692  and  m.  Elizabeth 
Lmnbard  July  5, 1716,  who  was  son  of  Thomas  of  Barnstable,  son  of  Thomas 
of  this  town  who  d.  1667,  had  by  his  wife  Lydia  a  large  family. 

'  Mr.  Swift  Avas  descended  from  William,  the  original  of  a  numerous 
race,  through  Benjamin  who  m.  Hannah  Wing  Feb,  24, 1703-4  and  appears 
among  the  Quaker  remonstrants  in  Falm.  in  1731 ;  and  Benjamin  who  m. 
Waitstill  Bowman.  Mr.  Silas  SAvift,  s.  of  the  latter,  b.  7  :  18 :  1746  in  F., 
removed  to  this  town  1780.  By  his  m.  with  Elizabeth  Bumpas  he  had  13 
children,  his  youngest  son  being  Dr.  Paul  noAv  of  Haverford  College,  Pa. 

^  Mr.  Freeman  Avas  of  the  line  of  descent  of  that  branch  from  Edmund 
and  Sarah,  of  Avhich  the  head  was  William,  b.  1700,  Avho  m.  Mary  Bodfish 
Dec.  6,  1726,  and  d.  Mar.  13,  1786,  se.  85,  Avhose  issue  was :  Hannah  Sept. 
13,  1728,  who  m.  Silas  Tupper  June  2,  1757,  and  finally  remoA'ed  to  Vt. ; 
Thomas  Mar.  4,  1729-30,  who  m.  Phebe  Hall  Oct.  9,  1752,  and  Avas  one  of 
the  first  settlers  of  the  town  of  Barnard  abt.  1775,  taking  with  him  sons 
Wm.,  Thos.,  Elisha,  Joshua,  and  Stephen,  and  who  in  after  life  often  re- 
marked that  he  "  came  from  where  the  guns  of  Bunker-hill  battle  were 
heard ; "  Rebecca  Mar.  2, 1731-2,  Avho  prob.  m.  Jona.  Nye  Jr.  Mar.  18, 1756 ; 
Wmiam  June  3,  1734,  Avho  settled  in  CarA'er;  Joanna  Mar.  21,' 1736-7, 
who  m.  Nathaniel  Page  of  Hardwick  Sept.  13,  1759;  Sarah  July  26,  1739, 
who  m.  Levi  Nye  June  9, 1767,  and  removed  to  Lee;  Elisha  Nov.  21,  1741, 
who  m.  Elizabeth  Percival,  Nov.  12,  1767,  and  Avith  his  family  removed  to 
Lee;  Joshua  Ap.  6,  1744;  and  Mary  July  20,  1746,  Avho  d.  single,  having 
attained  to  great  age.  —  Of  the  preceding,  Joshua,  b.  1744,  youngest  son,  m. 
Mehit.  Blossom  and  2d  Lydia  BlackAvell  Avid.  of  Micah  May  15,  1796,  and 
had  Levi  Dec.  29,  1770;  Joseph  Sept.  9,  1773  —  both  these  dying  Avhen 
near  their  majority  of  a  prevailing  fever  that  took  off  the  mother  also ; 
Hannah  Feb.  18,  1775,  who  m.  Thos.  Eldred  of  F.,  Feb.  12,  1795  ;  Rebecca 
Aug.  10,  1778,  who  m.  David  CroAvell  of  F.,  Nov.  27,  1800;  William  Aug. 

19,  1780;  Joanna  Jan.  18,  1783,  Avho  d.  young;  Joshua  Feb.  21,  1786,  who 
m.  Nabby Fuller  Nov.  4, 1813,  and  removed  to  Worcester;  Mehitable  Mar. 

20,  1789,  Avho  m.  Joseph  Blish  3d  of  Be.,  Oct.  16,  1809,  and  removed  to 
Illinois;  and  Thos.  N.  July  22,  1791,  who  m.  Deborah  F.  Nye  andwas  lost 
at  sea.  —  Of  this  last  family,  William,  b.  1780,  d.  July  3, 1817,  having  had 
by  his  wife  Mehit.,  David  C.  Oct.  29,  1806,  Avho  m.  Jane  A.  NcAVComb ; 
Pcchecca  C.  Mar.  19,  1809,  Avho  m.  Wm.  Atkins  Jr.  ;  Lydia  Oct.  6,  1811,  Avho 
m.  Alvah  Holway;  and  Wir,T,TAM  J.  Mar.  6,  1814,  the  toAvn-clerk. 

^  Were  we  to  give  a  full  gen.  of  the  Popes,  it  would  necessarily  embrace 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  153 

In  1842,  the  amount  voted  for  schools  was  $2180  in  addition  to 
the  interest  of  the  surplus  revenue  fund. 

Rev.  Asahel  Cobb  retired  from  the  pastorate  of  the 
Calvinistic  Congregational  church. 

Plon,  Russell  Feeeman  d.  Jan.  9  ;  ^  Rev.  Joista.  Buee,  Aug.  2 ;  ^ 
Elisha  Peeet  Jr.  Esq.,  Nov.  19  ;^  and  Mr.  Wm.  Fauj^tce,  Dec.  7.* 

much  obtained  from  the  Pljnii.  and  Dart,  records.  The  name  appears  on 
the  records  here  abt.  1700.  John  and  Seth,  brothers,  were  the  first  here. 
The  descendants  of  the  former,  though  numerous,  are  now  scattered  abroad 
and  have  no  representatives  in  this  town.  Among  them  were  Seth  Jr.  b. 
1700-1,  whose  large  family  branched  to  Bridgewr.,  Halifax,  Fairhaven,  En- 
field, Ct.,  and  other  places  ;  Thomas,  b.  1709,  who  m.  Thankful  DiUingham 
of  Harwich  Sept.  26,  1735,  and  had  Lydia  May  18,  1738,  and  Edward  Feb. 
15,  1739-40,  and  went  to  Acushnet  where  he  d.  Mar.  2,  1784,  leaving  Ed- 
ward Esq.,  judge,  collector,  &c.,  who  d.  1818,  and  was  the  father  of  Thomas 
of  Michigan;  EzKA,  b.  Ap.  3,  1719,  who  m.  Sarah  Freeman  Aug.  18,  1748, 
and  went  to  Newport ;  and  Chakles,  b.  Feb.  28, 1724-5,  who  went  to  Falm. 
—  The  other  brother,  Seth  Sr.,  is  still  represented  in  this  town.  Our  notes 
are  copious,  but  room  is  wanting ;  suffice  therefore  to  say,  from  his  two 
grandsons  were  all  who  are  now  of  Sandwich,  and  branches  dispersed ;  viz. : 
Elisha,  b.  Nov.  1,  1740,  son  of  John,  m.  Joanna  Tobey  Feb.  15,  1761,  and 
d.  Feb.  1,  1809.  He  was  father  of  John  b.  July  8,  1762,  who  m.  Mary 
Freeman  Sept.  29,  1785,  and  d.  Mar.  4,  1829,  in  Maine  whither  he  had  re- 
moved with  his  family  of  which  is  John  Capt.  U.  S.  N.,  b.  in  S.  Dec.  17, 
1798 ;  also  of  William,  Warren,  Hon.  Elisha,  Lewin,  and  others.  — 
Lemuel,  b.  Ap.  23,  1743,  the  only  other  son  of  John  b.  1716,  who  was  the 
only  son  of  Seth  Sr.,  m.  Mary  Butler  Oct.  25,  1764,  and  from  him  were 
Daniel,  Thomas,  Lemuel,  Joseph,  Seth,  and  others.  Of  these,  Thomas,  the 
2d  son,  b.  Dec.  17,  1771,  m.  Lucy  Bourne  May  21, 1795,  and  d.  as  above; 
Lemuel,  the  4th  son,  b.  June  30,  1777,  m.  Sarah  Russell  dr.  of  Benj.  of 
Boston  and  d.  Aug.  1851 ;  Joseph,  the  5th  son,  b.  May  22,  1782,  d.  Sept. 
27,  1860;  and  Seth,  youngest,  b.  May  29,  1786,  m.  Hannah  (Tobey) 
Crocker,  and  is  now  the  eldest  of  the  name  in  town. 

^  Hon.  Russell  Freeman's  sudden  decease,  from  disease  of  heart,  ex- 
cited general  sympathy.  His  genial  disposition,  ready  wit,  quick  perceptions, 
acknowledged  abilities,  honorable  career,  and  warm  friendships  had  made  him 
widely  known  and  as  extensively  esteemed.  He  was  some  years  collector  of 
the  port  of  New  Bedford,  rep.  of  this  town,  of  the  executive  council,  &c. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  644. — On  the  tombstone  of  this  excellent  man  is  inscribed, 
by  his  direction,  "  In  meipso  nihil ;  in  Christo  omne." 

^  The  Perrys  have  been  numerous  in  this  town,  and  it  would  require  a 
large  volume  to  furnish  even  a  condensed  outline  of  the  generations.  From 
Ezra  Perry  are  prob.  descended  all  of  the  name  here,  and  from  his  sons 
Ezra  and  Edward  many  branches  widely  scattered.  From  Ezra,  s.  of  Ezra 
1st,  who  m.  Elizabeth  Burge  Feb.  12,  1651,  we  trace,  through  three  gener- 
ations, the  lineage  of  Elisha  Sr.  Esq.,  many  years  selectman,  and  his  son 
Elisha  Jr.  Esq.  mentioned  above  ;  as  also  by  another  divergence,  the  line  of 
Dea.  Daniel  ;  by  others  that  of  the  numerous  Johns,  as  also  of  William, 
Solomon,  Elijah,  &c.  —  From  Edward,  who  m.  Mary  Freeman  abt.  1653, 
the  Samuels  and  Ebenezers,  both  of  this  town  and  Dartmouth.  But  we 
are  compelled  to  economize  our  pp.,  or  genealogy  will  trespass  inordinately 
on  the  space  allotted  to  history. 

*  Mr.  James  Faunce  from  Plympton  settled  in  this  town,  and  his  wiP:.' 
vol.  il  20 


154  HISTORY   OF   BAHNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1843,  Rev.  Giles  Pease  became  pastor  of  the  Cal- 
vinistic  society.  —  Capt.  William  Perry  died  June  1, 
aged  75. 

In  1845,  a  Universalist  Society  was  organized  in 
town,  and  a  meeting-house  was  erected.  —  Mr.  StLVAiifUS 
Perry  died  Jan.  18,  aged  79 ;  Mr.  Wm.  Pope  March  2, 
aged  76 ;  and  Mr.  Moses  Swift  in  Oct.,  aged  80.^ 

In  1846,  difficulties  led  to  the  dismissal  of  Rev.  Mr, 
Pease ;  his  adherents  formed  another  religious  society, 
members  of  which  were  gathered  into  church  estate 
March  21,  of  the  following  year,  assuming  the  title 
"  the  Puritan  Church."  A  meeting-house  was  provided, 
but  the  pastor  did  not  continue  long  in  his  new  charge. 
The  '^puritans'  in  a  few  years  became  merged  with 
other  parishes,  and  their  place  of  worship,  after  various 
transformations,  has  become  a  shop  for  useful  manu- 
factures. 

Mr.  JoH]sr  Holway  d.  this  year,  Jan.  16,  ae.  67 ;  Lt.  Joseph  Ful- 
ler, Aug.  16,  SB.  88 ;  2  Mr.  Joseph  Nye,  Aug,  22,  as.  75 ;  William 
Fessenden  Esq.,  Oct.  24,  se.  78;^  and  Mr.  Elisha  Glbbs,  Nov. 
19,  £6.  78. 

Sarah  who  cl.  Ap.  10,  1772 ;  he  m.  2d  Thankful  Tobey  Nov.  4,  1773,  and 
3d  Jane  Tupper  June  12,  1796.  Issue :  Ansel  who  d.  Ap.  15,  1772 ;  John 
Sept.  16,  1774;  Asa  Sept.  11,  1776;  Stephen  Mar.  4,  1779;  and  William 
Ap.  17,  1781,  who  m.  Mary  Bourne  Dec.  2,  1804,  and  had  Dea.  James  H. 
Dec.  9,  1805,  and  others, 

'  The  lineage  of  Mr.  S.  is  traced  from  Mr.  Wm.  Swift,  through  Wm.  Jr., 
Epheabi  b.  1656,  Moses  b.  1699,  who  m.  Mary  Foster  Dec.  24,  1719,  and 
Capt.  Ward  b.  1735,  who  m.  Remember  Tobey  Jan.  9,  1755-6,  and  had 
Moses  Jr.  and  others. — Moses  Jr.  m.  Rebecca  Nye  of  F.  Jan.  6,  1791,  and 
had  11  ch. 

^  Lt.  (or  Capt.)  Joseph  Fuller  was  a  good  citizen  and  patriot,  and  b. 
1758,  son  of  Nathaniel  b.  Dec.  10,  1716,  whose  father  John  b.  1689  was 
the  son  of  Dr.  John  of  Barnstable.    See  Be.  annals,  for  gen.  of  the  Fullers. 

^  William  Fessenden  Esq.  was  g.  s.  of  Rev.  Benj.  the  early  minister 
of  S.  See  Vol.  I.  651.  Educated  in  Boston  in  the  office  of  Messrs.  Green- 
leaf  and  Freeman,  as  a  printer ;  after  attaining  majority  he  worked  thi-ee 
years,  at  $1  per  day,  with  John  Fenno,  printer  to  Congress,  first  in  N.  Y., 
then  in  Phila.,  during  which  time  he  laid  by  from  his  earnings  $600  ;  and, 
besides  other  efforts  at  mental  improvement,  read  through  Gibbon's  Decline 
and  Fall  of  the  Roman  Empu-e  at  short  intervals  whilst  waiting  for  copy. 
Like  Dr.  Franklin,  he  Avas  a  cold-water  man.  After  leaving  the  printing 
office,  he  purchased  a  stock  of  goods,  and  opened  a  store  in  Waterville,  Me. ; 
but  his  mother  dying,  he  soon  after  sold  out  to  the  father  of  the  present 


^-^ 


''it}) 


Boston  III  bin  Library. 


/^^^Al^O^^yJ-f^^^-^ 


Age^  77.  7840. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  155 

In  1847,  Eev.  Elias  Welles  was  ins.  July  28  pastor  of  the 
Calvinistic  Cong,  church.  —  Mr.  Jashub  Wing  d.  this  year,  Feb. 
25,  ae.  88;  Mr.  Caleb  Gibbs  Feb.  27,  ae.  82;  Mr.  John  Bouene 
Mar.  11,  se.  72 ;  Mr.  Benj.  Gibbs  May  22,  ae.  85  ;  Mr.  Pkince 
Nye  1  July  17,  £e.  65  ;  and  Mr.  Eben.  Covil  Oct.  10,  se.  92. 

In  1848,  Mr.  John  Peecival^  d.  Jan.  1,  se.  7S!;  Dr.  Chaeles 
GooDSPEED  Mar.  30,  ae.  80 ;  Mr.  Joseph  Holwat  Ap.  5,  ae.  73 ; 
and  Mr.  Asa  Atkins  Nov.  16,  ae.  83. 

In  1849,  Dr.  Jonathan  Leonard  ^  d.  Jan.  25,  se.  86;  Col.  Na- 

Hon.  Geo.  Evans  his  stock  in  trade,  and  returning  to  his  native  place  bought 
out  the  interest  of  the  co-heirs  of  the  paternal  estate,  and  opened  a  store 
and  inn  in  Sandwich.  A  gentleman  of  more  than  ordinary  intelligence,  of 
quick  perceptions,  of  established  principles,  and  kindly  feelings,  his  course 
through  life  was  marked  with  strict  integrity,  and  insured  him  great  con- 
fidence and  high  esteem.  His  sound  judgment,  business  sagacity,  and 
industry,  secured  to  him  a  large  property.  Official  station  had  in  his  view 
no  attractions,  or  he  might  have  enjoyed  much  more  of  public  favor  than 
he  reluctantly  received.  Few  men  have  been  so  prompt  in  business,  so  un- 
tiringly active  and  successful,  and  yet  have  passed  so  much  time  in  the  quiet 
enjoyment  of  home.  His  last  years  were  blessed  with  unclouded  Christian 
hope.  The  portrait  we  present,  through  the  courtesy  of  his  eldest  son, 
Stephen  Fessenden  Esq.,  is  faithful.  He  is  said  to  have  borne  a  strong 
resemblance  to  Hon.  Fisher  Ames,  for  whom  in  the  more  active  portion  of 
his  life  he  was  frequently  mistaken,  and  for  whom  he  entertained  a  high 
respect. 
J,C,.f  ''  Mr.  N.  b.  Aug.  29, 1781,  was  s.  of  Peter  b.  1745,  who  was  s.  of  Nathan 

■^  b.  1722,  who  was  s.  of  Nathan  who  m.  Dorothy  Bryant  Ap.  12, 1715.   Brs. 

of  Peter  were  Peleg  1743;  Nathan  1747-8,  f.  of  Edw.,  Simeon,  and  Dr. 
Shadrach;  and  Nathl.  1752,  the  f.  of  Thos.  S.,  Nathl.,  and  Abra.  W. — 
The  descendants  of  Mr.  Benj.  Nye,  the  ancestor,  are  very  numerous,  and 
prob.  to  be  found  in  every  State  of  the  Union.  John  and  Ebenr.,  sons  of 
Benj.  1st,  were  the  first  settlers  in  N.  Falm.  John,  s.  of  1st  John,  b.  Nov. 
22,  1675,  was  co-purchaser  with  Edm.  Freeman  of  1000  acres  in  1702  at 
Windham,  Ct.  Jona.  and  Caleb,  sons  of  Benj.  1st,  are  numerously  repre- 
sented, as  also  Nathan  Sr. 

^  James  was  the  first  of  the  name  in  town,  and  had  James  Jan.  18,  1671 ; 
and  Eliza.  Sept.  10,  1675.  —  James,  of  S..  m.  Abigail  Robinson  Feb.  18, 
1695-6.  He  had  prob.  John  Oct.  17,  1706;  and  Timo.  Oct.  2,  1712.  Mr. 
Savage  says  James  went  to  Haddam,  Ct.  —  Mr.  John,  above,  s.  of  Benj.  who 
was  s.  of  John  by  w.  Lydia.  —  See  Barnstable. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  611,  612.  — It  was  intended  to  give  brief  mention  of  all  who 
have  been  settled  in  the  town,  as  regular  practitioners  of  medicine,  from  its 
settlement  to  the  present ;  but  we  find  it  impracticable  —  unless,  peradven- 
ture,  the  few  we  may  here  name  were  all,  with  the  exception  of  those  Avhose 
stay  was  very  transitory.  In  the  early  times  of  the  colony,  physicians  were 
not  numerous;  and  such  as  were  in  the  practice  were  remotely  scattered  — 
their  professional  visits  often  reaching  great  distances  in  emergencies.  The 
inhabitants  seem  to  have  relied  ordinarily  on  good  nursing  and  an  intuitive 
perception  of  the  requisite  treatment ;  perhaps  adopting,  in  effect,  the  an- 
cient adage,  "  the  best  physicians  are  cheerfulness,  rest,  and  diet ; "  or,  as 
the  Latins  have  it,  "Si  tibi  deficiant  medici,  medici  tihifiant  hcec  tria:  mens 
Iceta,  requies,  moderata  diceta."  It  may  be  remarked,  however,  that  in  early 
times  a  good  education  embraced  an  extent  of  reading  that  gave  to  varied 


156  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

THAK  B.  GiBBs  1  Mar.  10,  se.  66  ;  Mr.  Ezra  Tobey  June  27,  ae.  52 ; 
and  Mr.  Thos.  Fessendex  Dec.  29,  se.  77. 

In  1851,  Mr.  Jonathan  Bours^e^  d.  Feb.  22,  se.  83;  Mr.  Ste- 
PHEisr  HoLWAT  Mar.  24,  se.  76 ;  Gideok  Hawley  Esq.  in  May,  ae. 
84;  Mr.  Thos.  S,  Nye  June  2,  se.  67 ;  Mr.  Josiah  Meiggs  Sept. 
10,  se.  70 ;  Mr.  Stephen  Holway  Jr.  Nov.  22,  se.  53 ;  and  Mr. 
Melatiah  Tobey  *  Nov.  28,  se.  86. 

professions  some  knoAvledge  of  the  diagnosis  of  disease  and  the  principles 
of  the  healing  art ;  especially  were  the  clergy,  who  were  required  by  law  to 
be  educated  men,  more  or  less  skilled  in  medical  practice.  Some  of  these 
were  regularly  educated  as  physicians  as  weU  as  clergymen,  and  through 
life  associated  the  two  professions. — The  first  person  known  in  the  practice 
of  medicine  in  the  town  of  Sandwich,  was  Rev.  Benj.  Fessenden  in  1722 ; 
the  next  was  Dr.  Thomas  Smith  in  1739  ;  then  Dr.  Eldad  Tupper  about 
1740 ;  Dr.  Benj.  Bourne  and  Dr.  Thos.  Smith  Jr.  abt.  25  yrs.  after ;  then, 
soon.  Dr.  Nathaniel  Freeman;  Dr.  Jonathan  Leonard  abt.  1790;  Dr. 
Jonathan  O.  Freeman,  at  a  later  period;  long  subsequent.  Dr.  Bart. 
Cushman  ;  and  later,  Drs.  Ivory  H.  Lucas,  James  B.  Forsyth,  James 
Ayres,  Jona.  Bemis,  John  Batchelder,  Henry  Russell,  and,  may  be, 
others  whose  stay  was  even  more  transient  than  that  of  some  of  the  last 
named,  —  leaving  Drs.  John  Harpur  and  Jonathan  Leonard  Jr.  to  the 
present  time  in  possession  of  the  chief  practice.  —  So  far  as  is  known,  the 
disciples  of  Esculapius  in  this  town  have  practised  upon  the  principles  of 
the  good  Samaritan,  and  may  have  felt  as  the  celebrated  Boerhaave  ex- 
pressed himself,  "  The  poor  are  good  patients,  for  God  is  their  paymaster." 
— We  may  not  now  depart  from  our  general  rule  of  action  in  writing  what 
should  stand  as  history,  in  speaking  of  the  living ;  but  of  the  one  now 
longest  in  practice  here  and  to  whom  the  jDublic  is  much  indebted  for  the 
interest  he  has  taken  in  the  cause  of  education,  whilst  his  professional  merits 
are  highly  and  justly  appreciated,  we  may  safely  and  truly  write,  "  Vir  omni 
doctrina  atque  optimarum  artium  studiis  eriiditus ; "  and  to  the  other,  it  is 
just  commendation  to  say,  "Patrissas!  patris  est  jilius." 

'  Col.  Gibes,  s.  of  Silvanus,  was  b.  Sept.  27, 1783,  m.  Salome  Dillingham 
dr.  of  Edward,  Sept.  16,  1804,  and  was  f.  of  Nathan  B.  now  of  Boston,  b. 
May  26,  1806,  who  m.  Adeline  Burgess  dr.  of  Benj.  Esq.,  Sept.  23,  1830. 
Col.  B.  was  a  prominent  and  estimable  citizen. 

^  Mr.  B.  was  descended  from  Mr.  Richard,  through  Elisha  of  1641,  who 
m.  Patience  dr.  of  Mr.  Jas.  Skiff  Oct.  26,  1675,  and  had  Nathan  Aug.  31, 
1676,  who  m.  Mary  di-.  of  Col.  Wm.  Bassett  Feb.  3, 1697-8,  and  had  Jona- 
than Jan.  21,  1702-3,  who  m.  Hannah  Dillingham  of  Harwich  Oct.  14, 
1725,  and  had  Elisha  Nov.  29,  1733,  who  m.  Joanna  Nye  June  2,  1757. — 
Mr.  Jonathan  Bourne,  above,  son  of  the  last  named,  m.  Hannah  Tobey 
Mar.  31,  1791,  and  was  father  of  a  large  family,  the  8th  of  whom  is  the 
present  Jonathan  Bourne  Esq.  of  New  Bedford  who  discovers  a  regard  for 
his  natal  place  by  still  keeping  up  the  ancient  homestead  in  this  town. 

^  From  Mr.  Thomas  Tobey  who  was  in  town  early,  with  2  drs.,  and  who 
m.  2d  Martha,  dr.  of  Geo.  Knot,  Nov.  18,  1650,  and  had  Thomas  Dec.  8, 
1651,  a  multitude  has  descended.  From  one  of  these,  Thomas,  who  settled 
in  Yarm.,  now  Dennis,  are  many.  From  Samuel  who  d.  Sept.  22,  1737, 
were  by  his  w.  Abia,  Joanna  May  22,  1697,  who  m.  Benj.  Spooner  of  Dart. 
Nov.  29,  1716;  Cornelius  Sept.  12,  1699;  Tabitha  Nov.  9,  1701,  who  m. 
Joseph  Freeman  May  9,  1726 ;  Zaccheus  Jan.  14,  1703-4 ;  Ruth  Sept.  8, 
1706;  Jona.  May  13,  1709;  Eliakim  Oct.  19,  1711;  Saml.  May  8,  1715; 
Thos.  Aug.  14,  1720;  and  Elisha  1723.  —  Cornelius  was  the  g.  f.  of  the 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  157 

In  1852,  among  the  records  of  mortality  are  the  deaths  of 
William  Handy  Esq.  February  8,  aged  about  90;^  Mr.  Sam- 

above  Melatiah,  whose  f.  Cornelius  Jr.  m.  Lois  Pope  Feb.  1, 1756,  and  d. 
Oct.  8,  1778.  —  The  descendants  of  Zaccheus  who  m.  Sarah  Pope  Jan.  1, 
1726-7  were  soon  found  generally  in  Dartmouth ;  as  also  of  Jonathan  Jr.  b. 
1709,  who  m.  Abigl.  Lewis  Dec.  7, 1732. — Eliakim  who  m.  Abigl.  Bassett  Jr. 
Ap.  17,  1740,  had  Saml.  who  went  to  Fairfield  ;  Wm. ;  Lucy  ;  Wm.  who  m. 
Hannah  Crocker  Mar.  12,  1778,  and  had  Grace  Oct.  5,  1778,  who  m.  Heman 
Bursley ;  Abigail  Dec.  15,  1783,  who  m.  Col.  Obed  13.  Nye ;  Lydia  Ap.  5, 
1790,  who  d.  early;  and  Jona.  Burr  May  30,  1794.  — Rev.  Saml.,  b.  1715, 
grad.  H.  C.  1733,  was  1st  minister  of  Berkley  1737,  and  d.  Feb.  13,  1781. 
By  m.  with  Bathsheba  Crocker  of  Be.  he  had  a  large  family,  the  2d  s.  of 
which  was  Judge  Samuel  b.  June  5,  1743,  "  an  eminent  man,"  the  f  of 
Apollos  Esq.  late  of  N.  B.  —  Thomas,  6th  s.  of  1st  Samuel,  m.  EUz.  Swift 
Feb.  27,  1740-1,  and  had  Silvanus,  Thos.,  and  Seth.  —  Dr.  Elisha  grad. 
H.  C.  1743,  m.  Desire  Newcomb  Jan.  12,  1746,  and  d.  at  Acushnet  May 
10,  1781.  —  Another  branch  from  Thomas  1st  is  through  Gershom  who  m. 
1st  Mehit.  Fish  1697  and  2d  Hannah  Nye  1728,  and  had,  among  others, 
Silas,  Ephm.,  Gershom,  &c.  — 'From  Ephm.  1711,  was  Elisha,  Jesse,  George, 
and  Benj.,  the  latter  of  whom  b.  Jan.  11,  1747-8,  m.  Zerviah  Fish  Aug.  4, 
1774,  and  had  Hepzibeth  who  m.  David  Fearing ;  Curtis  the  father  of  Joshua ; 
and  Abigail  who  d.  young. — Joshua,  s.  of  Cornelius,  m.  Maria  Tobey  Nov. 
12,  1752,  and  had  a  family  of  which  was  Lemuel  who  went  to  Portland. 

^  Capt.  William  Handy  was,  in  some  respects,  a  remarkable  man. 
During  the  revolutionary  period,  at  a  time  when  it  was  most  difficult  to  obtain 
men  for  the  war,  he  volunteered  and  served  in  several  campaigns.  He  was 
present  at  the  execution  of  Andre,  a  scene  the  incidents  of  which  he  related 
at  the  very  close  of  life,  not  only  with  nice  accuracy  but  with  an  exhibition 
of  fine  sensibilities  and  generous  feeling.  Endowed  with  an  iron  constitu- 
tion, of  good  judgment  and  most  determined  will  —  fearless,  resolute,  and 
full  of  energy,  his  earher  life  Avas  chiefly  devoted  to  maritime  pursuits  — 
fii'st  in  the  merchant  service,  and  then  whaling.  After  one  whale  voyage  as 
mate,  he  was  for  many  years  in  command  of  some  of  the  best  and  most 
successful  ships  engaged  in  that  business,  making  repeated  voyages  from 
New  Bedford,  and  also  from  Dunkirk  in  France  in  pursuance  of  an  arrange- 
ment made  first  by  Tupper  with  Bonaparte  when  First  Consul  and  after- 
wards by  Rotch  with  the  Consul  as  Emperor.  Captain  Handy's  ability, 
integrity,  and  success  were  proverbial,  securing  unlimited  confidence. 
Retiring  from  the  seas,  he  engaged  still  in  maritime  afi'airs,  establishing  a 
ship-yard  near  his  house  on  Buzzard's  Bay  and  becoming  largely  a  ship- 
owner. He  sent  forth  from  his  own  yard  the  ship  Ptebecca,  the  brig  Fame, 
schooners  Resolution,  Nancy,  Sophronia,  Love,  Achsah  Parker,  and  sloops 
Betsy,  Nancy,  Deborah,  and  other  smaller  vessels  designed  for  the  Long 
Island  Sound  trade  during  the  war  of  1812.  These  last  smaller  vessels 
were,  for  greater  security  against  the  ravages  of  the  enemy,  built  near  his 
door  at  a  distance  from  the  shore,  and  then  without  great  difficulty  launched 
across  fields  to  their  intended  element.  Capt.  H.  suff"ered  greatly  from 
French  spoliations,  as  well  as  from  the  war  of  1812  ;  but  cherished  faith  in 
the  tardy  justice  of  his  country  to  the  very  last  of  life.  When  more  than 
60  years  old  he  resolved,  to  replenish  his  coffers  and  "  to  show  the  boys 
how  to  take  whales,"  to  adventure  one  more  voyage.  His  purpose  was  no 
sooner  knoAvn  in  New  Bedford  than  eminent  merchants  and  ship-owners 
were  ready  to  further  his  views.  Put  in  command  of  the  Com.  Decatur  in 
1821,  he  accomplished  in  15  months  a  most  successful  cruise  to  the  admi- 
ration of  all.  He  had  an  utter  repugnance  to  public  life,  and  yet  was  elected 
Selectman,  and  commissioned  as  Jus,  Pac.     Anecdotes  might  be  related  of 


158  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

UEL  Adams   aged   80 ;   and  Captain  Barnabas  Nye  Novem- 
ber 6,  aged  85.^ 

In  1853,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Welles,  pastor  of  the  Calvinistic 
church  and  society,  deceased  after  a  pastorate  of  about 
six  years ;  and  Rev.  R  C.  Headly  was  settled  in  charge 
the  following  April. 

Mr.  Dakiel  Wing  d.  Jan.  5,  se.  74;  Capt.  Freeman  Gibbs  ^ 
Jan.  23,  se.  64 ;  Mr.  Levi  Swift  Mar.  8,  se.  75 ;  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Burgess  Ap.  27,  se.  74;  Mr.  John  Jones  ^  July  7,  se.  53;  Mr. 

him,  were  a  work  of  this  kind  the  place,  showing  the  energy  and  daring  of 
the  man  ;  and  one,  had  we  room  for  it  in  fuU,  Avould  be  of  thrilling  interest 

—  that  of  a  rencontre  by  himself  and  one  other  with  a  white  polar  bear, 
engaged  upon  the  ice  and  snows  without  firearms.  The  contest  was  des- 
perate ;  but  the  bear  weighing  more  than  500  lbs.  labored  under  the  disad- 
vantage of  breaking  through  the  snow-crust,  whilst  his  assailants  were  sup- 
ported by  it  and  finally  conquered.  He  d.  aged  89  :  5  :  24,  and  was  of  one 
of  the  branches  of  the  name  descending  from  John  b.  1677,  who  m.  Kezia 
Wing  Nov.  14,  1704,  and  had  Cornelius  May  9,  1704-5  ;  Zaccheus  Jan.  16, 
1708  :  John  Jan.  24,  1714  ;  Thankful  Feb.  27,  1716,  who  m.  Seled  Landers 
Dec.  5,  1751,  who  was  pioneer  to  Yarm.,  N.  Scotia;  and  Jonathan  Oct.  6, 
1719.  — John,  b.  1714,  m.  Kezia  Eldi-ed  of  F.  Mar.  6,  1745-6,  and  2d 
Eliza.  Garrett  Oct.  10,  1758,  and  had  Chloe  Mar.  9,  1746-7,  who  m.  Lot 
Crowell  of  F.  Feb.  20,  1772  ;  Paul  Feb.  9,  1748-9,  who  d.  inf. ;  John  Nov. 
19,  1751  Avho  m.  Eliza.  Ewer  May  10,  1774,  and  went  to  Saratoga  Co.,  N. 
Y. ;  Paul  June  19,  1758  who  with  most  of  his  family  removed  West ;  Kezia 
who  m.  Ichabod  Burgess  and  removed  to  Maine  ;  Temperance  M'ho  d.  se. 
15  ;  William  Aug.  15,  1762 ;  Delia  who  m.  Cornelius  Sherman  and  went  to 
Rophester;  Eliza,  who  m.  Josiah  Giff"ord  Aug.  17,  1789,  and  2d  Nathaniel 
Freeman  1799  ;  Lot  who  was  drowned  in  Boston  Bay  Ap.  26,  1792  ;  and 
Achsahwho  m.  James  Thacher  Jr.  of  Y.  Ap.  14,  1794  and  removed  to  Vas- 
salboro'.  —  Capt.  William,  b.  1762,  m.  Love  Swain  dr.  Danl.  of  Nantucket. 
Aug.  25,  1796,  and  had  Betsy  May  11,  1797  who  m.  Saml.  Nye  of  F.  1820 ; 
Achsah  June  22,  1799  who  m.  Calvin  Parker  1822  ;  William  Sept.  29,  1801 
who  m.  Elizabeth  Freeman  1831  and  2d  Mary  Vickery  1848;  Lewis  Sept. 
23,  1803  who  m.  Fanny  Brett  1828  ;  Love  Nov.  12,  1804  who  m.  Wm. 
Hewins  1826 ;  John  Aug.  17,  1706  M'ho  m.  Phebe  Nye  ;  Nancy  F.  Mar.  9, 
1809  who  m.  Martin  Ellis  1829  ;  Joseph  S.  Sept.  25,  1810  ;  and  Joshua 
Nov.  9,  1813  who  m.  Dorothy  A.  Hathaway  1840.  —  Other  branches  from 
Richard,  Jonathan,  Hannibal,  Isaac,  &c.  are  numerous  and  widely  scattered 

—  too  numerous  to  be  here  mentioned. 

'  Capt.  Nye,  b.  Mar.  4,  1768  and  d.  se.  84 :  8  :  2,  was  son  of  Barnabas 
who  m.  Deborah  Tobey  July  12,  1763  and  d.  at  Acushnet  July  24,  1813, 
se.  79. 

^  Capt  G.  was  s.  of  Ben  J.,  and  a  very  successful  ship-master.  It  would 
occupy  too  much  space  to  enlarge,  as  we  would  wish,  the  genealogies  of  the 
families  of  this  name.  Mr.  Thomas  Gibbs  (who  Mr.  Savage  thinks  was 
bro.  of  Samuel  also  of  Sandwich)  was  in  town  early.  He  d.  in  1685,  fp.  80. 
His  children  were  Thos.  b.  Mar.  25,  1636 ;  Samuel  June  23,  1639  ;  John 
Sept.  12,  1644;  Sarah  Ap.  11,  1652  who  m.  Ebem-.  Nye  Dec.  17,  1675; 
Job  and  Betia,  gem.,  Ap.  15,  1655 ;  and  Mary  Aug.  12,  1657.  The 
descendants  in  this  town  have  been  numferous,  as  also  those  widely 
dispersed. 

^  See  Barnstable  and  Falmouth. 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  159 

Perez  Bukgess  Sept.  10,  se.  67 ;  and  Mr.  Thomas  Perry  Dec. 
30,  se.  74. 

In  1854,  Mr.  Solomon  Perry  d.  Jan.  1,  se.  80 ;  Mr.  Samuel 
WiNG^  Feb.  24,  se.  80;  Mr.  Alvin  Swift  Mar.  2,  ae.  71 ;  Capt. 
Pelham  Gibbs  Mar.  3,  se.  87 ;  Mr.  Fratstcis  Jones,  se.  73 ;  Shadrach 
Freema]S"  Esq.^  June  13,  se.  84 ;  and  Rev.  Phineas  Fish  June  16. 

*  Mr.  John  Wing,  the  ancestor,  was  of  the  earliest  settlers.  His  wife 
was  Deborah,  dr.  of  Rev.  Staph.  Bachelor ;  and  they  brought  with  them 
sons  Daniel,  John  and  Stephen.  —  John  went  to  Yarm.  in  1648.  See  Y. — 
Daniel,  who  d.  1658-9,  admin,  by  John  1659,  m.  Hannah  Swift,  dr.  Jno., 
1641,  and  had  Hannah  July  28,  1642  ;  Lydia  May  23,  1647  ;  Saml.  Aug. 
28,  1652 ;  Hepzibeth  Nov.  7,  1654  _;  John  Nov.  14,  1656  ;  and  Beulah  Nov. 
16,  1658.  —  Stephen  m.  Oseah  Dillingham  1646-7,  and  2d  Sarah  Briggs 
7:  11:  1654,  and  had  Ephraim  Ap.  21,  1649;  Mercy  Nov.  13,  1650; 
Stephen  Sept.  2,  1656 ;  Sarah  Feb.  5,  1658 ;  John  Sept.  25,  1661 ;  Abigail 
May  1,  1664;  Ebenezer  11 :  5  :  1671;  and  Matthias  1 :  1:  1673.— The 
numerous  families  descended  from  these,  seem  now,  in  different  branches, 
so  remotely  distinct  that  their  common  origin  is  recognized  by  few.  They 
have  generally  been  highly  respectable  and  valuable  members  of  society.  — 
We  must  make  our  gen.  notice  more  brief  than  we  had  desired  —  not  for 
the  want  of  data,  but  because  these  are  forbidding  by  their  multitude. 

^  Shadkach  Freejian  Esq.  was  in  lineal  descent  from  the  1st  Edm. 
Freeman,  and  of  that  branch  at  the  head  of  which  was  the  3d  s.  of  Edm. 
and  Sarah,  viz. :  John,  b.  1693,  who  m.  Deliverance  Lawrence  July  20, 
1720  ;  2d  Maria  Bourne  Jan.  3, 1722-3  who  d.  Jan.  18,  1726,  and  3d  Mary 
Perry  Aug.  4,  1726  and  d.  June  22,  1762.  Issue:  John;  Mary  who  m. 
Jona.  Bassett  Nov.  19,  1748  ;  Seth  Feb.  22,  1732  ;  James  who  d.  Aug.  20, 
1737  ;  and  Samuel  Sept.  21,  1736.  —  Of  the  preceding,  John,  the  eldest, 
m.  Deborah  Nye  June  23,  1748  and  had  Maria  Nov.  21,  1749  who  m. 
Moses  Keene  Dec.  15,  1768  ;  Elisha  Sept.  9,  1750  who  m.  Nancy  Brown 
July  21,  1774  and  removed  to  Middleboro' ;  Sarah  Feb.  14,  1752  who  m. 
Elisha  Perry  Esq.  Sept.  13,  1774  ;  Joseph  Mar.  9,  1756 ;  Wm.  July  5,  1759  ; 
and,  removing  to  Mid.,  had  also  John ;  Nathan  ;  and  Martin.  —  Seth  Esq., 
b.  1732,  m.  Experience  Hatch  of  Pembroke  Ap.  19,  1759  and  d.  July  19, 
1812  se.  81.  His  wid.  d.  Jan.  27,  1820  se.  80.  They  had  Phebe  Dec.  31, 
1759  who  m.  Clark  Swift  Aug.  16,  1789  ;  Mary  Ap.  17,  1761  who  m.  Zenas 
Nye  Feb.  10,  1785  ;  John  Nov.  15,  1762  ;  James  July  17,  1764  ;  Anna  Mar. 
11,  1766  whom.  Joseph  Swift ;  Seth  June  10,  1768  ;  Shadrach  Ap.  21,  1770  ; 
Experience  Dec.  17,  1771  who  m.  Watson  Freeman  Nov.  10, 1794  ;  Abigail 
Oct.  6,  1774  who  d.  1775  ;  Deliverance  June  22,  1775  who  m.  Gid.  Baty 
May  25,  1797  and  d.  Sept.  7,  1848,  having  been  left  a  wid.  Oct.  16,  1826 ; 
and  Betsy  July  16,  1778  who  d.  inf.  — Samuel,  b.  1736,  m.  Abigail  Dil- 
lingham Ap.  9,  1761,  2d  Achsah  Crocker  who  d.  in  Hallowell  Oct.  14, 1802 
whither  her  husband  removed  in  1800,  and  3d  Rebecca  wid.  of  Danl.  Jack- 
son Sept.  1803.  His  chil.  were  Abigail  May  2,  1763 ;  Mary  Nov.  9,  1764 
who  m.  Capt.  John  Pope  Sept.  29,  1785  ;  Saml.  Oct.  7,  1766  who  d.  Aug. 
15,  1845  ;  Deborah  Mar.  5,  1769  who  m.  Lem.  Tobey ;  Edward  May  7, 
1772  who  m.  Esther  Nye  May  17,  1795  and  removed  to  Me.  where  he  d. 
Dec.  14,  1820  ;  Ebenr.  who  was  drowned  in  S.  mill-pond  when  a  youth ; 
and  Ebenr.  Aug.  28,  1788.  —  Col.  John,  b.  1762,  was  a  remarkable  man  — 
some  years  a  ship-master  successfully  trading  with  France,  whose  acts  of 
daring  and  energy  of  will  might  furnish  many  anecdotes  of  interest.  He 
was  also  a  soldier  in  the  rev.  M'ar.  He  m.  Eliza.  (Swift)  Barlow,  Avid.  of 
Nathan,  Dec.  4,  1796  and  d.  June  8,  1828  without  issue.  —  Hon.  James,  b. 
1764,  was  drowned  in  Vineyard  Sound,  the  boat  in  which  he  attempted  to 


160  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

An  unadvised  attempt  was  made  this  year  by  a 
young  clergyman  from  abroad,  in  transient  and  hasty 
visits,  to  organize  a  society  for  the  purpose  of  sustain- 
ing the  services  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  ;  ^ 

pass  over  from  Falmouth  to  Holmes  Hole  on  urgent  duty  as  sheriff  getting 
entangled  Avith  ice,  in  severe  cold.  Amaziah  Wilcox  and  Ansel  Dimmick 
of  F.  -were  "with  and  aiding  him,  but  all  perished  Jan.  10,  1816.  Sheriff  F. 
was  a  man  of  great  boldness  and  energy.  By  his  m.  1st  with  Joanna 
Butler  of  F.,  and  2d  Eliza.  Carnes  of  Boston,  he  had  Eliza.  Oct.  20,  1790 
who  m.  Dea.  Saml.  Nye  Sept.  4,  1828  ;  John  Sept.  2,  1792  who  d.  in 
Batavia  Mar.  1820  ;  Joanna  B.  Dec.  10,  1794  ;  James  M.  Aug.  6,  1798  who 
d.  an  officer  U.  S.  N.  Nov.  16,  1820  on  the  coast  of  Africa ;  Seth  R.  Mar. 
31,  1800  who  d.  June  24,  1811 ;  Shadrach  Jr.  Nov.  30,  1801  who  m.  Eliza. 
P.  Swift  July  23,  1829  and  d.  Feb.  20,  1838  ;  Experience  H.  Mar.  14,  1803 
who  m.  Capt.  Isaac  Gibbs  Sept.  23,  1827  ;  Francis  H.  Aug.  6,  1803  who 
set.  in  W.  N.  Y. ;  and  Abigail  W.  June  26, 1808  whom.  Capt.  Roland  Gibbs 
June  23,  1828.  —  Capt.  Seth  Jr.,  b.  1768,  m.  Maria  Nye  Ap.  27,  1797  and  d, 
Oct.  28,  1824.  Issue  :  Charles  H.  Aug.  3,  1798  who  m.  Pamelia  Davis  of 
F.  1829  and  in  1840  removed  to  Brimfield,  11.,  where  he  d.  Sept.  11,  1859 
leaving  a  family ;  Hannah  B.  Aug.  9,  1800  who  m.  Benaiah  Leonard  of 
Wareham ;  Anne  M.  S.  Feb.  7,  1803  who  m.  Clifton  Wing  of  Roch. ; 
Fanny  E.  Aug.  19,  1805  who  m.  Hiram  Barrows  of  W. ;  Seth  Jr.,  Mar.  12, 
1808  who  went  in  1840  to  Ottawa,  II.  ;  and  Nathan  N.  Aug.  30,  1810  who 
m.  Caroline  Swift  Sept.  4,  1834,  went  to  II.,  and  died  in  Peoria  1837.  — 
Shadeach  Esq.,  b.  1770,  m,  Sarah  Freeman,  di-.  of  Hon.  Nathl.,  Mar.  22, 
1795.  They  left  no  issue.  He  was  a  practical  farmer,  and  filled  various 
public  offices. 

^  It  was  stated  at  the  time  in  a  religious  publication  that  this  was  the 
first  instance  of  the  performance  of  the  services  of  the  Ep.  Ch.  in  this 
town ;  and  the  statement  copied  into  other  journals  was  permitted,  though 
wide  from  the  truth,  to  pass  unrebuked.  Stated  services  had  been  held 
j-ears  before,  the  holy  communion  regularly  administered  and  baptismal, 
marriage,  and  funeral  rites  performed.  A  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  had  also  repeat- 
edly officiated  here.  Such  services  had  been,  however,  with  no  view  of 
establishing  another  parish  in  a  place  where  the  religious  community  was 
already  inconveniently  cut  up  into  divers  sects  ;  but  for  the  especial  benefit  of 
the  Sandwich  Collegiate  Institute  and  the  members  of  the  communion  con- 
nected with  it.  These  services  were  open  to  all  who  desned  to  attend,  and 
numbers  availed  themselves  of  the  opportunity  ;  but  no  thought  was  had 
of  distracting  other  worshipping  assemblies.  —  It  may  here  be  noted  that 
there  was  no  attempt  made  during  the  fii'st  two  hundred  years  of  the  set- 
tlement of  the  county,  to  introduce  into  any  part  of  it,  as  a  permanency, 
the  Episcopal  mode  of  worship  and  order  although  there  were  at  different 
periods  individuals  and  families  of  high  position  (especially  among  the 
Gorhams,  Bournes,  and  Otises)  whose  preferences  lay  in  that  direction. 
The  fact  is  worthy  of  preservation  inasmuch  as  it  corroborates  the  claim  of 
the  Church  that  its  policy  has  never  been  a  proselyting  one.  The  instruc- 
tions of  'the  Soc.  for  Prop,  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts,'  May  29,  1735, 
were  that  its  "  ministers  are  as  little  as  may  be  to  meddle  with  any  matters 
of  controversy,  but  only  to  preach  and  administer  the  sacraments  according 
to  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Church  of  England."  The  assertion 
of  Douglas  in  his  Summary,  that  there  were  to  be  "  no  pulpit  invectives 
against  religious  sects,"  is  also  to  the  point — an  important  admission. 
Nor  does  the  reason  which  he  assigns  for  it  at  all  detract  from  its  value  : 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  161 

but  such  as  might  naturally,  from  their  position,  have 
been  sujDposed  the  strongest  friends  of  Episcopacy,  were 
neither  advising  nor  consulted  in  regard  to  the  move- 
ment. It  soon  fell  through,  as  from  the  manner  of  its 
inception  was  foreseen.^ 

In  1855,  Mr.  William  Atkins  d.  Feb.  3,  se.  80  ;  Capt.  Thomas 
Burgess^  Aj^.  14,  se.  73 ;  Dea.  Thomas  Hamblin^  May  4,  se.  80; 
Mr.  Barkabas  Holway^  May  5,  se.  78  ;  Mr.  Lemuel  Fish  June 
8,  se.  94 ;  Mr.  Baezillai  Weeks  Aug.  12,  se.  87 ;  Mr.  William 
LoRixG  Aug.  29,  se.  54 ;  Mr.  Theodore  Fish  ^  Nov.  26,  se.  77 ; 
and  Mr.  Jambs  Tobey  Dec.  15,  se.  78. 

In  1856,  Rev.  Mr.  Headly  had  retired  from  the  min- 
istry in  the  Calvinistic  church ;  and,  some  time  subse- 
quent, Rev.  William  Caruthers  became  pastor  ;  but  the 
ministry  of  this  parish  being  like  that  of  others  in 
town,  subject  to  frequent  changes,  it  is  inexpedient 
to  attempt  to  pursue  its  history  farther.  —  The  First 
parish,  or  Unitarian  society,  has  long  exhibited  similar 
instabihty,   depending   on   occasional   supplies.  —  The 

"  that,  as  Dr.  Swift  humorously  expresses  it,  their  religious  zeal  having  no 
vent  by  their  tongues,  may  be  turned  into  the  proper  channel  of  an  exem- 
plary life." 

1  Rev.  W.  W.  Sever,  as  missionary  under  the  direction  of  the  Diocesan 
Board,  officiated  here  a  short  time,  after  the  aforesaid  organization  "  of  the 
new  parish "  was  said  to  be  effected  by  "  the  self-denying  labors "  of 
another  ;  and  we  are  sure  that  it  was  no  fault  of  this  amiable  gentleman 
that  the  enterprise  did  not  prosper. 

^  Capt.  B.  m.  Patty  Wing  Dec.  2,  1804.  He  was  s.  of  Ichabod  who  m. 
Kezia  Handy,  and  g.  s.  of  Joseph,  youngest  s.  of  Thomas  1st. 

*Dea.  H.  m.  Sylvia  Nye  Sept.  28,  1797.  He  was  s.  of  Thos.  who  m. 
Olive  Fish  Oct.  20,  1774,  and  had  Thomas  Oct.  14,  1775.  See  Be.  and 
Falm. 

*  Mr.  H.  was  s.  of  Barnabas  and  Elizabeth.  He  had  brs.  Stephen 
b.  1775  who  m.  Reliance  Allen  Oct.  4,  1797,  and  had  Stephen  and  others  ; 
and  John  1781  who  m.  1st,  Rhoda  Allen  Oct.  1,  1802.  Through  Gideon 
•who  m.  Experience  Wing  May  26, 1732,  and  Joseph  and  Anne,  and  Joseph 
Jr.  son  of  Joseph  and  Rose,  they  are  traced  to  the  first  of  the  name  who 
was  in  town  1637  and  who  d.  1647  and  whose  name  is,  on  the  records, 
sometimes  Holly. 

^  Mr.  F.  was  son  of  John  who  m.  1st,  Sabra  ChadM'ick  of  F.  Dec.  8, 
1763,  and  2d,  Amy  Howes  of  F.  May  22,  1791,  and  had  Mercy  Avho  m. 
Nathl.  Howland;  Ephraim  June  25,  1776  who  m.  1st,  Bethia  Chadwick  of 
F.  Oct.  10,  1799  ;  Chloe  who  m.  Saml.  Fish  of  F. ;  Theodore  ;  Temperance 
who  m.  Ansel  Chadwick  May  8,  1788  ;  Isaiah  who  m.  Chloe  Hamblm  Nov. 
24,  1803 ;  and  Jesse  who  m.  Sarah  Gallison  of  Be. 
VOL.  II.  21 


162  HISTORY  OP  BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Congregational  society  at  Monument  has  not  at  any 
time  had  a  clergyman  permanently  settled. — The  Bap- 
tists, at  Pocasset,  have  never  been  numerous,  or  well 
established.  —  The  Universahsts  have  ceased  to  open 
their  doors  for  regular  worship.  —  The  Friends  continue 
as  formerly,  but  with  diminished  numbers ;  their  young 
people  often,  more  than  in  times  past,  faihng  to  be 
"owned  as  members  of  Society;"  and,  whether  because 
their  peculiar  discipline  is  unfavorable  to  increase  as 
a  sect,  or  for  other  reasons,  their  numbers  do  not 
augment  by  "  light  breaking  forth  "  whereby  many  of 
"  the  world  "  are  "  convinced."  —  The  Eepubhcan  Meth- 
odists (or  may  be  the  Reformed,  or  perhaps  Protestant 
is  the  last  and  present  designation)  now  support  stated 
preaching. —  The  Protestant  Episcopal  Methodists  hold 
their  course  onward  with  an  energy  that  betokens  zeal 
and  increasing  success  ;  their  system  of  rotation,  what- 
ever inconveniences  may  attend  it,  probably  contribut- 
ing to  their  increase. —  St.  Peter's  Church,  Roman  Cath- 
ohc  —  the  necessity  for  which  was  created  by  the  influx 
of  population  consequent  on  the  establishment  of  the 
Glass-works  in  this  town  about  1825,  has  pursued  its 
way  quietly  and  unostentatiously ;  and,  for  the  last 
twelve  years  under  the  charge  of  Rev.  William  Moran, 
«  Y{^  jjiiiis^  llandiis,  et  gratia  dignus^^  has  continued  to 
exert,  as  is  generally  conceded,  a  salutary  influence 
upon  society. 

Mr.  Timothy  Tobet  died  this  year,  Jan.  26,  2&.  90 ;  ^  Mr.  Saml. 
Blossom  Jan.  27,  se.  74;^  Mr.  Henky  Boukne  Feb.  13,  ae.  61;^ 

^  Mr.  ToBEY,  b.  Sept.  19,  1765,  was  s.  of  Joseph  b.  Sept,  22,  1728,  who 
was  s.  of  Nathan  b.  Sept.  28,  1701,  who  was  s.  of  Nathan  1st.  He  m. 
1st,  Patience  Fish  Jan.  18,  1795,  and  had  a  large  family. 

^  See  Blossom  gen.  in  annals  of  Be. 

^  Mr.  Henry  Bourne  was  des.  from  Mr.  Richard  who  d.  1682,  through 
Elisha,  Nathan,  and  Thomas.  The  latter,  b.  1716,  m.  Mary  Randal  of 
Scit.  Nov.  26,  1747,  and  had  William  June  29, 1754  who  m.  Martha  Perry 
July  25,  1793  and  had  Henry,  above,  Jan.  22,  1795.  —  From  Thomas,  s. 
of  Nathan,  was  a  large  number  of  brothers,  noted  citizens,  viz. :  Nathan, 
Lemuel,  Ansel,  Samuel,  Asa,  Bethuel,  and  Thomas. 


ANNALS    OF   SANDWICH.  163 

Mr.  Joseph  Hoxie,^  s.  of  Barnabas,  Feb.  22,  se.  91 ;  Mr.  Charles 
Bourne  Mar.  27,  83.  81 ;  Mr.  Nymphas  Handy  Ap.  20,  ae.  81 ;  Mr. 
Joseph  IsTye,  s.  of  Joseph  Esq.  May  6,  se.  82 ;  Seth  F.  Nye  Esq, 
Sept.  13,  se.  65 ;  andMr.  S aml.  Fessenden,  s.  of  Saml.,  Oct.  18,  se.  80. 

In  1857,  Mr.  Hezekiah  Hoxie^  died  March  26,  se.  89;  and 
Mr.  Joshua  Arey^  July  7,  se.  97. 

In  1858,  Mr.  Alden  Allen  *  died  Jan.  8,  se.  80 ;  Mr.  Ezra  Dil- 
lingham ^  Jan.  22,  se.  67  ;  Mr.  Edmund  Freeman  Jr.*^  Feb.  8,  ge. 

'  Mr.  HoxiE,  b.  Dec.  2,  1765,  m.  Deborah  Wing,  dr.  of  Paul,  and  had 
Saml.  "W.,  Hepzibeth  W.,  Joseph,  Abigail  W.,  and  Newell.  His  father  was 
Barnabas  who  m.  Hannah  Gifford  Dec.  11,  1755  and  had  Gideon,  Lodo- 
wick,  Kezia,  Chi'istina,  Joseph,  Mercy,  Chloe,  and  Mary.  The  line  is  traced 
back  next  to  Joseph  Avho  m.  Mary  Clark  Jan.  16,  1723-4  ;  then  to  Gideon  ; 
then  to  LoDOwicK. 

^  He  was  s.  of  Peleg  and  Mary,  his  precise  age  being  88  :  6  :  22.  By 
his  w.  Bathsheba,  he  had  Peleg  Mar.  25, 1798  ;  Solomon  Jan.  9, 1800  ;  Heze- 
kiah July  18,  1802  ;  Sarah  July  21,  1804 ;  Obadiah  D.  June  6,  1809  ;  Bath- 
sheba May  26,  1812  ;  James  Ap.  17,  1814;  and  Caroline  July  20,  1816. 

^  Mr.  Arey  came  to  this  town  from  Harwich ;  and  his  descendants,  for 
some  reason  or  fancy,  now  call  themselves  Avery.     He  had  a  large  family. 

^  Mr.  Allen,  b.  Feb.  23,  1778,  s.  of  William  who  m.  Rosanna  Swift, 
and  g.  s.  of  Geo.  who  m.  Rebecca  Spooner,  and  g.  g.  s.  of  Cornelius  by 
by  his  2d  w.  Dorothy,  is  thus  traced  back  through  Daniel  of  1663,  and 
Geo.  Jr.,  to  Geo.  Sr.  who  d.  1648.  —  Mr.  George  Allen  the  ancestor  we 
have  noticed  in  former  pp.  His  son  George  Jr.  had  by  his  wife  Hannah, 
Caleb  June  24,  1648  who  m.  Eliza.  Sisson  Ap.  8,  1670  ;  Judah  Jan.  14, 
1650-1 ;  Ephm.  Jan.  14,  1652-3 ;  Eliza.  Jan.  20,  1654-5  ;  and  by  his  w. 
Sarah  had  Matthew  June  16,  1657  ;  James  and  John,  gem.,  Aug.  5,  1658  ; 
Lydia  May  1660  ;  Daniel  May  23,  1663  ;  Hannah  May  15,  1666  ;  Ebenr.  9 : 
3  :  1668;  and  George  June  20,  1672.  —  Matthew,  another  s.  of  Geo.  1st, 
m.  Sarah  Kerby  and  removed  to  Dartm.  —  Henry  went  to  Milford,  Ct. 
1660,  and  d.  at  Stratford  1690,  leaving  a  large  family.  —  William  m.  Pris- 
ciila  Brown  Mar.  21,  1649,  but  had  no  issue.  —  James  d.  July  25,  1714  at 
Tisbury,  leaving  a  large  family.  —  Francis  m.  Mary  Barlow  July  20,  1662 
and  had  a  family.  — Ralph  had  Jedediah  Jan.  3,  1646-7  ;  Experience  Mar. 
14,  1651 ;  Ephm.  Mar.  26,  1656  ;  and  others.  —  The  families  in  successive 
generations  have  been  highly  respectable,  but  so  numerous  that  it  is  impos- 
sible to  find  place  for  them  here. 

*  KUled  by  a  fail  from  a  horse,  leaving  a  family.  He  was  s.  of  John  3d 
who  m.  Zervia  Crocker  and  had  Elizabeth  Mar.  23,  1773  who  m.  Capt. 
Benj.  Nason  May  9,  1802  ;  Zervia  Aug.  17, 1775  who  m.  Lt.  Joseph  Hamblin 
Feb.  8,  1798 ;  Achsah  Aug.  17,  1777  ;  Crocker  Jan.  5,  1780  ;  James  Mar. 
19,  1782  who  m.  in  Bordeaux  and  settled  in  Fr. ;  Lucia  June  16,  1784  who 
m.  John  Bassett;  Ebenr.  Oct.  24, 1786  ;  and  Ezra  Nov.  23,  1789  mentioned 
above.  This  branch  trace  through  John  1710,  and  Edward,  and  Henry, 
to  Edward  Sr.  who  d.  1667. 

®  Mr.  F.  was  of  the  branch  from  Thomas  b.  1696,  s.  of  Edmund  Free- 
man and  Sarah,  and  late  in  life  m.  Kezia  Hoxie  Nov.  23,  1742  and  d.  Oct. 
1775  se.  79,  and  had  Edm.  Oct.  10,  1743  ;  Gideon  Ap.  13,  1745  who 
"  removed  up  country ;  "  Joseph  June  3,  1746  who  m.  Eliza.  Wing  Aug.  18, 
1768  and  went  to  Me. ;  and  Lodowick  Oct.  27,  1747.  —  Edmund,  the  eldest 
of  these,  m.  Tabitha  Chase  Mar.  14,  1765  and  d.  1778,  8  m.  before  the  birth 
of  his  youngest.  He  had  Samuel  3d  July  7,  1765  who  m.  Fear  Atkins 
Aug.  16,  1795  and  d.  abt.  1829  ;  Thomas  Jr.  Ap.  6,  1767  who  m.  Betsy  Fish 
Mar.  11,  1802  and  d.  July  29,  1841 ;  Kezia  May  6,  1769  ;  Mary  May  25, 


164  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

52;  Capt.  Ansel  Fish^  Oct.  17,  ae.  83;  and  Mr.  Joseph  Hoxie/ 
son  of  Cornelius,  May  27,  se.  83. 

In  1859,  Mr.  Geo.  Atkins  ^  cl  June  3,  ^e.  59  ;  Capt.  ABisnEB  Ellis 
Aug.  25,  06.  72 ;  Mr.  Silas  Giffoed  ^  Sept.  7,  se.  76 ;  and  Mr.  Jon- 
athan E.  Chipman  ^  SejDt.  24,  se.  56. 

1771  ;  Josiali  Jan.  28,  1773  who  removed  to  Vt.  ;  Nathan  who  removed  to 
N.  York;  and  EDMUND  Ap.  9,  1779  who  m.  Lucy  Churchill  and  has  had 
John  C.  June  20,  1805  ;  Edm.  Jr.  Oct.  6,  1806  mentioned  above  ;  Josiah 
Aug.  13,  1808  who  d.  Oct.  14,  1832  ;  Lucy  A.  Dec.  7,  1814;  and  Mary  T. 
Jan.  13,  1820. 

^  Capt.  F.  {Anselm  on  the  record  of  births)  was  s.  of  Nathl.  and  Abigail 
who  had  Chipman  May  29,  1771 ;  Prince  May  24,  1773  ;  Anselm  Feb.  11, 
1776  ;  Mahala  July  17,  1779  who  m.  Joseph  Nye ;  Braddock  June  14,  1783  ; 
and  Nancy  June  7,  1786. — The  lines  of  descent  of  those  who  bear  the 
name  are  multiplied  ;  but  in  some  of  the  branches  are  those  who  prefer  to 
write  the  name  Fisher,  thus  discarding  the  origin  from  the  old  Saxon  family 
of  Fisch  which  in  the  tables  of  the  German  nobility  dates  from  a  remote 
period.  —  The  descendants  from  JoHX  and  Nathaniel,  early  settlers,  are 
numerous  ;  as  are  also  those  from  JONATHAN  their  brother  who  left  S.  in 
1654  and  went  to  L.  I.,  from  Avhom  is  Gov.  Hamilton  Fish  of  N.  York. 

^  Mr.  Joseph  Hoxie,  b.  Jan.  7,  1777,  was  s.  of  Cornelius  and  Martha, 
and  g.  s.  of  Joseph  and  Mary,  and  g.  g.  s.  of  Gideon  and  Grace,  and  thus 
descended  from  Lodowick  who  m.  Mary  Presbury  1664. 

'  Mr.  James  Atkins  was  first  of  the  name  on  the  town  records.  Bv  his 
w.  Margaret  he  had  WiUiam  July  2,  1690  ;  Hannah  Dec.  17,  1692 ;  Expe- 
rience Feb.  16,  1694-5  ;  John  Ap.  14,  1699 ;  Eliza.  July  29,  1701  ;  and 
Thos.  Aug.  18,  1703.  — John  m.  Dinah  Gifford  Feb.  13,  1728-9  and  had 
James  Mar.  18,  1730  ;  John  June  1,  1732  ;  Thos.  Ap.  3,  1734;  Wm.  Dec. 
18,  1736  ;  Benj.  July  25,  1739  ;  Hannah  Nov.  26,  1741  who  m.  Nathl. 
Blackwell  Feb.  19,  1767  ;  Nathl.  July  30,  1744  who  m.  Betty  Blackwell 
Feb.  18,  1767;  and  David  June  4,  1747.  —  James  m.  Content  Landers 
Oct.  23,  1760  and  had  John  Ap.  9,  1762  ;  James  May  4,  1764  who  m. 
Hannah  Nye  May  25,  1790  ;  Asa  Ap.  19,  1766  ;  Fear  Oct.  29,  1769  who  m. 
Saml.  Freeman  Aug.  10,  1795  ;  Stephen  Mar.  21,  1772  ;  Wm.  Dec.  4,  1774; 
Ansel  Dec.  22,  1778  ;  and  Ehza.  May  19,  1781.  —  Thomas,  b.  1734,  m.  Ruth 
Snow  of  Pvoch.  Jan.  4,  1759-60  and  had  Eliza.,  Wm.,  Marg.,  and  Ruth.  — 
William,  b.  1774,  and  d.  Feb.  3, 1855  had  a  large  fam.  of  which  was  George 
mentioned  above,  b.  Feb.  22,  1800.  The  name  is  more  frequent  in  the 
lower  towns  of  the  Cape. 

■*  Mr.  John  Giffokd  (in  the  rec.  Gifart)  was  early  in  town,  and  had 
Eliza.  12  :  25:  1664-5;  Samuel  Mar.  12,  1666;  John  June  12,  1668; 
Mary  Oct.  9,  1669  ;  Grace  Aug.  7,  1671 ;  Wm.  7:3:  1673 ;  Yelverton  Ap. 
22,  1676  ;  and  Josiah  Feb.  27,  1681.  —  Samuel  m.  Jane  Loring  Nov.  2, 
1699  and  had  Josiah  Feb.  12,  1700-1,  by  a  2d  w.  Joanna,  the  first  having  d. 
Ap.  14,  1699-1700. —  John  m.  Desire  Sprague  Nov.  24,  1696. —William 
m.  Ehza.  Wheaton  Mar.  13,  1701-2,  and  had  Benj.  Aug.  20,  1703 ;  Nathan 
Feb.  16,  1704-5  ;  and  Elizabeth  May  31,  1710.  — Josiah  m.  Mercy  Chad- 
wick  Mar.  11,  1714-15,  and  had  Rhoda  Feb.  17,  1715-16;  John  May  2, 
1717  ;  Abigail  Oct.  8,  1718  ;  Samuel  Feb.  10,  1720-1  ;  Christopher  Nov.  22, 
1722;  Hannah  Jan.  29,  1726-7;  and  Benj.  June  14,  1732. —  Another 
name  is  early  on  the  records,  viz. :  that  of  Mr.  William  Gifford  who  had 
Christopher,  July,  1658.  The  name  M'as  early  identified  Avith  Falmouth 
also  ;  and  we  defer  further  notice  until  we  come  to  the  annals  of  that 
town. 

*  Mr,  John  Chipman,  the  ancestor,  who  d.  in  this  town  Ap.  7, 1708,  was 
bom  in  1615   as  is  to  be  inferred  from  his   saying  in  1652  "  It  is  21 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  165 

In  1860,  Mr.  Thos.  F.  Gibbs  ^  d.  Feb.  4,  se.  67  ;  Mr.  Ellis  Swift 
Feb.  11,  se.  73 ;  Hon.  Elisha  Pope  Mar.  8,  se.  79 ;  Mr.  Benj.  Black- 
well  ^  May  27,  se.  77 ;  Mr.  Abneb  Bowman  Aug.  26,86. 76 ;  Mr.  Jos. 
H.  Pope  Sept.  27,  3s.  78  ;  and  Mr.  Geeshom  Ellis  ^  Nov.  18,  se.  84. 

In  1861,  Mr.  Lemuel  Ewek*  d.  Mar.  12,  se.  86;  Mr.  Joshua 
WiNG^  Ap.  5,  se.  80;  Mr.  Moses  Nye  Ap.  28,  se.  92;  and  Mr. 
Peleg  Laweence  '^  Sept.  12,  se.  93. 

For  1862,  we  add  to  pages  long  since  written,  one  para- 
graph indited  in  troublous  times.  The  present  is  not 
the  moment,  nor  is  this  the  place  to  inquire  the  reason 
for  the  existing  rebellion  and  the  consequent  state  of 
military  preparation  and  civil  commotion.  Suffice  to  say, 

yrs.  since  I  came  from  Eng.  and  I  am  now  37,"  and  was  therefore  93  yrs. 
old  when  he  d.  He  was  in  Boston  1631,  and  in  1649  was  in  Yarm.  and 
Barnstable  ;  a  dep.  1663-9  ;  ord.  ruling  elder  Ap.  14,  1670  ;  selectman  &c. 
He  was  doubtless  the  son  of  Thomas  of  Brinsfiltae,  near  Dorchester,  Eng. ; 
and,  from  his  son  John,  b.  Mar.  3,  1669-70  who  m.  1st  Mary  Skiff,  dr.  of 
Stephen  of  this  town ;  and  through  John  b.  Sept.  18,  1697  who  m. 
Hannah  Fessenden  of  Camb.  Sept.  26,  1723,  and  had  Benj.  Nov.  7,  1726 
who  by  m.  to  a  2d  w.  Betty  Freeman  Nov.  15,  1758  had  Benj.  Jr.  May  6, 
1768  who  m.  Lydia  Ellis  Nov.  21,  1793,  was  descended  the  above  Jona.  E. 
who  was  b.  July  27,  1803,  m.  Celia  Bassett  and  had  James  F.,  Mary,  Chs., 
now  a  Major  in  the  U.  S.  volunteers,  and  others.  —  See  Annals  of  Be. 

^  Mr.  Gibbs  was  s.  of  Silvanus  who  m.  Katy  Tobey  Aug.  25,  1774  and 
had  Hannah  June  20,  1777  ;  Joanna  Oct.  12,  1779  ;  Silvanus  and  Benj., 
gem.,  Jan.  27,  1782 ;  and  by  his  2d  w.  Hannah  had  Nathan  B.  Sept.  27, 
1783  ;  Katy  T.  Mar.  3,  1785  who  m.  Wm.  Swift ;  Alfred  Nov.  3,  1786 ; 
Elizabeth  Aug.  11,  1788;  Clarissa  Mar.  16,  1790;  Thomas  F.  May  28, 
1792  ;  Caroline  Oct.  1,  1793  ;  Joseph  Dec.  21,  1795  ;  Experience  Jan.  18, 
1797  ;  Alexr.  May  12,  1799 ;  and  Joanna  Aug.  12,  1803.  Mr.  Silvanus 
Gibbs  was  a  most  exemplary  and  excellent  citizen. 

^  Mr.  B.,  b.  Sept.  25,  1784,  was  4th  s.  of  Samuel  who  m.  Patience  Gibbs 
Mar.  8,  1772.  The  name  was  prominent  and  influential  through  several 
generations  from  the  days  of  Michael  the  progenitor.  Once  numerous  in 
town,  the  descendants  have  faded  away  by  deaths  and  removals  until  few 
remain.  It  would  be  a  task  indeed  to  arrange  the  generations  in  order  and 
would  require  many  pp. 

^  Mr.  E.  m.  Fear  Blackwell  Dec.  31,  1798,  and  was  4th  s.  of  Elnathan 
who  m.  Bethia  Bassett  of  Be.  June  5,  1769  and  had  Seth,  Nathan,  Gideon, 
Jemima,  Gershom  Ap.  2,  1777,  Thankful,  Saml.,  Bethia,  and  MoUy ;  and 
was  g.  s.  of  Gideon  who  by  Anna  and  Jemima  had  Elisha,  Anna,  Elnathan 
Jan.  5,  1739-40,  Seth,  Abiel,  John,  Samuel,  and  Reuben. 

*  For  the  family  of  Ewebs,  see  note  in  Annals  of  Be.   . 

^  Mr.  Wing  was  b.  May  15,  1781,  and  m.  Beulah  Bowman  of  F.  He 
was  s.  of  Pressbury  who  m.  Hannah  Swift  and  had  Joshua,  Benj.,  Joseph, 
and  Silvanus  ;  and  g.  s.  of  Joshua  who  by  Mary  had  Sarah  Sept.  23,  1745  ; 
Joseph  July  25, 1748 ;  Elizabeth  Dec.  20, 1750  ;  and  Pressbury  June  26, 1754. 

®  For  Lawrences,  see  Be.  and  Falm.  Also  for  the  multitudinous  family 
of  Howlands  descended  from  Mr.  John  the  13th  signer  of  "  the  Compact " 
in  Cape  Cod  harbor.  Many  of  these  have  been  and  still  are  in  this  tovm ; 
but  the  name  was  not  prevalent  here  until  the  close  of  the  first  hundred  yeai's. 


166  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

"  They  ever  do  pretend 
To  have  received  a  wrong,  who  do  a  wrong  intend." 

Nor  shall  we  attempt  any  record  of  tlie  present  actual 
condition  of  public  affairs,  or  seek  to  anticipate  the 
future.  Sandwich  has  been  foremost  of  the  Cape 
towns  to  respond  to  the  calls  that  have  been  made  for 
volunteers  to  defend  the  public  property  and  to  crush 
a  daring  attempt  to  dissolve  the  Union.  If  traitors 
shall  finally  be  constrained  to  confess 

"  Even-handed  justice 
Returns  th'  ingredients  of  our  poison'd  chalice 
To  our  own  lips," 

they,  surely,  will  have  no  just  claim  for  sympathy.  If 
these  States  shall  again  resume  their  wonted  course  of 
prosperity,  in  union  and  at  peace,  the  world  may  weU 
rejoice ;  if  the  government  established  by  the  toils  and 
blood  and  patriotism  of  our  fathers,  shall  fail  and  the 
glory  depart,  a  universe  might  find  cause  in  such  mis- 
fortune to  shroud  itself  in  sadness. 

As  we  intended,  the  more  recent  events  connected 
with  the  history  of  the  town,  have  not  been  noted  very 
minutely ;  nor  are  we  sure  that  if  they  were  important 
we  are  competent  to  record  them  with  aU  impartiahty. 
De  Lamartine  well  remarks,  "  Events  are  best  under- 
stood from  a  distance,  because  from  thence  the  details 
do  not  attract  the  eye,  but  the  objects  present  them- 
selves in  their  more  important  points  of  view." 

The  present  is  caUed  an  age  of  ^progress,'  an  age  of 
'improvement;'  and  these  simple  annals  of  early  times 
may  possibly  be  scanned  by  eyes  of  some  who  are  slow 
to  discern  the  full  virtues  of  the  past,  though  quick  to 
magnify  the  present.  We  acknowledge  that  we  cannot 
claim  for  the  existing  state  of  society  that  it  is  a  fair 
representation  of  the  long  past  —  although  we  would 
be  proud  if  it  might  with  propriety  be  so  pronounced. 


ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH.  167 

We  institute  no  odious  comparisons ;  we  recognize 
with  pleasure  all  improvements  and  all  progress  that 
conduce  to  the  general  weal  and  have  their  foundation 
in  rectitude  ;  but  feel  constrained  to  confess  that  with 
all  its  faults  the  circle  of  the  first  two  centuries  will  not 
suffer  in  comparison  with  the  present  hour.  Improve- 
ments, indeed,  there  are ;  and  there  is  progress  :  but 

"  Are  we  aught  enriched  in  love  and  meekness, 
Can  aught  in  us  be  found  more  pure  and  wise, 
More  than  in  humbler  times'  gi-and  human  story, 
That  makes  our  hearts  more  apt  to  sympathize 
With  Heaven ;  our  souls  more  fit  for  glory  ?  " 

With  regard  to  locality,  we  doubt  whether  its  attrac- 
tions have  increased.  At  all  times  in  the  season  when  the 
earth  is  in  its  richest  attire,  the  landscape  has  been  beau- 
tiful. Hills  and  valleys,  ponds  and  streams,  the  ocean 
and  the  forest,  the  romantic  and  the  picturesque,  have 
been  combined  in  prospect.    We  still  enjoy  in  degree 

"  The  melodies  of  woods,  and  winds,  and  water  ;  " 

but  many  can  remember  when  the  rural  quiet  and 
enjoyment  were  greater,  and  then  there  was  that  gave 
to  society  a  landmark  that  elicited  observation  from 
afar.  The  nobles  have  passed  away.  As  it  has  been 
with  the  fathers,  so  in  one  respect  will  it  be  with  us  — 

"  Hke  snow-flakes  o'er  a  river ; 
A  moment  white,  then  gone  forever." 

Happy  for  us,  happy  for  the  world,  if  we  do  as  much 
for  our  day  and  generation  and  for  posterity  as  did 
they,  and  leave  to  the  future  historian  as  good  mate- 
rials for  the  record  of  doings  and  virtues. 


We  subjoin  a  few  statistics,  embracing  a  view  of  Deputies  and 
Representatives,  Selectmen,  Town  Clerks,  and  Treasurers,  from 
the  first  to  the  present  time. 


168 


HISTOEY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


DEPUTIES, 

The  first  meeting  of  a  representative  assembly  in  Gen.  Court,  was  in 
1639.  The  following  persons  were,  in  the  order  given,  chosen  to  represent 
the  town  of  Sandwich,  and  served  the  number  of  years  affixed  to  their 
names,  viz. : 

Yts. 

1669.  Edm.  Freeman  Jr.,  7. 

1673.  Thos.  Tupper  Jr.,  8. 

"     Wm.  Swift,  4. 

1675.  Stephen  SkiflF,  10. 

1684.  Shearj.  Bourne,  2. 

1691.  Elisha  Bourne,  1. 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1039. 

Richard  Bourne, 

14. 

1643. 

Henry  Feake, 

2. 

John  Vincent, 

7. 

1644. 

James  SkiflF, 

13. 

1640. 

George  Allen, 

4. 

1646. 

Edm.  Freeman  Sr. 

)     1. 

1642. 

"\Vm.  Newland, 

8. 

" 

Thos.  Tupper, 

19. 

John  Allen, 

1. 

1662. 

Wm.  Bassett  Sr., 

3. 

" 

Thomas  Burge, 

11. 

1663. 

Thos.  Dexter, 

1. 

1643. 

Edw.  Dillingham, 

1. 

1068. 

Thos.  Wing  Sr., 

1. 

REPRESENTATIVES 

being  required  by  Gov.  Phips  in  1692,  the  first  'Great  and  General  Court' 
under  the  new  charter,  assembled  June  8  : 


1692. 

(C 

1693. 

1696. 
1097. 
1698. 
1711, 
1713. 
1714. 
1715, 
1722, 
1725, 
1739, 
1742 
1753 
1761 
1775, 

1779 


the 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1. 

1785. 

Abm.  Williams, 

2. 

3. 

1787. 

Thos.  Smith, 

3. 

5. 

" 

Thos.  Nye, 

1. 

10. 

1797. 

Wm.  Bodfiish, 

7. 

7. 

1804. 

Jno.  Freeman, 

7. 

2. 

1806. 

Benj.  Percival, 

6. 

3. 

1810. 

Elisha  Pope, 

6. 

4. 

1812. 

Benj.  Burgess, 

10. 

3. 

" 

Peter  Kye, 

1. 

2. 

(t 

Thos.  H.  Tobey, 

1. 

r. 

1817. 

Kussell  Freeman, 

6. 

10. 

1824. 

Obed  B.  Nye, 

1. 

6. 

1825. 

Wendell  Davis, 

1. 

7. 

1830. 

Shad.  Freeman, 

3. 

8. 

<' 

Thos.  Swift, 

1. 

18. 

1834. 

Abm.  Nye, 

3. 

4. 

18.35. 

Jesse  Boyden, 

2. 

16. 
1. 

" 

Daniel  Weston, 

1. 

Thos.  Tupper, 

Shearj.  Bourne, 

Samuel  Prince, 

Stephen  SkiflF, 

William  Bassett, 

Thomas  Smith, 

Eldad  Tupper, 

Mel.  Bourne, 

Saml.  Jennings, 

John  Chipman, 

Israel  Tupper, 

Ezra  Bourne, 

Timo.  Kuggles, 

Saml.  Tupper, 

Roland  Cotton, 
.  Stephen  Nye, 

Nathl.  Freeman, 

Joseph  Nye  3d, 
,  Lot  Nye, 

W  The  preceding  table  gives  the  number 
consecutive  years  after  the  first  election. 


1837. 


1840. 

1843. 
1S45. 

1846. 
1847. 
1.S49. 
1850. 

1854. 
1855. 
1856. 


Lemuel  B.  Nye, 
Abram  Fish, 
Charles  Nye, 
Josiah  Bacon, 
Benj.  Bourne, 
Jno.  B.  Dillingham, 
Geo.  W.  Ellis, 
Asahel  Cobb, 
David  Benson, 
William  Handy  Jr., 
Charles  Swift, 
F.  B.  Dillingham, 
Henry  Bourne,] 
Zebedee  Green, 
Henry  V.  Spurr, 
Reuben  Collins  Jr., 
Joseph  H.  Lapham, 
Chas.  H.  Nye, 


Yrs. 
1. 


of  years  each  served,  but  not 


SELECTMEN. 

In  1662,  it  was  enacted  by  the  Gen.  Court,  that  "in  every  town  of  this 
jurisdiction  there  shall  be  three  or  five  selectmen  chosen  by  the  townsmen, 
out  of  the  freemen  —  such  as  shall  be  approved  by  the  Court,  for  the  better 
managing  of  the  aff'airs  of  the  respective  townships."  The  first  record  made 
of  selectmen  in  Sandwich,  was  in  1667  ;  and  the  following  have  served : 


Yra. 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1667. 

Thos.  Tupper, 

5. 

1704. 

Edw.  Dillingham, 

10. 

1763. 

John  Allen, 

13. 

(C 

James  SkiflF, 

9. 

1707. 

Israel  Tupper, 

13. 

1766. 

Mich.  Blackwell, 

4. 

(( 

Thos.  Burgess, 

2. 

1709. 

Matthias  Ellis, 

1. 

1770. 

John  Smith, 

7. 

1668. 

Edm.  Freeman, 

11. 

1710. 

Edm.  Freeman  Sr. 

7. 

1773, 

Joseph  Nye  .3d, 

18. 

1669. 

Thos.  Wing, 

4. 

1712. 

Eliakim  Tupper, 

12. 

« 

Seth  Freeman, 

13. 

1672. 

Thos.  Burgess, 

1. 

" 

Saml.  Jennings, 

1. 

1776. 

Silvs.  Nye, 

6. 

1673. 

Wm.  Swift  Sr., 

15. 

1715. 

Jno.  Chipman, 

6. 

1779. 

Lot  Nye, 

1. 

1675. 

Steph.  SkiflF, 

7. 

1718. 

Wm.  Bassett  Jr., 

8. 

1783. 

Thos.  Burgess, 

3. 

" 

Thos.  Tupper  Jr., 

14. 

1720. 

Jireh  Swift, 

2. 

17S4. 

George  Allen, 

9. 

1679. 

.Jno.  Blackwell, 

3. 

1723. 

Stephen  Skiff, 

19. 

1786. 

Sylvanus  Gibbs, 

2. 

1684. 

Shearj.  Bourne, 

4. 

1726. 

Elisha  Bourne, 

9. 

1787. 

Thos.  Swift, 

1 

1688. 

Elisha  Bourne, 

9. 

1736. 

Jno.  Freeman, 

24. 

" 

Thos.  Smith, 

2. 

" 

Wm.  Bassett, 

11. 

1740. 

Saml.  Tupper, 

19. 

1787. 

Steph.  Chipman, 

2 

1693. 

Saml.  Prince, 

6. 

1744. 

Ebenr.  Nye, 

5. 

1788. 

Ebenr.  Allen, 

1 

1694. 

John  Gibbs, 

2. 

1752. 

Joshua  Hall, 

1. 

1789. 

Thos.  Foster, 

2 

1695. 

Shubael  Smith, 

3. 

" 

Thomas  Smith, 

9. 

1791. 

Abm.  Williams, 

4 

1697. 

Thomas  Smith, 

1. 

1759. 

Solomon  Foster, 

8. 

1795. 

Nathan  Nye  Jr., 

22 

1698 

Jonathan  Nye, 

1. 

1760. 

Ebenr.  Allen, 

3. 

" 

Leml.  Freeman, 

1 

1699 

Danl.  Allen, 

4. 

1761. 

Jona.  Bassett, 

10. 

1797. 

Benj.  Percival, 

19 

(( 

John  Smith, 

13. 

1763. 

Thos.  Bourne, 

7. 

1798. 

George  Allen, 

9 

ANNALS   OF   SANDWICH. 


169 


1807. 
1809. 
1816. 
1817. 

1S18. 
1822. 
1824. 
1826. 

1827. 


Jas.  Freeman, 
Elisha  Perry, 
Mel.  Bourue, 
William  Haudy, 


Trs. 

1. 

13. 

15. 

1. 


Thos.  W.  liobiuson,  3. 


Levi  Nye, 
Bethuel  Bourne, 
Steph.  Holway, 
Henry  Lawrence, 
Ezra  Tobey, 


1829. 

1834. 

1835. 
1830. 


Jesse  Boyden, 
Bcnj.  Bourue, 
Abram  Nye, 
Russell  Freeman, 
Chas.  Nye, 
J.  B.  Dilliug-ham, 
Joseph  Hoxie, 
Elisha  Pope, 
Simeon  Dillingham,  5 
Clark  Hoxie,  4 


1847. 
1851. 

1853. 
1854. 
1S55. 


Yra. 
Ch.  B.  H.  Fessenden,  7. 


Geo.  Gidding^s, 
Edw.  \V.  Ewer, 
F.  B.  Dillingham, 
Kqubcn  Collins  Jr., 
Joshua  Haudy, 
Seth  B.  Wing-, 
Mason  White, 
Isaiah  Fish, 


TOWN  TREASURERS. 

There  are  no  means  of  ascertaining  with  certainty  who  were  the  incum- 
bents the  first  fifty  years  after  the  settlement  of  the  town.  It  is  not 
improbable  that  in  most  instances  the  Clerks  served  in  this  capacity  also. 
We  give  the  names  and  order  so  far  only  as  we  can  do  it  with  accuracy. 


1694.  Samuel  Prince. 
1699.  Thomas  Smith. 
1701.  John  Smith  Jr. 
1719.  Saml.  Jennings. 
1752.  Solomon  Foster. 
1755.  Silas  B9urne. 
1757.  Jonathan  Bassett. 


1760.  Thomas  Bassett. 

1761.  Silas  Tupper. 
1777.  Thomas  Bassett. 

1782.  Benj.  Fessenden.l 
"      Lemuel  Pope. 

1783.  Nathan  Nye  Jr. 
1787.  Abraham  Williams. 


1795.  Melatiah  Bourne. 
1803.  James  Bourue  Jr. 

1813.  Heman  Tobey. 

1814.  Nathan  Nye  Jr. 
1825.  Ezra  Tobey. 

1838.  William  J .  Freeman. 
1840.  David  C.  Freeman, 


TOWN    CLERKS. 

It  is  impossible  to  determine  accurately  the  date  of  election  of  several  of 
the  first  Clerks,  or  the  length  of  time  they  were  in  office  ;  and  Ave  only  infev 
the  order  of  the  first  two  from  probable  data. 


William  Wood.2 
Thomas  Tupper. 

1669.  Stephen  Wing. 

1670.  Edm.  Freeman  Jr. 
1675.  Thomas  Tupper  Jr. 
1685.  William  Bassett. 
1720.  William  Bassett  Jr. 


1721.  Nathaniel  Bassett. 
"      Samuel  Jennings. 
1761.  Solomon  Foster. 
1753.  Thomas  Smith. 
1758.  Benj.  Fessenden. 
178-1.  Melatiah  Bourne  Sr. 
1791.  Abraham  Williams. 


1795.  Melatiah  Bourne. 
1803.  James  Bourne  Jr. 
1814.  Natlian  Nye  Jr. 
1825.  Ezra  Tobey. 
1838.  W'm.  J.  Freeman. 
1840.  David  C.  Freeman, 


*  Refused  to  serve. 

^  There  may  have  been  two  of  the  name  of  William  Wood  filling  this 
office  in  succession  ;  but  we  do  not  intend  an  opinion  that  it  was  so ; 
indeed  we  think  it  improbable.  We  find  evidence,  however,  that  William 
Wood  was  Town  Clerk  in  1649,  for  he  makes  the  following  entry  :  "  Miriam 
Wood  was  buried  in  Sandwich  May  9,  1648.  Att.  William  Wood,  Town 
Clerk."  The  records  also  show  that  "  Miriam  Wood  was  b.  May  8,  1648, 
and  Mary  Wood  Mar.  29,  1649."  Other  records  show  that  "  administra- 
tion was  gr.  on  the  estate  of  Mr.  William  Wood  of  Sandwich,  1639."  The 
two  of  the  same  name  may  have  been  father  and  son.  We  are  utterly 
unable,  however,  to  corroborate  by  any  thing  substantial  the  declaration  of 
Mr.  Lewis  of  Lynn,  that  the  first  town  clerk  of  Sandwich  was  the  Author 
of  '  New  England's  Prospect ; '  although  circumstances  seem  to  favor  such 
hypothesis.  (See  p.  15.)  There  was  a  Nathl.  Wood  of  this  town  ;  and,  in 
1685,  "  Elizabeth  the  wife  of  Caleb  Nye  quitclaimed  all  right  "  to  lands 
deeded  by  said  Nathl.  There  was  also  a  William  Wood  of  Dartm.,  who 
took  the  oath  of  fidelity,  1684. 

Since  our  note  respecting  George  Barlow,  p.  72,  was  in  type,  our  atten- 
tion has  been  directed  by  a  valuable  correspondent,  Mr.  R.  C.  Ingraham  of 
N.  Bedford,  to  '  Sewal's*  Hist,  of  the  Quakers,'  Vol.  1.  p.  427  :  "  One  Bar- 
low who  formerly  had  been  a  preacher  at  Exeter,  afterwards  turned  lawyer, 
and  at  length  became  a  marshal,  would  boast  that  Avhen  he  went  to  distrain 
for  fines,  he  would  think  what  goods  were  most  serviceable  to  the  Quakers, 
VOL.  n.  22 


170  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Besides  those  mentioned  Vol.  I.  p.  792,  as  Graduates^  were 
others  in  the  Cape  towns  whose  names  were  overlooked  when 
that  table  was  published ;  but  we  do  not  regard  the  fact  of  suffi- 
dent  importance  to  undertake  to  supply  such  omissions  in  these 
pages  otherwise  than  as  incidental  mention  has  been,  or  shall  be 
made  in  the  genealogical  or  biographical  notices. 

If  other  omissions,  of  importance,  shall  be  perceired  in  time, 
they  may  be  supplied  in  an  appendix  at  the  close  of  this  volume. 

and  then  he  would  take  them  away.  By  such  doings  he  encouraged  others 
to  vice  ;  for  a  certain  Indian  taking  a  knife  from  an  Englishman's  house, 
and  being  told  that  he  should  not  steal,  answered  that  he  himself  had 
thought  so,  but  now  he  saw  that  Barlow  and  the  magistrates  did  so  by  the 
Quakers.  This  Barlow  in  the  days  of  Cromwell  having  grown  rich  with 
the  spoUs  of  the  innocent,  grew  poor  after  King  Charles  was  restored ; 
which  made  Barlow  say  that  he  hoped  for  a  good  time  again  ;  and  took  the 
shameful  liberty  to  add  he  thought  the  Quakers  would  not  let  him  want." 
The  preceding  doubtless  gives  sufficient  intimation  of  the  locality  and 
career  of  Barlow  previous  to  his  coming  to  Sandv/ich. 


THE 


ANIMALS  OP  THE  TOWl^ 


YARMOUTH. 


"Bt  ait  instinct  or  natttee,  we  love  to  leaen  the  places  op  oue  bieth  and  the  chief 
CIBOUMSTANCES  OF  THE  LIVES  OF  OUE  PE0OKN1T0K3."  — floB.  Jctmes  Savage. 


(171) 


TO 


J.    WINGATE    THOENTON,    ESQ., 

COUNSELLOR  AT  LAW: 

There  would  be  singular  propriety  in  the  inscription  of  these  Annals  of  the  second 
town  in  the  order  of  settlement  on  Cape  Cod,  to  a  worthy  Uneal  descendant  of  that 
venerable  man,  Eev.  Thomas  Thornton,  first  minister  of  Yarmouth ;  and  the  pertinency 
of  the  act  would  be  commended  by  a  recognition  of  your  '  Landing  at  Cape  Ann,' 
'Ancient  Pemaquid,'  and  '  History  of  Anglo-American  Colonization,'  your  discoveries 
and  suggestions  leading  to  the  recovery  of  the  supposed  hopelessly  lost  MSS.  of 
Governor  Bradford,  and  other  labors  giving  assurance  of  that  antiquarian  and  historical 
zeal  and  acumen  by  which  you  merit  a  prominent  place  among  the  literary  benefactors  of 
the  age :  But,  Sir,  my  especial  object  in  this 

Knscripttan, 

is  to  convey  at  least  some  feeble  expression  of  the  pleasure  with  which  I  have  witnessed 
your  always  disinterested  promptitude  in  aiding  inquiry,  and  your  encouraging  cheer- 
onward  in  the  toUs  of  research  —  labors  amid  discouragements  inevitably  attendant  which 
none  but  those  who  have  had  personal  experience  in  "  breaking  the  ice  for  others  who 
shall  come  after  with  less  difSculty  "  can  understand  or  appreciate :  traits  that  define  the 
generous  proficient  in  Antiquarian  or  Historical  research,  whose  feeling  is  sure  to  be 
"  Non  ignarus  mali,  miseris  succurrere  disco." 
Pardon  the  liberty  I  take  without  first  asking  permission,  and  accept  the  respectful 
and  fraternal  salutations  of 

THE  AUTHOK. 


(172) 


ANNALS  OF  YAEMOUTH. 


In  giving  precedence  to  Yarmouth,  ratlier  than  Barn- 
stable, in  the  order  of  presenting  the  annals  of  towns, 
we  are  governed  not  more  by  the  tradition  of  earlier 
attempts  at  settlement,  than  by  the  fact  that  the  former 
had  probably  priority  in  organization  if  not  incorpora- 
tion. Yarmouth,  as  Sandwich,  was  first  represented  in 
General  Court  in  June  1639 ;  Barnstable  not  until  the 
December  following.^ 

Situation  and  Boundaries.  —  Adopting  the  suggestion  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Alclen  in  his  'Memorabilia  of  Yarmouth/  that  "the 
Cape  may  be  well  ref)resented  by  a  man's  arm  in  a  certain  posi- 
tion "  —  i.  e.  bent  at  the  elbow  at  an  angle  of  45°,  with  the  hand 
turned  from  the  wrist  towards  the  body ;  we  may  represent  this 
town  as  situated  about  midway  from  the  shoulder  to  the  elbow 
of  the  peninsula.  It  extends  across  the  Cape  —  its  lat.  40°  41', 
having  the  Atlantic  on  the  North  and  South,  Dennis  on  the 
East,  and  Barnstable  on  the  West.^  Its  ancient  meeting-house 
was  about  4  m.  E.  of  the  court-house  in  Barnstable,  and  69  m. 
from  Boston. 

Natural  Divisions,  &c.  —  The  township  contains,  besides  its 
more  sparse  settlements,  several  very  pleasant  villages.  Passing 
down  the  Cape  on  the  north  side  by  the  old  county  road,  the 

These  Courts  were  holclen  on  the  1st  Tu.  in  Mar.,  June,  Sept.,  and 
Dec,  annually. 

^  The  reader  will  understand  that  in  our  description  of  Yarmouth,  we 
present  the  township  as  it  now  is,  and  not  according  to  its  more  extended 
proportions  prior  to  the  dismemberment  from  it  of  Dennis  ;  although,  until 
the  incorporation  of  the  latter,  the  annals  of  Yarmouth  must  necessarily 
embrace  all  that  relates  to  the  progress  and  doings  of  the  primitive  town- 
ship before  being  shorn  of  its  original  dimensions. 

(173) 


174  HISTORY  OF   BAENSTABLE    COUNTY. 

traveller,  unless  he  look  out  sharply  for  the  'boundary  monu- 
ment,' is  sometimes  unaware  at  what  point  the  long  avenue  with 
its  occasional  divergencies  of  streets  or  roads  introduces  him  from 
Barnstable  to  the  town  we  would  describe.  He  has  remarked,  as 
he  moved  along,  the  evidences  of  thrift  on  either  side,  and  has 
admired  the  quiet  and  pleasant  abodes  scattered  thickly  the 
whole  distance  from  'the  great  marshes'  in  West  Barnstable; 
and,  although  his  position  was  unmistakable  in  passing  the 
central  part  of  East  Barnstable,  the  still  continuous  settlement  — 
alleviated  occasionally  by  new  views  in  the  du-ection  of  the  waters 
of  the  bay  on  the  left,  or,  it  may  be,  by  the  looming  of  the  lower 
arm  of  the  Cape  across  the  water  —  has  left  him  perhaps  unsus- 
picious that  he  is  in  another  town,  until,  led  by  the  extent  of  the 
panorama  to  inquire,  he  is  informed  that  already  he  has  advanced 
some  distance  within  the  bounds  of  Yarmouth  —  to  that  part  of 
it  proverbially  pleasant,  called  Yarmouth  Poet. 

The  next  village,  as  he  proceeds  along  the  same  continuous 
range  of  cheerful  dwellings  interspersed  with  stores,  artisans' 
establishments,  and  public  buildings,  with  agreeable  scenery,  is 
that  called  by  way  of  priority,  Yakmouth.  He  is  conscious  that 
he  is  in  the  old  or  central  village  —  and  this  not  because  he  finds 
any  signs  of  dilapidation  ;  for  the  contrary  is  apparent :  but,  per- 
haps, because  as  he  looks  around  him,  the  tout  ensemble  is  more 
in  accordance  with  his  pre-conceived  views  of  a  highly  respecta- 
ble puritanic  old  Cape  Cod  town ;  and  because  as  he  surveys  the 
prospect  in  the  distance,  he  thinks  he  catches  some  glimpses  of 
the  peculiar  scenery  with  which  his  mind  has  been  accustomed  to 
associate  the  mention  of  Cape  Cod.^ 

Before  reaching  the  eastern  terminus  of  this  village,  or  the 
roads  that  diverge  to  North  Dennis,  to  Brewster,  or  to  Harwich ; 
leaving  the  ancient  county  road  and  moving  in  the  direction  of 
the  opposite  side  of  the  peninsula,  noting  varied  scenery  and 
passing  some  substantial  farms  and  some  clusters  of  pleasant 
dwellings,  he  finds  himself  in  view  of  the  waters  of  the  south 
side,  and  in  that  part  of  the  township  familiarly  known  as  Bass- 
river,  or  Quaker-village,  and  with  the  post-office  distinction  South 
Yarmouth.  This  village  is  sufficiently  compact  and  extended, 
with  its  draw-bridge  connecting  it  to  W.  Dennis,  to  give  the 

*  Kendal,  Travels  1807,  was  thus  impressed.  He  says,  "  Here  com- 
mences the  peculiar  scenery  of  the  Cape  —  a  soil  of  white  sand  generally 
covered  with  sward  and  with  forest  while  in  a  state  of  nature,  but  naked 
and  drifting  before  every  wind  when  once  laid  bare  to  the  elements." 


ANNALS   OF   YARMOUTH.  175 

appearance  of  a  thrifty,  agreeable  town  of  itself.  This  village  is 
about  4  m.  S.  of  the  N".  part  of  the  township. 

If  the  traveller  pleases  now  to  direct  his  course  westerly,  he  is, 
soon  after  passing  acres  of  salt  works  located  on  the  very  road- 
side and  many  others  in  the  distance,,  pursuing  his  way  through 
West  Yarmouth.  This,  like  the  two  first  described,  though 
more  thinly  settled  and  embracing  small  clusters  or  villages  in 
the  distance  on  either  side  —  peculiarly  romantic  in  the  nearer 
approach  to  the  south  shore,  is  stretched  a  long  distance  continu- 
ously until,  perhaps,  the  traveller  needs  again  inquire  at  what 
point  he  left  the  township  —  for  West  Yarmouth  merges  imper- 
cej^tibly  with  that  part  of  Barnstable  on  the  south  side  called 
Hyannis. 

The  SOIL  in  some  portions  of  the  north  part  of  the  township  is 
quite  productive ;  the  south  part  is  more  sandy  and  light,  and 
yields  moderately.  Large  bodies  of  valuable  salt  meadows  are 
found  in  either  part.  Between  the  two  shores  is  a  considerable 
amount  of  woods  —  chiefly  jjines,  but  interspersed  with  oaks. 

On  both  sides  of  the  township  are  haebors  convenient  for 
coasting  and  fishing  vessels,  the  entrances  being  good  at  high 
tide.  The  harbor  on  the  north  side  will  be  found  more  minutely 
described  in  the  annals  of  Barnstable,  it  being  a  continuance  of 
the  same  inland  bay  that  forms  the  harbor  of  that  town  on  the 
north.  Bass  River  affords  at  its  mouth  a  good  harbor  for  vessels 
of  small  draught  ;<  and  the  U.  States  have  erected  a  break- water  for 
its  protection.  At  this  harbor  are  wharves  and  other  conveniences 
for  the  business  of  the  place.  On  the  Yarmouth  side  of  Lewis' 
Bay,  which  also  will  be  found  more  particularly  described  in  the 
annals  of  Barnstable,  is  a  convenient  haven. 

Point  Gammon  makes  off  on  the  S.  side,  in  W.  Yarmouth,  on 
the  extreme  end  of  which  is  a  light-house. 

The  township  contains  several  large  ponds  of  pure  and  soft 
water,  some  of  them  of  considerable  beauty.  From  one  of  these 
issues  Bass  River.  The  pond  afibrds  a  small  water-power.  A 
similar  convenience  is  found  in  W.  Yarmouth.  The  dependence, 
however,  for  grinding  the  cereals,  is  perhaps  chiefly  on  wind-mills. 

German's  Hill,  136  feet  above  the  sea,  is  the  highest  land  in 
the  township.^  Fort  Hill  still  retains  the  name,  without  any 
noticeable  eminence;  but  here,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  17th  cen- 

^  "  The  steeple  of  '  the  old  parish  meeting-house,'  "  it  was  said  by  Mr. 
Alden  in  1797,  was  "  long  an  important  landmark  for  vessels  going  into 
Yarmouth  or  Barnstable  harbors  on  the  Bay  side." 


176  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

tury,  "were  seen  the  vestiges  of  an  old  fort  built  for  protection 
from  Indians.  It  stood  one  fourth  of  a  mile  northward  of  'the 
old  meeting-house.'  The  ravages  of  winds,  long  since  left  neither 
fort  nor  elevation.  Mr.  Alden  said,  in  1797,  "  Within  the  mem- 
ory of  some,  the  Indians  in  this  town  were  neai'ly  as  numerous  as 
the  white  people."^  He  subsequently  adds,  "So  late  as  1779, 
there  was,  in  '  Indian-town,'  a  small  cluster  of  wigwams  —  about 
one  mile  from  the  mouth  of  Bass  River,  in  the  south-eastern  part 
of  the  town  —  which  were  inhabited  by  the  remnants  of  the  Paw- 
kunnawhat  Indians.  The  chief  of  them  about  this  time  had  the 
small-pox  ;  five  who  had  it  survived,  and  eleven  died.  It  is  prob- 
able that  this  part  of  Yarm.  will  ever  retain  the  name  of  Indian- 
town"."  ^  In  1797,  there  was  left  standing  one  wigwam  only ;  it 
was  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  was  occupied  by  a  squaw  and 
a  negro.  On  the  north-eastern  side  of  Swan's  Pond,  a  little 
south-west  of  Indian-town,  stood,  a  century  and  a  half  since,  an 
ancient  Indian  meeting-house.  Below  the  meeting-house,  nearer 
the  pond,  was — and  doubtless  still  remains  —  the  spring  where  a 
now  extinct  race  once  slaked  their  thirst  when  here  congregated 
for  religious  puri^oses. 

^  Mr.  Alden  says,  "  When  the  maize  ■\vas  in  its  milky  state,  they  used  to 
prepare  a  delicious  food  composed  of  corn  and  other  ingredients,  and  this 
they  called  appoon."  "We  presume  Mr.  Alden  refers  to  a  dish  of  Indian 
origin,  still  common  in  its  season,  called  '  green-corn  pudding.' 

^  One  of  these  Indians  Mr.  Alden  mentions  particularly — "  JosepJi  Nau- 
TiaugM,  a  A'ery  conscientious  deacon,"  of  -whom  many  anecdotes  Avere  for- 
merly related.  "  He  was  a  temperate  Indian,  well-minded,  pious.  He  used 
to  pray  with  great  fervor,  in  his  vernacular  tongue,  in  his  family,  and  with 
the  sick,  and  at  funerals  In  his  last  illness  Rev.  Tim.  Alden  Sr.  visited 
him ;  and,  conversing  with  him  on  death,  asked  if  he  was  resigned  to  his 
approaching  dissolution.  Nauhaught  replied,  '  O  yes,  Mr.  Alden,  I  have 
always  had  a  pretty  good  notion  about  death.'  "  The  story  of  Deacon  Nau- 
haught's  being  attacked  by  a  number  of  large  black  snakes,  partakes  rather 
of  the  marvellous  ;  but  as  the  President  of  Meadville  College  indorsed  it, 
and  since  it  is  found  in  the  Massachusetts'  Magazine  of  1794,  and  also  in 
the  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.  for  1797,  we  are,  perhaps,  in  duty  bound  to  reproduce 
it :  '  He  was  distant  from  any  of  the  inhabitants,  had  no  knife  with  him,  no 
means  of  defence,  and  was,  therefore,  when  attacked,  in  a  very  precarious 
situation.  To  outrun  the  snakes  was  impossible,  and  to  keep  them  off  Avith- 
out  the  aid  of  some  Aveapon  Avas  as  impracticableo  The  deacon,  finding  the 
snakes  Avinding  themselves  about  his  person,  one  haA'ing  made  his  Avay  even 
to  the  Indian's  neck  and  assaying  to  put  his  head  into  the  Indian's  mouth, 
Nauhaught  permitted  it ;  but  no  sooner  did  the  reptile  thrust  in  his  head 
than  the  sharp  incisors  inserted  in  strong  jaAvs  closed  upon  the  intruder 
and  at  once  decapitated  him  ;  the  other  snakes'  bright  eyes  caught  sight  of 
the  bloody  neck  of  their  leader,  and  mstantly  loosened  their  coils,  fleeing 
with  gi-eat  precipitation.'  Thus  Avas  the  deacon,  by  the  power  of  his  jaws, 
hberated  hap]nly  from  threatened  death. 

As  Ave  have  ventured  thus  far,  the  Indian  tradition  in  regard  to  the 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  177 

Fish  nre  abundant  here,  as  in  the  neighboring  towns.  Bass 
River  furnishes  in  winter  a  large  supply  of  eels.  Fowl,  in  their 
season,  are  found  on  the  shores  and  about  the  ponds  and  salt- 
meadows. 

The  business  of  the  town  is  perhaps  chiefly  maritime.^  Agri- 
culture receives  some  attention ;  but  is  by  no  means  in  the  as- 
cendant. The  cranberry  culture  is  coming  into  vogue.  Formerly 
the  salt  manufocture  occupied  a  large  siDace  in  the  enterprise  of 
the  people  ;  this  business  has  greatly  declined,  but  is  still  very 
considerable.  Epsom  salts  are  produced  in  quantities ;  and  a 
magnesia  factory  is  in  successful  operation.  The  manufacture  of 
carriages  is  carried  on  to  some  extent,  and  other  varied  industrial 
pursuits  might  be  noticed  —  none  of  the  latter,  however,  are  on 
a  large  scale,  unless,  perhaps  an  exception  be  made  of  the  steam 
sawing,  planing,  and  grinding  mills  at  South  Yarmouth.      Yar- 

first  exploration  of  the  island  Nauticon  pointed  out  by  the  ancient  voyagers, 
alias  Nantucket,  and  the  origin  of  the  fogs  in  the  sound,  may  as  well  be 
added.  The  tradition  of  the  Vineyard  Indians  does  not  entirely  coincide 
with  this  of  the  Mattacheesetts ;  but  for  the  variance  in  the  traditions  we 
are  not  responsible.  We  give  the  latter  the  benefit  of  their  own  story : 
'A  great  many  moons  ago,  a  bird  of  monstrous  size  was  in  the  habit  of 
visiting  the  south  shore  of  Cape  Cod,  carrying  oflf  pappooses  and  even 
larger  children.  Its  flight  was  southward.  An  Indian  giant  resided  in 
these  parts,  by  the  name  of  Maushop.  Enraged  at  the  havoc  made,  for 
many  small  children  had  disappeared,  he  pursued  the  bird,  wading  across 
the  sound,  until  he  came  to  an  island  before  unknown.  liei'e,  he  found 
bones  of  children  scattered  in  heaps  around  the  trunk  and  imder  the  shade 
of  a  great  tree.  Wishing  now,  after  the  fatigue  of  fording  the  sound  and 
searching  the  island,  to  smoke  his  pipe  on  his  way  back,  but  finding  he  had 
no  tobacco,  he  filled  his  pipe  with  poke  —  a  weed  that  the  Indians  ever  after 
iised  as  a  substitute  when  their  stock  of  tobacco  failed ;  —  and  from  the 
time  of  this  memorable  event  fogs  have  been  frequent  in  Nantucket  and 
on  and  around  the  Vineyard  Sound  and  Nantucket  Shoals ;  so  that  when- 
ever the  Indians  see  a  fog  arising,  they  are  accustomed  to  say  in  their  own 
tongue  what  rendered  in  plain  Enghsh  is,  "  There  comes  old  Maushop's 
smoke." ' 

^At  the  beginning  of  the  present  century,  this  business  was  considerable. 
At  Bass  River  were .  6  wharves  (3  near  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  3  a 
mile  north  of  it)  ;  one  brig  sailed  between  this  place  and  the  VV'^.  Indies ; 
10  coasters  of  30  or  40  tons  burden,  to  Boston,  Connecticut,  or  the  South- 
ern States,  and  thence  to  the  W.  Indies;  10  vessels  (of  which  one  was  100 
tons,  the  others  from  40  to  70)  were  engaged  in  the  fisheries  at  the  straits 
of  Belle  Isle,  the  shoals  of  Nova  Scotia,  or  upon  Nantucket  Shoals.  A 
fishing  vessel  used  on  an  average  about  700  bu.  of 'salt  each  year.  Some 
vessels  were  annually  built  at  Bass  River.  In  Lewis'  Bay  were  4  coasters 
of  about  45  tons  each,  and  10  fishing  vessels  of  from  40  to  50  tons  each. 
—  In  1837,  there  were  in  S.  Yarm.  not  only  extensive  salt  works  —  52 
establishments  —  yielding  3G5,200  bu.;  but  13  vessels  engaged  In  the  cod 
and  mackerel  fisheries,  producing  4,300  qu.  of  cod-fish,  and  2,287  bbls.  of 
mackerel. 

VOL.  II.  23 


178  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

mouth  has  furnished  its  full  quota  of  able  seamen  and  accom- 
plished commanders.  It  has  ever  been  regarded  as  a  thriving 
town,  and  has  given  birth  to  some  distinguished  men. 

The  cause  of  education  has  generally  been  prominent  before 
the  people ;  of  late  years  it  has  received  an  impulse  correspond- 
ing with  the  improvements  of  the  age.  The  old  district  system 
has  been  abolished,  and  three  large  school-houses  have  been 
erected,  —  one  in  each  section  of  the  town,  viz.,  northern,  south- 
ern, and  western,  at  a  cost  of  about  112,000.  The  schools  are 
"graded,"  according  to  modern  practice.  The  nautical  school, 
endowed  by  bequest  of  the  late  Joshua  Sears,  is  also  in  operation. 

The  other  public  buildings  are  of  neat  and  respectable  aspect, 
to  say  the  least;  but  without  superior  architectural  pretensions. 
The  "  Barnstable  Bank  "  is  located  at  Yarmouth  Port ;  its  capi- 
tal 8350,000 ;  and  in  the  same  building  is  the  office  of  the  "Barn- 
stable County  Mutual  Fire  Insurance  Co."  A  printing-office, 
from  which  issues  weekly  the  "Yarmouth  Register,"  is  also 
established  at  "the  Port."  Here  is  the  hotel  long  known' as 
"  Sears'."  There  are,  at  the  Port,  meeting-houses  of  the  Meth- 
odists, Universalists,  and  Swedenborgians ;  at  Yarmouth  proper, 
of  the  old  Congregational  Church;  at  South  Yarmouth,  of  Meth- 
odists, Baptists,  and  Friends ;  and  at  West  Yarmouth,  of  Con- 
gregationalists  and  Methodists.  The  private  dwellings  in  the 
township  are  generally  neat,  and  betoken  comfort,  compe- 
tency, and  thrift;  some  of  them  are  fine  specimens  of  the  gen- 
teel residence.  The  ancient  style  of  building  has  in  great 
measure  disajDpeared ;  but  few  of  antique  appeai-ance  remain. 
The  surroundings  of  dwellings  receive  increased  attention,  and 
some  streets  exhibit  a  growing  appreciation  of  the  beauty  and 
utility  of  shade  trees. 

The  population  of  the  town  was,  according  to  the  census  of 
1860,  about  2,800 ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  fluctuations  of  busi- 
ness,^ maintains  a  constant  increase.  The  location  is  eminently 
favorable  to  health,  judging  by  the  numerous  instances  of  lon- 

^  The  fishing  business  had  so  far  declined  in  1857  that  the  '  Yar.  Register' 
said  of  it,  "  It  has  wellnigh  died  out.  Not  more  than  two  or  three  vessels 
have  been  sent  from  this  port  the  present  season,  whci-e  formerly  twenty  or 
thirty  sail  were  employed.  Our  citizens  have  turned  their  attention  to  for- 
eign commerce,  or  the  coasting  and  packeting  business,  which  pays  alto- 
gether better  thai>  with  our  poor  facilities  for  carrying  on  the  fisheries 
compared  with  Provincetown,  Gloucester,  Wellfleet,  and  other  places  on 
the  coast."  In  18G3,  the  same  paper  says,  "  The  last  of  the  fishing-fleet 
has  been  sold." 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  179 

gevity  furnished  by  records,  and  the  numbei'S  of  aged  people 
that  still  survive. 

As  the  Yarmouth  records  prior  to  1G77  are  "lost," 
we  have  only  imperfect  materials  for  the  early  history 
of  this  town.  That  there  may  have  been  a  few  settlers 
here  soon  after  the  settlement  of  Sandwich  was  begun 
in  1637,  is  not  at  all  improbable.  The  permission  to 
Mr.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Aug.  7,  1638,  "to  erect  a  house 
at  Mattacheese,  and  cut  hay  to  winter  his  cattle,  pro- 
vided it  do  not  withdraw  him  from  the  town  of  Ply- 
mouth ; "  and  to  Gabriel  Whelden  and  Gregory  Arm- 
strong, Sept.  3 ;  as  also  the  attempt  of  the  Rev. 
Stephen  Batchelor  and  associates  from  Lynn,  to  estab- 
lish themselves  here,  have  already  been  noticed.^ 
The  ultimate  and  permanent  establishment  must  un- 
doubtedly be  referred  to  the  summer  of  1639,  under 

^  See  Vol.  I.  135-6.  Whether  the  abortive  attempt  was  made  within 
what  are  now  the  bounds  of  Yarmouth,  or  Barnstable,  or  partly  within  the 
present  bounds  of  both,  is  a  question  of  little  moment.  We  have  regarded 
it  safe,  however,  to  follow  the  record  of  Gov.  Winthrop.  It  has  been  sup- 
posed that  Mr.  Batchelor  undertook  the  establishment  of  the  plantation  by 
consent  of  Mr.  Callicut.  Of  Mr.  B.  much  has  been  gratuitously  written  to 
his  disparagement.  From  all  that  we  gather  from  his  contemporaries,  we 
infer  that  he  was  learned,  and,  in  the  judgment  of  charity,  a  good  man ; 
but  that  his  whole  life,  extending  through  nearly  a  century  of  years,  was 
singularly  pregnant  with  incidents  of  trial.  These  were  not  chiefly  the 
result  of  ejectment  for  nonconformity.  Of  this  act,  Mr.  Lewis,  of  Lynn, 
has,  contrary  to  the  general  practice,  recorded  the  following  sensible  re- 
mark :  "  The  cluu'ch  {of  Eng.)  has  been  much  censured  for  her  severity ; 
and  all  uncharitableness  and  persecution  are  to  be  deprecated.  But  in 
simply  ejecting  her  ministers  for  non-conformity  after  they  have  approved 
of  her  modes  of  worship,  and  in  the  most  solemn  manner  possible  engaged 
themselves  in  her  service,  the  church  is  no  more  censurable  than  all  ofeher 
communities  with  whom  the  same  practice  is  common."  Mr.  B.'s  greatest 
trials  were  from  quite  another  source ;  and  it  is  surprising  how  far-reaching 
were  early  attempts  to  frame  excuses  for  harassing  with  penalties  and  pur- 
suing with  vindlctiveness  those  who  fell  under  "  suspicion."  It  is  equally 
notable  how  ready  are  some  at  the  present  day  to  catch  the  strain  and 
labor  to  justify  detraction  even  by  doubtful  traditional  circumstances  de- 
veloped, whether  "with  or  without  foundation  in  truth,  ex  post  facto.  Eev. 
Stephen  Batchelor,  b.  1560,  had  4  sons  and  3  drs.,  viz!:  Nathaniel, 
Stephen,  Henry,  Francis,  Theodata  who  m.  Christopher  Hussey,  and  is 
prob.  the  ancestor  of  the  Nantucket  Ilusseys,  Deborah  who  m.  John 
Wing  and  settled  in  Sandwich,  and  a  dr.  who  m.  John  Sanborn.  Among 
the  descendants  of  Rev.  Mr.  B.  are  claimed  Daniel  Webster  and  John  G. 
Whittier. 


180  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

the  auspices  of  Messrs.  Anthony  Thacher.  John  Crowe, 
and  Thomas  Howes,  grantees.-^  A  church  was  prob- 
ably organized  here  at  or  about  the  time  of  the 
incorporation  of  the  township,  perhaps  before.  We 
may,  at  least,  infer  this,  seeing  that  the  ecclesiastical 
was  never,  in  those  days,  far  behind  the  civic  organi- 
zation, and  often  preceded  ii^  The  first  settled  min- 
ister, it  is  generally  conceded,  was  the  Rev.  Marma- 
duke  Matthews.^ 

Progress  of  the  Town  from  its  Settlement.  —  Be- 
ing invested  with  municipal  rights,  the  town  was  rep- 
resented  in  General  Court,  June  4,  1639,  by  Messrs. 
Thomas  Payne  and  Philip  Tabor.*     Besides  these  gen- 


■^  "•  Mr.  John  Crowe,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Howes,  of  Mattacheese,  alias  Yar- 
mouth, took  the  oath  of  allegiance,  1638 ;  Mr.  Anthony  Thacher,  Jany.  7, 
1G38-9." 

^It  has  been  claimed  that  a  grant  bearing  date  Jany.  6,  1638-9,  was 
made,  in  which  the  original  bounds  are  described  as  "  extending  across  the 
Cape  fi'om  the  north  side  to  the  south  shore,  and  from  the  bounds  of  Barn- 
stable on  the  West,  to  Winslow's  Brook,  and  to  the  Herring  River  at  Hall's 
Mills."  If  such  were  the  bounds  oi'iginally  designated,  the  terms  here  em- 
ployed, it  is  evident,  could  not  have  been  the  descriptive  language  of  the 
grant,  since  they  do  not  comport  with  the  times.  The  fact,  however,  is  not 
therefore  to  be  concluded  as  necessarily  apocryphal. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Matthews  came  over  Sept.  21,  1638,  in  a  ship  from  Barn- 
staple, Eng.,  and,  with  his  wife,  Kathrine,  landed  in  Boston,  where  she 
joined  the  church  Feb.  6,  following,  and  he,  Feb.  7,  took  the  oath  of  alle- 
giance. He  is  mentioned  by  Morton  as  one  of  "  those  godly  and  able  gos- 
pel preachers  with  whom  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  accomplish  and  adorn  the 
colony,  who,  being  disposed  of  to  the  several  churches  and  congregations, 
gave  light  in  a  glorious  and  resplendent  manner  as  burning  and  shining 
lights."  Gov.  Winthrop  also  styles  Mr.  Matthews  "  a  godly  minister." 
Intimations  of  modern  origin,  made  withovit  good  cause,  and  at  best  only 
inferential,  are  utterly  unworthy  of  regard.  These,  it  is  true,  have  never 
impugned  his  piety  or  learning ;  but,  as  if  especially  called  upon  to  conjec- 
ture some  better  reason  than  appears,  why  certain  clergymen,  however 
worthy,  were  not  greatly  in  favor  with  the  magistrates,  unwarrantable  hb- 
erties  have  been  taken  in  the  premises.  One  says,  "  He  was  a  school- 
master, but  exercised  the  ministerial  functions  at  Yarmouth."  The  impres- 
sion which  this  statement  would  create,  perhaps  not  designedly  intended,  is 
gratuitous.  Mr.  Matthews  was,  evidently,  in  his  primary  capacity  a  cler- 
gyman deserving  of  honor,  though  he  may  have  united  with  his  ecclesiasti- 
cal calling  the  laudable  occupation  alleged. 

^  Mr.  Philip  Tabor  was  of  Water  town,  1634;  deputy  of  Yarmouth, 
1639  and  1640;  afterwards  of  the  Vineyard,  and.  Savage  says,  "went 
thence  to  N.  London,  Ct.,  but  was  of  Portsmouth,  R.  I.,  1656,  and  not 
long  after  at  Providence,  where  he  was  representative,  1661,  and  lived 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  '  181 

tlemen,  and  the  three  before  mentioned,  "  to  whom 
the  grant  of  land  at  Mattacheesett,  now  called  Yar- 
mouth/' was  made,  and  "  Mr.  Madrick  Matthews,"  the 
pastor,  were  William  Palmer,  appointed  "  to  exercise 
the  inhabitants  in ,  the  use  of  arms ;"  Samuel  Ryder, 
William  Lumpkin,  and  Thomas  Hatch,^  "  candidates  for 
freemen"  at  the  opening  of  the  year;  and,  yet  in 
abeyance,  was  "  Mr.  John  Coite."  ^  Nicholas  Sympkins 
and  Joshua  Barnes  soon  after  appear  as  citizens,  as 
also  Andrew  Hallett  ;  and,  not  long  after,  William 
Chase. 

It  is,  indeed,  to  be  regretted  that  we  are  under  the 
necessity  of  thus  gathering  the  names  of  the  earliest 
settlers,  as  well  as  items  of  history,  from  isolated 
materials :  — 

"  CoUiglte  fi-agmenta,  ne  quid  pereat :  " 

the  destruction  of  early  town  records  impels  to  the 
duty ;  nor  can  we,  it  is  apprehended,  avoid  the  omis- 
sion of  many  names  and  important  facts. 

In  the  progress  of  events,  Walter  Deville's  name 
appears  in  an  order  of  court,  1640,  touching  "lands 
hereafter  to  be  laid  out  and  assigned  in  the  town  of 
Yarmouth,"  and  "the  adjustment  of  bounds,"  1641; 
and  in  connection  with  an  order  "for  defraying  the 
public  charges,"  appear  the  additional  names  of 
Thomas  Holland,  Crannett  White,  and  Thomas  Starr. 
In  1642,  "  Peregrine  White,  of  Yarmouth,"  '  was  ap- 
pointed ensign  of  a  military  company,  of  which  Myles 
Standish  was  captain,  and  William  Palmer,  lieutenant, 
Mr.  Anthony  Thacher  being  of  the  council  of  war. 

later  at  Tiverton.  By  his  Avife,  prob.  Lydia  Masters,  of  Camb.,  he  had 
John,  bap.  at  Be.,  Nov.  8,  1640.  He  had  other  children,  —  Philip,  Thos., 
Job,  etc.  PhiUp,  Jr.,  had  a  family  in  Dartmouth.  The  "wid.  of  Philip,  Sr., 
m.  Pardon  TiUinghast,  Feb.  16,  1665,  his  2d  wife. 

^  In  1647,  he  is  mentioned  as  "  the  late  Thomas  Hatch." 

^  Mr.  Coit  was  originally  included  with  the  grantees,  but  went  to  Salem. 

^  So  say  the  records,  but  we  apprehend  there  is  some  mistake. 


182 


HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


In  1643,  military  companies  were  authorized  and 
organized  in  town,  and  the  inhabitants  were  directed 
by  government  "  to  provide  a  place  of  defence  against 
sudden  assault."  The  persons  in  town  liable  to  bear 
arms  were :  — 


Anthony  Berry, 
Thomas  Barman, 
Jas.  Bursel], 
Jno.  Burst  all, 
Wm.  Chase,  Sr., 
Wm.  Chase,  Jr., 
Danl  Cole, 
Job  Cole, 
John  Crowe, - 
Yelverton  Crowe, 
Rob't  Davis, 
Rob't  Dennis, 
John  Derby, 
Wm.  Edge, 
Roger  Else, 
Thomas  Falland, 
Thos.  Flawne, 


Wm.  Granse, 
John  Gray, 
Benj.  Hammon, 
Andrew  Hallet,  Sr. 
And.  Hallett,  Jr., 
Sam'l  Ilallet, 
Richard  Hoar, 
Thos.  Howe, 
Tristram  Hull, 
John  Joyce, 
Wm.  Lumpkin, 
Jas.  Matthews, 


Wm.  Pease, 
Rd.  Pritchards, 
Sam'l  Ryder, 
Richard  Sears, 
Thomas  Starr, 
Edward  Sturgis, 
IsTicholas  Sympkins, 
Richard  Taylor, 
Richard  Templar, 
Anthony  Thacher, 
Hugh  Tilley,! 
Wra.  Twining, 


Mr.  Mar.  Matthews,    Nich's  Wadibone, 


Henry  Whelden, 
Emanuel  White, 
Sam'l  Williams, 
Peter  Worden,^ 


Wm.  Nicorson, 
Hugh  Norman, 
Wm.  ISTorthcutt 
Wm.  Palmer, 
Thos.  Payne. 

Thus  we  gain  a  larger  view  of  the  inhabitants,  through  colo- 
nial records. 

In  1644,  Mr.  Anthony  Thacher  was  "licensed  to  draw  wines," 
and  in  1645,  the  name  of  Teague  Jones  appears  as  a  soldier  from 
this  town,  in  company  with  others  in  the  Narraganset  war. 

In  1646,  the  Rev.  John  Miller^  succeeded  in  the 
ministry  Mr.  Matthews.* 

^  The  name  is  afterwards  written  Hillier. 

^  This  the  only  son  of  Peter  Worden,  Sr.,  who  became  an  inhab.  of 
this  town,  1G39,  and  had  now  deceased. 

"We  have  said,  Vol.  I.,  249,  that  Mr.  Miller  ;9ro&._  came  1646-7  ;  but  the 
precise  date  of  the  commencement  of  his  pastorate  is  not  certainly  known  ; 
nor  yet  is  it  certain  at  what  time  the  ministerial  labors  of  Mr.  Matthews  were 
teraiinated.  That  he  Avas  succeeded  by  Mr.  Miller  there  can  be  no  doubt, 
however.  .  Johnson's  Wonder-working  Providence  recognizes  this  fact,  and 
the  birth  of  Mr.  Miller's  dr.  Susannah,  in  this  town,  May  2,  1647,  deter- 
mines his  location  at  the  time. 

*  Ptev.  Mr.  Mattuews,  according  to  Mr.  Savage,  was  from  Swansea, 


ANNALS    OF    YARMOUTH.  183 

In  1648,  May  18,  difficulties  that  had  long  existed 
respecting  lands  were  happily  adjusted.  We  have, 
perhaps,  sufficiently  adverted  to  these  troubles  in  our 
former  volume.  It  may,  however,  be  proper  here  to 
say  that  misunderstandings  were  incident,  first  upon 
the  fact  that  "  although  Gov.  Bradford  had  early  bar- 
gained with  the  Sagamore,  Mashantumpaine,  to  sell 
the  lands  at  Mattachiest  to  the  whites,  the  considera- 
tion had  not  been,  as  was  alleged,  fully  paid,  nor  the 
lands  reserved  for  the  Indians  clearly  defined  and 
bounded."  These  difficulties  related  to  the  very  first 
grants ;  but  succeeding  this  state  of  things,  lands  had, 
from  time  to  time,  been  examined  and  surveyed,  and 
some  progress  had  been  made  in  extinguishing  Indian 
titles.  The  lands  were  "  first  laid  out  in  furlongs,  and 
then  subdivided  for  house  and  farm  lots,  —  the  house- 
lots  bein^:  small,  and  all  laid  out  on  the  north  side  of 
the  road,  no  one  person  permitted  to  own  two  adjoin- 
ing lots  to  maintain  only  one  house  thereon;  the 
object  of  this  regulation  being  to  secure  the  settle- 
ment of  the  inhabitants  near  each  other  for  mutual 


Wales;  and,  Feb.  20,  1674,  in  his  18tli  year  matriculated  at  All  Souls' 
Col.,  Oxford.  Mr.  S.  supposes  lie  went  to  Hull  about  1644 ;  then  to  Mai- 
den, etc.,  and  returning  to  England,  died  in  his  native  place,  according  to 
Calamy,  1683.  Mr.  S.  has  it  that  he  prob.  had  a  son  Mordecai  who  grad. 
H.  C,  1655,  and  that  his  son  Manesseh  was  bap.  at  Be.  by  Mr.  Lothrop, 
Jan.  24,  1660.  Nothing  more  of  his  family  is  known  with  certainty.  That 
he  was  some  time  at  Hull,  and  also  at  Maiden,  there  can  be  no  doubt.  In 
1651,  May  15,  he  was  cited  to  appear  to  answer  in  court  for  having  uttered 
in  sermons  "  unsafe  and  unsound  expressions,"  for  which  he  was  fined  £lO, 
and  the  Maiden  church  was  also  cited  to  answer  for  settling  him  without 
the  approbation  of  the  magistrates.  The  marshal,  endeavoring  to  satisfy 
the  demand  for  fine  against  Mr.  M.,  "  found  nothing  but  his  library."  Tra- 
dition, highly  improbable,  locates  him  at  Cape  May,  1692;  which  does  not 
comport  with  the  accomit  given  by  Mr.  S.  and  Calamy.  Mr.  Felt  supposes 
he  left  Maiden  about  1652,  and  was  some  time  in  Lynn,  taking  passage  to 
England  about  1655,  and  then  exercising  his  ministry  where  he  was  born,  in 
Swansea.  Mr.  Felt  records  this  honorable  testimony  to  his  merits,  "  He 
was  remarkable,  in  all  his  intercourse  with  others,  for  making  the  gospel 
the  chief  subject  of  conversation ;  was  very  pious  and  zealous,  and  con- 
tinued useful  to  the -last." 


184         HISTORY  OP  BAKNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

defence."  Complaints  and  court  orders  do  not  warrant 
the  conclusion  that  the  committees  did  not  perform 
their  duties  faithfully  to  the  extent  of  their  ability ; 
for^  it  was  found  that  the  instructions  of  the  court 
were  sometimes  "  impracticable."  ^  The  troubles  were 
prolonged  ^  until  the  above  date,  when,  it  is  said, 
"  Capt.  Standish  having,  in  the  month  of  March  pre- 
ceding, heard  and  decided  a  large  number  of  cases,  to 
put  an  end  to  all  complaints,  some  were  ejected,  for- 
mer grants  abrogated,  and  the  properties  reverted  to 
the  town.''  Thus,"  it  is  affirmed,  "  were  finally  settled 
all  the  grievances  about  the  laying  out  of  the  lands 
from  the  beginning  of  the  plantation."  * 

In  1649  and  immediately  succeeding  years,  certain  persons  who 
had  not  yet  attained  to  the  rights  of  citizenship,  were  involved 
by  alleged  delinquencies  that  figure  in  the  court  calendar ;  but 
as  it  would  be  manifestly  unjust  to  array  eai'ly  offences  against 
a  subsequently  irreproachable  life,  we  gladly  defer  these  matters 
to  any  whose  taste  may  incline  to  luxuriate  in  such  employment. 
In  1650,  April  22,  Mr.  Samuel  Hallett  was  drowned  at  Nauset. 

In  1651,  March  4,  "  Emanuel  White  of  Yarmouth,"  was  pre- 
sented at  Plymouth,  "  for  villifying  the  nainistry  of  Mr.  Miller ; " 
and,  at  the  next  session  of  the  court,  June  2,  the  minister,  "Mi-, 


•^  Hence  the  action  of  tlie  court,  March,  1640,  approving  the  doings  of 
the  committee,  but  ordering  that  they  "  shall  receive  no  more  inhabitants 
without  certificate." 

^  Notwithstanding  a  special  court  "was  held  in  town,  June  17,  1G42," 
in  consequence  of  continued  dissatisfaction,  "  by  Edward  WinsloAv,  Miles 
Standish,  and  Edmund  Fi'eeman,  gents.,  three  of  the  assistants  of  the  gov- 
ernment," when  and  where  "  it  was  ordered  and  concluded,"  as  repre- 
sented, "  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  that  Mr.  Standish  be  joined  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Yarmouth,"  and  an  arrangement  Avas  made  "  for  assigning  the 
lands  by  lot." 

^The  committee  were  allowed  for  their  services:  Mr.  Thacher  110  acres 
of  upland  and  26  of  meadow;  Mi'.  Ilowes  and  Mr.  Crowe  each  80  acres 
of  upland  and  20  of  meadow. 

*An  agreement  had  been  made,  "May  15,  by  Capt.  Standish,  Mr. 
Thacher,  Mr.  Crowe,  and  Mr.  rio'R:es,  the  committee  on  the  part  of  the 
plantation  of  Yarmouth ;  and  by  Mr.  Hoar,  Mr.  Hawes,  Wm.  Nickerson, 
Wm.  Palmer,  and  Robert  Dennis,  in  behalf  of  the  town,  that  Mr.  Starr, 
"\Vm.  Nickerson,  and  Rt.  Dennis  shall  be  joined  to  the  committee  for  this 
present  year." 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  185 

Miller  was  cited  to  aiiswer  for  remarks,  in  sermon,  against  the 
government." 

We  are  not  about  to  interpose  an  opinion  in  regard 
to  the  causes  of  the  agitations  of  the  present  times. 
The  pages  of  history  are  not  the  proper  arena  for  the 
expression  of  individual  fancies,  nor  of  dogmatic  de- 
cisions. It  is  proper,  however,  to  state  succinctly  that 
great  diversities  of  views  on  both  political  and  relig- 
ious subjects  existed  in  the  colonies.^  The  agitations 
of  the  day  were  not  peculiar  to  any  one  community ; 
and,  in  order  to  estimate  the  nature  or  importance 
of  much  that  was  spoken,  written,  or  otherwise  acted 
or  enacted,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  such  a 
condition  of  thins-s  is  not  most  favorable  to  charitable 
construction,  correct  judgment,  or  accurately  descrip- 
tive terms  of  the  sentiments  and  doings  of  oppo- 
nents.™ 

^Religious  dissensions,  whether  associated  with  differences  of  poHtical 
views,  or  not,  naturally  lead  to  insubordination;  and  the  fact  that  the 
moral  soil  of  the  two  colonies  had  thus  early  become  apt  for  the  intro- 
duction of  a  variety  of  opposing  doctrines  tending  to  troubles  that  must  for 
a  long  time  convulse,  more  or  less,  every  plantation  and  church,  conveys  a 
sad  reflection  ! 

^  Opprobrious  epithets  were  freely  applied.  On  the  one  hand  the  policy 
of  those  in  power  was  denounced  as  exclusive  and  coercive ;  and  on  the 
other,  the  least  dissent  from  that  policy  elicited  suspicion.  If  new  doc- 
trines were  broached,  the  kind  of  opposition  they  encountered  added 
strength  to  conviction,  and  gave  increased  boldness,  and,  probably,  vehe- 
mence to  utterance.  Mr.  Felt  tells  us  that  "the  doctrines  of  the  Seekers' 
had  spread  among  the  people  of  the  colonies ; "  and  supposes  the  letter  of 
Eev.  Mr.  Leveridge  to  Rev.  John  Wilson,  Sept.  22,  1G52,  refers  especially 
to  their  influence :  "  It  is  not  unknown  to  you  and  others  what  singular 
conflicts  I  have  met  withal  in  my  troubles  among  my  own  countrymen,  — 
divers  of  them  transported  with  their,  though  not  singular,  fancies,  to  the 
neglecting  of  all  churches  and  ordinances,  by  a  new  cunning,  and,  I  per- 
suade myself,  one  of  the  last  but  most  pernicious  plots  of  the  devil  to  un- 
dermine all  religion."  Mr.  L.  remarks  farther  that  "  but  for  the  persua- 
sion of  his  friends,"  he  would  have  moved  away  with  members  of  his 
church,  "  to  a  more  favorable  location."  The  '  Seekers  '  Avere  first 
known  distinctively  in  England  about  1G45,  and  held  that  the  true  church 
ministry,  Scriptures,  and  ordinances  were  lost.  For  these  they  professed 
to  seek.  They  said,  "  The  Bible  is  uncertain,  the  ministry  without  author- 
ity, present  modes  of  Avorship  and  ordinances  vain,  and  renewed  miracles 
necessary  to  faith."  That  there  were  some  in  the  Cape  towns  who  listened 
to  such  teachings,  there  can  be  no  doubt ;    but  the  influences,  gradual  or 

VOL.   II.  24 


186  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1652,  the  sermon  preached  by  Rev.' Mr.  Miller  appears  to 
have  been  regarded  by  the  General  Court  as  offering  sufficient 
occasion  to  instruct  a  "jury  to  make  due  inquiry  to  vindicate 
the  government." 

Whether  we  find  thus  early  a  precedent  for  polit- 
ical discourses  from  the  pulpit,  we  opine  not ;  but  men 
were,  doubtless,  not  very  unlike  those  of  our  own  day. 
That  the  practices  of  some  were  not  entirely  dissimilar, 
receives  confirmation  from  the  fact  that  there  was  a 
disposition  thus  early  to  evade  the  liquor  law : 

"William  Hedge,  of  Yarmouth,  one  of  the  jurors  appointed  to 
lay  out  a  road  from  Sandwich  to  Plymouth,  was  presented,  Oct. 
5,  for  selling  Avine  and  strong  water  without  license."  He  was, 
hov/ever,  soon  after  "  elected  ensign." 

In  1653  John  Gorham  and  Sergt.  Ryder  ^  wei-e  deputies  to 
meet  others  from  the  several  towns  "  to  treat  and  conclude  on 
military  affairs."  Josiah  Hallett  and  Thomas  Gage  appear  on 
the  court  record  at  this  time,  charged  with  "  sailing  their  vessel 
on  Sunday;"  and  Francis  Baker,  "for  selling  wines  without 
license." 

In  1654,  the  town  was  again  without  a  minister.^ 
The  general  complaint  of  "  a  growing  indifference  to 
the  ministry "  was  apropos  to  this  town,  as  to  every 
other  part  of  New  England. 


sudden,  that  ushered  strange  doctrines  before  the  public,  must  be  analyzed 
to  appreciate  the  existing  state  of  aifairs  and  the  trials  to  ■which  religion 
was  subjected  at  this  early  period  of  colonial  history. 

^  Sergt.  Ryder  was  this  year  promoted  to  a  lieut(fnancy ;  but  soon  after 
presented,  "  for  affronting  the  constable  when  sent  to  enforce  the  impress- 
ment of  men,"  and  was,  for  that  offence,  removed  from  office  and  reduced 
to  the  ranks. 

^  At  what  time  Rev.  John  Miller  removed  is  quite  uncertain.  See 
Vol.  I.,  249,  250.  We  had  supposed  that  he  remained  until  called  to  Gro- 
ton;  but  were  probably  mistaken.  His  residence  here  must  have  ceased  long 
before.  His  wife,  Lydia,  d.  in  Boston,  Aug.  7,  1G5G.  Besides  those  men- 
tioned in  V^ol.  I.,  and  probably  other  children  b.  in  England,  Avas  Mehitable, 
b.  in  Roxbury,  July  1.3,  1G.38,  who  m.  John  CroAve,  of  Yarmouth;  Lydia, 
b.  1G40,  m.  Fish,  of  Sandwich;  Susannah,  b.  1G47,  d.  at  Charlestown,  Oct. 
14,  IGCO;  Elizh.  b.  1G4!),  m.  Scunuel  Frost,  of  Billerica.  Other  drs.  were 
Faitli  who  m.  Nathl.  Winslow,  of  Marshfield,  Aug.  3,  1GG4  ;  and  Hannah 
who  m.  Joseph  Frost,  of  Charlestown,  Nov.  6,  IG?"?. 


ANNALS    OF    YARMOUTH.  187 

"  The  bounds  of  lands  betwixt  Yarmouth  and  Eastham,  be- 
longmg  to  the  purchasers^''''  were  defined.^ 

"  WilHam  Chase,  Sr.,  of  Yarmouth,"  was  presented  "  for  driv- 
ing a  pair  of  oxen  in  yoke  on  the  Loi'd's  day,  in  time  of  ser- 
vice, about  five  miles,"  Mr.  Samuel  Arnold  was  this  year 
deputy.^ 

In  1655,  Mr.  Anthony  Thacher  was  commissioned  "to  join 
persons  in  marriage."  John  Smith,  carpenter,  appears  on  record. 
Six  wolves  were  desti'oyed  in  town  and  the  bounty  claimed. 
And  complaint  was  made  by  John  Derby  against  Mashantam- 
l^aine,  Indian,  his  dogs  doing  "much  damage  to  cattle."^  In 
1656,  Thomas  Starr  was  presented  "for  opposing  the  constable," 
and  was  fined.* 

In  1657,  the  inhabitants  being  engaged  in  a  controversy  with 
the  Sachem,  Yanno,  about  lauds,  inquiry  was  ordered  by  the 
court,  and  a  settlement  subsequently  made.  Mr.  William  Nick- 
erson  was  "  allowed,  by  court,  to  have  his  lands  at  Monamoiet 
viewed,  that  he  may  have  a  competency  allowed  him." 

In  1655,  June  1,  Mr.  John  Miller,  son  of  Rev.  Mr.  M.,  was 
made  freeman  by  the  Plymouth  court.  Sundry  conferences 
were  held,  intended  to  effect  an  arrangement  final  of  all  difficul- 
ties with  the  Indians. 

In  1659,  March  1,  "the  court  takhig  notice  that  John  Wing  is 
erecting  a  building  in  a  place  that  is  out  of  the  bounds  of  the 


^ "  From  tlie  river  of  Namskekett  to  a  marked  tree  and  stake  a  little 
beyond  the  rocky  point  next  Satuckett,  on  the  sea  side.  The  bounds  of 
the  lands  of  said  purchasers  to  the  eastward  is  from  the  bounds  of  East- 
ham  to  the  Eastern  Harbor,  and  from  thence  to  a  little  pond,  being  the 
bounds  of  the  land  bought  for  the  country,  belonging  to  Cape  Cod.  What- 
ever whale  or  blubber  shall  be  cast  up  against  the  lands  of  the  purchasers 
to  belong  to  them,  as  unto  the  towns." 

'^Mr.  Arnold,  who  was  liable  to  bear  arms  in  Sandwich,  1G43,  had  be- 
come an  inhabitant  of  this  town,  but  in  what  capacity  he  was  here  is  not 
known  further  than  that  he  was  deputy  in  1654  and  1656.  In  1657  he 
went  to  Marshfield,  where  he  was  settled  in  the  ministry  in  1658,  and  d. 
Sept.  1,  1693,  aged  71.  He  probably  was  here  as  a  religious  teacher.  He 
had  by  his  Av.  Elizabeth,  children  born  here,  viz.:  Samuel,  May  9,  1649, 
who  was  the  first  minister  of  Rochester,  1684  ;  Seth,  who  settled  in  Dux- 
bury  ;  and  Elizabeth,  who  m.  Holmes,  of  Rochester. 

'  The  Indians  were  always  noted  for  the  possession  of  an  ample  supply 
of  dogs. 

*Mr.  Thomas  Starr  was  of  Duxbury,  1639.  Pie  served  in  the  Pe- 
quot  war.  He  was  some  time  in  Scituate,  where  he  had  children  born, 
viz. :  Comfort,  1644,  and  Elizabeth,  1646  ;  then  came  to  this  town,  "  where 
he  had  been  before,"  and  had  b.  to  him  Benj.,  Feb.  6,  1647-8,  and  Jehosh- 
aphat,  Jan.  12, 1649-50.     He  finally  removed  to  Charlestown,  says  Savage. 


188  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

township,  and  conceiving  that  such  practices,  if  permittee!,  may- 
prove  prejudicial  to  the  whole,  do  order  that  the  sd.  John  Wing 
and  others  that  have  done  or  shall  do  so,  be  prohibited  to  per- 
sist therein  until  it  be  further  cleared  to  what  township  such 
said  lands  belong  on  which  they  build."  ^  A  portion  of  the  in- 
habitants were  commended  by  the  court  for  a  disposition  to 
encourage  and  support  the  ministry;  the  others  were  censured 
for  neglect,  and  orders  were  issued  for  a  levy  to  be  made  annu- 
ally.    Mr.  William  Chase  died  this  year.^ 

In  1661,  permission  was  given  to  Mr.  Thomas  Paine  "  to  pur- 
chase lands  at  Setucket  for  his  mill."  And  March  5,  Richard 
Childs  was  ordered  by  the  court  to  "desist  from  erecting  a  cot- 
tage within  the  bounds  of  the  town."  ^  He  was  subsequently 
"  permitted  to  enjoy  his  cottage."  And  in  1661,  the  controver- 
sies in  relation  to  "  drift  whales  "  were  rife  here,  as  in  other  Cape 
towns.* 

In  1662  is  probably  to  be  located  the  advent  here 
of  the  Rev.  Thomas  Thornton.  That  he  was  the  tliird 
m  succession  of  the  pastorate  in  this  town/  there  can 

^  Mr.  John  Wing  left  Sandwich  early,  and  seated  himself  at  Sautucket ; 
its  relation  to  this  township  then  of  a  somewhat  equivocal  character,  but 
the  situation  which  he  occupied  being  considered  as  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  Yarmouth.  He  and  John  DiUingham,  also  from  Sandwich,  became 
large  laud  owners. 

^"Mr.  William  Chase  came  over  in  1630.  He  was  constable  in  Yar- 
mouth, 1639,  having  resided  some  time  both  in  Roxbury  ajid  Scituate. 
He  brought  with  him  from  England  a  wife  IMary,  and  a  sou  William.  He 
■  had  a  dr.  Mary,  b.  May,  1637,  who  d.,  aged  15  ;  and  a  son,  Benj.,  b.  1640. 
His  will,  1659,  mentions  his  wife  Mercy  (or  Mary),  and  sons,  Wm.  Jr., 
and  Benj.,  —  the  former,  eldest,  to  inherit  his  estate.  He  d.  in  May;  his 
widow  d.  in  Oct.,  the  same  year. 

^  The  practice  of  warning  new-comers  to  depart  from  a  town,  which  pre- 
vailed through  the  colony  for  a  long  period,  strikes  one  now  as  a  breach  of 
hospitality  and  decorum,  and  so  does  the  above  order  :  and  yet  these  pro- 
ceedings were  in  conformity  with  law,  and  of  frequent  application,  liea- 
sons  for  the  existence  of  laws  authorizing  these  practices  were  doubtless 
valid, —  the  circumstances  of  new  settlements  requiring  gi-eat  caution  in  the 
admission  to  habitancy ;  and  the  impartial  enforcement  of  the  rule  until 
the  proposed  conditions  of  citizenship  were  fulfilled,  forbade  the  idea  of  its 
being  intended  as  a  reflection  upon  any  one's  character.  Mr.  Child  m. 
Maiy  Linnett,  Oct.  15,  1649,  in  Be.,  and  is  supposed  to  be  the  progenitor 
of  those,  generally,  of  the  name  in  the  county,  and  Samuel  and  Richard, 
of  Barnstable,  are  supposed  to  have  been  his  sons.  The  first  was  slain  in 
the  Rehoboth  battle,  March  25,  1675;  the  latter  was  ordained  a  deacon 
of  the  Be.  churcli,  Sept.  4,  1706. 

*See  Vol.  I,  243,  246. 

'^  We  were  made,  through  the  error  of  the  compositor,  we  presume,  to 
flay,  in  another  place,  that  he  was  the  Jirst  pastor. 


ANNALS   OF   YARMOUTH.  189 

be  scarcely  a  doubt ;  ^  but  the  precise  date  of  his  set- 
tlement is  not  determinable.™  We  are  to  look  for 
incidental  testimony  on  this  point ;  but  whatever  un- 
certainty may  exist  in  regard  to  his  entering  on  his 
ministry  here  the  present  year,  we  are  sure  that  he 
was  in  the  discharge  of  its  active  duties  the  year  fol- 
lowing.'^ About  this  time  began  the  use  of  the  title 
^^Rev,  "  _  often  "  Elder/'  instead  of  "  Mr."  for  Congre- 
gational ministers. 

In  1663,  the  vigilance  of  the  law  exacted  of  Thomas  Sturgis  a 
fine  of  £6  "for  bringing  liquor  into  town."  And  in  1664,  difii- 
culties  existed  in  regard  to  Monamoiet  lands. 

In  1665,  "the  lands  at  Monamoiet,"  that  had  been  for  years 
in  controversy  between  Mr.  William  Nickerson  and  others,  were, 
after  some  adjustment  of  difficulties,  and  the  subsidence  of  heat, 
a,djudged  to  be  "  within  the  liberties  of  tlie  town  of  Yarmouth."* 
Mr.  Thomas  Howes  died  this  year.^ 

In  1666,  at  the  March  terra,  Thomas  Starr  and  Jonathan 
Barnes  were  fined  40s.  each,  and  Abraham  Hedge  20s.,  "for  abu- 
sive carriage  towards  Mr.  Anthony  Thacher  at  his  house."  In 
June,  the  selectmen  of  towns  were  required  by  the  court  "  to 
notice  all  persons  who  come  to  dwell  without  leave  first  obtained 
of  the  Governor  and  two  assistants;"  the  ofienders  "to  be  pre- 
sented if  permission  be  not  thus  obtained."  So  began  the  prac- 
tice of  '■'■  toarning  out  of  townP  And,  Oct.  31,  "William  Nick- 
erson,  Sr.,  of  Manamoit,  having,  in  a  letter  to  Rd.  Nichols,  Gover- 
nor of  Kew  York,  scandalously  reproached  the  government  of  N. 


^  It  will  be  understood  that  Rev.  Mr.-  Batclielor,  although  the  min- 
ister first  here,  previous  to  the  final  settlement  of  the  plantation,  is  not  in- 
cluded. The  same  remark  is  applicable  to  Rev.  Mr.  Hull,  of  whom  it  is 
alleged  by  Mr.  Lothrop's  church  record  that  "  he  joined  himself  with  a 
company  at  Yarmouth,  to  become  their  pastor." 

^  Mather  says  he  was  one  of  those  who  fled  subsequent  to  the  Act  of 
Unifoi'mlty,  1662  ;  and  Alden  says,  "  How  soon  after  this  he  was  settled  in 
Yarmouth  is  not  certainly  known.  We  find  his  name  in  the  town  records 
for  1677,  before  which  the  records  have  been  unfortunately  lost." 

^  Felt  has  it  that  he  was  here  as  earhj  as  June  18,  1663. 

*  See  Vol.  I.,  256. 

^Mr.  Thomas  Howes  was  one  of  the  original  grantees  of  the  town- 
ship, and  often  represented  the  town  in  General  Court.  His  will  bears 
date  Sept.  26,  1665,  and  his  wid.  Mary  administered,  1665-6.  He  men- 
tions spns  Joseph,  Thomas,  and  Jeremiah. 


190  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Plymouth  and  the  freemen  of  the  jurisdiction,"  was  required  to 
give  bonds  to  answer;  as  also  "his  sons-in-law,  Robert  Eklred, 
Nath'l  Covell,  and  Tristram  Hedges,  who  were  privy  to  his  con- 
duct."^   JoHx  Joyce  died  this  year,  Dec.  21. 

In  1667,  March  5,  Wm.  Lumpkin  and  Peter  Worden  were 
fined  10s.  each,  "for  disturbance  at  the  Yarmouth  meeting- 
house ; "  Mr.  Nickerson  was  called,  July  2,  to  answer  for  words 
spoken  against  the  preaching ;  and  John  Miller  was  licensed  to 
keep  an  ordinary.  Mr.  Anthony  Thacher  died  this  year, 
Aug.  22.2 

In  1669,  March  2,  sundry  persons  were  fined  5s.  each  "  for 
smoking  tobacco  at  the  end  of  Yarmouth  meeting-house  on  the 
Lord's  day,  in  time  of  exercise." 

In  1671  the  paucity  of  material  for  so  full  history  as 
we  would  wish  is  somewhat  relieved  by  a  casual  view 
of  the  watchful  and  gentle  spirit  of  the  Christian  pas- 
tor,—  his  tender  care,  not  merely  to  reclaim  the  erring, 
but  to  make  their  return  to  duty  more  grateful,  as 
obtained  from  an  intercessory  letter  addressed  to  Gov. 
Prince.  Mr.  Thornton,  after  certifying  the  offender's 
"  acknowledgment  of  his  fault  in  the  public  assembly," 
to  the  satisfaction  of  all,  even  of  those  most  wronged, 
—  the  "  confession "  of  the  penitent  being  inclosed 
to  the  Governor,  —  suggests  the  reason  of  his  being 
moved  to  mediate  in  his  behalf,  "  by  that  tender  re- 
spect that  I  bear  to  a  church  child  when  they  own  the 
covenant  and  are  wiUing  to  accept  of  exhortation  and 
reproofs  as  he  hath  done ;    hoping,  likewise,  that  he 

^  It  does  not  comport  with  manly  discrimination  to  be  censorious  in  esti- 
mating the  character  of  early  settlers  because  of  occasional  disagreements 
with  the  ruling  powers,  or  records  of  acts  liable  to  be  misconceived.  Mr. 
Nickerson  and  family  were  tenacious  of  what  they  regarded  their  rights, 
and  the  disallowance  of  their  purchases  made  of  Indians  at  an  early  date, 
was  the  occasion  of  prolonged  disputes  and  bitter  animosities.  Mr.  Nicker- 
son was,  on  another  occasion,  fined  "  for  disrespect  to  religion  ; "  and  yet  he 
exercised  the  office  of  lay  religious  teacher  at  Manomoiet,  and  continued  to 
conduct  public  religious  services  until  Mr.  Yickery  came. 

"  See  Vol.  I.,  142-5.  Mr.  Savage  supposes  that  Mr.  Thacher  preached 
some  time  in  Marblchead.  That  he  had  been  a  curate  in  England,  there 
can  h(i  no  doubt.  Mr.  Tliacher's  position  in  the  colony,  and  especially  in 
Yarmouth,  was  one  of  high  respectability  and  large  influence. 


ANNALS    OF   YAKMOUTH.  191 

will  find    the    honorable    court   more   favorable    and 
tender  towards  him."  ^ 

Three  persons  were  fined,  at  the  March  term,  30s.  "  for  sailing 
from  Yarmouth  to  Boston  on  the  Lord's  day,"  and  three  others 
were  summoned  to  appear  for  a  like  profanation.  At  the  June 
term,  one  of  these  was  also  fined  5s.  "  for  swearing." 

In  Jmie,  1672,  the  "  Committee's  Book  of  Grants,"  opened  in 
compliance  with  law,  and  on  which  it  is  written,  "John  Thacher 
was  appointed  to  keep  this  book,  and  to  enter  records  therein  ;" 
the  committee  being  Messrs.  "Edmund  Hawes,  Thomas  Board- 
man,  Andrew  Plallett,  Thomas  Howes,  and  John  Thacher," 
but  Messrs.  Jeremiah  Howes  and  John  Miller  being  afterwards 
substituted  "for  Capt.  Howes  and  Andrew  Hallett;  "  contains  on 
its  first  page  this  entry :  "  Given  unto  the  town  of  Yarmouth, 
their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  for  the  ministry,  to  lie  for  that 
end  and  us3  forever,  a  parcel  of  land  for  a  house-lot,  where  now 
the  minister's  house  stands ;  bounded  on  the  north  side  by  the 
land  of  Elisha  Hedge;  on  the  west  by  the  highway;  on  the  south 
side  by  the  land  of  Anthony  Fray  [Fry]  and  Nathaniel  Hall;  on 
the  east  side  by  the  river ;  containing  ten  acres  and  a  parcel  of 
meadow  land,  lying  and  being  in  a  neck  called  and  known  by 
the  name  Hedge's  Neck,  containing  six  acres  ;  and  another  par- 
cel lying  and  being  in  the  meadow  at  Canoe  Point,  bounded  on 

^  The  letter,  concluding  with  compliments  to  Mrs.  Prince,  has  a  black 
seal,  —  the  device  partially  legible,  but  sufficient  remaining  to  show  what 
was  in  the  heart  of  the  writer:  "  christvm  seqvor."  Another  instance 
we  may  mention  now  that  we  are  contributing  to  illustrate  the  character- 
istics of  a  good  man.  In  1676—7,  March  6,  his  eldest  having  removed  to 
Boston,  the  father  says,  in  a  letter  to  Rev.  Increase  Mather,  "  I  have  here 
inclosed,  sent  my  son  Theophilus  a  letter  of  dismission  by  appointment  of 
the  church  in  Yarmouth.  Though  I  know  that  I  speak  to  one  that  is  ten- 
der of  souls,  yet  fatherly  affection  will  be  woi-king.  By  a  letter  I  did 
lately  receive  from  him,  I  perceive  that  he  is  dejected  in  spirits ;  therefore, 
dear  sir,  let  me  beseech  you  to  take  the  more  care  of  him.  I  bless  God 
that  so  long  as  he  was  with  us,  he  was  well-beloved  of  the  most  choice 
brethren."  Thus  much  for  paternal  love.  And  now,  as  an  instance  of  fra- 
ternal correspondence,  we  will  quote  from  another  letter  to  Mr.  blather : 
"  One  thing  by  which  you  have  gained  much  in  my  heart,  is  the  feithful- 
ness  I  find  in  your  ministry  and  in  your  writings,  inasmuch  as  you  lend 
your  study  to  strike  at  the  sins  of  the  backsliding  times.  Another  thing, 
which  others,  with  myself,  take  notice  of,  that  you  endeavor  to  be  exem- 
plary to  others  in  your  convei'sation  and  in  the  habits  of  your  wife  and 
children.  I  speak  to  this  end  that  God  may  have  the  glory  and  you  be 
encouraged  in  your  way  of  well-doing ;  for  I  see  that  in  some  ministers  of 
the  gospel  that  doth  not  well  become  their  so  holy  calhng,  —  especially  in 
some  of  the  younger  sort  of  ministers." 


192  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

the  north  side  by  the  meadow  of  Samuel  Hall ;  and  on  the  west 
side  by  the  meadow  of  Thomas  Howes;  this  contains  four  acres, 
more  or  less ;  and  another  parcel  of  planting  land  at  Nobscus- 
sett,  bounded  on  the  north  side  by  the  land  of  Joseph  Howes, 
and  on  the  south  side  by  the  meadow  of  John  Hall,  Sr.,  and 
Joseph  Howes,  containing  eight  acres,  more  or  less."  In  1673, 
~T     in  tlie  month  of  January,  Mr.  John^  Ceowell  died.^ 

Ill  1674,  the  ever-to-be-regretted  loss  of  town  rec- 
ords by  fire  occurred.- 

A  memorandum  of  former  transactions  in  the  handwriting  of 
Mr.  Anthony  Thacher,  and  witnessed  by  his  sons,  appears,  cer- 
tified at  this  date,  showing  that  Mashantampaine  was  fully  com- 
pensated for  lands  at  or  near  Stony  Cove,  etc.^  "  Monamoyick  " 
was  "  ordered  to  be  included  in  the  town  of  Eastham."  It  had 
been  hitherto  considered  as  "within  the  liberties  of  Yarmouth." 
It  was  ordered,  June  3,  "  that  the  freemen  of  the  several  towns 
have  their  names  placed  on  record;  none  to  be  proj)Osed  here- 
after as  freemen,  unless  approved  by  a  majority  of  the  town  for 


^  Mr.  Crowell  came  over  1635  ;  in  1638  sold  lands  in  Charlestown,  and 
was  eai-ly  in  Yarmouth,  with  his  wife  Ehshua.  He  had  sons,  Moses,  bap. 
in  Charlestown,  1637,  who  prob.  d.  young;  John,  Thomas,  and  Samuel. 
The  name  was  long  written  Crow,  sometimes  Crowes,  Croel,  and  finally 
subsided  into  the  present  form. 

*  We  could  wish  that  the  loss  of  town  records  ended  here ;  but  many 
pages  of  subsequent  date  are  mutilated,  worn,  or  nearly  illegible. 

^  "  Witnesseth  these  presents,  that  I,  Masshantampaigne,  Sagamore,  doth 
acknowledge  that  I  have  received  and  had  of  Anthony  Thacher,  Mr.  John 
Crow,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Howes,  all  and  every  particular  thing  and  things 
that  I  was  to  have  for  all  and  every  part  and  parcel  of  lands,"  etc.,  etc.  .  . 
'"  which  sd.  lands  I  sold  to  Mr.  William  Bradford,  Esq.  I  say,  I  acknowl- 
edge myself  fully  satisfied  and  paid,  .  .  and  I  do  forever  acquit  the  sd. 
Thacher,  Crow,  and  Howes.  .  .  In  witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set 
my  hand  the  8th  day  of  May,  1657. 


L\ 


"  The  mark  V     \   of  Masshantampaigne. 


"  Signed  and  delivered  in  presence  of 
"John  Thacher, 
"  JuDAH  Thacher. 
"  There   were   also  present  Mr.  John    Crow,  his   wife,  and   Elizabeth 
Thacher,  and  Indian  Felix." 

"  I  John  Thacher,  aged  al^out  35  years,  do  testify  that  when  my  father 
took  this  above  Avriting  of  Masshantampaigne,  I  was  by  and  heard  him  own 
it,  and  saw  him  set  his  liand ;  and  I  set  my  name  at  that  time  as  a  witness." 
"  Taken  upon  oath,  this  9th  day  of  Feb.  1674,  before  me, 

"  John  Freeman,  Assistant." 


ANNALS   OF    YARMOUTH.  193 

citizenship  in  wliicli  they  are  proposed."     Mr.  Richard  Taylor 
died  this  year.^ 

In  1675,  nothing  worthy  of  note  occurs  beyond  the 
Indian  troubles.  The  Narraganset  battle,  Dec.  19,  in 
which  contest  Capt.  John  Gorham  and  others  from  the 
Cape  towns  distinguished  themselves,  and  in  which 
numbers  fell,  is  memorable.  Public  gratitude  is  gen- 
erally slow  in  its  expression  by  remunerative  acknowl- 
edgments ',  it  was  not  until  nearly  all  those  who  sur- 
vived the  fight  were  deceased,  that  the  appropriation 
of  "  the  Narraganset  townships  "  was  made. 

In  1676,  "town  councils  of  war"  being  ordered, 
Messrs.  Edmund  Hawes,  John  Miller,  and  Jeremiah 
Howes  were  appointed.  The  requisitions  for  soldiers 
and  money  were  frequent  and  cheerfully  met.~  Capt. 
John  Gorham  died  at  Swansey,  Feb.  5,  of  fever  con- 
tracted in  the  service  in  which  he  and  his  associates 


^  There  were  two  contemporary  Ed.  Taylors.  To  distinguish  them,  one 
was  called  Rock,  from  the  location  of  his  dwelling ;  the  other,  Tailor  Tay- 
lor. We  suppose  this  to  have  been  the  latter,  and  that  his  children  were 
John,  Joseph,  ]\Iary,  Martha,  Elizabeth,  Anne,  Hannah,  and  Sarah. 

^ "  List  of  SOLDIERS  that  were  pressed  into  the  country's  service,  and 
went  to  Mount  Hope  against  our  enemies  the  Indians,  in  the  year  1675, 
and  took  their  first  march  June  24  :  Dan'l  Baker,  Wm.  Baker,  Thos.  Bax- 
ter, Jno.  Berry,  Jno.  Chase,  Jas.  Claghorn,  Jno.  Crowell,  Yelverton  Crow- 
ell,  Joseph  Egleston,  Thos.  Folland,  Wm.  Folland,  John  Gorum,  Capt., 
Wm.  Grey,  Jos.  Hall,  Nath  Hall,  coi-p.,  Sam.  Hall,  coi'p.,  Sam.  Howes,  Sam. 
Jones,  Rd.  Lake,  Jno.  Matthews,  Jno.  Pugsley,  Benj.  Ryder,  Jas.  Sever- 
ance, Jona.  Smith,  Jno.  Taylor,  Rd.  Taylor,  Sam.  Thomas,  Thos.  Thorn- 
ton, Jos.  Whelden,  and  Jotham  White. g6g=  Horses  lost :  INIr.  Thorn- 
ton, Benj.  Ryder,  Jona.  Smith,  Paul  Sears,  Jno.  Crowell,  Mr.  Mayo,  Ens. 
Thacher,  Thos.  Borman,  and  Ananias  Wing." 

"  Second  Expedition  to  Narraganset :  Capt.  Gorum,  Sergt.  Wm.  Gray, 
Corp.  Jno.  Hallett,  Ananias  Wing,  Benj.  Hall,   Sam'l  Sturgis,   Ily.  Gold, 
Wm.  Chase,  Jas.  Claghorn,  Jno.   Pugsley,  Sam'l  Baker,  Rd.  Taylor,  Jno., 
Whelden,  Sergt.  Nath'l  Hall,  Hy.  Gage." 

"  Third  Expedition,  one  month's  service  :  Capt.  Thomas  Howes,  Sergt. 
Sam.  Hall,  Ab.  Hedge,  Jno.  Matthews,  Jno.  Whelden,  Sam.  Thomas,  Sam. 
Young,  Jno.  Taylor,  Benjamin  Ryder." 

"  Fourth  Expedition,  nine  men,  with  Capt. :  Hy.  Gold,  Jno.  Tayloi",  Wm. 
Gage,  Hy.  Gage,  Wm.  Nickerson,  James  Maker,  Jno.  Matthews,  Jno. 
^Yhelden,  Benj.  Ryder." 

^'■Fifth  Expedition :  Capt.  Howes  and  21  men." 

"  Sixth  Expedition  :  Ens.  Jno.  Thacher." 
VOL.  II.  25 


194         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

SO  bravely  fought.  Mr.  Richard  Sears  also  died  this 
year  at  Sursuit,  aged  86;^  Mr.  Judah  Thacher^  and 
Mr.  Thomas  Howes  ^  were  also  added  to  the  lists  of 
mortality.  Rev.  John  Mayo  also  died  here  this  year, 
having  left  Boston  in  1673,  being  very  aged  and  in- 
firm, to  reside  with  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Joseph  Howes. 
A  "  rate "  made  this  year,  April  29,  by  Messrs.  Ed- 
mund Hawes,  Samuel  Rider,  and  James  Matthews, 
"  towards  the  charge  of  the  late  war,"  shows  both  the 
tax-paying  inhabitants  at  this  date,  and  their  compara- 
tive wealth.  We  retain  the  order  of  names,  inasmuch 
as  it  probably  indicates  neighborhood- 


Yelverton  Crowe, 

£4.  1 

Wm.  Folland, 

13.  1 

Richard  Berry, 

1.10. 

3 

Samuel  Rider, 

5.  2.  6 

John  Miller, 

3.  8. 

9 

Joseph  Rider, 

2.14.  3 

Elizabeth  Taylor, 

8. 

3 

Gershom  Hall, 

1.13.  9 

Rd.  Taylor, 

2.17. 

9 

Sam.  Matthews, 

1.13 

Hy.  Whelden, 

13. 

1 

Teague  Jones, 

2.  4 

David  O'Kelia, 

2.  6. 

9 

Jno.  Taylor, 

3.  8.10 

Teage  Merrihew, 

1.  4 

Sam.  Crow, 

2.  8.  4 

Zachary  Rider, 

3.15 

John  Crow,  Jr., 

1.  1 

^  See  Vol.  I.,  137.  An  interesting  account  of  Mr.  Richard  Sears 
and  family  is  given  in  the  chapter  on  "  The  Pilgrim  Fathers"  in  the  third 
series  of  Vicissitudes  of  Families^  published  by  Sir  Bernard  Burke,  LL.  D., 
Ulster  King  of  Arms,  etc.,  printed  by  Longman  &  Co.,  Paternoster  Row, 
London,  1863.     We  shall  advert  to  this  again  in  our  Annals  of  Chatham. 

"Mr.  Judah  Thacher,  s.  of  Anthony,  m.  Mary  Thornton,  dr.  of  Rev. 
Thomas.  Issue:  Eliza.,  1667,  who  became  the  2d  w.  of  Mr.  Joshua  Gee 
of  Boston,  Dec.  7,  1705  ;  and  after  his  d.  m.  Rev.  Peter  Thacher  of  Mil- 
ton, 1727;  Thomas,  May  18,  1669;  Mary,  March  17,  1671,  who  married 
Moses  Draper  of  Roxbury,  Nov.  18,  1692,  and  2d,  Joseph  Grant  of  Bos- 
ton, Aug.  17,  1704;  Judah,  who  d.  inf ;  Anne,  Oct.  31,  1674,  d.  single; 
and  Judah,  Dec.  7,  1676.  The  date  of  Mr.  T.'s  decease  we  cannot  give; 
but  he  was  buried  Nov.  7,  1676.  He  had  two  sons  and  three  drs.  then  liv- 
ing, not  of  age.  The  wid.  d.  Nov.  30,  1708,  aged  68,  at  her  dr.  Grant's, 
and  was  buried  on  Coj^p's  Hill,  Boston.  Thomas,  b.  1669,  prob.  went  to 
Tolland,  Ct.  Judah,  b.  1676,  d.  1705,  —  a  mariner,  single,  and  Joshua 
Gee,  his  brother-in-law,  ad.  on  his  estate.  May  20. 

^]Mr.  Thojias  Howes  d.  in  Nov.  He  is  often  mentioned  in  the  rec- 
ords with  the  prefix  of  Capt.  He  was  son  of  the  grantee  Howes,  and 
ad.  freeman  1647,  and  occupies  a  prominent  place  on  the  records,  both  as 
selectman  and  representative.  By  his  m.  Avith  Sarah  Bangs,  dr.  of  Edw., 
1656,  he  has  issue:  Rebecca,  Dec,  1657;  Thomas,  May  2,  1663 ;  Jona- 
than, Feb,  25,  1669-70;  and  Sarah,  Oct.  29,  1673. 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH. 


195 


Wra.  Elclredge, 

3.12. 

3 

Jos.  Howes, 

7.11 

Joshua  Allen, 

1.  6. 

9 

Sam.  Howes, 

2.  6. 

9 

Sara.  Hall, 

4.  8. 

9 

Mrs.  Prence, 

1.  3. 

4 

John  Hall,  Sr., 

3.10. 

2 

Nathl.  Hall, 

15. 

5 

Ply.  Vincent, 

5.  9.11 

Jno.  Whelden,  Sr., 

4.  6. 

7 

Kenel.  Winslow, 

4.13. 

6 

Jerh.  Howes, 

7.14 

Wm.  Griffin, 

3.10. 

2 

Edw.  Sturgis,  Jr., 

6.14. 

6 

Win.  Chase, 

3.  7. 

2 

Thomas  Folland,  Sr., 

5. 

6 

Peter  Worden, 

8.  2. 

3 

Jno.  Pugsley, 

11. 

3 

Jos.  Severence, 

16.  3 

Joseph  Benjamin, 

2.13. 

7 

Sam.  Worden, 

5.  1. 

6 

Jno.  Thacher, 

6.  6.10 

Jno.  Dillingham, 

6.17. 

9 

Jas.  Matthews, 

3. 

Jno.  Wing, 

5.16. 

3 

Edm.  Hawes, 

4.  9. 

5 

Annanias  Wing, 

3.  6. 

9 

Thos.  Folland,  Jr., 

4.  3 

Joseph  Wing, 

2.16 

Rd.  Michall, 

2.  2 

John  Baker, 

1.  2 

Jerh.  Jones, 

2.14 

Judah  Thacher, 

3.10. 

2 

Hannah  Grey, 

1.11, 

3 

Sam.  Jones, 

12. 

4 

Rd.  Lake, 

14. 

4 

Wm.  Gray, 

13. 

9 

Jno.  Hadaway, 

14. 

4 

James  Bursell, 

2.12. 

3 

Edw.  Crowell, 

1.18. 

6 

Anthy.  Fry, 

1.  7. 

6 

Mary  Sturgis, 

1.  0. 

7 

Abisha  Marchant, 

1.15. 

3 

Jno.  Fenny,  Sr., 

16. 

6 

Mr.  Sunderland, 

1.10 

Paul  Sears, 

6.  8. 

7 

Mr.  Thornton, 

2.10 

Silas  Sears, 

3.  8, 

6 

Sarah  Matthews, 

2.  1, 

3 

Mr.  Mayo, 

2.  4. 

3 

Joseph  Hall, 

3 

Jas.  Meker, 

11 

Francis  Baker, 

2.  6. 

9 

Nathl.  Baker, 

1.14. 

2 

Jno.  Merrihew, 

2.  2. 

6 

Thos.  Gage, 

2.  6. 

9 

And.  Hallett, 

13.  1. 

3 

Hugh  Stewart, 

12.15. 

6 

Hosea  Joyce, 

5.  7. 

7 

Jno.  Chase, 

12. 

4 

John  Crowe,  Sr., 

3.10. 

6 

Dan].  Baker, 

13. 

9 

Wm.  Hall, 

1.  2 

Jas.  Claghorn, 

2.15. 

3 

Zach.  Paddock, 

3.  7. 

6 

Nathh-Bassett, 

2.  9. 

6 

Capt.  Howes, 

6.  7. 

3 

Thos.  Borman, 

1.  7 

Jno.  Ryder, 

2.14. 

9 

Mrs.  Gorum, 

3.  7. 

6 

Jno.  Hawes, 

3.10. 

6 

Jabez  Gorura, 

2.  6. 

3 

Nich.  Mckerson, 

3.10.11 

Jno.  Matthews, 

13.  6 

Jno.  Hall,  Jr., 

■    2.15 

Jno.  Burges, 

4.  1 

Elisha  Hedge, 

7.  8. 

8 

Jno.  Marchant, 

2.11 

Edw.  Sturgis,  Sr., 

7.11. 

3 

Mr.  Yesson,  of  Boston 

18 

Abm.  Hedge, 

1.  7. 

6 

Total,              £297 

196  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1677,  May  23,  the  first  town-meeting  the  record  of  which 
has  survived,  was  held,  when  Messrs.  John  Miller  and  Jere- 
miah Howes  were  appointed  commissioners;  John  Whelding 
and  Gorham  Hall  grand-jurors;  Wra.  Eldred  and  John  Ryder-- 
surveyors  ;  and  Edmund  Hawes,  Edward  Sturgis,  Sr,,  Mr. 
Thacher,  Mr.  Miller,  and  Jeremiah  Howes,  selectmen.  At  a 
town-meeting,  May  30,  "the  townsmen  of  Yarmouth  did  fore- 
warn John  Wing  and  our  neighbors  of  Sawtucket  from  purchas- 
ing any  of  our  lands  in  the  bounds  of  our  township,  of  any 
Indians,  or  to  take  any  possession  thereof  from  them,  as  being 
contrary  to  court  oi"dei"."  Mr.  Sturgis'  license  to  keej)  an  ordi- 
nary was  recalled  by  court.  Mr.  Judah  Thacher's  estate  was 
administered  by  his  widow,  Mary ;  and  the  wife  of  a  prominent 
inhabitant  hung  herself,  —  the  first  suicide  on  record  in  these 
towns. 

Instances  of  self-destruction  had  not  been  so  rare 
in  the  Massachusetts  colony ;  -^  but  whatever  the  dis- 
comforts of  life  in  new  settlements,  the  principles  and 
moral  courage  of  the  early  settlers  here  had  remained 
firm : 

"  To  death  we  may  with  joy  resort, 

As  seamen  from  a  tempest  to  their  port ; 
Yet  to  that  port  ourselves  we  must  not  force 
Before  our  pilot,  Nature,  steers  the  course." 

In  1678.  the  names  of  the  freemen  of  the  town,  on 
record  at  the  May  meeting,  were  :  — 

John  Burges,  Joseph  Howes,  Silas  Sears, 

Joseph  Hall,  Jr.,  Sam'l  Howes,  Edward  Sturgis, 

Samuel  Hall,  John  Miller,  Je.  Taylor, 

Thomas  Hall,  Sr.,         Zach.  Paddocic,  Sr.,  John  Thacher, 

Edmund  Hawes,  John  Ryder,  Sr.,  Peter  Thacher, 

John  Howes,        —Joseph  Ryder,  Thos.  Thornton, 

Jeremiah  Howes,         Zach.  Ryder,  Henry  Vincent, 

Jeremiah  Howes,  Jr.,  Paul  Sears,  Col.  Winslow. 

■'In  the  Mass.  Colony,  "  Oct.  16,  1660,  the  court,  considering  how  far  Sa- 
tan doth  prevail  upon  persons  to  make  way  with  themselves,"  in  order  to 
"  deter  therefrom  "  and  "  to  bear  testimony  against  such  wicked  and  unnat- 
ural practice,  do  order  that  such  persons  shall  be  denied  the  privilege  of  the 
common  burial-places  of  Christians,  and  shall  be  buried  in  some  common 
highway,  and  a  cartload  of  stones  laid  upon  the  gi'ave  as  a  brand  of  infamy, 
and  a  warning  to  others." 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  197 

The  subject  of  baptism  had  become  at  this  time 
politically  interesting ;  and  the  quiet  of  the  pastor's 
nlinistry  was  threatened  by  discordant  views.  The 
S3mod  of  1662  had  recognized  the  "half-way  cove- 
nant." "  Church  members  admitted  in  their  minority, 
understanding  the  doctrines  of  faith,  and  publicly  pro- 
fessing their  assent  thereto,  not  scandalous  in  life, 
their  children  are  to  be  baptized."  To  this  view,  con- 
sonant with  the  pastor's  practice  when  yet  a  minister 
of  the  Church  of  England,  he  still  adhered.^  It  is 
well  understood  that  the  prime  idea  of  a  majority  of 
the  first  colonists  of  New  England  was  "  the  church, 
not  the  State."  They  legislated,  as  they  supposed,  for 
the  purity  and  prosperity  of  the  church.  The  right 
of  suffrage  was  limited  with  this  intent,  and  all  •  ele- 
ments that,  in  the  apprehension  of  the  government 
were  hostile  to  pure  religion,  were  thus  excluded  from 
political  influence.  "  Only  the  baptized  and  regener- 
_ate,"  —  regenerate  according  to  ^'/^6'^r  views,  —  could  be 
church-members ;  and  only  the  children  of  church- 
members  could,  by  their  parents'  right,  be  baptized. 
Those  baptized  "  not  joining  the  church,"  their  chil- 
dren were  denied  baptism ;  and  not  being  church- 
members  by  baptism,  without  profession  could  not  be 
freemen.  The  tendency  of  the  synodal  act  had  been 
to  enlaro-e  the  rii>;ht  of  franchise. 

In  1679,  "Select   Courts"  being  authonzed  for  each   town, 
Messrs.    "Edniund    Hawes,  Ensign    Thacber,   Edward    Sturgis, 


^The  Sev.  Jolin  Cotton,  of  Plymouth,  writing,  Aug.  28,  1678,  to  his 
brother-in-law,  Mather,  says,  "  Mr.  Thornton  hath  begun  and  practised  the 
Synod's  5  Prop.,  baptizing  sundry.  There  are  five  or  six  dissenting  breth- 
ren. I  wish  twenty  of  your  book  of  the  1st  Priu.  de  Bap.  were  in  Yar- 
mouth;  they  might  be  of  great  use  to  establish  the  unsettled."  It  is 
proper  to  say  the  action  of  the  synod  was  an  innovation  upon  the  practice 
hitherto,  and  led  to  much  trouble.  J\Ir.  Mather  defended  the  action  of  the 
spiod.  There  were  able  and  zealous  men  on  both  sides ;  the  controversy 
was  earnest,  and  a  flood  of  pamphleteering  ensued. 


198  HISTORY    0?   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

John  Miller,  and  Jeremiah  Howes  were  appointed  to  hold  them 
here."  Messrs.  Edward  Sturgis,  Joseph  Howes,  and  John  Hall,  Jr., 
Avere  appointed  "  to  collect  the  residue  of  Mr.  Thornton's  salary, 
so  he  may  not  remain  imjDaid  of  his  due,  to  the  blemish  of  the 
town."  Such  proceedings  were  not  infrequent,  but  at  this  time 
were  imperative  by  the  enactments  made  in  consequence  of  gen- 
eral neglect  in  the  colony  "to  promote  the  great  object  of  pub- 
lic worship."  The  annual  stipend  here,  of  £60,  was  payable,  — 
a  portion  in  money,  but  chiefly  in  the  products  of  the  soil.^ 
It  was  also  "  ordered  and  concluded,"  May  11,  "  that  every 
ratable  person  shall  kill,  or  cause  to  be  killed,  six  old  black- 
birds, or  crows,  by  the  last  of  July  next,  or  pay  2s.  6d.  for  the* 
neglect; — the  fine  to  be  added  to  the  rate  of  such  as  do  not 
bring  in  the  full  tale  of  birds  or  heads  to  the  men  appointed  to 
receive  them." 

In  1680,  March  15,  an  agreement  was  made  "with  our  neigh- 
bors, the  purchasers  or  23i'oprietors  of  the  land  between  Stoney 
Brook  and  Bound  Brook,"  subsequently  signed  by  Ananias  Wing, 
Paul  Sears,  Kenelm  Winslow,  and  John  Dillingham,  Jr.,  on  the 
one  part,  and  by  John  Thacher,  Sam'l  Howes,  Thomas  Sturgis, 
and  Josiah  Thacher  in  behalf  of  this  town.  In  1681,  Mi\  Rich- 
ard Berry  died.^ 

In  1682,  Aug.  12,  it  was  ordered  in  town  meeting,  that  no  In- 
dian shall  be  permitted  to  gather  pine  knots,  or  run  any  kiln,  or 
work  about  tar  in  any  j^art  of  the  township. 

In  1683,  we  catch  a  glimpse  at  the  house  for  pubhc 
worship,  in  its  improved  condition : 

"At  a  town  meeting.  May  16,  it  was  ordered  "that  Capt. 
Thacher  and  the  selectmen  shall  agree  with  a  workman  to  finish 
the  meeting-house,  both  within  and  without,  so* far  as  they  shall 
see  needful,^ — ceil  it  with  boards,  glaze  the  windows,  mend  the 

^  The  next  year,  Aug.  16,  the  town  ordered  that  half  the  stipend  be  pd. 
in  species  ;  the  other  part  in  Indian  corn  at  3s.  per  bu.,  and  rye  the  same  ; 
■'  or  in  any  other  species  (spesya)  at  the  price  our  merchants  do  talce  at." 

-Mr.  Richard  Beery  was  in  Be.,  1643,  and  soon  after  here.  By  his 
"wife,  Alice,  he  had  b.  in  this  town  11  children.  The  record,  worn  and 
torn,  but  partially  reveals  their  names  or  dates.  All  that  can  be  gath- 
ered is,  John,  March  29,  1652;  Elisa.,  March  5,  1656.  It  is  known,  how- 
ever, that  he  had  also  sons,  Richard,  Sam'l,  Nath'l,  and  Joseph;  also  a^r. 
Elisa.,  who  m.  Josiah  Jones,  Nov.  28,  1677. 

''The  question,  doubtless,  often  presents  itself  to  the  mind  of  any  one  ex- 
amining old  records  of  similar  improvements,  whether  the  style  and  cost  of 
"  the  meeting-house,"  indicates  the  quality  of  the  private  residences. 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  199 

window-seats,  and  secure  them  from  wet,  underpin,  &c. ;    and 
bring  in  an  account  of  the  charges  to  be  paid  by  rate." 

In  1684,  Mr.  Andrew  Hallett  cliecl.^  In  1685,  Feb. 
27,  Mr.  William  Chase  died.-  In  1686,  a  road  was  made 
"  40  ft.  wide,  extending  from  Satiicket  River  westward 
to  the  county  road  of  Barnstable."  In  1689,  Jan.  28, 
Mr.  John  Crowell  died,  aged  51  ;^  and  in  1690,  March 
9,  Mr.  Thomas  Crowell  died,  aged  about  45.* 

In  1691  the  Rev.  John  Cotton  was  settled  aS  col- 
league with  Mr.  Thornton,  whose  age  admonished  both 
pastor  and  people  that  such  provision  was  necessary. 
It  were  not  strange  if  the  rigors  of  a  colonial  life, 
commenced  at  an  age  when  most  men  think  of  retire- 
ment, and  continued  now  nearly  thirty  years,  had  in 
some  measure  hastened  the  event ;  but  the  venerable 
pastor's  infirmities  were  not  premature ;  he  was  now 
veroring:  towards  fourscore  and  ten.  He  felt  that  he 
must  soon  cease  from  his  labors,  and  was,  doubtless, 
glad  to  find  present  support  in  one  whom  he  regarded 
worthy  to  succeed  him  in  his  parochial  charge.^ 

^  We  have  no  authentic  information  in  regard  to  Mr.  Andrew  Hal- 
lett, Sr.,  and  must  rely  on  the  conchisions  of  others.  Some  have  it  that 
he  is  the  one  of  whom  Lechford,  in  his  "  Plain  Dealing,"  speaks,  and  calls 
him  school-master.  Winsor  gives  his  estate  at  £l,180.  The  account  given 
of  him  is  that  by  his  wife,  Mary,  in  Eng.,  he  had  Bathsheba;  Andrew;  Sam- 
uel, drowned  at  Nauset,  1650  ;— John,  who  settled  in  Scituate  ;  Hannah, 
prob.  b.  in  Barnstable,  and  m.  Jno.  Hathaway,  July  1,  1656  ;  Josias,  mairi- 
ner ;  and  Joseph,  who  settled  in  Barnstable.  Andrew,  son  of  the  above, 
by  his  wife,  Anne,  had  Dorcas,  bap.  June,  1,  1646;  Jonathan,  Nov.  20, 
1647;  John,  Dec.  11,  1650;  and  probably  Mehitable ;  also  Ruhamah,  who 
m.  Job  Bourne,  1664;  and  Abigail,  who  m.  Capt.  Jona.  Alden,  Dec.  10, 
1672.  In  1640,  July  28,  Andrew  Hallett,  of  Sandwich,  conveyed  to 
Daniel  Wing  certain  property  in  S.,  and  removed  to  Yarmouth. 

^  This  is  William,  Jr.,  son  of  Wm.,  Sr.,  who  has  been  the  subject  of  un- 
fortunate remark.  His  children  are  said  to  have  been  Wilham  ;  John,  who 
is  reported  by  Savage  as  the  Cape  ancestor ;  Elisa. ;  and  Abraham. 

^Mr.  John  Crowell,  b.  about  1638,  s.  of  John,  resided  at  Nobscusset. 
He  is  called  Sr.,  to  distinguish  him  from  the  son  of  Yelverton'.  He  m.  Me- 
hitable Miller,  dr.  of  Rev.  John,  and  had  John,  1662;  Samuel,  who  d. 
single,  1723;  Mehitable;  Lydia,  who  m.  Ebnr.  Goodspeed,  1680;  Jeremiah, 
1670;  Elisa.;  Susannah;  and  Hannah,  who  m.  Joseph  Studley,  1706. 

*Mr.  Thomas  Crowell,  resident  at  Bass  Ponds,  by  his  w.  itgaes,  had 
John,  Thomas,  and  perhaps  othoi^s. 

^  It  is  simi^ly  an  act  of  duty  here  to  remark  in  regard  to  that  class  of 


200         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

In  1692,  "the  last  of  January,  old  Goody  Wing 
died."  This  is  all  that  the  records  tell  us ;  and  the 
entry  has  given  rise  to  the  conjecture  that  she  was 
the  widow  of  John  Wing,  Sr.,  who  early  settled  in 
Sandwich,  and  who  has  been  supposed  to  have  been 
of  the  company  that  in  1638,  with  Rev.  Mr.  Batchelor, 
attempted  a  settlement  at  Mattacheese.^  The  Cape 
towns  are  henceforward  a  part  of  the  "  Province  of 
Massachusetts  Bay." 

In  1693,  Mr.  Thornton  removed  to  Boston,  and  his 
colleague  became  sole  pastor ;  ^  but  not,  it  would  seem, 

men,  generally,  who  left  England  in  consequence  of  the  Act  of  Uniformity, 
of  whom  Mr.  Thornton  was  one,  that  Bishop  Burnett  bears  honorable  tes- 
timony, saying,  "  Many  of  them  were  much  valued  and  distinguished  by 
their  charities  and  zeal , "  and  Mr.  Locke  pronounces  them  "  worthy, 
learned,  pious,  orthodox  divines." 

^  It  mar/  be  that  the  elder  John  Wing,  the  progenitor,  was  of  that  com- 
pany ;  but  it  certainly  finds  no  corroboration  in  the  fact  that  the  records 
now  report  the  decease  of  the  above  aged  matron ;  nor  can  it  be  rationally 
supposed  that  she  was  the  widow  of  the  first  John ;  if  a  record  of  the  death 
of  the  wife  of  his  son  John,  who  settled  early  at  Sawtucket,  the  terms  of 
the  announcement  would  be  appropriate,  and  the  entry  would  naturally  be 
expected  in,  the  Yarmouth  records,  as  this  town  exercised  jurisdiction 
there. 

"  It  may  be  jM'esumed  that  IVIi'.  Thornton  had  resigned ;  at  all  events,  he 
probably  meant  to  cease  entirely  from  his  labors,  and  this  is  confirmed  by  the 
fact  that  in  1694  his  name  no  longer  appears  in  the  list  of  "  the  freemen 
of  Yarmouth."  (See  Vol.  I.,  338.)  Mr.  Thornton's  family  was  of  ancient 
Yorkshire  lineage.  Richard,  a  merchant  of  York,  1514,  had  by  his  wife, 
Jane,  who  was  dr.  of  John  Norman,  of  York,  a  son  John  living  in  1584,  at 
Birdforth,  parish  of  Coxwold,  in  the  North  Riding  of  Yorkshire ;  and  this 
John,  whose  wife  was  Anne,  dr.  of  Christopher  Tomlinson,  of  the  same 
parish,  had,  besides  other  issue,  two  sons,  viz.:  Richard,  of  Gray's  Inn,  who 
d.  without  issue,  and  was  buried  in  Aldermanbury  church,  London,  and 
Thomas,  whose  wife  was  Ellen,  dr.  of  Percival,  son  of  Lord  Lumley ;  and 
this  Thomas  had  John,  of  Birdforth,  1581,  who  m.  Grace,  dr.  of  Thomas 
Withers  of  Copgrave,  and  d.  about  1G28,  leaving  issue:  Margaret  and 
Mary,  who  had  the  tithes  of  Birdforth,  and  Thomas,  b.  1609,  which  Thomas 
was  of  the  Non-conformists,  and  eventually  became  the  minister  of  Yai'- 
mouth.  Such  is  the  legend.  Rev.  Thomas  Thornton,  according  to  the 
best  information  attainable,  had,  by  his  wife,  I.Iary,  issue  as  follows :  Mary, 
b.  about  1640,  who  m.  Judah  Thacher ;  Anne,  Avho  m.  Nath'l  Hall;  The- 
ophilus,  Tliomas,  Priscilla,  and  Timothy.  Whilst  the  faithfulness  and 
devotion  of  Mr.  T.  as  pastor  is  evidenced  by  many  concurrent  testimonies, 
the  correspondence  of  the  day  proves  that  in  all  his  rugged  experiences  he 
had  in  his  wife,  Mary,  an  excellent  helpmeet ;  her  religious  character,  sym- 
pathies, and  mental  endowments  eminently  c[ualifying  her  for  the  position  she 
h"\(\.  THr:OPiiiLUS,  eldest  son,  served  in  the  Indian  war,  16  75-6  ;  then  re- 
moved to  Boston,  and  was  one  of  the  projectors  of  the  settlement  at  Wor- 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTU.  201 

by  any  conditions  of  his  engagement  as  assistant  to 
Mr.  Thornton ;  for,  March  14,  it  was  voted  to  give 
Mr.  Cotton  "  for  his  yearly  maintenance  and  encour- 
agement to  settle  among  us  in  the  work  of  the  min- 
istry, £56;"  and  Oct.  1,  an  additional  inducement, 
was  proffered,  viz.,  "  £60  and  the  new  town-house,"  — 
meaning  parsonage,  —  "barn,  lands,"  etc.,  "provided 
he  do  spend  his  natural  life  here." 

Messrs.  Joseph  Howes,  Jolin  Ilawes,  John  Miller,  and  John 
Hallett  were  appointed  a  committee  "  to  agree  with  some  fit  per- 
son to  teach  school."  The  school  was  "  to  be  kept  in  five  sqnad- 
rons,"  — •  divisions ;  and  the  bounds  of  each  were  thus  defined : 
"  1st,  beginning  at  Jonathan  Hallett's,  and  round  the  said  town 
to  Hosea  Joyce's,  Joseph  Ryder's,  Sam'l  Hall's,  and  Joseph 
Meker's,  from  Sept.  1,  to  Jan.  3  ;  2d,  beginning'at  John  Godfrey's 
and  all  Nobscusset  and  Zachariah  Paddock's,  from  Jan.  4  to 
April  10  ;   3d,  beginning  at  Wid.  Boardman's,  to  Sawquetucket 

cester.  Thomas,  it  has  been  supposed,  was  the  schoolmaster  at  Weymoutli, 
1707.  Timothy,  the  youngest,  b.  about  1650,  in  Eug.,  as  appears  from 
depositions  made  by  liim  July  28,  1680,  when  "  about  30  yeai'S  old,"  being 
"about  12  or  13  when  my  father  came  over,"  joined  the  1st  church  in  Bos- 
ton, Sept.  17,  1671,  and  continued  in  its  communion  27  years,  a  prominent 
and  active  member.  In  1690,  he  took  letters  of  dismission  to  the  North,  or 
2d  church,  continuing  23  years,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he  transferred 
his  relation  to  the  New  North,  and  continued  there  to  his  death.  At  his 
majority,  he  engaged  in  business  in  Boston,  which  business  became  exten- 
sive and  prosperous.  He  built  and  employed  ships  that  made  voyages  to 
Barbadoes,  St.  Christopher's,  etc. ;  and,  besides  large  estates  in  Boston,  had 
possessions  in  Woburn,  Ipswich,  Lynn,  and  Braintree.  In  1685,  he  "  caused 
to  be  built  a  part  of  the  line  of  wharf  before  the  town  of  Boston,"  —  a 
work  that  was  a  notable  advance  in  the  facilities  for  marine  traffic.  Thus 
early  was  Cape  Cod  energy  and  enterprise  felt  in  the  metropolis.  Before 
closing  this  note  we  must  not  forget  to  notice  the  youngest  daughter  of  the 
venerable  ex-pastor.  We  have  noticed  the  others  who  were  married  and 
notable  women,  elsewhere.  Peiscilla  is  mentioned  by  Mather,  in  the 
Magnalia,  as  the  "  2d  Example  of  Children  in  Ncav  England  in  Avhom  the 
fear  of  God  Avas  remarkably  budding  before  they  died,  —  preserved  and 
published  for  the  encouragement  of  piety  in  other  children."  In  that  "Nar- 
rative," the  author  says :  "  Mr.  Thomas  Thornton,  the  aged  and  faithful 
pastor  of  Yarmouth,  was  blessed  with  a  daughter,  Priscilla,  which  at  the 
age  of  eleven  left  this  Avorld,  having  first  given  demonstrations  of  an  exem- 
plary piety.  .  .  It  pleased  God  to  bless  the  words  of  her  godly  mother.  .  . 
It  was  her  singular  happiness  that  she  had  such  godly  parents.  .  .  Unto  her 
mother  she  said,  '  Why  do  you  Aveep  Avhen  I  am  so  well  in  my  soul  ?  why 
will  you  mourn  when  I  am  so  full  of  joy  ?  I  pray  you,  rejoice  with  me.'  .  . 
To  her  father  she  said,  '  Oh,  my  father,  I  know  that  I  shall  die ;  but  Christ 
is  better  than  life; '  and  In  a  most  joyful  frame  continued  until  she  died." 
VOL.  II.  26 


202  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

mill  or  river,  from  April  11,  to  June  19;  4tli,  Bass  Pond  squad- 
ron, from  Thomas  Folland's,  Benj.  Matthews',  and  all  the  east 
side  of  Bass  River,  from  June  20  to  July  17 ;  5th,  South  Sea 
squadron,  beginning  at  Thos.  Bills',  all  the  west  side  of  Bass 
River  and  South  Sea,  and  to  Thos.  Batter's,  from  July  15,  to  last 
of  August."  Bounties  were  offered  for  wolves ;  £1  for  old,  and 
5s.  for  young  wolves  over  the  amount  allowed  by  law.  Mr.  Ed- 
mund Ha  WES  died  this  year,  JamT^^' 

In  1694,  "  Capt.  John  Thacher,  Lt.  Silas  Sears,  Mr.  John  Miller, 
Mr.  Thomas  Sturgis,  and  Sergt.  Joseph  Ryder,"  were  aj^pointed 
to  the  important  duty  "  of  seating  men,  women,  and  others  in 
the  meeting-house." 

Some  irregularities,  as  might  well  be  expected, 
would  be  observable  in  course  of  time,  and  hence  it 
was  necessary  that  a  revision  be  occasionally  made, 
that  due  etiquette  and  decorum  might  be  maintained. 
The  duty  of  "  seating "  a  congregation  was  always 
assigned  to  good  men  and  true,  and  though  their  task 
was  a  very  delicate  one,  all  seem  to  have  acquiesced 
readily  in  their  decision. 

Samuel  Hall  Sr.  died  this  year,  Jan.  20 ;  ^  also  Mr.  Henry 
Welden,  Oct.  28. 

In  1695,  a  gract  was  made  to  Joseph  Willard,  of  "  3  or  4  acres 
of  upland  adjoining  Benj.  Matthews."  The  town's  meadow  at 
Symi")kin's  ISTeck,  at  Nobscussett,  was  leased  to  Sam'l  Howes ; 
and  John  Taylor  was  ai^pointed  to  take  care  of  the  meeting- 

^Mr.  Edmund  Hawes  came  fi-om  Soutliampton,  1635,  in  "the  James." 
He  liad  been  a  cutler  in  London.  He  was  a  A'ery  prominent  townsman, 
and  a  representative  from  this  place  many  years.  His  son  Johx,  who  m. 
Desire  Gorham,  dr.  of  Capt.  John,  Oct.  7,  1661,  had  Elisa.,  Oct.  5,  1662; 
Mercy  Jmie  10,  1664;  Edmund  March  2,  1668-9;  John  May  14,  1671; 
Joseph  July  16,  1673;  Jabez  March  24,1678;  Isaac  Feb.  28,1680-1; 
and  Benj.  Maix-h  10,  1652-3.  Joseph,  b.  1674,Jiad  by  his  w.,  Mary,  Sa- 
rah April  1,  1690;  Elisa.  Nov.  7,  1697;  Edmund  June  13,  1699;  Thos. 
May  16,  1701-2;  Mary  March  23,  1703-4;  Tempe.  Dec.  3,  1705;  David 
Oct.  17,  1707;  Prince  Dec.  29,  1709;  and  Thankful  April  16,  1712. 
Edmuxd,  b.  1699,  m.  Mary  Freeman,  of  H.,  wid.  of  Nath'l,  and  dr.  of 
James  Paine,  of  Be.,  1729,  and  had  Edmund,  Mary,  and  Elizabeth. 
Pkixce,  b.  1709,  grad.  H.  C,  1728,  and  by  bis  w.,  Anne,  had  Prince 
April  15,  1736;  Anne  June  29,  1739,  Avho  d.  April  28,  1765;  Simeon 
March  22,  1745  ;  and  son  1746  d.  inf. 

^Mr.  Samuel  Hall  Sr.  was  s.  of  John  Sr.,  who  d.  two  years  after 
him.     See  next  page.  ' 


V 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  203 

house  for  one  year,  for  which  service  £1  was  allowed.  Mr. 
Joseph  Hovv^es  Sr.,^  died  this  year,  January  19.  Mr.  Edward 
Stuegis,  of  this  town,  died  in  Sandwich,  in  Oct.,-  and  "  Mrs. 
Mary  Prence,  relict  of  Gov.  P.,"  died  in  this  town,  Dec.  9. 

In  1696,  leave  was  granted  to  Mr.  Shubael  Gorhanx  "to  cut  and 
cany  out  of  town's  commons  pine  timber  to  build  his  house." 
An  order  was  passed,  intended  to  promote  the  raising  of  sheep. 
John  Godfrey  was  appointed  "  to  look  after  the  meeting-house." 
This  appointment  was  recalled,  and  "  it  was  agreed  Avith  Mr. 
Cotton  that  his  Indian,  Saxuant,  should  do  it,"  for  which  £1  was 
to  be  paid  him  or  Mr.  C.  The  town  ordered  the  payment,  "  in 
part,  of  what  is  due  of  the  minister's  salary."  It  was  also 
"  agreed  that  each  townsman  shall  give  and  haul  to  the  minister 
a  load  of  wood."  John  Hall  Sr.^  died  this  year,  July  23; 
Francis  Baker  also  died,  aged  85.* 

^Mr.  Joseph  Howes  Sr.,  s.  of  Capt.  Tlios.,  m.  Elizabeth  Mayo,  dr.  of 
Rev.  Jolin,  and  had  Samuel,  Joseph,  John,  Nathaniel,  Thomas,  Amos, 
Mary,  Elisa.,  and  Hannah. 

^  The  mutilated  state  of  the  records  forbids  the  hope  of  a  full  genealogy 
of  this  family,  known  to  have  been  of  high  respectability  and  of  wealth  in 
the  town.  Mr.  Edward  Sturgis  Sr.  was  in  Charlestown,  1634,  and 
here  1639.  The  Be.  ch.  rec.  tell  us  that  his  dr.  Mary  was  bap.  at  Be., 
June  1,  1646  ;  and  the  Old  CoL  rec,  that  Elisa.  was  b.  April  20,  1648,  at 
Yarmouth;  and  that  Joseph  was  buried  March  29,  1650,  aged  10  days. 
Tliis  is  all.  There  is  no  doubt,  however,  of  his  having  other  children,  or  of 
his  being  the  progenitor. 

^Mr.  Hall,  from  Coventry,  Eng.,  to  Charlestown,  1630,  in  his  will,  beai"- 
ing  date,  July  15,  1694,  and  pr.  1696,  mentions  eight  children  then  living. 
He  had  two  born  before  he  came  to  Be.,  1641.  H[is  1st  w.  was  Bethia.,  He 
m.  2d,  Elizabeth  Lamed.  Issue:  Samuel,  of  Y.,  who  m.  Elisa.  Pollard,  and 
d.  without  issue,  1694,  his  wid.  becoming  av.  of  Jeremiah  Jones,  1699 ;  John 
1638,  d.  inf  ;  Shebar  1640,  d.  you«g;  Joseph  1642  ;  John  Sept.  25,  1645, 
by  2d  m. ;  Ehsa.  1647,  d.  inf;  EHsa.  Nov.  21,  1648,  about  the  time  her 
parents  removed  to  Yarmouth;  Benj.  1654,  d.  inf;  Nath'l  Feb.  8,  1656; 
Gershom  March  5,  1658;  William  June  8,  1661;  Benj.  May  29,  1663; 
and  Elisha.  Doct.  Nathaniel,  b.  1656,  m.  Anne  Thornton,  dr.  of  Rev. 
Thos.  who  received  from  this  ch-.,  in  his  old  age,  the  most  soothing  care. 
Doct.  H.  -was  in  the  Indian  war,  and  fought  bravely.  He  kept  tavern 
some  time,  and  practised  medicine;  then  went  to  Hing.,  and,  finally,  it  is 
said,  to  Delaware.  No  issue.  It  was  of  him  that  Rd.  Henchman  wrote  to 
Dr.  Inci'ease  Mather  from  "  Yarmouth,  Feb.,  1686,"  saying,  "  There  Is  in 
this  town  one  Mr.  Natli'l  Hall,  a  man  descended  from  eminently  religious 
parents,  who  were  very  happy  in  all  their  children,  being  nine  sons,  men 
whom  this  Nath'l  Is  reckoned  to  excel,  who  in  the  late  wars  received  a 
wound,  —  the  bullet  remaining  in  his  body,  ^ — -that  has  taken  away  in  great 
measure  the  use  of  one  of  his  arms,  for  which  he  hath  been  otherwise  little 
considered  than  to  have  a  license  to  keep  an  ordinary  in  this  town."  Mr. 
II.  says  he  may  make  a  living  by  it,  but  the  employment  Is  not  JDleasant  to 
him  or  wife,  —  she  "a  dr.  of  Rev.  Mr.  Thornton,  singularly  pious."  He 
has  skill  in  surgery.  His  bro.  Thornton  wishes  him  to  settle  In  Boston  In 
practice  of  the  skill  attained  by  his  misfortune,  etc. 

*Mr.  Baker  came  over  in  the  Planter,  1635,  at  the  age  of  24,  from  Gt. 


204  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1697,  it  was  ordered  that  a  contribution  be  taken  for,  and 
sent  to  Mr.  Thornton.  The  town  petitioned  the  court  "to 
license  but  cue  ordinary  in  town;"  granted  leave  to  John 
Thacher  Jr.,  Thomas  Sturgis,  and  Wm.  Hedge  "to  set  up  a 
wind-mill  on  the  commons,"  and  to  have  one  acre  for  its  site, 
the  mill  "  not  to  be  rated ; "  ordered  "  that  the  Quakers  be  rated 
for  the  support  of  the  ministry,  but  that  the  tax  be  made  so 
much  larger,  —  that  Mr.  Cotton  may  have  his  full  salary,"  it  be- 
ing, doubtless,  intended  not  to  employ  that  jDortion  assessed  on 
the  Friends;  and  Maj.  Thacher  and  Zach.  Paddock  were  ap- 
pointed "to  join  with  the  selectmen  to  run  the  line  between 
this  town  and  '  the  purchasers '  of  the  town  of  Harwich." 

In  1698,  it  was  voted  "  that  £10  be  added  to  Mr.  Cotton's 
salary,"  making  it  £70.  The  town  being  presented  for  non-com- 
pliance with  the  law  requiring  each  town  to  have  good  and 
sufficient  accommodation  for  the  impounding  of  stray  cattle, 
provided  for  "the  erecting  of  a  town  pound  to  be  set  upon  the 
knoll  between  Jonathan  White's  and  Joseph  Taylor's  lands." 
Ordered  that  no  one  "  shall  give  or  cut,  to  sell  directly  or 
indirefctly,  any  sort  of  fencing-stuff,  timber  or  wood,  whether 
cedar,  pine  or  oak,  from  the  commons."  A  similar  order  was 
made  in  relation  to  taking  hay  from  the  flats,  etc.,  the  fine  im- 
posed in  either  case  being  £1  for  every  such  act.  The  bounds 
between  this  town  and  "  the  purchasers "  at  Harwich  were  re- 
newed :  "  Beginning  at  the  bound  tree  at  Bound  Brook,  by  the 


St.  Albans,  Hertfordshire.  By  his  m.  with  Isabel  Twining,  dr.  of  Wm., 
164],  Jie  had  Nathaniel  March  27,  l442,  about  which  time  he  settled 
in  Yarmouth;  John  b.  in  Yarmouth;  Sam'l  May  1,  1648;  Dan'l  Sept.  2, 
1650  ;  and  others,  as  appears  by  his  will,  Marcli  4,  1693,  were  William, 
Thomas,  Elisa.,  who  m.  John  Chase ;  and  Hannah,  who  m.  Pierce.  Na- 
thaniel and  his  w.  both  d.  1691.  Their  issue:  Sam'l  Oct.  29,  1670; 
Nath'l  Jan.  27,  1672  ;  and  prob.  Silas.  John  had  by  his  w.,  AKce,  viz.: 
John  May  31,  1^72;  Bethia  1673;  Sarah  1677;  Jona.,  Isaac,  Mary,  and 
Elisa.  Daniel,  b.  1650,  m.  Elisa.  Chase,  dr.  of  AVm.  2d.,  and  had  Dan'l 
1675;  Sam'l  1676;  Elisa.  1696;  Thankful  1698;  and  Tiibitha  1700. 
William,  s.  of  Francis,  had  by  Mercy,  his  w.,  Mercy  Jan.  6,  1692;  Wm. 
Jan.  8,  1694;  Dorcas  Nov.  15,1696;'  Experience  Jan.  8,  1698;  Judah 
March  2,  1701;  Elisa.  Feb.  11,  1703;  Josiah  Dec.  16,  1704;  Joanna 
Feb.  8,1707;  and  Patience  Feb.  27,  1709.  The  father  d.  1727.  The 
mother  d.  1753,  a  wid.  Thomas,  youngest  s.  of  Francis,  had  by  liis  w., 
Bathsheba,  Marv  April  7,  1701;  and  Thos.  March  4,  1703.  Samuel, 
s.  of  Nath'l,  m.  Elisa.  Berry,  July  30,  1702,  and  had  3  s.  and  5  drs.  The 
eldest  son  was  Judaii  Aug.  19,  1705,  who  m.  Mercy  Burgess,  Feb.  15, 
1728-9,  and  had  3  s.  and  5  drs.,  the  eldest  son  of  whom,  Timothy,  April 
21,  1732,  by  ^v.,  Kczia,  had  6  sons  and  3  drs.,  and  was  grandfather  of  the 
present  Capt.  Timothy  Baker. 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  205 

road  where  there  is  a  great  stone,  and  thence  south  half  a  point, 
or  a  little  less  eastward  to  the  South  Sea."  Mr.  Thomas  Sturgis, 
Sergt.  Ryder,  Mr.  .John  Howes,  and  Mr.  Jeremiah  Howes,  being 
each,  in  turn,  elected  to  represent  the  town  in  General  Court, 
and  severally  refusing  to  serve,  and  repeated  meetings  being 
thinly  attended,  the  town  voted  a  fine  of  Is.  to  be  hereafter 
imposed  on  every  legal  voter  who  shall  fail  to  attend.  The  only 
remedy  for  the  primordial  evil  was  to  make  the  pay  of  legisla- 
tors remunerative.     Lt.  Silas  Seaks  died,  Jan.  13,  aged  60.^ 

In  1699,  nothing  of  sufficient  interest  occurs  worthy  of  men- 
tion, relating  to  town  affiiirs.  A  large  committee  Avere  on  "  the 
lookout"  for  a  schoolmaster;  and  an  inducement  to  the  ti-apping 
of  wolves  was  offered.  "  Thos.  Burge  petitioned  for  land  near 
his  house;"  and  Mr.  John  Wing  died.^ 

In  1700,  died  in  Boston  the  aged  Mr.  Thornton,  for- 
merly pastor  of  the  church  in  this  town.^     Mr.  John 

^  Mr.  Silas  Sears,  holding  a  military  office,  is  generally  mentioned  in 
the  records  as  "  Lt.  Sears."  He  was  a  prominent  citizen,  selectman,  and 
deputy.  His  cliUdi-en  -were  Silas;  Thomas  1G64;  Richard,  who  m.  Bar- 
sheba  Harlow,  1696;  Hannah  1672,  who  m.  Thos.  Snow,  of  E. ;  Joseph; 
Josiah  ;  Elisa.,  who  m.  Jno.  Cook ;  and  Dority. 

-Mr.  John  Wing,  son  of  John,  of  Sandwich,  who  is  supposed  to  be  the 
ancestor  of  all  the  families  of  the  name  on  the  Cape,  as  also  of  others 
widely  dispersed,  had  sons  and  daughters:  "  Ephraim  May  30,  1645,  who 
d.  1649  ;  Joseph  Sept.  2,  1650;  Ananias;  Susannah,  who  m.  Parslow; 
Oseah,  who  m.  Turner;  and  Jolm,  who  was  m.,  and  d.  1683,  leaving  one 
child.  Besides  these  is  mentibhed,  "  A  son  of  John  Wing  was  drowned  in 
the  snow,  Dec.  11,  1648."  It  would  seem  that  the  wife  was  Miriam. 
She  may  have  been  2d  wife. 

^  Judge  ScAvall,  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  tlie  Province,  furnishes,  in  his 
diary,  an  interesting  scene  in  the  closing  of  the  venerable  man's  life,  the 
Judge  having  personally  administered  to  his  aged  friend  in  the  last  hours  of 
h's  pilgrimage.  And,  as  the  journal  affords  so  graphic  a  view  of  the  pious 
simplicity  of  ancient  times,  we  will  give  a  few  extracts  in  his  own  words : 
"Third  day,  Aug.  16,  1695.  We  had  a  fast  in  our  new  chamber.  Mr. 
Willard  begins  with  prayer,  and  preaches  fl'om  2  Chron.  xxxi,v.  27,  'Be- 
•  cause  thine  heart  was  tender,  and  thou  didst  humble  thyself  before  God,  etc' 
Mr.  Allen  prayed.  P.  M.  Mr.  Bailey  begins  with  prayer,  and  preaches 
from  Luke  i.  50,  'And  his  mercy  is  on  them  that  fear  him,  from  generation 
to  generation;'  and  concludes  with  prayer.  Sung  the  xxvii.  Ps.  7  and  10 
V.  I  set  Winsor  tune,  and  burst  so  into  tears  that  I  could  hardly  continue 
singing.  Mr.  Thornton  was  here,  but  went  away  when  Mr.  Allen  was  at 
prayer.  Mr.  Cook  and  Mr.  Addington  were  here.  Mr.  Sargent  was  di- 
verted. I  appointed  this  day  to  ask  God's  blessing  after  the  death  of  my 
dear  mother  ;  and  in  particular  to  bless  Samuel  with  a  master  and  calling, 
and  to  bless  us  in  our  new  house.  The  Lord  pardon  and  do  for  us  beyond 
our  hopes."  Mr.  Thornton's  age  and  infirmities  were  doubtless  the  cause 
of  his  leaving  before  the  exercises  were  concluded.  Three  of  the  gentle- 
men present,  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Allen,  John  Bailey,  and  Thos.  Thornton, 


206  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Clark  was  the  schoolmaster  this  year,  and  besides  his 
salary,  provision  was  made  for  keeping  his  horse,  —  the 
arrangement  of  "  carrying  the  school  "  from  neighbor- 
hood to  neighborhood  at  intervals,  making  the  distance 
often  far  from  his  home.  Provision  was  also  made  for 
the  hire  of  rooms  for  the  school.  The  honor  of  a  seat 
in  "the  Great  and  General  Court"  of  the  Province 
seems  not  to  have  been  greatly  coveted  by  our  fathers ; 
for,  after  repeated  elections  of  representatives  this  year, 
and  as  often  refusals  to  serve,  the  town  was  under  the 
necessity  of  obviating  the  chief  objection  to  the  exer- 
cise of  the  proffered  vicarious  power.  An  addition 
of  12d.  per  day  to  the  legal  pay  relieved  the  office  of 
further  contempt. 

In  1701,  Mr,  John  Miller  Sr.  being  the  representative,  it  was 
voted  that  3s.  6d.  per  day  be  granted  hira,  and  also  allowance  of 
two  extra  days  for  travel  in  consideration  of  his  age  and  the 
greatness  of  the  journey."  Mr,  John  Clark  was  the  school-mas- 
ter. "  Maj.  Thacher,  Capt,  John  Hawes,  Mr,  Jeremiah  Howes, 
Mi\  John  Miller,  and  Mr,  Thos.  Folland,  were  apjjointed  a  com- 
mittee to  make  out  a  list  of  all  such  persons  as  are  rightful  pro- 
prietors of  the  commons."     Capt.  John  Hawes  died  Nov,  11, 

In  1702,  the  wind-mill  was  repaired,  and  a  gratuity  of  £6  al- 
lowed to  the  owner,  he  agreeing  to  grind  at  two  qts.  toll,  per  bu. 
Mr,  Cotton  "  accepted  of  £40  in  money,  of  the  product  of  the 
whale  fishes  that  came  to  this  town  the  last  year,  —  the  town  to 
have  the  balance,"     Dea.  Josiah  Thachek  died  May  12.^ 

were  of  the  number  ejected  by  the  Act  of  Conformity,  1662;  Mr.  Willard 
was  pastor  of  the  Old  South ;  Mr.  Addingtou  was  Secretary  of  the  Prov- 
ince ;  and  Mr.  Peter  Sargent  was  Counsellor.  At  last,  several  years  after, 
Judge  Sewall  was  called  to  visit  the  good  old  man  in  his  last  hours  :  "  Feb, 
14,  1699-1700,  I  visit  Mr,  Thomas  Thornton  in  the  afternoon  between  3 
and  4.  Hoped  he  should  die  next  night.  I  spoke  to  him  what  I  could ; 
helped  him  up  while  he  drank  something  comfortable.  At  three  past  mid- 
night he  altered  much."  "  Feb.  15,  8  P.  M,  Mr.  Thomas  Thornton  dies 
very  quietly,  which  Mr.  Gee  acquaints  me  with.  Is  very  near  93  years 
old."  Mr.  Pemberton  also  notes  the  event  in  his  jom'nal,  as  follows  :  "  Feb. 
1700.  Be  it  remembered  that  on  the  14  (15th)  of  the  month,  died  in  Bos- 
ton, the  aged  and  reverend  Mr.  Thomas  Thornton,  formerly  minister  of 
Yarmouth ;  but  by  reason  of  age  incapable  of  that  service." 

^  See  Vol.  I.  142,  and  022.  Dea.  Thacher,  b.  1067,  m.  Mary  Hedge, 
and  had  Anthony;  Rebecca,  who  m.  John  Paddock,  1710  ;  Mary,  who  m. 


^< 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  207 

In  1703  Messrs.  John  Thacher,  Jeremiah  Howes,  Sam'l  Stur- 
gis,  Joseph  Hall,  and  Peter  Thacher,  were  chosen  to  "seat  per- 
sons in  the  meeting-house."  An  order  was  passed  regulating  the 
keeping  of  sheep.    Mr.  Richard  Taylor  died  Aug.  1.^ 

In  1704  we  have  evidence  of  the  failing  health  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Cotton,  in  the  fact  that  Oct.  20,  Mr.  Jere- 
miah Howes  and  Sergt.  Elisha  Hall  were  appointed  a 
committee  "  to  go  to  Cushnet,  to  Mr.  Gardner,  a  min- 
ister now  there,  engage  him  to  come  to  this  town  to 
preachy  we  being  destitute."  This  committee,  with 
Capt.  Samuel  Howes  and  Peter  Thacher,  were  re- 
quested "to  wait  on  Mr,  Cotton,  and  acquaint  him, 
with  these  proceedings."  Mr.  Cotton  approved.  The 
town  then  ordered  that  the  committee,  "if  the  said 
Scotch  minister  cannot  be  obtained,  apply  to  Mr.  Jo- 
siah  Cotton  to  come  for  the  winter." 

Mr.  William  JSTickerson  died  this  year ;  ^  also  Mr.  Samuel 
Beret,  son  of  Richard,  Feb.  21.^  Of  the  soldiers  detached  from 
the  Cape  this  year,  for  the  public  service,  and  reported  to  Col. 
March,  Avas  "  Ebenr.  Hallett,  of  Yarmouth,  son  of  Jonathan,  un- 
der age." 

Joslina  Sears,  1719  ;  Elisha,  who  m.  Phebe  Lothrop;  and  Josiah,  who  m. 
Burne. 

^  Mr.  Richard  Taylor,  called  Fairmer  Eock,  to  distinguish  him  from 
another  of  the  same  name,  m.,  prob.,  Ruth  Surges,  and  had  Ruth  July  29, 
1647,  d.  inf.;  Anne  1648;  Ruth  1650;  Rd.  Jan.  9,  1652,  who  served  in 
the  Indian  war,  1675;  Mehitable  1654;  Keziah  1656;  Joshua  May  9, 
1659  ;  Hannah  1661 ;  Elisha  Feb.  10,  1664;  and  Mary  1667.-  ' 

^The  Admiralty  Rec.  of  Lond.  show  "the  examination  of  William  Nlck- 
erson,  of  Norwich,  in  Norfolk,  Eng.,  weaver,  aged  33,  and  Anne,  uxor,  aged 
28,  with  4  childi-en,  desirous  to  go  to  Boston,  N.  Eng.,  to  inhabit,  April  8, 
1637."  It  is  said,  this  William,  the  progenitor,  went  first  to  Watertown 
with  his  father-in-law,  Nicholas  Busby.  He  was,  as  we  have  seen,  early  in 
Yarmouth.  His  children  were  Nicholas,  Robert,  Elizabeth  who  m.  Rt.  El- 
clred,  Oct.  31,  1639,  and  Anne  who  m.  Tristram  Hedges,  all  brought  with 
him  from  Eng.;  also  Wm.  Jr.,  bap.  June  1,  1646;  Joseph  Dec.  1647; 
Samuel ;  John ;  and  a  dr.,  who  m.  Nath'l  Covell.  The  above  William, 
who  d.  1703,  Is  supposed  to  be  the  s.  of  Nicholas,  and  grandson  of  the 
patriarch,  William.  He  m.  Mary  Snow,  of  E.,  .Jan.  22,  1690-1,  and  had 
Mercy  March  17,  1601-2;  Nicholas  March  19,  1693-4;  William;  Ebenr. 
June  13, 1697 ;  Jane  1699  ;  Mary  1701 ;  and  Thankful  1705,  who  m.  Benj. 
Bangs,  1737. 

^Mr.  Berry,  by  his  w.  Ellsa.  Bell,  dr.  of  John,  had  a  dr.  Jan.  19,  1682, 
a.  inf ;  Ellsa.,  Dec.  21,  1684;  Patience  June  22,  1687;  John  July  9,  1689; 
Samuel  Nov.  1691 ;  and  Desire  June  29,  1694. 


208         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

In  1705,  April  26,  Mr.  Cotton  resigned  the  pasto- 
rate, "  on  account,"  as  Eev.  Mr.  Alden  has  said,  "  of 
weakness  of  body  and  mind."  ^  May  8,  appHcation 
was  made  to  Mr.  Garnet.  Mr.  John  Clarke  died  Ang. 
16  ;~  and  Mr.  Jeremiah  Jones,  Nov.  4.^ 

In  1706,  Feb.  11,  Rev.  Mr.  Cotton,  who  had  been 
first  the  assistant  of  Mr.  Thornton,  and  then  his  suc- 
cessor, died,  aged  45.  The  funeral  charges  were  paid 
by  the  town.*  A  oall  was  extended .  to  Mr.  Carnet, 
March  25.  Mr.  Jeremiah  Howes  died  Jan.  6;^  and 
John  Casley,  Jr.,  died  Jan.  6.° 

In  1707,  Aug.  10,  an  invitation  to  settle  here  in  the 
ministry  was  extended  to  Mr.  Daniel  Geeenleap.  A 
dwelling-house,  etc.,  was  provided ;  but  for  some  cause 
his  acceptance  was  long  deferred. 

The  arraDgement  for  the  school  this  year  was,  "  to  be  kept  the 
1st  half  year  in  some  convenient  house  between  Mr.  Jona.  Hal- 
lett's  and  White's  Brook ;  the  next  half,  in  IsTobscussett."  The 
amount  raised  this  year  for  town  and  county  charges  was  £130. 

In  1708,  in  May,  the  call  was  renewed  to  Mr.  Green- 
leaf;  and,  June  30,  Col.  Thacher  and  Mr.  John  Hal- 
lett  were  "  appointed  a  committee  to  see  that  suitable 


^Mr.  Josiah  Cotton  supplied  a  part  of  the  previous  winter,  for  wliicli  £6 
was  voted.  Mr.  Gardner  came  the  last  of  January,  and,  March  5,  was  in- 
vited to  preach  a  year  on  trial.  He  deferring  his  answer,  a  committee 
went,  May  2,  to  Falmouth  to  get  Mr.  Garnet  to  come  and  jjreach  "  until 
Mr.  G.  is  heard  from." 

-  Mr.  Clai-ke  was  the  schoolmaster. 

^Mr.  Jeremiah  Joxes  was  s.  of  Teage.  He  m.,  prob.  2d  w.,  Elisa. 
HaU,  April  27,  1G99.  Plis  children  were  John,  Elisa.,  Sarah,  Hannah,  and 
Rebecca. 

^Rev.  John  Cotton  was  b.  in  Plymouth,  16G1,  and  grad.  H.  C,  1681. 
He  had  sons  who  d.  inf ,  and  daughters  who  married.  His  widow  survived 
him  but  a  short  time.  "Mrs.  Sarah  Cotton  d.  June  17,  170G,  after  giving 
birth  to  a  son  June  15." 

^Jeremiah  Howes,  Esq.,  was  a  man  of  prominence  and  large  influ- 
ence. He  was  son  of  the  first  Thomas,  and  m.  Sarah  Prence,  dr.  of  Gov. 
P.,  16.50,  who  d.  March  3,  1703-4.  He  was  deputy  10  years,  representa- 
tive after  the  imion  2  years,  and  selectman  20  years. 

"Mr.  Casley  was  s.  of  John,  of  Be.,  by  whose  Avives,  Alice  and  Sarah, 
were  John,  B  mij.,  and  Sarah,  who  m.  Elisha  Smith,  April  20,  1719. 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  209 

entertainment  be  made  for  the  ministers  and  messen- 
gers from  the  churches  about  to  assemble  for  the  ordi- 
nation of  Mr.  G."  Sept.  25,  a  division  was  made,  with 
Mr.  Roland  Cotton's  assistance,  of  "the  parsonage 
land  and  meadow  in  partnership  between  this  town 
and  the  heirs  of  the  late  Mr.  John  Cotton."  Mr.  Paul 
Sears  died  this  year.^ 

In  1709,  it  was,  in  town  meeting  "  agreed  that  Mr.  Greenleaf  s 
first  year  began  Oct.  1,  1707."  May  13,  a  grant  was  made  to  Lt. 
Howes,  James  Sturgis,  Joseph  Howes,  and  Peter  Thacher,  "  of  a 
seat  in  the  meeting-house  next  before  the  seat  formerly  occupied 
by  Mr.  Miller's  family ;  the  said  persons  to  inclose  it  with  said 
Miller's  seat  for  their  Avives  to  sit  in,  —  they  engaging  to  fill  the 
same  as  full  as  may  be  convenient." 

In  1710,  the  principle  on  which  divisions  are  to  be 
made  was  recognized  as,  1st,  on  estates,  one-half;  2d, 
on  tenements,  one-third  ;  and  3d,  on  males  of  21  years 
and  over,  born  in  Yarmouth  prior  to  1661,  or  whose 
ancestors  assisted  in  the  settlement  of  the  town ;  and. 
May  9,  a  comiuittee  was  appointed  to  report  under 
this  rule.  Mr.  Nathaniel  Bassett  died  Jan.  16,  aged 
82;  2  and  Dea.  John  Hall  died  Oct.  24.^ 


^Mr.  Paul  Sears,  b.  1637,  inherited  the  paternal  estate.  He  adopted 
the  orphan  sons  of  his  bro.  Kny  vet,  and  in  his  will  mentions  them  as  his  own. 
He  m.  Deborah  Willard,  and  had  sons  and  drs.  The  sons  were  Samuel, 
Paul,  and  John.  He  left  a  large  estate.  His  bequests  to  his  adopted  sons 
were  to  enable  them  "  to  purchase  Monomoy,"  now  Chatham. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  333-5.  Mr.  Bassett  was  son  of  Mr.  William,  of  Ply- 
mouth 1624,  then  of  Dux.,  and  finally  of  Bridg.  who  d.  1647.  This  son 
set.  first  in  Marshfield,  then  in  Yarmouth, —  residing  near  the  first  meeting- 
house.    His  1st  w.  was  dr.  of  John  Joyce,  and  the  2d  was  Hannah ; 

his  children  were  Mary,  who  m.  Thos.  Mulford,  of  Truro ;  Samuel ;  Han- 
nah, who  m.  Covel;  Nath'l,  who  removed  to  Windham,  Ct. ;  Josejjh;  Ruth; 
Sarah,  who  m.  Nickerson ;  Nathan ;  William ;  and  prob.  Dorcas,  who  died 
June  9,  1707,  aged  31.  William,  son  of  Nath'l,  m.  Martha  Godfrey,  Feb. 
23,  1710,  and  2d,  Sarah  Jenkins,  Jan.  30,  1722-3  ;  and  had  Isaac  July  17, 
1711 ;  Moses  Nov.  4,  1713;  Fear  April  11,  1716,  who  m.  Joseph  Rogers, 
of  H. ;  William;  Samuel  Aug.  1,  1724;  Experience  May  5,  1727;  Mary 
May  18,  1729;  and  Nath'l  Sept.  4,  1732.  The  parents  were  dism.  from 
the  Yai-mouth  church  to  that  in  Be.,  1727,  where  the  last  four  children 
were  born. 

*Dea.  Hall,  born  1645,  m.  Priscilla  Bearse,  dr.  Austin,  and  had  John; 

VOL.   IT.  27 


210  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1711,  Mr.  Jaquesh  was  engaged  as  school-master,  "to  keep 
an  English  school  to  teach  children  to  read,  write,  and  cypher ; 
also  a  grammar  school,  to  teach  Latin,  provided  he  may  be  ob- 
tained at  the  same  price."  Mr.  John  Millek  died  June  9,  aged 
79;  ^  also  Mr.  John  Whelden,  Nov.  20.  In  1712,  Mr.  Jaquesh, 
school-master,  was  allowed  £24  salary,  and  5s.  per  week  addi- 
tional for  board.  A  bounty  of  £5  was  offered  for  wolves.  In 
1713,  May  8,  Col.  John  Thacher  died,  aged  75;  ^  also  Mr.  Thos. 
Batter,  June  22. 

In  1714  occurred  the  same  difficulty  as  in  former 
years  in  finding  men  to  accept  of  the  office  of  repre- 
sentative to  the  General  Court. 

In  1715,  an  addition  of  £10  was  made  to  Mr. 
Greenleaf's  salary.  The  school-master's  salary  was 
,£26,  and  the  like  sum  provided  for  board.  Mr.  John 
Crowell  died  this  year.-^ 

In  1716,  the  question  of  increased  church-accommo- 
dation was  paramount.  Some  advocated  the  building 
of  a  meeting-house  in  the  easterly  part  of  the  town, 
and  a  division  of  the  town  into  precincts.  The  subject 
was  finally  referred  to  Capt.  Thompson  of  Middleboro', 
Ensign  John  Bacon  of  Barnstable,  and  Mr.  Chilings- 
worth  Foster  of  Harwich ;  and  February  21,  a  commit- 
tee was  app.  consisting  of  Sam'l  Sturgis,  Esq.  Capt. 
John  Paddock,  Ens.  Elisha  Hall,  Dea.  Joseph  Hall,  Mr. 
John  Hallett,  and  Mr.  Josiah  Miller,  "to  attend  the  gen- 
Joseph,  Sept.  29,  1663;  a  dr.  1668,  d.;  Priscilla,  1671;  Esther,  1672; 
Mary,  1674 ;  Martha,  1676  ;  and  Nath'l,  Sept.  15,  1678. 

^Mr.  JoHX  Miller,  b.  1632,  was  s.  of  Rev.  John.  He  m.  Margaret 
\Vinslow,  dr.  Josiah,  Dec.  24,  1659,  and  had  Lj^-dia  May  18,  1661,  who  m. 
%  '  Jacob  Cook,  Dec.  29,  1681 ;  Rebecca  Nov.  7,  1663,  who  m.  Thos.  Clark, 
/f  *  '  -VFcb.  15,  16^;  Hannah  April  19,  1666,  who  m.  Joseph  Hdl,  Feb.  12, 
|»    ,  1G90;  JVIargaret  April  19,  1668,  d.  inf.;   Mehitable  May  14,  1670;  John 

Feb.  20,  1673,  d.  inf.;  Margaret  March  2,  1675;  Susannah  July  26, 
1677;  Josiah  Oct.  27,  1679  ;  and  John  Oct.  16,  1681.  He  was  often  dep- 
uty, and  filled  various  town  offices. 

-  See  Vol.  I.  622. 

*  Mr.  JoHX  CpvOAVXLl,  s.  of  Thos.,  resided  at  Bass  Ponds.  His  children 
were,  Thos.  Mav  1,  1695;  Sarah  1693;  John  Oct.  21,  1695;  Jeremiah 
Jan.  31,  1608;  Thankful  Nov.  9,  1700,  Avho  m.  Wm.  Edridgc,  1709; 
Joshua  Feb.  25,  1703  ;  Hannah  1705  ;  and  Ephraim  March  3,  1711. 


.i 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  211 

tlemen  expected  here  to  hear  and  determine  the 
matter  about  our  setthng  another  meeting-house,  — 
whether  this  town  shall  have  two  meeting-houses  or 
one,  and  where  settled."  March  5,  it  was  "  agreed  that 
the  decision  of  the  three  referees  shall  be  binding 
and  final."  The  decision  was  to  build  but  one,  that  to 
be  located  near  the  old  edifice ;  but  that,  after  ten 
years,  the  inhabitants  of  the  eastern  part  of  the  town 
shall  be  at  liberty  to  draw  off,  become  a  separate  pre- 
cinct, and  shall  receive  assistance  from  the  town  in 
the  erection  of  a  meeting-house. 

Stocks  were  ordered  "  to  be  set  in  the  most  convenient  place 
for  public  uses."  The  representative  of  the  town  in  the  Provin- 
cial Assembly,  was  "aUowed  18d.  per  day  above  the  law,  and 
three  days  to  go  and  two  to  return." 

In  1717,  a  building-committee  having  been  appointed,  last 
October,  the  people  now,  May  13,  assembled  to  raise  the  means. 
An  api^ropriation  of  £200  was  made  "to  carry  on  the  work, — 
the  Quakers  to  be  exempted  from  charge."  November  14.  it  was 
"  voted  that  seats  be  made  in  the  new  meeting-house  as  may  be 
needful;  and  the  old  building  sold."  November  26,  it  was  "vo- 
ted that  such  of  our  inhabitants  as  are  professed  Quakers  be 
freed  from  paying  to  the  minister's  i-ate;"  and  that  Capt.  Howes, 
Mr.  Elisha  Hedge,  Mr.  John  Hallett,  Dea.  Hall,  Mr.  Zach. 
Paddock,  Mr.  Elisha  Hall,  and  Mr.  John  Hedge  be  a  committee 
"to  place  or  seat  the  people  in  our  new  meeting-house  as  they, 
or  a  major  part  of  them,  shall  see  cause, —  all  the  circumstances 
of  the  people  being  considered."  It  was  further  voted  "  that  they 
who  are  to  have  pews,  build  them  at  their  own  charge,  under 
the  direction  of  the  building-committee;  the  leases  to  be  made 
by  said  committee."  Mr.  Jonathais"  Hallett  died  this  year, 
January  14. 

In  1718,  March  4,  the  town  voted  to  'give  the  old  meeting- 
house to  the  widow  Rebecca  Sturgis  in  consideration  of  the  loss 
of  her  house  by  fire,  to  be  used  toward  the  erection  of  another 
dwelling ;  only  reserving  the  materials  of  which  the  pews  were 
built,  for  the  owners  thereof.'  Mr.  Zachaeiah  Paddock  Jr. 
died  April  8. 

In  1719,  October  14,  the  minister's  salary  was  increased  £20, 


212  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

"  in  consequence  of  the  dearaess  of  provisions,  etc."  The  town 
being  presented  for  not  having  a  school-master,  Mr.  Peter 
Thacher  was  appointed  agent  to  answer  for  the  town  at  the 
next  court.  Jonathan"  Howes  died  January  10,  killed  by  a 
whale.     Capt.  John  Pabdock  died  February  18. 

In  1720,  the  sum  raised  for  town  expenses  was  £120. 

In  1721,  an  order  was  passed  allowing  "swine  enlargement." 
the  favored  porklings  and  porkers  might  go  at  large,  only  they 
must  be  "  ringed  and  yoked." 

The  East  Precinct  of  Yarmouth  was  this  year  con- 
stituted, the  provision  made  in  1716  being  anticipated. 
Capt.  JosiAH  Crocker  died  October  10,  aged  37.^ 

In  1722,  the  last  day  of  February  the  j)i'ehminary 
meeting  for  the  organization  of  Nobscusset  and  neigh- 
borhood as  a  distinct  parish,  known  as  the  Eastern 
Precinct,  was  held ;  and  March  7,  Judah  Paddock  act- 
ing as  clerk  of  the  parish,  arrangements  were  made 
for  building;  a  meetino;-house. 

In  1723,  Rev.  Mr.  Greenleaf  was  invited  to  be  minis- 
ter of  the  new  parish,  March  22;^  and  April  15,  Mr. 
Deming  of  Medway  was  proposed.  A  council  of  ad- 
vice was  called,  and,  September  25,  reported  approving 
of  invitation  now  extended  to  Mr.  Dexter.^     Septem- 


-  The  records  say,  he  d.  at  Nauset ;  others  say,  at  Anapolis  Rial.  Capt. 
Crocker  was  s.  of  Josiah  of  Be.,  and  b.  1684.  He  m.  Desire  Thacher,  d'.- 
of  Col.  John,  Ap.  10,  1718.  Issue:  Josiah  Oct.  30,  1719,  who  gi-ad.  H.  C. 
1738,  and  was  ordained  minister  of  Taunton  May  19,  1742,  where  he  died 
Aug.  28, 1774;  and  Desire  Dec.  17, 1721.  Rev.  Josiah,  who  was  the  friend 
of  Whitefield  and  in  some  traits  resembled  him,  m.  Rebecca  AUyn,  d.  James 
of  Be.,  July  28,  1742,  who  died  Sept.  28,  1759 ;  and  2d,  Hannah  Cobb,  d. 
Col.  Thomas,  of  Attleboro'.  From  him  are  descended  the  Crockers  of 
Taunton. 

^  This  call  was,  perhaps,  intended  in  courtesy,  as  a  compliment  to  their 
late  pastor.  In  any  event  it  is  honorable  to  both  parties,  and  is  a  pleasing 
exhibition  of  the  estimation  in  which  Mr.  6.  was  held  by  this  recent 
portion  of  his  flock. 

■^  According  to  Rev.  Samuel  Dexter's  diary,  it  appears  that  he  was  here 
soon  after  the  organization  of  the  parish.  It  shows  that  "April  23,  1722," 
he  "  set  out  on  a  visit  to  Yarmouth ;  24th,  stopped  with  Dea.  Hall.  Visited 
Nobscusset  and  preached  there,  28th.  Returned  to  Yarmouth  town,  29th, 
and  visited  Mr.  Greenleaf  Visited  Sii-suit,  May  1."  "Again  at  Yai-mouth, 
July  12  ;  and  also  visited  Mr.  Lord  at  Chatham,  and  Mr.  Stone  at  Har- 
wich."    The  report  of  council  of  advice,  above  mentioned,  is  signed  by 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  213 

ber  26,  the  night  before,  "  two  vessels  came  ashore.  — 
a  brig  at  Nobscusset,  and  a  ship  at  Harwich."  Capt. 
Samuel  Howes  died  this  year,  January  10. 

In  1724,  Mr.  Barnabas  Taylor  was  proposed  as  min- 
ister for  the  Eastern  Precinct,  and  visited  the  parish. 
Mr.  Greenleaf  and  his  parish  were  now  in  some  trouble, 
probably  growing  out  of  the  recent  change  of  parish 
relations.  Mr.  Greenleaf  entered  a  complaint  at  court, 
and  the  town  appointed  a  committee  to  answer.  The 
subject  of  misunderstanding  was  salary. 

In  1725,  June  24,  Mr.  Josiah  Dennis  received  a  call 
to  become  the  minister  of  the  East  Precinct.  The 
complaint  of  Mr.  Greenleaf,  and  "  the  town's  grievan- 
ces," were,  August  2,  submitted  to  a  council.  Mr. 
Joseph  Ceosby  died  May  30.^ 

In  1726,  Mr.  Greenleafs  complaint  was  not  withdrawn.  April 
21,  the  town  voted  to  "give  him  £20,  in  addition  to  the  £100 
ready  for  him,  in  fidl  discharge  of  his  complaint  now  before  the 
Superior  court,  or  else  refer  the  whole  subject  to  three  or  more 
of  the  late  council."  Subsequently  the  town  vote  to  "give  £1-30, 
he  to  acquit  the  town,  to  October  1723,  from  any  further  de- 
mands for  his  services."  "August  6,  Mr.  Ebeuezer  Taylor,  the 
father  of  Daniel,  Esq.,  was  remarkably  preserved  from  death." 
He  had  descended  a  well ;  a  stone  gave  way,  and  immediately 
the  stones  and  earth  closed  over  and  under  him.  His  condi- 
tion seemed,  both  to  himself  and  neighbors,  to  be  hopeless,  but 
he  was  at  last  extricated.^ 

Rev.  Messrs.  Nathaniel  Stone,  Joseph  Lord,  and  Daniel  Greenleaf,  and  is : 
"  Whereas  the  East  Precinct  of  Yarmouth  have  applied  themselves  to  us 
for  our  advice  with  relation  to  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Samuel  Dexter,  We, 
the  subscribers,  do  hereby  declare  that  for  what  we  have  heard  or  known 
concerning  him,  we  see  no  reason  to  withhold  our  concurrence  with  that 
they  have  manifested  to  be  their  desire,  viz.,  that  Mr.  Dexter  may  be  set- 
tled in  the  ministry  among  them ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  hoping  that  he  may 
be  made  a  blessing  to  them,  we  do  approve  of  their  calling  him  to  the  min- 
istry of  the  Gospel  among  them ;  and  advise,  if  he  shall  accept  their  call,  to 
settle  him  in  the  ministry  among  them."  Mr.  Dexter  became  the  minister' 
of  Dedham,  and  was  g.  f.  of  Hon.  Samuel  Dexter. 

1  Mr.  Crosby,  b.  1G69,  was  3d  s.  of  Rev.  Thomas,  of  E.  He  m.  Me- 
hitable  Miller  Feb.  16,  1692-3  and  settled  in  this  town.  His  son  Thcophi- 
lus,  b.  Dec.  31,  1693,  m.  Thankful  Winslow,  of  H.,  Feb.  14,  1722-3. 

^  This  was  at  the  Indian  Ilokanom,  the  N.  eastern  part  of  the  town. 


214         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

In  1727,  the  Rev.  Daniel  Greenleaf  was  released 
from  his  pastoral  relations  to  this  town,  after  a  minis- 
try of  twenty  years.  Mr.  G.  removed  from  town.-^  A 
church  organization  was  now  eflfected  in  the  Eastern 
Precinct,  and  Rev.  Josiah  Dennis  was  ordained  June  22. 
The  chief  details  of  the  progress  of  this  church  and 
parish  will  find  their  appropriate  place  in  the  intro- 
ductory part  of  the  annals  of  the  tovs^n  of  Dennis. 
Mr.  Zacbajiiah  Paddock  died  May  1,  aged  91. 


An  account  of  the  affair  was  given  by  Mr.  Weekes,  and  also,  later,  by  IMr. 
Alden,  and  will  be  found  among  the  archives  of  the  Histoi'ical  Society. 

^  Mr.  Greenleaf,  s.  of  Stephen,  of  Nev/bury,  was  b.  1679,  and,  grad. 
H.  C.  1699.  The  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  connection  has  been  imputed 
to  the  influence  of  long-continued,  strenuous,  and  unrelenting  opposition  on 
the  part  of  a  prominent  parishioner  who  had  become  disaffected.  Besides 
his  ecclesiastical  functions,  Mr.  G.  performed  those  of  a  physician  and 
apothecary.  By  his  m.  with  Eliza  Gooking,  dr.  of  sheriff  G.  of  Suffolk, 
and  gr.  d.  of  Maj.  Gen.  G.  of  Cambridge,  Mr.  Greenleaf  had  a  large 
family.  Shortly  before  his  dismission,  his  wife  and  thirteen  children  re- 
moved to  Boston,  an.d  she  there  opened  an  apothecary  shop.  She  was  an 
energetic  and  intelligent  woman,  and  frequently  prescribed  for  the  sick.  Mr. 
G.  preached  onty  occasionally  after  removing  to  Boston.  Connecting  him- 
self with  Dr.  Coleman's  church,  he  .usually  took  place  in  the  elder's  seat.  A 
portrait  of  him,  by  Copley,  has  been  preserved.  He  is  represented  as 
venerable  and  aged.  For  two  years  before  his  decease  he  was  bed-ridden 
in  consequence  of  severe  Injury  by  a  fall,  and,  though  greatly  suffering, 
was  remarked  as  a  pattern  of  patience  and  meekness.  An  old  friend  who 
had  called  to  see  him  in  his  prostration,  sympathizlngly  said,  "  God  has  laid 
his  hand  heavily  upon  you ;  "  but  Mr.  G.  replied,  '  True,  but  the  Almighty's 
arm  is  underneath  me.'  In  the  same  happy  and  submissive  state  of  mind 
he  continued  to  the  last.     He  died  aged  82. 

"  The  father  of  the  above  Mr.  Paddock  was  Robert,  who  was  of  Ply- 
mouth lG34,'and  died  1650.  If  dates  are  correct,  Zachariah  was  the 
2d  son,  and  b.  May  20,  1636.  He  m.  Deborah  Sears,  d.  of  Richard,  1659, 
and  had  Ichabod,  1661  ;  Zachariah,  1664;  Elizabeth,  1665;  John,  1668; 
Robert,  1670;  Joseph,  1774;  Nathaniel,  1677;  and  Judah,  1681.  Icha- 
bod, b.  1661,  is  he  who,  it  is  said  by  Macy,  was  engaged  to  go  to  Nan- 
tucket to  teach  the  art  of  catching  whales.  The  statement  of  Macy  is 
doubtless  strictly  correct.  For  every  honor,  however,  there  must  be  com- 
petitors ;  and  so  Mr.  Felt  of  Salem,  of  later  date,  prefers  a  claim  that 
"  one  James  Loper"  was  the  first  person  that  undei'took  catching  whales  at 
the  Island,  and  says  he  had,  in  1688  been  in  the  business  22  years  !  Upon 
this,  Mr.  Savage,  in  his  usually  authoritative  manner,  relates :  "  Ichabod 
Paddock  is  the  subject  of  a  trifling  tradition  that  he  was  invited  In  1690 
from  Cape  Cod  to  Nantucket  to  teach  the  art  of  killing  whales."  We 
have  no  mterest  in  challenging  for  Mr.  Paddock  more  than  is  right;  and  the 
reader  will  judge  whether  Mr.  Macy  of  Nantucket  is  justly  chargeable 
with  originating,  or,  without  good  foundation,  encouraging  "  a  trifling  tra- 
dUlon."  The  utterances  of  caprice,  however  dogmatic,  ai'e  never  in  good 
taste. 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  215 

In  1728,  at  the  opening  of  the  year,  the  controvei-sy  with  Rev. 
Mr.  Greenleaf  was  not  settled  ;  he  had,  the  23d  December  jDre- 
vious,  made  proposals  for  adjustment ;  and  now,  January  12,  the 
matter  was  discussed  in  town-meeting,  and  an  answer  returned 
to  Ml'.  G.  The  subject  was  probably  referred ;  for  November  7, 
a  meeting  was  held  "  to  raise  money  to  pay  Mr.  G.  according  to 
advice  of  council." 

In  1729,  Rev.  Thomas  Smith  became  the  successor  of 
Mr.  Greenleaf.  Town-meetings  began  to  be  held  oc- 
casionally in  the  East  meeting-house.  Mr.  Josiah  Mil- 
ler died  April  15.^     Mr.  John  Miller  died  July  4.^ 

In  1730,  the  schools  were  again  "  settled,"  and  from  year  to 
year  received  due  attention  ;  but,  unless  we  except  minor  mat- 
ters, —  the  adjustment  anew  of  the  boundaries  of  the  town  on 
either  side,  and  like  matters,  nothing  of  historical  interest  is 
found  on  the  records  for  several  years.  In  1734,  the  government 
loan-fund  began  to  be  used  for  town  charges,  and,  the  next  year 
ensued  trouble  in  the  collecting  of  the  bonds;  suits  being  neces- 
sary for  the  recoveiy  of  either  interest  or  principal.  Mr.  Thos. 
Crowell  died  March  21,  1735. 

In  1736,  Peter  Thacher,  Esq.  died,  February  12;^  and  Mr. 
JoHK  Howes,  April  30.^ 

In  1737,  the  application  of  towns  below,  for  courts  to  be  held 
a  part  of  the  time  in  Eastham,  was  opposed.  Dea.  Joseph 
Hall  died  January  29 ;  *  Mr.  William  Matthews,  September 
29 ;  ^  and  Mr.  Thomas  Howes,  November  22. 

^  Ml'.  Josiah  Miller,  b.  1679,  s.  of  John,  was  prominent  in  public  af- 
fairs; his  widow,  Mary,  d.  at  Pembroke,  Feb.  15,  1772,  aged  94.  M-. 
John  Miller,  b.  1681,  m.  Thankful  Howes,  Jan.  23,  1707. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  372.  Peter  Thacher,  Esq.,  b.  1665,  Justice  1713, 
Judge  C.  Pleas  1720,  Chief  Just.  1728,  and  several  years  of  the  Council; 
m.  Thankful  Sturgis,  and  bad  Thankful  Jan.  13,  1693-4,  who  m.  John  Hal- 
let;  Peter,  Dec.  11,  1695,  d.  inf.;  Sarah,  Feb.  2,  1708,  who  m.  George 
Lewis;  Temperance,  Sept.  16,  1711  ;  Peter,  Aug.  24,  1712;  and  Hannah, 
Aug.  10,  1715. 

^  Mr.  John  Howes  m.  Elizabeth  Paddock  Nov.  28, 1689,  and,  2d,  Mary 
Matthews  July  8,  1691.  Issue:  Elizabeth  June  1,  1694;  John  Oct.  30, 
1699;  Sarah  July  18,  1701;  and  James  March  1,  1710-11. 

*  Dea.  Hall,  b.  1663,  s.  of  Dea.  John,  m.  Hannah  Miller  Feb.  12,  1689. 
-90,  who  d.  Aug.  23,  1710;  and,  2d,  Mary  Morton,  widow  of  John  and  dr. 
of  Mr.  Faunce;  and  had  Hannah  Feb.  20,  1691;  Priscilla  1693;  Mar- 
gery 1095;  Joseph  Aug.  6,  1697,  who  was  g.  f.  of  Capt.  Ezekiel;  Daniel 
July  18,  1699;  Josiah  Aug.  12,  1701  ;  David  Aug.  6,  1704;  Mary  March 
30,  1712  ;  Peter  May  19,  1715  ;  John  Jan.  30,  1717  ;  and  Bashua,  July  5, 
1719. 

^  Mr.  William  Matthews  m.  Hannah  Howes  Dec.  l."?,  1698,  and  had 


216  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Ill  1738,  Capt.  John  Sears  died,  April  9;^  Mr.  Edward 
Stuegis,  June  1 ;  ^  and  Mr.  Joshua  Howes,  November  28.  Mr. 
Thomas  Sturgis  died  August  3,  the  next  year;^  and  Dea. 
Shubael  Taylor,  aged  51,  September  29.  Mr.  Paul  Sears 
died  February  17,  1740;*  Shubael  Baxter,  Esq.,  April  12, 
1741;  and,  the  same  year,  November  4,  Mi-.  Benjamin-  Mat- 
thews.^ Mr.  Thomas  Brat  died  November  25,  1742  ;  Mr.  Jo- 
seph Howes,  December  24,  1743,  "in  a  good  old  age;"  Mr. 
Ebenezer  Hall,  December  20,  1744;  Mr.  John  Nickerson, 
July  23,  and  Mr.  Nathaniel  Howes,  July  26,  1745 ;  also,  the 
same  year,  Mr.  John  Berry  died,  aged  93.^  Many  persons  from 
the  Cape  were,  this  year,  in  the  expedition  against  Cape  Bre- 
ton.'^  November  6,  1745,  a  request  signed  by  Joseph  Thacher, 
Nathaniel  Howes,  Edward  Sturgis,  Peter  Thacher,  Jeremiah 
Joyce,  Samuel  Matthews,  Joseph  Ryder,  James  Tayloi",  and 
John  Matthews,  was  addressed  to  Mr.  Judah  Thacher,  clerk  of 
the  proprietors  of  Yarmouth,  for  a  meeting  of  the  proprietors  to 

Elizabetli  February,  1699 ;  and  Sarah  May,  1702.  His  wife  Hannah  died 
Jan.  1,  1704-5. 

^  Capt.  JohjST  Sears,  b.  1677,  s.  of  Paul,  d.,  the  family  memorial  says, 
"  1739."  He  was  a  military  officer.  His  children  were  John,  EUsha,  Wil- 
lard,  and  Nathaniel. 

^  Mr.  Edward  Sturgis,  b.  1684,  s.  of  Mr.  Thomas,  m.  Martha  Kus- 
sell,  Dec.  26,  1717,  and  had  Martha  Nov.  19,  1718;  Elizabeth,  June  12, 
1721,  d.  inf ;  Thomas,  July  22,  1722;  Elizabeth  Aug.  28,  1725,  who  m. 
Thomas  Allyn;  Rebecca  Oct.  9,  1727  ;  Jonathan  June  17,  1730;  Abigail 
July  22,  1732,  and  Hannah  Aug.  24,  1735. 

^  Mr.  Thomas  Sturgis,  doubtless  the  son  of  Mr.  Edward,  the  progeni- 
tor, who  is  said  to  have  been  a  branch  of  a  distinguished  family  in  England, 
had,  by  his  w.  Abigail,  drs.  b.  in  1681  and  1683,  who  d.  inf ;  Edward  Dec. 
10,  1684;  Thomas  April  4,  1686;  Hannah  Sept.  18,  1687;  John  Dec.  2, 
1690;  Elisa.  Dec.  25,  1692;  [the  record  says,  "The  said  Thomas  and 
Abigail  have  buried  four  children  in  theii"  infancy,  two  of  them  Avei'e  twins, 
before  the  date  of  this,  March  3,  1693-4.  They  had]  Abigail,  b.  Oct.  28, 
1694;  a  s.  1696,  d.  inf;  Thankful  March  18,  1697;  Sarah  Jan.  14,  1699- 
1 700,  and  a  son,  1 702,  d.  inf. 

*  Mr.  Paul  Sears,  s.  of  Paul,  lived  on  Quivet  Neck.  He  m.  Mercy 
Freeman,  dr.  Thomas  of  E.  1693,  and  had  Ebenezer  1694  ;  Paul  1695-6; 
Elizabeth  1697,  who  m.  Crosby;  Thomas  1699;  Rebecca  1701,  who  m. 
Joshua  Hall;  Mercy  1702,  who  m.  Joseph  Blackmore ;  Deborah  1705, 
who  m.  Thomas  Howes;  Anne  1706,  who  m.  Ebenezer  Bangs;  Joshua 
1708;  Edmund  1711 ;  Hannah  1714,  who  m.  Thomas  Howes;  and  Daniel. 

^  Mr.  Bex.tamix  Matthews,*  by  his  wife  Hannah  Ryder,  whom  he  m. 
Jan.  16,  1698-9,  had  James  Oct.  15,  1700;  Samuel  June  7,  1702; 
Thankful  March  31,  1704;  and  Mary  1707. 

°  Mr.  Berry,  a  soldier  in  Philip's  War,  1675,  was  s.  of  Richard.  His 
will  names  children:  Judah;  Ebenezer;  Elizabeth,  who  m.  Samuel  Baker 
July  30,  1702 ;  Experience,  who  m.  Jonathan  Bangs;  and  Mary,  who  m. 
Isaac  Chase,  July  23,  1 706. 

'  See  Vol.  I.  380. 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  ,  217 

be  cnlled  "  to  see  if  Joseph  Ryder  and  others  shall  have  liberty 
to  erect  a  grist-mill  at  a  place  called  the  weir." 

In  1746,  Mr.  Jeremiah  Crowell  died,  January  30  ;^  and  Mr. 
Thomas  Thachee,  December  20,  at  Annapolis. 

In  1748,  the  paper  currency  having  become  greatly 
depressed,  £350,  old  tenor,  was  voted  for  town  charges ; 
and  the  following  year,  the  duties  of  constable  had  be- 
come so  disagreeable  that  it  was  exceedingly  difficult 
to  find  any  person  who  would  serve. 

In  1750,  a  committee  was  appointed  "  to  enforce  the  deer  act ; " 
another  committee  "to  guard  against  trespass  on  JSTobscussett 
beach."  Mr.  Joseph  Bassett  died  Jan.  6;^  and  Mr.  Jacob 
Taylor,  Aug.  12. 

In  1751,  the  inhabitants  of  the  South  Side  petitioned  for  a 
public  road  to  be  laid  out  for  their  convenience.  Mr.  Andrew 
Hallett  died  April  26;  and  Mr.  Samuel  Bearse,  Oct.  30, 
aged  30. 

In  1752,  it  is  a  relief  to  the  paucity  of  historical  incidents  and 
the  dull  monotony  of  annual  elections,  to  find  that  a  bounty  of 
Id.  per  head  was  offered  for  blackbirds,  and  that  Samuel  Bur- 
gess and  Josiah  Smith  were  apjDointed  "to  keep  the  young  peo- 
ple in  order  on  Sabbath  days."  Dea,  Joseph  Hawes  died  Nov. 
5.  The  next  year  Dea.  Joseph  Ryder  died,  Feb.  24 ;  and  Mr. 
Prince  Hawes,  Oct.  2. 

In  1754,  Rev.  Thomas  Smith  was,  at  his  request,  dis- 
missed from  his  pastoral  charge,  "  leaving  for  lack  of 
competent  support."  ^ 

^  Mr.  Jeremiah  Crowell,  b.  1670,  s.  of  John,  m.  Hannah  Kyder, 
Nov.  29, 1705^  and  had  Mary,  1706  ;  Hannah,  1708  ;  Aaron,  Aug.  12,  1711 ; 
Betty,  1714,  and  Jeremiah,  Oct.  12,  1721. 

^Mr.  Joseph  Bassett  was  s.  of  Nathaniel.  Hem.  Susanna  Howes, 
Feb.  27,  1706-7,  and  2d,  Thankful  Hallett,  Dec.  3,  1719,  who  d.  1735. 
Issue:  Sarah  1707;  Joseph  June  15,  1709;  Dan'l  Nov.  17,  1710;  Josh. 
Sept.  13,  1712;  Susanna  Jan.  22,  1714-15,  who  m.  John  Hawes,  Jan.  2, 
1732;  Samuel  Oct.  23,  1716,  who  d.  1740;  John  Dec.  14,  1720;  Ebn'r 
July  9,  1722,  d.  inf. ;  Thankful  1724,  who  m.  Bramhall,  of  Hino;. ;  and  Na- 
than Oct.  17,  1725.  Joshua,  b.,  1712,  m.  Thankful  BramhaTl,  of  Hing., 
1738,  and  had  issue:  Nathan,  b.  1725,  m.  Hannah  Hallett,  1721,  and  2d, 
Desir6  Crowell,  widow  of  Prince;  and  Iby  1st  m.  had  John  Nov.  4,  1753; 
Thankful  1756,  d.  inf ;  Joseph  Feb.  13,  1759;  Eben'r  May  24,  1761; 
Thankful  Sept.  19,  1763,  who  m.  Eben  Taylor;  Francis  January  14, 
1766;  and  Joshua  Aug.  7,  1768. 

''Mr.  Smith  settled  in  Pembroke,  "where  he  lived  in  reputation  to  a 
vol,  II.  28 


'218  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1755,  the  Eev.  Grind  all  Rawson  succeeded  Mr. 
Smith,  and  was  installed  Dec.  10.^ 

In  1757,  the  town  ordered  "the  sale,  to  the  highest 
bidder,  of  the  lot  where  the  Indian  meeting-house 
stood."  We  find,  this  year,  evidence  of  the  existence 
of  a  Baptist  Church,  composed  of  i3eople  of  this 
town  and  Harwich,  viz. :  "  Province  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  Oct.  3,  1757.  These  may  certify  to  whom  it 
may  concern,  that  the  2d  Baptist  Church  of  Christ  in 
Eehoboth,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Rd. 
Round,  do  esteem  the  Baptist  Church  in  Harwich  and 
Yarmouth  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Richard 
Chase,  of  the  Baptist  Communion  and  conscientiously 
of  our  persuasion."  Signed,  "  Rich.  Round,  Hezekiah 
Hix,  Nathaniel  Round,  committee  in  behalf  of  the 
church."  ^  Dea.  Joseph  Crosby  died  this  year,  July  3  ; 
Mr.  Prince  Matthews  died,  Aug.  5.  Mr.  Thomas  Tobey 
also  died  this  year,  aged  81.^ 

In  1758,  and  the  following  year,  v/as  a  call  "  for  men 
for  the  reduction  of  Canada."  '^ 


very  advanced  age,"  dying  in  1795,  aged  93.  Loose  and  conflicting  often 
are  the  statements  made  by  writers  in  regard  to  this  gentleman  and  Mr. 
Smith,  of  Sandwich. — the  full  name,  with  acts  and  locations  of  the  indi- 
Aadual,  T:)eing  overlooked. 

^  Mr.  RAVfsON  was  descended  from  Sec'y  Rawson  ;  was  eldest  s.  of  Pel- 
atiah,  of  Milton,  and  b.  July  29, 1721 ;  had  jDreviously  been  oi-dained  minis- 
ter of  Ware,  1751,  and  dis.  1754.  He  grad.  H.  C,  1741,  and  was  prob. 
neph.  of  the  minister  of  the  same  name  in  Mendon,  much  interested  in  the 
religious  instruction  of  Indians. 

^  A  similar  certificate,  in  lotidem  verbis,  excepting  the  descriptive  part,  is 
recorded,  from  the  1st  Bap.  Ch.  in  Rehoboth,  under  the  care  of  Elder  John 
Hix,  signed  by  "  John  Hix,  Ephraim  Hix,  Amos  Bozard."  Also  another 
from  "  the  Bap.  Ch.  in  Bridgewater,  Middleboro',  and  Raynham,  under  the 
pastoral  cha^rge  of  Elder  Isaac  Backus."  Whilst  exhibiting  thus  the  cus- 
toms of  former  days,  we  may  here  mention  that  on  the  same  page  we  find 
also  entered  by  the  town-clerk,  the  following:  "I,  Jasher  Taylor,  Nov.  5, 
1757,  struck  a  hump-back  on  the  back,  about  2  yards  past  the  fin,  —  the 
iron,  with  a  thick  head  and  short  warp,  not  marked." 

*It  Is  the  family  tradition,  confirmed  by  records,  that  Mr.  Thomas  Tobey 
was  s.  of  Mr.  Thomas  Tobey,  of  Sanchvlch,  b.  Feb.  2,  1G7G,  Avho  settled 
here,  and  prob.  m.  a  dr.  of  John  Crowell. 

*  "  March  22,  1759,"  the  following  record  Is  made  :  "  Mr.  William  How(>s 
is  the  proper  miller  of  the  grist-mill  in  the  East  Precinct.      Recorded  by 


ANNALS   OF   YARMOUTH.  219 

In  1760,  Eev.  Mr.  Rawson  took  his  dismission  from 
the  Yarmouth  Church,  — "  in  consequence,"  as  Mr. 
Alden  has  said,  "of  general'  disaffection  between  him 
and  the  people,  being  advised  by  a  council  to  ask  for 
a  dissolution  of  the  connexion."  ^ 

In  1761,  the  meeting-house  of  the  East  Precinct 
having  been  enlarged  and  repaired,  the  pews  gained 
by  the  enlargement  were  sold,  Aug.  24.  Bounties 
for  foxes,  crows,  blackbirds,  and  jays  were  offered. 

In  1762,  Rev.  Joseph  Green  Jr.  succeeded  Mr. 
Rawson,  and  was  installed  pastor.^ 

In  1763,  the  East  Precinct  was  bereft  of  its  excel- 
lent pastor,  the  Rev.  Josiah  Dennis.  He  died,  August 
31,  aged  69.^  Col.  Joseph  Thacher,  a  highly  influen- 
tial citizen  of  this  town,  died  June  17,  aged  64.*  Mr. 
Josiah  Crocker,  having  preached  some  time  in  the 
,  pulpit  made  vacant  by  the  decease  of  Mr.  Dennis,  re- 
ceived  a  call  to  settle  in  that  parish,  Dec.  7.     The 

me,  Jasper  Taylor,  town-clerk."  The  record  was,  doubtless,  in  compliance 
with  law,  for  we  find  a  similar  entry  by  Seth  Tobey,  clerk,  in  favor  of 
Enoch  Crowell,  April  22,  1775,  and  the  practice  continued  at  different 
periods. 

'  Rev.  Mr.  R.  is  represented  as  "  a  man  of  strong  mind,  but  very  eccen- 
tric." Rev.  Timothy  Alden  Jr.  says,  "The  Rev.  Ginndall  Rawson  has 
preserved  the  following  anecdote  in  the  2d  edition  of  Dr.  Gay's  sermon,  at 
his  installation :  '  The  Rev.  IVIr.  Stone,  of  Harwich,  a  grave  gentleman, 
attending  a  funeral  at  Yarmouth,  and  being  in  the  burial-place,  some  years 
after  the  death  of  Mr.  Cotton,  inquired  for  Mr.  C.'s  grave ;  but  there  not 
being  any  one  who  could  show  it,  he  remarked,  "  I  think  it  is  with  Mr. 
Cotton's  grave  as  it  was  with  Moses',  —  that  distinguished  servant  of  God, — 
'  no  man  knoweth  of  his  sepulchre  to  this  day.'  " '  Mr.  Rawson  adds,  '  This 
was  the  only  one  of  the  first  seven  ministers  whose  dust  was  committed  to 
the  earth  in  Yarmouth.  Whatever  they  suffered,  the  worm  did  not  feed 
on  them  there.'"  Mr.  Rawson  m.  Desire  Thacher,  dr.  Col.  Joseph,  Jan. 
26,  1756.  They  had  Ruth  Aug.  13,  1757,  d.  inf.;  Jonathan  Jan.  24, 
1759  ;  and  Hannah  May  25,  1767.     He  d.  in  Sutton,  1795. 

^Mr.  Greex,  s.  of  Rev.  Joseph  Green,  of  Barnstable,  b.  1726,  grad.  H. 
Col.  1 746  ;  had  been  previously  settled  at  Marshfield. 

^Rev.  Josiah  Dennis  was  eminently  successful  in  his  ministry,  and 
greatly  beloved.     See  Annals  of  town  of  Dennis. 

*Col.  Thacher,  b.  1690,  was  s.  of  Col.  John.  He  was  distinguished  in 
the  Cape  Breton  Expedition,  1 745.  He  m.  Ruth  Hawcs,  and  had  Desire 
1730,  who  m.  Rev.  G.  Rawson;  Ruth  1736,  who  m.  Ezek'l  Webb,  and,  2d, 
Seth  Wheldcn ;  Joseph  1 744,  who  m.  Susanna  Whelden ;  and  Ebenezer. 


220  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

parish  was,  however,  soon  again  on  the  look-out  for  a 
minister. 

In  1764,  July  30,  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  Na- 
than Stone,  and,  Oct.  17,  he  was  inaugurated  pastor.^ 
Hon.  John  Thacher  died  this  year,  March  7,  aged 
90.2 

In  1765,  Mr.  Isaac  Chapman  died.^  Although  we 
have  reached,  in  these  annals,  the  period  when  the  coun- 
try is  being  convulsed  by  intense  political  excitement, 
we  look  in  vain  for  any  popular  demonstration  here. 
In  fact,  the  record,  whilst  it  shows  that  the  great 
questions  of  the  day  were  not  ignored  by  all,  is 
unique  and  so  far  out  of  the  ordinary  course  of  rec- 
ords of  town-meetings,  that  it  appears  significant.     It 


^Rev.  Mr.  Stone  was  b.  in  Soutliboro',  Oct.  11,  1737,  and  grad.  H.  C. 
1762.     See  Annals  of  Dennis. 

^Hon.  John  Thacher,  b.  1674,  s.  of  Col.  John,  perhaps  Hved  in  Be. 
but  his  de.  is  recorded  in  Y.  He  was  Judge  of  the  Ct.  C.  P.,  Register  of 
Deeds,  etc.  He  m.  Desire  (Sturgis)  Dimoc,  a  wid.  Nov.  10, 1698,  and  had 
Abigail  1699;  Elisa.  1701,  Avho  m.  Davis;  John  June  25,  1703;  Lot 
May  23,  1705;  Fear  1707,  who  m.  Nath'l  Lewis;  Roland  Aug.  28,  1710, 
who  grad.  H.  C.  1733,  and  set.  in  the  ministry  at  Wareham ;  and  jjrob. 
others.  He  was  some  time  Col.  of  militia,  eminently  pious  and  companion- 
able. 

^The  Chapmans  of  the  Cdpe  are,  doubtless,  descended  from  Ralpr 
Chapman,  whose m.  with  Lydia  Wells,  Nov.  23, 1642,  was  "the  earliest  in 
Duxbury."  He  came  over  1635,  aged  20,  from  Southwalk,  in  Surry ;  and 
had  issue  :  Mary  Oct.  31,  1643,  who  m.  Wm.  Troup,  of  Be.,  May  14, 1666 ; 
Sarah  May  15,  1645,  who  m.  Wm.  Northcutt,  of  Y.,  afterwards  of  E. ; 
,Isaac^  Aug.  4,  1647  ;  Lydia  Nov.  26,  1649,  d.  inf.;  Ralf  June  20,  1653,  d. 
inf. ;  and  Ralf,  who  set.  in  Marshfield,  and  had  John,  who  lived  to  be  104  yrs. 
old.  Isaac,  b.  1647,  came  from  Bristol,  R.  L  as  appears  by  deeds,  1696, 
to  Be.  By  his  wife,  Rebecca  Leonard,  whom  he  m.  Sept.  2,  1678,  dr.  of 
James,  he  had  Lydia  Dec.  15,j^l679^  who  m.  John  Dillingham,  and  d.  Sept. 
4,  1760,  aged  80;  Jolm  TSTay  12,  1681,  who  settled  at  Acushnet,  and  died 
1726  ;  Hannah  Dec.  26,  1682,  who  d.  aged  7;  James  Aug.  5,  1685;  Ab- 
igail July  11,  1687;  Hannah  April  10,  1690  ;  Isaac  December  29,  1692"; 
Ralph  Jan.  19,  1695;  and  Rebecca  June  10,  1697.  His  will  is  dated 
1728.  Isaac,  b.  1692,  by  his  wif<i  Elisa.  had  Isaac  April  7,  1721,  who  m. 
Mary  Paddock,  and  set.  in  State  of  N.  Y. ;  Mary  June  6,  1723  ;  Rebecca 
Nov.  14,  1726,  d.  inf ;  Samuel  Nov.  14,  1727,  who  d.  without  issue;  Re- 
becca June  25,  1730;  Ruth  April  13,  1733;  and  Micah  July  18,  1735. 
Ralph,  b.  1695,  by  wife  Elisa.  had  John  Feb.  22,  1728-9;  Betty  Oct. 
15,  1736;  and  David  Nov.  15,  1739.  Micah,  b.  1735,  by  his  wife  Elisa. 
had  Elisa.  Jan.  19,  1761;  Sam'l  May  23,  1764;  Ilowes^Jime  16,  1768; 
Isaac  April  27,  1770;  and  Mary  July  1,  1775. 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  221 

is  simply  tliis  :  "  Oct.  8^,  a  town-meeting,  legally  warned 
and  held  at  the  east  meeting-house  in  Yarmouth,  Dea. 
Daniel  Hall,  moderator,  did  nothing  concerning  the 
Stamp  Act."  ^     Signed,  "  Prince  Hawes,  town  clerk." 

In  1766,  the  record  is  again  expressive:  "Dec.  1, 
Voted  that  our  representative  be  instructed,  in  the 
town's  behalf,  to  do  what  he  shall  think  proper  in  ref- 
erence to  making  compensation  to  those  that  have  suf- 
fered in  their  estates  in  the  late  riotous  mobs  that 
have  arisen  in  Boston,  from  Aug.  1,  1765,  to  May  1, 
1766." 

In  1767,  there  were,  as  we  learn  by  an  incidental 
passage  in  a  missionary  report,  six  Indian  wigwams 
yet  remaining  in  the  township,  and  inhabited. 

In  1768,  the  British  Parliament,  although  they  had 
felt  constrained  to  rejDeal  the  Stamp  Act,  finding  it 
impossible  to  enforce  it  in  America,  imposed  certain 
duties,  established  custom's-offices  for  their  collection, 
and  sent  over  an  armed  soldiery  to  in^timidate  and  put 
down  all  opposition.  The  "  mutiny  act "  next  fol- 
lowed ;  and  a  convention  was,  therefore,  called  by  an 
incensed  public,  to  be  held  in  Fameuil  Hall,  in  Septem- 
ber. The  action  of  this  town  stands  on  the  record 
thus :  "  Sept.  20,"  a  town-meeting,  "  nothing  done." 
"  Sept.  27,  it  was  put  to  vote  to  choose  a  committee  to 
go  to  Boston,  but  it  was  thought  not  proper  to  send 
one."  Dea.  Daniel  Hall  died  this  year,  Oct.  24  ;  and 
Nov.  5,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Green  Jr.,  the  pastor,  died, 
aged  42.~ 

In  1769,  Dec.  13,  the  Rev.  Timothy  Alden  became, 

^  See  the  doings  of  Capt.  Isaac  Sears,  in  New  York,  Vol.  I.  407,  419. 

^Rev.  Joseph  Green,  Jr.,  grad.  H.  C.  1747,  s.  of  Rev.  Joseph  Sr.  of 
Be.,  m.'Hannali  Lewis,  dr.  of  Rev.  Isaiah,  of  Wellfleet,  and  had  Isaiah  L.  who 
grad.  H.  C.  1781,  and  was  Mem.  Cong.  1805-9,  and  1811-13,  and  then 
collector  of  the  port  of  Be.  Rev.  Mr.  Green  d.  in  tlie  7th  year  of  his  min- 
istry, beloved  and  greatly  lamented. 


222  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

by  ordination,  the  ninth  in  the  succession  of  the  pas- 
torate in  the  Yarmouth  Church.^ 

In  1770,  Jan.  15,  Mr.  Eli  Snow  was  the  school-master.  The 
subject  of  "a  work-house  for  our  poor  to  go  into,"  was  deferred. 
Nothing  of  public  interest  is  recorded  for  the  next  three  years. 
What  success,  in  this  town,  had  attended  the  measures  adopted 
by  the  General  Court  for  ascertaining  the  strength  on  the  side 
of  liberty,  does  not  appear  by  any  official  record. 

The  part  enacted  by  inhabitants  of  this  town  in  the 
stirring  events  of  the  greater  part  of  1774,  is  not  sub- 
ject of  town  record."  That  there  were  "  sons  of  hber- 
ty  "  here  is  patent  from  other  sources.  After  the  bold 
stride  taken  by  "  the  body  of  the  people,"  during  the 
memorable  days  of  September,  its  influence  is  seen 
even  where  apathy  had  seemed  to  brood  hitherto. 

Oct.  11,  a  town-meeting  was  held,  and  "  Capt.  Elisha  Bassett, 
Capt.  Solomon  Crowell,  and  Messrs.  Joseph  Crowell,  Moses 
Baker,  Stephen  Hallett,  Joseph  Griffith,  and  Micah  Chapman, 
were  chosen  a  committee  of  observation  and  prevention."  Nov. 
1,  another  meeting  was  held,  and  "  Capt.  Enoch  Hallett,  Jona- 
than Howes,  Seth  Tobey,  Joseph  Griffin,  and  Isaac  Matthews, 
were  appointed  to  meet  at  the  court-house,  in  Barnstable,  on  the 
16th  inst.^  Messrs.  "  Barnabas  Eldridge,  Reuben  Taylor,  Abner 
Crowell,  Isaac  Hallett,  Edmund  Bray,  Isaac  Berry,  Jas.  Howes, 

^Mr.  Alden  was  b.  1736,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1762;  descended  from  John 
Alden,  of  Pilgrim  memory,  —  the  last  sm^riTor,  it  is  said,  of  the  signers  of 
the  original  compact  on  board  the  Mayflower  in  Cape  Cod  Harbor ;  and, 
of  course,  descended  also  from  Priscilla  Mullens.  We  adverted.  Vol.  I. 
189,  in  illustration  of  the  unsophisticated  simplicity  of  early  times,  to  an 
anecdote  of  John  Alden,  Miles  Standish,  ancl  Miss  Priscilla.  Tradition 
liad  laid  the  scene  at  Mattacheese.  We  intimated  that,  in  our  apprehen- 
sion, the  local  reference  was  apocryphal.  Our  reasons  for  this  must  be 
obvious  to  all  familiar  with  genealogical  dates  and  the  order  of  events,  not- 
withstanding INIr.  Pratt's  theory  that  "  Capt.  S.  and  Mr.  A.  were  called 
here  in  1644,  as  arbiters  between  the  town  and  Indians,  and,  on  this  occa- 
sion, the  Capt.  became  accpiainted  with  Miss  Mullens."  As  William  Mul- 
lens d.  at  Plymouth,  1621,  and  his  dr.  Priscilla  m.  John  Alden,  of  Dux- 
bury,  162.3,  and  had  quite  a  family  before  the  time  specified  by  Mr.  P.; 
and  as  Standish,  a  widower  by  the  loss  of  his  wife.  Rose,  in  1622,  was  soon 
after  blessed  with  another  wife,  Rebecca,  the  tradition  reproduced  by  Mr. 
P.  fails  in  the  placing  of  it,  —  this  only. 

'  See  Vol.  I.  424-429,  and  430-4.52. 

*  County  Congress;  see  Vol.  I.  4G6,  468. 


ANNALS   OF   YARMOUTH.  223 

Sani'l  Eldridge,  John  Chapman,  James  Baker,  Moses  Baker,  and 
A.  Chase,  were  also  appointed  to  see  that  no  tea  be  conveyed  to 
tliis  town."  ^ 

In  1775,  Jan.  22,  Capt.  Elisha  Bassett  was  chosen 
"to  represent  the  town  at  Cambridge,  Feb.  1,  next." 
The  constables  were  ordered  "  to  collect  the  Province 
money,  and  keep  it  until  further  orders  from  the 
town."  It  was  also  "  Voted  to  adhere  to  the  Conti- 
nental Congress."  Another  meeting  was  held,  March 
2 ;  and  a  committee  to  see  that  the  recommendations 
of  the  Congress  are  carried  out,  was  appointed,  viz. : 
Seth  Tobey,  Isaac  Matthews  Jr.,  Abner  Crowell,  John 
Sears,  James  Baker,  and  Daniel  Taylor.  April  22,  it 
was  voted  that  the  public  moneys  in  the  treasury  "  be 
paid  to  Henry  Gardner."  Provision  was  also  made 
'•  for  the  purchase  of  arms,  ammunition,  etc.,"  and  "  for 
the  keeping  of  a  watch."  And,  Aug.  1,  a  "committee 
of  safety  and  correspondence  "  was  appointed. 

In  1776,  the  com.  of  cor.  consisted  of  David  Thacher,    U" 
John  Hall,  and  Seth  Tobey.     The  towns  having  been 
requested  to  "advise"  their  representatives  whether, 
"  if  Congress  should,  for  the  safety  of  the  colonies,  de- 

^  The  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress,  though  ostensibly  regarde,d, 
were  often  difficult  of  enforcement.  Tea  was  a  beverage  that  it  seemed 
to  many  hard  to  forego.  The  desire  for  it,  and  the  opportunity  which  that 
desire  afforded  for  exorbitant  prices,  often  induced  the  smuggling  of  the 
contraband  by  unjbrincipled  speculators.  That  this  county  was  not  exempt 
from  suspicion,  is  apparent  from  a  resolve  of  General  Court,  Aug.  21, 
1775.  It  having  been  represented  that  some  of  the  inhabitants  were  dere- 
lict, and  had  in  divers  instances  violated  the  restrictions  imposed,  it  was 
"  Resolved,  That  Col.  Nathaniel  Freeman,  and  Col.  Joseph  Otis,  be  de- 
sired to  make  inquiry  into  this  matter ;  and  if,  upon  examination,  they  find 
that  any  person  or  persons  in  any  part  of  the  town  aforesaid,  have  been 
guilty  of  violating  any  of  the  resolves  aforesaid,  and  have  acted  or  are  act- 
ing in  violation  of  the  liberties  of  iliis  colony :  That  they  cause  such  person 
or  persons  to  be  apprehended  and  secured  by  those  forces  that  are  ap- 
pointed to  guard  the  coasts  thereabout,  and  that  they  be  safely  guarded 
and  brought  up  to  this  court,  to  answer  for  their  conduct,  on  the  1st  Tues- 
day of  the  next  sitting  of  this  court."  Complaints  of  due  vigilance  were 
murmured  here  and  there,  and  always  will  be  in  times  of  national  trouble, 
or  military  necessity,  by  the  unpatriotic  ;  for 

"None  e'er  felt  the  lialter  draw 
With  good  opinion  of  the  law." 


224  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

clare  their  independence,  the  people  will  sustain  them 
in  the  act,"  a  meeting  was  held,  June  20,  and  the 
question  being  put,  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 
This  town,  in  fact,  as  the  record  stands,  transcended 
the  request :  "  Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  town  of  Yarmouth  do  declare  a  state  of 
independence  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  agreeably 
to  a  late  resolve  of  the  General  Court."  ^  David 
Thacher,  Joshua  Gray,  Isaac  Hallett,  and  Wm.  Thacher 
being  a  com.  on  a  new  Constitution  of  State  Gov't, 
submitted  their  report,  and  *the  meeting  "  consented 
to  the  revision."  The  committee,  however,  set  forth 
resolutions  for  adoption  by  the  meeting,  which  resolu- 
tions, with  their  preamble,  are  styled  a  list  of  "  griev- 
ances." They  were,  summarily,  these :  1.  The  "  resi- 
dence of  the  Register  of  Probate  is  in  the  extreme 
western  town  in  the  county,"  and,  "in  consequence, 
widows  and  orphans  are  put  to  great  expense;"  a 
more  central  position  is  expedient.  2.  The  organiza- 
tion of  the  Militia  is  objectionable  —  the  field  officers 
are  unpopular,  and  "some  are  not  willing  to  serve 
under  them."  3.  The  blending  of  civil  and  military 
appointments  is  disapproved ;  occasion  may  require 
an  appeal  from  military  authority  to  the  judicial. 
4.  "Test  acts,"  and  "documents  proposed  for  signature 
as  tests  of  loyalty  to  the  country,"  are  denounced. 
These  have  "  already  caused  much  difficulty."  ~  The 
report  was  adopted.  In  July  the  Western  Precinct 
furnished  five  men  for  the  army  and  raised  <£70  ster- 
ling."^    Resolves  were   passed,  Nov.  10,  in  regard  to 

^  The  record  is  probably  made  according  to  the  town  clerk's  own  version 
of  the  act.  Be  that  as  it  may,  the  famous  Mecklenburg  Declaration  of 
Independence  takes  precedence  by  more  than  a  year. 

^See  Vol.  I.  501-3,  and  515. 

'A  traditionary  fact,  not  found  on  the  records.  Is  reported  by  Hon.  Charles 
F.  Swift,  In  his  Fourth  of  July  oration,  1859,  that  when  in  177G  reinforce- 
ments were  sought,  preparatory  to  taking  possession  of  Dorchester  Helglits, 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  225 

the  currency.  Mr.  John  Matthews  died  this  year,  Jan- 
uary *J} 

In  1777,  a  committee  "for  the  prevention  of  mo- 
nopohes"  was  appointed;  and,  Feb.  17,  a  committee  "to 
draw  up  instructions  to  our  representative  in  regard 
to  the  articles  of  confederation  and  perpetual  union," 
A  meeting  called  "  for  the  adoption  of  the  State  Con- 
stitution, adjourned  the  subject  to  a  future  day." 

It  is  to  be  remarked  here  that  the  two  precincts 
seem  to  have  acted  in  separate  capacities,  not  only  in 
ecclesiastical  matters,  but  in  the  raising  of  troops,  levy- 
ing taxes  for  the  support  of  the  war,  and  other  mili- 
tary arrangements.  The  reason  for  this  is  not  obvious, 
nor  were  we  apprised  of  the  fact  until  the  preceding 
pages  were  written,  embodying  all  important  facts 
that  could  be  gleaned  from,  the  town  records.  The 
presumption  is  that  requisitions  being  made  on  the 
town,  the  proportionate  duty  was,  by  order  of  the 
town,  or  by  tacit  consent,  undertaken  by  each  precinct 
within  its  bounds,  for  greater  convenience.  "A  levy 
of  troops  being  ordered  this  year,  —  one  man  out  of 
every  seven,  —  making  the  quota  from  the  Western 

Capt.  Joshua  Gray,  who  commanded  the  militia  here,  proceeded  at  once 
with  a  drummer  to  enlist  volunteers  for  the  service ;  and  such  was  the 
enthusiasm  and  alacrity  displayed,  that  the  next  day  81  men,  one-half  the 
effective  force,  were  on  their  way  to  Washington's  headquarters. 

^  Mr.  John  Mattheavs,  who  d.  at  this  time,  m.  Hannah  Sturgis,  March 
9,  1707-8,  and  had  Thomas  May  4,  1710;  Isaac  Sept.  4,  1712;  Rebecca 
Nov.  31,  1714;  John  Mar.  29,  1717;  James  April  11,  1719;  William 
May  24,  1721;  Thankful  Jan.  9,  1724-5;  David  May  14,  1727;  and 
EHsha  Aug.  7,  1730.  Elisha,  b.  1730,  by  Ehsa.  had  James  March  1, 
1753;  Tempe.  1755;  Mary  1759;  and  Isaiah  17G7.  Numerous  and 
highly  respectable  have  been  the  descendants  of  the  progenitor  here,  Mr. 
James  Matthews,  who  came  to  this  place  from  Charlestown  about  1639, 
was  representative  1664,  prominent  in  public '  affairs,  and  d.  says  Amos 
Otis  Esq.  Jan.  26,  1684-5,  leaving  sons  and  drs.  John,  s.  of  Mr,  James, 
was  killed  at  the  Rehoboth  fight,  1676,  leaving  a  s.  John.  Samuel,  b. 
May  1,  1647,  went,  it  is  understood,  to  Cape  May.  Mr.  Bex.t.  youngest 
son,  who  inherited  the  homestead  we  have  mentioned,  p.  216.  Mr.  James, 
b.  1700,  m.  Dorcas  Howes,  1723,  and  had  Benj.  Feb.  13,  1725-6;  James 
Oct.  12,  1728;  Prince  July  11,  1732;  Isaac  Nov.  24,  1736;  and  Eben'r 
Dec.  6,  1743. 

VOL.  II.  29 


226         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

Precinct  36,  measures  were  taken  to  raise  the  men 
and  provide  the  means ;  and,  although  five  or  six 
meetings  were  held  before  it  was  accomplished,  the 
effort  was  successful."  "  Reference  is  also  made  to  28 
soldiers  who  went  this  year  on  an  expedition  to  R. 
Island."  1 

In  1778,  a  committee  was  appointed,  June  9,  "to 
give  the  representatives  instructions."  These,  as  re- 
ported, were,  in  brief,  1.  Early  and  constantly  to  be 
in  attendance  on  legislative  duties;  2.  To  guard 
against  inequality  of  burthens ;  and,  3.  Reasons  why 
the  constitution  of  government  should  have  been 
"  preceded  by  a  declaration  of  rights." 

It'was  at  the  same  time  "Voted,  that  the  charge  made  by  the 
Indians  having  the  small-pox^  be  paid  out  of  the  town  treasury, 
and  that  their  effects  be  sold  to  pay  the  same ;  also  that  the 
lands  formerly  belonging  to  the  Indians  to  live  upon  be  sold  or 
hired  out."  Mr.  Abnek  Taylor  d.  "  on  board,  the  prison-ship  in 
New  York,  Feb.  8." 

In  1779,  the  aspect  of  public  affairs  was  gloomy, 
and  so  continued  for  several  years  during  which  time 
there  is  little  upon  record  of  general  interest  beyond 
evidence  of  embarrassment,  struggle,  and  hope.  Re- 
quisitions for  men,  money,  provisions,  clothing,  were  a 
sad  tale  to  rehearse  and  need  not  be  repeated.  This 
subject   has    already   been   exhibited^   in    preceding 

^  These  items  we  gather  from  Mr.  Swift's  oration.  Mr.  S.  with  whom  we 
have  communicated  on  the  subject,  says,  "Many  pp.  of  the  precinct  records 
are  devoted  largely  to  revolutionary  mattei's.  The  votes  seem  to  be  simply 
matters  of  detail  touching  the  number  of  men  raised  by  each  precinct,  the 
means  by  which  they  wei-e  procured,  votes  for  raising  money  for  the  war, 
assessing  taxes  for  the  purpose,  etc.  The  calls  were  frequent,  but  seem 
always  to  have  been  met  with  cheerfulness  and  alacrity." 

'^  See  p.  176. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  528.  Some  evidence  of  the  existing  state  of  things  may  be 
gathered  from  the  following  letter,  addressed  to  the  Governor  of  either 
New  York  or  New  Jersey,  bearing  date  Sandwich,  Aug.  2G,  1779:  "The 
subscriber,  your  Honor's  petitioner,  bogs  leave  to  represent  to  your  Honor 
the  distressed  situation  of  this  and  the  several  towns  upon  Cape  Cod,  in 
the  county  of  Barnstable,  on  account  of  the  very  great  scarcity  of  provi- 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  227 

pages  of  our  work.  In  1782,  June  4,  Mr.  Joseph 
White  died,  aged  about  80.^ 

In  1783,  the  blessings  of  Peace  began  once  more  to 
diffuse  joy  and  gladness.  If  we  now  pass  over  some 
years  without  remark,  it  is  because,  except  the  evi- 
.  dences  on  every  hand  of  returning  prosperity,  there  is 
little  of  local  interest  to  be  mentioned.  In  1788,  Col. 
Enoch  Hallett,  some  time  high  sheriff,  died  March  2, 
aged   52.     In  1791,  Capt.  Joshua  Gray^  died  March 

sions,  especially  of  the  bread  kind,  there  being  a  very  considerable  part 
of  the  families  in  some  towns  who  have  none  at  all,  nor  have  been  able  to 
procure  any  for  a  considerable  time  past,  and  must,  unless  permitted  to  ob- 
tain some  from  your  State,  be  reduced  to  a  starving  condition ;  in  short, 
their  situation  is  little  better  now.  Should  your  Plonor  be  possessed  of  an 
idea  of  one-half  the  real  distress,  it  would  not  only  induce  to  endeavor  their 
relief,  but  excite  that  painful  sense  of  our  suflferlngs  which  I  know  your 
benevolence  could  not  suppress.  What  adds  greatly  to  our  distress  is,  we 
have  our  shores  infested  with  the  enemy  almost  every  week,  attempting  to 
rob  and  destroy  our  Towns.  The  Eeg't  of  Militia  I  have  the  honor  to  com- 
mand are  frequently,  a  great  part  of  them,  doing  duty  on  the  shores,  some  of 
them  constantly,  and  often  can  hardly  get  one  day's  allowance  In  three. 
However,  they  have  behaved  with  spirit,  and  repulsed  the  enemy  to  his 
loss  and  disgrace.  I,  therefore,  most  earnestly  entreat  your  Honor  to  jser- 
mit  the  small  fleet  by  which  this  and  another  of  the  same  tenor  and  date 
comes  —  the  boats  being  only  three  in  number  —  to  bring  us  a  small  quan- 
tity of  bread  and  other  provisions.  And  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray, 
&c.  (Signed)  N.  Freeman. 

"N.  B.  63  men  stationed  at  Falmouth  were  obliged  to  leave  their  post 
for  want  of  provisions." 

^  Mr.  William  White,  who  came  over  in  the  Mayflower,  m.  Anne  Ful- 
ler in  London,  Feb.  1,  1612.  His  son  Peregrine,  b.  in  the  harbor  of  Cape 
Cod,  Nov.  1620,  m.  Sarah  Bassett,  dr.  of  Mr.  William,  1648.  He,  the 
first  white  man  b.  in  New  Eng.,  was  brought  up  by  Edward  Winslow,  who, 
May  12,  1621,  m.  the  widowed  mother,  —  the  first  m.  in  Plymouth.  She 
had  been  a  widow  2^  mo.,  he  a  widower  less  than  2  mo.  Peregrine  set.  In 
Marshfield,  where  he  d.  1704,  33.  84.  In  the  Yarmouth  record  Is  this  entry: 
"  Jonathan  White,  s.  of  Peregrine  and  Sarah,  of  Marshfield,  b.  June  4, 
1658;  bi'ought  to  record  by  sd.  Jon.  May  18,  1700.  Yarm.  rec.  by  me, 
John  Miller,  clerk."  Joseph,  g.  s.  of  Peregrine,  d.  here  June  4,  1782, 
and  "/iis  son,  Dea.  Joseph,"  says  Alden,  "had,  in  1797,  a  staff"  that  was 
brought  over  in  the  Mayflower.  The  ancestor,  here,  lived  near  the  I'ivulet 
called  '  W^hite's  Brook.'  " 

"There  are  two  of  the  name  of  Gray  that  receive  early  mention:  1. 
Edward,  who  was  In  Plymouth  1643,  a  minor,  and  who  m.  Mary  Wins- 
low,  dr.  Jno.  Jan.  16,  1650,  who  d.  1663,  and  2d,  Dorothy  Lettlce,  Dec. 
12,  1665;  and  had  Desire  Feb.  24,  1651,  who  m.  Lt.  Nathl.  Southworth; 
Mary  Sept.  18,  1653;  Ellsa.  Feb.  11,  1658;  Sarah  Aug.  12,  1659;  John 
Oct.  1,  1661;  Edward  Jan.  31,  1666;  and  Susanna  Oct.  15,  1668.'~^. 
John,  who  was  early  in  Yarmouth,  and  d.  1674,  had  Edward;  John;  Gid- 
eon; and  Mary,  who  m.  Benj.  Ryder,  1670;  Benj.  Dec.  7,  164:5;  and  Wi-- 


228  insTORY  OF  baenstable  county. 

31,  aged  48.  Mr.  Thomas  Tobey  also  died  this  year, 
aged  87.^ 

Until  the  year  1793,  Yarmouth  embraced,  as  a  con- 
stituent part  of  the  township,  the  East  Precinct,  which 
now,  June  19,  became  by  incorporation  the  town  of 
Dennis.  From  this  period,  therefore,  the  affairs  of 
that  part  of  the  ancient  township  cease  to  have  place 
in  these  annals. 

In  1794,  a  meeting-house  was  erected  on  the  south 
side  of  the  town ;  and  it  was  agreed  that  the  pastor 
of  the  Yarmouth  church.  Rev.  Mr.  Alden,  "  shall 
J) reach  there  every  fourth  Sabbath."  Capt.  Elisha 
Bassett  died  Feb.  12,  aged  79.~  In  1796,  March  8, 
Mr.  Edward  Hallett  died,  aged  49. 

In  1797  we  are  enlightened  by  the  following  expose. 
of  the  political  sentiments  of  the  people,  according  to 
the  views  of  Rev.  Timothy  Alden  Jr.,  formerly  Presi- 
dent of  a  western  college,  as  given  in  his  "memora- 
bilia "  of  Yarmouth :  "  With  regard  to  the  political 
sentiments  of  the  people,  the  Jacobinic  error  is  not  so 
prevalent  as  in  some  of  the  towns  in  the  vicinity." 
The  reader  will  draw  his  own  inferences.  Mr.  Thad- 
DEUS  Burgess  d.  Jan.  3,  aged  80.'^  In  1799,  Mr.  John 
Thacher  d.  Aug.  12,  aged  59. 

liam  Oct.  5,  1650.  Edward,  prob.  s.  of  John,  m.  Melatiah  LeAvis,  dr. 
Geo.  of  Be.,  July  16,  1684,  and  had  Priscilla  Oct.  8,  168G;  Gideon  Sept. 
6,  1688;  John  July  26,  1691;  Melatiah  June  6,  1694;  and  Mercy  April 
13,  1696. 

^  See  Annals  of  Dennis. 

-  Capt.  Elisha  Bassett,  who  came  from  Sandwich  to  this  town  (see 
Vol.  I.  335),  we  mention  here  although  his  demise  occurred  the  year  suc- 
ceeding the  separation  of  the  East  Precinct  in  which  he  resided,  because 
he  was  so  long  active  in  public  affairs,  his  greatly  needed  influence  as  a 
true  patriot  and  ardent  whig  being  boldly  and  constantly  exerted  for  the 
good  of  his  country.  Posterity  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  those  noble 
sons  of  liberty  in  this  country  who  stoutly  withstood  the  temptations  of  pre- 
rogative, the  menaces  of  the  minions  of  power,  and  the  seductive  arts  and 
wily  opposition  of  a  tory  faction,  to  achieve  the  independence  and  glory 
which  were  the  result  of  the  revolutionary  contest. 

"  Those  of  the  name  of  Bukgess  have  been  numerous  In  this  town  and 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  229 

In  1800,  the  amoiuit  raised  for  common  schools  was 
$450.  The  Hon.  David  Thaciier  died  November  9, 
1801,  aged  72}  Capt.  James  Hall  died  June  20, 1803, 
aged  35,  and  Col.  Thomas  Thacher  died  Feb'j  24, 1806, 
aged  50.^ 

Mention  may,  with  propriety,  be  made  here  of  the 
death  of  that  distinguished  divine,  Rev.  Samuel  West, 
D.  D.  native  of  this  town,  who  died  at  Dartmouth,  Sep- 
tember 24,  1807,  aged  78.^     Dea.  Josiah  Thacher  died 

Dennis,  descended  from  Mr.  John  Burgess,  the  son  of  the  first  Thomas 
of  Sandwich,  who  m.  Mary  Worden,  dr.  of  Peter,  Sept.  8,  1657,  and  set- 
tled here.  Pie  had  sons  John,  Thos.,  Joseph,  Samuel,  and  Jacob,  and  a 
dr.  Martha,  who  m.  Samuel  Storrs,  jr.,  of  Windham,  Ct.,  Oct.  31,  1700. 
Thomas,  2d.  s.  of  the  above  John,  m.  Sarah  Storrs,  dr.  of  Saml.  of  Be., 
who,  with  a  large  family,  removed  to  Windham  about  1703.  It  will  have 
been  noticed  that,  on  p.  91,  we  stated  our  then  present  opinioir  that  the 
original  family  name  was  Burge,  So  it  is  frequently,  but  not  uniformly, 
found  in  early  records.  The  conviction,  however,  of  gentlemen  eminently 
qualified  to  investigate  the  matter,  is  that  records  mislead  in  this  instance, 
by  the  fault  of  chirographists,  who,  in  the  capacity  of  clerks,  were  some- 
times illiterate,  and  often  remarkably  independent  in  their  orthography, 
as  were  many  people  in  their  orthoepy.  In  admitting  some  doubt  in  re- 
gard to  the  original  name,  we  are  bound  to  recognize  the  high  claim  to 
consideration  of  those  who  nave  learnedly  and  impartially  investigated  the 
subject,  and  who  decide  that  Burge  was  the  corruption,  not  Burgess. 

^  Hon.  David  Thacher,  b.  1730,  son  of  Judah,  Esq.  Avas  much  in  pub- 
lic life,  and  exerted  a  large  influence  in  this  town.  It  is  said  of  him,  "  His 
talents  were  solid,  judicious,  and  useful,  rather  than  brilliant ; "  and  the  in- 
scription on  his  tombstone  says,  "  In  memory  of  Hon.  David  Thacher,  Esq., 
who,  having  served  his  generation  in  many  important  stations  with  honor 
and  fidelity,  died  Nov.  9,  1801,  aged  72.  By  a  constant  practice  of  the 
social  virtues,  he  rendered  himself  greatly  beloved  and  respected  in  the  va- 
rious walks  of  domestic  life."  He  lived  on  the  old  ancestral  domain  ;  was 
representative  thirty  years  ;  senator,  several  years ;  and  member  of  the 
conventions  for  framing  and  adopting  the  State  and  Federal  Constitutions. 
He  was  also  judge  C.  C.  P.  15  years.  His  son,  David,  Jr.,  who  removed 
to  New  Bedford,  was  the  only  issue  that  arrived  at  mature  years.  The 
widow  of  the  above,  Abigail,  died  April  25,  1803,  aged  76. 

^  Col.  Thos.  Thacher,  b.  1757,  son  of  Lt.  Peter,  was  prominent  in 
public  aifairs,  faithful  and  honored ;  but  in  no  position  more  usel'ul  than, 
nearly  all  his  life,  as  a  school-teacher.  He  had  sons,  Thomas  and  George. 
We  have  before  us  the  autograph  of  this  gentleman,  beautifully  written, 
addressed  to  Lt.  Jeremiah  Plowes  Nov.  23,  1791,  somewhat  characteristic 
of  both  the  men  and  the  times.  The  note  says,  "  Bro.  Howes,  The  fatted 
calf  is  to  be  killed  to-morrow ;  if  you  will  take  Aunt  Tempe  and  come  up 
and  dine  with  me,  I  believe  you  will  receive  pleasure  enough  to  balance 
the  time  and  expense  in  coming."   . 

^  Rev.  Dr.  West  was  a  man  of  strong  mental  power,  and.  In  personal 
appearance  Is  said  to  have  resembled  the  great  lexicographer.  Dr.  Johnson. 
Mr.  Sackfield  West,  the  father,  was  also  a  man  of  strong  mind,  and 


■^ 


230  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

January  19,  1809,  aged  69.;^  and  Mr.  Moses  Hallet 
died  December  24,  the  same  year,  aged  81.  The 
amount  raised  for  schools  in  1810  was  $500. 

In  1812,  in  the  month  of  December,  Dea,.  Joseph 
White  died,  aged  71 ;  Mr.  Sylvanus  Crowell  died  Au- 
gust 14,  1814 ;  Mr.  Jonathan  Hallet  Jr.  February  7, 
1815,  aged  90  years  and  3  months;  John  Eldridge 
Esq.  died  July  3,  1818,  and  Mr.  Charles  Hallet,  No- 
vember 15,  1821,  aged  71. 

In  1822,  April  21,  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Coggeswell 
became,  on  ordination,  the  colleague  of  the  venerable 
Mr.  Alden.^  The  Hon.  George  Thacher,  of  the  Supe- 
rior Court  of  this  State,  who  died  April  6,  1824,  we 
have  noticed  in  our  former  volume.^  Capt.  Prince 
Matthews  died  October  27,  1826,  aged  57. 

often  exhorted  the  Indians  in  their  meeting-house  near  his  humble  dwell- 
ing, in  the  south-easterly  part  of  the  town,  near  Swan  Pond,  where  the  s. 
was  born,  March  3,  1729-30,  by  the  2d  w.  Ruth.  By  a  former  w.  Mary, 
was  Peleg  b.  April  ID,  1717.  Rev.  Samuel  West,  D.  D.  was  early  oc- 
cupied in  labors  of  husbandry;  but,  a  few  good  men  discovering  in  the  young 
man  uncommon  traits  of  genius,  resolved  to  give  him  an  education,  and  he 
graduated  H.  C.  1 754.  He  became  noted  for  his  metaphysical  and  contro- 
versial talents,  and  was  a  thorough  critic  in  Latin,  Greek,  and  Hebrew.  He 
was  a  noted  and  zealous  Avhig  during  the  Revolution ;  wrote  much  of  a  po- 
litical character,  and  deciphered  the  remarkable  letter  of  Dr.  Church. 
He  was  also  of  the  convention  for  forming  the  Constitutions  of  Massachu- 
setts and  the  United  States ;  an  honoi'ary  member  of  the  Academy  of  Sci- 
ences at  Philadelphia,  as  also  Boston ;  and  almost  invariably  preached  with- 
out notes.     His  prominent  writings  are  well  known. 

^  Dea.  Thacher,  b.  1732,  s.  of  Judah,  Esq.  m.  1st,  Desire  Crowell  who 
died  Feb.  27,  1788,  aged  52;  his  last  w.  Mary,  the  wid.  of  Dea.  Isaac 
Hedge,  d.  Jan.  15,  1711.     He  had  sons,  James,  Josiah,  and  Edmund. 

'^  Mr.  C.  was  from  Atkinson,  N.  H.,  and  grad.  Dart.  Col.  181  [). 

^  See  Vol.  I.  622,  732.  Judge  Thacher  was,  with  all  his  many  other 
excellent  qualities,  a  man  of  some  humor.  Willis,  in  his  recent  interesting 
work  on  the  Lawyers  of  Maine,  relates  the  following :  '  Solicitor  Davis  and 
Judge  T.  when  boys,  were  neighbors  in  Barnstable  and  Yarmouth.  The 
day  after  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  the  militia  of  these  towns  set  off  for 
Boston.  The  boys  accompanied  the  soldiers,  Davis  acting  as  fifer.  A  few 
miles  out  of  Barnstable,  an  order  came  directing  the  military  to  return 
home.  In  their  retreat,  Thacher  and  Davis,  tired  of  their  march,  mounted 
an  old  horse  they  met  on  the  road,  Avithout  saddle  or  bridle.  After  riding 
some  miles,  they  dismounted,  and  abandoned  their  steed  in  the  highway. 
Many  years  after,  Davis,  as  Solicitor  General,  was  prosecuting  a  horse- 
thief,  before  Judge  Thacher,  in  the  county  of  Kennebec.  In  the  course  of 
the  trial,  the  judge  leaned  over  the  bench,  and  said,  in  undertone,  to  the 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  231 

In  1828,  November  13,  the  aged  and  truly  reverend 
pastor.  Rev.  Timothy  Alden  died,  after  a  protracted 
ministry  of  59  years,  aged  92.^  We  vividly  recall  the 
appearance  of  this  aged  gentleman,  as  we  saw  him  last, 
at  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Hersey  at  Barnstable,  in  1824. 
Seated  among  the  clergy  and  distinguished  attendants 
on  the  platform,  his  antique  wig  conspicuous,  in  small- 
clothes, with  knee  and  shoe  buckles,  and  three-cornered 
hat  lying  near  by,  —  objects  of  interest  to  the  young, 
—  we  regarded  his  venerable  aspect  with  thoughts 
running  back  to  antiquity.  He  sat  there,  as  some- 
times stands  a  solitary,  aged  oak  surrounded  by  the 
younger  growth  of  a  later  period.  It  was  to  us  the 
last  exhibition  of  the  great  wigs  and  cocked  hats ;  it 
left  also  impressions  of  a  by-gone  age  long  to  be  re- 
membered. 

In   1831,  July  4,  Dea.   Howes   Taylor   died ;    Mr. 


solicitor,  "  Davy,  this  reminds  me  of  the  horse  you  and  I  stole  in  Barnsta- 
ble.'" The  judge  was  a  Christian  and  a  philosopher.  In  a  letter,  April 
12,  1789,  when  in  Congress,  he  writes,  "  This  is  my  birthday  ;  I  am  thirty- 
five  years  old.  ...  I  hardly  think  it  pi'obable  that  I  shall  see  so  many  years 
as  I  have  passed  through.  But,  since  I  feel  sure  of  living  again,  and  that 
in  a  state  where  I  shall  recognize  all  friends  and  relations,  death  has  lost 
most  of  its  terrors.  ...  In  the  sleep  of  death,  no  dreams  or  phantoms  will 
disturb  us.  Till  the  resurrection  we  shall  sleep.  At  this  all-glorious  day, 
when  we  begin  to  think,  act,  and  be  happy,  the  night  of  death  and  insensi- 
bility will  disappear ;  it  will  not  be  perceived  —  an  unperceived  instant 
only  will  separate  the  two  stages  of  existence.  Hence,  whether  we  die  at 
thirty-five  or  seventy,  is  of  less  moment  to  him  who  dies.  ...  So  much  for 
my  birth-day  reflections."  The  Judge  died  six  days  short  of  three-score 
and  ten. 

^Mr.  Alden,  b.  1736,  s.  of  Eleazer  of  Bridgewater,  was  in  direct  de- 
scent from  John  of  Pilgrim  memory  and  his  w.  Priscilla  Mullens,  whose  s. 
Joseph,  one  of  the  original  founders  of  Bridg.  m.  Mary  Simmons  and 
had  Dea.  Joseph,  who  m.  Hannah  Dunham  and  had  Eleazar,  Vv^ho  m. 
Martha  Shaw  and  were  parents  of  our  Yarmouth  minister.  He  m.  Sarah, 
dr.  of  Rev.  Habijah  Weld  of  Attleboro',  Nov.  22,  1770,  who  d.  1796,  aged 
59.  They  had  Timothy  Aug.  28,  1771,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1794,  and  set",  in 
the  ministry  in  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  afterwards  became  President  of  Alleghany 
Col.  Pa.  and  thenof  a  Coll.  at  Meadville,  and  d.  1839  ;  Isaiah  Sept.  22,"l772, 
who  grad.  H.  C.  1799,  entered  the  ministry,  and  d.  1843;  Martin  Oct.  7, 
1773,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1799,  entered  the  ministry,  and  d.  1838;  Oliver 
Mai-ch  9,  1775,  who  became  a  merchant  in  Charleston,  S.  C. ;  Sarah  Weld 
Dec.  17,  1776,  and  Martha  Shaw  Jan.  8,  1778. 


232  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY;  ■ 

Charles  Hallet  died  September  26,  1832  ;  Henry 
Thacher  Esq.,  July  29,  1833  j  ^  Mr.  Ebenezer  Sears, 
September  20, 1835,  aged  80,  and  John  B.  Doane  Esq., 
September  11,  1837.^ 

In  1840,  the  amount  raised  for  schools  was  $1,200, 
a  very  considerable  advance  since  the  last  decade ;  and, 
September  30,  a  Congregational  church  and  society 
was  organized  in  the  south  part  of  the  town.  The 
church  consisted  of  sixty-four  members,  and  the  so- 
ciety in  connection  with  it  erected  a  meeting-house 
with  steeple  and  bell.  Aided  by  the  Home  Missionary 
Society,  they  have  had  a  succession  of  ministers.  Dea. 
Anthony  Chase  died  January  7,  aged  83,  and  Mr.  Sam'l 
Taylor,  April  30,  a  citizen  of  revolutionary  note. 

In  1843,  in  April,  Ja^his  Crowell  Esq.  died,  aged 
75 ;  IcHABOD  Sherman  Esq.,  May  11,  1844,  aged  70 ; 
Dea.  Samuel  Matthews,  October  14,  1846,  aged  71,  and 
Elisha  Doane  Esq.,  October  8,  1848,  aged  81.  Mr. 
George  Hallet,  of  Boston,  a  native  of  this  town,  died 
at  his  residence  in  Roxbury  September  3, 1845,  greatly 
lamented.'^ 

In  1850,  the  amount  raised  by  the  town  for  its 
"schools  was  $1,600.  Mr.  Ansel  Taylor  died  this  year, 
July  11,  aged  101  years  and  7  months. 

^  Henry  Thacher  Esq.  b.  1779,  and  m.  Elizabeth  Gray,  was  son  of 
Peter  the  s.  of  Peter  2d,  who  m.  Betty  Hawes.  The  brs.  James  b.  1771, 
who  m.  Achsah  Handy  of  S.  and  removed  to  Vassalboro' ;  Peter  1 7  74, 
who  m.  Lydia  Marston;  and  Lewis  1781,  who  m.  Sarah  Hallet.  Relics 
are  less  fi'equently  found  among  the  representatives  of  ancient  families  on 
the  Cape  than  might  be  expected ;  but  we  recollect  having  seen  within  a 
few  years,  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Peter  Thacher,  a  cradle  about  200  years 
old,  ingeniously  made  of  oak  by  Col.  John  Thacher,  the  father  of  21  chil- 
dren ;  and  also  the  scarlet  blanket  in  which  the  infant  of  Mr.  Anthony 
Thacher  Avas  wrapped  when  drowned  by  the  wreck  at  Thacher's  Island, 
near  Newburyport,  in  1635.  -^ 

^  Mr.  Doane  was  an  estimable  citizen,  and  s.  of  Elisha  Doane  Esq. 
who  was  s.  of  Dea.  Hezekiah  of  AVellfleet. 

*  Mr.  George  Hallet  was  long  known  as  an  eminent  and  successful 
merchant,  whose  noble  heart  and  public  spirit  made  him  extensively  hon- 
ored and  greatly  respected. 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  233 

In  1854,  the  Cape  Cod  Association,  of  Boston  cele- 
brated their  Anniversary  in  this  town,  August  2.  It 
was  an  occasion  of  much  interest  and  great  enjoyment/ 
Dea.  Joseph  White  died  January  15,  1856,  aged  69, 
and  D Oct.   Jaivies  Hedge,  March  8,  aged    82.~     James 

^  We  have  given  a  brief  account  of  this  celebration  in  Vol.  I.  p.  781. 
Chief  Justice  Shaw  presided.  A  large  concourse  was  in  attendance,  and 
many  distinguished  guests  who  were  not  of  Cape  Cod  origin.  In  recogni- 
tion of  these  last,  the  Judge  felicitously  remarked,  "  We  welcome  them  to 
our  meeting  and  to  our  hearts  ;  and  though  they  may  discover  in  our  speech 
and  manner  a  little  family  pride,  a  little  self-gratulation  in  hinting  at  the 
nobleness  of  our  birtl^  and  the  dignity  of  our  descent  from  Cape  Cod  an- 
cestors, yet  we  feel  assured  that  they  will  rightly  appreciate  this  harmless 
vanity,  and  attribute  it  to  a  momentary  feeling  of  local  exultation,  designed 
wholly  for  house  use  ;  and  we  trust  they  cannot  fail  to  perceive,  underlying 
this  sparkhng  ripple  on  the  surface,  there  is  a  deejD  and  abiding  love  and  de- 
votion in  our  hearts,  to  all  the  great  interests  of  personal  improvement  and 
social  elevation,  which  we  have  in  common  with  all  the  wise  and  good." 
There  was  manifest,  by  the  way,  no  gi'eat  unwillingness  on  the  part  of 
some  whose  claims  were  thought  to  be  doubtful,  to  prove  the  legitimacy  of 
their  descent  from  this  quarter.  One  of  these,  Hon.  Josiah  Quincy  Jr.,  al- 
luding to  the  fact  that  some  had  confessed  that  they  were  not  descended 
from  the  fafliers  of  C.  Cod,  remarked,  "  Neither  ami;  but  I  am  proud  to  say 
that  I  am  —  what  is  a  great  deal  better — descended  from  the  mothers  of 
Cape  Cod.  His  honor,  the  chief  justice,  has  raised  a  point  of  law.  I  have 
a  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court,  —  not  of  Massachusetts,  but  of  the  Prov- 
ince of  Massachusetts  Bay,  —  given  a  hundred  and  thirty  years  ago,  which 
proves  my  right  to  be  here.  It  so  happened  that  the  gentleman  who  held 
the  office  of  Chief  Justice  was  my  great-great-grandtather.  Whether  he 
was  judge  of  law  I  know  not ;  but  he  was  a  judge  of  ladies.  Being  Chief 
Justice  he  came  down  to  this  part  of  the  world,  and,  I  suppose,  like  His  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor,  having  no  criminal  or  civil  business  to  do  he  looked 
Jifter  the  young  ladies.  The  result  was  that  when  he  got  home  to  Braintree, 
—  Quincy,  that  now  is,  —  he  called  his  &on  Josiah  to  him  and  advised  him  to 
s^o  straightway  down  to  Yarmouth,  and  to  inquu'e  for  the  house  of  one  John 
Sturgis,  and  to  make  himself  as  agreeable  as  he  could  to  Miss  Hannah  Stur- 
gis,  who  was  there.  Well,  my  ancestor  was,  like  his  descendants,  a  very  dutiful 
son,  particularly  when  his  father  told  him  to  go  and  see  the  girls.  So  down 
he  came  to  Yarmouth.  Whether  he  succeeded  in  the  object  of  his  mission 
or  not  I  will  not  say ;  but  I  have  the  honor  of  addressing  you  at  this  time. 
There  were  no  revolters  at  decisions  in  those  times,  and  consecjuently  the 
reports  are  not  extant ;  and  I  believe  this  is  the  only  case  of  adjudication 
tay  my  ancestor  the  report  of  which  has  been  preserved." 

^  We  had  designed  presenting  synopses  of  the  two  leai'ned  professions, 
law  and  medicine,  in  each  town  as  we  proceed  with  the  Annals.  Careful 
examination  has  forced  the  conviction  that  the  task  would  be  not  simply 
difficult  of  execution,  but  impracticable.  The  medical  profession  had  few 
regular  practitioners  liere  for  many  years.  Amos  Otis  Esq.  with  whom  I 
have  conferred  on  the  subject,  thinks  that  "  Thomas  Starr  the  younger,  was 
the  first  doctor  in  town,  and  that  he  left  for  want  of  support."  Mr.'O.  says, 
"  Most  of  the  early  pastors  administered  to  diseases  of  the  body  as  well  as 
souh  Mr.  Thornton,  I  am  told,  practised  medicine,  and  perhaps  Mr.  Ar-. 
nold  at  an  earlier  periofl.  Midwifery  was  then  a  useful  and  honorable  em- 
VOL.   II.  30 


234  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Matthews  Esq.,  for  about  one  quarter  of  a  century 
selectman  of  the  town  and  a  leading  citizen,  died 
December  15,  aged  78,  and  February  7,  1857,  Mr. 
Joshua  Sears,  of  Boston,  a  native  of  this  town,  aged 
66.^  The  State  Legislature  this  year  appropriated 
$2,500  to  enable  Levi  Baker  of  this  town  "  to  test  be- 
fore the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  the  con- 


ployment.  Deducting  this  business  and  surgery,  litile  remained  for  the 
local  physician.  Every  family  provided  roots  and  herbs  for  sickness  with 
as  much  regularity  as  they  provided  corn  and  meats.  Mrs.  Kelley,  who  d. 
1772,  aged  82,  had  long  an  extensive  practice."  On  p.  55  the  reader  will 
find  reference  to  "  one  IVIi-s.  Howes  of  Yarmouth,"  to  whom  Rev.  Mr. 
Dally  repaired  from  Sandwich  to  be  cured  of  consumption,  at  a  much 
earlier  period.  The  presumption  is  that  the  presence  of  a  regular  phy- 
sician was  considered  less  a  necessity  in  early  times  than  at  present. 

^  Mr.  Joshua  Sears,  b.  in  this  town,  1791,  and  now  entombed  here,  was 
long  known  as  an  industrious  and  successful  merchant,  capitalist,  and  ship- 
owner. At  an  early  age  he  went  to  Boston,  and  soon  engaged  in  business 
on  Long  Wharf,  continuing  in  the  same  store  to  the  close  of  his  business- 
life,  and  accumulated  a  very  large  property.  He  was  always  just  in  his 
dealings,  pains-taking,  frugal,  temperate,  assiduous,  far-seeing,  and  fore- 
reaching.  Of  entire  independence  of  character,  he  was  also  a  keen  and 
accurate  observer  of  the  character  of  others ;  and,  as  a  private  banker,  was 
often  of  great  service  to  his  neighbors  in  trade  by  sustaining  their  issues. 
Whilst  exact  in  trade,  and  cautious,  he  never  shrank  from  a  fiiend  in  whom 
he  had  reason  to  have  confidence.  Though  not  a  politician,  he  was  ever  firm 
in  adherence  to  democratic  principles  "  of  the  Jackson  stamp."  Known  to 
the  public  only  in  commercial  transactions,  few  were  conversant  with  his 
private  life  and  leisure  hours  ;  but  those  who  Avere  knew  him  not  only  as 
an  original  thinker,  but  a  great  reader,  with  a  memory  most  remarkably 
tenacious,  enabling  him  to  repeat  much  that  he  had  read,  —  even  whole 
pages  of  Homer's  Iliad,  as  translated  by  Pope.  Articles  of  noticeable 
ability  were  often  written  by  him  for  the  papers;  and  there  is  little  room  to 
doubt  that  he  Avould  have  stood  high  in  any  profession  that  he  might  have 
chosen.  Remaining  a  bachelor  until  two  or  three  years  before  his  death, 
early  in  1854  he  m.  Miss  Phebe  Snow,  of  Brewster,  an  estimable  woman 
who  died  the  next  year,  Jan.  1,  1855,  after  giving  birth  to  a  son  who  sui*- 
vives.  His  married  life  was  brief  but  happy.  "  Man  proposes,  but  God 
disposes,"  was  the  exclamation  with  which  he  bowed  to  the  severity  of  be- 
reavement. Carrying  his  infant  in  his  arms  to  the  baptismal  font,  he 
seemed  ever  after  especially  solicitous  that  the  education  of  that  child 
should  be  religious,  and,  when  himself  about  to  depart,  his  interest  in  this 
was  deeply  marked  in  the  charge  to  his  son's  future  guardian.  Mr.  S.  left 
legacies  to  the  amount  of  $107,000  to  several  relatives  ;  $3,000  to  the  Sea- 
man's Friend  Society;  $15,000  to  the  town  of  Yarmouth  for  the  establish- 
ment of  a  Nautical  School ;  and  the  balance  of  an  immense  property 
,to  his  son,  —  he  to  receive  $30,000  on  attaining  his  majority;  then 
$4,000  annually  until  past  the  age  of  24  ;  then  $6,000  annually  until  of 
the  age  of  30  ;  and  $10,000  per  annum  after  that  period  ;  the  property 
being  held  by  trustees,  his  executors,  viz  :  Messrs.  Alpheus  Hardy,  Horatio 
Harris,  and  Ilugli  Montgomery. 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  235 

stitiitionality  of  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  Virginia 
providing  protection  for  slave  property." 

In  1859,  Rev.  Mr.  Coggeswell  asked  and  received  his 
dismission  from  the  pastorate  of  the  ancient  church 
established  here  in  1639.^ 

In  1860,  the  sum  of  $2,600  was  voted  for  schools. 
This  year,  Nov.  25,  the  Hon.  John  Reed,  who  had  long 
been  a  prominent  citizen  here,  d.  at  Bridgewater, 
aged  79.  He  was  many  years  the  Congressional 
member  from  this  district,  and  some  time  Lt.-Gov.  of 
the  State.^ 

In  1861,  Oct.  10,  Frederick  Hallett,  Esq.,  attorney 
at  law,  died  aged  25  ;  and,  Nov.  1,  Mr.  Jonathan 
Matthews,  aged  74.     Mr.  Judah  Crowell  died  May  8, 

1862,  aged  75;  and  Mr.  Joshua  Hallett  died,  Jan.  25, 

1863,  aged  84;  and  Mr.  Joseph  G.  Tripp,  April  17, 
aged  63. 

The  Hydra  which  was  so  summarily  dispatched  by 
the  Herculean  arm  of  President  Jackson  in  1832, 
w^ien  threatening  nullification,  began,  in  1861,  to  rear 
again  its  head,  attempting  secession.  The  parentage  of 
the  many-headed  deformity  so  unhappily  infesting  the 

^  Mr.  C.  continues  a  resident  of  this  town. 

^  Hon.  John  Reed,  b.  1781,  grad.  Brown  Univ.,  1803,  was  s.  of  Rev. 
Jolin  Reed,  D.  D.  of  W.  Bridgewater.  He  became  a  resident  here  In 
early  life,  opening  an  office  for  the  jDractlce  of  law,  In  which  profession  he 
took  high  rank.  He  once  represented  this  town  in  the  legislature  of  the 
State,  and  was  twelve  times  elected  in  this  district  to  Congress.  The  al- 
most unexampled  period  of  twenty-four  years'  service  in  that  body,  was  sug- 
gestive of  the  distinction  sometimes  In  later  years  given  by  his  associates, 
"the  life  member."  In  1844,  he  was  elected  Lt.-Gov.,  and  continued  in 
that  office,  by  successive  elections,  7  years.  By  his  m.  with  a  di\  of  Abie- 
zer  Alger,  1809,  he  had  sons,  John  and  Edward,  and  clrs.  one  of  whom  m. 
Joy,  and  the  other,  Hunt.  Upon  the  decease  of  his  1st  w.,  he  m.  wid. 
Bond,  of  Bridgewater,  and  removed  from  this  town  to  Bridgewater.  Mr. 
Otis  thinks  Mr.  Reed  was  "  the  first  lawyer  settled  In  town ;  unless  such  - 
men  as  Anthony  Thacher,  John  Thacher,  Judah  Thacher,  Edmund  Hawes, 
and  Thomas  Howes- be  called  lawyers."  The  remark  doubtless  Indicates 
correctly  the  course  In  early  times.  Leading  men,  who  by  their  general 
education  and  approved  good  judgment  were  best  qualified  to  act,  were 
advisers,  draughtsmen,  etc. 


236         HISTOKY  OF  BAKNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

simny  South,  and  by  its  pestiferous  breath  poisoning 
the  fountains  of  noble  impulses,  whether  of  patriotism 
or  humanity,  may  be  in  doubt  with  some,  as  were  Ty- 
phseus  and  Echidna  of  mythological  lore,  —  the  one 
comely  in  feature,  but  otherwise  a  serpent ;  the  other, 
the  fruit  of  intercourse  between  Tartarus  and  Terra, 
and  whose  dragon-mouth  shot  forth  devouring  fire : 
but  the  offspring,  so  aptly  represented  by  the  monster 
of  Lake  Lerna,  cannot,  as  is  become  apparent,  be  de- 
stroyed by  decapitation  alone.  lolaus  must  apply  the 
cautery. 

Much  censure  has  fallen  on  government,  past  and 
present,  that  measures  have  not  been  more  prompt 
and  emphatic.  To  the  predecessor  of  the  present  in- 
cumbent of  the  presidential  chair  it  was  objected, — 

"  While  you  there  do  snoring  lie, 
Oj^en-eyed  Conspiracy  his  time  doth  take  ; " 

and  of  the  present  chief  of  the  nation,  complaint 
has  been  murmured  that  his  course,  though  decisive, 
is  vainly  parental  and  conciliatory,  —  the  occasion  re- 
quiring "the  sternest  energy,  that  both  rebels  and  trai- 
tors may  quickly  learn 

"  The  severity  of  public  power 
Which  they  so  set  at  nought." 

It  is  the  privilege  of  posterity  to  decide  on  the  per- 
tinency of  such  reflections,  whether  as  respects  Mr. 
Buchanan  or  Mr.  Lincoln.  Certctin  incontrovertible 
iacts,  however,  are  already  become  history,  viz. :  that 
the  fruit  of  extreme  views,  held  by  leading  politicians 
at  the  South,  beginning  to  be  developed  toward  the 
close  of  the  late  administrative  term,  in  more  frequent 
menaces,  exciting  solicitude  on  the  part  of  statesmen 
on  the  watchtowers  of  the  republic,  but  regarded  with 
incredulity  by  the  people  at  large,  soon   assumed   a 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH.  237 

more  factious  shape.  Slow  to  conceive  of  such  mad- 
ness possessing  the  minds  of  any  considerable  num- 
bers of  an  enlightened  public,  self-conscious  of  uncor- 
ruptness,  and  reliant,  even,  on  the  supposed  virtue  of 
offenders,  the  masses  were  unalarmed,  and  probably 
would  have  continued  little  moved,  notwithstanding 
the  oft-repeated  warning :  — 

"  There  is  a  Machiavellian  plot, 
Though  every  man  olfact  it  not ! " 

but  for  overt  acts  of  defiance  of  public  law.  It  re- 
quired even  then  the  attack  upon  Fort  Sumter  to 
arouse  the  nation.  The  first  booming  of  cannon 
against  an  institution  over  which  floated  the  national 
flag,  vibrated  with  a  thrill  of  horror  every  chord  of 
loyal  sympathy  to  the  extremes  of  the  Union. 
It  were  late  now  to  say,  — 

"  Wise  States  pi-event  purposes 
Before  they  come  to  practice,  and  foul  practices 
Before  they  gTow  to  act." 

The  general  conviction,  however,  which  quickly  united 
all  faithful  hearts,  and  moved  in  unison  the  patriotic, 
of  whatever  previous  shades  of  political  differences, 
was  the  same  :  — 

"  The  quarrel  is  not  one  of  fame,  or  tribute, 
Or  of  wrongs  clone  unto  confederates ; 
But  for  OUR  own  Republic  !  " 

The  remoter  authors  of  so  much  mischief,  —  the  causa 
causans  of  the  rebellion  against  which  love  of  country 
was  called  to  contend  —  may  have  been  differently 
regarded  by  diversely-constituted  minds ;  the  nature 
of  measures  necessary  to  accomplish  the  patriotic  end 
may  have  been  variously  estimated  ;  and  the  laws  of 
war,  —  particularly  military  necessity,  —  inevitably  de- 


238  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

termined  by  the  character  of  the  insurrection,  may 
have  grated  harshly  on  the  hearing,  and  been  disso- 
nant to  the  feelings  of  many ;  but  it  was  practically 
conceded  by  all  good  men  and  true  that  if  the  perpe- 
tuity of  the  Republic  and  the  blessings  of  liberty 
founded  on  the  principles  of  law  and  order,  are  to  be 
preserved,  personal  preferences,  and,  in  some  degree, 
opinions  must  yield  to  the  general  weal,  and  national 
fealty  stand  openly,  boldly,  determinedly  for  our  Coun- 
try's CAUSE.  All  eyes  were  turned  to  the  helm  of 
State ;  many  minds  were  filled  with  anxiety ;  many 
prayers  ascended  to  heaven ;  all  felt  the  perils  of  the 

l^OUr.  "Ev'ry  pilot 

Can  steer  the  ship  in  calms  ;  but  he  performs 
The  skilful  part,  can  manage  it  in  storms." 

Beautifully  and  nobly  were  the  virtues  of  Ameri- 
can citizenship  illustrated  by  the  unparalleled  unanim- 
ity with  which  all  parties  not  tainted  with  crime  gath- 
ered around  the  nation's  chief  magistrate,  to  uphold 
his  hands  and  encourage  the  manly  performance  of 
his  constitutional  oath. 

The  Annals  which  we  are  about  to  close  will  not,  we 
trust,  be  regarded  with  indifference  by  descendants 
from  noble  sires,  who 

"  Succeed  their  fathers 
In  manners  as  in  shape." 

The  early  condition  of  the  country,  and  especially 
the  settlers,  will  be  objects  of  interest  to  every  mind 
of  large  intelligence,  and  of  more  than  philosophic  or 
philanthropic  interest  to  the  heart  of  filial  reverence. 


We  subjoin  a  list  of  DeiDuties,  Representatives,  Selectmen, 
Treasurers,  and  Town  Clerks:  — 


ANNALS    OF   YARMOUTH. 


239 


1639.  Tliomas  Payne, 
"     Philip  Tabor, 

1641.  John  Crowe, 

"     Richard  Hoar, 

1642.  William  Palmer, 

1643.  Anthony  Thacher, 
"    Thos.  Folland, 


DEPUTIES. 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

2. 

1644. 

Jas. .Matthews, 

2. 

2. 

1645. 

Edmund  Hawes, 

16. 

2. 

1652. 

AVm.  Lumpkin, 

1. 

.3. 

" 

John  Joyce, 

1. 

6. 

1053. 

Thos.  Howes, 

9. 

10. 

1654. 

Sani'l  Arnold, 

2. 

2. 

1C55. 

Wm.  Nickerson, 

1. 

1658. 

Edw.  Sturgis, 

5. 

1602.  Eichard  Sears,  1. 
1003.  Yelverton  Crowe,      3. 

1068.  John  Thndier,  9. 

1671.  John  Miller,  1«3, 

1672.  Thos.  Howes,  5. 
1077.  Jere.  Howes,  10. 
1085.  Silas  Sears,  7. 


EEPEESENTATIVES. 


1692. 

1093, 
1694, 
1095, 
1096, 
1701, 
1703, 
1704. 
1705. 
1700. 
1711. 
1713. 
1714. 
1715. 
1718. 
1719. 
1721. 
1727. 
1728. 
1732. 
/'1737. 
1739. 


John  Thacher, 
Jere.  Howes, 
John  Hallett, 
Thos.  Sturgis, 
Jasper  Taylor, 
John  Hawes, 
John  Miller, 
Elisha  Hall, 
Sam'l  Howes, 
Sam'l  Sturgis, 
Zach.  Paddock, 
Peter  Thacher, 
Joseph  Hawes, 
John  Paddock, 
Joseph  Hall, 
Seth  Taylor, 
John  Hedge, 
Eben  Hawes, 
Josiah  Miller, 
Shubael  Baxter, 
Sam'l  Sturgis, 
Judali  Thacher, 
Dan'l  Hall, 


Yrs. 
2. 
2. 
1. 


9^-1748. 
1731. 

1757. 
175S. 
1700. 


l.,<704. 


1740. 

1741. 
1740. 


1774. 
1775. 
1779. 
17S0. 
1780. 
i7»9. 
1802. 
1>0G. 
1809. 

18:5. 
1810. 
1820. 
1827. 


Thos.  Hallett, 
Jno.  Hallett, 
Juo.  Miller, 
Jos.  Thacher, 
Joseph  Hall, 
Thos.  Howes, 
John  Bearse, 
John  Bare, 
David  Thacher, 
Elisha  Bassett, 
Enoch  Hallett, 
.Jona.  Howes, 
Edm.  Howes, 
Atherton  Hall, 
David  Thacher,  Jr 
Elisha  Doane, 
David  Kelley, 
Jno.  Eldridge, 
Jas.  Crowell, 
Thos.  Hedge, 
Hy.  Thacher, 
John  Reed, 
Jos.  Eldridge, 


Yrs. 
1. 
5. 
2. 
3. 
3. 
1. 
1. 
1. 
27. 
3. 
2. 
3. 
2. 
3. 

■'I 
2. 
6. 
10. 
2. 
4. 
1. 
1. 


1828. 
1830. 
1831, 

1832. 
1833. 
1834. 
1836. 


1837. 
1838. 
1839. 
1842. 
1843, 
1844. 
1846. 
1848. 
1852. 
1854. 
1856. 
1858. 


Jno.  B.  Doane, 
Chas.  Hallett, 
Isaiah  Crowell, 
Jos.  White, 
Jno.  H.  Dunbar, 
David  K.  Akin, 
Oliver  Hallett, 
Reuben  Ryder, 
N.  L.  Simpkins, 
Icli.  Shearman, 
Ezek.  Crowell, 
Freeman  Taylor, 
Sylvs.  Crowell, 
Joseph  Hall, 
J.  B.  Crocker, 
Elisha  Jenkins, 
Sam.  Matthews, 
Ezek.  Crowell, 
Chas.  Baker, 
Sam.  Thacher, 
Zadok  Crowell, 
B.  H.  Matthews, 


Yrs. 
3. 
2. 
3. 
1. 
3. 
3. 
2. 
1. 
3. 
1. 
2. 
2. 
1. 
1. 
1. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
1. 
1. 


SELECTMEN. 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1665. 

Anthony  Thacher, 

2. 

1729. 

Jona.  Baker, 

1. 

1786. 

Athn 

.  Hall,  , 

1. 

" 

Edmund  Hawes, 

23. 

1731. 

Jos.  Bassett, 

7. 

1788. 

Dan'l  Crowell, 

2. 

(I 

Jas.  Matthews, 

4. 

17.34. 

John  Sears, 

2. 

1789. 

Thos 

Thacher, 

15. 

" 

John  Miller, 

28. 

1737. 

Judah  Thacher, 

6. 

11 

Petei 

Sears, 

1. 

u 

Joseph  Hawes, 

2. 

" 

Dan'l  Hall, 

29. 

1792. 

Thos 

Howes, 

2. 

1007. 

Edw.  Sturgis, 

10. 

1741. 

Juo.  Hallett, 

13. 

1795. 

Matt 

Gorham, 

2. 

" 

Yelverton  Crowe, 

1. 

1745. 

Juo.  Howes, 

0. 

1797. 

Abner  Taylor, 

9] 

" 

Sam'l  Sturgis, 

1. 

1747. 

Jona.  Smith, 

1. 

" 

Benj. 

Matthews, 

1.3. 

1668. 

Thos.  Howes, 

8. 

1750. 

Jona.  Hallett, 

8. 

1801. 

Chas 

Hallett, 

2. 

" 

Jno.  Thacher, 

15. 

" 

Jos.  Thacher, 

3. 

1802. 

Seth  Baker, 

1. 

1076. 

Jere.  Howes, 

20. 

1753. 

Isaac  Chapman, 

3. 

1805. 

Joseph  Hawes, 

2. 

1083. 

Jos.  Howes, 

5. 

1755. 

Eben.  Taylor, 

1. 

1807. 

Elkiii 

ah  Crowell, 

9. 

1084. 

John  11  all. 

i: 

1756. 

Prince  Hawes, 

11. 

1808. 

Juo. 

Eldridge, 

8. 

I'lSS. 

Silas  Sears, 

10. 

" 

Lot  Howes, 

4. 

ISIO. 

Eben 

G^ge, 

3. 

1093. 

Joseph  Hall,  Sr., 

2. 

1758. 

Jno.  Hedge, 

3. 

1811. 

Hov/es  Taylor, 

5. 

" 

Josiah  Thacher, 

10. 

1760. 

Thomas  Tobey, 

14. 

1810. 

Prince  Matthews, 

10. 

1695. 

Thos.  Folland, 

4. 

1767. 

Rd.  Baxter, 

3. 

" 

Seth 

ielley. 

2. 

1097. 

Jno    Hallett, 

5. 

1769. 

Isaac  Matthews, 

12. 

1818. 

Eben 

Bray, 

7. 

" 

TIios.  Sturgis, 

3. 

II 

David  Thacher, 

13. 

II 

Goi  ham  Crowell, 

17. 

1699 

Sam'l  Sturgis, 

29 

II 

Sam'l  Howes, 

1. 

1821. 

Bars. 

Thacher, 

1. 

1701. 

Joseph  Hall, 

28. 

1771. 

Seth  Tobey, 

10. 

1822. 

Sam'l  Tliacher, 

14. 

1702 

Peter  Thacher, 

5. 

1772. 

Dan'l  Taylor, 

4. 

1825. 

Jame 

s  Matthews, 

25. 

1707. 

Jona  Howes, 

3. 

1772. 

Edw.  Hall, 

1. 

1830. 

Wm. 

Green, 

1. 

" 

John  Howes, 

8. 

1776. 

John  Hall, 

1. 

1834. 

Ich.  Shearman, 

11. 

'< 

Josiah  Miller, 

15. 

1777. 

Seth  Crowell, 

1 

1844. 

Elish 

a  Taylor, 

18. 

1718. 

Shubael  Baxter, 

7. 

1778. 

Jno.  Chapman, 

2. 

1848. 

Sam'l 

Matthews, 

1. 

(1 

Seth  Taylor, 

1. 

'< 

Sam'l  Eldridge, 

3. 

1851. 

Silas 

Baker, 

2. 

" 

Judah  Paddock, 

4. 

1781. 

Jere.  Howes, 

10. 

•  1 

Tli.'icl 

lor  Taylor, 

13! 

1728. 

Eben  Hall, 
Peter  Thacher, 

13. 
4. 

1782. 

Isaac  Hallett, 
Josiah  Hall, 

6. 
1. 

1855. 
1856. 

Eliiik 

HI  Stmlloy, 

1. 

1729. 

Wats 

Ml  Tliacher. 

5. 

<t 

Timothy  Hallett, 

1. 

1786. 

Israel  Nickerson, 

3. 

1861. 

Zadok  Crowell, 

3. 

240 


HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


TOWN  TREASURERS. 


1639. 
lCiG7. 
1695. 
1G90. 
1G9;. 
1698. 
1701. 
1702. 
1709. 
1715. 
1721. 
1729. 


Yrs 

Anthony  Thacher,i  28 
Edm.  Hawes,!  28, 

John  Howes,  3 

Jno.  Paddock,  1 

Jns.  Sturgis,  1 

Thomas  Howes,  Sr.,  1 
Thos.  Sturgis, 
Sam'l  Sturgis, 
Peter  Tliacher, 
Josiah  31iller, 
Ed\y.  Sturgis, 
Joseph  Hawes, 


1737. 
1744. 

1748. 
1753. 
1759. 
1765. 
1768. 
1771. 
1776. 
1778. 
1781. 
1784. 


Judah  Thacher, 
Jno.  Crowell, 
Seth  Hall, 
Thos.  Tobey, 
Jasher  Taylor, 
Prince  Hawes, 
Sam'l  Howes, 
Dan'l  Taylor, 
Seth  Tobey, 
Josiah  Thacher, 
Jos.  Griffith, 
Athn.  HaU, 


Yra. 

12. 

3. 

1, 

11. 

2. 

s! 

2. 
5. 
3. 
3. 


1788. 
1789. 
1805. 
1810. 
1811. 
1812. 
1817. 
1829. 
1837. 
1841. 
1844. 


Jere.  Howes, 
.Jno.  Thacher, 
Jas.  Hedg^e, 
Elisha  Doane, 
Oliver  Alden, 
Isaiah  Alden, 
Joshua  Hamblen, 
Jno.  B.  Ddane, 
Simn.  Crowell, 
Thacher  Taylor, 
Wm.  P.  Davis, 


Yrs. 

1. 
10. 

5. 

1. 

5. 

5. 

8. 

8. 

4. 

3. 
19. 


TOWN    CLERKS. 


1639. 
1667. 
1693. 
1706. 
1735. 
1736. 
1740. 
1748. 
1753. 


Anthony  Thacher, 
Edm.  Hawes, 
John  Miller, 
Peter  Thacher, 
Jno.  Crowell, 
Sam'l  Sturgis, 
Judah  Thacher, 
Seth  Hall, 
Thos.  Tobey, 


Yrs. 
28. 
25. 
12. 
31. 

8. 

1. 

8. 

1. 

9. 


1759.  Jasher  Taylor, 
1765.  Prince  Hawes, 
1768.  Sam'l  Howes, 
1772.  Daniel  Taylor, 
1775.  Seth  Tobey, 
1778.  Josiah  Thacher, 
1781.  Joseph  Griffith, 
1784.  Atherton  Hall, 
1788.  Jere.  Howes, 


Yrs. 
3. 
6. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
3. 
8. 
4. 
1. 


1789. 
1805. 
1811. 
1812. 
1817. 
1829. 
1837. 
1841. 
1844. 


Jno.  Tliacher, 
Jas.  Hedge, 
Oliver  Alden, 
Isaiah  Alden, 
Joshua  Hamblen, 
Benj.  Matthews, 
Simeon  Crowell, 
Thacher  Taylor, 
Wm.  P.  Davis, 


Yrs. 
19. 
6. 
5. 
5. 
8. 
8. 
4. 
3. 
19. 


1  It  is  supposed  that  Mr.  Anthony  Thacher,  the  first  town  clerk,  continued  to  act  in  that 
capacity  until  his  decease  in  1667 ;  and  that  Mr.  Edmund  Hawes  then  succeeded  him,  and 
that  these  gentlemen  were  also  town  treasurers. 


So  intimately  blended  are  the  histories  of  the  present  Yar- 
mouth and  Dennis,  that  some  seeming  omissions  may  be  notice- 
able in  these  annals  of  the  parent  town,  which  may  be  supplied 
in  the  annals  of  its  former  constituent  part. 


THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OF 


"No  EAKTHLT  BKIEB  WOULD  TEMPT  ME  TO  KESIGIf  THE  KNOWLEDGE  —  :F  IT  COULD  BE  EE- 
SIGJSTED— THAT  I  BELONG  TO  THE  LINEAGE  OF  THOSE  STANCH  AND  TKUE  MEN  WHO  SOWED  THE 
SEEDS  OE  THATHAKVEST  WHICH  TWO  CENTUKIES    HAVE    BEEN    RIPENING  IN  THIS    EXCELLENTLY 

PBODUCTIVE  EEGION  OF  Cape  Cob."  — John  Gorham  Palfrey, 

VOL  II.  31  (241) 


^vcBtxxi^iwn, 


TO    MR.   NATHAN    MATTHEWS, 

OF  BOSTON: 

Wlien  Themistocles,  at  a  feast,  was  invited  to  touch  the  lute,  he  replied  that 
he  could  not  fiddle ;  nevertheless,  it  is  written  of  him  that 

"He  made  of  a  small  town  a  great  city;" 

The  Merchant  whose  sagacity,  energy,  and  financial  skill  give  him  a  high  position 
among  his  compeers,  may  neither  by  the  influence  of  education  nor  taste  incline  to 
the  paths  of  literature  in  either  historical  or  genealogical  research ;  yet,  generously 
appreciating  its  toils  and  patriotic  intent,  becomes  its  benefactor : 

To  niM,  therefore,  whose  unanticipated,  nobly  disinterested,  and  timely  aid — not 
as  a  loan,  but  as  a  boon  freely  bestowed,  joined  to  the  generous  impulses  of  others 
—  enables  us  to  prosecute  the  work  in  hand  at  a  time  of  national  calamity,  when  au 
incubus  seems  to  rest  on  all  other  emanations  from  the  press  that  are  not  merely 
ephemeral,  these  Annals  of  the  Shire  Town  of  his  native  County  are  very  respectfully 

INSCRIBED 

as  a  slight  token  of  the  remembrance  and  gratefu,!  sense  of 

THE   AUTHOR. 

(242) 


ANNALS  OF  BAHNSTABLE. 


A  GRANT  was  made  by  the  Colony  Court,  June  4, 
1639/  "to  Mr.  Joseph  Hull  and  Thomas  Dimoc  with 
their  associates  to  erect  a  plantation  or  town  at  or 
about  a  place  called  by  the  Indians  Mattaehecser  ^  But 
there  is  no  authentic  account  of  the  first  settlement 
made,  unless  that  be  the  first,  October  11.  1639,  when 
Mr.  LoTHROP  and  members  of  his  church  in  Scituate 
removed  hither.  Doubtless,  however,  the  traditions 
that  reconnoissances  had  been  previously  made,  are 
correct.  It  were  strange  if  the  place  had  not  been 
earlier  visited  by  some  of  the  company,  in  search  of  a 
favorable  location;'^  and  possibly  some  settlement  may 
have  been  attempted  in  advance  of  the  general  emi- 
gration which  took  place  in  1639  and  1640. 

Besides  the  Rev.  John  Lothrop,  and  members  of  his 
congregation  who  were  not  communicants,  some  with 
families,  came  the  following  church  members  and  their 
families,  viz  : 

Anthony  Annable,  Edward  Caseley, 

Henry  Bourne,  Willum  Caseley, 

^  Corresponding  with  June  14,  1639,  N.  S. ;  as  does  tlie  arrival  of  Mr. 
Lothrop  with  Oct.  21,  N.  S. 

^  This  was  after  the  revocation  of  a  previous  "  grant  to  Mr.  CalHcot  and 
associates  of  Dorchester." 

"  The  hypothesis  receives  support  from  Mr.  Lothrop's  diary  ;  the  una- 
voidable impression  being  that  some  of  the  company  had,  previous  to  Mr. 
Lothrop's  coming,  caused  habitations  to  be  erected  for  themselves  and 
friends.  Rev.  Joseph  Hull,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Dimoc  are  particularly  men- 
tioned as  pioneers. 

(243) 


244  history  of  barnstable  county. 

Henry  Cobb,  George  Lewis, 

John  Cooper,  Robert  Linnell, 

William  Crocker,  Richard  Lumbard, 

James  Cudworth,  William  Parker, 

Thomas  Dimoc,  (/Isaac  Robinson, 

Henry  Ewell,  ,  Henry  Rowley, 

Edward  Fitzrandal,  Robert  Shelley,     ' 

Samuel  Fuller,  .  Isaac  Wells. 
Samuel  Hinckley, 

It  has  sometimes  been  said  that  "  the  Scituate 
church  "  came ;  it  is,  doubtless,  proper  to  state  that  a 
majority  of  the  male  members  of  that  church  came.^ 
Mr.  John  Allyn,  who  is  sometimes  included  in  the 
majbrity  of  first-comers,  is  said  to  have  been  here 
in  1642.2 


^  Holmes'  Am.  Annals  say,  "  Yarmoutli  and  Barnstable  were  settled  this 
year  ;  the  church  In  Scituate  was  in  a  broken  condition  for  several  years." 
The  records  at  Scituate  show  that  "  more  than  half  the  church,  with  the 
pastor,  removed  to  Barnstable."  It  has  therefore  been  claimed  that  the 
ancient  church  of  Barnstable  is  the  true  representative  of  the  first  Cong. 
Ch.  established  in  England.  The  Scituate  church,  "  composing  a  ma- 
jority," it  is  said,  "  of  that  celebrated  church  gathered  by  the  Rev.  Henry 
Jacob,  at  Southwark,  London,  in  1616,  emigrated  to  these  shores, —  about 
thirty  in  all,  —  under  the  lead  of  Rev.  John  Lothrop,  their  pastor,  and  lo- 
cated in  the  wilderness  called  Scituate,  Sept.  27,  1634,  where  thirteen  of 
the  former  members,  who  had  joined  the  Plymouth  church,  reunited  with 
them  soon  after  their  arrival.  The  majority  of  the  church  made  one  more 
move,  and  settled  in  Barnstable  where  is  now  the  West  Church  in  that 
town.  The  residue  immediately  reoi'ganized  and  called  Rev.  Chas.  Chaun- 
cey  to  become  their  pastor."  The  Scituate  Church  had  for  several  years 
labored  under  difficulties.  Established  Jan.  8,  1634-5,  Anthony  Annable, 
Henry  Cobb,  George  Kendrick,  Geo.  Lewis,  and  others,  having  been  dis- 
missed from  the  church  in  Plymouth  the  23d  of  the  present  Nov.  to  unite  in 
church  estate  at  S.,  Mr.  Lothrop,  who  is  said  to  have  been  "  chosen  pastor 
Jan.  19,"  was  duly  installed.  The  same  year,  Dec.  15,  "  Bro.  Henry  Cobb 
was  chosen  deacon;"  and  "Feb.  22,  1736-7,  brs.  Foster  and  Besbetch 
were  chosen  deacons."  But  as  early  as  1637-8,  evidences  of  discontent 
were  manifest,  Mr.  Lothrop,  Mr.  Timothy  Hatherly,  Goodman  Annable, 
and  others,  representing  to  the  General  Court  "  that  they  had  but  small  por- 
tions of  land  in  Scituate;  and  notwithstanding  lands  were  subsequently  set 
off  to  them  between  North  and  South  rivers,  difficulties  of  an  embarrassing 
nature  were  thought  to  attend  the  location,"  so  that  for  the  sake  of  peace, 
Mr.  L.  was  desirous  of  seeking  another  place,  and  to  this  end  made  applica- 
tion to  Gov.  Prince. 

^  Mr.  Parker,  it  is  contended,  did  not  come  until  1640,  and  Mr.  Cud- 
worth,  wlio  Mr.  Palfrey  says  was  one  of  the  company  who  came  with  JMi*. 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  245 

The  place  to  which  a  removal  from  Scituate  was 
first  contemplated,  was  Si'pipecsin,  slisiS  Seipi(/cm ;  and  an 
order  of  Court,  December  1638,  granting  lands  there 
to  several  of  those  wdio  have  been  named  as  first- 
comers  here,  was  made  with  that  view.  The  grant 
was  to  Thomas  Besbeeck  (Bisbee),  James  Cudworth, 
Anthonj^Annable,  Henry  Cobb,  Henry  Rowley,  Edward 
Foster,  and  Robert  Linnell,  a  committee  from  Scituate, 
"  for  seating  a  congregation ; "  and  although  a  diversity 
of  opinion  existed  froni  the  _  first,  causing  much  de- 
liberation, some  preferring  Mattacheese,  the  destiny  of 
the  company  seemed  to  point  to  Sippecan.  Mr.  Loth- 
rop  writes,  "Jan.  23,  1638-9,  we  that  were  for  Sippe- 
can divided  into  thi'ee  companies,  and  prayed  for  di- 
rection in  electing  committees  for  setting  down  the 
township  ;  "  and,  again,  "June  13,  a  fast  on  account  of 
drought,  and  also  in  regard  to  disunions  in  general,  and 
for  God's  directing  and  providing  providence  for  us  in 
the  point  of,  removal."  At  last,  however,  impediments 
hitherto  in  the  way  of  an  advantageous  location  at 
Mattacheese  being  removed  by  the  vacation  of  the 
grant  to  Mr.  Callicot,  the  place  of  destination  at  once 


L.  iu  1G39,  may  have  come  later;  but  whetlier  eitliei-  first  arrived  in  com- 
■pany  "\rith  Mr.  L.  is  of  little  moment.  Botli  were  early  on  the  ground. 
Mr.  Cudworth  was  one  of  the  original  associates,  and  the  Scituate  records 
show  that  he  was  of  the  original  number  who  withdreAv  to  constitute  the 
Barnstable  church.  His  associations  Avere  such  that  his  business  seemed  for 
a  time  to  lie  in  both  directions,  causing  him  to  vacillate  much  and  often  be- 
tween the  two  places.  His  legal  residence  for  some  months  or  longer,  as 
admitted  or  interpreted,  may  be  a  question,  and  was,  doubtless,  so  regarded 
at  the  time.  He  was  not  long  an  inhabitant  of  Barnstable,  but  resumed 
his  position  in  Scituate  in  1G46.  His  excellent  character  we  have  noted 
Vol.  I.  302-4.  After  leaving  Barnstable  he  was  subject  to  trials  that 
proved  the  inflexibility  of  his  principles  and  illustrate  the  vicissitudes  that 
attend  political  distinction.  His  letter  to  Mr.  Brown,  1658,  then  of  Lon- 
don, was  the  ostensible  cause  of  much  trouble  ;  and,  with  the  proceedings 
consequent  thereupon,  clearly  defines  his  position.  Acts  wee  true  exponents 
of  "  principles,"  and  ap])ly  in  this  sense  to  both  him  and  his  opponents. 
The  same  general  remarks  touching  the  question  of  habitancy  may  apply 
to  others  of  the  first  settlers.  We  do  not  undertake  to  define  the  pre- 
cise moment  of  arrival  or  departure. 


246  HISTORY  OF  barnstaele  county. 

changed  in  the  view  of  many  ;  and  hence  the  good 
pastor  writes,  "June  26,  a  fast  for  the  presence  of  God 
in  mercy  to  go  with  us  to  Mattacheese."  ^  The  pre- 
ponderance in  favor  of  this  latter  place  may  have 
been  induced  by  the  supposed  superiority  of  soil,  and 
its  adaptation  to  the  raising  of  grain,  much  of  the 
land  being  already  cleared  by  the  Indians  who  in  pre- 
vious years  had  successfully  cultivated  it,  as  also  by 
the  great  extent  of  "hay  grounds"  which,  without  cul- 
tivation, yielded  abundant  prdvender  for  cattle. 

Arrived  at  Mattacheese,  "A  thanksgiving  was 
held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Hull,  for  God's  exceeding 
•mercy  in  bringing  us  hither  safely  and  in  health;" 
and  further,  says  the  pastor,  "After  praises  to  God  in 
public  were  ended,  as  the  day  was  cold,  we  divided 
into  three  companies  to  feast  together,  —  some  at  Mr. 
Hull's,  some  at  Mr.  Mayo's,  and  some  at  bro.  Lum- 
bard's  Sr."  The  pious  act  so  worthy  of  the  first  set- 
tlers, and  the  brotherly  and  joyous  greetings  around 
the  festive  board,  as  they  were  not  the  beginning,  so 
they  were  not  the  ending  of  fraternal  faithfulness,  nor 
of  humble   acknowledgments    of  God's    providential 


^  In  letters  addressed  to  Gov.  Prince  in  1635,  touehing  a  proposed  re- 
moval, the  originals  of  v/liich  letters  were  found  among  Gov.  Winslow's 
papers,  Mr.  L.  says,  "Many  grievances  attend  me,  from  wliicli  I  would  be 
ti'ee,  or  at  least  ha^'e  tliem  mitigated  if  the  Lord  see  it  good."  Again, 
"Your  worthy  self,  together  with  the  rest  joined  and  assisting  in  the  govern- 
ment with  you,  having  gratuitously  and  freely,  upon  our  earnest  and 
humble  suits,  granted  and  conferred  a  place  for  the  transplanting  of  us ; 
wherefore,  let  me  entreat  and  ^jjeseech  you  to  do  this  further  great  courtesy 
for  us :  to  make  composition  with  the  Indians  for  the  place  with  what  speed 
you  can,  and  we  will  freely  give  satisfaction  to  them."  Notwithstanding 
the  place  to  which  Mr.  L.  in  this  correspondence  refers  was  Sippecan,  we 
have  no  reason  to  doubt  that  when  the  destination  of  himself  and  associates 
was  changed,  the  same  courtesy  solicited  was  readily  extended  by  Gov.  P.  in 
reference  to  the  newly-contemplated  location.  How  far  the  differences  in 
opinion  wliich  at  this  early  day  prevailed  in  the  churches  and  among  minis- 
ters, affected  the  clmrch  at  Scituate,  we  need  not  inquire;  but  an  entry  by 
Mr.  L. — "Oct.  12,  1637,  fast  for  reconciliation  betwixt  Mr.  Cotton  and 
other  ministers"  —  shows  how  general  was  the  excitement  produced  by  re- 
li;jious  discussions. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  247 

care.  The  same  month,  "  October  31,  a  fast  was  held 
to  implore  the  grace  of  God  to  settle  us  here  in 
church  estate  and  to  unite  us  together  in  holy  walk- 
ing, and  to  make  us  faithful  in  keeping  covenant  with 
God  and  one  another."  This  devout  recognition  of 
Deity  and  prayerful  reliance  on  heavenly  direction 
seems  to  have  been  a  marked  characteristic  of  the 
excellent  pastor  and  his  company  of  Christian  pil- 
grims, as  evidenced  on  many  occasions;  one  or  two 
instances  of  which  we  will,  before  dismissing  our  no- 
tices of  this  godly  trait,  quote  from  Rev.  Mr.  Lothrop's 
diary.     The  first  shall  be, — 

"April  15, 1640,  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  on  occasion  of  the 
investing  of  my  brother  Mayo  with  the  office  of  a  Teaching 
Elder,^  upon  whom  myself,  Mr.  Hull,  and  brother  Cobb,  lay  our 
hands  ;^  and  for  the  Loed  to  find  out  a  place  for  meeting,  and 
that  we  may  agree  in  it ;  as  also  that  we  may  agree  about  the 
division  of  lands."  The  other,  of  later  date,  "March  24,  1652, 
thanksgiving  for  the  Lord's  admirable  powerful  working  for 
Old  England  by  Oliver  Cromwell  and  his  army  against  the 
Scotts."  ^ 

Where  the  first  meeting-house  stood,  it  is  perhaps 

^  As  the  distinction  betAveen  pastor  and  Teaching  Elder  in  the  early  ec- 
clesiastical arrangements  of  the  Congl-egational  churches,  may  not  otherwise 
be  readily  apprehended  by  every  reader,  we  quote  from  the  fountain  of 
authority  without  attempting  other  elucidation :  "  The  office  of  Pastor  and 
Teacher  appears  to  be  distinct.  The  pastor's  special  work  is  to  attend  to 
exhortation,  and  therein  to  administer  a  word  of  wisdom  ;  the  teacher  Is  to 
attend  to  doctrine,  and  therein  to  administer  a  word  of  knowledge ;  and 
either  of  them  to  administer  the  seals  of  that  covenant  Into  the  dispensation 
whereof  they  are  alike  called ;  as  also  to  execute  the  censures,  being  but  a 
kind  of  application  of  the  word,  —  the  preaching  of  which,  together  with 
the  application  thereof,  they  are  alike  charged  withal."  —  C'amb.  Platform. 

^  It  appears  from  the  same  diary,  that,  "  March  26,  1G40-1,  bro.  Cooper 
was  invested  with  the  office  of  Deacon,  I,  bro.  Mayo,  and  bro.  Cobb  laying 
on  hands;"  and  "Aug.  7, 1650,  bro.  Dimmlcke  was  Invested  with  the  office 
of  Elder."  Another  evidence  of  the  simplicity  and  orderly  course  of  those 
times  maybe  inferred  from  an  entry  made  1642:  "John  Smith  and  Su- 
sannah Hinckley  contracted  at  our  sister  Hinckley's  house.  J.  Lo. " ; 
by  which,  we  suppose,  is  meant  that  they  engaged  themselves  to  each 
other,  in  presence  of  witnesses ;  or,  In  other  words,  were  belrothed,  intend- 
ing marriage  at  some  future  day. 

^  No  one  will  doubt  the  "  purltanlsm"  of  these  good  men. 


248  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

difficult  now  to  determine  positively ;  ^  but  tradition, 
as  now  delivered,  says,  the  first  public  worship  in 
Barnstable  was  held  on  and  around  a  rock,  which 
rock,  or  rather  a  portion  of  it,  is  still  pointed  out; 
and  around  that  rock,  it  is  said,  was  held  the  j&rst 
town-meeting.^ 

The  first  deputies  to  the  General  Court,  were  Mr. 
Joseph  Hull  and  Mr.  Thomas  Dimoc,  who  took  their 
seats  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  December,  1639. 

The  Indian  name  of  the  township  was,  as  we  have 
seen,  Maftacheese;  that  is,  such  was  the  name  of  the 
Indian  tract  lying  near  the  ancient  Chiimaquid  harbor,^ 
and  embracing  part  of  both  Barnstable  and  Yarmouth. 
Other  tracts  were  lyannouglis^  Cheekwaquet,  SJainkanucJc^ 
Coatidtf  Mistic,  Cotocheeset,  Skauton  ^  in  part,  and  Tama- 
hepaseakon. 

^  Mr.  Palfrey  says,  "  The  first  meeting-liouse  of  wlilcli  we  find  any  record, 
stood  about  one-fourth  m.  W.  from  the  present  meeting-house  of  the  East 
parish,  on  the  W.  side  of  the  old  burying-ground.  Four  acres  for  a  house- 
lot  had  been  assigned  to  Mr.  Lothrop,  soon  after  his  arrival,  on  the  E.  side 
of  that  inclosure  which  probably  had  been  used  for  interments  from  the 
first  settlement."  Mr.  Otis  says,  "  The  first  meeting-house  stood  in  the 
ancient  grave-yard  on  the  opposite  of  the  road  from  Kev.  Mr.  Hull's 
house." 

^  Tradition  Is  sometimes  at  fault,  and  often  imreliable.  If  Rev.  Mr. 
Lothrop's  carefully-kept  diary  is  worthy  of  credit,  —  and  who  can  doubt  ? 
—  t\\(d  first  act  of  pub.  wor.  after  the  arrival  of  the  company,  Oct.  11, 
1639,  was  in  Eev.  Mr.  Hull's  house,  where  thanksgiving  was  held;  and  this 
house  is  understood  to  have  been  directly  opposite  the  ancient  grave-yard, 
on  the  other  side  of  the  ancient  highway.  Still,  the  tradition  remains,  and, 
therefore,  as  in  duty  bound,  we  give  the  reader  the  benefit  of  Mr.  Palfi'ey's 
description  of  its  locality :  "  Tradition  designates  the  great  rock  in  the 
highway,  a  little  more  than  2  miles  W.  of  the  court-house.  A  portion  of 
that  memorable  rock  was  removed  some  years  since,  being  thought  to  over- 
hang the  road  in  a  dangerous  manner." 

"  It  has  been  supposed  that  had  the  Mayflower  adventurers,  who  left 
Cape  Cod  harbor  in  search  of  a  convenient  place  to  settle,  not  encountered 
a  severe  and  blinding  snow-storm  soon  after  leaving  Nauset,  where  they 
had  remained  over  night,  their  shallop  making  a  haven  of  a  small  creek, 
they  would  have  discovered  and  sought  refuge  in  this  harbor ;  in  ^yhich 
event  Mattacheese  might  have  been  their  place  of  settlement.  The  thick- 
ness of  the  storm  prevented  their  seeing  Sandy  Neck,  and  consequently 
tliey  missed  the  harbor. 

^  Variously  written,  often  Yanno's,  or  Janno's,  lyanno's,  Hyanno's,  — 
meaning  tlie  Sachem's  lands. 

^  Or  Skonkonet.  *  Sometimes,  Satuite.  ''  Sometimes,  Skanton. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  249 

Situation  and  Boundaries.  —  Barnstable  lies  nearly  in  a 
S.E.  direction  from  Boston,  from  which  place  it  is  distant  at  its 
western  limit  about  66  miles,  and  at  its  eastern  about  75.  It  is 
bounded  W.  by  Sandwich  and  the  district  of  MarshjDce  ;  E.  by 
Yarmouth;  and  is  washed  by  the  waters  of  the  sea  on  the  N\ 
and  S.  The  breadth  from  shore  to  shore,  across  the  peninsula  is, 
on  its  eastern  bound,  a  little  more  than  5  miles  ;  and  on  its 
western,  about  9  miles.  Its  extreme  length  from  W.  to  E.  is  8 
miles. 

Soil,  Surface,  Natural  Divisions,  etc.  — -  Approaching 
from  Sandwich,  a  broad  expanse  of  Salt  Marshes  is  present 
to  the  eye,  walled  in  from  Barnstable  Bay,  for  the  most  part  by 
a  border  of  sand-hills,  and  exhibiting  in  the  season  for  haying 
innumerable  ricks,  appearing  in  the  distance  but  small  cocks. 
The  sandy  confine  of  these  marshes  is  a  tongue  of  land  called 
Sandy  Neck,  projecting  from  the  Sandwich  line  on  the  N.  shore, 
and  is  about  2-  m.  wide  and  7  m.  in  length,  running  E.  along  the 
bay  shore  almost  the  entire  length  of  the  township.  This  neck 
forms  the  harbor,  the  ancient  Chumaquid  ;  and  between  the 
neck  and  upland  is  the  largest  body  of  salt  meadows  in  the 
State.  Protected  from  the  sea  by  the  neck,  these  meadows, 
formerly  designated  as  "  the  hay  grounds,"  and  a  great  induce- 
ment to  the  early  occupancy  and  settlement  of  the  township, 
yield,  as  has  been  estimated,  more  than  8,000  tons  of  provender. 
Connected  with  these  "  Great  Marshes,"  are  many  acres  of 
Fresh-meadows,  lying  chiefly  above  what  has  from  the  early 
settlement  been  known  as  the  "  Great  Bridge,"  The  neck  has 
some  wood  upon  it,  and  a  variety  of  shrubbery,  —  red-cedar, 
wild-cherry,  beach -plum,  etc.  It  also  produces  grapes,  cranber- 
ries, and  other  berries. 

The  Harbor  which  lies  within  Sandy  Neck  and  washes  the 
marshes  that  also  lie  between  the  neck  and  the  upland,  is  about 
1  m.  wide  and  4  m,  long.  A  bar  lying  IST.  E.  of  the  neck,  and 
extending  several  miles,  forbids  the  entrance  of  the  larger  class 
of  vessels;  but  access  is  afforded  to  craft  of  about  8  feet  draught. 
At  the  mouth  of  the  harbor,  on  the  point  of  the  neck,  is  a  light- 
house.   Ordinary  full  tides  give  about  10  feet  within  the  harbor. 

In  the  W.  part  of  the  township  is  a  small  harbor  at  the  head 
of  a  large  creek.  On  the  S.  side  is  the  harbor  called  Lewis's 
Bay,  the  entrance  to  which  is  within  the  limits  of  this  town,  the 
bay  itself  extending  into  Yarmouth  about  2  miles,  —  commo- 
dious, land-locked,  and  safe,  IIyannis  Road  is  a  harbor  that 
VOL.  II.  32 


250  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

has  a  good  entrance,  and  often  affords  shelter  in  storms  to 
vessels  passing  through  the  Vineyard  Sound.  It  lies  1  or  2 
m.  to  the  westward  of  the  harbor  last  named,  near  the  entrance 
to  Lewis's  Bay,  and  is  chiefly  formed  by  an  island  joined  to  Yar- 
mouth by  a  beach,  which  together  form  the  outside  bound  of 
the  bay.  Pghstt  Gammon  is  the  terminus  of  the  island  and  its 
connecting  beach.  There  is  also  a  small  bay  near  the  S.  W. 
limit  of  the  township,  called  Oyster  Bat,  which  gives  a  harbor 
convenient  for  small  craft.  Coatuit  Poet  Haebos,  the  outlet 
of  Marston's  River,  is  of  some  importance,  but  is  much  ob- 
structed by  a  sand-bar. 

Ponds  are  numerous.  Of  the  larger  class  are  between  20  and 
30.  Nine-Mile  Pond  is  the  largest.-  Connecting  with  the 
chain  of  ponds  stretching  through  the  township  to  near  Mar- 
ston's Mills,  is  scenery  that  is  somewhat  romantic.  Many  of 
these  inland  waters  are  stocked  with  the  smaller  kinds  of  fish. 

The  streams  of  water  are  few  and  small.  From  the  situation 
of  the  land,  they  are  necessarily  short.  Coatuit  River  is  in 
part  the  bound  between  this  town  and  Marshpee.  There  are  two 
or  three  others  E.  of  this,  emptying  on  tlie  S.  side,  and  affording 
mill  privileges,^  viz  :  Maeston's,  Skunkonet,^  and  Jones' 
RiVEES  ;  as  also  smaller  streams.  Marston's  and  Coatuit  Riv- 
ers are  valuable  resorts  for  alewives,  and  as  such  are  under  the 
control  of  the  town.  Trout  of  an  excellent  quality  are  found 
in  some  of  the  brooks. 

The  surface  on  the  N.  side  of  the  township,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  marshes,  is  generally  uneven,  and  much  of  the  land 
is  rocky.  The  township,  however,  contains  much  good  upland, 
and  is  largely  agricultural ;  in  some  instances  yielding  from  50 
to  100  bushels  of  Indian  corn  per  acre.  The  average  is  perhaps 
from  25  to  40.  On  the  IST.  side  a  dark  loam  prevails,  sometimes 
clay,  again  a  mixture  of  sand.*  A  ridge  of  hills  extends  E. 
and  W.  the  entire  length  of  the  township,  the  greatest  height 
being  attained  about  li-  na.  from  the  great  marshes.     Scorton, 


^  On  the  records  it  is  often  Cooper's  Pond.  It  was  also  known  to  the 
early  settlers  as  the  Great  Indian  Pond. 

^  The  westerly  branch  of  Skunkonet  Brook  is  now  known  as  Bump's 
Itiver,  and  the  easterly  as  Phinney's  Brook. 

^  There  ai-e  other  seats  for  mills  ;  one,  on  the  river  flowing  from  Baxter's 
Pond.     Tlie  vicinity  of  this  was  probably  the  Indian  Tamahepeseal:on. 

*  Rev.  ]\Ir.  Mollen,  in  his  day,  said,  "  Formerly  much  flax  was  raised 
here.  Onions  were  raised  in  large  quantities,  —  from  1,200  to  1,800  bush, 
per  annum.     Wheat,  formerly." 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  251 

Prospect,  and  Shoot-flying  Hills  ^  are  among  the  most  noted  ele- 
vations. From  some  parts  of  the  range  the  waters  on  either 
side  of  the  Cape  are  visible.  Much  of  this  ridge  is  unsusceptible 
of  cultivation  and  is  covered  with  wood.^  The  land  S.  of  this 
range  of  hills  is  comparatively  level,  a  portion  wooded,  the  rest 
in  tillage,  —  the  soil  light  but  productive.  In  the  township  are 
some  valuable  cranberry  meadows.^ 

On  either  side  of  the  township  were  formerly  large  invest- 
ments in  salt-works.  Some  of  these  yet  remain.  The  fisheries 
were  formerly  carried  on  here  more  extensively  than  at  present. 
The  business  of  the  town,  though  considerable,  is  not  concen- 
trated in  any  particular  locality.  With  the  largest  popvdntion  of 
any  Cape  town,  and  for  many  years  the  shire  of  the  county, 
there  is  little  of  poverty,  much  of  thrift.  In  1839,  it  was  said 
there  were  about  250  of  its  citizens,  either  masters  or  mates  of 
vessels, — numbers  sailing  in  the  finest  ships  of  the  Union.  Wher- 
ever the  stars  and  stripes  float  are  some  of  its  accoraj^lished 
mariners. 

The  locality  is  one  of  health.^  In  respect  to  educational  privi- 
leges, the  town  will  rank  Avith  New  England  towns  generally; 
school-houses,  well  built,  and  furnished,  stand  thick,  and  the 
spires  of  its  meeting-houses  catch  the  eye  of  the  traveller,  telling 
"how  God  is  reverenced  and  knowledge  prized."  In  relation  to 
the  men  it  has  furnished  to  occupy  positions  of  influence,  and  of 
distinguished  eminence,  nothing  need  here  be  said. 

We  pass  from  this  general  survey  of  the  face  of  the  country, 
its  business,  its  morals,  its  intelligence,  etc.,  to  note  its  prominent 
settlements.  That  which,  at  the  ancient  Scorton,  first  greets  the 
eye  of  the  wayfarer  in  passing  from  Sandwich  "  down  the  Cape," 
is  West  Barnstable,  —  "  Great-Marshes,"  its  more  femiliar 
name  to  many,  from  long  use.  In  olden  times  known  as  the 
"  West  Parish,"  it  was  the  more  important  division.     It  is  4  m. 

^  The  ancient  practice  of  shooting  geese,  ducks,  &c.  from  this  elevated 
ground,  as  they  emerged  from  the  waters  to  pass  from  one  side  of  the  isth- 
mus to  the  other,  gave  rise  to  the  name. 

^  Large  quantities  of  wood  were  formerly  sent  by  water  to  market. 

^  It  is  well  known  that  the  early  settlers  of  this  town  were  an  a'^ricul- 
tural  people.  "  It  was  only  by  degrees  that  the  advantages  of  their  situa- 
tion for  the  employments  of  fishing  and  navigation  were  perceived  and 
turned  to  account."  —  Palfrey. 

*  A  large  proportion  of  the  population  live  to  be  aged.  Rev.  Mr.  Mel- 
len  reported  that  of  1 74  deaths  in  his,  the  East  Parish,  nine  years  previous 
to  the  year  1794,  out  of  1,365  inhabitants,  40  were  over  70,  18  over  80, 
and  one  over  90  years  old  at  the  time  of  decease. 


252  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

W.  of  the  court-house,  and  contains  some  of  the  best  farms  in 
the  county.  The  settlement  is  less  compact  than  in  some  other 
portions  of  the  town ;  but  all  along  the  county  road  are  seen 
the  eonthiuous  abodes  of  its  thrifty  inhabitants/  whilst,  farther 
inland,  including  "the  Plains,"^  are  villas  dotting  neai'ly  its  en- 
tire extent.  Here  is  a  Congregational  meeting-house,  the  usual 
quota  of  stores,  etc.,  and  a  railroad  dej)ot.  Like  the  villages  in 
every  other  part  of  the  town,  it  has  its  ample  and  convenient 
school-houses.  On  one  side  of  this  division,  near  Centreville,  is, 
in  the  margin  of  a  forest,  and  almost  isolated,  possessing  in  more 
than  ordinary  degree  the  marks  of  puritanical  and  primitive 
simplicity,  the  unostentatious  building  known  as  "the  Town 
House,"  designed  for  the  transaction  of  the  town's  business.  In 
West  Barnstable,  too,  was  the  domicile  of  the  distinguished 
v'  James  Otis  Sr.,  and  here  his  son,  "the  Patriot,"  James  Otis 
Jr.  was  born." 

The  East  Division  of  the  town,  a  part  of  the  ancient  Matta- 
cheese,  now  designated  as  Baris'Stable  proper,  connecting  im- 
mediately with  Yarmouth  at  "the  Port,"  and  which  has  become 
the  "  court-end,"  is  agreeably  located,  and  of  pleasing  aspect.* 
Here  are  the  county  buildings  of  stone  ;  ^  and  the  brick  edifice 
erected  by  the  United  States  Government,  for  the  use  of  the 
customs  and  post-office.  Many  handsome  private  residences,  a 
Congregational  Unitarian  meeting-house,  another  for  the  Bap- 
tists, and  yet  another  for  the  Methodists,  an  academy,  the  Ma- 
sonic Hall,  a  printing  establishment,  from  v/hich  is  issued  "The 
Barnstable  Patriot,"  a  savings'  bank,  stores,  etc.,  and  railroad 
depots,  give  to  the  place,  with  all  its  quiet,  a  tout  ensemble  of 
elegance,  comfort,  and  independence. 

Hyajntnis,  the  ancient  "  lyannaiigK s^''  ^  on  the  south   side  of 

^  See  p.  1 74.  ^  Generally  called  "  Hamlin's  Plain." 

^  Mr.  Palfrey  remarks,  "  Some  one  has  said,  '  No  spot  lias  made  such  a 
gift  to  the  country  as  has  Great  Marshes  in  Barnstable.'  Let  us  be  con- 
tent to  make  one  exception  for  the  birth-place  of  that  peerless  man  ■  avIio 
was  '  first  in  war,  and  first  in  peace,'  and  then  we  may  be  bold  to  stand  by 
the  saying  without  fui-ther  quaUfication."  The  locality,  if  we  look  back  to 
Feb.  5, 1725,  might  well  be  commemorated  by  some  token  of  the  regards  of 
a  free  people.  The  old  mansion  has  been  permitted  to  go  to  decay  ;  none 
of  the  family  name  or  blood  has  taken  any  interest  in  the  perpetuation  of 
its  remembrance ;  but  events  are  suggestive,  and  the  spot  will  be  subject  of 
eager  inquiry. 

*See  pp.  173,  174. 

'""  The  court-house  and  jail. 

"We  never  recognize  the  name  of  this  young  sachem,  without  the  mind 
reverting  involuntarily  to  the  courteous  reception  he  gave  to  Capt.  Stand- 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  253 

the  township,  is  approached  from  either  of  the  preceding  settle- 
ments, by  passing  through  forests  of  oak  and  pine,  and  adjoins 
West  Yarmouth.^  It  is  about  six  miles  from  the  court-house, 
and  is,  of  late  years,  the  most  thrifty  and  improving  part  of  the 
town ;  its  important  harbor  being  safe  in  all  winds,  greatly  aided 
by  a  breakwater  constructed  at  the  national  expense,  and  hav- 
ing good  depth  of  water.  Here  is  a  terminus  of  the  Cape  Cod 
railroad,  connecting  with  stages  running  on  the  south  side  of  the 
Cape,  and  with  a  steamboat  plying  regularly  to  and  from  Nan- 
tucket. The  machine-shop  of  the  railroad  company,  as  also  va- 
rious minor  manufactures,  the  shipping-trade,  etc.,  give  employ- 
ment to  many  hands,  and  impart  to  the  village  the  appearance 
of  no  inconsiderable  business.^  The  village  is  pleasantly  com- 
pact. Baptist,^  Methodist,  Universalist,  and  Congregational 
meeting-houses,  a  Masonic  Hall,  hotel,  and  printing  establish- 
ment, from  which  issues  "  The  Atlantic  Messenger,"  and  many 
pleasant  private  dwellings  meet  the  eye. 

Hyannis  Port  is  south  of  the  last-named  settlement. 

OsTEEViLLE,*  the  Indian  Catocheset,  being  in  part  an  almost 
continuous  settlement  on  the  road  leading  from  Hyannis  to 
Marston's  Mills,  with  dottings  of  villas  south  from  the  main  road, 
and  in  other  directions,  has  some  pleasant  residences.  Baptist, 
Methodist,  and  Universalist  houses  for  worship,  etc.^ 

Marston's  Mills,  the  Indian  Mistic,  with  which  the  last-de- 
scribed settlement  connects,  on  the  road  to  Marshpee,  has  a 
Methodist  meeting-house,  and  is  a  thrifty  and  pleasant  village 


ish  and  his  party  of  ten  men,  in  1621,  when  they  came  from  Plymouth  in 
a  shallop,  in  quest  of  a  boy  that  had  been  lost  in  the  woods.  See  Vol.  I. 
96-99,  and  110.     The  Sachem's  grave,  it  is  said,  is  known. 

^Seep.  175. 

"  Packet  lines  projected  here  have  for  a  long  time  been  established  in 
connection  with  Boston,  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  and  other 
southern  ports,  —  the  vessels  of  large  burthens,  fast-sailing,  and  generally 
beautiful  models.  Numbers  of  vessels  engage  in  the  fisheries ;  and  con- 
nected with  the  business  are  several  extensive  packing  establishments. 
The  increase  of  population  has  been  considerable  within  the  last  twenty 
or  thirty  years. 

^  The  Baptist  denomination  here  is  of  early  date. 

*  A  modern  name,  without  derivation  or  meaning,  unless  indicative  of 
the  repugnance  of  its  inhabitants  to  rejoice  longer  in  the  former  appella- 
tion suggestive  of  the  luscious  bivalve  once  found  in  abundance  in  Its 
neighboring  waters.  "  Oyster  Island  "  was  a  name  very  naturally  sug- 
gested, and  "  Oyster  Island  Village"  followed  naturally  as  the  designation, 
for  a  long  while,  of  the  contiguous  main ;  but  "  Catocheset,"  long  familiar 
to  the  aged  it  were  well  to  have  retained. 

^  The  navigation  here  Is  chiefly  employed  In  coasting,  carrying  wood,  etc. 


254  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

CoTUiT,  proper,  the  Indian  Coatuite^  or  Satulte,  more  ancient 
than  populous  or  compact,  situate  inland  between  Marston's 
Mills  and  the  Marshpee  line,  is  chiefly  a  farming  district,  and  has 
been  the  seat  of  some  of  the  early  and  best  families  in  the  town- 
ship.    Here  is  a  Congregational  meeting-house. 

CoTUiT  Poet,  lying  directly  south  of  the  former,  and  occupy- 
ing a  position  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  is  more  densely  settled. 
For  many  years,  its  wharves  have  been  the  scene  of  some  activ- 
ity; and  of  late  years  the  village  has  extended  and  improved. 
The  surrounding  scenery  is  unique  and  picturesque,  and  has  in- 
vited hither  those  whose  summer  residences  are  permanent.  A 
large  hotel,  Methodist  and  Universalist  places  for  public  worship, 
and  many  private  dwellings,  Avith  the  usual  appliances  of  stores, 
etc.,  give  to  the  place  an  air,  which  takes  the  stranger  by  sur- 
prise. 

Centeeville,  consisting  of  the  ancient  Cheqiiaquet^  occu- 
pies, as  its  name  implies,  a  central  position  as  respects  the  other 
divisions.^  The  village  has  been  greatly  enlarged  and  improved 
within  the  last  half-century,  and  presents  a  compact  and  pleasing 
aspect.  It  contains  some  fine  private  residences,  a  Congrega- 
tional meeting-house,  etc.,  and  is  a  place  of  much  enterprise.^ 

Progress  of  the  Town.  That  Thomas  Lumbert 
was  "  allowed  to  keep  victualing,  or  an  ordinary,  for 
the  entertainment  of  strangers,  and  to  draw  wines  in 
Barnstable"  in  1639,  indicates  progress.  The  first 
town-meeting  of  which  mention  is  made,  was  had  in 
relation  to  the  division  of  lands.  An  order  was  made 
"  that  no  inhabitant  within  this  plantation  shall  make 
sale  of  his  house  or  any  of  his  lands  until  he  has 
offered  the  same  to  the  proprietors ;  and,  in  case  the 
plantation  buy  it  not,  then   he  shall  provide  a  pur- 

^  Sometimes  written  Cheekwaquet,  sometimes  Weequaket. 

"  The  name  has  truly  the  advantage  of  appropriateness ;  but  we  submit 
whether  the  Indian  name  retained  were  not  better.  There  are  numerous 
Centrevilles,  —  more  than  a  score  are  the  designation  of  post-offices,  in  at 
least  15  different  States.  There  is  now  no  Chequaquet,  although  the  name 
is  euphonious,  and  of"  historical  interest. 

"  Coasting  and  trading  vessels  ply  from  this  place,  whose  trips  are  princi- 
pally to  Hartford,  New  York,  Albany,  etc.  Here,  as  at  Cotuit  Port,  Os- 
terville,  Hyannis,  and  Barnstable,  ship-building  has  been  carried  on,  and  iu 
lesser  extent  continues. 


ANNALS   OF   BARNSTABLE. 


255 


chaser  whom  the  town  shall  approve ;  and,  if  the 
town  do  not  provide  a  chapman  in  two  months,  he 
may  then  sell  it  to  whom  he  wdll."  ^  Mr.  John  Mayo 
was  admitted  townsman,  March  3,  1640 ;  and  the  per- 
sons w;ho  appear  to  have  been  inhabitants  the  same 
year,  are  as  follows  :  — 

William  Crocker,  ^ 

James  Cud  worth, 

Dolor  Davis, 

Thomas  Dimock, 

Edward  Fitzrandal, 

Richard  Foxwell, 

Roger  Goodspeed, 

James  Hamblin, 

Thomas  Hatch, 

Samuel  Hinckley, 

Thomas  Hinckley, 

Thomas  Huckins, 
;  John  Hull  (or  Hall),  Robert  Shelley, 

Samuel  Jackson,'        John  Smith, 
-  George  Lewis,  Isaac  Wells. 


Thomas  Allyn, 
Anthony  Annable, 
Nathaniel  Bacon, 
Austin  Bearse,  ; 
William  Bills, 
Abraham  Blush, 
Henry  Bourne,'' 
John  Bursley, 
John  Casley, 
William  Casley, 
Henry  Cobb, 
Henry  Coggen, 
John  Cooper, 
Henry  Coxwell, 
John  Crocker, 


Laurence  Lichfield, 
Robert  Linnet, 
Bernard  Lombard, 
Thomas  Lombard, 
John  Lothrop, 
Thomas  Lothrop, 
John  Mayo, 
Samuel  Mayo, 
Isaac  Robinson, 
Henry  Rowley, 
John  Scudder, 
Thomas  Shave, 


The  next  town-meeting  of  which  we  find  any  rec- 
ord is  in  1641,  in  relation  to  the  laying  out  of  lands. 
Mr.  Thomas  Lothrop  and  Bernard  Lombard  were  ap- 
pointed "  measm^ers  of  land,"  and  authorized  "  to  lay 
out  all  the  lands  that  the  several  inhabitants  are  to 
have  laid  out,  and  to  bound  them  with  stakes."  They 
were  to  have  for  this  service  Id.  per  acre  for  upland, 
and  2d.  per  acre  for  salt  marshes.  It  was  further 
ordered  "  that  the  parties  whose  land  is  to  be  laid  out, 
shall  accompany"  the  surveyors. 

Accessions  were  had,  —  a  number  of  families  re- 
moving to  town,  some  from  Scituate,  some  from  Lynn, 


^  The  records  of  the  first  laying  out  of  lands  are  not  to  be  found.  It  is 
said  by  Amos  Otis  Esq.,  that  "  tradition  "  tells  "  they  were  carried  to  Ply- 
mouth, and  there  lost  by  fire."  He  says,  "  The  house-lots  contained  from  6 
to  12  acres,  and  were  all  laid  out  on  the  north  side  of  Kendezvous  Lane." 


256  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Sandwich,  and  Plymouth.  Church  disciphne,  so  often 
in  requisition  in  early  times,  and  the  call  for  which  it 
is  often  difficult,  at  this  remote  period,  to  define  with 
accuracy,  seems  to  have  been  administered  this  year 
upon  Rev.  Mr.  Hull  ^  and  William  Casley,^  severally. 

In  1642,  the  inhabitants  were  required  by  the  Ply- 
mouth government  to  assist  in  providing  against  ex- 
pected Indian  hostilities.^ 
,  In  1643,  June  7,  Mr.  Hatherly,  Mr.  Freeman,  and 
Capt.  Standish  were  appointed  by  the  court  "  to  divide 
to  each  man  the  lands  at  Barnstable,  reserving  a  por- 
tion for  public  use ; "  *  and  the  town  subsequently 
"  ordered  that  the  commons,  or  undivided  lands  shall 
belong  to  the  present  inhabitants,  and  to  whom  they 
shall  think  fit ; "  further,  "  that  the  commons  be  en- 
tailed to  the  house-lots."  ^     The  records  recognize,  at 


^It  is  difficult  to  determine  what  was  precisely  the  ecclesiastical  posi- 
tion of  this  gentleman  at  Barnstable.  According  to  'Mr.  Lothrop's  diary, 
"May  1,  1641,"  possibly  1642,  "Mr.  Hull  was  excommunicated  for  breaking 
communion  with  us,  and  joining  himself  with  a  company  at  Yarmouth,  to 
be  their  pastor,  contrary  to  the  advice  of  a  council  of  our  church."  A 
warrant  for  his  "  arrest  if  he  do  either  exercise  the  ministry  or  administer 
the  seals,"  was  ordered  by  the  court  at  Plymouth,  May  7,  1643,  as  has  been 
seen.  Vol.  I.  172.  Again,  Mr.  L.  says,  "Aug.  10, 1643.  Mr.  Hull  acknowl- 
edged his  sin,  and  was  again  received."  Moreover  his  wife  seems  to  have 
had  experience  of  the  same  stern  discipline.  "Mai'ch  11, 1642-3.  Our  sis- 
ter Hull  renewed  her  covenant,  renouncing  her  joining  at  Yarmouth  and 
confessing  her  evil  in  so  doing,  with  sorrow."  Mr.  Savage  alludes  to  the 
final  career  of  Mr.  Hull,  saying,  "It  is  necessary  to  follow  the  poor  man  to 
Maine,  where,  no  long  time  before  his  death,  Nov.  19,  1665,  he  had  been 
preaching  at  the  Isle  of  Shoals,  as  his  widow,  Agnes,  showed  in  her  inven- 
tory, '  the  Isle  owes  him  for  his  ministry  £20 ; '  and  the  sum  of  inventory, 
the  above  included,  is  only  £52.5.5,  of  which  £lO  is  put  down  for  hooks." 
See  also.  Felt.  1,  498. 

^  Mr.  Casley  is  reported  a  man  of  prominence,  with  considerable  legal 
knowledge,  often  employed  in  drawing  conveyances,  etc.  Besides  the 
principal  ofience  charged  against  him,  he  is  accused  of  being  "  much  given 
to  icfleness  and  jeering,  as  alsd  somewhat  proud."  But,  touching  his  excom- 
munication we  are  told  that  he  "  took  it  patiently." 

=*  See  Vol.  I.  167,  169. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  168. 

^  By  general  consent,  all  lands  within  the  plantation  were  to  be  divided 
by  the  ibllowing  rule  :  "  One-third  part  to  every  house-lot  equally ;  one-third 
to  the  number  of  names  that  are  immovable,  — i.  e.,  to  such  as  are  married, 
<jr  of  25  years  .age  5  and  the  other  third  according  to  men's  estates." 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  257 

this  time,  forty-five  voters.  Those  hable  to  bear  arms 
are  nearly  identical  with  the  list  of  voters  in  1640,  as 
before  given,  the  only  difference  being  the  additions 
of  the  names  of  Eichard  Berry,  Thomas  Blossom,  John 
Blower,  Thomas  Boreman,  Francis  Crocker,  John  Da- 
vis, Nicholas  Davis,  Henry  Ewell,^  John  Foxwell,  David 
Linnet,  James  Lothrop,  Benjamin  Lothrop,  Samuel 
Lothrop,  Nathaniel  Mayo,  William  Pearse,  John  Rus- 
sel,  Nicholas  Sympkins,  and  William  Tilley ;  and  the 
omission  of  the  names  of  Henry  Coxwell  and  Isaac 
Robinson. 

In  1644,  the  inhabitants,  desirous  of  enlarging  their 


^Mr.  Ewell  was  early  here,  a  corchvainer  by  trade;  from  Sandwich, 
Kent  county,  Eng. ;  a  soldier  in  the  Pcquct  war,  1637  ;  he  m.  Sarah  An- 
nable,  dr.  Anthony,  Nov.  28,  1G38,  in  Scituate.  Issue:  John,  bap.  in  Be. 
1640;  Eben.  bap.  1643 ;  Sarah,  bap.  1645.  Soon  after,  he  returned  to 
Scituate  and  had  Hannah  1G49;  Gershom  1650;  Abia  1653;  Ichabod 
1G59;  Deborah  1663;  and  Eunice.  His  house  in  S.  was  burned  by  In- 
dians in  1676.  His  will  is  dated  1681.  Several  of  those  who  took  part  in 
the  Pequot  war,  settled  on  the  Cape.  We  are  here  reminded  of  an  item 
which  has  just  appeared  in  the  J-fass.  Hist.  Coll.  Vol.  XL VI,  105:  Hugh 
Peters  writes  to  John  Winthrop,  "  Salem,  6th  Sept.  1640.  One  mayne 
occasion  of  my  writing  at  this  time  is  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Paddy,  this  beai'er, 
who  earnestly  desires  some  course  may  be  taken  for  what  is  due  from 
the  country  to  his  father.  Freeman,  for  his  Armes  they  had  in  the  Pekot 
service,  for  which  hee  might  have  had  401.  and  now  desires  but  151.  of  the 
country,  to  bee  payd  as  they  please  for  species.  Good  sir,  let  him  have  re- 
liefe  by  what  meanes  you  can,  synce  you  know  the  case  and  this  present 
Governor  [Dudley]  doth  not."  Mr.  Peters,  it  will  be  understood,  was  the 
noted  minister  of  Salem,  who,  after  having  been  licensed  by  the  Bishop  of 
London,  preached  in  that  city  with  gTeat  popularity,  but  finally,  on  account 
of  his  non-conformity,  went  into  Holland,  and  afterwards  arrived,  with 
Rev.  Richard  Mather,  in  America,  in  1635.  Mr.  P.  took  great  intei-est  in 
mercantile  and  civil  affairs,  and  was  appointed  by  the  General  Court  of 
Massachusetts,  1641,  to  visit  England  to  procure  some  alterations  in  the 
laws  of  excise  and. trade.  Remaining  in  England,  he  supported,  during 
the  civil  wars,  the  cause  of  the  Parliament,  and  contributed  much  to  it  by 
his  preaching ;  in  fact,  Burnet  says,  "  Pie  pressed  the  king's  condemnation 
with  the  rudeness  of  an  inquisitor  "  —  a  charge,  however,  which  he  denied. 
But,  acting  under  Cromwell,  he  was  tried,  after  the  restoration,  for  con- 
spiring with  the  usurper,  and  was  executed,  Oct.  16,  1660,  aged  61.  His 
daughter  m.  John  Winthrop.  The  interest  made  with  Mr.  W.  in  behalf  of 
Mr.  Paddy,  the  treasurer  of  the  Plymouth  colony,  who  m.  a  dr.  of  I\Ir.  Ed- 
mund Freeman,  of  Sandwich,  is  natural ;  but  the  debt  seems  never  to 
have  been  paid.  Mr.  F.  probably  remitted  it;  for  Lewis,  Hist.  Lynn,  says, 
"Mr.  F.  presented  to  the  colony  20  corsletts,  or  pieces  of  plate  annoi';" 
which  were  doubtless  the  "  arms  "  to  which  Mr.  Peters  refers. 
VOL.  II.  33 


258  HISTORY    OF   BAKNSTAELE    COUNTY, 

settlement,  a  purchase  was  made  from  the  Indians.^ 
No  one  was  allowed  to  purchase  land  of  the  natives 
on  private  account.  There  VN^as  evidently  no  meeting- 
house, or  place  for  public  worship,  as  yet  erected  by 
the  town  ;  for,  in  the  pastor's  diary  is  this  entry : 
"March  24,  1644,  our  meeting  being  at  the  end  of 
Mr.  Bursley's  house." 

In  1645,  this  town  furnished  its  quota  for  the  Nara- 
ganset  expedition. 

In  1646,  it  was,  doubtless,  with  thankful  heart,  that 
Mr.  Lothrop  was  enabled  to  add  to  his  diary,  "  June  1, 
beino;  the  second  Sabbath  of  our  meetino-  in  our  new 
meeting-house." 

In  1647,  was  made  "  the  second  purchase"  of  lands 
from  the  Indians,  the  town  having  commissioned  Mr. 
Thomas  Dimock  and  Mr.  Isaac  Robinson  to  make  an 
agreement,  and  conclude  fully  and  absolutely  with 
Nepoyetum,  Indian,  for  the  land  which  he  owneth."  ~ 

^  The  deed  of  what  is  usually  denominated  "  the  first  purchase,"  is  as 
follows:  "Aug.  26,  1644.  These  presents  witness  that  I,  Seruxk,  Indian, 
now  dwelling  at  South  Sea,  do  sell  and  make  over  unto  the  town  of  Barn- 
stable, all  the  sd.  lands  and  meadows  lying  betwixt  the  bounds  of  Sand- 
_  wich  and  the  bounds  of  Prexit  and  other  Indians,  in  consideration  of 
four  coats  and  three  axes.  In  witness,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  the 
day  and  year  above  written. 

"  The  mark  -\-  of  Serunk. 
"Anthony  Annable, 
"Henry  Cobb, 
"  Thomas  At.len, 
"  John  Smith,  > 
"Laurence  Willis, 
"  Thos.  Dimock, 

Mr.  Palfrey  remarks  that  although  "  the  Indians  sold  their  land  for  what 
tieems  to  us  a  very  small  consideration,  it  implies  no  overreaching  on  the 
part  of  the  purchasers.  The  Indian  resigned  not  the  permanent  occupa- 
tion of  the  soil ;  for  this,  from  his  idle  and  roving  habits,  he  never  enjoyed, 
and  did  not  care  for."  All  the  Indian  wanted,  was,  he  adds,  "  simply  the 
privilege  of  taking  fish  and  game,  now  at  this  spot,  now  at  that,  within  the 
limits  of  the  tract  conveyed." 

^  "  These  presents  witness  a  full  and  absolute  agreement  between  said 
Thos.  Dimock  and  Isaac  Robinson  in  behalf  of  said  town  of  Barnstable,  on 
one  part ;  and  tliat  Nepoyetum,  on  the  other  part,  rests  himself  fully  satis- 
fied for  said  lands,  for  and  in  consideration  of  their  making  for  him  thi-ee- 
s.'jore  rods  of  fence  on  the  ranije  of  the  General  Field  fence  which  aoeth 


-  Witnesses." 


ANNALS   OF    BARNSTABLE.  -  259 

It  was  ordered  that  all  the  hogs  kept  near  the  town 
shall  be  yoked. 

In  1648,  Feb.  1,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  agree 
with  Paupmunnuck,  sachem  of  the  So.  Sea  Indians;  and 
having  attended  to  the  duty,  an  agreement  was  made, 
Feb.  7,  and  subsequently  ratified,  being  '^  the  third 
purchase."  ^ 

March  16,  Kev.  Mr.  Lothrop  notes  a  Fast  held,  "principally 
for  Old  England,  requested  by  Sir  Thomas  Fairfax  and  the  par- 
liament, in  regard  to  many  fears  of  the  Presbyterians,  with  many- 
others,  to  raise  up  new  wars  in  the  land,  and,  notwithstanding 
all  their  troubles,  much  pride  and  excess  abounding,  with  an  un- 


to Stoney  Cove  near  unto  a  certain  parcel  of  ground  whicli  the  said  Nepoye- 
tum  possesseth,  and  two  coats,  and  one  day's  ploughing  in  breaking  up 
ground :  already  in  hand  paid.  In  witness  whereof  they  have  hereunto  set 
their  hands  respectively. 

The  mark  -j-  of  Nepoyetum. 
Wit.,  Thomas  Hinckley,  Thomas  Dimock. 

Mark  -(-  of  Tauonius,  Indian.  Isaac  Robinson. 

^  "May  17,  1648,  an  agreement  was  made  between  Paupmunnuck,  with 
the  consent  of  his  brother  and  all  the  rest  of  his  associates,  on  the  one 
part ;  and  Capt.  JViiles  Standish,  of  Plymouth,  in  behalf  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Barnstable,  on  the  other  part,  viz  :  That  the  said  Paupmunnuck,  with  his 
brother  and  associates,  hath  with  their  full  consent,  freely,  fully,  and  abso- 
lutely sold  unto  the  said  Capt.  M.  S.,  all  the  laud  on  the  S.  side,  from  the 
bounds  of  Marshpee,  eastward,  to  Oyster  River,  in  behalf  and  for  the  use 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Barnstable,  all  his  and  their  rights  and  interest  in 
all  his  and  their  lands,  &c.  facing  upon  the  S.  Sea,  butting  home  to  lyan- 
no's  land  eastward,  and  to  Nepojetom's  and  Seagumuck's  land  northward, 
excepting  30  acres  retained  for  himself,  his  brother  and  associates  :  for  and 
in  consideration  of  2  brass-kettles  and  one  bu.  of  Indian  corn,  also  one-half 
part  of  so  much  fence  as  will  inclose  30  acres :  And  he  and  his  associated 
.  shall  have  free  liberty  to  hunt  on  the  lands,  provided  they  give  notice  to 
the  said  inhabitants  before  they  set  any  traps,  &c.,  and  carei'ully  to  watch 
all  their  traps  every  day  —  if  not  they  shall  pay  all  damages  to.  any  man's 
cattle.  In  witness  of  all  and  singular  of  the  premises  thereof,  they  have 
hereunto  set  their  hands  the  day  and  year  above  written. 
i    -nrv         rp  XT  Miles  Standish. 

Witness,  Thomas  HmcKf^EY.  The  mark  of -f  Paupmunnuck. 

"  Difficulties  having  arisen  in  regard  to  the  bounds  of  the  above  grant, 
and  in  the  making  oi'  the  fence,  the  Indians  agreed  with  Henry  Cobb  and 
Isaac  Robinson  to  free  the  town  from  making  the  fence  and  from  the  1  bu. 
of  corn,  and  in  consideration  were  to  receive  one  great  brass  kettle  seven 
spans  in  wideness  round  about,  and  one  broad  hoe;  and  as  the  boiuids  were 
not  fully  described,  Paupmunnuck  acknowledges  the  bounds  to  be  westward 
as  far  as  half  way  to  Sechonesset  town,  the  place  where  the  Indians  now 
inhabit,  and  reaching  across  over  the  sea  and  taking  in  a  part  of  Nope 
Island  where  the  plantation  now  is." 


260  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTS. 

framed  spii'it,  to  humble  them'selves  by  jji'aying  and  seeking  unto 
God." 

May  4,  Mr.  Lothrop  says,  "Patience,  the  wife  of  Henry  Cobb, 
was  the  first  buried  in  our  new  burying-place  by  our  meeting- 
house."^ 

Nov,  5,  a  day  of  humiliation  was  kept  by  the  church,  "  prin- 
cipally for  Old  England;  and  also  for  our  own  particulars — God's 
hand  being  on  us,  many  of  us  being  visited  with  diseases,  and 
many  children  in  the  Bay  dying  by  the  chincough  and  small- 
pox. 

In  1649,  June  16,  Mr.  Henry  Coggin,  of  this  town,  died  in 
England,  whither  he  had  gone  on  a  trading  voyage.^  It  was  this 
year,  "Ordered  that  a  general  fence  be  made  from  the  pond  near 
Thomas  Hinckley's  to  Stoney  Cove.  Mr.  Allyn  shall  begin  his 
space  of  fence  at  Stoney  Cove,  and  so  every  man  in  order  as  his 
land  lyeth." 

In  1650,  April  22,  Mr.  Thomas  Blossom,^  of  this  town,  and 
Mr.  Samuel  Hallet,  were  drowned  at  ISTauset. 


^  Burials,  it  is  said,  had  before  been  made,  "  on  the  lower  side  of  '  the 
calves  pasture'  lot." 

-  Mr.  CoGGiN  who  had  m.  Abigail  Bishop,  had  issue  :  Abigail  1637,  who 
m.  John  French  1659;  Thos.  1640;  John  1643;  Mary  1645;  and  Hemy 
1646.  The  widow  m.  2d,  John  Finney  July  9,  1650.  John,  the  son,  de- 
clared the  only  heir  of  his  father  June  7,  1659,  the  other  children  being  d., 
m.  Mary  Long  of  Charlestown  Dec.  24,  1664,  and  had  Hemy  and  John. 

^  The  Blossoms  of  this  and  the  adjoining  towns  are  descended  from  Dea. 
Thos.  Blossom,  the  pilgrim  from  Leyden,  who,  baffled  in  1620  by  the 
unseaworthiness  of  the  Speedwell,  came  over  in  1629,  and  d.  1632,  a  dea- 
con of  the  Plymouth  church.  His  widow  Anne  having  m.  Henry  Rowley 
Oct.  1 7, 1633,  came  to  this  town  1 639,  bringing  her  sons  Thomas  and  Peter. 
The  former,  Thomas,  b.  in  Leyden,  m.  Sarah  Ewer  dr.  Thos.  deceased,' 
June  18,  1645.  He  left  a  dr.  Sarah,  and,  it  is  tJiought  a  posthumous  son 
Peter.  He  was  a  mariner,  and  pursuing  his  avocation  at  the  time  of 
the  disaster.  Thos.  Lothrop  was  father-in-law  to  his  wife.  Peter,  the  ' 
brother  of  the  above,  m.  Sarah  Bodfish  June  21,  1663,  and  d.  about  1700, 
a  farmer.  He  had  Mercy  April  9,  1664,  who  d.  early ;  Thomas  Dec.  20,# 
1667  ;  Sarah  1669,  d.  young  ;  JosephDec.  10,  1673;  Thanktul  1675,  who  m. 
Joseph  Fuller  1700;  Mary  1678,  who  m.  Shubael  Howland  Dec.  13,  1700* 
and  Jabez  Feb.  16,  1680.  Thomas,  b.  16^7,  m.  Fear  Robinson  of  Fx* 
Dec.  3,  1695,  and  had  Peter  Aug.  28,  1698;  John  Ap.  17,  1699;  Sasah 
Dec.  16,  1703,  d.  inf  ;  Elisa.  1705,  who  m.  Israel  Butler  July  1,  1725  ;  and 
Sarah  July  30,  1709,  who  m.  James  Case  of  Lebanon,  Ct.  Sept.  23,  1736. 
Joseph,  b.  1673,  m.  Mary  Pynchon  of  Sclt.  June  17,  1696,  who  d.  Ap.  6, 
1 706,  and  2d,  Mary.  He  had,  besides  several  who  d.  inf,  Joseph  March  14, 
1703-4;  Mary  Dec.  11,  1709,  who  m.  Joseph  Bates  of  Middleboro'  1743  ; 
and  Thankful  March  25,  1711,  who  m.  Eben.  Thomas  Dec.  8,  1736.  Ja- 
UEZ,  b.  1680,  m.  Mercy  Goodspeed  Sept.  9,  1710,  had  Sylv.  Jan.  20,  1713, 
wlio  set.  in  Bridg.  and  m.  Charity  Snell  1738;  and  prob.  Jabez  jr.  who  m. 
n.innah  Backhouse  of  S.  May  17,  1739  ;  also,  prob.  Ruth,  who  m.  Sylvanus 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  2G1 

In  1651,  the  ecclesiastical  records  show  examples 
of  discipline  towards  those  who,  having  been  offered 
in  baptism  by  their  parents,  were  called  "  the  children 
of  the  church."^ 

An  order  was  made,  June  8,  for  recording  the  titles  and 
bounds  of  lands ;  and  Dec.  22,  that  all  lanes  and  inlets  shall 
have  gates, —  Calves'  Pasture  gate  to  be  made  and  maintained  by 
Thos.  Hinckley;  gate  against  Rendezvous  Creek,  by  Thos.  Lum- 
bard  Sr. ;  Thomas  Davis,  the  gate  at  the  inlet  to  his  house ;  Nath'l 
Bacon,  Old  Common  Field  gate;  Joshua  Lumbart,  "gate  at 
inlet  against  his  house ;  and  Henry  Cobb,  gate  at  the  Indians' 
lands." 

In  1652,  Feb.  22,  "Martha  Foxvvell,  dwelling  with  Goody  Hull, 
was  summoned  before  the  congregation  in  public,  and  dealt  with, 
for  joining  with  her  dame  in  beating  the  maid-servant  of  Samuel 
Mayo;  "  and  May  30,  David  Linnell  and  Hannah  Shelly,  charged 
with  impure  conduct,  and  confessing  it  before  the  congregation, 
"were  both,  by  the  sentence  and  joint  consent  of  the  chui-ch, 
pronounced  to  be  cut  off  from  that  relation  which  they  had  for- 
merly to  the  church  by  virtue  of  their  parents'  covenant."  They 
were  "for  their  faults,"  also  "punished  with  scourges  by  the  sen- 
tence of  the  magistracy,"  the  following  June.  The  bounds  be- 
tween this  town  and  Sandwich  were  adjusted;  and  Lt.  Fuller,^ 
and  Serg.  Hinckley  were  appointed  deputies  on  military  aifairs. 

In  1653,  Thomas  Iluckins  was  "licensed  to  dmw  wines  and 


Barrows  June  8,  1738.  Pj3Ter,  b.  1G98,  s.  of  Thos.  m.  Hannali  Isum  June 
9,  1720,  and  had  Seth  Mar.  15, 1721-2;  who  m.  Sarah  Churchill  of  S.,  Jan. 
8,  174G-7,  and  2d,  Abig;ail  Crocker  Jan.  10,  1754,  and  had  Churchill  Oct. 
15,  1749  ;  David  Jan.  12, 1755  ;  Peter  Dec.  4, 1756  ;  Abigail  May  10,  1760  ; 
Seth  Dec.  4,  1763;  Hannah  Aug.  15,  1766  ;  and  L-evt  April  15,  1772  who 
removed  to  Bridg.  Joseph,  b.  1703-4,  s.  of  Joseph,  m.  Temp.  Fuller 
March  30,  1727,  and  had  Lydla  Mar.  19,  1729  whom.  Matthias  Fuller 
1765;  James  Feb.  9,  1731;  Sarah  Oct.  14,  1734;  and  Mary  Sept.  14, 
1736.  James,  b.  1731,  m.  Bethia  Smith  Jan.  19,  1758,  and  had  James 
Feb.  3,  1760;  Temp.  1761;  Matthias  Sept.  12,  1765;  Lucretia  Oct.  8, 
1768:  and  Asenath  Aug.  30,  1770. 

^  The  subject  of  baptism  and  its  prerogatives  was  destined  to  become 
prolific  of  polemic  strife  in  all  the  churches.  The  Dorchester  church,  imder 
Kev.  Rd.  Mather^  March  2,  1655,  having  taken  action  on  the  subject, — 
defining  the  relation  of  baptized  children  to  the  church,  and  also  voting  an 
extension  of  privilege,  viz.,  that  the  children  of  such  as  hold  to  their  fa- 
ther's covenant  should  be  baptized ;  other  churches  dissented,  and  soon  dis- 
sensions exist  on  every  hand,  and  a  flood  of  pamphleteering  ensues. 

"In  the  war  against  the  Dutch  of  New  York,  1654,  Lt.  Matthias  Fuller 
was  of  the  company  of  00  men,  under  command  of  Capt.  Standish. 


262  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

liquors  to  sell,"  and  Joseph  Lothrop  "to  keep  au  ordinary."    The 
Rev.  John  Lothrop  died  Nov.  8.^ 

'  We  cannot  record  all  the  appointments  for  days 
of  fasting,  etc. ;  but  it  may  be  mentioned,  as  involv- 
ing a  historical  fact,  that,  March  30,  1654,  a  fast  was 
held  by  the  church  in  this  town,  "  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  God's  people  in  this  land  from  the  proposed 
invasion  of  the  Indians,  especially  the  Narragansets,  — 
they  being  instigated  thereto  by  the  Dutch,  even  to 
cut  off  all  English ;  and  also  for  our  own  country, 
being  at  war  with  the  Dutch."  Oct.  18,  Secretary 
Morton  records  "great  divisions  in  the  Barnstable 
church,  occasioned  by  one  John  Cook,  an  Anabap- 
tist." 

After  the  decease  of  Mr.  Lothrop,  Mr.  William  Sar- 
GEANT  officiated  for  a  time.  The  ten  years  succeeding 
Mr.  L.'s  decease  was  a  period  of  much  disquiet ;  and, 
although  there  can  hardly  be  a  doubt  that  Mr.  S.  was 
for  a  time  the  supply,  it  is  equally  clear  that  there 
was  little  concord  in  the  chin^ch.~  Mr.  Sargeant  proba- 
bly did  not  receive  unanimous  support ;  and  there  is, 
at  least,  strong  presumptive  evidence  that  the  people 


^  See  Vol.  I.  208-9.  Mr.  Palfrey,  in  Lis  excellent  Centennial,  pp.  9-12, 
and  15,  gives  an  interesting  and  affecting  account  of  this  distinguished 
pastor,  and  the  trials  consequent  upon  non-conformitj^,  "which  is  worthy  of 
perusal.  Morton  describes  Mr.  Lothrop  as  "  a  man  of  an  humble  and 
broken  heart  and  spirit,  lively  in  the  dispensation  of  the  word  of  God, 
studious  of  peace,  furnished  with  godly  contentment,  willing  to  spend  and 
be  spent  for  the  cause  of  the  church  of  Clmst."  Mr.  L.,  "  by  will  gave  to 
his  wife  one  house  in  Barnstable ;  to  his  s.  Thomas  another ;  and  to  his  sons 
John,  in  England,  and  Benjamin,  here,  each  a  cow  and  £5 ;  '  drs.  Jane  and 
Barbara  having  had  their  portion  already.'  To  each  of  his  other  children 
he  gave  a  cow,  and  to  each  child  '  one  book,  to  be  chosen  according  to  their 
ages ; '  the  rest  of  his  library  to  be  '  sold  to  any  honest  man  who  can  tell 
how  to  use  it,'  and  the  proceeds  to  be  divided." 

"  The  Plymouth  church  records  say,  "  Nov.  1654,  the  unhappy  difficulties 
that  fell  out  in  the  church  at  Be.  had  such  an  ill  influence  on  the  church 
at  Plymouth  that,  together  with  the  unsettledness  of  the  church,  and 
the  going  away  of  divers  of  its  members,  yea,  of  the  most  eminent  of 
them,  it  was  the  means  of  the  unsettlement  of  that  holy  man  of  God,  Rev. 
John  Rcynor,  its  pastor." 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  263 

were  so  divided  in  their  views  and  preferences,  and  so 
interrupted  in  their  former  harmonious  course  as  to 
become  even  separated  in  public  worship.-^  Rev.  John 
Smith  is  reported  to  have  officiated  for  a  while ;  but 
the  precise  time  of  the  service  of  this  gentleman  can- 
not be  ascertained.^ 

In  1655,  notwithstanding  the  law  prohibiting  Indians  from 
owning  horses,  Keekecomsett  was  allowed  one  for  his  nse  in 
husbandry.  The  town  ordered  "  that  the  present  deputies  froni 
this  town,  and  such  as  may  succeed  them,  shall  have  authority 
to  submit  difficulties  existing  between  the  town  and  the  Indians, 


'  ^  That  Mr.  Sargeant  was,  about  this  time,  in  Barnstable,  is  clear ;  and 
also  that  he  was  there  as  a  rehgious  teacher.  In  a  deed,  bearing  date  Jan. 
31,  1655,  O.S.  from  George  Lewis  to  Samuel  Ma^'o,  son  of  Rev.  John,  of 
Barnstable,  indorsed  in  1656  by  Mr.  Mayo  to  John  Phinney,  and  Oct. 
1666  indorsed  by  said  Phinney  to  Mr.  William  Sargeant,  is  conclusive  evi- 
dence of  the  facts  above  stated;  "land,"  says  the  last  indorsement  —  as  in 
efiect  the  original  deed  and  the  immediately-foUoAving  indorsement  declare, 
—  "  that  was  purchased  by  Henry  Cobb,  Thomas  Huckins,  etc.  who  some- 
time since  invited  Mr.  William  Sargeant,  to  have  the  benefit  of  his  labors 
among  them,"  etc.  Again,  "  land  that  was  conveyed  to  them  for  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Sargeant,  and  now  confirmed  to  him."  Rev.  Mr.  S.  was  in  Charles- 
town  1638,  and  he  and  wife,  Sarah,  added  to  the  church;  he,  March  10, 
1639,  and  his  wife  the  Sunday  following.  From  1648  to  1650  he  doubtless 
preached  at  Maiden,  and  is  mentioned  in  Johnson's  "  Wonder-working 
Providences."  By  his  w.  Sarah,  he  had  John,  bap.  Dec.  8,  1639,  at  C.  ; 
Ruth,  bap.  Oct.  25,  1642,  who  m.  Jona.  Winslow,  of  Marshfield,  2d. 
Richard  Bourne,  of  S.  1677,  and  3d,  John  Chipman,  of  S. ;  and  Samuel, 
bap.  March  3,  1645.  His  will,  March  9,  1650,  mentions  drs.  Hannah  and 
Elizabeth,  the  latter  born  in  England.  The  records  show  that  he  d.  Dec. 
16,  1682,  and  his  wid.  Sarah,  Jan.  12,  1688. 

^  Mr.  Smith,  as  has  been  seen,  was  finally  located  in  Sandwich.  ]Mr.  Felt 
has  it  that  "  Mr.  John  Smith  had  officiated  as  a  minister  at  Barnstable,  but 
that  Thomas  Hinckley,  afterwards  gov.,  and  others,  did  not  harmonize  with 
him,  and  therefore  he  left  the  place,  taking  his  dismission,  and  went  to  L. 
Island,  then  to  N.  Jersey,  and  then  came  back  to  Sandwich,  and  settled  as 
pastor." 

The  Anabaptist  influence  of  Mr.  Cook,  mentioned  by  Morton,  we  have 
no  particular  data  concerning.  It  is  a  singular  fact  that  whilst  it  has  been 
claimed  that  the  "  primitive  Enghsh  Cong.  Church  still  survives  "  here,  it 
is  also  claimed  that  "  from  its  bosom  proceeded  the  first  Eng.  Baptist  Ch. ; 
so  that  it  is  entitled  to  the  eminent  rank  of  parent  of  the  now  very  numer- 
ous churches  of  that  denom.  both  in  Eng.  and  America."  See  Palfrey's 
Centennial,  pp.  9  and  11,  who  further  says,  "It  was  in  Mr.  Lothrop's  ch. 
that  the  question  respecting  the  authority  for  infant  baptism  was  first  moved 
in  England,  and  it  was  seceders  from  that  church  who  laid  the  foundation 
of  this  respectable  communion."  He  adds  that  during  the  five  years  that  Mr. 
L.  remained  in  Scituate,  "  the  differences  respecting  the  right  of  baptism, 
which  had  divided  his  fi-iends  in  Eng.,  manifested  themselves  also  there." 
It  were  not  strange,  then,  if  Mr.  Cook  found  sympathizers  at  this  moment. 


264    '  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

as  also  the  settling  of  the  bounds  of  the  Indians'  lands,  to  the 
determination  of  Capt.  Miles  Standish  and  Mr.  Hathisrly." 

In  1656,  the  difficulties  which  the  church  encoun- 
tered were  not  peculiar  to  this  locality.^ 

In  1657,  among  those  who  took  the  oath  of  fidelity  was  Mr. 
Samuel  Bacon.^ 

In  1658,  May  15,  the  line  between  this  town  and  Marshpee, 
respecting  which  there  had  been  some  dispute,  was  settled  ;  and 
May  21,  monuments  were  set  up,  "  leaving  the  skirts  of  good 
land  about  Cotuite,  alias  Sautuite  Pond,  to  the  plantation  of  In- 
dians dwelling  there,  according  to  the  desire  of  Mr.  Richard 
Bourne."  The  settlement  was  by  the  agency  of  Messrs.  Alden 
and  Josias  Winslow  of  Plymouth.^  June  5,  the  marshal  for  this 
and  adjoining  towns  was  ajDpointed  ;  and,  June  23,  "Holder  and 
Copeland  were  arrested  on  their  way  to  Sandwich,  brought  to 
this  town  and  whipped ;"  on  the  29th  they  were  "taken  back  to 


^  See  Vol.  I.  215,  216. 

^  The  hereditary  status  of  this  gent,  has  been  involved  In  as  much  doubt 
as  that  of  the  families  of  the  same  name  in  Connecticut ;  all  supposed  to 
have  a  community  of  origin.  Mr.  B.  had  a  grant  of  land  in  this  town  in 
1662,  and  has  been  thought  a  brother  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  and  Elizabeth,  who 
were  early  here.  Mr.  Samuel  Bacon  m.  Martha  Foxwell,  May  9,  1669, 
and  had  Samuel  March  9,  1669-70 ;  and  Martha  1671 ;  but  at  what  time 
he  came,  or  when  or  how  the  family  disappeared  from  town,  Is  a  question 
yet  to  be  settled. 

^"An  agreement  made,  May  15,  1658,  in  the  presence,  and  with  the  help 
of  Mr.  John  Alden  and  Capt.  Joslah  Winslow,  appointed  thereunto  by  the 
court,  touching  a  difference  between  the  inhabitants  of  Barnstable  and 
Paupmunnucke,  with  the  other  Indians,  his  associates,  about  certain  land 
purchased  of  the  sd.  Indians,  In  former  contracts  bearing  date,  May  17, 
1648,  and  Feb.  1,  1648,  viz. :  That  the  sd.  Paupmunnucke,  Moash,  Waum- 
pum,  and  the  rest  of  their  associates  have  fully  and  absolutely  resigned 
up  all  the  right,  title,  and  /clalm  which  any  or  all  of  them  have  or  can 
make  for  themselves,  or  any  others  of  their  associates,  in  all  and  every 
part  of  those  lands  expressed  in  any  of  the  aforesaid  contracts,  excepting 
the  thirty  acres  excepted  In  the  former  conti'act  bearing  date,  May  1 7, 
1648,  lying  at  a  neck  called  Cotacheeset,  and  all  the  lands  lying  to  the 
westward  of  Satulte  (or  Coituit)  River,  and  the  westward  of  the  north- 
west line  running  from  the  easterly  side  of  the  next  planting-field  to 
Coltuite  (or  Sautuite)  Pond,  lying  on  the  easterly  side  of  the  said  river, 
unto  the  bounds  between  Sandwich  and  Barnstable ;  unto  the  said  inhab- 
itants of  Barnstable  unto  their  proper  use  and  behoof  forever  against  any 
claims  by  them  or  any  other  Indians  whatsoever ;  also,  it  is  agreed  that 
it  shall  be  free,  either  for  Indians  or  English  to  fetch  such  alewlves  for 
their  use  as  they  shall  take  In  the  sd.  river.  The  sd.  Paupmunnucke  and 
his  associates  do  also  hereby  acknowledge  themselves  fully  paid,  quietly  sat- 
isfied and  contented  forever,  without  any  further  trouble,  binding  of  them- 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  265 

S.,  and  the  next  day  sent  out  of  the  jurisdiction."^  Lt.  Mat- 
thew Fuller  was  presented  "for  reproaching  the  court."  Elder 
Thomas  Dimock,  who  had  been  a  pioneer  in  the  settlement  of 
the  town,  and  a  prominent  inhabitant,  died. 

In  1659,  whilst  Nicholas  Davis  of  this  town  was  being  im- 
prisoned in  Boston,  as  one  of  the  Quakers,^  and  subsequently 
banished  —  required  not  to  appear  again  in  the  Massachusetts 
colony  on  pain  of  death,  —  the  Plymouth  Court,  June  7,  saw  fit 
to  enact  that,  "  Whereas  some  have  desired,  and  others  think  it 
meet  to  permit  persons  to  frequent  the  Quaker  meetings  to  en- 
deavor to  seduce  them  from  the  error  of  their  ways  ;  the  Court 
considering  the  premises,  do  permit  John  Smith  of  Barnstable, 
Isaac  Robinson,  John  Chipman,  and  John  Cook  of  Plymouth, 
or  any  two  of  them,  to  attend  the  said  meetings  for  the  ends 

selves  to  keep  the  former  conditions  about  their  setting  traps,  with  all  the 
promises  aforesaid.     In  witness  thereof  they  have  hereunto  sett  their  hands. 

The  mark  of  -f-  Paupmunnucke. 

The  mark  of  -\-  IMoash. 

The  mark  of  -j-  Waumpum. 

Charles  is  my  name,  Indian. 
Witness,  John  Alden, 

JOSIAS   WmSLOW. 

"  Mr.  Richard  Bourne,  of  Sandwich,  was  present  when  the  line  was  set, 
according  to  the  desire  of  Mr.  Alden  and  Capt.  Winslow,"  May  21,  and 
record  of  the  same  was  made  May  25. 

^  Gen.  Cudworth,  formerly  of  this  town,  but  now  of  Scituate,  in  a  letter, 
Dec.  10,  1658,  after  stating  how,  for  two  years,  he  had,  as  a  magistrate, 
opposed  various  transactions  of  government  as  to  restrictions  and  punish- 
ments for  religious  offences,  and  that  since  the  persecutions  of  the  Quak- 
ers he  had  opposed  with  firm  resistance,  observes  that  he  and  Mr.  Hath- 
erly  were  left  out  of  office  at  the  last  election,  for  pursuing  that  course  and 
that  for  the  same  cause  he  lost  his  captaincy.  He  adds,  "  New  Plymouth 
saddle  is  on  the  Bay  Horse,  [meaning  Boston]  ;  we  shall  follow  them  on 
the  career.  Our  Civil  Powers  are  so  exercised  in  things  pertaining  to 
the  kingdom  of  Christ  in  matters  of  religion  and  conscience,  that  we  have 
no  time  to  effect  anything  that  tends  to  the  promotion  of  the  civil  weal ; 
but  now  must  have  a  State  religion,  a  State  ministry,'  a  State  way  of  main- 
tenance. We  must  all  go  to  the  public  place  of  meeting,  or  be  presented. 
I  am  informed  of  60  or  80,  last  court,  presented  for  not  coming  to  meet- 
ings ;  which  was  done  by  the  revival  of  what  is  called  '  Thomas  Hinck- 
ley's law.' "  The  next  year,  for  this  letter,  Mr.  C.  was  denied  his  seat  as 
deputy,  and  the  year  following  was  disfranchised,  "  being  found  an  opposer 
of  the  law  and  a  friend  to  the  Quakers." 

^  The  name  Quakers,  it  is  doubtless  understood  by  every  one,  was  not  of 
their  own  choosing.  Roger  WilHams  says  it  was  given  in  1650,  in  England, 
"  from  that  strange  and  uncouth  possessing  of  their  bodies  with  quaking  and 
shaking  even  in  public  assemblies."  But  George  Fox  says,  "  Because  we 
bade  the  magistrates  and  their  company  tremble  at  the  word  of  God." 
vol.  II.  34 


266  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

aforesaid  at  any  time  betwixt  this  court  and  the  next  October 
court."  The  experiment,  it  will  be  perceived,  was  not  attended 
with  desired  success.  At  the  October  Court  it  was  enacted, 
"Forasmuch  as  the  Quakers  have  had  by  them  many  pajDers  and 
writings  that  are  false,  scandalous,  and  pernicious  to  the  govern- 
ment," the  marshal,  Barlow,  shall  search  the  houses  of  the  sus- 
pected in  Sandwich,  also  of  Nicholas  Davis  of  Barnstable,  for 
such  papers.  The  bounds  between  Yarmouth  and  this  town 
were  defined,  "from  Stoney  Cove  Creek,  from  the  middle  there- 
of, due  N.  to  the  sea." 

At  this  time,  the  attention  of  enterprising  citizens 
began  to  be  turned  to  the  purchase  of  lands  in  Sacones- 
set;^  and  in  1660,  lyannough's  lands  were  sought.^ 
March  7,  the  Court  at  Plymouth  find  occasion  to  ques- 
tion the  orthodoxy  of  Mr.  Isaac  Robinson ;  ^  an  in- 
quiry was  instituted  and  judgment  deferred.  On  the 
6th  of  June  he  was  pronounced  '•  a  manifest  opposer 
to  the  laws,"  and  as  such  was  disfranchised.'*  Mr. 
John  Bursley  died  this  year.^ 

In  1661,  it  was  "ordered  that  William  Crocker  and  Thomas 
Huckins  have  power  to  take  notice  of  such  as  intrude  themselves 
into  the  town  without  the  town's  consent,  and  prevent  their  re- 
siding here."  Thos,  Huckins  and  John  Chipman  were  appoint- 
ed to  run  the  line  between  this  town  and  Sandwich,  And  Aug, 
10,  Nicholas  Davis  received  permission  from  the  Plymouth  Court 
to  visit  this  town  and  settle  his  affinrs,  he  being  imprisoned  at 
Boston  under  sentence  of  banishment. 

In  1662,  Feb.  22,  a  committee  was  appointed  "  to  purchase 

^  Vol.  I.  p.  237,  239,  240.  "'  Vol.  I.  p.  239.  '  Vol.  I.  p.  240. 

*  Mr.  Felt  remarks,  "  Mr.  Robinson  being  appointed  last  year  to  en- 
deavor the  conversion  of  the  Quakers,  the  reverse  occurred ;  he  turned 
to  their  faith."  Much  abatement  must  be  made  for  exaggerated  allega- 
tions in  times  of  warm  excitement.  Those  who,  after  the  lapse  of  two 
centuries,  pronounce  upon  the  sentiments  or  acts  of  men  whose  history  is 
patent,  should  be  charitable,  for  they  have  no  excuse  for  improper  impu- 
tations. 

^  Mr.  Bursley  was  early  here,  in  company  with  Messrs.  Hull  and  Dimoc. 
He  m.  Joanna  Hull,  dr.  Eev.  Mr.  Hull,  Nov.  28,  1G39  :  Issue,  besides  those 
who  d.  inf  Mary  lG43,who  m.  John  Crocker  April  25,  16(53,  2d  w. ;  Jo- 
anna 164G,  who  m.  Dea.  Shubael  Dimoc  1G62  ;  Elisa.  1G49,  who  m.  Nath'l 
Goodspecd  IGGG,  and  2d,  Increase  Clapp  1G75;  John  1G52;  and  Temper, 
who  m.  Joseph  Crocker  1677.     The  wid.  m.  2d  Dolor  Davis. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  267 

Yanno's  lands,"  and  it  was  "ordered  that  Thomas  Hinckley, 
Bernard  Lombard,  Tristram  Hull,  and  Thos.  Lothrop  be  emjoevv- 
ered  to  attend  the  coming  of  Mr.  Alden  and  Maj.  Winslow 
about  the  grant  of  our  enlargement  at  the  South  Sea,  and  to 
make  progression  for  them,  and  act  witli  them  as  the  matter  may 
require,  and  the  town  bear  the  charges  thereof.  Also  to  make 
the  best  plea  they  can  in  any  controversy  that  may  arise  between 
the  Indians  and  this  town."  The  line  between  Yarmouth  and 
this  town  was  run  by  Bernai'd  Lurabart. 

We  get  same  view  of  ecclesiastical  difficulties,  in  a 
result  of  council  "  convened  here  the  previous  Sep- 
tember, at  the  request  of  the  assistants  and  the  de- 
serted brethren."  The  result  was  not  promulgated 
until  June  4,  the  present  year,  and  is'  signed  by 
Henry  Flint,^  Thomas  Thacher,^  Jonathan  Mitch- 
ell,^ John  Miller,*  Samuel f  Samuel  Arnold,^  John 

Bradford,  Anthony  Thacher,  Thomas  Prence,  William 
Morton,  and  Thomas  Southworth.  The  occasion  was 
the  secession  of  John  Smith  and  others  from  the  Barnsta- 
ble church,  forming  themselves  into  a  separate  and 
distinct  church.  The  advice  of  the  Council  is  thus  ex- 
pressed :  — 

"We  do  conceive  that  so  disorderly  and  scandalous  a  separa- 
tion and  schism,  so  long  and  obstinately,  after  the  use  of  so  many 
means,  persisted  in,  calleth  on  neighboring  churches  to  bear  their 
testimony  against  it,  and  do  their  duty  to  the  persons  aforesaid 
so  offending,  by  renouncing  communion  with  them  while  they 
continue  in  that  way,  and  by  declaring  thena  incapable  of  regu- 
lar church  communion  among  themselves.  It  is  the  duty  both 
of  neighboring  churches  and  each  Christian  that  hath  been  of 
their  society,  to  withdraw  from  them,  and  therefore  neither  may 
other  churches  regularly  hold  communion  Avith  them,  nor  they 
among  themselves.  Finally,  we  conceive  that  if  this  advice  be 
read  in  neishborinG:  churches,  and  their  consent  be  taken  to  the 


^  Doubtless  the  minister  of  Braintree.  "  Minister  of  Weymouth. 

^  Minister  of  Cambridge.  *  Minister  of  Yarmouth. 

^  Prob.  Newman,  minister  of  Rehoboth.  ^  Minister  of  Marshfield. 


268  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTt^LE    COUNTY. 

substance  thereof,  it  may  be  an  expedient  way  of  declaring  the 
aforesaid  non-communion." 

Thus  was  this  new  church  virtually  excommuni- 
cated. 

It  was  ordered,  in  town-meeting,  October  3,  "  that 
the  sons  of  all  the  present  inhabitants  shall  succes- 
sively be  received  inhabitants  and  allowed  equal  town 
privileges  in  the  Commons,  and  such  other  privileges 
as  belong  to  the  present  inhabitants  as  a  township,  at 
the  day  of  their  marriage,  or  at  the  age  of  24,  which- 
ever shall  happen  first."  The  following  persons  were 
thereupon  admitted :  — 

Samuel  Bacon,  Samuel  Fuller,  Caleb  Lumbard, 

Joseph  Benjamin,     Samuel  Fuller  Jr.,    Jabez  Lumbard, 
Nicholas  Bonham,    James  Harablin,         Thomas  Lumbard, 
James  Cobb,  Samuel  Hicks,  Samuel  Norman, 

Edward  Coleman,    John  Rowland,  John  Sargeant, 

John  Crocker,  Edward  Lewis,  Daniel  Stewart. 

Thomas  Ewer,  John  Lewis, 

The  whole  number  of  voters  in  town  at  this  time  was  65. 

In  1663,  a  committee  united  with  the  Sandwich  committee  in 

setting  up  the  bounds  between  Sandwich  and  this  town. 

Rev.  Thomas  Walley,  who  came  over  from  England 
last  year,  was  now  the  recognized  minister  of  Barnsta- 
ble. In  May,  it  was  voted  to  give  Mr.  Walley  six 
acres  of  upland  in  the  commons  near  him.  He  was 
also  admitted  as  inhabitant,  July  19.^  Mr.  Thomas 
Lombard  died. 

In  1664,  it  was  "  ordered  that  the  lands  between  the 
long  pond,  called  the  South  Sea  Pond,  and  the  lands 
at  the  shoal  pond,  that  are  not  disposed  of,  shall  lie  for 
commons  for  the  town's  cattle."  The  "fourth  pur- 
chase," of  the  Indians,  was  confirmed  this  year,"  and 

^  See  Vol.  I.  248,  249. 

- "  These  presents  witness,  That  I,  Yanno,  sachem,  have  freely  and  abso- 
lutely bargained  and  sold  unto  Thomas  Hinckley,  Nathaniel  Bacon,  and 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  269 

is  entered  upon  the  records  as  "  Land  bought  by  the 
town,  of  Yanno,  Indian."^  Mr.  Thomas  Wallej  Jr. 
and  Mr.  Wright  were  licensed  to  retail  liquors,  Mr. 
George  Lewis  died. 


Tristram  Hull,  in  behalf  and  for  the  use  of  the  town  of  Barnstable,  all  that 
tract  of  land  lying  and  being  at  the  South  Sea,  in  the  precinct  of  ]3arnsta- 
ble :  —  bounded  easterly  by  the  bounds  of  Yarmouth ;  northerly  by  the 
lands  bought  of  Nepoyetum,  and  westerly  by  the  lands  bought  of  Paupmun- 
nucke,  excepting  the  skirts  of  good  land  at  the  head  of  the  Cove,  and  what 
he  hath  already  given  to  Nicholas  Davis,  a  trader  from  Rhode  Island,  in 
consideration  of  £20  and  two  small  pair  of  breeches,  to  me  in  hand  paid  by 
Tristram  Hull,  wherewith  he,  the  said  Yanno,  rests  himself  fully  satisfied 
arid  paid  for  those  lands,  with  warrantees  against  any  Indians  whatever 
laying  any  lawful  claims  thereunto.     This  19th  July,  1664. 

The  mark  -\-  of  Yanno. 

Witness,  Sam'l  Walley  Jr. 

The  mark  -|-  of  Indian  Will. 

I^^  "  It  was  agreed  by  the  town  that  Nicholas  Davis  shall  quietly  enjoy 
the  lands  which  Yanno  has  given  him  on  or  about  Sam's  Neck." 

^It  may  not  be  convenient  herein  to  give  all  the  deeds,  or  extracts  from 
the  same,  relating  to  purchases,  whether  of  Indians  or  others.  We  will, 
however,  remark,  before  dismissing  the  subject,  that  the  next,  called  the 
"fifth  purchase,"  and  made  1680,  consisted  of  lands  bought  of  John  Yanno, 
of  Gay  Head,  at  Nope  Island,  the  eldest  son  of  Yanno,  sachem  of  South 
Sea.  This  land  was  bounded  northerly,  westerly,  and  easterly  by  the 
lands  which  the  agents  of  the  town  bought  in  1644,  and  is  understood  to 
be  the  lands  now  including  Centi'eville,  from  the  sea  to  Hamblin's  Plains. 
The  purchase  was  made  by  Thomas  Hinckley,  as  agent  for  the  town,  and 
the  deed  signed 

In  the  presence  of  John  Yanno  -|-  his  mark  and  ©  seal. 

Joseph  Glover,  Thos.  Hinckley  Jr.,  and 
Joseph  Mallock,  Interpreter. 

These  purchases  and  deeds,  with  some  subsequent  minor  arrangements, 
cover  the  entire  territory  of  the  town  ;  and  i'"  has  been  claimed  that  "  all 
was  fairly  bought  of  the  different  original  owners,  and  that  payment  was 
made  to  their  entire  satisfaction."  We  are  not  at  all  disposed  to  contro- 
vert this  position,  especially  as  relates  to  this  ancient  and  respectable  town. 
It  has  been  averred  that  "in  none  of  these  transactions  is  discoverable  any 
fraud  or  deception  on  the  part  of  the  first  settlers."  This,  too,  we  might 
reasonably  expect ;  and  we  Hatter  ourself  that  the  men  engaged  were  inca- 
pable of  any  act  of  moral  tui'pltude.  It  has  been  added  that  "  all  the  bar- 
gains and  the  value  of  the  considerations  were  well  understood  by  the 
Indians."  This  also  may  be  correct.  Still,  as  these  asseverations  have  been 
multiplied,  coming  from  every  quarter  of  New  England's  domain,  many 
have  been  startled,  and  succeeding  generations  will  continue  to  be  affected 
with  some  surprise,  at  the  apparent  supposed  necessity  of  always  entering  a 
caveat  against  the  possibility  of  a  contrary  impression.  See  Vol.  I.  258. 
If  the  Indians  were  fairly  and  humanely  dealt  with  anywhere,  it  certainly 
was  on  Cape  Cod,  where  almost  the  only  remnants  of  them  in  the  State 
now  exist.  We  apprehend  there  are  few  who  read  the  histories  of  early 
times,  that  are  n«t  led  to  pause  and  ponder  one  subject  as  presenting  at 
best  a  moot  point,  when  they  find  so  much  pains  taken  by  earlier  and  later 


270  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1665,  the  commissioners  in  belialf  of  the  Crown  proposed 
that  "the  King's  arms  be  set  up  in  every  com-t  of  justice."^  Se- 
lectmen Avere  now  to  be  appointed  in  every  town. 

In  1666,  "John  Quason,  sachem  of  Moniraoiet,"  having  laid 
claim  to  lands  that  had  been  sold  to  the  town  by  ISTepoyetum,  an 
agreement  was  made  with  him,  Oct.  11,  and  witnessed  by  "Sa- 
chemus,  of  Saquetucket,  and  Francis,  sagamore  of  ISTausit."  "It 
afterwards  appearing  that  said  Quason  was  a  usurper,  having  no 
right  to  the  lands,  they  belonging  to  Aquaunetva,  alias  Sarah, 
daughter  of  Nepoyetum,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  acres 
claimed  by  Kenecompsit,  an  Indian  of  Mattakeese,  Avhich  he 
had  sold  at  diflerent  times  to  the  town,  Quason  was  ejected." 
Other  Indians  claimed  other  tracts,  which  wei-e  also  purchased. 
"The  small-pox  being  in  town,  the  church  set  apart  Dec.  26,  to 
seek  the  Lord  by  fasting  and  prayer." 

In  1668,  Mr.  Richaeb  Shelley  and  Mr.  John"  Crockee  died. 

In  1669,  in  Rev.  Mr.  Walley's  sermon  from  Jer.  8: 
22  (sefe  Vol.  I.  290),  preached  in  June,  before  the  Gen- 
eral Court,  are  intimations  of  the  civil  and  ecclesiasti- 
cal conditions  of  the  times.^ 

In  1670,  April  14,  Mr.  Henry  Cobb  and  Mr..  John  Chipman 
were  invested  with  the  office  of  ruling  elders,  and  Mr.  William 

■writers  to  impress  the  idea  set  forth  by  Dr.  Holmes  in  his  Annals  :  "It  is  a 
consohng  fact  that  our  ancestors  purchased  of  the  natives  their  lands  for  an 
equivalent  consideration,  as  appears  by  a  letter  from  the  pious  Gov.  Wins- 
low,  dated  at  Marshfield,  May  1,  1676,  as  follows  :  'I  think  I  can  clearly 
say  that  before  the  present  ti-oubles  broke  out  between  us  and  the  Indians, 
the  Enghsh  did  not  possess  one  foot  of  land  in  the  colony  but  was  fairly 
obtained  by  honest  purchase  of  the  Indian  ^proprietors.  We  first  made  a 
law  that  none  should  pm-chase  or  receive  a  gift  of  any  land  of  any  of  the 
Indians  without  the  knowledge  of  our  Court.  And,  lest  they  should  be 
straitened,  we  ordered  that  Mount  Hope,  Pocasset,  and  several  other  necks 
of  the  test  lands  in  the  colony,  because  most  suitable  and  convenient  for 
them,  should  never  be  bought  out  of  their  hands.'" 

^ The  sermon,  entitled  "Balm  of  Gilead  to  heal  Zion's  wounds ;  or,  a 
treatise  wherein  there  is  a  clear  discovery  of  the  most  prevailing  sicknesses 
in  N.  England,  both  in  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  State,  as  also  suitable 
remedies  for  the  cure  of  them,"  mentions  "  the  lethargy  of  Christians,  the 
burning  fever  or  fires  of  contention  in  towns  and  churches,  evil  spirits  of 
oppression,  covetousness  and  cruelty,  error  and  delusion,  envy  and  jeal- 
ousy, pride  in  heart  and  manners."  Mr.  W.  is  said  to  have  disapproved  of 
the  severity  that  had  been  exercised  toward  the  Quakers.  "  The  Magna- 
lla  observes,  —  The  whole  people  of  God  throughout  the  colony  were  too 
much  distinguished  into  such  as  favor  the  old  church  and  such  as  favored 
the  new ;  the  former  against  the  Synod,  the  latter  for  it,"-*-  baptism  and  the 
half-way  covenant. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE. 


271 


Crocker  with  that  of  deacon.  May  28,  the  number  of  freemen 
and  voters  recorded  was  89 ;  and  it  was  "  ordered  that  all  the 
commons'  meadow  as  yet  undisposed  of  within  the  limits  of  the 
township,  from  time  to  time,  shall  perpetually  be  and  lie  for 
commons  to,  and  for  the  common  use  of,  the  present  inhabitants, 
whose  names  are  recorded,  and  to  the  sons  of  all  the  aforemen- 
tioned inhabitants  successively,  as  they  shall  grow  qualified 
according  to  the  former  order  bearing  date  Oct.  3,  1662,  and  to 
the  successors  of  such  inhabitants  aforesaid,  who  purchase  and 
buy  out  the  whole  right  of  such  respective  inhabitants."  Na- 
thaniel Fitzrandal  was  "  fined  42s.  for  refusing  to  pay  half  the  sum 
for  the  ministry  in  this  town  ;  and  Robert  Harper  was  whipped 
at  the  post  for  censuring  Mr.  Walley."  Mr.  Jopin  Bd-eslet  died 
Feb.  23.     The  record  of  inhabitants  is,  loitJi  titles,  as  follows  :  — 


Samuel  Allyn, 
Mr.  Thos.  Allyn, 
Anthony  Annable, 
Samuel  Annable, 
Mr.  Nath'l  Bacon, 
Nath'l  Bacon  Jr., 
Austin  Bearse, 
Abraham  Blish, 
Peter  Blossom, 
Henry  Bourne, 
Mr.  John  Bursley, 
Wm.  Caseley, 
Mr.  Jno.  Chipman, 
Jas.  Claghorn, 
Edw'd  Coleman, 
Mr.  Henry  Cobb, 
James  Cobb, 
John  Cooper, 
Job  Crocker, 
John  Crocker, 
Josiah  Crocker, 
Wm.  Crocker, 
Dolor  Davis, 
John  Davis, 
Nicholas  Davis, 
Robert  Davis, 
Mr.  Thos.  Dexter, 


Wm.  Dexter, 
Shubael  Dimoc, 
Nath'l  Fitzrandle, 
John  Fuller, 
Capt.  Matth.  Fuller, 
Sam'l  Fuller  Sr., 
Sam.  Fuller,  s.  Capt., 
Sam.  Fuller,  s.  Sam'l, 
Jno.  Goodspeed, 
ISTath'l  Goodspeed, 
Roger  Goodspeed, 
Mr.  Jno.  Gorham, 
Joseph  Hallet, 
Bartw.  Hamblin, 
Jas.  Hamblin, 
Jas.  Hamblin  Sr., 
Jas.  Hamblin  Jr., 
Jno.  Hinckley, 
Mr.  Thos.  Hinckley, 
Sam'l  Hinckley, 
Jno.  Howland, 
Jno.  Huckins, 
Thos.  Huckins, 
Jno.  Jenkins, 
Ralph  Jones, 
Edw'd  Lewis, 
Geo.  Lewis, 


James  Lewis, 
John  Lewis, 
Thos.  Lewis, 
Widow  Lewis, 
Barnabas  Lothrop, 
Lt.  Joseph  Lothrop, 
Melh.  Lothrop, 
Thomas  Lothrop, 
Mrs.  Widow  Lothrop^ 
Benj.  Lumbard, 
Mr.  Bern'd  Lnmbard, 
Caleb  Lumbard, 
Jabez  Lumbard, 
Jed'h  Lumbard, 
Joshua  Lumbard  Sr., 
Thos.  Lumbard, 
Widow  Lumbard, 
David  Lynn  el, 
Sam'l  Norman, 
John  Otis, 
Robert  Parker, 
John  Phiuney  Sr., 
John  Phiuney  Jr., 
Mark  Ridley, 
Moses  Rowley, 
Mr.  Wm.  Sargeant, 
John  Scudder, 


272  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Thos.  Sliave,  Edw'd  Taylor,  Wm.  Troop, 

Rob't  Shelley,  Henry  Taylor,  Mr.  Thos.Walley  Sr., 

Sam'l  Storrs,  Jno.  Thompson,  Isaac  Wells. 

In  1672,  Seekunk  relinquished  his  claim  to  Scorton. 

In  1673,  Mr.  Isaac  RoBiisrsGisr  was  restored  to  the  right  of  a 
freeman.  Mr.  I^athaniel  Bacon,  Assistant,  died  this  year ; 
also,  Mr.  Dolor  Davis. 

In  1674,  Mr.  Anthony  Annable  clied.^  "Thomas 
Huckins  laid  down  three  acres  of  land  at  the  meet- 
ing-house for  the  town's  use  as  a  burying-ground." 
This  ground  is  about  1  m.  W.  of  the  present  E.  meet- 
ing-house, and  here  also,  was,  near  the  ancient  meet- 
ing-house,^ the  site  selected  early  for  Rev.  Mr.  Loth- 
rop's  parsonage. 

In  1675,  the  period  of  the  outbreak  of  Philip's  war, 
Samuel  Child  was  killed  at  Rehoboth,  March  26,  and 
Lt.  Fuller,'  John  Lewis,  Eleazer  Cobb,  Samuel  Linnet, 
and  Sam'l  Boreman,  all  fell  in  the  same  battle.^     Capt. 


^  Mr.  Annable  came  over  1623,  with  wife  Jane  and  dr.  Sarah.  Hjs  w. 
d.  in  1643,  and  he  m.  2d,  Anne  Clark  March  3,  1644-5.  Mr.  A.  was  much 
in  public  Ufe,  and  many  years  a  deputy.  His  children  were  Sarah  borji  in 
Eng.  who  m.  Henry  Ewell  of  Scit.  Nov.  22, 1638  ;  Hannah,  b.  in  Plymouth 
1625,  who  m.  Thos.  Boreman  of  Be.  March  10,  1644-5 ;  Susannah  ab't  1630, 
who  m.  Wm.  Hatch  jr.  of  Scit.  May  13,  1652 ;  a  dr.  1635  d.  inf  ;  Deborah 
1637  ;  Samuel  1646  ;  Ezekiell649  d.y. ;  Desire  1653,  who  m.  John- Barker 
Esq.  Jan.  18,  1676-7.  Samuel  m.  Mehlt.  Allyn,  dr.  Thomas,  June  1, 
1667,  and  d.  1678.  His  wid.  m.  Cornelius  iBriggs  of  Scit.  May  6,  1683. 
Samuel  had  Samuel  July  14,  1669  ;  Hannah  1672  d.  inf.;  John  July 
19,  1673  ;  Annie  March  4,  1675-6,  who  married  Dea.  John  Barker  Oct. 
14,  1696.  Samuel,  b.  1669,  m.  Patience  Dogget  Ap.  11,  1695,  and  had 
Desire  Jan.  3,  1695  ;  Anna  Sept.  27,  1697,  who  m.  Nath'l  Bacon  Aug. 
19,  1720;  Jane  Dec.  24,  1699,  Avho  m.  Dea.  Kobt.  Davis  Oct.  8,  1719; 
Samuel  Jan.  14,  1702;  Patience  May  15,  1705,  who  m.  Joseph  Bacon 
1722  ;  Thomas  June  21,  1708,  who  m.  Ann  Gorham  Aug.  7,  1740.  He  d. 
June  21  1744  ;  his  wid.  d.  Oct.  11, 1760,  aged  90.  John,  b.  1673,  m.  Exp. 
Taylor,  dr.  Edw.,  June  16,  1692,  and  had  Simuel  Sept.  3,  1693;  Mehit. 
Sept.  28,  1695,  who  m.  And.  Hallet  July  23,  1713 ;  John  Ap.  1697  d.  inf ; 
John  May  3,  1698,  who  set.  in  Roch. ;  Mary  1701,  who  m.  David  Hallet 
Aug.  19,  1720  ;  Cornelius  Nov.  3,  1704,  and  Abigail  Ap.  30,  1710,  who  m. 
Walley  Crocker  Oct.  22,  1730. 

"  These  were  of  the  company  of  Capt.  Pierce.  Nearly  the  entire  force 
of  63  Eng.  and  20  friendly  Indians  were  cut  off  near  Pawtucket.  The 
company  were  decoyed  by  the  wily  foe  into  ambush  and  surrounded  by  500 
Indians.  They  fought  heroically,  but  with  the  exception  of  8  Eng.  and  10 
Indians,  were  all  slain.     See  Vol.  I.  p.  282. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  273 

John  Gouham,  who  commanded  a  company,  died  before 
the  close  of  the  war/  Of  the  part  which  this  town 
took  in  the  memorable  contest,  but  little  appears  on 
the  records;  but,  as  is  well  known,  it  performed  its  full 
share  of  the  toil  and  risk. 

The  town  "bought,  Oct.  13,  of  Kenecompsit,  Indian,  who 
claimed  the  same,  a  small  tract  of  land  lying  and  being  in  Barn- 
stable, at  the  South  Sea,  near  the  Yarmouth  line  ;  and  the  land 
of  Nicholas  Davis  on  the  west,  at  South  Sea,  for  £5  current 
pay."  "Indian  Ned  of  Saquetucket  also  relinquished  all  his  right 
and  title  to  all  and  every  part  of  said  tracts  of  land  lying  in 
Barnstable."  The  same  year  a  committee  of  four  was  chosen 
"  with  power  to  buy  any  and  all  other  pieces  of  land  to  which 
said  Kenecompsit  had  lawful  claim,  to  lie  as  Commons  at  the 
South  Sea."  It  was  also  "ordered  that  a  rate  be  made  of  about 
£5  10s. ;  also  to  pay  Thomas  Hinckley  £3  13s.  and  Kenecomp- 
sit or  his  order,  £1  10s." 

The  invitation  extended  by  the  four  Cape  towns, 
through  their  deputation,  to  the  towns  most  exposed  in 
other  parts  of  the  colony,  is  found,  so  far  as  relates 
to  this  town,  only  on  other  records ;  the  answers  re- 
ceived are  among  the  manuscripts  of  Gov.  Hinckley 
in  the  library  of  the  Mass.  Hist.  Soc. 

In  1677,  "Monohoo,  Indian,  sold  to  Thomas  Walley,  minister  of 
the  Gospel,  about  three-score  acres  of  land,  —  all  that  tract  lying 
upon  the  neck  called  Quanaumet,  which  he  had  of  Akemoiet, 
sachem  of  Suckenusset,  for  10  yards  of  trucking  cloth,  10s.  in 
money,  1    iron-kettle,  2   kni,ves,  and   a   bass-hook."      Barnabas 

■*  The  Plymouth  Court  made  a  grant  of  100  acres  of  that  beautiful  tract 
called  Papasquash  Neck,  near  Bristol,  E.  I.  to  the  heirs  of  Capt.  Gorham, 
"  forasmuch  as  he  hath  performed  good  service  for  the  country  in  the  late 
war."  Mr.  Gorham,  first  of  the  name  in  this  town,  was  b.  in  Benefield, 
Northamptonshire,  and  was  in  Plymouth  in  1643.  He  m.  Desire  Howland, 
dr.  of  John,  1G43,  by  whom  he  had  Desire  Ap.  2,  1644  at  Plymouth,  who 
m.  Sem4JaAa£k!s^0ct.  7, 16G1 :  Tempe.May  5, 1646  at  Marshfield;  Eliza. 
April  2,  1G48  ;' James  April  28,''*1650;  Johri  Feb.  20, 1651 ;  Joseph  Feb.  16, 
1653  at  Yarmouth  ;  Jabez  Aug.  3,  1656  at  Be.,  who  was  wounded  in  Phil, 
v/ar  and  was  early  set.  in  Bristol ;  Mercy  Jan.  20,  1658-9,  who  m.  2d,  Geo. 
Denison;  Lydia  Nov.  11,  1661,  who  m.  John  Thacher,  his  2d  w.,  Jan.  2, 
1633-4  ;  Hannah  Nov.  28,  1663  ;  and  Shubael  Oct.  21,  1667.  He  d.  Feb. 
5,  1676  at  Swansey;  his  w.  d.  Oct.  13,  1683. 
VOL.  11.  35 


h^-f-"^"^ 


274  HISTORY    OF   BAHNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Lothrop  was  licensed  to  sell  liquors ;  and  the  aged  widow  Anna- 
ble  was  fined  £1  for  selling  beer  without  license. 

In  1678,  March  24,  Rev.  Thomas  Walley  died,  aged 
62;^  Mr.  John  Huckins  and  Mr.  Samuel  Annable  also 
died  this  year.  Mr.  Peter  Thacher  was  invited  to  the 
ministry  here,  but  gave  a  negative  answer. 

In  1679,  Elder  Henry  Cobb  died;"  also  Mr.  Thomas 
Huckins. 

In  1680,  Sept.  7,  "John  Yanno,  Indian  of  Gay  Head  at  Nope 
Island,  eldest  son  and  heir  of  Yanno,  sachem  of  South  Sea  in 
Barnstable,  deceased,"  claiming  "  a  small  tract  of  land  lying  in 
the  common-field  at  Mattachiest,"  sold  the  same  to  Geo.  Lewis 
for  £2  16s. ;  also,  Sept.  27,  "  in  consideration  of  £1  8s.  paid  in 
trucking  cloth  and  otherwise  by  Thomas  Hinckley,  granted  and 
sold  to  him  all  his  lands  at  the  South  Sea  in  Barnstable."  Mr. 
H.  conveyed  the  same  Oct.  10  to  the  town.  Mr.  Thomas  Allyn^ 
and  Mr.  Robert  Parker  both  died  this  year. 

^  Rev.  IVIr.  Walley  was  mentioned  by  his  contemporaries  as  a  man  of 
talents,  learning,  and  piety.  The  records  of  the  Barnstable  church  are, 
however,  his  bept  encomiast.     See  Vol.  I.  p.  290-3. 

-  Eider  Cobb  was  of  Plymouth  1632,  next  year  in  Scit,  and  here  1639. 
He  was  several  years  deputy,  and,  April  14,  1670,  ruling  elder.  He  m. 
Patience  Hurst,  dr.  James,  1631,  who  d.  1G48,  and  2d,  Sarah  Hinckley,  dr. 
of  Samuel,  Dec.  12,  1649.  Issue:  John  June  7,  1632,  who  lived  in  Taun- 
ton and  Plymouth ;  James  Jan.  14,  1634  ;  Mary  March  24,  1G37,  who  m. 
Josiah  Dunham,  his  2d  w. ;  Hannah  Oct.  5,  1639,  who  m.  Edw.  Lewis  May 
9,  1661  ;  Patience  1642,  who  m.  Rt.  Parker  1667  ;  Gershom.  Jan.  10, 1644- 
5,  who  went  to  Middleboro';  Eleazer  March  30, 1648  :  Mehit.  Sept.  1, 1652, 
d.  inf. ;  Sam'l  Oct  12,  1654;  Sarah  Jan.  15,  1G58  d.  inf  ;  Jonathan  Ap.  10, 
1660  ;  Sarah  March  10,  1662-3,  who  m.  Dea.  Sam'l  Chipman  Dec.  27, 
1686  ;  Henry,  Sept.  3,  1665  ;  Mehit.  Feb.  15,  1667  ;  and  Experience  Sept. 
11,  16  71.  ilEXRY,  b.  1665,  m.  Lois  Hallet  Ap.  10,  1690,  and  had  Gideon 
Ap.  11,  1691 ;  Eunice  Sept.  18,  1693  ;  Lois  March  2,  1696  ;  and  Nathan 
1 700.     He  then  removed  to  Connecticut. 

^  Mr.  Thomas  Allyn,  early  settler  and  large  landholder,  for  some  years 
constable,  etc.  was  twice  m.  Issue:  Sam'l  Feb.  10,  1643-4;  John  1646; 
and  Mehit.  1648,  who  m.  Sam'l  Annable  Jan.  1,  1667,  and  2d,  Cornelius 
Briggs  of  Scit.  May  6,  1683.  The  will  was  proved  March  5,  1679-80.  Lt. 
Samuel,  b.  1644,  was  some  time  town  clerk,  and  m.  Hannah  Walley,  dr. 
of  Rev.  Thomas,  May  10,  1664,  and  d.  Nov.  25,  1726,  aged  82.  Issue: 
Thomas  Mar.  26,  1654-5;  Samuel  Jan.  19,  1666  ;  Joseph  April  7,  1671  ; 
Hannah  Mar. 4,  1672-3,  who  m.  Peter  Jacob  of  Hing.  Dec.  7,  1693  ;  and 
Ehza.  Nov.  26,  1681,  d.  y.  John,  b.  1646,  m.  Mary  IIowland,dr.  John, 
and  had  John  April  3.  1674 ;  Mary  Aug.  5,  1675,  d.  inf  ;  Martha  Aug.  6, 
1677,  d.  inf  ;  and  Isaac  Nov.  8,  1679.  Thomas,  b.  1655  m.  Elisa.  Otis,  dr. 
John,  Oct.  9,  1688,  and  had  James,  Thomas,  and  Hannah.  He  d.  Nov. 
2o,  1696,  and  his  wid.  m.  David  Loring  of  Hing.     Samuel,  b.  1666,  m. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  275 

In  1681,  May  18,  a  "  new  meeting-house  was  erect- 
ed." The  lot  cost  £1.10 ;  the  cost  of  the  edifice  was 
£100.^  Tn  December,  Samuel  Crocker,  son  of  Dea. 
William,  died,  aged  39,  killed  by  a  kick  in  the  abdo- 
men, inflicted  by  Indian  James.  Said  Indian,  being 
indicted  and  tried,  was  acquitted  of  murderous  intent. 

In  1683,  it  was  "ordered  that  the  widow  of  the 
late  minister  have  and  enjoy  that  land  and  swamp 
near  her  land  at  Stoney  Cove."  "James  Ilamblin  con- 
sented to  a  way  across  his  land  in  the  Calves'  Pasture, 
to  the  beach  and  creek."  The  Indian,  Kenecompsit, 
still  claimed  some  part  of  the  town  first  settled ;  and 
relinauished  to  John  Lewis  and  James  Edwards  seven 
acres  in  the  common  fields  for  £5.19.  The  town  had 
now  been  five  years  without  a  settled  minister,  and 
called  the  Rev.  Jonathan  Russell,^  son  of  the  Rev. 
John  Russell,  of  Hadley,  who  was  ordained  September 

Sarah  Taylor,  dr.  Edw.,  Dec.  20,  1705  and  had  Samuel  Nov.  26, 1706.  He 
d.  the  Dec.  following,  aged  39,  and  his  wid.  m.  Dea.  Samuel  Bacoii  Jan.  26, 
1 708.  The  Barnstable  Allyns  are  chiefly  from  James,  the  ,s.  of  Thomas 
and  Elisa.,  wno  m.  Susannah  Lewis,  dr.  Eben.  July  24,  1712,  and  had 
Elisa.  1713,  who  m.  Col.  John  Gorham  1732,  and  went  to  Portland  ;  Susan, 
1715,  who  m.  Capt.  Jona.  Davis  Jr.  1735  ;  Anna  1718,  who  m.  John  Davis 
Jr.  1736;  Thomas  1719,  who  m.  Elisa.  Sturgis  1752;  Hannah  1721,  whom. 
Dr.  Abner  Hersey  1743  ;  Rebecca  1723,  who  m.  Rev.  Josiali  Crocker  1742  ; 
Abigail  1 725 ;  Mary  1 727,  who  m.  Nymphas Marston  Esq.  1 751 ;  James  1 729  ; 
Sarah  1 730,  who  m.  Justin  Hubbard  of  Hing.  1 755  ;  Martha  1 733  d.  y. ;  and 
Olive  1735,  whom.  Capt.  Sam'l  Sturgis  Jr.  1754.  The  father  d.  Oct.  8, 
1741,  aged  50.  Thomas,  s.  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth,  had  Polly,  Hannah, 
Susan,  Sam'l.  James,  b.  1729,  m.  Lydia  Marston  1752,  and  had  James, 
Benj.,  Marston,  Thomas,  Nymphas,  and  John,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1775,  and 
was  the  mhiister  at  Duxbury. 

^  This  building,  erected  in  part  by  money  "  obtained  from  the  sale  of  Mt. 
Hope,"  was  deserted  after  the  division  of  the  church.  It  stood  "  at  the  top 
of  the  hill,  on  the  corner  of  John  Phinney's  lot,  west  of  the  pond. ' 

^  The  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  Joshua  Moody,  of  Portsmouth, 
the  father-in-law  of  Mr.  R.,  and  the  charge  was  given  by  the  venerable 
father  of  the  pastor  elect.  How  the  pulpit  was  supplied  the  several  years 
preceding  the  settlement  of  ]Mr.  Russell  and  following  the  decease  of  Mr. 
Walley,  we  are  not  fully  informed;  but  a  letter  from  Rev.  John  Cotton, 
of  Plymouth,  to  Gov.  Hinckley,  in  10  78,  shows  that  Rev.  John  Bowies, 
subsequently  in  Dedham  and  Roxbury,  and  in  1690,  speaker  of  the  House 
of  Reps.,  was  some  time  officiating  in  this  town,  and  that  his  settlement 
here  was  contemplated.  The  letter  also  indicates  the  paramount  influence 
of  Gov.  H.     Mr.  C.  writes  :  "  Worshipful  and  much  honored  Friend  :  This 


276  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

19.     Mr.  Henry    Bourne  died   this  year;^  also  De.i. 
Cooper,  "  one  of  the  original  settlers,  and  a  good  man, 
passed  away."  ~      Mr.  Abraham  Blish  also  died,  Sep- 
tember 1? 
In  1684,  action  was  had  on  "  the  legacy  to  the  church,  by  Mr. 


last  week  came  such  uncomfortable  tidings  from  Barnstable  hither,  that  I 
knew  not  how  to  satisfy  myself  without  troubling  you  with  a  few  lines ;  I 
liope  not  proceeding  from  a  principle  inclining  to  meddle,  but  from  a  sin- 
cere desire  of  the  best  good  of  that  people  who  are,  God  knows,  very  de- 
servedly dear  to  me.  It  does  indeed  appear  strange  with  men  wiser  than 
myself,  that  such  discouragements  should  attend  Mr.  Bowles.  .  .  .  Your 
place,  I  fear,  will  be  so  blemished  thereby  as  that  you  will  find  it  more  diffi- 
cult to  obtain  a  minister  next  year  than  this.  I  need  tell  you,  worthy  sir, 
that  it  is  a  dying  time  with  preachers,  young  as  well  as  old,  and  it  is  very 
manifest  there  is  a  great  likelihood  of  scarcity  of  ministers  ;  and,  if  I  may 
without  offence  whisper  it  in  your  ear,  I  dare  say  Mr.  M.  is  far  below  Mr. 
E.  for  learning  and  abilities  ;  .  .  that  you  are  too  heavy,  and  weigh  down 
the  whole  town,  as  is  said,  1  freely  say,  that  -^vithout  doubt,  you  may  law- 
fully do  It  in  all  cases  generally,  —  hut  I  could  upon  my  bended  knees 
humbly  beg  of  you,  worthy  sir,  that  you  would  not  only  permit,  but  coun- 
tenance, as  much  as  you  can,  with  a  safe  conscience,  a  vote  of  your  people 
for  Mr.  B.,  who  are  much  more  satisfied  with  him,  hearing  how  honest  an 
answer  was  sent  from  him  to  them  at  the  return  of  the  messenger.  .  .  If 
upon  such  toys  as  these  Mr.  B.  should  go  without  a  renewed  invitation  from 
the  people,  I  doubt  it  would  too  deeply  reflect  upon  their  reputation,  and 
prove  a  great  bar  to  future  success  in  motions  of  such  a  nature ;  and,  good 
sir,  [humbly  again  and  again  begging  pardon  of  you  for  my  boldness  with 
you],  if  you  should  appear  slow  to  promote  a  call  for  Mr.  B.  out  of  a  secret 
liope  and  desire  to  obtain  yet  more  suitable  [at  least  for  yourself],  I  verily 
fear  you  would  find  yourself  uncomfortably  disappointed.  Were  it  not 
much  more  desirable  to  wait  upon  God,  under  his  ministry,  and  follow 
the  throne  of  Grace  with  earnest  prayer  that  this  man  may  be  fitted  to  do 
all  that  which,  it  may  be,  you  rather  expect  in  another?  .  .  I  rest.  Sir, 
your  worship's  servant  in  Christ,  John  Cotton." 

"  To  Gov.  Hinckley,  at  his  house  in  Be." 

^  Mr.  Bourne  came  to  this  town  from  Scit. ;  was  a  large  land-holder, 
and  left  property  to  the  Barnstable  church.  Whether  he  was  In  any  way 
connected  with  Mr.  Richard  Bourne  of  Sandwich  is  questionable.  Vari- 
ous are  the  conjectures;  but  very  little  is  certainly  known  of  him,  his  pedi- 
gree, or  family.  By  his  w.  Sarah  he  had  a  dr.  May  7,  1641,  d.  inf.;  and 
Dorcas  Aug.  1649,  who  prob.  d.  early. 

^Dea.  John  Cooper,  m.  Priscilla,  wid.  Wm.  Wright,  and  dr.  Alex. 
Carpenter  of  Leyden,  Nov.  27,  1634.  No  issue.  He  was  constable,  1640, 
and  deputy,  1642-1643.  He  gave,  by  will,  one-half  his  estate  to  the  Barn- 
staljle  church.  He  was  bro.-in-law  to  Sec.  Morton  ;  and  his  wid.  was  dis. 
to  the  ch.  at  Plymouth,  1683,  and  d.  Dec.  29,  1689,  aged  91. 

*Mr.  Blish,  generally  written  Blush,  was  here  In  1641.  His  1st  wife, 
Anne,  d.  1653 ;  jiis  2d  w.  Hannah  Barker,  wid.  of  John,  and  dr.  of  John 
Williams,  of  Scit.  d.  1658;  and  he  m.  3d,  Alice  Derby,  wid.  of  John,  of  Y. 
Jan.  4,  1658-9.  Issue:  Sarah  Dec.  2,  1641 ;  Joseph  April  1,  1648  ;  and 
Abraham  Oct.  16,  1654,  who  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Brattle  St.  Church 
Doslon,  1698. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  277 

Henry  Bourne,  lately  deceased."  July  13,  Mr.  Job  Crocker  was 
ordained  deacon.  George  Hinckley,  Mr.  Barnabas  Lothrop,  Jer- 
emiah Bacon,  and  Samuel  Allyn  agreed  to  build  a  substantial 
windmill  within  twelve  months. 

In  1685,  it  was  "  voted  that  the  Governor  and  Mi'.  Lothrop 
impanel  a  jury  to  bound  -the  county  I'oad  and  the  town's  high- 
ways, according  to  the  order  of  court  in  that  case  provided." 
The  road  "running  from  the  bounds  of  Sandwich  for  the  most 
part  easterly  to  the  bounds  of  Yarmouth,"  being  crossed  by 
creeks  often  difficult  to  be  passed  in  the  absence  of  bridges,  was, 
to  avoid  the  least  practicable  fords,  constructed  about  one  mile 
south  of  Scorton  Hill,  where,  at  an  early  period,  were  temporary 
facilities  for  foo,t-passengers  only,  —  known  as  Bursley's  or 
Hinckley's  bridges,  —  enlargements  were  made  of  sufficient 
strength  and  width  for  carriages  and  teams.^  The  jury  on 
whom  devolved  this  duty  were  John  Phinney,  Capt.  Lothrop, 
James  Cobb,  Job  Crocker,  Lt.  Howland,  Sam'l  Cobb,  Sam'l 
Hinckley  Jr.,  Ens.  Dimock,  Nath'l  Bacon,  Joseph  Blish,  James 
Gorhara,  Ens.  Lumbert,  Josiah  Crocker,  Jabez  Lutnoert,  Lt.  J.as. 
Lewis,  and  James  Hamlin  Jr. 

Li  1686,  the  licensing  of  Lt.  John  Howland  "  to  retail  cider 
of  his  own  making,"  shows  that  orchards  were  already  in  good 
progress. 

In  1687,  the  town  "  ordered  that  a  windmill  be  built,  either 
on  Cobb's  Hill,  or  the  old  meeting-house  hill;"  and  aj^propriated 
for  the  purpose  "£32  and  five  acres  of  upland  and  as  ranch 
marsh."  Barnabas  Lothrop  and  Samuel  Allen  were  "  apjaointed 
to  see  the  work  done  at  the  town's  charge."  To  John  Andrews 
was  "  granted  eight  or  ten  acres  of  upland  at  the  river  by  John 
Goodspeed's,  and  the  benefit  of  the  stream,  to  build  and  keep  a 
fulling-mill  on  said  stream,  —  to  full  and  dress  the  town's  cloth 
upon  reasonable  terms."  The  windmill,  for  the  grinding  of 
grain,  was  constructed  by  Thomas  Paine,  of  Eastham,  to  the 
satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  Samuel  Baker  was  admitted  in- 
habitant this  year.  May  12.^ 

^  The  first  road,  after  leaving  Sandwich,  south  of  Scorton  Hill,  ran  south 
of  Honey  Bottom,  near  the  old  meeting-house  in  the  West  Parish  and 
through  the  woods  on  the  south  side  of  the  pond,  into  the  present  road, — 
thus  avoiding  the  creeks.  The  new  road  being  constructed,  avenues  were 
soon  opened  from  the  county  road  to  different  parts  of  the  township. 

^  See  Annals  of  Yarmouth,  jo.  203.  Mr.  B.  was  s.  of  Kev.  Nicholas 
Baker,  who  was  ordained  the  minister  of  Scit.  1G60,  and  d.  Aug.  22, 
1G78,  aged  67.     It  is  generally  admitted  that  the  reverend  gent,  was  ac- 


278  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1688,  John  Gorham,  Jabez  Lurabard,  Thomas  Paine,  and 
Nathaniel  Bacon  were  appointed  "to  lay  out  such  lands  or  marsh 
as  the  town  shall  order ; "  and  to  Rev.  Jonathan  Russell  was 
"  laid  out  a  little  island  of  thatch  on  the  east  side  of  the  mouth 
of  Broad  Sound." 

In  1689,  the  same  jury  that  laid  out  the  county  road  "laid  ovxt 
a  high-Avay,  40  feet  wide,  into  the  woods  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  Dimock  house ;  also,  a  high-way  into  the  Common's  field." 
The  town  granted  to  Samuel  Allen,  Ensign  Shubael  Dinraock, 
Samuel  Hinckley  Sr.,  John  Otis,  Nathaniel  Bacon,  Jeremiah 
Bacon,  Thomas  Huckins,  Melatiah  Lothrop,  John  Goodspeed, 
Joseph  Crocker,  and  Elisha  Paine,  eight  or  ten  acres  at  Good- 
speed's  River,  and  the  benefit  of  the  stream  forever,  on  condition 


companied  from  Eng.  by  a  bro.  Nath'l,  and  that  both  were  at  Hing.  1635; 
but  there  appears  nothing  certain  to  prove  the  relationship  of  these  with 
Francis,  who  set.  early  in  Yannouth.  There  are,  however,  reasons  for 
supposing  them  brothers.  Rev.  Mr.  B.  was  grad.  St.  John's  Coll.  Camb. 
Eng.  1631-2.  At  Scituate  he  was  successful  in  allaying  a  sad  feud  that  had 
long  existed,  and  his  ministry  has  been  much  commended.  Cotton  Mather 
calls  him  "  honest  Nicholas  Baker,  of  Scituate,"  and  says,  "  he  was  so  good 
logician  that  he  could  offer  up  to  God  a  reasonable  service,  so  good  arith- 
metician that  he  could  wisely  number  his  days,  and  so  good  orator  that  he 
persuaded  himself  to  bo  a  Christian."  His  1st  w.  d.  in  1661,  and  his  2d  w. 
Grace  survived  him  and  came  to  Barnstable.  She  d.  here  Jan.  22,  1696-7. 
Of  his  childi'en  we  know  only  such  as  he  mentioned  in  his  will,  viz. :  Sam- 
uel;  Nicholas;  Mary,  who  m.  Stephen  Vinal,  Feb.  26,  1662;  Elisa.,  who 
m.  John  Vinal  1664  ;  Sarah,  who  m.  Josiah  Litchfield  ;  and  Deborah,  who 
m.  Israel  Chittenden  1678.  Samuel  came  here  from  Hull,  where  his^ 
father  was  a  land-holder,  and  where  himself  was  admitted  freeman,  1677. 
The  year  of  his  acceptance  here,  both  he  and  his  wife  were  admitted  to 
the    church    on  lettei's  dismissory   fi*om    the  church    at  Hull.      His  wife 

[,  was  Fear,  dr.  of  Isaac  Robinson.     With  them  came  sons  John  and  Na- 
thaniel, and  probably  drs.  Mary,  whom.  Adam  Jones  Oct.   26,  1699,  and 
Grace,  who  m.  Israel  Luce,  Dec.   16,  1701.      Mr.  Robinson,  at  the  close 
j  of  life  resided  some  time  with  his  daughter  Fear,  as  did  also  Grace,  the 

/  mother  of  the  above  Sam'I  Baker.  These  circumstances  —  the  death 
of  the  aged  widow  of  the  old  clergyman  occurring  here — probably  gave 
rise  to  the  impression  that  she  was  none  other  than  the  mother  of  Isaac 
Robinson,  and  the  widow  of  the  venerable  Leyden  pastor.  Dea.  John,  s. 
of  Sam'I,  m.  Anna  Annable  Oct.  14,1696.  Issue:  Anna  Sept.  8,  1697, 
who  m.  Sam'I  Lombard,  and  d.  May  19,  1747  ;  Mercy  Aug.  18,  1699,  who 
m.  Benj.  Lothrop  April  20,  1720,  and  went  to  Ct. ;  John  June  14,  1701,  d. 
inf.  ;  Rebecca  Sept.  8,  1704  ;  Sam'I  Sept.  7,  1706;  Mary  March  25,  1710, 
who  m.  Lemuel  Hedge  1733;  Mehit.  May  7,  1712,  who  m.  Eben.  Ci'osby, 
Jan.  10,  1734;  Abigail  Feb.  1,  1713-14,  who  m.  Ichabod  Lothrop,  of  Tol- 
land, Ct.  Nov.  9,  1732  ;  John  Dec.  1,  1716,  who  m.  Mercy  Carey,  of  Wind- 
ham, Ct.  Dec.  7,  1744;  and  Hannah  March  24,  1718.  The  mother  of 
these  d.  March  21,  1732-3,  after  Avhich  the  father  removed  to  Ct.  His  son 
Samukl,  b.  1706,  m.  Prudence  Jenkins  May  30,  1732,  and  had  Martha 
Jan  24,  1732-3  ;  Anna  May  12,  1735  ;  Bethia  June  12,  1737  ;  Sam'I  Sept. 
30,  1 740 ;  and  Mercy  May'sO,  1 743  ;  and  all  removed  to  Ct. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  279 

"that  they  set  up  a  fulling-mill  on  that  river,  and  maintain  the 
same  twenty  years,  and  full  and  dress  the  town's  cloth  on  rea- 
sonable terms."  Numbers  having  been  admitted  townsmen,  it 
was  "  voted  that  the  Common's  meadows  be  divided  to  them  to 
whom  of  right  it  doth  belong;"  also,  "that  Lt.  Lewis  and 
N"ath'l  Bacon  have  all  the  thatch  or  gooscgrass  on  the  flats  below 
the  beach,  between  Huckin's  creek  and  Stoney-cove  creek,  pro- 
vided they  build  a  Pound  for  the  town's  use,  and  keep  it  in  repair, 
and  no  longer."  In  1690,  Mr.  James  Hamlin  died.  Thomas 
Massy  had  lands  granted  him  as  keeper  of  the  fulling-mill. 

In  1691,  it  was  voted  to  sell  certain  parcels  of  land 
of  town's  commons,  to  raise  <£40  or  £50,  in  money,  to 
defray  the  charges  of  sending  to  England  to  obtain  a 
Colony  Charter.  A  large  committee  was  chosen  for  the 
purpose ;  the  lands  were  sold  to  the  highest  bidders ; 
but  the  amount  realized  proving  insufficient,  other 
parcels  were  sold  soon  after.  The  part  which  the 
Cape  towns  had  in  public  affairs,  we  have  already  sug- 
gested, is  to  be  learned  more  from  scattered  memorials 
elsewhere  than  from  records  of  their  own.  Lt.  Col. 
Gorham,  for  instance,  soon  now  began  to  be  prominent 
before  the  public,  by  reason  of  the  expedition  against 
Canada;  and  yet  no  mention  of  him  or  his  achieve- 
ments is  made  here.  Content  to  serve  their  country's 
cause  when  needed,  and  to  retire  to  the  quiet  of  prof- 
itable industry  when  their  public  work  is  done,  the 
people  seem  to  have  thought  little  of  perpetuating 
their  deeds.  Doct.  John  Fuller  died  this  year.  Mr. 
Nath'l  Bacon  2d  also  died  Dec.  31,  aged  46. 

In  1692,  Eleazer  Crocker  was  chosen  land-measurer  in  the 
place  of  Nath'l  Bacon,  deceased.  It  was  voted  "  that  the  inhab- 
itants have  liberty  to  purchase  lands  of  any  Indians  who  have 
rightful  claims  in  the  Common  field."  An  Indian,  calling  him- 
self Black  Daniel,  appeared  and  sold  his  claim.  Lands  in  the 
common  meadows  were  again  set  off  to  settlers. 

At  the  time  of  the  annexation  of  Plymouth  to  the 

Massachusetts  Colony,  this  year,  Thomas  Hinckley,  of 


280         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

this  town,  was  Governor  of  the  former,  Althoug;h 
"  he  did  not  escape  the  charge  of  undue  pliancy  "  for 
consenting  to  take  office  under  the  administration  of 
Andros;  and  although  he  was  thought  by  some  to 
have  been  too  favorable  to  the  plan  of  annexation,  it  is 
evident  that  he  was  earnest  in  his  representations  to 
the  throne,  and  in  endeavors  to  procure  a  separate 
charter.  The  honesty  of  his  plea,  as  that  also  of  his 
fellow-townsmen,  Thomas  Walley  and  Barnabas  Loth- 
ROP,  who  also  were  of  the  Council,  that  by  accepting 
the  office  they  might  be  enabled  better  to  exert  an 
influence  in  staying  the  arbitrary  proceedings  of  An- 
dros,  cannot  now  be  questioned,  whatever  may  be 
thought  of  the  policy.  Deacon  William  Crocker  died 
this  year. 

In  1693,  it  was  voted  "to  divide  the  whole  commons  meadows 
to  such  as  have  a  right."  The  names  of  rightful  proprietors  were 
presented,  in  all  164  persons,  who  were  freemen  and  voters. 
Some  56  persons  remonstrated  against  the  proceeding.  Mr. 
John  Caslet  died  this  year ;  ^  also  Mr.  Robert  Davis.^ 

In  1694,  the  remonstrants  against  the  divisions  of  lands  agreed 


^The  Casleys  were  in  town  early.  See  p.  255.  Jomsr  Casley  m. 
twice ;  1st,  Alice ;  2d,  Eebecca,  who  m.  2d,  Sam'l  Norman.  The  children, 
as  per  probate  rec,  wei-e  John,  Benj.,  and  Sarah,  who  ra.  Elisha  Smith, 
Ap.  20,  1719.  John  Jr.  removed  to  Yarmouth.  See  p.  208.  Benj.  m. 
Mary  Godfrey  Mar.  4,  1713-14.  William,  who  was  constable  1639,  was 
prob.  a  bro  of  the  above  John,  and  is  said  to  have  m.  "  a  sister  of  Rev. 
Mr.  Matthews,  Nov.  28,  1639,  in  Sandwich." 

^Mr.  Robert  Davis,  see  Vol.  I.  578,  was  twice  m.  We  have  said  his 
children  were  by  his  sec.  wife,  Ann.  The  presumption  now  is  that  several 
were  by  tiie  first  w.  We  are  obliged  also  to  conclude  that  his  d.  Mary  m. 
Dexter,  and  not  Goodspeed.  His  eldest  m.  Thos.  Greere,  not  Greene,  as 
misprinted ;  and  the  youngest  was  Mercy,  not  Mary.  Mr.  Deane  is  mista- 
ken in  supposing  that  Triitram  was  his  son.  Joseph,  his  son,  see  also  ib. ; 
his  dr.  Mary  m.  I\Iatthias  Gorham  1730,  not  Davis.  JosiAH,  4th  s.  of  Rt., 
b.  1G56,  m.  Anne  Taylor  June  25, 1679,  and  had  John  Sep.  2,  1681 ;  Han'h 
1683,  who  m.  Gershom  Cobb  Feb.  24,  1702-3;  Josiah  Aug.,  1687,  who 
m  Mehit.  Taylor  July  10,  1712,  and  had  two  sons  and  a  dr.,  the  youngest 
being  Josiah,  who  m.  Thankful  Matthews  1 745  and  2d,  Thankful  Gorham 
1760,  and  went  to  Gorham,  Me. ;  Seth  1692,  who  m.  Lydia  Davis;  Ruth 
1694,  who  m.  John  Scudder  May  19,  1715;  Sarah  1696,  who  m.  Elisha 
Taylor  Oct.  24,  1718;  Jonathan  1698;  Stephen  Dec.  12;  1700,  and 
Anne  1702,  who  m.  Theop.  Withereli  1724. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  281 

to  refer  all  matters  in  dispute.  Major  Mayhew,  of  the  Vineyard, 
was  chosen,  on  their  pai't,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Sprague,  of  Duxbury, 
on  the  part  of  the  town.  A  settlement  of  the  whole  difficulty 
was  eflfected  Jan.  20,  1696.  In  1695,  Sergt.  James  Cobb  died;* 
also  Mr.  John  Lothrop. 

In  1696,  a  public  road  was  laid  out  over  Lt.  Rowland's  land, 
from  his  house  into  the  woods ;  and  for  the  right  of  way  two 
acres  of  salt  meadow  were  given.  A  piece  of  land,  on  which  to 
erect  a  warehouse,  was  voted  to  Mr.  Otis,  —  the  plat  to  be  forty 
feet  square,  and  lying  at  Rendezvous  Creek.  The  great  marshes 
were  divided,  lots  being  drawn  for  choice ;  and  each  lot  was  duly 
bounded  and  recorded.  The  marshes  at  South  Sea,  and  about 
Oyster  Island,  were  set  off  in  like  manner  to  persons  living  in 
that  part  of  the  town.^  Mr.  John^  Dun^ham  died  this  year;  also 
Mr.  Thomas  Allyx,  Nov.  21,  aged  31.  In  1698,  March  19,  Mr. 
Samuel  Hinckley  died.  In  1699,  Feb.  2,  Mr.  Josiah  Crocker 
died,  aged  51.^ 


^  Mr.  James  Cobb  was  s.  of  Eld.  Henry  Cobb.  He  m.  Sarah  Lewis 
Dec.  26,  1663,  and  she  m.  2d,  Jonathan  Sparrow.  Issue  of  James  and 
Sarah:  Mary  Nov.  24,  1664,  who  m.  Caleb  Williamson  May  31,  1687; 
Sarah  Jan.  26,  1666,  who  m.  Benj.  Hinckley  Dec.  27,  1686;  Patience 
Jan.  12,  1688,  who  m.  Jas.  Coleman  1694,  and  2d,  Thos.  Lombard  171.5; 
Hannah  Mar.  28,  1671,  who  m.  Jos.  Davis  1695;  James  July  8,  1673; 
Gershom  Aug.  4,  1675;  John  Dec.  20,  1677;  Elisa.  Oct.  6,  1680;  Mar- 
tha Feb.  6,  1682;  Mercy  Ap.  9,1685;  and  Thankful  June  10,  1687. 
James  b.  1673,  m.  Elisa.  Hallett  Sept.  18,  1695  and  had  James  who 
set.  in  Truro,  Sylvanus,  Elisha,  Jesse,  Seth,  Ebenezer,  Judah,  Nathan, 
Stephen,  and  Elisa.  Gershom,  b.  1675,  m.  Han'h  Davis  Feb.  24, 1702-3, 
and  had  John,  Sarah,  Gershom,  John,  Hannah,  Thankful,  Anne,  Josiah, 
Edward,  and  Mary.  Sylvanus,  s.  of  James,  b.  Nov.  25,  1700,  m.  Mercy 
Baker  Nov.  7,  1728,  and  had  a  large  family,  in  the  line  of  which  are  Rev. 
Sylvanus,  and  the  prolific  writer  of  tales.  Elisha,  b.  Dec.  24,  1 702,  m.  Mary 
Harding,  1725.     Jesse,  b.  Ap.  15,  1704,  m.  Thankiul  Baker,  1734. 

^  It  is  said  by  Mr.  Otis  that  "  the  South-sea  men  were,  at  this  time,  Thos. 
Macy,  John  Goodspeed,  Benj.  Goodspeed,  Ebenezer  Goodspeed,  John  Lov- 
ell,  Jas.  Lovell,  Wm.  Lovell,  And.  Lovell,  John  Issum,  Thos.  Bumpas,  Dolor 
Davis,  Thos.  Lewis,  Joshua  Lumbert,  John  Linnel,  John  Phinney  Jr.,  Edw. 
Lewis,  Jos.  Lothrop  Jr.,  John  Lewis,  and  Edward  Coleman ;  and  that, 
soon  after,  the  Hallett,  Crowell,  Bearse,  and  Claghorn  families  appear 
there."  We  have  not  been  cai-eful  to  note  exact  locahties  of  different  per- 
sons, in  the  first  settlement  of  the  town,  but  suppose  the  above  is  correct. 

*Mr.  Josiah  Crocker,  who  was  se  51,  was  son  of  Dea.  Wm.  and  b.  1647. 
He  m.  Melatiah  Hinckley,  dr.  Gov.  Thos.,  Oct.  23,  1688,  and  she  d.  Feb. 
2,  1714-15,  aged  66.  Issue  :  a  son  Aug.  20,  1669,  d.  inf  ;  Thos.  May  27, 
1671;  Mercy  Feb.  13,  1674,  d.  y. ;  Mary  Sept.  10,  1677,  who  m.  Wm. 
Crocker  1705;  Alice  Dec.  25,  1679,  who  m.  Geo.  Lewis  June  14,  1711  ; 
Melatiah  Nov.  20,  1681,  who  m.  Timo.  Crocker  Oct.  27,  17^9;  Josiah 
Feb.  8,  1684;  Ebenezer  May  30,  1687;  Seth  Sept.  23,  1689,  who  d.  in 
Harwich,  without  issue ;  and  Benj.  Sept.  26,  1692,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1713, 


282  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1700, in  pursuance  of  an  order  from  Richard, Earl  of  Bella-, 
mont,  directed  to  Capts.  Gorham  and  Otis,  to  divide  the  militia 
of  the  town  into  two  companies,  the  said  commissioners  reported 
to  the  commander-in-chief  as  follows :  "We  do  order,  agree,  and 
appoint,  That  beginning  at  Dea.  Job  Crocker's,  and,  as  the  way 
goeth,  up  to  the  head  of  Skonkenet  River,  and,  as  the  river  run- 
neth into  the  South  Sea,  shall  be  the  dividing  line  in  the  said 
town  ;  the  eastern  part  to  belong  to  Cnpt.  Gorham,  the  1st  foot 
company  in  said  Barnstable ;  and  the  western  part  to  Capt.  Otis, 
the  2d  foot  company  in  said  town."  Mr.  Jabez  Crocker  died 
this  year. 

In  1701,  the  commons-lands  continued  to  be  a  subject  of  con- 
tention. A  town-meeting  Avas  held,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Russell  was 
chosen  moderator.  The  following  were  questions  debated  : 
"  Whether  the  bare  admission  of  persons  to  be  townsmen  gives 
them  a  right  to  the  Commons  under  any  circumstances?  Whether 
there  be  any  rights  of  Commons  that  have  not  been  already 
divided  ?  Whether  there  be  any  right  of  Commons  to  per- 
sonal estate  ?  Whether  there  be  any  right  of  Commons  to 
house-lots  as  such?  Whether  any  respect  shall  be  paid  to  the 
numbers  of  male  children  in  each  family  ?  and,  Whether  the 
right  of  Commons  heretofore  granted  to  any,  doth  extend  to  his 
and  their  heirs  and  successors."  A  committee  was  then  chosen 
"  to  draw  up  proposals  for  settling  the  propriety  of  the  Common 
lands,  and  to  ascertain  who  are  the  proprietors,  and  what  the 
share  of  each  shall  be,  and  the  method  best  to  be  adopted  for  di- 
viding the  lands  from  time  to  time  in  future."  Maj.  Gorham  and 
14  others  were  of  this  committee. 

In  1702,  the  undivided  lands  were  still  a  subject  of  absorbing 
intei-est :  and  it  was  agreed  in  town-meetina:  that  disinterested 


and  set.  in  Ipswich.  Eleazer  bro.  of  the  above,  b.  1650,  m.  Ruth  Chip- 
man,  dr.  Eld.  John,  Ap.  7,  1682,  who  d.  Ap.  8, 1698 ;  and  2d,  Mercy  Phin- 
ney  Jan.  25,  171G-17.  Issue:  Benoni  May  13,  1682,  d.  1701;  Bethia 
Sept.  23,  1683,  who  m.  John  AVhiton  Mar.  13,  1710;  Nathan  Ap.  27, 
1685;  Daniel  Mar.  23,  1686-7,  d.  1723,  without  issue  ;  Sarah  Mar.  23, 
1689,  Avho  m.  Jos.  Bursley,  Nov.  7,  1712;  Theophilus  Mar.  11,  1691; 
Eleazer  Aua.  3,  1693  ;  Ruth,  twin  to  Eleazer,  who  m.  Sam'l  Fuller  1718; 
Abel  June  15,  1695,  some  time  of  Plympton ;  Rebecca  Dec.  10,  1697, 
who  m.  Robbins ;  and  Mercy,  by  2d  m.  Nathan,  s.  of  Eleazer,  b.  1085, 
m.  Joanna  Bursley  Mar.  10,  1708-9.  Issue:  Jabez  June  20,  1709,  who 
m.  Deliv.  .loncs,  Mary  Baker,  and  Remember  Fuller;  Benoni  Feb.  24, 
1711-12,  who  m.  Abigail  Bursley,  dr.  Jno. ;  Nathan  Mar.  7,  1713-14,  Avho 
m.  Mehitable  Crocker,  dr.  Ebenezer;  Isaac  May  6,  1719,  who  m.  Elisa. 
Fuller;  John  Jan.  11,  1721-2,  who  was  in  the  Cape  Breton  e.xpedition; 
and  Temp.  Oct.  3,  1724,  who  m.  Joseph  Annable. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  283 

persons  be  chosen  to  determine  Avho  are  the  rightful  proprietors. 
Capt.  Jonathan  Morey  of  Plymouth,  Mr.  Sam'i  Knowles  of  East- 
ham,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Dean  of ,  were  agreed  upon  ;  and  Rev. 

Mr.  Russell  was  authorized  to  write  to  them,  requesting  their  at- 
tendance in  this  town,  May  12.  A  committee  was  appointed  "to 
take  account,  in  the  meanwhile,  of  the  townsmen  and  of  their 
several  claims  by  their  individual  qualifications ;  this  to  be  ac- 
cording to  the  rule  adopted  in  1640."  It  was  at  the  same  time 
resolved,  "that  80  aci-es  of  land  be  reserved,  the  j^rofits  of  which 
shall  be  toward  the  support  of  a  school  or  schools  in  town;  and 
80  acres  for  the  support  of  the  ministry, —  these  to  remain  per- 
petually for  the  aforesaid  purposes.^"  The  grand  division  finally 
made,  was  "of  upland  commons  and  salt  marsh  that  had  not  been 
before  divided."  The  whole  of  these  were  computed  in  shares, 
comj^rehending  in  the  aggregate  6,000  acres, —  divided  to  each 
according  to  his  right,  the  number  of  shares  to  each  annexed  to 
his  name  on  the  schedule ;  leaving  to  any  aggrieved  the  liberty 
of  the  common  law  for  redress.     This  division  was  made  in  1703. 

In  1704,  Lt.-Col.  Gorham  is  mentioned  in  history  as  "  com- 
manding the  whale-boats  in  the  expedition  \inder  Col.  Church 
against  the  French  and  the  eastern  Indians,"  as  he  had  done  14 
years  before  in  the  expedition  against  Canada,  under  Sir  William 
Phipps.^    Mr.  Isaac  Robinson  died  this  year.   ^ 

In  1705,  Mr.  Edward  Taylor  died. 

In  1706,  the  decease  of  Gov.  Hinckley,  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  88,  occurred  at  his  mansion  about  2  m. 
W.  of  the  court-house.  His  career,  though  greatly 
distinguished,  had  not  been  without  its  vicissitudes 
and  vexations.  That  he  was  a  man  of  great  energy 
of  purpose  is  proverbial ;  and,  perhaps  it  is  admit- 
ted by  all  that  he    was  not  so    remarkable  for  con- 

^  These,  respectively  known  as  "  the  school  lot,"  on  the  S.  side  of  the 
town,  and  the  "  ministerial  lot,"  on  the  N.  side,  need  no  further  description. 
These  lots  were  hired  out  for  10  years,  for  the  uses  to  which  they  were 
devoted. 

^  Mr.  Palfrey  remarks,  "  This  command  of  Cape  whale-boats,  which,  in 
the  want  of  a  better  marine,  seem  to  have  been  relied  on  in  those  times  as 
a  formidable  force,  appears  to  have  been  a  kind  of  heir-loom  in  the  family ; 
as,  in  1745,  at  the  capture  of  Louisburg,  another  Gorham  commanded  the 
squadron  of  wh?ile-boats  which,  in  an  attack  upon  the  'island-battery'  so 
called,  did  the  only  hard-fighting  which  occurred  in  the  course  of  that  most 
memorable  enterprise." 


284  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

cilia tion  as  his  pastor.  Rev.  Mr.  Walley.  He  certainly 
could  be  sufficiently  prompt,  urgent,  coercive,  when, 
as  he  thought,  occasion  required.-^  It  has  been  said  by 
his  contemporaries  that  his  second  wife,  to  whom  he 
was  united  more  than  40  years,  "  possessed  a  character 
excellently  suited  to  correct  the  occasional  impetuosity 
of  his  own  ; "  an  intimation,  at  least,  that  he  had  this 
strong  point  of  character.  Gov.  Hinckley's  tribute  to 
the  memory  of  his  wife,  written  at  the  age  of  85, 
shows  that  he  fully  appreciated  her  worth,  breathing 
as  it  does  the  tenderest  affection,  if  "  not  the  most 
tuneful  spirit  of  song."^  Mr.  Jeremiah  Bacon  died  this 
year,  aged  49;  and  Dea.  Samuel  Allyn,  aged  39.  Mr. 
Samuel  Chipman  and  Mr.  Richard  Childs  were  or- 
dained deacons. 

In  1707,  liberty  was  given  to  Paul  Humphrey  and  his  son, 
James  Richards,  Isaac  Wampum,  Joseph  Peter  and  his  son, 
Indians,  to  dwell  on  Oyster  Island  at  South  Sea.  "Division  hav- 
ing been  made  of  all  uplands,  meadows,  and  Sandy  Neck,  except 
such  portions  as  were  reserved  to  be  divided  at  a  future  time ; 
and  the  shares  of  each  being  bounded,  marks  were  set  u])  between 
them."  All  was  done  in  accordance  with  the  ancient  rule. 
For  the  support  of  the  poor  £60  was  raised.  Mr.  Otis  and 
Mr.  Bourne  were  appointed  to  consider  an  address  from  the  Gen- 
eral Court  respecting  the  state  of  the  treasury.  Their  report  was 
accepted  ;  and  it  was  "  resolved  to  make  every  effort  to  supply 
the  demand  of  the  Court."  Fines  were  imposed  on  several  per- 
sons for  non-compliance  with  the  town  order  requiring  each  male 
inhabitant  to  kill  a  certain  number  of  blackbirds. 

In  1708,  Elder  John  Chipman,  formerly  of  this  town,  died  in 
Sandwich.  Oct.  10,  nineteen  persons  received  a  dismission  from 
the  church  here,  to  gather  a  church  in  Falmouth.  In  1709,  Mr. 
John  Hinckley  died,  and  in  1710,  Mr.  George  Lewis. 

In  1711,  Mr.  John  Crocker  died,  aged  74  f  also, 

^  It  is  said  by  Mr.  Palfrey,  "  He  came  into  the  Board  of  Assistants,  on 
the  ground  of  the  strong  part  which  he  took  against  the  Quakers ;  super- 
seding Cudworth,  who  was  for  dealing  Avith  them  more  leniently." 

*  See  notice  of  Gov.  H.  and  family.  Vol.  I.  p.  343. 

^Mr.  JouN  CuocKER,  b.  1G37,  was  eldest  s.  of  Dea.  Wm.     See  Vol.  I. 


ANNALS  OF   BARNSTABLE.  285 

three  months  preceding  him,  Feb.  2,  "  the  learned, 
pious,  faithful,  and  successful  pastor  of  the  church, 
Eev.  Jonathan  Russell  Sr.,  aged  56/  After  his  de- 
cease, the  question  of  a  division  of  the  town  into  two 
distinct  parishes  began  to  be  moved,  not  without 
strong  opposition.  In  1712,  April  9,  "A  separate  meet- 
ing was  set  up ; "  and  difficulties  growing  out  of  differ- 
ences of  opinion  touching  the  policy  of  two  distinct 
parishes,  existed  for  several  years.  To  the  pastorate 
succeeded  the  son  of  the  former  minister,  Rev.  JoNx\- 
THAN  Russell  Jr.,  who  was  called  May  1,  and  ordained 
Oct.  29 ;  salary,  £80,  settlement,  £200.  Rev.  Mr. 
Treat  gave  the  charge,  Rev.  Mr.  Stone  the  right  hand 
of  fellowship.  The  settlement  of  Mr.  R.,  it  was  stipu- 
lated, was  to  be  '•  no  obstruction  "  to  the  plans  of  di- 
vision. Mr.  Melatiah  Lothrop  died  this  year.  In  1713, 
Lt.  James  Lewis  died,  aged  82.^ 

562-3,  646.  It  should  have  been  there  mentioned  that  Dea.  Wm.  had  a 
2d  w.  Patience  Parker,  wid.  of  Eob't,  and  dr.  of  Elder  Hy.  Cobb.  John 
came  with  his  parents  from  Scit.  1639,  m.  Mary  Bodfish  1659,  who  d.  1662, 
and  2d  Mary  Bursley  April  25,  1663.  Issue:  Elisa.  Oct.  7,  1660,  who  m. 
Dea.  Ed.  Child  1678;  Jona.  July  15,  1662;  John  Feb.  17,  1663-4;  Han- 
nah Oct.  10,  1665,  who  m.  Sam'l  Lothrop  July  1,  1686;  Joseph  March  1, 
1667-L", ;  Benj.  who  d.  inf. ;  Nath'l  1673;  Experience  1674,  who  d.  April 
17,  1740-1;  Jabez,  who  d.  1700;  Mary,  who  m.  John  Bursley  Jr.  Feb. 
11,  1702 ;  Abigail,  died  early;  and  Bathshua,  who  d.  y. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Russell  is  called  by  Dr.  Chauncey  "  an  eminent  and  wor- 
thy man."  During  his  ministry,  171  were  admitted  to  church  communion, 
and  452  baptized.  For  family,  see  Vol.  I.  345-6,  and  245.  Of  his  dr. 
Abigail,  who  m.  Nathaniel  Otis,  of  Sandwich,  and  after  becoming  a  wid. 
i-esided  with  her  dr.  Martha,  who  m.  Edmund  Freeman,  President  Stiles, 
in  his  History  of  the  Throe  Judges  of  King  Charles  I.  says,  "  She  was  every 
way  a  woman  of  superior  excellence,  of  exceedingly  good  natural  abihties, 
of  natural  dignity  and  respectability,  of  reading  and  extensive  observation. 
She  had  all  along  in  life  been  much  conversant  with  the  clergy,  gentlemen 
of  the  court,  and  others  of  the  first  standing,  and  took  singular  delight  in 
the  conversation  of  instructive  characters."  She  had,  perhaps,  more  dili- 
gently than  any  other  person,  perused  the  papers  of  the  Regicides,  which 
manuscripts  her  father  brought  from  Hadley,  and,  therefore,  was  enabled  to 
furnish  much  information  to  Dr.  Stiles,  for  his  History. 

^  Lt.  Lewis,  who  d.  Oct.  14,  Avas  several  years  selectman,  and  also  jus-    p. 
tice  of  the  "select  court."      He  was  b.  in  Scit.  1631,  and  was  s.  of  Geo.      \ 
By  m.  with  Sarah  Lane  Oct.  31,  1655,  he  had  John  Oct.  29,  1656,  who  set. 
in  Hing.  and  from  whom  was  Rev.  Isaiah  Lewis,  of  Welllleet ;  Sam'l  Apr. 
10,  1659  ;  Sarah  March  4,  1661,  who  m.  Thomas  Lincoln  Jan.  6,  1685,  and 


286  HISTORY  OF  earnstable  county. 

In  1714,  the  nmount  of  £20  per  annum,  which  had  long  been 
appropriated  to  schools  "to  be  kept  in  each  end  of  the  town  half 
a  year,  in  suitable  rooms  provided  in  private  dwellings,  each 
parent,  guardian,  or  master,"  being  "  required  to  provide  "  for  his 
or  her  children,  or  wards,  "books,  pen,  ink,  and  paper  suitable  for 
their  learning,"  was  increased  to  £30.  Mr.  Edward  Coleman 
died  this  year.^  ,  In  1715,  the  amount  raised  for  schools  was  £35. 
Mr.  Robert  Claghorn,  son  of  James,  died,  se.  54. 

In  1716^  Col.  Gorham  and  Mr.  Thacher  were  a  com- 
mittee to  attend  the  church-meeting  in  behalf  of  "  the 
new  church."  Tt  is  evident  that  the  "  friends  of  the 
plan  "  were  resolved,  and  were  men  of  influence  and 
pecuniary  ability.    A  meeting-house  was  already  being 


2d,  Rt.  Waterman,  Feb.  20,  1699;  James  June  3,  1664;  Susanna;  and 
Ebenezer.  James,  b.  1664,  m.  Ellsa.  Lothrop  1698,  and  had  Mary  Aug. 
16,  1700;  Elisa.  May  8,  1702;  James  July  9,  1704  ;  Barnabas  March  17, 
1706  ;  and  Solomon  June  26,  1708. 

^  Edward  Coleman  Sr.,  father  of  the  above,  m.  Margaret  Lumbard, 
dr.  of  Thos.,  Oct.  27,  1648,  and  was  ad.  from  Boston,  an  inhab.  of  this 
town  Oct.  3,  1662.  In  1690,  the  town  granted  25  acres  of  land  "at  Yan- 
no's  "  to  the  son,  "  the  father  yet  living,  but  enfeebled."  The  Issue  of 
Edward  Sr.,  by  w.  Margaret,  in  Boston,  was:  Edward  about  1649; 
Ehsa.  1651,  who  m.  John  Hadaway,  in  Yarmouth,  his  2d  w..  May  1,  1672; 
Mary  Sept.  12,  1653;  Martha  Aug.  8,  1655;  in  Barnstable,  Sarah  and 
James.  Edwaed,  b.  1649,  d.  as  above,  without  issue.  James,  m.  Pa- 
tience Cobb,  dr.  James,  and  had  Edward  Oct.  25,  1695  ;  Martha  March  4, 
1698,  Avho  m.  John  Phinney,  Sept.  25,  1718,  and  went  to  Gorham,  Me. 
Thankful  Feb.  7,  1699-1700,  who  m.  Robert  Claghorn  Jan.  16,  1722-3 
a  son  Feb.  26,  1702-3,  died  infant;  James  April  11,  1704;  John  Sept 
26,  1706;  Patience  May  6,  1709,  who  m.  James  Lothrop  July  20,  1732 
and  Ebenezer  Aug.  15,  1711.  The  widow  m.  Thomas  Lumbard  Sept. 
10,  1715.  Edward,  b.  1695,  m.  Thankful  Liunbai'd  Sept.  16,  1715,  and 
had  Edward,  bap.  Nov.  7,  1725;  and  Miriam  Oct.  1727,  who  m.  Joseph 
Bacon  Jr.  Dec.  13,  1750.  He  had,  perhaps,  others.  James,  b.  1704,  m. 
Patience  Phinney,  dr.  Dea.  John,  March  12,  1727-8,  and  2d,  Martha  Phin- 
ney, and  had  Martha  Jan.  31,  1758-9,  d.  inf;  Martha  March  19,  1732-3; 
James  Aug.  8,  1735;  John  May  14,  1737,  who  m.  Abigail,  dr.  of  Capt. 
James  Delap,  and  removed  to  N.  Scotia;  and  Mary  March  27,  1739,  who 
m.  David  Howland  March  15,  1673.  Mr.  James  Coleman  d.  April  16, 
1781,  aged  77;  and  his  wid.  Feb.  29,  1784,  aged  80.  John,  b.  1706,  m. 
Reliance  Cobb,  wid.  Eleazer,  Aug.  5,  1736,  who  d.  June  11,  1742,  and  2d, 
Mary  Hambhn  Aug.  2,  1743,  and  had  Martha  June  19,  1737  ;  John  Oct. 
29,  1738;  Mary  May  11,  1740,  d.  inf;  Mary  Aus;.  5,  1744;  Thomas 
Nov.  8,  1747;  Nath'l  Sept.  17,  1749;  Zaccheus  Feb.  24,  1750-1;  and 
Reliance  April  26,  1752.  James,  b.  1735,  m.  Zervia  Thomas  Sept.  24, 
1761,  and  2d,  Anna  Lumbard  June  28,  1763.  From  him  were  Edward 
of  Sandwich,  b.  July  28,  1764,  who  m.  Anna  Fish;  John  of  S.,  who  m. 
Love  Fish  1 792  ;  and  Capt.  Ilcszekiah,  who  m.  Dorothy  Fish  Dec.  29, 
1796,  and  d.  at  Cotult  Port  Nov.  15,  1861,  aged  neai-ly  90. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  287 

erected  "  at  the  east  end  of  Cobb's  Hill,"  without  wait- 
ing for  a  legal  parish  incorporation.-^  Mr.  John  Sar- 
GEANT  died  this  year;  also  Mr.  John  Gorham.  In 
1717j  Jan.  3,  the  church  and  town  voted  to  submit 
the  difficulty  in  regard  to  a  division ;  and  Feb.  20,  an 
ecclesiastical  council,  of  which  Rev.  Roland  Cotton,  of 
Sandwich,  was  moderator,  was  convened  to  take  into 
consideration  "  the  irregular  proceedings  in  separating 
and  forming  a  new  meeting."  The  council,  consisting 
of  Rev.  Messrs.  Cotton,  Stone,  Little,  Greenleaf,  Eelles, 
Metcalf,  and  Mayhew,  and  Elders  Shearj.  Bourne,  Wra. 
Basse tt,  Nath'l  Thomas,  Sam'l  Sturgis,  Benj.  Warren, 
Stephen  Clap,  and  Thomas  Lincoln,  "  without  approv- 
ing of  the  procedure,  recommended,  under  the  circum- 
stances, a  conciliatory  course."  The  town  had  now, 
perhaps,  become  suflQciently  populous  to  justify  a  sep- 
aration ;  at  least,  the  population  being  widely  scat- 
tered, a  division  into  two  precincts  might  well  be  re- 
garded as  a  matter  of  convenience.  It  is  not  surprising 
that  a  measure  so  fraught  with  the  obliteration  of  old 
and  endearp  ^  associations  was  considered  by  many  a 
aeedless  iii  ovation,  and  met,  therefore,  for  a  time, 
with  strenuous  opposition.  After  much  discussion 
and  deliberation,  the  town  was  divided  into  two  pre 
cincts,  West  and  East.^  It  was  agreed  that  the  minis- 
ter. Rev.  Mr.  Russell,^  make  his  election  of  which  one 
of  the  parishes  he  will  serve.  His  decision,  postponed 
until  the  W.  Precinct  meeting-house  was  built,  Aug. 

^  This  meeting-house,  knovrn  as  the  East  Precinct  meeting-house,  stood 
more  than  a  century,  —  a  building  of  large  proportions,  —  on  the  same  spot 
where  the  present  stands. 

^  The  dividing  line  "  ran  from  a  little  E.  of  Joseph  Crocker's  place  S.  to 
Oyster  River." 

*  Although  respect  for,  and  attachment  to.  Rev.  Mr.  Russell  were,  in 
a  good  degree,  unabated  by  the  disturbances  in  regaiu  to  a  division  into 
parishes,  —  the  project  having  originated  not  in  consequence  of  any  dis- 
affection toward  him, — there  were,  however,  as  he  more  than  intimates 
in  his  letter,  instances  of  "  disaffection  and  prejudice." 


288  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

1719,  was,  induced  doubtless  by  reasons  generally 
approved,  to  remain  with  the  West  Parish.  Mr.  Laz- 
arus LovELL  died  this  year. 

In  1718,  the  West  Parish  proceeded  to  build  a  new 
meeting-house ;  and,  abandoning  the  old  structure 
erected  in  1681  at  the  cost  of  £100  sterling,^  held  the 
first  service  in  the  new  edifice  on  the  Thankso-ivinsf- 
day  of  the  following  year.^  The  East  Parish  pur- 
chased the  edifice  on  Cobb's  Hill,  paying  £450  to  the 
persons  who  had  caused  its  erection.  Mr.  Russell,  as 
the  former  minister  of  the  town,  had  precedence,  and 
therefore  retained  possession  of  the  church  records, 
and  proceeded  in  the  pastoral  office  without  ceremony 
of  induction.  No  renewed  organization  of  the  church 
being  required,  the  West  has  been  considered  "  the 
First  Church."  The  members  worshipping  with  the 
East  Parish,  numbering  64  persons,  called  a  council 
which  constituted  them  a  regular,  independent  Con- 
gregational Church,  as  will  be  seen,  a  few  years  after. 
For  schools,  the  appropriation  was  raised  this  year  to 
<£40  ;  and  so  contmued  several  years.  Mr.  Benjamin 
Hamblin  d.  this  year;  also,  Mr.  Thomas  Crocker.^ 

In  1719,  in  the  month  of  March,  Dea.  Job  Crocker  d.,  aged 
75.*    Deacon  Childs  was  sent  abroad  by  the  East  Precinct  to  ob- 

^  This  house  stood  on  the  hill,  ten  rods  W.  of  the  dwelling  of  the  late 
Sturjiis  Gorham. 

"  The  structure  as  to  its  frame,  is  the  same  occupied  by  the  West  Parish 
to  the  present  time. 

^  Mr.  Thomas  Crocker,  merchant,  son  of  Dea.  Job,  b.  1674,  m.  Eliza- 
beth Lothrop,  wid.  of  John,  and  had  Walley  July  30, 1 703,  d.  inf ;  Thomas 
Aug.  2G,  1704;  and  Walley  June  26,  1706.  Walley  m.  Abigail  Anna- 
ble  Oct.  22,  1730,  and  had  Abigail;  Temperance,  who  m.  Daniel  Carpen- 
ter ;  and  Vf  alley. 

*  See  Vol.  I.  563-4.  Dea.  Job  Crocker,  ordained  deacon  1684,  was 
a  distinguished  citizen.  In  addition  to  the  family  notice  in  Vol.  I.,  we  may 
here  say,  his  drs.  Mary  m.  John  Howland  Jr.,  2d  wife,  June  19, 1719;  Han- 
nah m.  prob.  John  Holden  of  Warwick  July  7,  1712 ;  Ellsa.  m.  Rev.  Benj. 
Allen  of  Tisbury  April  5,  1712;  and  Sarah  m.  Benj.  Lumbard  Jr.  May 
27,  1725.  Samuel,  s.  of  Dea.  Job,  b.  1671,  and  living  near  Scorton,  m. 
Sarah  Parker  D-.-c.  10,  1696  ;  and  2d,  Judith  Leavett  of  Ptochester,  Ap.  12, 
1719  ;  and  had  Samuel  Dec.  12,  1697,  who  m.  Ptuth  Hamblin  1724  ;  Cor- 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  289 

tain  a  minister.  Mr.  Welstead  came,  niifl,  in  turn,  Mr.  Wiggles- 
worth,  Mr.  Cotton,  Mr.  Waldron,  Mr.  Ward,  Mr.  Gold,  Mr.  Perkins, 
Mr.  Gee,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hillhouse,  Mr.  Russell,  Mr.  Leonard,  and 
others.  Some  received  calls,  but  none  accepted,  and  the  precinct 
remained  without  a  settled  minister  several  years. 

In  1721,  Serg.  Joseph  Crocker^  d. ;  also,  Mr.  Ebenezer 
Hinckley,  and  Oct.  10,  Capt.  Josiah  Crocker. 

In  1722,  March  18,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Crocker  d.,  aged  36.2 
In  1723,  Dea.  Samuel  Chipmajst,  innkeeper,  d.,  aged  63. 

nelius  1698,  d.  inf;  Mary  1700  ;  Patience  1701,  who  m.  Shubael  Davis,  2d 
w.  1727;  Elisa.  1703,  who  m.  James  Childs  1722;  Cornelius  March  23, 
1704;  Roland  1705  ;  Gersliom  1706  ;  Ebenezer  June  5,  1710,  who  m.  Ann 
Eldrldge  of  F.  1735,  and  went  to  Connecticut;  Benj.  1711  ;  Rjbecica,  who 
m.  Jones  1740  ;  Richel,  who  m.  Joseph  Rowland  1739  ;  David  Jr.,  who  m. 
Dorcas  Davis  of  F.  1741  ;  Sarah,  who  m.  Joshua  Backhouse  of  S.  1734; 
and  Tabitha  1721,  who  m.  Timo.  DiivJs  of  F.  1760. 

^  Mr.  Joseph  Crocker,  youngest  s.  of  Dea.  Wm.,  b.  1654,  m.  Tempe. 
Bursley  1677,  and  had  Wni.  Aug.  25,  1679  ;  Timo.  Ap.  30,  1681  ;  Noah 
1683,  d.  y. ;  Joanna  July  18, 1687,  who  m.  Joseph  Fuller  Jr.  Feb.  9, 1708- 
9  ;  Martha  Feb.  22,  1689;  Tempe.  Aug.  26,  1694;  and  Remember,  August 
26,  1699,  who  m.  Samuel  Annable  3d,  May  28,  1719. 

"  Mr.  Ebenezer  Crocker,  s.  of  Josiah,  b.  1687,  m.  Hannah  Hall  of  Y. 
May  22,  1715,  and  had  Mehit.  Sept.  16,  1716,  who  m.  Nathan  Crocker  Jr. 
Dec.  27,  1739  ;  Hannah  Oct.  10,  1718,  who  m.  Ebenezer  Childs  Jr.  Jan. 
15,  1747;  Susanna  Oct.  20,  1720,  who  m.  Geo.  Conant  Jan.  30,  1755; 
and  Ebenezer  March  2,  1722-3. 

^  The  Chipmans  were  descended  from  Elder  John,  who  m.  Hope  How- 
land,  dr.  of  John  of  Plymouth,  1646,  and  2d,  Ruth  Bonnie,  wid.  of  Mr. 
Richard  of  S.  1684.  He  was  in  Boston  1631 ;  afterwards  of  Plymouth  ;  of 
Barnstable  1649,  and  remained  until  his  2d  m.  when  he  removed  to  S.  "to 
the  deep  regret  of  the  Be.  church  "  of  which  he  had  been  ordained  Elder 
Ap.  ]  4,  1670.  He  d.  in  S.  April  7,  1708.  He  was  5  years  a  deputy,  and 
several  years  sel.  man  ;  and  by  trade  a  carpenter.  His  1st  w.  d.  Jan.  8, 
1683,  aged  54  ;  the  2d  d.  Oct.  4,  1713,  aged  71.  Issue,  all  by  1st  m.,  was 
Elisa.  at  Plymouth  June  24,  1647,  who  m.  Hosea  Joyce  of  Y.,  his  2d  w. ;  a 
child  at  Y.  Sept.  9,  1650,  d.  inf  ;  Hope  in  Be.  Aug.  31,  1652,  who  m.  Jno. 
Huckins  Aug.  10,  16  70;  Lydia  Dec.  25,  1654,  who  m.  John  Sargeant  of 
Maiden,  his  3d  w. ;  John  March  2,  1656-7,  d.  inf ;  Hannah  Jan.  14,  1658- 
9,  who  m.  Thos.  Huckins  May  1,  1680;  John  1659,  d.  inf  ;  Samuel  April 
15,  1661  ;  Ruth  Dec.  31,  1663,  who  m.  Eleazer  Crocker  Ap.  7,1682;  Be- 
thia  July  1,  1666,  who  prob.  m.  Shubael  Dimmick  ;  Mary  Feb.  6,  1668,  who 
m.  Nathan  Skiff  of  Chilmark  Dec.  13,  1699;  John  Mar.  3,  1670-1  ;  and 
Desire  Feb.  26,  1673-4,  who  m.  Col.  Melatiah  Bourne  of  S.  Feb.  23,  1692 
-3.  Dea.  Samuel,  b.  1662,  was  a  carpenter,  ord.  deacon  Sept.  1706,  a  re- 
tailer of  liquoi's,  active  in  public  business,  and  highly  esteemed.  He 
m.  Sarah  Cobb  Dec.  17,  1686,  who  d.  Jan.  8,  1742-3,  aged  79.  Issue:: 
Thomas  Nov.  17,  1687;  Samuel  Aug.  6,  1689;  John  Feb.  16,  1690-1;. 
Mercy  Sept.  15,1692;  Joseph  Jan.'lO,  1693-4 ;  Jacob  Aug.  30,  1695; 
S-th  Feb.  24,  1697;  Hannah  Sept.  24,  1699,  who  m.  Bar's  Lothrop  Jr.  2d 
w.  Dec.  25,  1  713  ;  Sarah  Nov.  1,  1701,  d.  y.  ;  and  Barnabas  Mar.  24, 1702. 
Hon.  JoHX,  s.  of  the  Elder,  b.  1670,  was  a  shoemaker,  and  removed  early 
to  S.  where  he  was  a  rep.,  magistrate,  and  mihtia  oflicer.  He  m.  Mary 
Skiff  1691,  who  d.  March  12, 1 711 ;  2d,  wid.  Elisa.  Russell  of  Boston,  dr.  Jas.. 
vol.  il  37 


290  HISTORY    OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1724,  Mr.  Joshua  Lombard  died. 

In  1725,  the  East  Parish  extended  an  invitation  to 
Mr.  Joseph  Green,  and  May  12  he  was  ordained  pas- 
tor.^ The  same  day  the  church,  in  connection  with 
this  parish,  was  duly  recognized.  Mr.  Jonathan 
Crocker,  Mr.  Samuel  Chipman,  and  Mr.  Jonathan 
Baker  were  chosen  deacons  of  the  West  Church  Aug. 
19.  Jonathan  Crocker,  s.  of  Jona.,  d.  September  21, 
aged  29.2 

In  1726,  June  2,  Messrs.  Richard  Childs,  John  Lewis,  and 
Samuel  Bacon  were  qualified  to  officiate  as  deacons  in  the  East 
Church.  The  peace  of  the  West  Parish  was  invaded  by  that 
fruitful  occasion  of  breach  of  harmony,  —  differences  of  opinion 
respecting  the  manner  of  conducting  the  musical  part  of  the  ser- 
vice; and  so  far  did  the  dispute  proceed,  that  June  12  "the  church 
and  society  called  upon  the  civil  officers  to  detect  and  bear  testi- 
mony against  such  iniquity."^  Mr.  John  Buesley  2d  died  this 
year ;  also,  Nov.  25,  Mr.  Samuel  Allen,  aged  82.*  This  year, 
Capt.  James   Delap,    whose   history  partakes  so  much  of  ro- 

Handly,  Jan.  29,  1716,  (she  had  m.  1st,  a  Pope;)  and  3d,  Hannah  Hookey 
(some  say  Hoxie),  of  R.  I.  1725,  who  d.  "at  old  Capt.  Pope's,  in  Darfo, 
June  29,  1725,"  and  in  Mr.  Pope's  will  she  is  called  Handy.  Issue  :  John 
1692,  d.  inf.;  James  December  18,  1695;  John  September  18,  1697; 
Mary  December  11,  1699,  Avho  m.  Shubael  Smith  September  6,  1724; 
Bethia,  twin  to  Mary,  who  m.  Sam'l  Smith  Oct.  6,  1717 ;  Perez  September 
28,  1702;  Deborah  Dec.  6,  1704;  Stephen  June  9,  1708;  Lydia,  twin  to 
Stephen,  who  m.  Zeph'h  Swift  of  S.  Sept.  30,  1724,  from  whom  were  de- 
scended Rev.  Zeph'h  Swift  of  Conn,  and  Prds.  Moore  of  AVill.  Col. ;  Eben. 
Nov.  13,  1709;  Handly  Aug.  31,  1717  ;  and  Rebecca  Nov.  10,  1719.  He 
removed  to  the  Vineyard  where  he  was  Judge  C.  C.  P.  1722,  and  from 
thence  to  Newport,  where  he  was  of  the  Court  of  Assistants,  1756. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Gkeen  was  "  a  member  of  Mr.  Cotton's  church  in  Boston, 
and  highly  recommended  for  talents  and  piety." 

^Mr.  Jonathan  Crocker,  b.  1696,  m.  Ehsa.  Bursley  Nov.  28,1723, 
and  had  Ephraun  who  d.  Oct.  17,  1725. 

-  Palfrey. 

*  Mr.  John  Bursley  2d,  b.  1652,  m.  Elisa.  Howland,  dr.  Lt.  Jno.  1673; 
and  had  Ehsa.  1674,  d.  inf ;  Mercy  1675,  d.  inf ;  John  1678;  Mary  May 
23,  1679,  who  m.  Joseph  Smith;  Jabez  Aug.  21,  1681  ;  Joanna,  Nov.  29, 
1684,  who  m.  Nathan  Crocker  1709;  Joseph  Jan.  29,  1686-7;  Abigail 
Aug.  27,  1690,  who  m.  Nathan  Bodfish  March  10,  1713;  Elisa.  Aug.  5, 
1692,  who  m.  Jona.  Crocker  Nov.  28,  1723;  and  Tenipe.  Jan.  3,  1695. 
Joseph  Sr.  b.  1687,  m.  Sarah  Crocker  Nov.  7,  1712,  and  had  Joseph,  who 
m.  Bethia  Fuller  Dec.  20,  1730  ;  Lemuel  Sept.  8,  1718;  and  Mercy  July 
10,  1721,  who  m.  John  Goodspeed  May  22,  1757.  Joseph  Jr.,  who  m. 
Rettie,  had  John  Nov.  1,  1741:  Bettie  1743;  Lemuel  March  2,  1745; 
Sarah  1748  ;  Abigail  1750,  and  Joseph  March  27,  1759. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  291 

itiance  that  tradition  has  handed  down  his  marvellous  adven- 
tures, became  a  resident  here.^ 

In  1727,  the  town  voted  that  "there  be  one  schoolmaster,  and 
agents  as  in  past  years  to  settle  the  school  according  to  law." 
Mr.  JoHis"  LoTHKOP  died  this  year ;  also,  Dec.  27,  Mr.  Samuel 
Cobb,  aged  73.^ 

^His  adventures,  as  in  substance  communicated,  some  years  since,  by- 
Rev.  Mr.  Pratt,  now  deceased,  are  as  follows :  —  James  Del ap,  b.  in  Ca- 
van,  Ireland,  concluded  to  remove  wiih  his  parents  and  others  of  the  fam- 
ily, to  this  country;  and,  in  1725,  taking  passage  in  an  emigrant  ship  from 
Dublin,  soon  found  that  the  vessel  was  under  the  direction  of  a  most  un- 
principled captain.  The  passage  pioved  long  and  afflictive.  Tlie  passen- 
gers having  with  them  money  of  considerable  amount,  it  has  been  supposed 
that  the  captain,  moved  by  avaricious  greed,  designedly  prolonged  the  voy- 
age, intending  to  starve  the  passengers  and  get  possession  of  their  treasures. 
Nearly  half  the  number  died  before  making  land.  At  this  juncture,  fortu- 
nately for  the  survivors,  the '  vessel  was  spoken  by  another  from  Ireland, 
Henry  Ball  master,  and  the  emaciated  sufferers  conti'ived  to  make  Capt. 
B.  acquainted  with  their  condition.  Going  on  board,  and  witnessing  the 
wretchedness  of  the  passengers,  some  of  whom  wei-e  then  dying,  his  indig- 
nation toward  the  commander  was  so  excited  that,  seizing  a  club,  he 
threatened  to  dash  out  his  brains  if  he  did  not  at  once  make  for  the  shore 
and  land  the  survivors.  The  vessel  being  then  but  a  few  leagues  from 
land,  the  infamous  commander,  knowing  that  his  designs  were  suspected, 
and  fearing  the  consequences  of  e::posure  If  he  still  refused,  directed  his  ship 
to  the  shore,  and  landed  the  lialf-famlshed  emigrants  on  Nauset  bar,  at  East- 
ham.  It  is  said  that  the  murderous  fiend  was  subsequently  apprehended 
for  his  crimi-nal  conduct,  carried  back  to  Ireland,  tried,  condemned,  execu- 
ted, and  drawn  in  quarters.  The  parents  of  Delap  were  both  of  the  num- 
ber who  died  oil  the  passage,  Mrs.  D.  dying  only  the  day  before  the  vessel 
reached  Cape  Cod.  Her  body  was  taken  ashore  and  buried  at  Nauset.  Of 
the  children  of  this  family,  four  died  on  the  voyage,  and  their  bodies  were 
oommitted  to  the  deep.  James  was  the  only  one  of  the  family  that  sur- 
vived, and  was  then  about  14  years  old.  Such  was  his  emaciated  condi- 
tion and  weakness,  that,  when  landed,  he  was  unable  to  stand,  and  could 
only  creep  on  his  hands  and  knees.  In  this  pitiful  condition,  —  an  orphan, 
bereaved  of  all  friends,  penniless,  and  in  a  strange  land,  —  he  found  on 
these  shores  hearts  that  could  sympathize  with  him  in  his  sufferings,  and, 
at  last,  made  his  way  to  Barnstable.  Here  he  applied  himself  as  an 
apprentice  to  a  Mr.  Bacon,  a  blacksmith ;  and  on  attaining  his  ma- 
jority commenced  business  for  himself,  working  at  bis  trade  in  winter, 
and  following  coasting  at  other  seasons.  He  soon  became  master  of  a  ves- 
sel, and  perhaps  owner.  By  m.  with  Mary  Kelley,  of  y.,he  had  Rose  1739, 
who  m.  Eben.  Scudder,  and  d.  1812;  Abigail  1741,  who  m.  John  Coleman, 
and  removed  to  Granville,  N.  S.  and  d.  1825;  Catharine  1743,  whom. 
Solo.  Otis,  and  d.  1819  ;  Thomas  1744,  who  d.  a3.  27 ;  Mary  1745,  who  m. 
Seth  Backus,  and  d.  aged  ;  Sarah  1750,  who  m.  Jonas  Farnswoi'th,  and 
2d,  Geo.  Stillman  Smith,  and  d.  1785;  Jane  1753,  who  m.  Jonas  Farns- 
worth  1774,  and  d.  1826;  Hannah  1755,  who  m.  Sam'l  Steele  Esq.  of  the 
Br.  navy,  and  d.  soon;  Temperance  1757,  who  m.  Dea.  Thad.  Harris,  and 
d.  1832  ;  James  1760,  who  m.  Sarah  Walker,  and  2d,  Mrs.  Pengree.  Capt. 
D.  removed  to  Granville,  N.  S.  with  most  of  his  family,  in  1774,  and  died 
1789,  aged  78. 

^Mr.  Samuel  Cobb,  s.  of  Eld.  Hy.  m.  Elisa.  Taylor  Dec.  20,  1680. 


292  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1728,  Mr,  Daniel  Pakker  died  ;  also,  in  April,  Mr.  Tiios. 
Crockek,  aged  57;^  and  April  29,  Dea.  Samuel  BAcOiSr,  aged 
46.  The  West  Parish  voted,  June  6,  "to  sing  the  regular  or 
new  way  till  the  church  order  otherwise."  Thus  did  innovation 
finally  triumph  over  "  the  old  mode." 

In  1729,  Mr.  Shubael"  Claghorn  died;  also,  Mr.  Joseph  Da- 
vis. Mr.  Nathaniel  Bacon  and  Mr.  John  Phinney  were  chosen 
deacons  by  the  E.  Church,  Jan.  28.  In  1730,  June  14,  Mr.  Jos. 
Blish  died,  aged  82.^  In  1731,  it  was  voted  that  there  be  two 
teachers,  one  of  a  grammar  and  one  of  a  common  school,  for  the 


Issue:  Sarah  Aug.  20,  1681,  who  m.  Benj.  Bearse  Feb.' 4,  1701-2;  Thos. 
Juue  1,  1683;  Elisa.  1685,  who  m.  Eben.  Bearse  Nov.  25,  1708;  Hemy 
1687  ;  Sam'l  Sept.  10,  1691 ;  Meliit.  twin  to  Sam'l,  who  m.  Nathan  Taylor 
June  30,  1715  ;  Exper.  June  8,  1692,  who  na.  Joshua  Taylor  Feb.  8,  1713- 
14  ;  Jona.  Dec.  25,  1694  ;  Eleazer  Jan.  14,  1096  ;  and  Lydia  1699,  who  x^. 
Eben.  S.-udder  1725.  Thomas,  b.  1683,  by  his  w.  Rachel  had  Abigail 
Mar.  29,  1711,  who  m.  Nath'l  Sturgis  Fob.' 20,  1734-5;  Nath'l  Oct.  15, 
1713,  who  m.  Susanna  Bacon  Dec.  14,  1738;  Elisa.  Feb.  14,  1715,  who  m. 
Jona.  Lewis  Jr.  Oct.  13,  1737;  Sam'l  Mar.  20,  1717;  Matthew  Ap.  15, 
1719,  who  m.  Mary  Garret  Jan.  24,  1750-1,  and  had  Matthew,  a  disting. 
merchant  of  Portland  ;  Daniel,  a  prominent  citizen  of  this  town,  father  of 
Mattliew  Esq.,  and  others;  David  Feb.  28,  1721,  who  m.  Thankful  Hinck- 
ley Aug.  12,  1745  ;  Hervey  Ap.  16,  1724,  who  m.  Bethia  Hinckley  Jan. 
31,  1733-4;  Thos.  Ap.  30,  1726  d.  inf  ;  Eben.,  twin  of  Thos.,  who  m.Mary 
Smith;  Eunice  1729  ;  and  Mary  1731.  Jonathan,  s.  of  Elder  Hy.,  b; 
1660,  m.  Hope,  dr.  of  John  Chipman  and  wid.  of  John  Huckins,  March  1, 
1682-3,  and  set.  in  Portland. 

^Mr.  Thomas  Crocker,  s.  of  Josiah,  b.  1671,  m.  Hannah  Green  of 
Boston,  Mar.  25,  1696,  and  had  Tabitha  Dec.  20,  1698;  Josiah  Ap.  21, 
1701 ;  Seth  June  13,  1708  ;  Hannah  May  8,  1711,  whom.  Jabez  Eobinson 
July  25,  1744  ;  Thankful;  and  Joseph  1715,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1734. 

-Mr.  Joseph  Blish,  s.  of  Abraham,  b.  1648,  m.  Hannah  Hull,  who  d. 
Nov.  15,  1733,  03.  75,  and  had  Joseph  Sept.  13,  1675  ;  John  Feb.  17,  1677, 
d.  y. ;  Annah  1679;  Abraham  Feb.  27,  1680-1;  Reuben  Auo-.  14,  1683; 
Sarah  1685  d.  inf  ;  Sarah  1687  d.  v. ;  Thankful  1689,  who  m.  Jos.  Bodfish 
Oct.  11,1712;  John  Jan.  1,  1691,  who  d.  1711 ;  Tristram  1694  ;  Mary  1696, 
who  m.  Sam'l  Jones  June  26,  1718;  and  Benj.  1699.  Abraham,  pi-ob.  s. 
of  the  above,  m.  Temp.  Fuller  Nov.  12,  1736,  and  had  Abraham  Oct.  20, 
1737  ;  Elijah  Mar.  5,  1738-9,  who  m.  Sarah  Stewart  Jan.  25,  1761  ;  Re- 
becca Nov.  14,  1740;  Benj.  May  9,  1743;  Elish.  Ap.  23,  1745,  d.  inf; 
Martha  July  14,  1749;  Temp.  Nov.  21,  1751;  and  Timo.  Aug.  3,  1756. 
Reuben,  s.  of  Joseph,  b.  1683,  by  1st,  Elisa.  2d,  Mary,  had  John,  Silas, 
Reuben,  Elisa.,  Hannah,  and  Thankful.  Tristram  m.  Anna  Fuller  Oct. 
17,  1717,  and  had  Benj.  June  16,  1718;  Anna  Nov.  19,  1719;  Sylvs.  Oct. 
13,  1731  ;  and  Thankful  1725,  who  m.  Caleb  Perry  of  S.  1758.  John,  s. 
of  Reuben,  m.  Mary  Goodspeed  Jr.  Nov.  15,  1729,  and  had  John,  Mary, 
Stacy,  and  Rebecca.  Reuben,  s.  of  Reuben,  m.  Ruth  Childs  May  21, 
1747,  and  had  Reuben,  David,  Thos.,  and  EHsa.  Silas,  s.  of  Reuben,  m. 
Nancy  Tobey  of  F.  1747,  and  had  Rebecca,  Abigail,  Mercy,  Silas,  Elisha, 
and  Mercy.  Elisha,  s.  of  Silas,  m.  Rebecca  Linnel,  widow  of  John  and 
dr.  of  Jas.  Linnel,  who  d.  Nov.  7,  1830,  se.  86,  and  2d,  Rebecca  Linnel  then 
ic.  29,  a  niece  of  1st  w.     He  d.  1836,  ae.  77.  v 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  293 

support  of  which  schools  £G5  was  raised.  Jonisr  Bacon  Esq. 
died  August  20,  aged  67;^  also,  Sept.  21,  Mr.  EiOeazePw  Cobb, 
aged  35. 

In  17'32,  Mr.  Bennet  was  employed  as  schoolmaster,  and  a 
5arge  committee  was  appointed  "  to  regulate  the  schools  for  the 
time  to  come."  The  report  of  the  committee  being  accepted,  it 
was  voted  "that  when  the  two  precincts  have  had  equal  time  in 
the  town's  schoolmaster,  they  shall  cast  lots  to  determine  in 
which  part  the  school  shall  be  first  kept,  and  so  by  turn  for  four 
years;  and  that  in  the  E.  precinct  it  shall  be  each  year  first  nerir 
the  meeting-house  42  weeks,  and  near  Thomas  Hadaway's  10 
weeks;  in  the  W.  precinct  near  John  Howland's  33  weeks,  and 
ihen  by  Benj.  Goodspeed  Sr.'s  14  weeks,  and  then  by  James 
Lovell  Jr.'s  4  weeks  and  4  days."  Mr.  Jabez  Bursley  died  this 
year;^  also,  Mr.  Geeshom  Cobb. 

In  1733,  the  line  between  this  town  and  Yarmouth  was  run. 
A  committee  was  appointed  to  prevent  disorderly  behavior  at 
night  by  Indians,  negroes,  and  other  persons.  The  town  engaged 
to  pay  for  wild-cats  killed,  £2  per  head,  half  as  much  for  the 
young,  as  provided  by  the  Province  laws.^ 

^  JoHK  Bacon  Esq.  a  lawyer  of  large  practice,  was  also  Judge  C.  C.  P. 
It  should  have  been  stated,  Vol.  1.  353,  that  after  the  death  of  his  1st  wife, 
Elisa.  Howes,  who  d.  Mar.  5,  1725-6,  83.  Gl,  he  m.  2d,  Madam  Sarah 
Warren  of  Plym.  Sept.  9,  1726  :  and  that  his  dr.  Hannah  m.  Ebcn.  Morton 
of  Plym.  Mar.  25,  1709;  and  Desire  m.  Wm.  Green  Mar.  25,  1709.  Al- 
though his  2d  w.  was  a  wid.  and  grandmother,  the  strong  attachment  is 
witnessed  by  a  marriage  contract.  A  singular  provision  in  his  will  is  that 
his  negio  slave  Dinah  shall  be  sold  and  "  the  proceeds  improved  by  my  ex- 
ecutors in  buying  Bibles,  and  they  shall  give  them  equally  and  alike  to  each  of 
my  said  wife's  and  my  gTandchildren."  That  the  affection  of  maturer  year.i 
did  not  wane,  is  seen  in  his  tender  regard, — a  provision  of  his  will  being  that 
Ms  son  "  Judah  shall  provide  a  good  boast  to  go  in  my  wife's  calacJie  to  any 
part  of  Barnstable,  and  once  a  year  to  Plym."  His  orchard,  though  given 
to  his  son  Judah,  was  to  be  enjoyed  by  his  other  children  7  years,  each  hav- 
ing the  fruit  of  5  trees.  His  wigs,  cane,  horse-furniture  &c.  were  duly  dis- 
tributed ;  his  law  books  given  to  Judah  who,  whilst  ample  provision  ibr  all 
the  family  was  minutely  arranged,  had  a  Benjamin's  portion  of  the  large 
estate.  By  the  demise  of  Esq.  Bacon,  Cobb's  Hill  parted  with  a  resident 
Avhose  prominence  and  dignity  were  marked. 

^Mr.  Jabez  Bursley,  s.  of  Jno.  b.  1681,  had  by  his  w.  Hannah,  Benj. 
July  21,  170G  ;  John  Sept.  1,  1708;  Elisa.  Feb.  1,  1710-11 ;  Abigail  Feb. 
25,  1714,  who  m.  Benoni  Crocker  Feb.  19,  1736;  Hannah  1715,  who  m. 
Solo.  Bodfish  Dec.  17,  1741  ;  Joanna  1719,  who  m.  Chas.  Conant  1733; 
Mary  1723;  and  Barna.  Jan.  16,  1725.  Benj.  m.  Joanna  Cannons  July 
7,  1735,  and  2d,  Mary  Goodspeed  Feb.  2,  1744,  and  had  Jabez  Julv  26, 
1735;  Martha  1740;  Elisa.  1744;  Sarah  1748;  Benj.  1752;  and  Lemuel 
1755.    Jno.  m.  Elisa.  Sanders  1743.    Barnabas  ra.  Thankful  Smith  1754. 

^In  the  Gorham  record  of  "grants,"  June  6,  1733,  "  for  services  in  the 
Narraganset  war,"  the  grantees  named  as  '  of  Barnstable,'  are  "  Mary  Dav- 


^94  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1734,  "Easthani;  Harwich,  Chatham,  and  Prov- 
incetown,  having  held  a  convention  and  voted  to  pe- 
tition the  General  Court  for  removal  of  the  seat  of 
justice  in  part  to  Eastham,  this  town  remonstrated." 
The  town  applied  to  the  Indian  Commissioners  "for 
relief  from  expenses  incurred  on  account  of  the  sick- 
ness of  Indians  and  the  orphans  of  deceased  Indians 
left  to  the  care  of  the  town."  There  were  many 
meetings  of  the  East  Church  this  year  in  regard  to 
the  re-establishment  of  the  office  of  Ruling  Elder ; 
and,  August  20,  Mr.  Green  closes  a  record  thus  : 
"  The  good  Lord  forgive  what  has  been  amiss  in  any 
brother  at  this  meeting,  and  give  a  good  issue  of  the 
difficult  business  and  the  very  critical  affair." 

Ill  1735,  it  was  voted  "to  have  two  Grammar  school-mastei's." 
In  1736,  Mr.  John  Jenkins  d.'  also,  John  Davis  Esq.^ 
In  1737,  Jan.  3.1,  Timothy  Crockee  Esq.  d.,  aged  57;^  and, 
April  6,  Mr.  Ebenezee  Scuddee  d.,  aged  41. 

ener,  Sam'l  Boreman,  Jno.  Carmon,  Sam'l  Linnel,  Geo.  Lewis,  Dr.  Matt. 
Fuller,  Jno.  Hathaway,  Sam'l  Fuller,  Jacob  Hinckley,  Thos.  Fuller,  Jos. 
Higgins,  Sam'l  Hinckley,  Sam'i  Allyn,  S.mi'l  Davis,  Caleb  Lombard,  Jos. 
Goriiam,  Eben.  GoO'dspeed,  Lot  Gonant,  Jno.  Clark,  Josiali  Crocker,  Sam'l 
Bryant,  Increase  Clapp,  Ed.  Ellingham,  Joseph  Taylor,  Sam'l  Child,  John 
Duncan,  Bart.  Hamlin,  Eleazer  Hamlin,  Thos.  Hugglns,  John  Phinney, 
Joseph  Bearse,  John  Lewis'  heirs,  Josiah  Davis,  Eben.  Clap,  Sam'l  Cops, 
Jed.  Lumbert,  Joseph  Blush,  Jno.  Howland,  Shub.  Gorham  Jr.,  Jno.  Good- 
speed,  and  Jno.  Lewis  for  bro.  Benj." 

^  Mr.  Jenkins  left  a  legacy  of  £5  to  the  poor  of  the  East  Church. 

^  John  Davis,  b.  1681,  s.  of  Josiah,  was  a  man  of  note.  He  m.  Mehit. 
Dimoc  Aug.  13,  1705,  and  had  Thos.  Oct.  1,  1706,  who  m.  Susanna  Stur- 
gis  Nov.  17,  1726  ;  John  Sept.  8,  1708,  who  m.  Abigail  Otis  1730,  and  2d, 
Anne  Allen  1 736,  and  had  Josiah,  John,  and  Martha ;  Solomon  April  5,1711; 
William  April  10,  1713;  Solomon  June  25,  1715;  Mehit.  Aug.  10,  1717, 
who  m.  1st,  Dr.  James  Hersey,  2d  John  Russell,  3d  John  Sturgis,  and  4th 
Hon.  Daniel  Davis;  Wm.  Aug.  24,  1719,  who  m.  Martha  Crocker  1745  ; 
Josiah  1722  ;  Isaac  and  Jesse,  gem.,  1724  ;  and  Isaac  1727.  Solomox.  b. 
1715,  was  a  merchant  in  Boston,  and  d.  June  6,  1791.  He  m.  Eliza  Wen- 
dell of  Portsm.  N.  H.  Jan.  29,  1750,  and  2d,  Cath.  Wendell  Nov.  18,  17  77, 
and  had  John  1753  ;  Solo.  1754  ;  Edward  1755;  Thomas  1757  ;  Elizabeth 
Oct.  14,  1758,  who  m.  Dr.  David  Townsend  May  24,  1785,  and  was  mother 
of  Dr.  Solo.  D.  Townsend,  who  m.  a  dr.  of  Edward  Davis;  Mehit.  1760  ; 
Henry  1761  ;  Josiah  1763  ;  Isaac  Ap.  2,  1765,  who  m.  Elisa.  Fellows,  and 
from  whom  is  Gustavus  F.,  Pres.  of  City  Bank,  Hartford  ;  and  Wm.  1768. 

^  Timothy  Cuockeu  Esq.,  b.  1681,  merchant,  ensign,  etc.,  m.  Melatiah 
Crocker,  dr.  Josiah,  O^t.  27,  1709.     Issue  :  Jerusha  Dec.  12,  1711,  who  m. 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  295 

In  1738,  the  town  ordered  Mr.  Marston  to  make  a  passage 
tlirough  his  mill-dam,  for  alewives.  Certain  Indians  sickened 
and  died  at  the  house  of  John  Gorham;  and  for  the  expenses  in- 
curred and  trouble  occasioned  by  this  event,  Mr.  G.  was  allowed 
£10.  Dea.  Nathaniel  Bacon  died  in  January,  this  year,  aged 
63;^  and  Mr.  Thomas  Davis.  ,Mr.  Robert  Davis  was  chosen 
deacon  of  the  E.  Church  August  2. 

In  1740,  Mr.  Moody  Russell  was  chosen  deacon  of  the  East 
Church,  May  28. 

In  1741,  Mr.  William  Ceockee  died,  aged  62;^  also,  Feb'y 
11,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Ceockee,  aged  69  ;  and  October  8,  Mr. 
James  Allyn,  aged  50. 

In  1742,  a  com.  was  appointed  "  to  consider  some  method  for 
settling  the  town's  schools  for  several  years."  On  hearing  the 
report  of  com.,  it  was  voted  "  to  raise  a  sufficient  sum  of  money 
to  provide  schooling  4  years  and  5  mos.  viz. :  10  mos.  near  Stur- 
gis  Gorham's ;  10  mos.  near  Samuel  Amiable  Jr.'s  ;  10  mos.  near 
wid.  Mary  Howland's ;  4  mos.  near  Eben  Child's ;  4  mos.  near 
Benj.  Marston's ;  2  mos.  in  the  Lovell  neighborhood;  3^  months 
near  wid.  Hester  Hamblin's,  and  3  mos.  in  the  Bearse  neighbor- 
hood ;  and  that  the  sum  raised  for  these  schools  be  £299  6s.  old 
tenor."  The  town  again  sent  a  memorial  to  the  General  Court, 
setting  forth  a  statement  of  the  charges  incurred  for  the  support 
and  care  of  Indians,  and  asking  for  remuneration.  Elisha  Lum- 
bert  had  liberty  to  build  a  wharf  at  Hyannis  Harbor,  with  the 
stipulation  that  the  inhabitants  have  the  privilege  of  landing 
upon  it  their  persons  and  goods  without  charge  of  wharfage. 

In  1744,  June  21,  Mi".  Samuel  Annable  died,  aged  74;  and, 
Dec,  2,  Mr.  Joseph  Boijpish  died,  aged  94. 

In  1745,  the  amount  raised  for  schools  and  for  the  poor  was 

Elijah  Deane  May  19,  1741  ;  Melatiah  Mar.  19,  1714,  who  m.  John  Sturgis 
Esq.  March  21,  1734  ;  Bathsheba  Ap.  2,  1717,  who  m.  Rev.  Sam'l  Tobey 
of  Berkley  Sept.  6,1738;  Abigail  April  2,  1721,  who  m.  Eev.  Roland 
Thacherof  Wareham  Sept.  2,  1740;  and  Martha  Dec.  26,  1724,  who  m. 
'Capt.  Wm.  Davis  Feb.  2,  1744-5. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  353.  Dea.  Nathaniel  Bacon,  s.  of  Nathaniel  2d,  born 
Sept.  9,  1674,  m.  Ruth  Dagget  of  the  Vineyard  Nov.  11,  1696,  and  had 
Thomas  Sept.  30,  1697,  who  set.  in  E. ;  David  Dec.  11,  1700;  Jonathan 
March  11,  1703;  Hannah  Jan.  15,  1704-5;  and  Sarah  Jan.  6,  1707-8. 
His  wid.  d.  Aug.  6,  1756.     Dea.  B.  was  a  blacksmith  and  innholder. 

^  Mr.  Wm.  Crocker,  b.  1679,  s.  of  Joseph,  m.  Mary  Crocker,  dr.  Josiah, 
1705,  and  had  Mercy  Sept.  22,  1706,  who  m.  Joseph  Blish;  a  son  June  20, 
1708,  d.  inf.  ;  a  dr.  Aug.  3,  1709,  d.  inf. ;  Wm.  Sept.  9,  1710,  who  m.  Han- 
nah Baker;  Ahce  1712,  who  m.  Stephen  Beals  of  Hing. ;  Mary  Aug.  12, 
1714;  Joseph  1718  ;  and  Benj.  March  20,  1720. 


296  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

£220.  Mr.  John  Bacon,  s.  of  John  Esq.  died  May  24  ;i  Mr. 
Joseph  Davis  also  died  this  year,  and  Lotheop  Russell,  who 
grad.  H.  C.  1743,  s.  of  Dr.  John,  died  July  16,  aged  21. 

In  1746,  Dea.  John  Phinney  died;  also,  August  24;  Mr. 
Jonathan  Ckocker,  aged  84.^ 

In  1748,  Ml-.  John  Buesley  M  died  ;  ^  also.  May  15,  Mr.  Benj. 
Beaese.  Mr.  John  Hinckley  was  chosen  deacon  of  the  East 
Church  March  2. 

In  1750,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Bakee  died;*  also,  July  11,  Mr. 
RoBEET  Claghorn  ;  Mr.  Rt.  Foxwell  also  died  this  year. 

^  Capt.  John  Bacon,  b.  1697,  was  lost  at  sea.  He  m.  Elisa.  Freeman 
May  3,  1726,  and  had  Mary  March  24,  1725-6,  d.  inf. ;  John  Ap.  29, 1728  ; 
Barnabas  Ap.  17,  1729,  d.  inf. ;  a  dr.  Jan.  3,  1730-1,  d.  inf  ;  Elisa.  May  8, 
1731,  who  m.  Thomas  Dimmock  Oct.  6,  1755  ;  Isaac  Dec.  25,  1732,  who  m. 
Alice  Taylor  Oct.  29,  176  2,  and  d.  June  26,  1819,  aged  87  ;  Mercy  Jan.  27, 
1734-5  ;  "Simeon  July  26,  1736  ;  Desire  May  20,  17"38  ;  and  Mary  Aug.  23, 
1740,  who  m.  Joseph  Davis.  The  bro.  of  the  above,  Nathaxiel,  b.  1692, 
m.  Anna  Annablc  Aug.  19,  1720,  and  2d,  Thankful  Lumbert  1730,  and  by 
the  last  had  Lemuel,  Benj.,  Jabez,  Hannah,  and  Jane.  His  wid.  m.  Austin 
Bearse  1744.  Another  bro.,  Isaac,  b.  1699,  m.  Hannah  Stevens  and  re- 
moved to  Provincetown.  Another,  Doct.  Solomon,  b.  1701,  m.  Hannah 
Capron  July  16,  1726.     JuDAH,  b.  1703,  prob.  d.  without  issue. 

'  Mr.  Jonathan  Cuockee,  s.  of  JesalJ«ui,  b.  1662,  m.  Hannah  How- 
land  May  20,  1686,  and  2d,  Thankful  Hinckley,  wid.  of  Jno.  Jr.,  Feb.  1710 
-11  ;  and  had  Lydia  Sept.  26,  1686,  who  m.  Benj.  Bodfish  Nov.  10,  1709  ; 
Hannah  March  26,  1688,  who  m.  Shub.  Fuller  1708  and  removed  to  Con- 
necticut ;  Thankful.  March  6,  1690,  d.  y. ;  Isaac  Ap.  4,  1692,  vdio  m.  Ann 
Smith  Dec.  13,  1718  and  went  to  Ct.,  and  afterwards  m.  2d  Elisa.  Fuller  of 
Be.  Oct.  31,  1726  ;  Keliance  June  28,  1694,  who  m.  Joseph  Smith  Jr.  Oct. 
5,  1712  ;  Jona.  May  28,  1696  ;  James  Sept.  3,  1699,  who  m.  Alice  Swift, 
di".  Jireh  of  S.  Nov.  21,  1721  and  went  to  Ct. ;  and  Eph'm  1702,  d.  y. 
John  Jr.  bro.  of  Jona.  b.  1664,  m.  Mary  Bacon  Nov.  5,  1702,  and  2d, 
Sarah  Hinckley.  Issue  :  Sarah  Jan.  4,  1703-4  ;  Moses  Ap.  5,  1705,  who  m. 
Mary  Fish  of  S.  May  15,  1735  ;  Mary  1707  ;  John  1709  ;  and  Elisa.  1711. 
Capt.  Joseph,  bro.  of  Jona.,  b.  1668,  m.  Anna  Howland  Sept.  18,  1G91, 
and  was  of  Cotuit.  Issue:  Deborah  1691  ;  Prudence  July  26,  1692,  who 
m.  John  Gorham  Esq.  Oct.  2,  1712  ;  and  Benj.  Ap.  5,  1696.  John,  son  of 
John,  b.  1709,  had  by  his  w.  Lydia,  Elisa.  1738;  Stephen  1740;  Joseph 
1742;  Allynl745;  Bathsheba  1747  ;  Lydia  1749;  David  1752;  Hannah 
1753  ;  John  1755,  father  of  John  Barker  ;  and  Abigail  1758. 

^  John  BuRSLEY,.3d  of  the  name,  b.  1678,  m.  Mary  Crocker  Feb'y  11, 
1702  ;  one  of  his  drs..  Experience,  m.  Benj.  Lothrop. 

*  Mr.  NATnA.NiEL  Baker,  s.  of  Samuel  and  g.  s.  of  Nicholas,  had  chil- 
dren :  Benny  Aug.  15,  1705,  d.  inf  ;  Mercy  Feb.  4,  1706,  vdio  m.  Svlvs. 
Cobb  Nov.  7,  1728;  Sarah  Oct.  4,  1708,  d.  inf;  Nathaniel  Dec.  15,  1709; 
Nicholas  Nov.  6,  1711  ;  Sarah  Nov.  2,  1713,  Vv^ho  m.  Jona.  Sturgis  Oct.  26, 
1732  ;  Thankful  March  28,  1715,  who  m.  Jesse  Cobb  Jan.  1,  1734  ;  Benny 
Sept.  28,  1716  ;  and  Elisa.  March  9,  1718,  who  m.  Benj.  Nye  Jr.  of  F.  Sept. 
28,  1738.  He  then  m.  2d,  wid.  Mercy  Lewis  Jan.  5,  1718-19,  who  d.  Dec. 
7,  17G8,  aged  — .  Nathaniel,  b.  1709,  m.  Anne  Lumbard  of  Newton 
1734,  and  had  Isaac  Ap.  12,  1734,  who  m.  Rebecca  Lewis  Oct.  6,  1754, 
Jind  had  Rebecca,  James,  Lewis,  Ezekiel,  Nathaniel,  John  Avho  settled  in 
B.ewster,  and  Isaac;  Mercy  May  6,  1738;  Benny  1751 ;  and  Anna,  1754. 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  297 

In  1751,  Bursley's  bridge  was  rebuilt.  It  was  "agreed  to  give 
Benj.  Marston  one-fourth  part  of  the  herrings  taken  at  his  mill- 
brook, —  he  to  keep  the  passage-way  open  for  the  fish  to  go  up 
in  the  spring,  and  for  the  young  to  come  down  in  the  fall ;  also 
to  keep  the  dam  between  the  ponds  in  repair,"  A  committee 
was  appointed  "  to  take  possession  in  behalf  of  the  town  of  a 
number  of  small  islands  of  thatch  that  have  risen  up  on  the 
flats."  Mr.  AusTiiSr  Beaese,  son  of  Benjamin,  died  June  2,  aged 
47.^     In  1752,  the  amount  raised  for  schools  was  £60. 

In  1753,  the  sum  raised  for  schools  was  £65.  Mr.  Wm.  Lov- 
ELL  died  this  year,  and.  May  9,  Mr.  Barnabas  Chipman  was 
chosen  a  deacon  of  the  West  Church.     In  1754,  March  4,  Mr. 

Nicholas,  b.  1711,  m.  Dorcas  Backus  of  S.  and  d.  Jan.  31,  1739-40;  he 
had  Nathaniel,  Eben.,  and  David.  Benny,  b.  1716,  m.  Patience  Lumbard 
Nov.  19,  1741,  and  had  John  Jan.  3,  1743;  and  Thankful  June  29,  1745. 
The  father  died  Dec.  29,  1747;   the  mother  Dee.  28,  1748. 

^  The  Bearse  family  date  from  Austiu  (often  written  Augustine)  Bearse, 
who  arr.  Ap.  24,  1638,  from  Southampton,  in  the  ship  Confidence,  and  who 
joined  the  Be.  church  Ap.  29,  1643,  of  which  he  was  a  consistent  and  highly 
respected  member.  Goodman  Austin  Bearse,  as  he  was  styled,  had  a 
large  family  b.  in  tliis  town,  viz. :  Mary  1640  ;  Martha  1642 ;  Priscilla  Mar. 
10,  1643-4,  who  m.  Dea.  John  Hall  Jr.  of  Y.  1660  ;  Sarah  Mar.  28,  1646, 
who  m.  Jno.  Hamblin  1667;  Abigail  Dec.  18,  1647,  who  m.  Allen  Nichols 
Ap.  12,  1670;  Hannah  Nov.  16,"l649;  Joseph  Jan.  25,  1651-2;  Hester 
Oct.  2,  1653;  Lydia  Sept.  30,  1655;  Rebecca  1657;  and  James  July  31, 
1660.  Joseph,  b.  1652,  was  a  soldier  in  Philip's  war,  and  m.  Martha  Tay- 
lor Dec.  3,  1676,  and  had  Mary  Aug.  16,  1677,  who  d.  single  Jan.  19,  1760, 
aged  84;  Joseph  Feb.  21,  1679  ;  Benj.  June  21,  1682  ;  Priscilla  Dec.  31, 
1683,  d.  inf. ;  Eben.  Jan.  20,  1685-6  ;  John  May  8,  1687 ;  Josiah  Mar.  10, 
1690,  who  went  to  Ct. ;  and  James  Oct.  3, 1692.  Ben.j.  b.  1682,  was  early 
set.  at  Hyannis,  and  m.  Sarah  Cobb  Feb.  4,  1701-2,  and  2d,  Anna  Nicker- 
son  of  C'  1747.  He  had  Martha  Nov.  9,  1702,  who  m.  Antipas  Lewis  Oct. 
15,  1730;  Augustine  June  3,  1704;  Elisa.  May  3,  1706;  Joseph  Oct.  30, 
1708;  Benj.  Mar.  26,  1710,  who  set.  in  Chatham;  Jesse  Oct.  22,1712; 
Priscilla  June  5,  1713,  who  m.  Elnathan  Lewis  Oct.  16,  1735 ;  David  Mar. 
27,  1716;  Peter  Oct.  25,  1718;  Sam'l  Dec.  9,  1700,  who  set.  in  Y. ;  Sarah 
July  5,  1722,  who  m.  Eben.  Nickerson  of  Y.  Feb.  17,  1744 ;  Thankful  Feb. 
4,  1724,  who  m.  Shubael  Nickerson  Mar.  6,  1746;  and  Stephen.  Mr.  B. 
d.  May  15,  1748,  and  his  "mulatto  boy  Tom  was  appraised  at  £60."  Au- 
gustine, b.  1704,  m.  Bethia  Linnel  June  3,  1728,  and  2d,  Thankful  Bacon, 
wid.  of  Nath'l,  Sept.  7,  1744,  and  had  Prince  Mar.  1,  1730-1,  who  m.  De- 
sire Downes  1754;  Temp.  Mar.  17,  1732-3,  who  m.  Lemuel  Lewis  March 
7,  1750;  Mercy  Mar.  9,  1734-5,  who  m.  Thos.  Buck  Feb.  20,  1752;  Lydia 
Dec.  25;  1736  ;  Simeon  June  27,  1739  ;  Sarah  1746,  who  m.  Sam'l  Beai'se 
Nov.  15,  1764;  and  Levi  1747.  Joseph,  b.  1708,  m.  Lydia  Deane  Oct. 
12,  1749,  and  d.  1751,  leaving  a  son  Joseph.  The  wid.  m.  Thos.  Annis 
1756.  Peteu,  b.  1718,  m.  Deborah  Bacon  Nov.  12,  1741,  and  had  Sam'l 
Sept.  10,  1742,  who  m.  Sarah  Bearse  Nov.  15,  1764  ;  David  Nov.  20,  1745  ; 
and  Edward  June  12,  1750.  Samuel,  b.  1720,  resided  in  Y.,  and  d.  Oct. 
30,  1751,  93.  30  ;  he  had  no  family,  but  Ave  record  his  act  of  filial  piety  in 
directing  in  his  will  that  tombstones  be  placed  at  the  graves  of  his  father 
and  mother. 

vol.  II.  38 


298  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Joseph  Blish  Jr.  died,  aged  79  ;  ^  and,  Aug.  24,  Mr.  John  Cobb 
died,  aged  77.  In  1755,  June  15,  Mr,  William  Blachfoed 
died.^ 

In  1756,  Jan.  17,  Dea.  Ebek.  Child  died,  aged  66.^  Mr.  Syl- 
VANUS  Cobb  died  Sept,  20  ;  and,  Dec.  5,  Mr.  Thomas  Ckockeb 
Jr.,  aged  55  ;  "*  also,  Mr.  Thomas  Cobb. 

In  1757,  the  small-pox  raged  in  town,  and  many  inhabitants 
died.  By  this  afflictive  visitation,  extraordinary  expenses  were 
incurred.  A  bounty  of  2s.  per  head  was  offered  for  foxes;  and 
each  householder  was  required  to  kill  six  crows  or  blackbirds. 
"  The  French  people,  being  still  in  town,"  were  the  cause  of  some 
expense.     Mr.  Benj.  Crocker  died  this  year,  aged  61 ;  ^   also, 


^Joseph  Blish  Jr.,  s.  of  Joseph,  b.  1675,  m.  Hannah  Child  July  30, 
1702,  and  2d,  Remember  Backus  of  S.  1733.  Issue  :  Joseph  Feb.  2,  1704 ; 
Abigail  Nov.  29,  1705,  who  m.  Seth  Crocker;  Sarah  Oct.  1,  1707,  who  m, 
Seth  Hamblin  Oct.  9,  1735  ;  Mehit.  June  14,  1711,  who  m.  Benj.  Jenkins 
Oct.  29,  1730  ;  Abraham  Sej^t.  29,  1712,  who  d.  Feb.  8,  1723-4;  and  Han- 
nah June  14,  1715.  Joseph,  a  leading  whig,  and  son  of  the  above,  m. 
Mercy  Crocker  Oct.  28,  1730,  and  had  Joseph  July  20, 1731,  who  m.  Sarah 
Crocker  May  19,  1757;  Hannah  Oct.  28,  1732,  who  m.  Zach.  Perry  of  S. 
Feb.  7,  1744-5;  AYilliam  Dec.  22,  1733;  Sam'l  1735;  Seth  1739;  "Mercy 
Oct.  24,  1740 ;  Benj.  1742 ;  Eben.  Ap.  1,  1744  ;  and  Timo.  Feb.  16, 1745-6. 

^Mr.  William  Blackford  came  from  London,  and  m.  Elisa.  Lewis, 
dr.  Benj.,  Nov.  12,  1728.  He  resided  at  Half-way  Pond,  was  industrious 
and  respectable.  His  wife  was  of  good  order  of  mind,  connected  with  the 
best  families  in  town,  and  53  years  (to  the  day  of  her  death),  a  member  of 
the  Barnstable  church,  "  exemplary  and  pious."  Thirty-five  years  she  was 
a  widow,  and,  left  with  a  young  family  and  small  estate  in  an  obscure  por- 
tion of  the  township,  contrived  by  rare  industry,  uncommon  energy,  and 
good  management,  to  bring  up  her  children  respectably,  she  at  last  going 
to  her  grave  under  the  weight  of  nearly  four-score  and  ten  years,  1790, 
honored  and  commended  by  her  pastor.  Issue:  Peter  May  10,  1729; 
Lydia  Ap.  5,  1734,  d.  y. ;  Benj.  June  11,  1738  ;  Eemember  Mar.  3,  1739- 
40;  Mercy  Ap.  13,  1742;  David  June  17,  1744;  Lydia  May  22,  1746;  and 
William  June  25,  1750.  Benj.  m.  Sarah  Godfrey  of  Y.  1761.  David 
m.  Elisa.  EUis  of  Prov.  1765,  and  d.  Nov.  16,  1822,  sd.  78.  William  m. 
Monica  Eldvidge  of  H.,  and  d.  Aug.  30,  1816,  as.  66. 

^  Dea.  Child,  s.  of  Dea.  Rd.,  see  p.  188,  m.  Elisa.  Crocker  1678,  who  d. 
Jan.  15,  1696,  and  had  a  2d  w.  Hannah.  Issue:  Sam'l  Nov.  6,  1679; 
Elisa.  Jan.  23,  1681-2,  d.  inf  ;  Thomas  Jan.  10,  1681-2,  d.  inf.;  Hannah 
Jan.  22,  1684;  Timo.  Sept.  22,  1686;  Eben.  1691  ;  Elisa.  June  6,  1692; 
James  Nov.  6,  1G94  ;)Mercy  May  7,  1697  ;  and  Joseph  Mar.  5,  1699-1700. 
Dea.  Ebex.,  b.  1091,  by  his  w.  Hope  had  Elisa.,  Eben.,  Richard,  Mary,  and 
Mercy.  Eben.  Jr.,  b.  Ap.  10, 1 723,  m.  Hannah  Crocker  Jan.  15, 1 745,  who 
d.  Feb.  23,  1755,  and  2d,  Abigail  Freeman  1756. 

*Mr.  Tiios.  Crocker,  s.  of  Thos.,  and  g.  s.  of  Dea.  Job,  b.  1704,  m. 
Mehit.  Dimmick  1727,  and  2d,  Rebecca  Hamblin  Oct.  20,  1780.  Issue: 
Walley,  Elisa.,  Sarah,  Rebecca,  Thos.,  Esther,  Barns.,  Iluckins,  and  Mary. 

"Mr.  Ben.;.  Crocker,  s.  of  Capt.  Joseph  of  Cotuit,  b.  1096,  m.  Priscilla 
Hall  of  Y.  Sept.  17,  1719,  and  had  Deborah,  Desire,  who  m.  Cornelius 
Sampson  of  Roch.  Oct.  3,  1747,  and  Martha. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE. 


299 


May  23,  Mr.  David  Cobb.     In   1758,  Mr.  Gershom  Cobb  Jr. 
died ;  and,  Oct.  11,  Mr.  James  Beaese,  aged  66.^ 

In  1759,  Mr.  EBEJf.  Bearse,  s.  of  Joseph,  died  in  Feb. ;  ^  Jno. 
Sturgis  Esq.  died  Aug.  10,  aged  56;^  and,  Sept.  10,  the  Rev. 


^Mr.  James  Bearse,  b.  1G92,  m.  Mary  Fuller  Mar..  19,  1719-20,  and 
2d,  Thankful  Linnel  1726.  He  had  Jabez  Feb.  20,  1720-1,  who  m.  Elisa. 
Hallet  Nov.  26,  1747,  and  2d,  Hannah  Bearse  Mar.  26,  1761 ;  James  Feb. 
3,  1728-9,  d.  inf  ;  Lemuel  May  3,  1731,  who  m.  Patiente  Phinney  Ap. 
30,  1761  ;  and  Thankful  Aug.  1,  1736,  who  m.  Lemuel  Lumbei't  Sept.  20, 
1 753.  Mr.  B.  in  his  will  bequeathed  his  "  Indian  maid  Thankful  Peas  "  to 
his  widow. 

^Mr.  Eben.  Bearse,  s.  of  Joseph,  b.  1685,  m.  Elisa.   Cobb  Nov.  25, 

1708,  and  2d,  Joanna  Lumbert  Sept.  4,  1712.     The  issue:  Bethia  Aug.  6, 

1709,  who  m.  John  Lovell  Nov.  14,  1732;  Saml  Feb.  26,  1711;  Elisa. 
Mar.  22,  1714,  d.  inf;  Abigail  Nov.  22,  1715,  who  m.  Melatiah  Lewis  Oct. 
1,  1742 ;  Eben.  Mar.  1,  1717,  who  m.  Mary  Berry  of  Y.  1754;  Daniel  July 
17,  1720  ;  Stephen  Oct.  1,  1721,  who  m.  Hannah  Coleman  June  9,  1748, 
and  had  sons  Daniel  and  Solomon;  Rebecca  June  3,  1725;  Patience  1727; 
EUsa.  1729,  who  m.  Nath'l  Bassett  of  Eoch.  1752;  and  Ruth  1734,  who 
m.  Jona.  Pitcher  Feb.  9,  1758. 

^  The  progenitor  of  all  of  the  name  here,  and  to  a  great  extent  else- 
where in  the  country,  Mr.  Edward  Sturgis  Sr.,  selectman  of  Y.  and 
many  years  delegate  to  the  Colonial  Court,  we  have  mentioned  on  p.  203 ; 
also  his  son  Thomas  p.  216.  Other  sons  were,  without  doubt,  Samuel  and 
Edward  Jr.  Samuel  of  Y.  m.  Mary  Hedge  1667,  was  made  a  freeman  i 
1670,  and  d^  1674.  •  Edward  Jr.  d.  in  Y.  16  79-80,  leaving  a  wid.  -Eliza- ^ 
beth  and  children.  To  his  s.  Joseph  he  gave  £20  "  more  than  to  his  other 
children,"  and  to  his  "  daughter  Desire  a  silver  tankard."  His  inventory 
was  £963,  a  large  estate  for  the  time.  He  left  a  legacy  to  the  minister, 
Mr.  Thornton  ;  also  to  Col.  Gorham.  Samuel  Esq.  of  Y.  who  "  in  his 
35th  year,"  Oct.  17,  1700,  m.  Mercy  Howes,  "she  being  19,"  had  a  dr. 
July  10,  1701,  d.  inf  ;  Sarah  Mar.  24,  1703;  John  Nov.  16,  1704,  grad.  H. 
C.  1723;  Sam'l  Oct.  28,  1706,  grad.  H.  C.  1725;  Thomas  Nov.  25,  1709; 
Hannah  Jan.  1,  1711-12;  Prince  Sept.  11,  1715;  and  Mercy  Dec.  30, 
1 718.  He  is  said  to  have  been  "  an  eminent  merchant."  Samuel,  of  Be., 
m.  wid.  Mary  Orris  Oct.  14,  1697,  and  had  Nath'l  Jan.  8,  1698-9,  d. 
1711;  John  June  6,  1701;  Solo.  Sept.  25,  1703;  Mary  Feb.  14,  1706; 
Moses  June  18,  1708;  Jona.  Nov.  1,  1711;  and  Nath'l  Feb.  2,  1714-15. 
There  were  also  other  drs.  Mrs.  Orris  had  by  her  1st  husband  Nath'l,  who 
came  to  Be.  from  Nantucket  and  d.  Nov.  23,  1696,  Susan,  Deborah,  and 
Jane.  Edavard,  of  Y.,  m.  Mehit.  Hallet  Nov.  25,  1 703,  and  had  a  large 
Edward,  of  Y.,  m.  Thankful  Hedge  1  730.  James,  of  Y.,  by 
Rebecca  had  Rebecca  1690;  Hannah"l693;  Bethia  1695;  Temp. 
1697;  Thankful  1701;  Elisa.  1703;  and  James  Oct.  13,  170  7.  Thomas, 
of  Be.,  s.  of  Sam'l  and  Mary,  m.  Martha  Russel,  and  had  Thomas  1722; 
Jona.  1730  ;  and  5  drs.  John  Esq.,  of  Be.,  m.  Melatiah  Crocker  Mar.  21, 
1734,  and  2d,  Mehit.  Russell,  wid.  of  Jno.,  May  9,  1754,  and  had  Josiah 
Oct.  17,  1737;  Melatiah  Oct.  14,  1739;  Timo.  C.  Mar.  30,  1742;  Lucre- 
tia  Oct.  14,  1  743  ;  Sarah  Ap.  1 7, 1 755,  Avho  m.  Isaiah  Parker;  and  John  Mar. 
19, 1 758.  Some  have  it  that  Jno.,  b.  Feb.  18",  1 731,  grad.  H.  C.  1 750,  and  d. 
1752,  was  his  son,  prob.  by  a  previous  m. ;  but  we  are  vmable  to  determine. 
The  late  Mr.  Samuel  Davis  of  Plym.  has  said,  "  There  is  a  Sturges  family 
in  Fairfield,  Ct.,  whose  ancestors  prob.  emigrated  from  Yarm."  Owing  to 
the  absence  of  a  portion  of  the  Yarm.  records,  we  have  not  been  able  to 
trace  the  lineage  Avith  the  particularity  we  intended. 


family, 
his  w. 


'i^ 


300  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Jo-YATHAN"  Russell,  aged  70,  greatly  esteemed,  after  a  tninistry 
of  47  years.^  In  1760,  the  town  voted  "to  settle  two  schoolmas- 
ters, one  in  each  precinct,"  and  to  add  £30  to  the  usual  stipend  of 
£65  paid  for  schools. 

Rev.  Oakes  Shaw  succeeded  to  the  pastorate  of  the 
West  Church,  made  vacant  by  the  demise  of  Mr.  Rus- 
sell, and  was  ordained  Oct.  1.  Mr.  John  Bearse  died 
May  3,  aged  72;^  and,  the  same  year,  Mr.  Benj.  Bod- 
FiSH  died,  aged  77;^  also,  John  Russell  Esq.*  Eben. 
Taylor,  son  of  Eben.,  who  graduated  Harvard  College 
1759,  died  this  year,  March  13,  aged  23.  Messrs.  Eb- 
enezer  Wood,  John  Ewer,  Lazarus  Loveil,  and  Joseph 
Blossom,  of  this  town,  were  this  year  recognized   as 

iRev.  Mr.  Russell,  b.  1690,  see  Vol.  I.  345-6,  grad.  Yale  1708,  in.  a 
dr.  of  Col.  Jolin  Otis,  and  sister  of  Col.  James.  Mr.  E^ussell  was  noted 
for  his  early  piety,  talents,  and  assiduity  in  his  professional  duties ;  and  his 
wife  was  "  a  heljj  meet  for  him,"  —  an  eminent  Christian  lady,  —  sharing  a 
good  degree  of  the  mental  qualities  of  her  excellent  father,  who  has  been 
commended  as  "  an  eminent  Christian,  strict  and  exemplary  in  the  perform- 
ance of  all  religious  duties."  Mr.  11.  received  to  the  church  dui'ing  his 
ministry  242  as  communicants,  and  baptized  563  persons.  A  discourse, — 
the  annual  election  sermon,  —  preached  by  him  before  the  Gen.  Court,  was 
published. 

"Mr.  John  Bearse,  s.  of  Joseph,  b.  1687,  m..  Eleanor  Lewis  Nov.  15, 

1711,  and  had  Lydia  July  28,  1712,  who  m.  Capt.  Jno.  CuUio  Jan.  1,  1735  ; 
John,  who  m.  LydIa  Lumbert  Feb.  12,  1746;  Plannah,  who  m.  Jabez 
Bearse  Mar.  26,  1761,  his  2d  w. ;  Eleanor,  who  m.  John  Logee  Jan.  13, 
1753  ;  Martha,  who  m.  Isaac  Lewis  Feb.  10,  1748  ;  Mary  ;  and  Dinah. 

"Mr.  Benj.  Bodfish,  b.  1683,  see  p.  142-3,  m.  Lydia  Crocker  Nov.  10, 
1709,  was  a  prominent  citizen,  and  resided  E.  of  Scorton  Hill.  He  had 
Sylvs.  Sept.  2,  1710,  Avho  m.  Mary  Smith  Dec.  20,  1  738 ;  Hannah  Feb.  12, 

1712,  who  m.  Caleb  Nye  of  S.;  Thankful  Feb.  19,  1714,  v/ho  m.  Joseph 
Shelley  of  Eaynham  ;  Solomon  Mar.  20,  1716,  who  m.  Hannah  Bursley  Jr. ; 
Joseph  Ap.  16,  1718;  Benj.  Mar.  18,  1720;  Lydia  1723;  Rachel  1726; 
and  Jona.  Aug.  1 0, 1 727.  Joseph,  b.  1 6  7  7,  m.  Thankful  Blish  Oct.  11,1712, 
and 'had  Elisa.  Sept.  6,  1713,  who  m.  Eben.  Goodspeed  3d,  Sept.  29,  1736; 
Hannah  July  18,  1716,  who  m.  Sam'l  Blossom  Oct.  28,  1744;  Mary  June 
17,  1719,  who  m.  Jos.  Nye  of  S.  Dec.  10,  1741  ;  Joseph  Man  8,  1722,  who 
m.  Mchit.  Goodspeed  1  749  ;  and  Tliankful  June  6,  1724,  who  m.  Peter  Co- 
nant  May  4,  1741.  Nathan,  b.  1685,  m.  Abigail  Bursley.  Ebenezer,  b. 
1688,  went  to  N.  Jersey.  Robert,  youngest  bro.  of  the  pi-eceding,  m. 
Jemima  Nye  Mar.  26,  1730,  and  2d,  Elisa.  Hadaway  Dec.  10,  1739,  and 
had  Elisa.  Sept.  11,  1741  ;  and  Eben.  Feb.  15,  1742-3,  who  m.  and  had  12 
cli.,  the  sons  being  Robt.,  Eben.,  Jo.siah,  Simeon,  David,  Alvin,  and  Oliver. 
Of  these  last,  David  was  father  of  Re\'.  Asa  N.,  David  Jr.,  Parker  N.,  and 
Elisa.,  Avho  m.  Kenney  of  Wareliam. 

*  Joii.v  Russell  Esq.  was  s.  of  the  Rev.  Jona.,  and  m.  Elizabeth  Bridge- 
lain  1754.     We  should  have  said,  he  d.  Aug.  2o,  1759.     Inv.  1760. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  301 

"belonging  to  the   Biiptist  Society  of  Harwich,"  and 
are  supposed  to  have  been  the  first  of  the  order  here. 

In  1761,  Capt.  Sylvanus  Boukne,  of  the  Provincial  Army, 
died  March  22,  aged  29,  whilst  engaged  in  recruiting  service.^ 
Mr.  John"  Davis  died  tliis  year;  also,  July  3,  Dea.  Moody  Rus- 
sell, aged  68.  Mr.  Joseph  Blish  and  Mr.  Timothy  Chipman  were 
chosen  deacons  of  the  West  Church  Feb.  26,  1761-2.  In  1762 
Capt.  Samuel  Sturgis  3d  d.,  aged  25.  In  1763,  Feb.  14,  Mr. 
Nathan^iel  Cobb  died,  aged  50 ;  and  Sept.  18,  Hon.  Sylvantjs 
Bourne,  aged  70.^ 

In  1764,  the  town  raised  £133.6.4  to  rebuild  "the  great 
bridge."     David  Ceocker  Esq.  died  this  year,  aged  67.^ 


■  ^  Capt.  Bourne,  b.  1731,  m.  Hannah  Sturgis  Feb.  3,  1757,  but  had  no 
issue.  In  his  will,  May  24,  1758,  be  styles  himself  a  "merchant,  but  bound 
on  a  dangerous  enterprise."  This  was  just  before  leaving  for  Cape  Bre- 
ton.    His  wid.  d.  June  13,  1798,  aged  62. 

-  Hon.  Sylvanus  Bourne,  s.  of  Melatiah  of  S.,  b.  1694,  m.  Mercy  Gor- 
ham  March  20,  1718.  In  1720  he  was  an  inhab.  of  Falmouth,  but  shortly 
after  set.  in  this  town.  In  early  life  a  merchant,  and  long  engaged  in  com- 
merce, he  amassed  a  large  property.  He  was  col.  of  militia,  many  years 
of  the  Council,  also  Reg.  Prob.  and  afterward  judge.  His  w.  survived 
him  many  years,  and  died  April  11,  1782,  aged  87.  Her  will  shows  tliat 
the  family  maintained  an  affluent  style  of  life.  A  portrait  of  her,  with  the 
English  book  of  common  prayer  in  her  hand,  painted  by  Copley  17G6,  is 
Ijreserved,  as  also  other  family  portraits.  Among  the  items  of  her  will  are 
her  negro  boy  Cato,  to  her  son  R 1.,  to  be  manumitted  when  35  ;  her  negi'o 
girl  Cldoe  to  her  dr.  Her  husband's  "  silver-liiited  sword,"  his  grandfather's 
"  large  silver  tankard,"  and  much  other  plate,  jewelry,  the  coat  of  arms, 
etc.  are  also  enumerated.  The  children  were:  Desire  Jan.  19,  1717-18, 
who  m.  Nath'l  Clap  of  Scit.  Dec.  22,  173  7  ;  Marv  Api-il  22,  1720,  who  m. 
Nath'l  Stone  Jr.  of  H.  1742 ;  Melatiah  Nov.  14,"  1722  ;  WiUiam  Feb.  27, 
1723-4;  Hannah  Dec.  8,  1725,  who  m.  Isaac  Hinckley  Jr.  Dec.  18,  1748; 
Mercy  Aug.  22,  1727,  who  m.  Samuel  Jirdon  Esq.  of  Biddeford  April  12, 
1751  ;  Abigail  June  21,  1729,  v/ho  m.  Kenelm  WInslbw  Jr.  of  Marshfield 
March  14,  1754;  Sylvanus,  Nov.  21,  1731;  Eunice  Feb.  16,  1732-3,  who 
m.  John  Gallison  of  Marblehead;  and  Richard  Nov.  1,  1738-9.  Col.  Wil- 
liam, b.  1734,  set.  in  Marblehead,  merch't,  magistrate,  etc.  and  d.  Aug.  10, 
1770.  He  ra.  a  dr.  of  Licut.-Gov.  Hazard,  and  2d,  Deborah  Freeman, 
wid.  of  James,  and  dr.  of  Judge  Tasker ;  and  had  Lucretia,  who  m.  Col. 
Orne  of  M. ;  Frances,  who  m.  Judge  Peabody  of  Exeter ;  and  Charlotte, 
who  m.  1st,  Dr.  Swett  of  Newburyport,  2d,  Col.  Hamilton  of  Berwick,  and 
3d,  Gov.  Gilman,  of  Exeter.     Col.  B.  served  at  the  taking  of  Louisburg. 

^ David  Crocker  Esq.  s.  of  Dea.  Job,  b.  1G97,  grad.  H.  C.  1716,  was 
many  years  town  clerk  and  selectman.  In  1742  he  was  Just.  C.  C.  P.  He 
m.  Abigail  Loring  Nov.  12,  1724,  and  2d,  Mrs.  Mary  Stewart  Jan.  27,  1757. 
Issue:  a  son  Jan.  9,  1725,  d.  inf  ;  David  April  14,  1726,  d.  1734;  Abigail 
May  20,  1728,  who  m.  Seth  Blossonj  Jan.  10,  1754  ;  WiUiam  Jr.  Dec.  8, 
1730;  Alice  April  18,175  7;  Hannah  1759;  Sarah  1761;  and  Lydia 
1763.     ' 


302  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1765,  Dea.  John  Hinckley  died  April  11,  aged  64;  and 
Dea.  Robert  Davis  died  June  1,  aged  70.^  Edward  Bacon  Esq. 
Mr.  Gershom  Davis,  and  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hamblin  were  chosen 
deacons  of  the  E.  Church  July  3. 

In  1768,  the  town  voted  "to  build  a  new  poor-house  on  the 
site  of  the  old  one."  In  1769,  a  controversy  that  existed  many 
years  respecting  the  dividing  line  between  the  town  and  the  dis- 
trict of  Marshpee,  was  finally  settled.  Col.  James  Otis  was  ap- 
poitfted  this  year  a  member  of  His  Majesty's  Council. 

In  1770,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Green,  minister  of  the 
East  Parish  and  pastor  of  the  church,  died  Oct.  4, 
aged  70.^  Other  losses  sustained  by  the  town  this 
year  were  the  death  of  Mr.  Samuel  Bacon,  aged  77, 
January    29;^    Mr.    Seth    Crocker,   aged    62,   March 


*Dea.  Davis,  b.  1G97,  s.  of  Joseph,  m.  Jane  Annable  Oct.  8,  17-19  ;  he 
d.  without  issue.  Was  some  time  selectman,  etc.  His  bro.  James,  b.  1700 
m.  Thankful  Hinckley  Jan.  4,  1727-8,  and  had  Hannah  1729,  d.  inf  ; 
Hannah  1731;  Joseph  1733;  Benjamin  1735,  who  m.  Patience  Bacon, 
1757;  Eunice  1737,  who  m.  Jones;  Thankful  1739,  who  m.  Palmer  of  F. 
1765;  James  March  6,  1741;  David  1743;  and  Barnabas,  who  d.  y. 
James,  b.  1741,  m.  Reliance  Cobb,  and  had  Joseph,  Benj.  James,,  David, 
and  Mary.  Joseph,  s.  of  the  last  James  (see  Vol.  I.  G41),  m.  1st,  Lucre- 
tia,  and  2d,  Mary,  and  had  Phebe ;  Rebecca,  who  m.  Gorham;  Elisha  T. ; 
Polly,  who  m.  Gorham ;  Lucretia,  who  d.  y. ;  Joseph ;  Mary  B. ;  John  ;  Lu- 
cretia;  and  Abner  July  17,  1784.  James,  s.  of  James  and  Reliance,  b. 
1778  m.  Ingraham,  and  d.  in  Boston  18G2,  aged  84,  an  estimable  gentle- 
man, a  merchant  of  high  standing,  and  left  a  son  bearing  his  name. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Green  is  the  only  p'astor  whose  whole  future  ministry  has 
been  spent  in  the  service  of  this  church.  See  Vol.  I.  566.  Born  in  Bos- 
ton, June  21,  1700;  grad.  H.  C.  1720;  he  m.  B[annah  Russell,'dr.  Rev. 
Jonathan. 

"See  Vol.  I.  352.  Capt.  Samuel  Bacox,  s.  of  Jeremiah,  b.  1692,  m. 
Deborah  Orris,  who  d.  May  20,  1721  ;  2d,  wid.  Hannah  Russell,  dr.  Joseph 
Paine  Esq.  of  H.  Jan.  7,  1724-5,  who  d.  May  8,1753;  and  3d,  Mary 
Howland  Feb.  21,  1 754.  Issue :  Sarah  Feb.  24,  1713-14,  who  m.  Jabez  Lin- 
nel  Nov.  11,  1736;  Orris  May  7,  1715,  Avho  m.  Hannah  Lewis  Nov.  23, 
1738,  and  d.  July  11,  1733;  Thomas  Oct.  23,  1716,  who  m.  Desire  Hallet 
Feb.  1,  1745  ;  Susannah  Dec.  24, 1718,  who  m.  Nath'l  Cobb  Dec.  14, 1738 ; 
Deborah  Dec.  4,  1720,  who  m.  Peter  Pierce  Nov.  12,  1741;  Hannah 
1725-6  ;  and  Mary  1730.  Jeremiah,  b.  1694,  had  by  w.  Abigail,  Prince 
June  15,  1720;  and  Jeremiah  Jan.  14,  1723-4,  who  m.  Hannah  Taylor 
Api-il  23,1750.  Joseph,  b.  1695,  m.  Patience  Annable  1722,  and  had 
Joseph  April  11,  1723,  who  m.  Miriam  Coleman  Dec.  13,  1750;  Desire 
Dec.  3,  1724,  who  m.  Joseph  Davis  Jr.  Sept.  24,  1745;  Jane  Feb.  28, 
1727-8,  who  m.  James  Davis  Jr.  September  24,  1745  ;  Samuel  ]\Iarch  26, 
1731  ;  Patience  June  29,  1734,  who  m.  Benj.  Davis  May  19,  1747  ;  Anna 
July  29,  1737,  who  d.  June  20,  1761 ;  and  Mercy  April  17,  1740,  who  ra. 
Benj.  Lunibert  Sept.  4,  1760.     Nath'l,  b.  1700,  m.  Sarah  Cobb,  June  11, 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  303 

25;'  Mr.  Thos.  Child,  April   11,  aged   88  j^  and  Dea. 
Timothy  Chipman,  Aug.  24.'^ 

In  1771,  an  invitation  having  oeen  extended  to 
Rev.  Timothy  Hilliard,  of  Cambridge,  he  was  settled 
here  in  the  ministry  as  successor  to  Mr.  Green,  in 
charge  of  the  East,  or  2d  Congregational  Church, 
April  10.  A  school-house  was  this  year  built  "  on  the 
north  side  of  the  old  burying-ground ; "  and  this,  it  is 
supposed,  was  the  first  erected  in  the  township,  —  pri- 
vate dwellings  having  been  previously  used  for 
schools.  The  present  year  is  generally  conceded  to 
have  been  the  epoch  of  the  organization  of  the  Bap- 


1726,  and  had  Rebecca  Dec.  17,  1726;  Jeremiah  June  25,  1732;  Elisa. 
May  1,  1734  ;  Sarah  May  9,  173G  ;  and  Nath'l  March  3,  1737-8,  and  went 
to  N.  J.     Job,  b.  1703,  m.  EHsa.  Mills  March  10,  1725. 

^Mr.  Crockek,  s.  of  Thos.  b.  1708,  m.  3  times,  and  had  Hannah  1732; 
and  Thos.  1735,  who  removed  to  Lee. 

^Mr.  Child,  b.  1682,  had  by  w.  Mary,  David  July  20,  1711  ;  Jonathan 
Nov.  27,  1713;  Silas  March  10,  1715,  who  went  to  R.  L;  Hannah  July 
29,  1720,  who  m.  Prince  Taylor  of  Ct. ;  Thos.  Sept.  10,  1725  ;  Benj.  Dec. 
4,  1727,  who  Avent  to  Portland;  and  Mary  April  1,1733.  David,  b. 
1711,  m.  Hannah  Cobb,  Jan.  29,  1734,  and  had  David  Feb.  7,  1735-6, 
whom.  Hannah  Davis  1758;  Jonathan  Dec.  25,  1737,  who  set.  in  S.  and 
m.  Thankful  Howland  March  19,  1787;  Anna  Aug.  18,  1742;  Asenath 
Feb.  28,  1739-40,  who  m.  Linnel;  Josiah  Sept.  7,  1745,  who  m.  Lewis 
and  Sturgis;  and  Edward  Sept.  13,  1749,  who  m.  Mary  Lothrop. 

^Dea.  Chipman  was  s.  of  Dea.  Samuel  b.  1689,  who  was  s.  of  Dea. 
Samuel  b.  1661,  who  was  s.  of  the  Elder.  Dea.  Samuel,  b.  1689,  inn- 
holder,  m.  Abigail  Hinckley  Dec.  8,  1715,  and  2d,  Mary  Green  1739. 
Issue:  a  son  Aug.  10,  1717,  d.  inf.;  Hannah  July  1,  1719;  Samuel  Nov. 
21,  1721,  who  went  to  Ct. ;  Timothy  April  30,  1723;  Ebeu.  Sept.  9,  1726, ' 
who  went  to  Ct. ;  John  June  30,  1728,  who  went  to  Ct. ;  Mary  May  2,. 
1731,  who  m.  Samuel  Jenkins  March  11,  1750,  and  went  to  Gorham; 
Nathaniel  Jan.  31,  1732-3;  and  Joseph  May  26,  1740,  died  infant.  Dea. 
Timothy,  born  1723,  m.  Elizabeth  Bassett  of  S.Jan.  23,  1751-2,  and 
had  Abigail,  Samuel,  Mary,  Abigail,  William,  John,  Timothy,  and  Eliza- 
beth. Thomas,  brother  of  Dea.  Timothy,  i-emoved  to  Ct. ;  was  Judge 
1751,  and  his  son  Samuel,  who  settled  in  Vermont,  was  father  of  Chief 
Justice  Nathaniel,  LL.  D.  first  U.  S.  Senator  from  that  State,  and  of 
Hon.  Daniel,  LL.  D.  Mem.  Cong,  and  Prof.  Law.  in  Mid.  Col.  Rev.  John 
bro.  b.  1691,  grad  H.  C.  1711,  ord.  at  Beverly  1715,  had  15  children,  one 
of  whom,  John,  was  the  barrister  at  Marblehead,  whose  son,  Hon.  Ward 
Sr.  was  Judge  of  Sup.  Ct.  of  New  Brunswick  1824,  and  whose  son,  Hon. 
Ward  Jr.  LL.  D.  was  Chief  Justice.  Dea.  Barnabas,  s.  of  Dea.  Sam'l  b. 
1702,  m.  EHsa.  Hamblin  Feb.  20,  1727-8,  and  had  Barnabas,  Joseph,  Elisa. 
Thomas,  and  Hannah  Barnabas,  s.  of  Dea.  Barnabas,  m.  Mary  Black- 
well  of  S.  1751,  and  was  father  of  Dea.  Joseph,  b.  1758,  and  others. 


304  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

tist   Church  in   this  town,  under  the  ministry  of  the 
Rev.  Enoch  Eldridge.^ 

A  covenant  was  this  year  made  "  with  the  owners  of  the  fresh 
meadows  above  the  great  bridge,  to  bnild  on  the  S.  side  of  the 
causeway  a  bank  of  earth,  with  suitable  flood-gate,  to  keep  the 
tide  from  overflowing  the  meadows."  Mr.  Jonathan  Crocker  was 
made  a  deacon  of  the  West  Church  this  year.  In  1773,  the  siim 
voted  for  schools  was  £133.6.8.  The  vote,  however,  was,  at  a 
subsequent  meeting,  reconsidered,  and  the  appropriation  fixed  at 
£80.     Dea.  John  Crocker  died  Feb.  7,  aged  90.^ 

As  we  are  now  approaching  the  time  of  revolution- 
ary CONFLICT,  we  find  important  events  thickening  and 
the  records  famishing  abundant  evidence  of  the  part 
which  this  town  was  to  enact  in  the  great  contest.  In 
the  month  of  March,  at  a  town  meeting  called  for  the 
purpose  of  considering  the  political  crisis,  it  was  voted 
"  that  Col.  Otis  and  Daniel  Davis,  Edward  Bacon,  and 
Nymphas  Marston  Esqs.  be  a  committee  to  take  into 
consideration  our  rights  as  stated  by  a  committee  of 


^  This  was  not  the  first  church  of  the  denomination  in  the  county.  Har- 
wich had  precedence.  It  has,  however,  been  suggested  as  "  not  strange 
that  a  Baptist  Church  should  sooner  or  later  spring  forth  from  the 
womb  of  the  Barnstable  Congregational  Church,  since  the  very  first  in 
England  was  from  the  1st  Cong.  Church,  of  which  the  Be.  Church  is  con- 
sidered the  representative."  History  tells  that  a  member  neglecting  to 
have  his  child  baptized  was  admonished  of  his  duty,  but  objected  to  the 
validity  of  the  ordinance.  Difficulties  ensued;  the  Church  asserted  Its 
power  of  discipline,  and  a  division  v/as  the  result,  —  those  seceding  denying 
the  validity  of  infant  baptism.  Close  communion,  however,  was  not  with 
them  a  prlncljile.  Arrived  In  Scituate,  the  same  disturbing  causes,  as  we 
have  seen,  existed.  The  pastor  prepared  a  treatise  for  the  press,  —  said  to 
have  been  ably  written,  —  vindicating  Infant  baptism  as  Scriptural ;  and 
the  work  was  published  in  London  after  the  removal  of  the  pastor  and 
members  to  this  town. 

"See  Vol.  I.  564.  In  addition  to  what  Is  there  noted,  we  may  mention 
of  Dea.  John  Crocker  that  It  Is  sd.  he  m.  a  3d  w.  Nancy,  who  d.  Feb. 
7,  1774;  also  that  his  dr.  Abigail  m.  Geo.  Howland  Oct.  28,  1731,  and  re- 
moved to  Deei'field;  his  son  Zaccheus  m.  Ellsa.  Beals  of  HIng.  1734;  and 
his  son  Ebexezer,  b.  1713,  "of  Cotult,"  m.  Elizabeth  Lovell  July  26, 
1739,  and  2d,  Zervia  Winslow,  dr.  of  Kenelm  Esq.  of  H.  1746,  and  had 
James  Feb.  19,  1739-40;  Mary  Nov.  7,  1744;  Alvan  Nov.  6,  1747; 
A(;hsah  July  24,  1  749  ;  Eben'v  July  26,  1 7.51  ;  Zervia  July  1 7, 1  753  ;  Joshua 
July  4,  1755;  Kenelm  Aug.  14,  1757;  George  Feb.  18,  1760;  Zenas  Dec. 
25,  1761  ;  and  Ilcman  April  14,  1764. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  305 

correspondence  of  the  town  of  Boston,  and  their  in- 
fringement by  the  parent  government,  and  report  at 
an  adjourned  meeting.  At  the  adjourned  meeting  it 
was  voted  "  to  add  four  others  to  the  committee,"  and 
"  Mr.  Eli  Phinney,  Maj.  Otis,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Jenkd^s,  and 
Capt.  David  Smith  were  appointed." 

In  1774,  the  town  chose  a  committee  to  join  with  the  commit- 
tees from  other  towns  in  the  county,  "  to  consult  on  measures 
to  prevent  disorders  in  the  same."  This  committee  consisted 
of  Col.  James  Otis,  Maj.  Otis,  Daniel  Davis,  Esq.  Dr.  Hersey,  Eli 
Phinney,  Joseph  Hallett,  and  Geo.  Lewis. 

The  meeting  of  "  the  Body  of  the  Peoj)le  "  assembled  in  this 
town  in  the  month  of  Sept.  has  been  noted  in  the  County  An- 
nals. Although  the  chief  and  ostensible  object  had  reference  to 
the  court  holding  under  authority  of  the  crown,  it  will  be  seen 
that  thei'e  were  many  and  diverse  matters  that  claimed  atten- 
tion.^ 


^  lu  our  former  vol.,  in  a  note,  p.  452,  we  cited  a  memorable  instance,  in 
which,  to  use  the  language  of  the  venerable  Dr.  James  Thacher,  "  the 
tories  of  Barnstable  availed  themselves  of  liberty-pole  discipline."  The 
account  of  the  transaction  was  quoted  at  large  with  the  exception  of  the 
designating  initial,  which  we  omitted  in  conformity  with  the  rule  that 
governs  us,  —  the  avoidance  of  personalities  not  essential  to  the  ends  of 
history.  We  would  not  here  again  advert  to  the  matter,  were  it  not  that 
in  recent  serials,  purporting  to  be  "  historical,"  remarkable  perversions  — 
we  would,  if  possible,  charitably  hope  the  intent  not  wantonly  malign, 
nor  designedly  perfidious,  the  act  nevertheless  is  wholly  inexcusable  —  tend 
to  mislead  the  reader,  and,  If  credited,  to  falsify  long-received,  universally- 
admitted,  authentically-recorded,  and  well-established  historical  data.  The 
lady  who,  by  Whig  proclivities,  had  excited  the  ire  of  the  Tories,  is,  by  a 
transposition  of  facts  and  parties,  made  to  undergo  an  entire  metamorphosis ; 
and  the  barbarous  conduct  of  the  Tories  In  wreaking  vengeance  on  a  re- 
spectable female,  Is  charged  on  the  opposite  party.  One  who  was  emphat- 
ically her  friend,  is,  by  a  singular  conglomeration  and  companionship  of  an- 
tagonists in  politics,  made  to  participate !  Dr.  Thacher,  b.  in  this  town 
Feb.  14,  1754,  and,  to  the  time  of  this  Tory  outrage,  resident  here,  where 
he  also  studied  medicine  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Abner  Hersey,  may  cer- 
tainly be  considered  a  competent  witness.  He  was  not  only  conversant 
with  the  events  of  the  revolutionary  period.  In  his  native  town  and  county 
especially,  but  from  1776,  seven  and  a  half  years,  held  a  commission  as  sur- 
geon in  the  army,  and  kept  a  journal  during  that  period,  which,  as  also 
other  reminiscences  of  the  struggle  for  independence,  he  published.  Dur- 
ing his  protracted  life  of  90  years,  —  living  until  1844, — he  had  ample  op- 
portunity to  correct  any  error,  if  he  had  unwarily  permitted  such  to  find 
its  way  into  the  record  he  had  made.  His  memoranda  of  events  occur- 
ring In  the  place  of  his  nativity,  it  might  be  particularly  expected  would 
be  correct;  and  they  doubtless  were;  for  their  accuracy  was  never  ques- 
VOL.  II.  39 


306  HISTORY   OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

The  letter  of  instructions  given  to  the  representative  this 
year,  is  worthy  of  record  :  — 

"Sib:  —  You  having  been  chosen  our  rep.,  by  a  very  large  ma- 
jority, to  the  Gen.  Court  to  be  held  at  Salem  on  the  5th  day  of 

tioned.  We  have  confirmation  of  his  accuracy  m  the  present  instance. 
See  Thacher's  Hist.  Plym.,  ed.  of  1832,  p.  209.  New  and  gratuitous  ver- 
sions or  glosses  in  derogation  of  authority  —  the  mere  ipse  dixit  of  one  un- 
born until  a  quarter  of  a  century  after  the  event  which  Dr.  T.  records,  be- 
ing their  only  support  —  are  not  sufficient  for  historical  verity  ;  and,  when 
associated  with  contumelious  fictions  respecting  distinguished  patriots,  and 
sneering  allusion  to  the  liberty-pole  as  "  in  loving  proximity  with  the  stocks 
and  whipping-post,"  may  be  regarded  as  unworthy  of  serious  notice.  It 
has  been  suggested  that  the  enlightened  reader,  if  told  that  John  Hancock, 
Patrick  Henry,  and  their  compatriots  were  Tories,  and  that  Gen.  Gage,  et 
id  omne  genus,  were,  at  worst,  moderate  Whigs,  or  that  Washington  was 
a  traitor,  and  Benedict  Arnold  was  the  saviour  of  his  country,  will  not  be 
misled  thereby.  The  fabulous  classification  of  "  ardent  Whigs,  moderate 
Whigs,  out-spoken  Tories,  and  moderate  Tories,"  it  is  said,  is  so  simply 
amusing  and  the  eifort  to  embroil  the  living,  and  to  create  an  impression 
that  they  are  hostile,  so  despicably  mean  and  wicked  that  the  poison  is 
its  own  antidote.  Be  it  so ;  honor  and  justice  may  nevertheless  require 
that  arrogance  and  misrepresentation  receive  rebuke,  even  though  the  in- 
firmity be  incurable. 

Whilst  upon  this  topic  of  fuliginous  distortions  of  history,  we  may,  for 
the  honor  of  humanity,  express  regret  that  yet  another  looman  of  charac- 
ter, she  also  a  widow,  a  nonagenarian,  more  than  70  years  in  her  grave, 
has  received  similar  undeserved  attention,  —  her  repose  being  disturbed  by 
the  relation  of  ridiculous  tales  that  disgrace  the  human  intellect,  —  stories 
less  dignified  than  those  Talmudical  denominated  1  Tim.  iv.  7,  "  old  wives' 
fables,"  and  such  as,  in  a  ruder  condition  of  society  than  we  can  suppose 
ever  existed  here,  weak  and  ignorant  dames,  when  superannuated,  have 
sometimes,  but  with  greater  purity,  used  to  amuse  or  frighten  children  ;  the 
apology  for  the  recording  of  such  absurd  fables,  a  portion  of  which 

"  There  is  not  chastity  enough  in  language 
Without  oflTence  to  utter," 

being  the  preposterous  pretence  of  writing  history  !    Eheu,  jam  satis. 

The  aspersions  concocted  and  slabberingly  cast  at  the  fair  fame  of  him, 
one  of  whose  distinguishing  characteristics  was  discretion  joined  with  firm- 
ness,—  which  gave  him  an  influence  that  was  often  in  requisition  in  cases 
peculiarly  demanding  decision  and  prudence ;  and  which,  on  occasion  of  re- 
tirement from  military  life,  drew  forth  from  Hancock  the  encomium,  "An 
officer  whose  patriotic  services  shone  so  conspicuously  during  a  long  and 
arduous  revolution  which  tried  the  souls  of  men  In  whatever  station  they 
were  called  to  act  by  the  voice  of  their  country,"  and  from  Adams,  "  The 
spirit  of  Liberty,  under  whose  benevolent  guide  your  conduct  has  been  so 
eminently  distinguished,  is  equally  recognized  in  you  by  the  present  as  by 
our  lately-departed  Commander-in-Chief,  and  he  expresses  his  confrater- 
nity with  you  in  friendship  and  in  the  united  love  of  our  common  country," 
—  need  no  refutation  fi'om  our  pen,  nor  have  we  the  heart  to  deprecate  the 
enjoyment  of  them  by  their  author.  Those  invectives  may  not  be  inno- 
cent, but  they  are  harmless. 

"  So  mornings  insects  that  in  muck  begun, 
Shine,  buzz,  and  fly-blow  in  their  setting  sun," 


ANNALS   OF    BARNSTABLE.  307 

October  next;  notwithstanding  your  wisdom  on  which  we  rely- 
to  manage  our  public  affairs  in  this  time  of  difficulty,  darkness 
and  distress,  we  have  unanimously  voted  to  give  you  some  in- 
structions relative  to  your  conduct  in  the  matter,  which  we 
doubt  not  will  be  agreeable  to  you  in  such  a  day  as  this.  We 
therefore  instruct  you,  — 

"  1.  To  do  all  in  your  power  to  have  those  of  our  liberties 
that  are  wrested  from  us  by  arbitrary  measures,  restored ;  and 
those  that  are  left,  inviolably  preserved ;  and,  in  order  therefor, 
that  you  use  your  utmost  influence  that  Great  Britain  and  the 
Colonies  may  again  be  happily  united. 

"2.  That  in  your  conjunction  with  your  brethren  of  the  Ho. 
of  Reps.,  you  use  every  legal  and  constitutional  method  to  have 
the  Port  of  Boston  opened  and  made  as  free  as  before  \he  late 
Act  of  Parliament  was  made  for  the  blocking  up  of  the  same. 

"3.  That  you  do  not  in  any  instance  act  in  conformity  to  the 
late  oppressive  Act  of  Parliament,  entitled  '  an  Act  for  the  bet- 
ter regulating  the  government  of  the  Province  of  Massachu- 
setts Bay  in  New  England.' 

"4.  That  you  do  not  join  in  any  business  with  the  men  and 
unconstitutional  council  said  to  be  app.  by  mandmnus  in  conse- 
quence of  the  before-mentioned  Act. 

"5.  That  you  join  in  urging  it  on  the  Governor,  that  he  will 
be  pleased  to  call  to  his  assistance  and  advice  the  standing  Coun- 
cil of  this  Province  chosen  for  the  current  year. 

"  6.  In  case  the  Gov.  shall  dissolve  the  House  of  Reps.,  you 
are  instructed  to  join  with  your  brethren  to  resolve  yourselves 
into  a  Provincial  Congress,  in  order  to  consult  and  determine 
such  measures  as  shall  be  judged  necessary  to  promote  the  true 
interest  of  His  Majesty,  and  the  peace,  welfare,  and  prosperity 
of  this  Province. 

"Lastly,  we  wish  you  a  prosperous  journey,  and  that  you  may 
have  the  aid  and  assistance  of  the  Divine  Spirit  to  guide  and 
conduct  you  in  your  arduous  undertaking." 

In  1775,  Jan.  4,  "  a  com.  of  inspection  consisting  of  Col.  Otis, 
Col.  Bacon,  Squire  Davis,  Squire  Marston,  and  Maj.  Otis,  was 
chosen  to  see  that  the  recommendation  of  the  Congress  be  carried 
into  execution  so  far  only  as  respects  imports  and  exports."  The 
town,  this  year,  "  voted  not  to  pay  any  money  into  the  hands  of 
Harrison  Gray  Esq.,  Treasurer,  that  was  raised  for  the  last  Pro- 
vincial tax,  till  further  orders  ;  also,  not  to  pay  any  money  raised 
the  current  year  to  Henry  Gardner  Esq.,  till  further  ox'dered." 


308  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COliVTT. 

"The  question  was  put,  'Will  the  town  provide  any  further 
ammunition?'  and  passed  in  the  negative."  The  action  of  the 
town  at  this  time,  and  on  divers  occasions,  Avould  seem  to  imply 
the  existence  of  antagonistic  influences,  and  the  vacillation  of 
majorities  impress  the  idea.  It  was  subsequently  "voted  to  pur- 
chase a  stand  of  120  small  arms,  and  ammunition  to  be  added 
to  the  town  stock;"  and  " Col.  Otis,  Eli  Phinney,  and  Daniel 
Davis  Esq.  were  the  committee  to  make  the  purchases  and  dis- 
pose of  them  according  to  their  discretion."  That  the  news  of 
the  Lexington  battle  rang  in  the  ears  of  true  patriots  here,  is  evi- 
dent from  the  diary  kept  by  that  stout-hearted  son  of  liberty,  Mi% 
Eli  Phinney:  'Thurs.,  Ap.  20,  the  news  came;  Fri.  21,  soldiers 
mustered  —  sent  off  19  men;^  Mon.,  24,  training;  Tu. 25,  town- 
meeting  to  raise  money,  buy  guns,  etc.,  — voted  £300  for  a  "  chest 
of  arras"  and  ammunition.' 

It  was  "  voted  that  three  military  watches  be  settled  in  the 
town  without  any  charge,  and  that  they  be  under  the  direction 
of  Capts.  James  Davis,  Eben.  Jenkins,  and  Benj,  Lumbart."  It 
was  "  ordered  that  the  money,  collected  for  the  Province  tax,  be 
paid  to  Hy.  Gardner  Esq."  A  com.  was  also  apppointed  "  to 
confer  with  Sandwich  and  Yarmouth  for  settling  a  mail  post  be- 
tween here  and  Boston." 

At  a  town-meeting,  it  was  "  voted  not  to  send  any  person  to 
the  Provincial  Congress."  This  vote  was,  hapj)ily,  reconsidered, 
and  it  was  then  "  voted  to  send  two."  Choice  was  made  of  the 
former  representative,  Daniel  Davis  Esq.,  and  Col.  Joseph  Otis. 
It  was  "  ordered  that  all  persons  refusing  to  attend  military 
watches,  be  prosecuted  agreeably  to  the  law  of  the  Province."  A 
large  com.  of  safety  was  app.,  and  instructed  "to  give  papers  to 
such  vessels  as  may  come  into  the  harbor  in  stress  of  weather,  or 
■on  business,  to  go  out  again,  if  said  com.  shall  think  it  safe  ;  also, 
to  determine  when  any  person  shall  be  liable  to  pay  a  fine  for 

^  Mr.  Tudor,  in  his  '  Life  of  Otis,'  says  of  tliis  movement,  "  In  the  front 
rank  was  a  young  man,  the  son  of  a  respectable  farmer,  and  his  only  child. 
In  marching  from  the  village,  as  they  passed  his  house  he  came  out  to  meet 
them.  There  was  a  momentary  halt.  The  drum  and  fife  paused  for  an 
instant.  The  father  suppressing  a  strong  and  evident  emotion,  said,  '  God 
be  with  you  all,  my  friends ;  and  John,  my  son,  if  you  are  called  into 
battle,  take  care  that  you  behave  like  a  man,  or  else  let  me  never  again 
see  your  face.'  The  march  was  resumed,  whilst  a  tear  started  in  every 
eye."  And,  says  Mr.  Palfrey,  in  his  Centennial,  "  Well  it  might ;  the 
rhetoric  of  that  speech  may  not  be  Greek,  but  the  spirit  was,  —  it  was 
Spartan.  There  is  commonly  something  else  to  be  said  to  only  sons  who 
are  walking  up  to  a  ridge  of  bayonets." 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  dUU 

not  attending  his  watch  when  properly  warned ;  and,  to  settle 
all  other  disputes  that  may  come  before  them  from  any  aggrieved 
party  —  that  shall  not  interfere  with  the  recommendations  of 
Congress."  It  was  also  voted  "to  procure  3 J  bis.  of  powder  to 
be  added  to  the  town's  stock ; "  the  com.  to  which  was  assigned 
this  duty  were  Joseph  Otis,  Nymphas  Marston,  and  Sturgis 
Gorham. 

In  1776,  are  found  indications  that  may  be  con- 
strued affirmative  of  the  theorem  that  leading  men 
here  were  singularly  embroiled.  The  merits  of  the 
case  are  not  easily  understood  or  explainable ;  but 
the  influence  on  public  affairs  is  apparent.  In  times 
of  public  calamity,  private  griefs  and  personal  ani- 
mosities ought  not  to  interfere  with  hearty  and 
united  co-operation  for  the  general  weal;  but  man- 
kind are  not  so  constituted  that  they  are  invari- 
ably, and  without  exception,  patriotic  and  magnani- 
mously unselfish.  A  committee  was  appointed  early 
this  year  "  to  inquire  into  the  grievances  generally 
this  town  labors  under,  and  why  persons  are  taken  by 
an  armed  force  and  carried  out  of  the  county  for  trial 
without  being  examined  first  by  the  com.  of  safety."  ^ 
A  com.  was  also  app.  "  to  confer  with  commiss'rs  from 
other  towns  in  the  county,  for  redress  of  grievances." 
Capt.  Jenkins,  Esq.  Marston,  and  Joseph  Davis  were 
the  committee. 

At  a  town-meeting  held  June  25,  the  momentous 
subject  introduced  the  9th  day  of  the  previous  May  to 
the  Ho.  of  Reps.,  "that  the  several  towns  in  the 
colony  be  recommended  to  give  instructions  to  their 
representatives  with  respect  to  a  declaration  by  Con- 
gress of  the  independence  of  the  United  Colonies,"  and 
which,  on  the  5th,  assumed  its  final  shape  in  these 


*  Reference  is  had,  undoubtedly,  to  resolves  under  Avhicli  offenders  against 
"  the  liberties  of  the  colonies  "  were  to  be  arrested  and  brought  before  the 
Genei'al  Court.     See  p.  223. 


310  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

words:  "Resolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  House,  That 
the  inhabitants  of  each  town  in  the  Colony  ought,  in 
full  meeting  warned  for  the  purpose,  to  advise  the 
person  or  persons  who  shall  be  chosen  to  represent 
them  in  the  next  General  Court,  whether,  if  the  hon- 
orable Congress  shall,  for  the  safety  of  the  Col'onies, 
declare  them  independent  of  the  kingdom  of  Great 
Britain,  they  the  said  inhabitants  will  solemnly  en- 
gage with  their  lives  and  fortunes  to  support  Con- 
gress in  the  measure,"  came  up  for  consideration,  and 
elicited  a  warm  and  protracted  debate.  The  vote  on 
the  question  proposed  was  in  the  negative,  30  to  35. 

When  first  we  read  in  Gordon's  History  of  the 
American  Revolution,  the  passage  :  "  Barnstable  in 
New  England  and  Ridgfield  in  Connecticut,^  have  dis- 
tinguished themselves  in  adopting  measures  different 
from  the  other  towns  in  their  respective  colonies,"  we 
were  led  to  pause  with  surprise  that  our  patriotic  shire- 
town  should  be  thus  presented.  Our  perplexity  was  not 
lessened  by  contemporaneous  publications ;  ~    and,  al- 

^  We  must  pardon  it  in  an  Englishman  that  he  did  not  know  that  both 
Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  were  parts  of  New  England,  and  must  bear 
in  mind  that  these  colonies  were  little  known  to  either  statesmen  or  literati 
of  the  parent  country ;  indeed,  at  the  present  day,  English  writers  do  not 
exhibit  much  improvement  either  in  knowledge  of  the  geography  of  our 
country,  or  of  its  polity. 

^  A  prominence  was  given  to  this  matter,  in  publications  of  the  day,  that 
obliges  us  to  be  the  more  minutely  exact.  See  Boston  Gazette  of  July  8, 
17  76:  "  The  question  being  put  .  .  '  whether,  if  the  Cont.  Cong,  shall  judge 
expedient  to  declare  the  United  Colonies  independent^  they,  the  inhabitants, 
will  support  the  measure  at  the  hazard  of  life  and  estate  V '  it  passed  in  the 
nega'iive.  Upon  which,  a  number  of  respectable  inhabitants,  judging  such 
procedure  to  have  A  tendency  to  disunite  the  colonies  and  injure  the 
cause  of  their  country,  did,  at  said  meeting  publicly  protest  against  it, — - 
hoping  thereby  to  avoid  the  imputation  of  acquiescence  in  so  dishonorable 
a  measure."  The  preceding  editorial  led  to  a  communication  from  "  an  in- 
habitant of  the  town,"  July  11,  to  a  paper  published  by  Willis  &  Powers. 
The  article  treated  the  former  announcement  as  "  a  mortifying  and  artful 
misrepresentation  and  malevolent  aspersion  of  the  town."  It  also  charged 
the  Protestants  with  having  "  styled  themselves  respectable  gentlemen," 
and  alleged  that  the  article  In  the  Gazette  was  "  destitute  of  truth."  A  re- 
joinder appeared  in  Edes'  Gazette,  on  the  29th,  from  a  leading  patriot, 
witli  a  request  for  tlie  publication  of  the  protest  itself     We  might  give  iu 


ANNALS   OF   BARNSTABLE.  311 

though  we  are  not  indisposed  to  attribute,  as  do  others, 
some  things  that  appear  on  the  records  to  want  of 

full  the  communication  of  June  11,  to  which  we  have  referred,  and  also 
the  exceeding  spicy  rejoinder  by  Gen.  Joseph  Otis,  dated  July  18  ;  but  as 
no  good  can  be  accomplished  by  spreading  upon  these  pages  mere  personal 
controversies,  not  necessarily  of  historical  interest,  we  forbear,  only  making 
a  few  excerpts  indispensable  to  a  full  view  of  the  case.  Gen.  O.,  address- 
ing Mr.  Edes,  after  alluding  to  "  the  mortification "  of  his  assailant,  at 
the  appearance  of  "  a  piece  dressed  up  in  the  form  of  a  protest,"  and  his 
"  begging  the  candid  public  to  suspend  judgment,"  says,  "  Who  dressed 
up  the  piece  I  pretend  not  to  say ;  but  surely  *the  gent,  shows  but  little 
address  in  taxing  the  protesters  against  a.  proceeding  of  town-meeting  with 
'  artfully  misrepresenting '  in  an  article  of  intelligence,  which,  he  also  in- 
sinuates, was  '  a  malevolent  aspersion  of  the  town '  —  the  protesters  being 
to  a  man  unacquainted  with  the  piece  until  it  appeared  in  your  paper. 
Nor  has  he  '  the  truth  for  his  fou^idation '  when  he  says  '  the  protesters  call 
themselves  respectable  gentlemen  '  —  for,  in  truth,  they  have  hitherto  been 
silent,  and  the  paragraph  in  your  paper  only  styles  them  '  respectable  in- 
habitants.' An  unfortunate  advocate  for  truth  and  candor  this,  to  appear 
in  the  first  part  of  his  performance  destitute  of  both.  I  pronounce  the  ac- 
count of  the  town-meeting  neither  true  nor  false ;  nor  do  I  determine 
whether,  all  the  circumstances  considered,  a  negative  upon  the  question  of 
instructing  was  a  negative  upon  the  question  of  Independence ;  though,  if 
the  inference  was  natural,  unavoidable,  the  account  of  our  town-meeting 
had  '  the  truth  for  its  foundation.'  But,  if  the  question  was  mistaken,  or 
even  '  artfully  '  stated ,  I  see  not  how  the  protesters  are  responsible.  As  a 
protester,  an  inhabitant,  and  one  at  the  meeting,  I  join  issue  with  this  '  mor- 
tified' young  man,  state  facts,  and  leave  the  public  to  draw  inferences. 
After  it  was  debated  largely  whether  the  town  would  give  any  instructions 
to  their  reps.,  the  question  was  put  by  ayes  and  nays  ;  30  appeared  for  in- 
structing, 35  against  it.  There  was  a  long  debate  about  declaring  inde- 
pendency ;  one  said  it  was  '  downright  rebellion  ; '  another  —  a  staunch 
friend  of  Gov.  Hutchinson  —  said,  '  our  trade  is  as  free  as  if  we  were  inde- 
pendent.' These  were  virulently  against  the  motion  ;  and  such  like  weighty 
arguments,  I  suppose,  obtained  a  majority  against  instructing.  .  .  I  have  no 
wish  to  set  the  town  in  a  less  reputable  light.  It  is  my  opinion  that  if  a 
certain  party  had  not  by  their  boisterous,  illiberal  behavior,  intimidated 
the  major  part  not  to  act, — for  of  140  voters  present,  65  only  voted, — 
the  question  would  have  been  carried  in  favor  of  instructing,  and  the  town 
would  have  been  saved  its  credit,  at  least  in  this  affair.  The  unprovoked 
attack  upon  me,  and  other  protesters,  has  drawn  me  into  public  view  on 
this  occasion,  supposing  my  silence  would  be  deemed  a  tacit  acknowledg- 
ment of  wrong  — -  which  is  all  my  inducement  to  answer.  The  sneers  of  a 
little  emissary  .  .  of  a  desperate  cabal  are  as  contemptible  as  their  unre- 
mitting malice  and  abuse.  Happy  in  conscious  integritj',  though  the  love 
of  my  country  and  my  efforts  in  her  service  have  opened  upon  me  the 
throats  of  deep-mouthed  mastiffs  as  well  as  the  occasional  barking  of  lesser 
curs."  It  may  here  be  compassionately  remarked,  that  the  person  whose  at- 
tack on  the  protesters  drew  fbi'th  the  preceding  reply,  was  evidently  disturbed 
by  the  vote  which  he  had  helped  to  perpetrate  ;  for  his  principal  complaint 
was,  that,  by  publishing  the  simple  facts,  the  town  was  "  placed  in  a  dis- 
reputable light,"  subjecting  some  to  great  "  mortification."  All  this  in  one 
short  month,  must  be  regarded  as  a  favorable  indication  of  returning  good 
.sense.  Perhaps  the  reverberations  of  the  old  Liberty-bell,  on  Independence 
Hall,  ringing  its  joyful  peal,  had  already  reached  his  ear. 


312  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

unity  and  concert  of  action  growing  out  of  personal 
pique,  rather  than  lack  of  patriotism ;  and,  although 
various  transactions  analogous  and  explanatory  seem 
to  relieve  the  above  vote  of  somewhat  of  its  odium,  we 
cannot  but  regard  the  omission  to  comply,  j^^o  forma, 
with  the  request  of  the  General  Court  preferred  at  so 
eventful  a  moment,  as  much  to  be  regretted.  The  re- 
sponse from  all  other  towns,  promptly  and  cheerfully 
rendered,  furnished  a  spectacle  truly  sublime.  That 
there  should  be  any  exception  is  unfortunate;  although 
perhaps  it  is  wonderful  that  there  was  only  one  (and 
that,  it  may  be,  only  a  seeming  exception)  to  mar  the 
perfect  unanimity  of  the  movement.  The  negative, 
as  might  have  been  expected,  occasioned  much  feel- 
ing, and  drew  forth  the  following  protest :  -^ 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  inhabitaMs  of  the  town  of  Barnstable, 
PROTEST  against  the  proceedings  of  said  town  at  their  meeting 
held  on  Tuesday,  25th  June  inst.,  respecting  the  giving  of  their 
representatives  instructions  Avith  regard  to  the  Independency 
of  the  Colonies  as  was  recommended  to  the  several  towns  in  this 
colony  by  way  of  a  Resolve  from  the  House  of  Repi-esentatives : 
And  as  a  vote  was  put  in  said  meeting  to  know  whether  the  town 
would  proceed  to  give  any  instructions  to  their  representatives 
agreeably  to  the  aforesaid  recommendation;  lohich  teas  carried  in 
the  negative:  And  judging  it  to  be  our  duty  to  protest  against 
such  vote,  we  do  it  for  the  following  reason  :  —  We  think  such  a 
measure  as  proposed  in  said  resolve  to  be  the  most  salutary  that 
can  be  gone  into  for  the  safety  and  well-being  of  the  colonies 
under  our  pi-esent  oppressed  situation ;  and  as  it  is  the  duty  of 
every  individual  to  give  his  voice  in  favor  of  the  aforesaid  rec- 
ommendation, in  case  the  honorable  Cont.  Congress  see  cause  to 
declare  these  colonies  entirely  indej)endent,  We  are  ready  and 
willing  to  stand  by  such  a  declaration  if  it  shall  take  place,  to 
the  uttermost  of  our  power  with  our  lives  and  estates ;  And  be- 
ing very  unwilling  that  the  aforesaid  Vote  be  passed  over  in 
silence,  for  fear  of  offending  our  own  consciences  in  being 
thought  to  acquiesce  in  so  strange  a  vote  of  the  town;  and,  of 
offending  our  Counti'ymen  and  Brethren  in  other  towns,  who 


ANNALS   OF   BARNSTABLE.  313 

may  go  into  contrary  measures ;  entirely  abhorring  any  princi- 
ples but  what  are  for  the  good  of  the  United  Colonies  of  Amer- 
ica ;  and  detesting  those  arguments  brought  by  some  men  at 
said  meeting  to  dissuade  the  people  from  complying  with  the 
said  recommendation ;  We  take  this  method  of  letting  the  pub- 
lic know  our  dissent  from  the  aforesaid  proceedings  of  the  town, 
having  no  other  way  to  make  our  sentiments  known.  And  we 
request  that  this  Protest  may  be.  entered  in  the  town  book,  to 
let  posterity  know  that  there  were  a  few  in  this  town  who  dared 
to  stand  forth  in  favor  of  an  injured  and  oppressed  Country 
treated  with  every  species  of  wickedness  used  by  tyranny  to  en- 
slave mankind,  and  that  it  is  matter  of  great  grief  to  us  that  the 
Cause  of  Liberty  is  treated  with  such  indignity  by  some  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Barnstable.  Barnstable,  June  26, 
1776."     Signed  by 

"  Joseph  Otis,  Nathan  Bassett,  Cornelius  Lovell, 

Thomas  Annable,         David  Smith,  Seth  Lothrop, 

Benjamin  Smith,  Job  Howland,  Benoni  Crocker, 

Zacheus  Howlaud,      James  Davis,  John  Blish, 

Joseph  Jenkins,  N'athaniel  Howland,  Edmund  Hawes, 

Joseph  Smith,  Ebenezer  Lothrop,      John  Russell, 

Freeman  Parker,         Binney  Baker,  Charles  Conant." 

John  Crocker  Jr.,        Jonathan  Hallet, 

At  a  town  meeting,  July  23,  it  was  "  voted  to  read  a 
protest  signed  by  a  number  of  inhabitants,  published 
in  the  Watertown  papers  of  the  8th  inst. ; "  after  the 
reading  of  which  it  was  "  voted  that  the  piece  pub- 
lished in  the  Watertown  newspaper,  called  '  a  protest 
of  a  number  of  respectable  inhabitants  of  the  town 
of  Barnstable,'  signed  by  Joseph  Otis  and  14  others,^ 
is  a  wrong  and  injurious  representation  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  town."  ^ 

^  The  article  to  which  reference  is  here  made,  it  Tidll  be  perceived,  is  not 
the  protest  itself,  but  the  account  given  of  the  meeting  in  the  Watertown 
paper,  and  which  communication  or  editorial  says  fifteen  protesters. 

^  One  ground  of  this  action,  —  and,  perhaps,  important,  —  was  said  to  be, 
that  the  vote  of  the  town  was  intended  to  be,  "  not  to  give  any  instructions, 
but  leave  the  matter  to  the  representatives  when  at  the  Gen.  Cowl."  If  so 
put,  the  35  said  to  have  voted  in  the  negative  were  really  affirmative  of 
this  form  of  resolution.  The  fact,  however,  that  75  legal  voters  present 
did  not  ansvrer  to  their  names,  shows  that  there  was  much  confusion  and  a 
general  misunderstanding  of  the  nature  of  the  question. 

VOL.  11.  4U 


314  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

A  State  Convention  being  now  proposed,  —  to  be  composed 
of  the  House  of  Representatives  and  the  Council, —  this  town 
"  voted  that  we  do  consent,  if  they  convent  together  in  one  body, 
and  by  equal  voice  consult  and  enact  such  Constitution  and 
Form  of  Government  for  this  State  as  they,  on  the  fullest  and 
most  mature  deliberation,  shall  judge  will  most  conduce  to  the 
safety,  peace,  and  happiness  of  the  State  in  all  after  successions 
and  generations,  and  that  th^y  do  direct  the  same  to  be  made 
public  for  the  instruction,  perusal,  and  information  of  the  inhab- 
itants before  the  ratification  thereof  by  the  Assembly,  —  in  order 
that  this  town  may  approve  or  disapprove  of  the  same."  It  was 
also  "  voted  to  give  the  selectmen  instructions  to  offer  an  addi- 
tion of  £1  to  each  private  soldier  and  non-commissioned  officer 
who  shall  enlist  for  three  months,  over  the  amount  given  by  the 
General  Court ;  and  that  one  month's  pay  be  advanced  to  each 
when  they  shall  be  ordered  to  march."  A  schedule  of  prices 
was  arranged  here,  this  year,  as  in  other  towns.  An  appropria- 
tion of  £100  was  made  for  a  Grammar  School. 

In  1777,  March  18,  "Daniel  Davis,  Edward  Bacon,  and  Nym- 
phas  Marston  Esqs.,  with  Capt.  Ebenezer  Jenkins,  were  appointed 
to  meet  in  conjunction  with  commissioners  from  other  towns  in 
the  county,  to  consider  the  state  of  the  county  at  large,  and  in 
behalf  of  said  county  to  rej^resent  all  public  grievances  that  the 
county  does  at  present  labor  under,  and  by  decent  remonstran- 
ces and  petitions  to  obtain  from  the  General  Court,  the  guardi- 
ans of  the  rights  ,and  liberties  of  the  people,  redress  of  the 
same."  A  committee  of  nine,  consisting  of  Edward  Bacon, 
Nymphas  Marston  Esqs.,  and  seven  others,  were  appointed  to 
meet  a  committee  of  the  General  Court;  and  it  was  "voted  that 
this  committee  of  the  town  be  directed  to  attend  upon  the  Gen- 
eral Court  committee  at  Sandwich  and  desire  them  to  come  to 
Barnstable  ;  and,  if  they  cannot  obtain  that,  to  wait  upon  them 
at  Sandwich,  agreeably  to  a  letter  from  said  committee,  and  lay 
before  them  the  difficulties  this  town  and  a  number  of  persons 
belonging  to  this  town,  labor  under ;  and  also  to  support  a  peti- 
tion of  this  town,  and  answer  a  memorial  said  to  be  in  answer 
to  said  petition,  and  to  procure  evidence  to  support  the  same." 
Capt.  Jenkins  being  chosen  to  represent  the  town  in  General 
Court,  a  committee  was  appointed.  May  20,  "to  draw  up  instruc- 
tions for  his  action  in  that  body,  to  meet  in  the  State  House  in 
Boston."  This  committee  consisted  of  Capt.  Samuel  Crocker, 
Edward  Bacon  Esq.,  Capt.  Samuel  Hinckley,  Lt.  Joseph  Blish, 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  315 

and  Capt.  Benjamin  Gorham.  These  instructions  were  in  cliar- 
acter  and  sj^irit  similar  to  those  given  to  his  predecessors ;  not 
doubting  his  wisdom,  they  enjoin  the  greatest  caution  and  delib- 
eration in  all  the  great  affairs  of  the  government  in  a  time  of 
great  public  distress  and  danger,  and  to  use  his  influence  to  provide 
for  the  safeiy  of  this  State  and  the  other  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica, and  in  providing  for  the  annoyance  of  the  common  enemy. 
"We  farther  instruct  you  to  use  your  utmost  endeavors  and  in- 
fluence that  it  be  recommended  by  the  General  Court  to  the 
several  towns,  as  soon  as  may  be  to  choose  delegates  to  meet  in 
coiagress  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  plan  of  Civil  Government 
for  this  State."  The  town  "voted  to  have  one  Grammar  School,'' 
and  raised  £400  for  its  support.  A  committee  was  appointed  "to 
supply  the  families  of  the  soldiers  who  are  in  the  Continental 
service  from  this  town,  agreeably  to  a  resolve  of  the  General 
Court."  And,  Dec.  11,  a  committee  was  appointed  "to  draft  a 
petition  to  the  Court  relative  to  the  Act  for  calling  in  the  State's 
money,  —  the  measure  being  alarming,  and  threatening  ruin  to 
the  people."  Nymphas  Marston  Esq.,  Edward  Bacon  Esq.,  and 
Mr.  Joseph  Davis  were  this  committee.  The  report  Avas  accept- 
ed, and  the  petition  forwarded.  Dea.  Jesse  Cobb  died  in  De- 
cember of  this  year,  aged  72. 

In  1778,  Feb.  3,  a  committee  was  chosen  "  to  take  into  consid- 
eration the  Articles  of  Confederation  and  Perpetual  Union  be- 
tween the  United  States  of  America,  agreed  uf)on  by  the  hon- 
orable, the  Continemtal  Congress."  ^     This  committee  consisted 

^  Mr.  Palfrey  says,  "  The  Plymouth  spirit  which,  nearly  a  century  before, 
had  been  shy  of  a  union  with  Massachusetts,  was  now  equally  averse  to 
any  ajjproach  to  a  consolidated  government  which  should  implicate  the 
concerns  of  Massachusetts  too  much  with  those  of  other  States  of  a  different 
parentaj^je  ;  and  it  is  striking  to  see  how  early  was  urged,  among  the  vigi- 
lant yeomanry  of  our  towns,  that  doctrine  which,  since  more  matured  and 
applied  to  a  different  instrument,  has  been  known  as  the  Virginia  and 
Carolina  doctrine  of  State  Ilights.  '  It  appears  to  us,'  say  the  Barnstable 
instructions  to  their  representatives, '  that  the  power  of  Congress  is  too  great. 
If  the  power  of  borrowing  money  and  emitting  bills  of  credit  without  any 
limitation  or  check,  also  reg-ulating  and  directing  the  whole  land  and  naval 
force  of  the  States,  is  forever  hereafter  vested  in  one  supreme  power,  the 
future  General  Congress,  we  have  no  great  consolation  in  contemplating 
the  sovereignty,  freedota,  independence,  power,  jurisdiction,  and  right  with 
them  remaining.  You  are,  accordingly,  to  use  your  influence  that  none  of 
these  general  powers  be  forever  delegated  to  future  Congresses.  But  if, 
during  the  present  arduous  conflict  with  Great  Britain,  it  may  be  judged 
necessary  to  vest  such  extra  powers  in  a  Continental  Congress,  we  will 
trust  that  you  will  use  your  endeavors  that  the  same  shall  be  but  tem- 
porary, and  forever  determine  at  the  conclusion  of  the  present  unhappy 
war.' " 


316  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

of  Edward  Bacon,  Nyraphas  Marston,  Samuel  Crocker,  Joseph 
Davis,  and  Thomas  Crocker.  "The  selectmen  and  com.  of  cor." 
were  required  "  to  enlist  the  men  wanted  to  make  up  the  town's 
quota  for  the  army  for  two  years,  if  they  can  ;  but  if  they  can- 
not be  obtained  for  that  time,  then  for  8  months,  and  hire  the 
money  for  the  purpose."  The  report  of  the  com.  on  the  ai'ticles 
of  confederation  says,  "  We  are  with  great  propriety  called  upon 
by  our  patriotic  rulers  to  offer  our  sentiments  on  matters  pe- 
culiarly interesting  not  only  to  the  present,  but  future  genera- 
tions. We  are  actuated  by  a  fervent  zeal  for  the  most  permanent 
freedom  and  happiness  of  the  United  States  of  America;  and 
speak  our  sentiments  with  freedom  on  a  matter  of  so  much  im- 
portance as  that  of  the  Grand  Charter  of  American  Liberty. 
The  articles  have  generally  our  hearty  approbation."  The 
special  characteristics  of  this  able  report  the  reader  will  find 
embodied  in  the  note. 

Daniel  Davis,  Nymphas  Marston,  and  Eben'r  Jenkins,  Esq'rs, 
were  chosen  a  com.  of  correspondence,  inspection,  and  safety. 
Liberty  was  "granted  to  Capt.  Sturgis  Gorham  to  build  a  store- 
house, 40  by  30  feet,  and  also  a  wharf,  on  the  landing  belonging  to 
the  town,  at  Lewis's  Cove,  Hyannis."  The  town  engaged  to  pay 
the  soldiers  wanted,  to  send  to  Peekskill,  for  nine  months,  £10 
per  month,  including  the  wages  and  bounty  allowed  by  the 
State ;  also,  to  the  men  enlisted  to  go  to  Providence.  The  town 
appointed  a  large  com.  to  assist  the  selectmen  in  filling  up  the 
quota  required,  and  the  men  not  being  found,  an  addition  of  £2 
per  month  was  oflered;  and  Maj.Shearjashub  Bourne  and  Messrs. 
Sam'l  and  William  Crocker  were  delegated  to  represent  to  gov- 
ernment "the  difficulties  attending  the  raising  of  men  in  the 
town  of  Barnstable."  Capt.  Sam'l  Crocker,  Joseph  Hallet,  Edw. 
Bacon  Esq.,  Lt.  Joseph  Blish,  and  Shearj.  Bourne  Esq.  were  also 
a  com.  "to  request  other  towns  in  the  county  to  unite  in  conven- 
tion for  the  jDurpose  of  petitioning  the  General  Court  for  abate- 
ment of  the  county's  quota  of  men  for  the  public  service  abroad, 
—  in  consideration  of  the  peculiar  situation  and  circumstances  of 
the  towns  on  the  Cape ;  also  to  act  on  any  other  matters  consist- 
ent with  the  public  good  and  safety  that  may  come  before  them." 
It  was  further  "voted,  that  Col.  Bacon  and  Capt.  Gorham,  the 
reps,  from  this  town,  endeavor  to  have  the  report  of  the  honora- 
ble committee  of  the  General  Court  sent  to  this  town  to  hear 
and  settle  grievances  the  last  year,  revived  and  acted  upon."  The 
amount  raised  for  town  expenses  this  year,  was  £1,300,  old  tenor. 


ANNALS    Of   BARNSTABLE.  317 

Solomon  Otis  Esq.,  register  of  deeds,  d.  this  year,  Jan.  2, 
aged  82  ;  Melatiah  Bouene  Esq.  died  Sept.  9,  aged  56  ;  ^  and 
Col.  James  Otis  d.  Nov.  9,  aged  76.  That  terrible  storm,  in 
which  the  privateer,  Arnold,  which  sailed  from  Boston  Dec.  25, 
was  driven  ashore  near  Plymouth  on  the  26th,  was  fatal  to  num- 
bers of  men  belonging  to  this  town.  That  out  of  the  78  who 
perished,  ten  belonged  here  is  a  fact  significant  of  the  service 
rendered  by  the  Cape  towns  upon  the  seas,  in  addition  to  the  ex- 
actions made  upon  them  for  the  land  service.  The  naval  service, 
on  the  patriot  side,  in  the  revolutionary  war,  was  chiefly  by  pri- 
vate-armed vessels.  Among  those  frozen  to  death  on  this  fatal 
night,  were  Capt.  John  Russell  commander  of  marines,  Lt. 
Daniel  Hall,  Tho's  Caseley,  Barnabas  Howes  Jr.,  Jona. 
LoTHEOP  Jr., Bacon  s.  of  Jona.,  John  Beret,  Jesse  Gar- 
rett, Boston  Crocker  colored,  and  Indian  of  Barna.  Chipman. 
These  were  all  buried  at  Plymouth.  Barnabas  Lothrop  Jr. 
was  badly  frozen,  and  died  after  reaching  home.  Barnabas 
Downes  was  resuscitated,  and  survived  with  the  loss  of  both 
feet. 

The  town  was,  about  this  time,  exercised  by  a  matter  of  both 
personal  and  public  nature,  but  so  largely  personal  that  we  doubt 
the  expediency  of  its  transfer  to  these  pages ;  esjaecially  as  we 
are  well  satisfied  that  old  animosities,  and  particularly  private 


^  Mr.  Bourne,  b.  1722,  s.  of  Hon.  SylTanus,  m.  Mary  Bayard,  niece  of 
Gov.  Bowdoin,  and  had  Sylvanus,  capt.  and  consul  at  Amsterdam ;  Mela- 
tiah, who  m.  Olive  Gorham,  and  had  Melatiah,  Sylvanus,  Olive  the  mother 
of  Maj.  S.  B.  Phinney ;  Sarah,  who  m.  Col.  Greaton  of  the  revolutionary 
army,  Avho  was  killed  by  Indians  under  St.  Clair  ;  and  Mary.  Mr.  B.  was 
some  time  of  Boston,  and  September  3,  1780,  we  find  his  widow  petition- 
ing that  the  probate  of  his  will  may  be  transferred  to  Boston,  her  late  hus- 
band "  having  tied  from  that  place  when  the  town  was  in  possession  of  Br. 
troops,  and  d.  in  Be."  The  will,  Sept.  8,  1778,  says,  "late  of  Boston,  now 
of  Be. ;  "  gives  to  "  wife  Mary  the  use  and  improvement  of  my  dwelUng- 
house  and  gardens  in  Milk  St.,  Boston  ;  to  my  drs.  Mary  and  Sarah  liberty 
to  live  in  said  house  so  long  as  single  ;  to  my  wife  my  best  chaise  and  black 
horse,  and  silver  tankard  that  was  her  grandfather's ;  to  my  son  Melatiah 
my  silver-hilted  sword,  silver  spurs,  brass-barrelled  pistols  silver  mounted, 
and  my  horse,  saddle  and  bridle,  all  now  in  the  hands  of  Nathan'l  Clap, 
Esq. ;  to  my  s.  Sylvanus  my  gold  watch  and  seal  set  in  gold,  etc.  and  £100; 
to  my  daughters  my  best  scarlet  cloak ;  to  my  brother  Richard  a  watch  and 
good  beaver  hat,  and  to  his  wife  £20  ;  to  my  brother-in-law,  Isaac  Hinck- 
ley Esq.  £30  in  consideration  of  boarding  my  two  drs. ;  my  Negro  Scipio 
to  serve  till  25  years  old,  and  then  set  free  with  £20  ;  the  balance  of  real 
estate  to  my  four  children  ;  personal,  consisting  of  mort.  bonds,  notes,  ac- 
counts, plate,  etc.  to  my  wife  one-fourth,  the  other  three-fourths  to  my  four 
children.  Executors,  wife  Mary,  Hon.  John  Pitts,  ]\ir.  Jno.  White,  and 
Isaac  Hinckley  Esq. 


318  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

pique,  may  have  been  at  the  fovmdation  of  the  whole  difficulty. 
Suffice  to  say,  the  town  voted,  Dec.  16,  "to  act  on  the  request  of 
a  number  of  freeholders  relative  to  a  remonstrance  and  petition 
exhibited  to  the  General  Court."  Capt.  Samuel  Crocker,  Lt.  Jo- 
seph Blish,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  present  resolutions  embodying  the  views  of  the  meeting ;  and 
these,  being  adopted,  were  ordered  upon  record,  and  a  cojDy  laid 
before  the  House  of  Reps.,  reprobating,  in  strong  tei'ms,  the  act 
of  the  leading  townsman  and  28  others  who  had  signed  the  me- 
morial asking,  on  j)olitical  grounds,  the  displacement  of  a  repre- 
sentative. 

In  1779,  a  precept  having  been  issued  requiring  the  election  of 
a  representative,  under  circumstances  disapproved  by  a  majority 
of  the  citizens,  —  compliance  was  refused.^  It  was  voted  this 
year  to  raise  £450,  old  tenor,  for  one  grammar  and  two  common 
schools.  The  town  was  now  divided  into  three  districts ;  two 
on  the  north  side,  and  one  on  the  south. 

Edward  Bacon  and  Nymphas  Marston,  Esqs.  were  chosen 
delegates,  July  22,  iothe  convention  to  meet  in  Cambridge  Sept. 
1,  for  forming  a  new  Constitution,  agreeably  to  a  resolve  of  the 
General  Court  15th  June  last.  The  difficulties  attending  the 
procurement  of  soldiers  for  the  Continental  array,  necessitated 
the  offering  of  almost  any  and  all  kinds  of  inducements  over  and 


^  The  majority  regarded  recent  political  movements  as  "  an  attempt 
to  undermine  and  destroy  the  invaluable  right  of  free  election  and  repre- 
sentation." A  com.  composed  of  Nymplias  Marston,  Stm-gis  Gorham, 
Sam'l  Croeker,  Sam'l  Hinckley,  and  Isaac  Hinckley,  reported  on  the  sub- 
ject, and  resolutions  highly  approbatory  of  the  late  incumbent,  and  denun- 
ciatory of  those  who  would  prevent  the  town  being  "  represented  by  the 
person  of  om*  choice,  —  in  whose  honor  and  fidelity  to  this  State  and  the 
U.  S.  of  America,  as  well  as  in  his  abihties,  we  can  place  the  strongest 
confidence."  We  heartily  indoi'se,  in  its  main  feature,  the  suggestion  of 
Mr.  Palfrey  in  his  Barnstable  Centennial,  that  "  In  the  strong  excitement 
which  acted  on  men's  minds,  and  the  diversity  of  opinions  which  from  time 
to  time  actually  arose  on  the  practical  question  whether  in  a  given  case, 
measures  of  greater  energy  or  greater  caution  would  best  accomplish  the 
end  alike  aimed  at  by  all,"  suspicions  of  coolness  in  the  cause  may  have  at- 
tached without  sufficient  reason  to  some  who  were  truly  patriotic.  The  full 
benefit  of  such  construction  is  due  in  the  present  instance.  The  application 
of  the  remark,  however,  must  be  limited ;  we  cannot  say,  as  Mr.  P.  seems 
to  imply,  that  the  same  patriotic  end  was  "  aimed  at  by  all"  —  for  there 
were,  here,  as  elsewhere,  most  arrant  lories,  whose  constant  aim  was  to  em- 
barrass the  government,  thwart  its  designs,  fault  its  every  measure,  render 
unpopular  its  agents,  and  prostrate  the  cause.  It  is  always  unfortunate  for 
a  good  man  to  receive  the  suffrages  of  such  persons.  Their  design  in  the 
selection  may  be  obvious,  but  their  support  is  fatal. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  319 

beyond  the  regular  pay, — especially  by  such  as  being  drafted,  or 
being  liable  to  draft,  were  exposed  to  be  called  from  home.^ 

A  letter  being  received  from  the  town  of  Boston,  inviting  this 
town  to  meet  by  delegation  those  to  be  appointed  by  other 
towns,  to  assemble  at  Concord  to  adopt  measures  for  regulating 
the  currency,  Shearj.  Bourne  Esq.,  Col.  David  Gorham,  and  Capt. 
Sturgis  Gorham  were  assigned  this  duty.  The  town  agreed  to 
the  several  measures  reported  by  that  convention.  Mr.  James 
Child  died  November  2,  aged  85.^ 

In  1780,  May  2,  Shearj,  Bourne,  Edward  Bacon,  Jos.  Otis,  and 
twelve  others,  were  chosen  "  to  take  into  consideration  the  pro- 
posed new  Constitution ; "  and,  May  23,  "  the  Constitution  and 
form  of  government  as  it  stood  was,  in  open  town  meeting,  re- 
jected 74  to  10,  and  with  amendments  accepted  54  to  2.  A  com- 
mittee was  then  appointed  to  take  the  report  into  a  fair  draft 
and  transmit  it."  The  General  Court  was  petitioned  "  to  release 
the  town  from  fines  imposed  for  not  raising  in  time  the  whole 
quota  of  soldiers; "  and  a  committee  was  appointed  "  to  jDi'ocure 
at  once  36  able-bodied  men  to  enlist  for  6  months,  $20  per  month 
in  silver  to  be  paid  by  the  town  in  addition  to  the  regular  State 
pay."  Extraordinary  efforts  were  called  forth,  the  town  was  di- 
vided into  districts,  agents  were  sent  to  each,  the  selectmen  hired 
money  to  pay  the  recruits,  and  to  encourage  enlistments  private 
citizens  contributed  money,  produce,  etc.  Again,  three  months' 
men  were  required;  Maj.  Hamblin  was  "desired  by  the  town  to 
enlist  them."  Next  came  a  requisition  for  more  beef.  The 
quantity  which  this  town  was  required  to  furnish  was  5510  lbs. 
It  was  not  possible  to  supply  the  amount,  and,  Oct.  16,  Brigadier 
Otis,  Col.. Bacon,  and  Col.  Gorham  were  appointed  "to  represent 
to  the  Court  the  circumstances  of  the  town."  Gen.  Otis  was 
also  requested  to  state  to  the  Council  the  impossibility  of  obtain- 
ing soldiers,  and  to  ask  that  the  town  be  excused  for  the  present 
from  drafting.    Edwaed  BACoasr  Esq.  was  with  others  aj)pointed 


^  On  one  occasion  this  year,  the  following  sums  were  paid  for  a  short 
term  of  service  :  to  Thomas  Whelden  and  son  £lOO  each,  old  tenor;  Lot 
Hathaway,  36  bu.  corn;  Benj.  Fuller,  £100;  Frs.  Gari'ow,  40  bu.  corn; 
Benj.  Crocker,  £3  and  40  bu.  corn  ;  Clark  Backhouse,  £48  and  20  bushels 
corn  ;  and  to  Edw.  Casey  £100,  old  tenor. 

■^  Mr.  James  Child,  b.  1694,  s.  of  Rd.,m.  Elisa.  Crocker  Sept.  27,  1722, 
and  had  Sam'l  July  15,  1723  ;  James  Ap.  22,  1725  ;  Elisa.  Dec.  20,  1730, 
who  m.  Dan'l  Crocker  May  19,  1748;  Sarah  Ap.  9,  1736,  who  m.  Jona. 
Crocker  May  2,  1754  ;  Thankful  Aug.  4,  1741,  who  m.  Jos.  Lawrence  of  S. 
Mar.  27,  17G0  ;  and  Rich'd  March  22,  1743-4,  who  d.  1805,  aged  61. 


320  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

to  petition  "  to  have  the  fine  of  £6000,  now  imposed  for  not 
procuring  the  quotas  of  men  for  the  army  in  1779,  remitted." 

The  amount  voted  this  year  for  current  expenses  was  £10,000 
old  tenor.  An  additional  tax  was  assessed  "  for  soldiers'  pay," 
and  £470  was  to  be  raised  in  silver.  One  grammar  school  mas- 
ter was  employed.  The  selectmen  were  directed,  Nov.  "22,  "  to 
write  to  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  in  the  county  setting 
forth  the  fact  that  this  county  is  greatly  overtaxed  by  govern- 
ment, and  2:)roposing  a  convention  to  represent  to  the  General 
Court  the  unhap2:»y  state  of  affairs,  and  pray  for  some  abatement 
of  the  county  taxes."  Gen.  Otis,  Col.  Gorhatn,  Col.  Bacon,  Dan- 
iel Davis  Esq.,  and  Thos.  Crocker  were  subsequently  appointed 
delegates  to  said  convention ;  and,  at  the  same  meeting,  it  was 
"  ordered  that  the  3  months'  soldiers  who  went  out  in  the  public 
service  on  the  credit  of  the  town,  be  paid  at  the  rate  of  $72  in 
paper  for  $1  of  silver."  A  committee  was  appointed,  Dec.  26, 
"to  enquire  into  the  state  of  provisions  in  this  town."  Mr.  Jo- 
siAH  Ckockee  died  May  4,  1780,  aged  35.^ 

In  1781,  Jan.  9,  it  was,  in  town  meeting, "  voted  that  this  tov/n 
is  not  able  to  raise  any  sum  whatever  as  a  bounty  for  soldiers 
and  fulfil  our  former  engagements."  Brig.  Otis,  and  Edw.  Bacon 
and  Isaac  Hinckley  Esqs.  were  requested  "  to  take  the  remour 
strance  and  petition,  which  the  former  committee  laid  before  the 
town,  into 'a  fair  draft,  and  make  alterations  if  needed,  and  for- 
ward it  to  the  General  Court  by  Esq.  Marston."  It  was  also 
"  ordered  that  stocks  and  whipping-post  be  provided  as  by  law 
required." 

Another  effort  was  projected,  March  20,  for  the  raising  of  men 
for  the  array.  Brig.  Otis,  Maj.  Hamblin,  Thos.  Crocker,  and  Edw. 
Bacon  Esq.  were  a  committee  to  hire  thirty  men  for  three  years' 
service,  and  money  was  to  be  hired  "  to  pay  each  man  who  en- 
lists $20  per  month  hard  money."  Again,  "  the  distresses  and  dif- 
ficulties the  town  labors  under"  were,  July  4,  to  be  the  subject 
of  a  memorial  to  the  General  Court,  and  Messrs.  Edw.  Bacon, 
Sam'l  Hinckley,  Joseph  Otis,  Sam'l  Crocker,  and  Eleazer  Scud- 
der  were  appointed  "to  join  with  the  representative  in  present- 
ing said  memorial  to  the  Court  and  enforcing  the  same."  These, 
we  must  suppose,  were  times  of  trouble  and  distress  ;  they  cer- 


^Mr.  C.  grad.  H.  C.  1765.  He  devoted  his  time  chiefly  to  school-teach- 
ing, and  was  nine  years  town  clerk.  He  is  said  to  have  "  had  some  poetic 
talent." 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  321 

tainly  were  tunes  of  exaction.  The  town  was  now,  July  23, 
called  on  for  more  soldiers ;  men  must  be  raised  for  West  Point 
and  Rhode  Island;  and  the  town  "vo'ted  |12  per  month  to  each 
recruit,  exclusive  of  State  pay,  —  one  month's  wages  in  advance." 
The  town  having  been  presented  for  not  furnishing  its  quota  of 
provisions  for  the  army,  Lt.  Jedediah  Jones  was  delegated  "to 
ascertain  upon  what  terms  the  execution  may  be  settled."  It 
was  again  voted,  Nov.  27,  "  to  j^etition  for  abatement  of  taxes." 
Two  grammar  school  masters  were  employed  this  year.  Mi*. 
James  Coleman  died  April  15,  aged  77. 

In  1782,  Jan.  9,  Messrs.  Edw.  Bacon,  Joseph  Otis,  etc.,  were 
appointed  "to  draw  instructions  to  our  representative;"  and, 
Jan.  21,  E.  Bacon  Esq.,  Shearj.  Bourne  Esq.,  and  Capt.  Samuel 
Hinckley  were  ajjpointed  "  to  draft  a  petition  and  assist  the  rep- 
resentative in  enforcing  the  town's  call  for  relief  from  oppressive 
exactions."  The  General  Court  appointed  a  committee  from  its 
own  body  "to  visit  the  town  of  Barnstable  and  examine  into 
the  circumstances  set  forth  in  the  plea  of  poverty  and  distress." 
Messrs.  Bacon,  Marston,  and  others,  were  appointed  by  the  town 
to  wait  on  said  committee,  etc. 

Nov.  21,  E.  Bacon  Esq.  and  two  others  were  appointed  "  to 
draw  instructions  for  the  representative  with  respect  to  granting 
one-half  pay  to  the  oflScers  of  the  Continental  army  for  a  certain 
number  of  years."  Capt.  Stephbk  Davis  died  this  year,  Jan.  4, 
aged  81.1 

In  1783,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hilliaed,  of  the  East  Church, 
requested  a  dismission  from  his  pastoral  charge,  on 
account  of  impaired  health.^  This  was  granted,  April 
30.  The  same  year,  Nov.  12,  Rev.  John  Mellen  was 
ordained  the  successor.^  Mr.  Nathaniel  Lewis  was 
made  a  deacon  of  the  same  church,  April  23 ;  and  Mr. 


^  Capt.  Davis,  b.  1700,  s.  of  Josiah,  had  by  bis  w.  ^Rebecca,  Prince  1 724, 
who  m.  Sarah  Coleman  1 750,  and  had  a  family,  removing  in  1 760  to  Gor- 
ham;  Anne  1726,  who  m.  Benj.  Cobb  ;  Isaac  1729,  who  m.  Hannah  Davis 
and  had  Isaac  1764  ;  Rebecca  1731,  Avho  m.  Benj.  Childs  ;  Susan  1734,  who 
m.  Solo.  Otis  ;  Sarah  1737,  who  m.  John  Bacon  Jr. ;  Stephen  1 740  ;  Abi- 
gail 1743  ;  Thankful  1746,  who  m.  Samuel  Smith;  and  Jonathan  Oct.  1, 
1749. 

^Rev.  Mr.  H.  was  afterwards  Installed  at  Cambridge.  He  was  from 
Kensington,  N.  H.,  and  grad.  H.  C  1764. 

^Rev.  Mr.  M.  was  b.  at  Sterling,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1770. 
vol.  n.  41 


322         HISTORY  OP  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

Lot  Nye  deacon  of  the  West  Church,  Aug.  12.  The 
appropriation  for  schools  this  year,  and  also  for  several 
succeeding  years,  was  £150.  Dan'l  Davis  Esq.,  Nym- 
phas  Marston  Esq.,  Capt.  Sam'l  Hinckley,  Capt.  Sam'l 
Crocker,  and  Gen.  Joseph  Otis  were  appointed  "  to 
unite  with  commissioners  from  Sandwich  and  other 
towns  in  the  county  in  petitioning  for  relief  under 
our  present  distressing  circumstances."  Hon.  Edward 
Bacon  died  this  year,  March  16,  aged  68;^  and  Capt. 
David  Lawrence  died  Oct.  3,  aged  35. 

In  1784,  it  was  "voted  to  allow  Cornelius  Crocker's 
bill  for  boarding  the  legislative  committee  that  came 
to  view  the  country."  The  amount  of  that  bill,  it 
may  be  remarked,  was  only  nineteen  shillings ;  a  very 
moderate  charge  surely.  We  know  not  how  long  the 
committee  bivouacked  with  the  landlord ;  but  our  mind 
unavoidably  reverts  to  exactions  at  the  present  day, 
—  especially  when  an  opportunity  is  given  to  enter- 
tain dignitaries  sent  on  public  business.  In  justice  also 
to  the  committee  of  "  the  Great  and  General  Court," 
it  is  proper  to  add  that  the  bill  of  expenses  incurred 
by  their  entertainment  affords  presumptive  evidence 
that  the  day  in  which  they  served  the  public  was  not 
noted  for  extravagance.  Public  functionaries  seem 
not  to  have  learned  the  luxury  of  consuming  at  a  sin- 
gle sitting  entire  boxes  of  costly  regalias,  nor  had 
they  an  ear  for  the  music  of  the  pop  of  corks  of  in- 
credibly numerous  bottles  of  sparkling  champagne. 
Certes,  the  gentlemen  constituting  this  embassy  were 
"well  cared  for,"  for  the  Cape  was  always  proverbial 

^  Hon.  Edwd.  Bacon  we  have  mentioned  with  particularity,  Vol.  I.  354. 
No  man  enjoyed  in  a  greater  degree  the  undeviating  support  of  a  majority 
of  his  fellow-townsmen  ;  no  one  here  was  so  often  called  to  preside  at  town 
meetings,  or  was  oftener  on  important  committees.  If,  in  times  of  warm 
political  excitement,  doubts  of  his  true  fealty  to  his  country's  interests  were 
<'ngendercd  in  the  minds  of  any,  his  life  demonstrated  his  integrity  and 
P'ltriotic  intent.     He  died  universally  respected  and  greatly  lamented. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  6Z6 

for  its  excellent  and  abundant  fare,  as  were  its  inns 
for  their  moderate  charges.  Mr.  Cornelius  Crocker 
died  this  year,  Dec.  12,  aged  80.^ 

In  1785,  a  petition  was  preferred  for  an  act  restraining  the 
cutting  of  wood  on  Sandy  Neck ;  the  object  being  to  protect 
the  meadows  from  the  inroads  of  drifting  sands.  A  suitable 
passage  was  "  ordered  to  be  opened  at  Stacy's  Mill,  for  alewives." 
The  Court  was  requested  to  enact  "that  the  Great  Bridge  be 
henceforward  a  County  charge."  The  representative  was  in- 
structed "  to  oppose  the  issue  of  paper  money  and  the  making  of 
the  same  a  lawful  tender,  as  also  the  making  of  lands  a  lawful 
tender."  A  bounty  was  offered  for  the  destruction  of  crows,  jays, 
blackbirds,  and  foxes. 

Thus  do  we  find  the  citizens  reheved  from  the  per- 
plexities and  ever-increasing  expenses  of  the  war  for 
independence,  bestowing  at  once  their  chief  attention 
on  local  improvements,  and  relapsing  into  that  quietude 
of  daily  avocations  that  may  often  appear  to  the  cas- 
ual observer  an  approximate  to  dulness.  The  travel- 
ler, in  passing  through  portions  of  the  township,  has 
sometimes  remarked  the  existing  quiet,  —  making  per- 
haps an  exception  in  behalf  of  the  ports  on  the  south 
side.  An  agricultural  town  is  not  usually  noted  for 
its  noisy  activity ;  and,  in  prosperous  times,  the  em- 
ployment of  many  of  the  most  active  here,  as  in  other 
Cape  towns,  has  been  on  the  sea.     Mr.  Joseph  Hallet 

*Mr.  Cornelius  Crocker,  b.  1704,  s.  of  Sam'l,  m.  Lydia  Jenkins  Nov. 
9,  1727,  who  (1.  Aug.  5,  1773,  aged  68,  and  had  Elijah  April  12,  1729 ;  Eli- 
sha  Sept.  14,  1730  ;  Samuel  July  29,  1732;  Joseph  Ap.  12,  1734  ;  Lydia 
Ap.  14,  1739,  who  m.  Capt.  Sam'l  Sturgis  3d,  who  d.  17G2,  aged  25,  and 
she  Ap.  9,  1826,  aged  86  ;  Cornelius  Aug.  21,  1740  ;  Josiah  Dec.  20,  1744; 
and  Sarah  1749,  who  m.  David  Lawrence,  and  d.  Feb.  21,  1825,  aged  76. 
Capt.  Samuel,  b.  1732,  m.  Elisa.  Lumbert,  and  2d,  her  sister  Anna,  and 
had  Abigail,  Elij.,  Elisa.,  Anna  who  m.  Isaac  Bacon  Jr.,  Elisha,  Ezek'I,  and 
Susanna  who  m.  John  Bursley.  Joseph,  b.  1734,  m.  Elisa.  Davis,  and 
had  Joseph  and  Mary.  Cornelius  Jr.,  b.  1740,  m.  Abiali  Hinckley,  and 
had  Naler  1  773,  and  Asa  1 776.  The  father  d.  early,  and  his  wid.  d.  June  7, 
1823,  £e.  77.  JosiAH,  b.  1744,  grad.  H.  C.  1765,  m.  Deborah  Davis,  dr. 
Hon.  Daniel,  Oct.  6,  1765,  and  had  Robert,  Uriel,  Josiah,  Deborah,  who 
m.  John  Lothrop,  and  Mehitable,  who  m.  Joseph  Parker.  The  father  d. 
1780;  his  wid.  m.  Benj.  Gorham  Jr. 


324  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

was  made  a  deacon  of  the  East  Church  this  year ;  and 
Mr.  Daniel  Lovell  died. 

In  1786,  we  find  the  inhabitants  notified  by  order  of  the  town 
to  turn  out  and  work  on  the  Great  Bridge ;  and  the  surveyor  is 
instructed  "to  procure,  at  the  expense  of  the  town,  as  much  rum 
as  he  shall  judge  necessary  for  the  workmen;"  —  the  latter  pro- 
vision is  worthy  of  mention  only  as  illustrating  the  universal 
practice  at  this  period.  Mr.  Joseph  Lewis  kejDt  one  of  the  town 
schools  this  year,  at  his  own  house,  and  was  allowed  for  three 
weeks  and  three  days  service,  £3.11.2. 

In  1787,  agents  were  appointed  "to  procure  schoolmasters  and 
settle  the  schools."  For  the  suppoi't  of  schools  £100  lawful 
money  was  raised.  The  delegates  to  the  Convention  to  be  held 
in  Boston,  "for  acting  on  the  matter  of  a  Constitution  or  frame 
of  government  for  the  U.  S,  of  A.,"  were  Nymphas  Marston  and 
Shearj.  Bourne  Esqs.  Doct.  Abner  Heesey  died  this  year, 
Jan,  9,  ae.  65,^ 

In  1788,  it  was  voted  "to  allow  Daniel  Davis  Esq. 
£44.5  for  attending  the  Provincial  Congress  1774  and 
1775,"  The  town  being  indicted  for  neglect  of  the 
highways,  Sturgis  Gorham  Esq.  was  appointed  to  an- 
swer at  the  next  Superior  Court,  Hon,  Nymphas  Mars- 
ton  d.  Feb.  11.^  Rev.  Enoch  Eldridge  was  this  year, 
Dec.  4,  ordained  over  a  Society  of  Baptists  at  the 
South  side  of  the  town. 

In  1789,  a  bounty  of  $50  was  voted  "to  be  paid  to  any  one 


^  See  Vol.  1.  554,  and  609-10.  As  we  intimated,  p.  233,  we  abandon  the 
idea  of  attempting  a  distinct  view  of  either  of  the  two  professions.  Law  or 
Medicine,  in  the  several  towns.  Doct.  Matthew  Fuller  was  the  first 
regular  practitioner  here,  succeeded  by  his  son,  Dr.  John  Fuller.  They 
v/ere  both  eminent.  Dr.  Russell  was  noted,  as,  in  later  times,  were  Doc- 
tors Samuel  Savage,  Jonas  Whitman,  John  Davis,  Henry  Tuck, 
and  others  in  the  recollection  of  many  living.  The  former  came  over  with 
his  distinguished  uncle  Dr.  Samuel  Fuller,  in  1660,  and  from  this  stock 
have  been  numerous  descendants  here,  and  scattered  elsewhere.  Dr.  John 
Fuller  d.  1691.  Dr.  Jonas  Whitman,  b.  1749,  grad.  Yale  1772,  s. 
of  Zach.,  s.  of  Ebenezer  of  S.  Bridg.,  s.  of  Thos.,  s.  of  Dea.  Jno.  of  Wey- 
mouth, had  sons,  John  who  grad.  H.  C.  1805,  and  Avas  attorney,  d.  y. ; 
Josiah,  M.  D.  at  H.  C.  1816,  set.  in  Cin.,  O. ;  and  Cyrus.  Dr.  W.  died 
July  .30,  1824. 

^  See  Vol.  I,  373,     We  there  stated,  as  is  the  family  tradition,  that  Mr. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  325 

who  shall  kill  the  wolf  that  infests  the  vicinity,  if  killed  in  this 
town  ;  if  elsewhere,  $25." 

In  1790,  the  amount  raised  for  general  expenses  of  the  town, 
was  £340;  for  schools,  £120;^  and  for  highways  £120.  Dea. 
Gershom  Davis  d.  May  6,  se.  88.^ 

In  1791,  choice  having  been  made  of  a  representative  to  the 
General  Court,  and  the  delegate  elect  having  pronounced  "  the 
laws  of  the  Commonwealth  a  villanous  set  of  laws,"  the  vote  by 
which  he  was  elected  was  reconsidered  by  a  large  majority,  and 
Ebenezer  Crocker  Esq.  "  was  chosen  in  his  stead."  Mr. 
SoLOMOK  Davis  d.  in  Boston,  June  6,  se.  75. 

In  1792,  a  com.  was  app.  "  to  examine  the  state  of  the  herring- 
fishery  at  Marston's  Mills,  and  report  what  privileges  or  interest 
the  town  has  therein." 

In  1794,  July  2,  Mr.  Timothy  Phinney  was  chosen  deacon  of 
the  East  Church. 

In  1796,  Belknap's  Coll.  of  Ps.  and  Hymns  took  the 
place  of  Tate  &  Brady's  in  the  worship  of  the  East 
Church.  The  first  Congregational  meeting-house  on 
the  south  side  of  the  town  was  built  this  year,  the 
minister  of  the  East  Parish  ofhciating  there  a  part 
of  the  time.     Mr.   Jonathan    Crocker   d.    Dec.  4,  se. 

Benjamin  Maeston,  who  m.  Lydia  Goodspeed,  not  Elizabeth,  and  whose 
son  John  was  b.  1  738,  noi  1730,  was  the  first  of  the  name  in  this  town; 
but  according  to  Mr.  Savage,  there  was  a  John  Marston  in  town  early, 
who  m.  Martha  Lombard,  dr.  of  Bernard,  July  1,  1657,  and  had  John  June 
15,  1658,  and  George  Oct.  4,  1660;  after  which  the  father  removed  to 
Swansey,  and  had  there  by  w.  Joan,  Melatiah  Aug.  31,  1673.  Hon. 
Nymphas  Maeston,  mentioned  above,  was  grad.  Yale  College  1749; 
was  magistrate  1760;  and  much  in  public  life.  He  d.  se.  60.  His  tomb- 
stone represents  him  as  "  a  serious,  but  not  a  bigoted,  Christian,  affable, 
generous,  and  just." 

^  Notwithstanding  the  privations  and  expenses  incident  to  the  protracted 
revolutlonaiy  sti'uggle,  there  is  no  evidence  that  either  the  schools  or  min- 
istry were  neglected.  Recovering  from  the  pressure  of  the  burdens  of  the' 
war,  the  town  began  at  once  to  increase  its  appropriations  for  schools,  dis- 
tricts were  multiplied  and  school-houses  provided.  At  the  beginning  of 
the  present  half-century,  there  were  twenty-one  school-districts.  The 
money  expended  from  the  town  treasury  for  public  free  schools  has  aver- 
aged from  $3000  to  $54000  per  annum  for  many  j^ears ;  whilst  at  the  same 
time  academies  and  private  schools  are  maintained. 

"Dea.  Davis,  b.  1702,  s.  of  Joseph,  m.  Ellsa.  Sturgis  1726,  2d,  Mary 
Hinckley  1731,  and  3d,  Thankful  Skiff,  of  S.  1757.  He  had  James  1727  ; 
Robt.  1732;  Sam'l  1734,  who  m.  Mary  Gorham  1759,  and  removed  to 
Gorham,  Me.;  Ellsa.  1736,  who  m.  Joseph  Crocker  Jr.  1758;  Mary  1740; 
Abigail  1744,  d.  Inf  ;  Abigail  1746  ;  and  Mercy  1748. 


326  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTT. 

65.'  Hon.  Daniel  Davis  d.  Ap.  22,  1799,  se.  85  yrs. 
and  6  mos.^ 

In  1800,  Nov.  3,  Rev.  John  Mellen  requested  and 
received  a  dismission  from  the  pastorate  of  the  East 
Church.^  He  was  succeeded,  Sept.  30,  1801,  by  Rev. 
JoTHAM  Waterman.*  Mr.  Sylvanus  Bodfish  died  this 
year,  aged  70;  and  Mr.  Richard  Child  died,  1805, 
aged  61. 

In  1807,  Feb.  11,  the  Rev.  Oakes  Shaw,  the  pastor 
of  the  ancient  church  at  West  Barnstable,  died,  aged 
71,  in  the  47th  year  of  his  ministry.  The  pastorates 
of  his  predecessor  and  himself  had  covered  the  space 


^Mr.  C,  b.  1731,  s.  of  Dea.  Jolin,  m.  Sarah  Childs,  May  2,  1754.  His 
death  was  by  small  pox  ;  his  w.  d.  by  the  same,  Dec.  16. 

■^Hon.  Daniel  Davis,  b.  1713,  s.  of  Joseph,  (see  Vol.  I.  578-80,)  m. 
Mehit.  Lothrop  dr.  Thos.  Aug.  2,  1739,  and  2d,  Meliit.  Sturgis,  wid.  of  Jno. 
July  7,  1761.  Issue:  Mavy  Ap.  29,  1740;  Daniel  Oct.  10,  1741;  Robert 
-Mar.  27,  1743; 'John  Oct.  7,  1744;  Deborah  Aug.  13,  1746,  who 
m.  Josiah  Crocker  Oct.  6,  1765,  and  2d,  Benj.  Gorham  Jr.;  Thomas 
Aug.  24,  1748;  Desire  Mar.  27,  1700,  who  m.  Freeman  Parker; 
Ansel  Mar.  13,  1752;  Experience  July  11,  1754,  who  m.  Joseph  Annable 
July  11,  1771;  Mehit.  July  11,  1756;  Lothrop  lost  at  sea;  and  Daniel 
May  8,  1762.  See  Vol.  I.  468.  Judge  D.  was  an  uncompromising  whig, 
.  and  the  warm  personal  friend  and  coadjutor  of  Col.  Freeman,  through  the 
whole  period  of  the  revolutionary  struggle.  Hon.  Daniel  Jr.,  b.  1762, 
son  of  the  preceding  by  his  2d  m.,  m.  Lois  Freeman,  dr.  of  Constant  and 
sister  of  Hev.  James  D.  D.,  of  Boston,  and  was  father  of  Louisa,  who  m. 
Wm.  Minot  Esq.,  and  of  Chas.  H.,  now  Rear  Admiral  U.  S.  N.  His  law 
studies  were  prosecuted  in  the  of5.ce  of  Hon.  Shearj.  Bourne,  and  he  rose 
to  distinction  early.  Removing  to  Maine,  he  was  rep.  6  yrs.,  and  6  yrs.  in 
the  Senate  from  Cumberland  Co. ;  was  ajip.  U.  S.  Attorney  for  Me.,  1796, 
and  when  removed  by  Mr.  Jefferson,  the  office  of  Solicitor  General  was 
provided  especially  for  him,  under  Gov.  Strong's  administration,  —  an  office 
which  he  held  until  1832,  discharging  its  duties  with  signal  ability.  On  p. 
308,  we  have  referred  to  the  joromptness  with  which  the  people  here  turned 
out  to  rush  to  the  defence  of  their  country  at  the  news  of  the  battle  of 
Lexington,  and  have  quoted  from  Tudor's  life  of  Otis  an  incident  illustra- 
tive of  the  patriotic  feeling.  A  gentleman  has  recently  said,  "I  remember 
hearing,  when  a  boy,  an  old  gent.,  then  in  high  legal  position,  read  the  pas- 
sage, and  when  he  closed  the  volume,  he  remarked  in  a  subdued  and  feeling, 
yet  somewhat  triumphant,  tone,  as  he  recalled  the  scene  and  its  occasion, 
'I  was  the  drummer-boy  to  that  company ! '  This  was  the  Solicitor." 
See  also  p.  230  of  the  present  volume. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Mellen,  at  his  decease,  left  to  the  East  Church  two  silver 
flagons  for  communion  service ;  a  pleasing  token  of  regard  for  his  early 
charge. 

*  Rev.  Mr.  Waterman  b.  1774,  was  from  Scit.,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1799. 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  327 

of  an  entire  century,  within  five  years.^  Mr.  Shaw  ^ 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Enoch  Pratt,  who  was  ordained 
Oct.  28. 

In  1809,  Dea.  Joseph  Hallet  died,  March  29,  aged 
73;  and,  May  3,  Mr.  Silvs.  Hinckley  was  chosen 
deacon.  Holmes  Allen  Esq.,  a  lawyer  of  some  distinc- 
tion, died  this  year.^  In  1810,  Gen.  Joseph  Otis  died, 
Sept.  23,  aged  82.* 

In  1811,  April  22,  Mr.  Daniel  Crocker  died,  aged 
49;^  and,  Nov.  28,  Hon.  Ebenezer  Bacon,  aged  55.'' 
The  part  which  this  town  bore  in  the  war  of  1812  was 


^Down  to  this  time  one  meeting-house  sufficed  for  the  wants  of  the  peo- 
ple in  the  entire  bounds  of  the  West  Parish 

^  See  Vol.  I.  587,  where,  in  stating  the  lineal  descent,  we  inadvertently- 
omitted  one  generation.  It  should  be.  Rev.  Oakes  Shaw  was  s.  of  Rev. 
John,  who  was  s.  of  Joseph,  who  was  s.  of  John,  who  was  s.  of  Abraham. 
Rev.  John,  the  immediate  parent  of  the  Barnstable  minister,  m.  Sarah  An- 
gler, dr.  of  Rev.  Sam'l,  and  had  Oakes  1736  ;  Bezaliel  1738,  who  grad.  H. 
C.  1762,  and  set.  in  the  ministry  at  Nantucket;  William  1741,  who  grad. 
H.  C.  1762,  and  set.  at  Marshfield,  and  whose  sons  were  Rev.  Jos.  and  Rev. 
Philander;  Eunice  1743,  who  d.  1791  ;  Ruth  1744,  who  m.  Gen.  Nathaniel 
Goodwin  of  Plym.,  who  was  father  of  Rev.  Ezra  S.  Goodwin  of  Sandwich ; 
Ezra  1746,  who  d.  1764  ;  John  1748,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1772,  and  set.  in  the 
ministry  at  Haverhill ;  and  Samuel,  a  physician.  The  Barnstable  pastor, 
Rev.  Oakes,  m.  Elizabeth  Weld,  dr.  Rev.  Habijah  of  Attleboro,  and  2d, 
Susanna  Hayward,  dr.  of  John  of  Braintree,  and  had  Elisa.,  who  d.  Sept. 
3,  1798,  aged  33  ;  Tempe.,  who  m.  Maj.  Jos.  Blish  ;  Sai'ah,  who  d.  July  17, 
1792,  aged  23  ;  John  H. ;  and  Lemuel.  The  first  w.  of  Mr.  S.  d.  1772,  se. 
40;  the  wid.  d.  in  Boston,  1839,  aged  94,  in  the  family  of  her  son,  the 
Chief  Justice.  The  ministry  of  Mr.  S.  Avas  happy  and  prosperous,  and  his 
memory  is  still  cherished  with  respect  and  affection  by  the  aged. 

^Mr.  Allen  m.  Lucy  Lawrence,  and  had  Hy.  Holmes  Aug.  14,  1801, 
who  m.  Abigail  T.  Gorham,  and  "  died  in  foreign  lands."     No  issue. 

*  See  Vol.  I.  592.  In  former  vol.,  p.  272,  we  intimated  that  the  origin 
of  the  family  here,  and  those  early  at  Dover,  and  later  at  Lyme,  was  the 
same.  Our  notes  strongly  tempt  us  to  trace  the  lineage  in  extenso  ;  but  we 
must,  in  this  case  as  in  others,  abridge  our  genealogical  data,  and  can  only 
remark  that  Richard  of  Glastenbury,  near  Barnstaple,  Eng.,  was  doubt- 
less the  common  progenitor.  His  will,  1611,  mentions  three  sons,  — •  Stephen, 
John,  and  Thomas.  SxEPHEisr  in  his  will,  1637,  mentions  an  only  s.  RicTi- 
ard ;  and  this  s.  came  over  and  set.  at  Dover,  N.  H.  John,  brother  of 
Stephen,  and  unc.  of  Richard,  had,  as  we  have  already  seen,  set.  in  Scitu- 
ate.  Thomas  went  to  Ireland,  and  his  descendants  came  over  abc^at  1720, 
from  whom  the  family  in  Lyme,  Ct.,  descended. 

*Mr.  Crocker  m.  Sally,  only  dr.  of  Capt.  Sam'l  Sturgis  Jr.,  who  m.  L)'dia 
Crocker,  whose  name  was  long  known  as  the  tavern  designation,  —  "  Aunt 
Lydia's."     This  somewhat  remarkable  woman  d.  Oct.  3,  1837,  aged  77. 

»  See  Vol.  L  355. 


328  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

not  unlike  that  of  other  Cape  towns :  its  most  effi- 
cient service  was  upon  the  seas/ 

In  1815,  July  13,  Rev.  Jotham  Waterman  was  dis- 
missed, by  a  council  convened  for  the  purpose,  from 
his  charge  of  the  East  Church  and  precinct  ;^  and  the 
same  year,  a  call  being  accepted  by  Rev.  Oliver  Hay- 
ward,  he  was  ordained  Oct.  8.^ 

In  1816,  a  new  meeting-house  having  been  erected 
on  the  South  side,  the  previous  year,  and  Messrs.  Eb- 
enezer  Coleman,  James  Hathaway,  Ebenezer  Case, 
Levi  Kelley,  Solomon  Phinney,  Benj.  Hathaway,  Job 
Childs,  James  Crosby,  Lewis  Crosby,  Paul  Phinney,  and 
Eleazer  Bearse  being  dismissed  from  the  East  Church, 
and  recommended  to  a  council  of  ministers  for  organ- 


^  It  will  be  remembered  that  in  this  war,  although  we  had  almost  no  navy, 
the  brave  seamen  of  these  States  pi'oved  an  overmatch  for  the  "  mistress  of 
the  seas,"  by  means  particularly  of  privateers.  This  significant  fact  is 
probably  that  alone  that  jirevents  the  British  ministry  from  carrying  out 
more  openly  that  vindictive  feeling  so  manifest  at  this  time  of  our  domes- 
tic trouble.  The  waiiings  of  the  London  Times,  March,  1813,  are  an  ex- 
hibit that  it  is  well  to  preserve,  viz. :  — 

"  The  public  learn,  with  sentiments  which  we  shall  not  presume  to  antic- 
ipate, that  a  third  British  frigate  has  struck  to  an  American.  This  is  an 
occurrence  which  calls  for  serious  reflection,  —  this  and  the  fact  stated  in 
our  paper  of  yesterday,  that  Lloyd's  list  contains  notices  of  upward  of  five 
hundred  British  vessels  captured  in  seven  months  by  the  Americans,  —  five 
hundred  merchantmen  and  three  frigates,  —  ay,  and  three  sloops-of-war. 
Can  these  statements  be  true,  and  can  the  English  people  hear  them  vm- 
moved  ?  One  who  had  predicted  such  a  result  of  an  American  war  this 
time  last  year  would  have  been  treated  as  a  madman  or  traitor.  He  would 
have  been  told,  if  his  opponents  had  condescended  to  argue  with  him,  that 
long  ere  seven  months  had  elapsed  the  American  flag  would  have  been 
swept  from  the  seas,  the  contemptible  navy  of  the  United  States  annihila- 
ted, and  their  maritime  arsenal  rendered  a  heap  of  ruins.  Yet  down  to 
this  moment  not  a  single  American  frigate  has  struck  her  flag.  They  in- 
sult us,  —  laugh  at  our  want  of  enterprise  and  vigor.  They  leave  their 
ports  whenever  they  please,  and  return  when  it  suits  their  convenience. 
They  travel  the  Atlantic,  they  beset  the  West  India  Islands,  they  advance 
to  the  very  chops  of  the  channel,  they  parade  along  the  coasts  of  South 
America.  Nothing  chases,  nothing  intercepts,  nothing  engages  them  but 
to  yield  them  triumph." 

"Rev.Mr.  Watkiijman  was  a  man  of  talents  and  learning.  The  unfortu- 
nate necessity  of  his  being  deposed  from  the  minstry  was  deeply  regretted 
by  many  friends.  It  is  said  that  he  found  employment  as  a  school  teacher, 
and  died  at  Nantucket  Sept.  4,  1830,  aged  G2. 

^Rev.  Mr.  IIayward  was  from  Bridaewater,  and  arad.  Brown  Un.  1812. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  329 

ization  as  a  distinct  church,  they  were  so  constituted, 
Aug.  16,  and  Rev.  Josiah  Sturtevant  became  the  first 
pastor.^  Mr.  William  Blachford  died  August  30,  aged 
66. 

In  1817,  Feb.  17,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Crocker,  of  Cotuit, 
died,  aged  64;^  and  Jan.  1818,  Mr.  Jonathan  Bod- 
fish  died,  aged  91.^  Nov.  29,  1818,  Rev.  Oliver  Hay- 
ward  was  dismissed,  at  his  own  request,  from  charge 
of  the  East  Cong.  Church ;  ^  and,  the  following  year, 
Dec.  22,  Rev.  Edmund  Q.  Sewal  was  ordained  as  his 
successor.^  Mr.  Ebenezer  Scudder  died  June  8,  1818, 
aged  85.  Mr.  Wm.  Crocker  died  May,  1819,  aged  Sdf 
and  Mr.  Isaac  Bacon  died  June  26,  aged  87.     Mr.  Ja- 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Sturtevant  was  from  Plymouth.  He  was  both  minister  and 
physician. 

^Mr.  Ebenezer  Crocker,  b.  1753,  s.  of  Ebenezer  Jr.  of  Cotuit,  m. 
Mary  Bourne,  dr.  of  Thos.  of  Sandwich,  and  had  Nathan  B.  1783,  who 
grad.  H.  C.  1802  ;  and  Braddoek,  who  m.  Tempe.  Hallet,  dr.  of  Benj.  The 
former.  Rev.  Nathan  Bourne  Crocker,  D.  D.,  is  now  the  senior  pres- 
byter of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States,  having  succeeded  Rev. 
Mr.  Bowen,  afterwards  Bishop  of  S.  C,  at  St.  John's  Church,  Providence, 
In  1802,  and  continued  rector  to  the  present  time,  with  assistance  only  in 
later  years.  Very  few  have  sustained  so  long  a  period  of  ministry  in  one 
place  with  such  eminent  satisfaction,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  office 
with  such  signal  ability  and  fidelity.  A  beautiful  portrait  of  him  was 
placed  by  admiring  friends,  some  years  since,  in  the  hall  of  Brown  Univer- 
sity, of  the  corporation  of  which  he  was  Fellow. 

"  See  pp.  142-3.  Mi\  Bodfish,  b.  1727,  s.  of  Benj.,  was  a  noted  farmer, 
having  some  600  acres  of  tillage,  meadow,  and  woodland;  raising  large 
crops,  — •  that  alone  of  Indian  corn  averaging  400  bu. ;  annually  wintering 
about  50  neat  cattle,  and  large  flocks  of  sheep.  He  m.  Desire  Howland 
May  3,  1753,  who  d.  1813,  aged  81,  and  had  Silvs.  Nov.  15,  1754,  who  d. 
1801,  aged  47  ;  Benj.  Ap.  14,  1756,  who  d.  Jan.  14,  1827,  aged  70;  John 
Mar.  16,  1761,  who  m.  Mary  Smith,  and  d.  1847,  aged  86,  having  been  se- 
lectman of  the  town  many  years;  Isaac  July  22,  1763,  who  m.  Elisa.  Bod- 
fish, and  died  August  30,  1837,  aged  74  ;  Josiah  November  8,  1765,  who 
d.  Oct.  8,  1845,  aged  80;  Deborah  June  11,  17G8,  who  m.  Benj.  Good- 
speed;  Simeon  Feb.  10,  1771,  d.  early;  and  Alice  1773,  who  d.  Ap.  21, 
1854,  aged  81. 

^'Rev.  Mr.  Hayward  was  a  fine  writer,  and  his  life  remarkably  ex- 
emplary,—his  meekness  allied  to  extreme  diffidence.  He  returned  to 
Bridgewater  and  died. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Sewal  was  from  Marblehead,  and  s.  of  the  late  Chief  Just. 
Sewal.     He  grad.  H.  C.  1815. 

"Mr.  Crocker,  b.  1730,  s.  of  David  Esq.,  m.  Lydia  Knowlcs  of  E.  1753, 
and  2d,  Mary  Cobb  1764.     Issue:    Abigail  1754;    David  1755;    Tempe. 
1763  ;  Sarah  1765  ;  Mary  1766  ;  Wm.  17"68  ;  Matthias  1770,  hatter  in  Bos- 
ton ;  Eben.  1772,  deacon,  went  West;  and  Loring  1774. 
VOL.  II.  42 


330  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

BEZ  Claghorn  died  June  10,  1821,  aged  85.  The  town 
was,  about  this  time,  perhaps  the  year  previous,  pro- 
vided with  a  new  poor-house,  located  upon  the  farm 
which  Mr.  Parker  Lombard  had  many  years  since  be- 
queathed "  for  the  support  of  the  poor  forever."  ^ 

In  1822,  May  1,  Mr.  Joseph  Chipman  became  a 
deacon  of  the  East  Church ;  and  its  pastor,  Rev.  Mr. 
Sewal,  took  his  dismission,  July  31.^  Mr.  Asa  Crocker 
d.  Ap.  17,  aged  46. 

In  1824,  Oct.  6,  Rev.  Henry  Hersey  became  pastor 
of  the  East  Church.'^ 

In  1825,  the  ancient  Baptist  meeting-house  in  Hy- 
annis  was  demolished,  and  a  more  commodious  edifice 
rose  on  its  site.  A  printing-press  was  set  up  in  town 
this  year,  and  a  newspaper  commenced  by  Mr.  Wm. 


■^The  donor  was  s.  of  Mr.  Joshua  Lombard,  who  m.  Sarah  Parker 
Dec.  14,  1715,  and  had  Sarah  Sept.  28,  1716;  and  Parker  Dec.  24,  1718, 
who  d.  without  issue,  and  made  the  bequest  above  mentioned.  The  Lom- 
bard family  have,  in  then*  generations,  been  highly  respectable,  influential, 
and  numerous,  —  the  descendants  being  widely  scattered.  The  name  has 
been  variously  written,  and  families  of  the  same  lineage  now  severally  call 
themselves  Lombard,  Lumbard,  Lambard,  Lumbert,  Lambert,  and  Lumber. 
The  will  of  Thomas,  1663,  mentions  "wife  Joyce,  and  sons  Bernard,  Ca- 
leb, Jedediah,  Benj.,  Joshua,  Joseph,  and  son-in-law  Edv/ard  Coleman," 
who  m.  Margaret  Oct.  27,  1648.  Bernard,  prominent  in  public  affairs, 
b.  1607,  some  suppose  to  have  been  bro.  of  the  preceding  Thomas,  others 
represent  him  as  the  son.  They  came  here  at  the  same  time,  1640,  and 
some  children  of  both  were  contemporary.  The  children  of  Bernard  were 
Mary,  who  m.  Geo.  Lewis  Jr.  1654;  Joshua;  Thomas;  Martha,  Avho  m. 
John  Martin  1659;  and  Jabez  1641.  Jedediah  m.  Hannah  Wing  May 
20,  1668,  and  had  Jedediah,  Thomas,  and  drs.  Bexjamin  m.  three  times, 
and  had  Benj.  Sept.  27,  1675  ;  Sam'l  Sept.  15,  1691 ;  and  seven  daughters. 
Joshua,  whether  s.  of  Thos.  or  Bernard  cannot  say,  m.  Abigail  Linnel 
May  27,  1651,  and  had  Jona.  Ap.  28,  1657;  Joshua  Jan.  16,  1660  ;  and 
drs.  Abigail  and  Mercy.  Joshua,  who  d.  1724,  m.  Hopestill  BulloL-k  Nov. 
6,  1682,  and  had  Jo.;hua  Aug.  5,  1686,  who  m.  Sarah  Parker;  Sam'l  June 
1,  1690;  Jona.  Ap.  16,  1703";  and  5  drs.  Thomas  m.  Ellsa.  Derby  Dec. 
23,  1665,  and  had  Thos.,  Jabez,  and  8  drs.  Jabez,  s.  of  Bernard,  m.  Sa- 
rah Derby  Dec.  1,  1660,  and  had  Bernard  1668;  John  1670;  Matthew 
1672;  Nath'l  1679;  and  5  drs.  Jonathan,  s.  of  Joshua,  m.  Elisa.  Eddy 
Dec.  11,  1683,  and  had  Jona.  1684;  Alice  1686;  Eben.  1688,  all  in  Be.; 
and  Abigail  1691  at  the  Vineyard. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Sewal  became  minister  of  the  Unitarian  church  at  Scituate 
Harbor. 

*  Rev.  Mr.  Hersey  was  from  Hingham,  and  grad.  Brown  Univ.  1820. 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  66 L 

E.  P.  Rogers,  called  the  Barnstable  County  Gazette, 
The  U.  S.  Gov.  erected  a  lighthouse  on  Sandy  Neck 
Point,  at  the  entrance  of  tlie  harbor.  Hon.  Jno.  Davis 
d.  this  year,  May  27,  aged  81.^ 

In  1826,  a  new  meeting-house  was  built  on  the  S. 
side,  about  one  mile  distant  from  the  site  of  that  erect- 
ed in  1796.  An  appropriation  of  $10,600  was  made 
by  Congress  for  the  construction  of  a  break-water  at 
Hyannis  for  the  protection  and  improvement  of  the 
harbor.  Dr.  Richard  Bourne  died  this  year,  April  25, 
aged  86.^ 

In  1827,  Rev.  Wm.  Harlow  became  the  successor  of 


^  Hon.  John  Davis,  a  skilful  physician,  an  upr-iglit  judge,  and  a  con- 
sistent Christian,  —  of  whose  excellence  we  cannot  speak  in  terms  of  too 
high  eulogy  (long  we  knew  him  and  much  time  had  we  spent,  in  our  boy- 
hood, under  his  hospitable  roof), —  m.  Mercy  Crocker,  dr.  of  Job,  and  had 
Ruth  C,  who  m.  Eiisha  T.  Davis ;  Job  C. ;  Mercy,  who  m.  Joseph  Easta- 
brooks  and,  2d,  Edw.  D.  Blossom ;  John,  who  d.  at  sea ;  Robert,  who  m. 
Catharine  Trentori  of  Baltimore,  and  removed  to  N.  Orleans;  Hetty,  an 
estimable  lady,  the  commendation  of  whom  all  who  were  acquainted  with 
her  will  approve,  who  d.  single  in  1861 ;  Nathaniel ;  Lothrop,  who  d.  at  sea; 
Mary,  who  ra.  Matthew  Cobb  Esq. ;  Ansel ;  Apphia,  who  m.  Capt.  Henry 
Baxter ;  Thomas  and  Daniel,  gemini,  who  d.  inf. ;  and  Sarah,  who  d.  y. 
Capt.  Nathaxiel  m.  Hannah  King,  dr.  of  John  of  Raynham,  and  had 
Sarah,  who  m.  John  Davenport,  merch't  of  New  York  ;  Camilla,  who  m. 
Wm.  H.  Leonard,  merch't  of  N.  Y ;  Harriet,  who  m.  J.  White,  merch't  of 
N.  Y. ;  Hannah  ;  and  Hetty,  who  m.  R.  T.  Woodward,  merch't  of  N.  Y.  Doct. 
Ansel  m.  Hetty  Gorham,  dr.  of  Edward,  and  had  Helen,  John  T.,  Lucy, 
Wm.,  Rob't,  Abigail,  Amanda,  Ansel,  and  Edward  G. 

^  Dr.  Bourne  b.  1739,  was  s.  of  Hon.  Sylvanus.  By  his  m.  with  ]\Iis3 
Sturgis  he  had  an  only  child,  Abigail,  who  m.  Nathan  Stone  Esq.  of  Den- 
nis. Dr.  B.  was  many  years  postmaster  in  this  town,  the  first  appointed, 
an  office  which  he  held  till  near  the  close  of  life,  —  always  courteous  and 
obhging.  Plis  wife  d.  10  days  before  him,  aged  85.  Unfortunately  for  the 
•honor  of  the  age,  the  ferocity  which,  hyena-like,  invades  the  sc^pulchre,  has 
made  it  obligatory  on  us  to  allude,  contrarj^  to  our  general  rule,  to  a  private 
matter  that,  with  mistaken  views  of  the  moral  sentiment  of  the  community, 
has  recently  been  foisted  before  the  public.  AVe  do  it  simply  as  an  act  of 
justice.  Dr.  B.,  when  superseded  as  P.  M.,  was  thought  to  be  a  defaulter. 
His  own  account  showed  only  the  insignificant  amount  of  $30  due  the 
government,  and  this  he  proffered.  Government  levied  on  his  estate,  his 
property  was  sacrificed,  and  the  last  days  of  an  aged  couple  were  imbittered, 
perhaps  shortened,  by  poverty.  It  was  then  ibund  by  gov't  that  the  error 
had  been  in  the  P.  O.  department ;  the  accounts  of  Dr.  B.  were  punctiliously 
correct.  As  this  discovery  was  unfortunately  not  made  until  the  injured  man  ' 
and  his  companion  had  gone  down  to  tlie  grave,  a  draft  Avas  forwarded  by 
gov't  to  his  only  heir  for  the  entire  amount  that  had  been  realized  li-om  the 
execution,  coming  in  due  course  of  mail  on  the  very  day  she  was  to  be  mar- 


332  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Rev.  Mr.  Sturtevant,  deceased,  in  the  South  Church.^ 
Mr.  John  Munroe  was  chosen  deacon  of  the  East 
Church,  June  27,  Dea.  Joseph  Chipman  having  d.  Feb. 
17,  aged  68.  A  Peace  Society  was  organized,  consist- 
ing of  60  members,  Dec.  25.  Hon.  Job  C.  Da\is, 
Judge  of  Probate,  d.  this  year.^ 

In  1828,  the  first  Society  here  for  the  suppression  of 
intemperance  was  formed.  Naler  Crocker  Esq.  died 
March  28,  1829 ;  ^  and  Mr.  Isaiah  L.  Green  Jr.,  Sep- 
tember 29.* 

In  1831,  Rev.  Hazael  Lucas  was  settled  as  successor 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Harlow.^  Mr.  Andrew  Lovell  d.  this  year; 
also,  Doct.  Samuel  Savage.® 

In  1832,  Mr.  Daniel  Lovell  died,  and  Mr.  Joseph 
Bassett  d.  Sept.  5,  1833,  aged  94.'' 


ried.  Thus,  but  too  late,  was  a  long  course  of  public  service  vindicated. 
How  often,  as  in  the  present  instance,  has  the  accusation  been  remembered, 
but  the  disproval  forgotten,  to  the  injury  of  a  life  of  probity  !     'Tis  oft 

"  the  rough  brake 
That  virtue  must  go  through." 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Harlow  was  from  Plymouth,  and  continued  three  years. 

^  Hon.  Job  C.  Davis  m.  Desire  Loring,  di-.  of  Otis,  and  had  Lothrop, 
who  d.  June  18,  1861,  having  been  many  years  register  of  deeds ;  and  12 
other  children. 

^  Naler  Crocker  Esq.,  b.  1773,  s.  of  Cornelius  Jr.,  was  a  gentleman  of 
much  prominence,  and  many  years  selectman  and  town  clerk,  besides  holding 
other  important  offices.  He  was  father  of  Hon.  Henry  Crocker  now  of 
Boston. 

*  ]VIi\  Green  was  s.  of  Hon.  Isaiah  L.  Green,  and  grad.  Brown  Univer. 
1825  ;  a  student  at  law  and  a  young  man  of  much  promise.  His  bro.  Jo- 
seph grad.  at  the  same,  1824. 

°  Rev.  Mr.  Lucas  was  from  Carver.     He  continued  about  3  years. 

«  Dr.  Sam'l  Savage,  grad.  H.  C.  1766,  was  a  distinguished  citizen.  By 
his  wife  Hope  he  had  John,  who  d.  Oct.  5,  1811,  aged  22,  a  student  at  law, 
who  grad.  H.  C.  1810  ;  Samuel ;  EUsha  D. ;  and  Hope.  Both  the  younger 
sons  d.  previously,  when  approaching  their  majority,  at  Kingston,  Jamaica, 
W.  I.,  whither  they  had  repaired  for  health.  The  inscription  upon  the 
tombstone  of  Samuel,  who  was  a  young  man  of  much  promise,  closes  with 
the  apposite  quotation  from  Young  :  — 

"  Insatiate  archer  !  could  not  one  suffice  ? 
Thy  sliaft  flew  thrice,  and  thrice  my  peace  was  slain  ! " 

Hope  m.  Hon.  Lemuel  Shaw,  and  survives. 

'  See  Vol.  I.  333.  The  Bassetts  early  in  Sandwich.  A  branch  of  the 
family  set.  in  Yarmouth,  from  whom  arc  chiefly  those  of  the  name  in  this 
town.     Nathaniel,  s.  of  Wm.  1st  of  S.,  was  early  in  Y.,  and  his  s.  Wm. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  666 

In  1835,  April  1,  Rev.  Mr.  Hersey,  at  his  request,  re- 
ceived a  dismission  from  his  pastorate  of  the  East 
Cong.  Church  ;  ^  and  Rev.  Enoch  Pratt,  after  a  minis- 
try of  28  years,  asked  and  was  granted  a  discharge 
from  his  pastorate  of  the  West  Church.^  The  Rev. 
Alfred  Greenwood  succeeded  Mr.  Pratt  the  following 
year. 

In  1837,  Sept.  27,  Rev.  George  W.  Woodward  was 
ordained  over  the  East  Church.^  Mr.  Isaac  Bodfish 
died  Aug.  30,  aged  74.  Dea.  Timothy  Phinney  died 
July  2,  1838,  aged  93.* 

who  with  his  w.  were  dis.  from  the  Y.  church  to  Be.  1727,  was  prob.  the  an- 
cestor of  those  of  the  name  in  W.  Be.  From  Joseph  of  Y.,  s.  of  Nath'l, 
are  prob.  the  Hyannis  families,  through  Daniel,  b.  Nov.  7,  1710,  who  m. 
EHsa.  Crowell,  and  Daniel  Aug.  7,  1736,  whose  s.  Daniel,  a  lieut.  in  the 
Continental  Army,  m.  Bearse  and  resided  in  Plyannis,  whose  s.  Joseph  d. 
July  7, 1855,  aged  93,  the  father  of  24  childi-en,  of  whom  the  present  Hon. 
Zenas  D.  Bassett  is  the  eldest.  The  Joseph,  who  is  the  subject  of  this 
note,  was  s.  of  Joseph  and  g.  s.  of  Nath'l  1st.  He  m.  Mary  Whelden  Feb. 
25,  1737,  and  had  Joseph  Dec.  23,  1738,  who  m.  3  times,  and  had  Joseph 
and  also  Susanna,  who  m.  Elisha  Doane,  Esq.  ;  Mary  Oct.  20,  1 744,  who 
m.  Edward  Sfcui-gis  Jr.  Jan.  28,  1767  ;  Jonathan  Nov.  10,  1746  ;  and  Sam'l 
Dec.  4,  1 748.  The  last  two  removed  to  Hallowell,  Me.  From  Nathan, 
s.  of  Nathaniel  1st,  are  chiefly  those  of  the  name  in  Chatham  and  Harwich. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Heesey's  ministry  was  highly  honorable ;  yet,  returning  to 
his  native  town,  he  retired  from  the  profession  and  became  a  merchant. 
We  are  under  obligations  to  this  gentleman  for  the  courtesy  extended  by 
the  loan  of  his  notes  taken  from  church  records. 

^  Until  1820,  Rev.  Mr.  PpvAtt,  who  was  from  Middleboro',  and  grad.  at 
Brown  Univ.  1803,  was  the  only  minister  set.  within  the  West  Precinct 
bounds.  Since  that  date  denominations  and  chm'ches  have  multiijhed.  Mr. 
P.  continued  to  officiate  for  destitute  churches  until  near  the  time  of  his 
decease.     See  Annals  of  Brewster. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Woodward  was  from  Hanover,  N.  H. ;  and  gi-ad.  Dart.  Col. 
1831. 

*  The  fii'st  of  the  name  here  was  John,  eldest  son  of  John  of  Scituate. 
His  1st  w.  Christian,  d.  Sept.  9,  1649,  at  Ply;  his  2d  w.  Abigail  (Bishop) 
Coggins,  wid.  of  Henry,  m.  June  10, 1650,  d.  May  6,  1653  ;  and  he  m.  his  3d 
w.  Elisa.  Bayley  June  26,  1654.  Issue :  John  Dec.  24,  1638,  at  Plymouth, 
and  was  bap.  at  Be.  whither  he  had  removed,  July  31,  1653;  Jona.  Aug. 
14,  1655,  who  d.  1690  in  Phipp's  expedition;  Robt.  Aug.  13,  1656;  Han- 
nah 1657,  m.  Eph.  Morton;  Elizabeth  Mar.  15,  1659;  Josiah  Jan.  11, 
1660-1;  Jeremiah  Aug.  15,  1662;  and  Joshua  1665.  Mr.  P.  is  said  to 
have  become,  with  Maj.  Walley  and  others,  interested  in  Mt.  Hope,  and 
removed  to  Bristol  with  all  his  family  except  John,  after  holding  offices  in 
both  Plymo.  and  Be.  John,  b.  1638,  m.  Mary  Rogers  Aug.  10,  1664,  and 
had  John  May  5,  1665-;  Melatiah  1666,  d.  y. ;  Joseph  Jan.  28,  1667 ;  Thos. 
Jan.  1671;  Eben.  Feb.  18,  1673;  Samuel,  Nov.  4,  1676,  who  m.  Bethia 
Finney;  Mary  1678;  Mercy  1679;  Reliance  1681;  Benj.  June  18,  1682; 


334  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTAELE    COUNTY. 

In  1839,  Rev.  Mr.  Woodward  retired  from  the  pas- 
torate of  the  East  Church,  after  a  ministry  of  only  two 
years.  No  successor  was  provided  for  many  years, 
the  pulpit  being  supplied  by  clergymen  temporarily 
employed.  This  year,  Sept.  3,  was  ;jpelebrated  in  an 
effective  and  becoming  manner,  the  200th  anniversary 
of  the  settlement  of  the  town.^  It  was  a  day  of 
unmingled  pleasure  to  the  inhabitants,  as  also  of  high 
gratification  to  the  numerous  assemblage  present  both 
from  the  vicinity  and  even  from  distant  towns  and 
cities.  The  oration  delivered  by  Mr.  Palfrey  was  an 
able  production,  worthy  of  the  high  reputation  of  its 
author.     Abner  Davis  Esq.  died  this  year,  Sept.  4.^ 

Jona.  July  30,  1684;  Hannali  1687,  d.  y. ;  and  Elisa.  1691.  Dea.  John, 
b.  1665,  and  d.  Nov.  27,  1746,  aged  about  80,  m.  Sarah  Lumbard  May  30, 
1689,  and  had  Elisa.  1690 ;  Mary  1692,  d.  inf. ;  John  April  5,  1696  ;  Thos. 
May  25,  1697;  Hannah  1700;  Sarah  1702;  Patience  1704;  Martha  1706; 
and  Jabez  July  16,  1708.  Thomas,  b.  1671,  m.  Sarah  Butler  (a  wid.) 
Aug.  25,  1698;  and  had  Gershom  March  25,  1699-1700;  Abigail  1704; 
Thos.  Feb.  17,  1702-3  ;  James  April  15,  1706  ;  and  Mercy  1708.  Eben'r, 
b.  1673,  m.  Susanna  Linnel  Nov.  14,  1695,  and  had  Mehit. ;  Mercy ;  Martha; 
Samuel;  Eben'r ;  and  David  June  10,  1710,  who  m.  Maiy  Pope  of  S. 
Sept.  27,  1733.  Benjamin,  b.  1682,  m.  Martha  Crocker  1709,  and  had 
Tempe.  1710  ;  Melatiah  1712  ;  Barna.  1715  ;  Silas  1718  ;  Zaccheus  Aug.  4, 
1720 ;  and  Seth  June  27,  1723.  Jonathan,  b.  1684,  had  by  w.  Elizabeth, 
Thankful  1713;  Joseph  1716;  and  Jona.  1718.  Zaccheus,  b.  1720,  m. 
Susanna  Davis,  and  had  Benj.  June  10,  1744;  Timo.  April  5,  1746,  and 
Barna.  March  31, 1748.  Dea.  Timothy,  b.  1745,  was  the  senator,  and  had 
Timo.  and  others. 

*  See  Vol.  I.  640  and  778.  Mr.  Palfrey,  of  Barnstable  descent,  speaks  of 
the  town  on  this  wise :  "  It  has  become  what  to-day  we  see  it  .  .  .  It 
meets  our  view  with  all  the  tokens  of  being  the  seat  of  an  intelligent,  vir- 
tuous, efficient  population.  We  see  its  harbor  a  scene  of  cheerful  activity. 
In  its  fields,  we  look  at  substantial  harvests,  —  thanks  to  the  skill  that 
rears  them,  —  growing  out  of  what  looks  to  us  like  a  very  scanty  soil.  Its 
churches  and  schoolhouses  catch  our  eye  as  we  pass,  proclaiming  how  God 
is  reverenced,  and  how  knowledge  is  prized.  The  ornaments  of  its  dwell- 
ings—  tributes  from  every  foreign  clime  — tell  us  how  few  households 
have  reared  those  '  home-keeping  youth  who,'  if  the  old  bard  may  be 
trusted,  '  have  ever  homely  wits.'  There  are  other  things  which  we  do  not 
see.  We  see  no  beggars,  no  idlers,  no  sots.  The  population  of  the  town 
is  over  four  thousand ;  its  poor-house  has  eighteen  tenants.  The  popula- 
tion of  the  county  is  thirty-two  thousand ;  in  its  jail  there  are  three  pris- 
oners, and  lliose  three  are  foreigners.  If  I  am  rightly  informed,  there  is 
not  a  licensed  public-house  in  the  county,  nor  has  been  these  three  years. 
Its  whole  aspect  is,  to  the  agricultural  school  of  economists,  one  perplexity 
and  marvel." 

-  See  Vol.  I.  04 1. 


ANNALS   OF    BARNSTABLE.  660 

In  1840,  Rev.  Mr.  Greenwood  took  his  dismission  from 
the  church  at  West  Barnstable/  and  the  same  year 
Rev.  Thomas  Riggs  was  installed  his  successor.^  Rev. 
Elisha  Bacon  succeeded  to  the  charge  of  the  South 
Church,  at  the  Indian  Chequaket,  and  the  church 
reorganized  with  new  articles  of  faith  and  covenant, 
assuming  the  name  of  "  The  Congregational  Church  in 
Centreville."  Rev.  Phineas  Fish  became  pastor  of  a 
church  organized  at  Cotuit.  Mr.  Jonathan  Davis  died 
Sept.  22,  aged  91.^  Mr.  Loring  Crocker  died  March 
21,  1841.* 

In  1843,  Rev.  Alonzo  Hayes  was  ordained  over  the 
West  Cong.  Church,  Mr.  Riggs  having  retired.^  David 
Crocker  Esq.  died  Sept.  4.  Mr.  William  Crocker  died 
June  24,  1844 ;  and  Doct.  James  Thacher,  a  native  of 
the  town,  died  at  Plymouth,  this  year,  aged  90;^  Mr. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Greenwood,  b.  1801,  gi-ad.  H.  C.  1824,  had,  before  coming  to 
Be.,  been  a  missionary  in  tlie  Western  States. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  RiGGS  was  from  Oxfoi'd,  Ct.,  and  had  been  settled  in  Me. 
and  also  in  N.  H. 

^Mr.  Davis,  b.  1749,  s.  of  Stephen,  m.  Susanna  Lewis,  who  d.  Sept. 
26,  1841,  aged  92.  They  had  Stephen,  who  settled  in  Falm. ;  Solomon; 
George ;  and  Susan. 

*  Mr.  Ceocker  was  a  salt  manufacturer,  extensively  engaged  in  the 
business. 

*  Rev.  Mr.  Hayes  continued  about  5  years. 

6  We  here  mention  Dr.  Thacher  because  of  the  part  he  took  in  the 
revolutionary  contest.  When  a  young  man,  a  pupil  of  Dr.  Hersey,  his 
majority  just  attained,  influenced  by  a  strong  desire  to  serve  his  country,  he 
determined  to  seek  the  opportunity ;  and,  to  use  his  own  words  communi- 
cated to  us  by  himself  almost  40  years  ago,  started  on  horseback  to  Sand- 
wich to  take  the  advice  of  Col.  Freeman.  He  had  not  gone  beyond  the 
bounds  of  his  n-^.tive  town  ere  he  met  Col.  F.,  also  on  horseback, — it  was 
the  common  mode  of  travelling  in  those  days, — going  in  haste  in  the  oppo- 
site direction.  Introducing  himself  and  his  business,  during  which  time  he 
was  eyed  attentively,  he  underwent  a  short  but  searching  examination 
touching  his  qualifications  for  medicine  and  surgery,  —  the  Col.  himself 
being  a  distinguished  practitioner,  —  and,  with  a  few  commendatory  words 
and  some  good  counsel,  receiving  also  a  certificate  and  recommendation 
which  his  examiner  had  written  on  the  blank  leaf  of  a  memorandum-book, 
was  directed  to  hasten  on  to  Cambridge  and  deliver  the  paper,  assured  that 
he  would  find  all  things  to  his  mind.  The  interview  was  necessarily  brief, 
for  each  was  sitting  in  the  saddle  ;  but  the  Col.,  who  knew  the  young  man's 
family,  felt  that  his  patriotic  aspirations  should  be  encouraged,  and  the 
applicant  was  made  happy  by  the  certain  prospect  of  success.  On  reach- 
ing headquarters  at  Cambridge,  Dr.  T.  was  at  or\ce  put  in  commission ;  and 
the  sequel  is  known. 


336  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

JosiAH  Bod  FISH  died  October  8,  1834,  aged  80,  —  also 
Doctor  Henry  Tuck;  Mr.  John  Bodfish  died  August, 
1847,  aged  86,  and  Captain  Benjamin  Hallett  died' 
December  31,  1849,  aged  90.' 

In  1851,  the  celebration,  Nov.  11,  of  the  first  anni- 
versary of  the  Cape  Cod  Association,  in  Boston,  was 
an  occasion  of  much  enjoyment.  The  oration,  by 
Henry  A.  Scudder  Esq.,  a  native  of  this  town,  was 
of  marked  ability  and  felicitously  appropriate.^  Mr. 
JosiAH  Scudder  died  this  year,  March  26,  aged  76.^ 

In  1853,  Rev.  Hiram  Carlton  was  settled  as  pastor 
of  the  West  Paiish.  The  ancient  meeting-house  had 
become  dilapidated  and  unsuited  to  the  times;  but 
the  frame  being  sound,  a  desire  was  felt  to  retain 
the  identity  of  this  venerable  structure.  It  received, 
therefore,  a  new  covering,  windows  of  modern  style, 
a  new  steeple,  &c.,  —  soon  standing  forth  rejuvenated, 
convenient  in  its  arrangements,  of  comely  proportions, 
and  generally  pleasing  to  the  eye.* 


^  See  Vol.  I.  657. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  660  and  780. 

*Mr.  John  Scudder,  here  in  1640,  was  doubtless  the  common  ancestor 
of  the  families  of  the  name  on  the  Cape.  John,  who  m.  Elizabeth  Ham- 
blin  July  31,  1689,  and  d.  at  C.  1742,  "very  aged,"  had  John  May  23, 
1690,  who  m.  Kuth  Davis  1715;  Expere.  April  28,  1692;  James  Jan.  13, 
1694-5 ;  Eben'r  April  23, 1696  ;  Reliance  1700 ;  and  Hannah  1706.  Eben'k, 
b.  1696,  m.  Lydia  Cobb  1725,  and  had  Daniel  July  23,  1726;  Elisa.  1728; 
Sam'l  June  19, 1729  ;  Rebecca  1731-'Ebenezer  May  25,  1733  ;  Lydia  1735 ; 
and  Eleazer  Feb.  12,  1737.  vEben'r,  b.  1733,  m.  Rose  Delap  Jan.  11, 
1759,  and  had  Ebenezer  Aug.  3,  1761;  Isaiah  June  8,  1768  ;  Asa  July  25, 
1771;  Elizabeth  Oct.  12,  1773,  who  m.  Morton  Crocker ; "Josiah  Nov.  3, 
1775;  James;  Thomas.  >*^Josiah,  b.  1775,  m.  Hannah  Lovell  Dec.  26, 
1799,  and  had  Puella  L.,  Josiah,  Freeman  L.,  Zeno,  Persis,  Edwin,  and 
Henry  A. 

*  About  20  ft.  of  the  east  end  was  partitioned  from  the  main  body,  form- 
ing a  vestibule  underneath  and  a  conference-room  above.  The  assembly- 
room  was  fresco-painted  and  furnished  with  a  chandelier.  This  edifice  had 
in  former  days  been  enlarged  at  different  periods,  and  a  bell  had  been  fur- 
nished it  by  the  munificence  of  Col.  James  Otis  —  the  first  bell,  it  is  said, 
used  in  the  county.  Col.  O.  was  a  liberal  contributor  to  this  church ; 
among  his  benefactions  was  "  £80  lawful  money,  the  interest  to  be  distrib- 
uted annually  by  the  deacons  holding  it  in  trust,  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor 
of  the  church." 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  337 

In  1854,  Jan.  3,  a  Cong.  Church  at  Hjannis  was 
organized.  Rev.  Phineas  Flsh,  pastor  of  the  Cong. 
Church  at  Cotuit,  died  this  year,  June  IG,  83.  69.-^ 

In  1857,  a  large  and  commodious  hall  was  erected 
in  town,  for  the  use  of  the  Barnstable  County  Agri- 
cultural Society.^  Hon.  Zeno  Scudder,  member  elect 
from  this  district  to  the  33d  Congress,  died  June  26. 
se.  50.3 


^See  Yol.  I.  696  and  711.  Rev.  Me.  Fish  was  an  excellent  man, — 
pure,  humble,  and  devout.  He  was  also  a  good  scholar.  By  m.  -with 
Phebe  Gardner  of  Xantucket,  he  had  2  s.  and  1  dr. 

^  This  hall  was  nearly  destroyed  by  a  gale,  and  another  erected  in  its 
place,  in  1862,  largely  by  the  munificence  of  Hon.  William  Sturgis,  of 
Boston,  a  native  of  this  town,  who  had  also  contributed  liberally  to  the 
building  of  the  first.  IS  V  ? 

^Hon.  Zeno  Scuddee,  b.  1707,  s.  of  Josiah,  like  most  young  men  of 
the  Cape  towns,  inclined  in  his  boyhood  to  the  seas,  but  was  early  led  to 
mercantile  pursuits.  Before  he  had  attained  his  majority,  however,  a 
paralysis  of  the  right  limb  induced  lameness,  which  soon  led  to  a  further 
change  of  plans.  Under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Xourse  of  Plallowell,  and  at 
Bowdoin  Col.,  he  prosecuted  the  study  of  medicine.  These  studies  com- 
pleted, finding  the  physical  infirmity  an  impediment  to  practice  as  a 
physician,  nothing  discouraged  he  resolved  to  give  his  attention  to  the  law. 
His  course  preparatory,  pursued  partly  at  the  Camb.  Law  School,  being 
ended,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1836,  opening  first  an  office  in  Fal- 
mouth ;  soon,  however,  settling  in  his  native  town  not  less  from  affection 
than  as  a  more  central  and  commanding  position.  In  his  professional  read- 
ing a  diligent  student,  he  gained  the  merited  reputation  of  an  accm-ate  and 
learned  lawyer  and  able  counsellor.  In  1846,  lie  was  elected  to  the  ]Massa- 
chusetts  Senate,  and,  when  returned  a  second  term,  became  President  of 
that  body.  He  was  afterwards  elected  to  the  3 2d  Congi-ess,  also  again  to 
the  succeeding;  but, before  he  could  take  Ms  seat  in  the  33d,  a  casualty,  to 
the  deep  regret  of  numerous  friends,  prostrated  him  in  lingering  and  ex- 
treme bodily  suffering  which  eventuated  in  his  lamented  decease.  Nat- 
urally of  strong  physical  constitution,  he  was  also  of  more  than  ordinary 
intellectual  power.  His  speech  in  Congi-ess,  Aug.  12,  1852,  on  the  impor- 
tance of  the  American  fisheries,  and  of  encouragement  to  American  seamen, 
discovers  gi^eat  research,  and  stands  a  monument  of  his  fidelity  and  ability. 
The  preferments  of  his  constituency  are  honorable  testimony  of  his  public 
and  private  virtues ;  and  in  the  memories  of  more  intimate  friends,  his 
purity  and  excellence  of  character  are  fondly  cherished.  It  is  well  known 
to  every  intelligent  observer,  that  the  profession  of  the  law  is  often,  nay 
too  generally  taken  up  simply  under  the  impression  that  the  bar  is  the  nat- 
ural and  facile  avenue  to  posts  of  emolument  and  power  ;  too  little  effort 
being  put  forth  to  master,  not  only  in  its  technicalities  but  in  its  principles, 
a  noble  science;  too  little  care  bestowed  upon  the  cultivation  of  those 
elevated  moral  sentiments  which  alone  can  assure  the  client  that  the  con- 
fidence he  reposes  in  his  counsellor  is  not  misplaced.  It  is  to  the  credit  of 
Mr.  Scudder  that  he  was,  as  we  have  said,  a  diligent  student,  and  that,  as 
we  have  seen,  civil  distinction  awaited  him,  simply  as  the  award  due  to 
merit.  It  has  been  well  remarked  by  one  competent  to  advise,  that  "  no 
VOL.   II.  43 


338         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

In  1861,  LoTHROP  Davis  Esq.,  who  had  been  more 
than  thirty  years  Register  of  Deeds  for  the  County, 
and  an  efficient  and  faithful  officer,  died,  June  18,  aged 
68.  Mr.  Freeman  Crosby  died,  Oct.  28,  aged  66 ;  Mr. 
David  Kelley,  in  Nov.,  aged  64 ;  George  Lovell  Esq., 
Nov.  28,  aged  74 ;  ^  and  Mr.  Charles  Jenkins,  Dec.  27, 
aged  66.  We  must  also  record  here  the  decease  of 
a  prominent  and  good  man,  Dea.  Charles  Scudder,  Jan. 
21,  aged  73,  Avho,  though  long  known  as  an  eminent 
merchant  in  Boston,  where  he  died,  was  a  native  of 
this  town,  and  sustained  intimate  relations  with  the 
Cape.^  Nor  can  we  be  so  derelict  as  Id  pass  unnoticed 
disting-uished  names  of  others  born  in  Barnstable  whose 
lamented  demise  appears  on  the  bills  of  mortality. 
For,  from  remote  times,  even  from  the  days  of  the 
Princes,  the  Lothrops,  the  Walleys,  the  Thorntons,  and 
others  early  emigrating  from   the   Cape,  Boston,  and 

man  can  expect  to  become  eminent  as  a  lawyer,  who  does  not,  for  at  least  a 
score  of  years,  or  more,  apply  liimseH'  rigidly  to  his  profession.  The  great 
iii'.  Burke  has  said,  "  The  science  of  jurisprudence,  the  pride  of  the  human 
intellect,  with  all  its  defects,  redundancies  and  errors,  is  the  collected  reason 
of  ages,  combining  the  principles  of  original  justice  with  the  infinite  variety 
of  human  concerns."  To  this  noble  sentiment,  reckless  pettifoggers  and 
aspirants  for  place  are  bhnd.  The  idea  that  the  law  is  not  a  science,  but  a 
trade,  lias  not  only  proved  fatal  to  the  hopes  of  many,  but  the  temptation 
to  embark  in  politics  in  the  gristle  of  youth,  and  without  mental  culture, 
has  already  wellnigh  proved  the  bane  of  the  republic.  To  insure  distinc- 
tion of  place,  men  aspire  to  be  leaders  in  collisions  of  parties,  chief  speakers 
in  primary  assemblies,  and  promoters  of  factions.  Rash  and  hasty  legisla- 
tion is  the  result  of  their  success,  —  never  "approaching  the  faults  of  the 
State,  as  to  the  wounds  of  a  father,  with  pious  awe  and  trembling  solici- 
tude," as  a  great  statesman  advised,  but  with  supreme  regard  to  self.  IVli-. 
Scudder's  exam.ple  was  the  opposite  of  this.  The  engraving  on  the  opposite 
page,  has,  at  our  suggestion,  been  yielded  through  the  munificence  of  his 
brother,  Henry  A.  Scudder,  Esq. 

^Mr.  Lovell,  b.  July  17,  1787,  long  and  extensively  engaged  in  active 
enterprise,  was  a  self-made  man, —  from  cabin  boy  to  master,  merchant,  and 
large  ship-owner. 

-Dea.  Charles  Scudder  was  grandson  of  Eleazer,  b.  1737,  s.  of 
Ebenezer,  who  m.  Mary  Lewis  and  had  David  Jan.  5,  1763  ;  also  Lydia, 
Wm.,  Eleazer,  Daniel,  and  Mary.  David  Esq.,  b.  1763,  was  an  eminent 
citizen,  and  many  years  was  Clerk  of  the  Courts.  He  m.  Desire  Gage, 
and  had  Charles  June  5,  1789,  who  set.  in  Boston;  Elisha  Mar.  9,  1791  ; 
Alexander  Mar.  12,  1793,  morcliant  in  Boston;  also  Abigail,  Lucinda,  David, 
Horace,  Frederick  the  present  Reg.  of  Deeds,  and  Julia. 


Boston  Public  Library. 


ANNALS    OF    BARNSTABLE.  OOV 

other  places  both  withhi  and  without  the  State,  have 
not  ceased  to  be  largely  indebted  to  this  peninsula  for 
an  influence  that  has  tended  largely  to  her  progreirS 
and  prosperity, —  an  influence  always  unostentatiously 
exerted,  and  generally  acknowledged,  though  rarely 
credited  with  any  reference  to  the  nativity  of  the 
men,  —  whether  in  commercial  enterprise,  in  the  mili- 
tary defences  of  the  country,  in  the  pulpit,  the  judi- 
ciary, or  elsewhere, —  an  influence  that  has,  in  fact,  per- 
vaded the  land,  extending  abroad  to  the  remotest 
parts  of  the  world,  enlarging  our  national  wealth  and 
increasing  our  national  influence.  The  Hon.  Lemuel 
Shaw,  for  thirty  years  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Mass.,  also  died  this  year,  Mar.  30,  aged  80.^ 

In  1862,  Mr.  James  Davis,  also  a  native  of  this  town 
died  at  his  residence,  in  Boston,  April  25,  aged  84, — 
venerable  and  highl}^  esteemed,  a  liberal,  high-minded, 
honorable  merchant  j  Capt.  John  Percival,  U.  S.  N., 
one  of  the  oldest  officers  in  the  service,  —  brave,  kind- 
hearted,  generous,  patriotic,  faithful,  —  died  at  his  res- 
idence in  Dorchester,  Sept.  17,  aged  84;^  and  Hon. 
Benjamin  F.  Hallett,  long  distinguished  at  the  bar,  and 


^Hon.  Lemuel  -Shaw,  LL.  D.,  b.  Jan.  9,  1781,  was  s.  of  Rev.  Oakes, 
the  pastor  of  the  W.  Precinct,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1800.  He  m.  1st,  Elizabeth 
Knapp,  dr.  of  Josiah  of  Boston,  and  2d,  Hope  Savage,  dr.  of  Doct.  Sam'l  of 
this  town.  Issue :  Oakes ;  a  dr.  who  m.  Herman  Melville ;  Lemuel  Jr.  ;  and 
Samuel  S.  Having  attained  a  high  reputation  at  the  bar,  he  was  app. 
Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  in  1830,  presiding  with  distinguished 
reputation  as  a  jurist,  longer  perhaps,  If  we  except  Chief  Justice  Marshall, 
than  any  other  man  iia  the  country.  After  a  life  of  great  purity,  usefulness, 
and  Integrity,  he  died  serenely,  widely  honored,  greatly  esteemed,  deeply 
lamented.  Through  life  he  cherished  a  warm  affection  for  his  native  town 
and  county.  Judge  S.  received  the  honorary  degree  of  LL.  D.  at  H.  C. 
1831,  and  Brown  Univ.  1850. 

^  Capt.  Percival  was  early  in  the  merchant  service,  but  soon  connected 
with  the  navy.  During  the  last  war  with  Gt.  Britain,  he  was  in  several 
important  engagements;  one  of  which  was  between  the  Peacock  and 
Epervier.  His  last  cruise  was  in  command  of  the  Constitution  in  1843. 
He  left  $2000  to  the  West  Parish  in  this  town,  the  Interest  to  be  appropri- 
ated to  the  payment  of  teachers  of  common  schools. 


340  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNri'. 

prominent  in  political  life,  died  at  his  residence  in 
Boston,  Sept.  23,  aged  68/  In  this  town  Mr.  Nathan 
Allyn  died  June  15,  aged  49;  Mr.  Richard  Kelley, 
June  18,  aged  73;  and  Capt.  Frederick  Scudder,  Dec. 
30,  aged  41.^ 

In  1863,  Rev.  Henry  A.  Goodhue  became  pastor  of 
the  Congregational  Church  at  West  Barnstable,  May 
20.  Mr.  James  L.  Lothrop  died  Feb.  10,  aged  82 ;  Mr. 
David  Hinckley,  April  24,  aged  87;  Mr.  John  Hamblen, 
April  25,  aged  89  :  2  :  16;''  Mr.  Lot  Ea&tabrook,  April 
29,  aged  56;  Matthew  Cobb  Esq.,  May  18,  aged  75;* 


^  Hon.  B.  F.  Hallett  grad.  at  Brown  Univ.  1816.  "  As  a  politician  he 
was  deeply  versed  In  the  science  of  government,  and  as  completely  master 
of  the  poUtical  history  of  his  country.  Whilst  his  legal  attainments  secured 
him  a  high  position  at  the  bar,  his  eminence  as  a  debater  and  popular  ora- 
tor made  his  name  familiar  throughout  the  country."  He  was  s.  of  Capt. 
Benj.  Hallett  who  d.  1849. 

^Mr.  Scudder  was  s.  of  Oliver  who  was  son  of  Isaiah,  b.  17G8,  the  s. 
of  Ebenezer. 

"  James  Hamblen  was  from  London,  and  tradition  says  was  bro.  of 
Giles,  one  of  the  first  settlers  at  Middletown,  Ct.,  who  also  came  first  to 
Be.  The  name  has  been  variously  written  —  often  HatiMin.,  and  as  often 
Hamlin  and  Hamlen.  Some  went  early  from  here  to  Turner,  Me. ;  others 
in  various  dii'ections.  To  the  Barnstable  family  is  to  be  traced  the  lineage 
of  the  present  Vice  President  of  the  U.  S.  A.  Mr.  James  Hamblen,  who 
d.  1690,"  and  his  w.  Anne,  had  James  prob.  b.  in  Eng. ;  Hannah;  Isaac; 
Bartholomew  b.  in  Be.  April  11,  1642;  John  June  26,  1644;  Sarah  1647; 
Eleazer  March  17,  1649  ;  and  Israel  June  25,  1652.  James  Jr.  m.  Mary 
Dunham,  dr.  John,  Nov.  20, 1662,  and  had  Mary  1664  ;  Ehsa.  Feb.  13,  1665, 
who  m.  John  Scudder  July  31,  1689;  Eleazer  and  Experience,  geminl- 
April  12,  1668;  James  Aug.  26,  1669;  Jona.  March  3,  1670-1;  Eben'r 
eTuIy  29,  1674;  Elisha  1677,  d.  inf  ;  Hope  1680;  Job  Jan.  15,  1681 ;  John 
Jan.  12,  1683;  Benj.  1685;  and  Elkanah.  Bartholomew  m.  Susanna 
Dunham  Jan.  20,  1673,  and  d.  April  24,  1704,  aged  63.  They  had  Sam'l 
Dec.  25,  1674;  John  June  19,  1686;  Ebn'r  March  23,  1689;  and  seven 
daughters.  JoriN  m.  Sarah  Bearse  1667,  and  had  a  large  family,  9  daugh- 
ters, and  sons  John,  Eben'r,  and  Benj.  Eleazer  ra.  Mehlt.  Jenkins  1675, 
snd  had  Isaac  Aug.  20,  1676  ;  Joseph  Nov.  20,  1680,  who  d.  1766  ;  Mehlt. 
1682;  Elisha  1685;  Ichabod  1687;  and  Shubaeh  Israel,  by  1st  w.  Abi- 
gail, and  2d,  Jemima,  had  4  daughters,  and  sons  Israel,  Joseph,  and  Jacob. 
Joseph  mentioned  above  m.  Zervia  Dillingham,  dr.  John  of  Sandwich, 
Feb.  8,  1798  ;  and  was  a  substantial  farmer,  militia  officer,  and  good  citizen. 

*  Mr.  Cobb  was  long  a  well-known  merchant  in  Boston.  He  began  his 
business  life  in  this,  his  native  town,  and  was  not  only  largely  engaged  In 
trade,  but  in  navigation  and  ship-building.  He  removed  to  Boston  in  1836, 
but  returned  here  in  1861.  In  various  offices  held  by  him  here,  as  else- 
where, the  duties  were  discharged  with  ability  and  fidelity.  An  honorable 
man,  a  genial  friend,  a  public-spirited  citizen. 


y^ 


Boston  Public  Library. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE.  341 

Mr.  Jason  Rowland,  May  25,  aged  67 ;  and  Frederic 
W.  Crocker  Esq.,  June  11,  aged  54.^ 

The  great  political  question  has  been,  for  the  last 
year  or  two,  here,  as  elsewhere,  "  Can  the  restoration 
of  the  constitutional  relations  between  the  United 
States  and  each  and  all  the  individual  States  be 
effected?"  Each  passing  month  has  seemed  pregnant 
with  events  that  seal  the  destiny  of  a  nation.  This 
town  has  proved  no  exception  to  the  general  spirit 
of  patriotism  that  pervades  all  hearts,  truly  loyal,  in 
every  community.  The  political  agitations  of  the  day 
though  calmly  viewed  in  all  the  loyal  states,  it  was 
early  apparent  were  not  to  be,  as  some  had  vainly 
hoped, 

"  Like  fire  that's  kindled  in  brushwood, 
And  for  a  moment  burns." 

A  nation  must  needs  have  its  strength  against  domes- 
tic foes  tested,  to  perfectly  consolidate  its  power  and 
secure  permanent  prosperity  and  peace.  The  problem 
to  be  solved  is  nothing  short  of  this :  Shall  civilization, 
in  its  journey  with  the  sun,  sink  in  endless  night  for 
the  gratification  of  such  as  would  fain 

"  wade  through  slaughter  to  a  throne ; " 

or  shall  the  ordeal  prove  that  these  United  States  can 
not  only  govern  themselves,  but,  this  demonstrated, 
have  strength  to  stand,  even  though  the  world  beside 
were  arrayed  against  them  ?  In  the  issue,  the  heart 
of  no  true  patriot  will  fail.  If  latent  treason  lurk 
under  the  guise  of  loyalty,  any  and  every  measure 
that  tends  to  the  grand  result  will  be  opposed  -,  but 

^  Mr.  Crocker,  eldest  son  of  Hon.  David  Crocker,  who  for  many  years 
was  high  sheriff,  grad.  H.  C.  1829,  and,  the  last  ten  years,  was  clerk  of  the 
courts  for  this  county  —  a  gent,  whose  tastes  were  literary,  and  somewhat 
poetical. 


342         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

love  of  country  second  only  to  love  of  God,  the  pre- 
vailing sentiment,  will  always  sustain  the  right.  The 
crisis  demands  full  loyalty,  the  ready  fealty  of  all,  the 
cordial  and  prompt  support  of  those  to  whom  sever- 
ally, as  citizens,  is  committed  the  country's  defence: — 

"  Pro  rege,  pro  lege,  pro  patria  semper." 

Our  Annals  of  Barnstable  are  being  concluded. 
May  this  ancient  town  ever  occupy  a  position  of 
prominence  in  the  national  patriotism  j  and  may  these 
pages  be  as  favorably  received  by  its  dwellers  as  they 
are  respectfully  and  impartially  conceived.  Many  are 
they  who,  being  scattered  abroad,  have  been  accus- 
tomed, to  look  back  to  this  "cradle  of  an  honored 
race"  as  the  place  whence  they  themselves  "have 
drawn  the  principles  and  habits  that  have  made  them 
prosperous  and  honored  wherever  they  have  gone  to 
seek  their  fortunes  in  the  wide  world.  To  the  hearts 
of  others,  it  is  hallowed  by  uioving  associations  as  the 
home  of  beloved  parents  or  revered  forefathers."^  All 
such  will  scan  these  Annals  with  interest,  and,  we 
trust,  with  satisfaction.  There  may  be  important 
omissions  noted  by  some  readers ;  the  author  can 
only  say  they  were  not  intended,  and  were  unavoid- 
able. There  will  ever  be  much  of  history  that  can- 
not be  written,  but  which  is,  nevertheless,  a  memory 
embalmed  by  kindred  and  friends. 

^  Palfrey. 


ANNALS    OF   BARNSTABLE. 


Yrs. 

1639.  Joseph  Hull,  1. 
"     Tlios.  Dimoc,             8. 

1640.  Jas.  Cudworth,  inelig. 
"     Anthony  Annable,  12. 

1641.  Wm.  Thomas,  1. 

1642.  John  Cooper,  2. 

1643.  Henry  Rowley,  1. 


1643. 
1644. 
1645. 
,1646. 
1652. 
1656. 
1663. 
1666. 


DEPUTIES. 


Henry  Bourne, 
Henry  Cobb, 
Isaac  Robinson, 
Thos.  Hinckley, 
Nath'l  Bacon, 
John  Smith, 
Jno.  Chipman, 
Joseph  Lothrop, 


Yrs. 

2. 

9. 

2. 

6. 
13. 

3. 

7. 
15. 


1669.  Thos.  Huckins,  9. 

1670.  Wm.  Crocker,  3. 
1672.  Jno.  Thompson,  2. 
1675.  Barnabas  Lothrop,  7. 
1682.  Sam'l  Allyn,  3. 
1685.  Shubael  Dimoc,  3. 
1689.  Jno.  Gorum,  3. 


EEPRESENTATIVES. 


1692. 

1695. 
1700. 
1701. 
1704, 
1705. 
1707. 
1711, 
1712. 
1718. 
1737. 
1741. 
1743, 
1745, 
1757, 
1763, 
1765. 
1771. 
1775. 
1776. 


John  Gorum, 
John  Otis,  - , 
John  Green, 
Thos.  Hinckley, 
John  Bacon, 
Sam'l  Hinckley, 
■J  ames  Hamblin, 
Sam'l  Chipman, 
Joseph  Lothrop, 
Daniel  Parker, 
Shubael  Gorham, 
Jno.  Kussell, 
Sylvs.  Bourne, 
Robert  Davis, 
James  Otis,.-'--' 
Edward  Bacon, 
Cornelius  Crocker,  2. 
Nymphas  Marston,  6, 
David  Davis,  4, 

Joseph  Otis,-?  1. 

Eli  Phinney,  1, 


1777. 
1780. 
1782. 
1783. 
1786. 
1790. 

1798. 
1802. 
1803. 
1804, 
1807. 
1800. 

1810. 
1811. 


1821, 


Eben.  Jenkins, 
Sturgis  Gorham, 
Shearj.  Bourne, 
Sam'l  Hinckley, 
Lot  jSTye. 
Sam'l  Smith, 
Eben.  Crocker, 
David  Scudder, 
Isaiah  L.  Green, 
Jonas  Whitman, 
Richard  Lewis, 
Eben.  Lothrop, 
Jabez  Howland, 
Joseph  Blish, 
Job  C.  Davis, 
Nehe.  Lovell, 
Naler  Crocker, 
Lemuel  Shaw, 
Nath'l  Jenkins, 
Wm.  Lewis, 
Nymphas  Marston 


1824. 
1830. 

1831. 
1833. 
1834. 
1837. 

1838. 
1839. 

1843. 

1845. 
1847. 
1833. 
1855, 

1856, 


Benj.  Hallet, 
David  Hinckley, 

Charles  Marston, 
Henry  Crocker, 
Zenas  Weeks, 
Nath'l  Hinckley, 
Wm.  A.  Lewis, 
Sam'l  Pitcher, 
Seth  Goodspeed, 
Daniel  Bassett, 
Thos.  B.  Lewis, 
Josiah  Hinckley, 
Job  Handy, 
Chas.  C.  Bearse, 
Sam'l  A.  Wiley, 
Edwin  Baxter, 
Rufus  S.  Pope, 
Asa  E.  Lovell, 
John  A.  Baxter, 
Nathan  Crocker, 


Yrs. 

2. 
8. 
4. 
6. 
6. 
8. 
1. 
2. 
1. 
2. 
5. 
4. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
1. 
1. 
2. 
1. 
2. 


SELECTMEN. 


1665, 


1666, 

1667, 

<i. 

1668, 
1673, 
1675, 
1679, 
1680, 
1682, 
1685, 
1714. 


1716, 

1719, 

1720 
n 

1723, 

1727, 
1730, 
17.32. 
17.33 
1735 
1738, 


Nath'l  Bacon, 
Tristram  Hull, 
Jno.  Chipman, 
,  Jno.  Thompson, 
Wm.  Crocker, 
Joseph  Lothrop, 
Thoi.  Huckins, 
John  Gorham, 
Barns.  Lothrop, 
James  Lewis,    ■ 
Sam'l  Allyn, 
John  Howland, 
Shubael  Dimoc, 
,*John  Lewis, 
*Joseph  Lothrop, 
*John  Baker, 
♦Joseph  Smith, 
,  John  Thacher, 
-  George  Lewis, 
David  Loring, 
.  Shubael  Gorham, 
Joseph  Hinclvley, 
,  Joseph  Crocker, 
.  Sam'l  Chipman, 
,  Benj.  Crocker, 
.  Col.  Gorham, 
,  Da\'id  Crocker, 
.  John  Thacher, 
,  Robert  Davis, 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1. 

1740. 

John  Gorham, 

0. 

1813 

6. 

1745. 

James  Otis, 

14. 

1815 

4. 

1751. 

Matthias  Smith, 

2. 

1820 

7. 

1752. 

Silvs.  Bourne, 

3. 

1827 

2. 

" 

Joseph  Blish, 

3. 

1828. 

21. 

" 

Dan'i  Davis, 

25. 

" 

9. 

1753. 

Edw.  Bacon, 

12. 

1829 

4. 

" 

Isaac  Hinckley, 

6. 

1831 

5. 

1762. 

Nymphas  Marston 

,11. 

'• 

5. 

1765. 

Eli  Phinney, 

6. 

1833 

4. 

II 

Matthias  Fuller, 

3. 

" 

9. 

1772. 

.Joseph  Otis, 

6. 

1836 

6. 

1770. 

Eben.  Jenkins, 

3. 

" 

2. 

1779. 

Jona.  Crocker, 

5. 

" 

3. 

" 

Thos.  Crocker, 

2. 

1838 

7. 

1781. 

Eleazer  Scudder, 

1. 

" 

18. 

1782. 

Lot  Nye, 

3. 

1840 

8. 

1783. 

Joseph  Davis, 

1. 

" 

8. 

1784. 

Eben.  Bacon, 

19. 

1842 

10, 

1785. 

David  Parker, 

6. 

1843 

12. 

" 

Joseph  Smith, 

10. 

1845 

13. 

1791. 

Joseph  Crocker, 

10. 

1848 

6. 

1795. 

David  Scudder, 

4. 

1849 

3. 

1798. 

Nath'l  Lewis, 

3. 

1&50 

3. 

" 

Ricliard  Lewis, 

29. 

1851 

1. 

1801. 

Nath'l  Jenkins, 

7. 

1856 

19. 

1805. 

John  Davis, 

8. 

1857 

4. 

" 

Jno.  Crocker, 

2. 

" 

14. 

1807. 

Jno.  Bodlish, 

10. 

Isaac  Hodges, 
Naler  Crocker, 
Lemuel  Nye, 
Asa  Hinckley, 
James  Marchant, 
Chas.  Marston, 
James  Smith, 
Josiali  Hinckley, 
Zacli's  Hamblen, 
Eben.  Bacon, 
Stephen  C.  Nye, 
Henry  Crocker, 
Nath'l  Hinckley, 
Samuel  Pitcher, 
Daniel  Bassett, 
Lothrop  Davis, 
Zenas  Weeks, 
James  Lewis, 
Seth  Hallet, 
Thos  B.  Lewis, 
Thos.  Stetson, 
Chas.  C.  Bearse, 
Fred.  Scudder, 
Chas.  Lewis, 
Robinson  Weeks, 
Luther  Hinckley, 
Nath'l  Hinckley, 
Joseph  R.  Hall, 


Yrs, 
2, 
13. 
8. 
1. 
3. 


*From  1692,  the  time  of  the  union  of  the  two  colonies,  to  the  date  above,  We  have  been 
unable  to  find  any  records  whicli  show  who  were  the  selectmen  during  the  interim.  It 
is  not  improbable  that  some  of  the  gentlemen  previously  named  continued,  by  succes- 
sive elections,  longer  than  the  number  of  years  named;  it  is  also  higlily  probable  that 
some  of  those  with  the  *  prefixed  were  in  ofiice  earlier  than  the  date  of  election  given. 


344 


HISTORY    OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 


TOWN  TREASURERS* 


1713.  Eben.  Lewis, 
1741.  John  Otis, 
1748.  Robert  Davis, 
1761.  Isaac  Hinckley, 
1765.  Daniel  Davis, 


Yrs. 
29. 
7. 
15. 
3. 
15. 


1780.  Joseph  Otis^"^ 
1788.  Jona.  Crocker, 
1797.  Thos.  Crocker, 
1808.  Jabez  Howlaud, 
1812.  Naler  Crocker, 


1824.  Jas.  N.  Rowland, 
1820.  Josiah  Hinckley, 
1830.  Calviu  Stetson, 
1843.  Fred.  Parker, 
1847.  Ferd.  G.  KeUey, 


Yrs 
2. 

11. 

6. 
4. 

17. 


TOWN   CLERKS. 


1644.tThos.  Hinckley, 
lOOO.iJosoph  Lothrop, 
1690.$Samuel  Allyn, 
1713.  John  Otis,~> 
1726.  Nath'l  Otis, 
1730.  David  Crocker, 
1761.  Isaac  Hinckley, 


1754.  Robert  Davis, 
1762.  Daniel  Davis, 
1764.  Edward  Bacon, 

1771.  Samuel  Jenkins, 

1772.  Josiah  Crocker, 
1780.  Eben.  Bacon, 
1805.  Jabez  Howland, 


Yrs. 
1. 
2. 
7. 
1. 


1812.  Naler  Crocker, 
1824.  Jas.  K.  Howland, 
1826.  Josiah  Hinckley, 
1837.  Calvin  Stetson, 

1843.  Fred.  Parker, 

1844.  Ferd.  G.  KeUey, 


Yrs. 
11. 
2. 
11. 

6. 

2. 

20. 


*Our  tables  of  Treasurers  and  Clerks  are  unavoidably  imperfect,  running  back  in  the 
one  instance,  as  is  seen,  to  1713 ;  and  in  the  other,  to  the  same  date,  except  as  we  gather 
isolated  facts  aside  from  tJie  official  record  of  elections.  These  omissions  we  can  best 
explain  by  a  transcript  from  the  entries  on  the  first  page  of  the  oldest  book  of  records  to 
be  found  in  the  town  clerk's  custody.  It  niMj  be,  as  suggested  in  a  note,  p.  255,  that 
some  records  "were  carried  to  Plymouth,  and  there  lost,"  but  the  following  is  authentic: 

''At  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Be.,  June  30,  1730,  John  Thacher 
Esq.  moderator.  Then  voted  that  the  old  Town-Book  as  to  the  articles  contained  in  the 
same  to  be  of  future  use,  be  transcribed  by  the  Town  Clerk,  into  a  new  book  to  be  pro- 
cured by  him  with  as.  much  speed  as  conveniently  may."  "  Barnstable  Town  Book, 
anno  1730,  bo't  per  David  Crocker,  Town  Clerk."  "The  15  Oct.,  1649,  ordered  by  the 
inhabitants  that  Henry  Cobb,  Isaac  Robinson,  Thos.  Lothrop,  and  Thos.  Hinckley  do 
peruse  the  old  Town  Book  and  record  such  material  useful  orders  as  they  And  therein 
into  the  Town  Book,  and  the  rest  in  the  old  book  to  be  cancelled  by  them."  "  This  18 
Feb.,  1058,  at  a  meeting  of  Thos.  Hinckley,  Hy.  Cob,  Isaac  Robinson,  and  Thos.  Loth- 
rop for  perusing  tlie  old  Town  Book  and  recording  such  material  useful  orders  as  they 
find  therein,  into  this  Town  Book,  cancelling  the  rest,  found  in  the  order  bearing  date 
Oct.  15,  1649;  In  perusing  whereof  they  find  as  followeth,  viz  : "  Then  follow  grants, 
orders,  lists  of  inhabitants  admitted,  and  Indian  deeds,  but  nothing  from  which  may  be 
ascertained  successive  elections.  Doubtless  much  has  thus  been  irretrievably  lost  that 
would  be  of  interest  in  history. 

,    t  The  first  article  transcribed  from  the  "  old  book"  bears  date  1644,  attested  by  "  Thos. 
Hinckley,  szriba."    He  was  clerk  many  years. 

X  We  find  orders  copied  into  the  above-named  book  that  were  attested  by  Joseph 
Lothrop  in  1650,  1083,  '85,  '86,  '88,  '92,  and  '95. 

$  Samuel  Allyn,  as  town  clerk,  attests  orders  1693,  '97,  '98,  '99,  1701,  '02,  'Oi,  '05.  He 
was  probably  succeeded  immediately  by  John  Otis,  but  at  what  date  is  uncertain. 


THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OF 


EASTHAM. 


"It  is  a  eeveeend  iniNO  to  see  an  ancient  castle  not  in  decay;  now  much  more 
TO  behold  ancient  families  y'Hicii  have  stood  against  the  waves  and  weathers  of 
time."— ZorcZ  Bacon. 


44  (345) 


^n^cxi^txon. 


TO    SOLOMON    FREEMAN,   ESQ., 

OF   BREWSTER, 

Tliree  generations  of  whose  ancestry,  descended  from  our  common  progenitor 
Edmund,  of  Sandwich,  were  of  Eastham;  viz.: 
John,  the  Assistant,  his  son  William,  and  his  son  Willlvm  ;  from  which  last  was 
Solomon,  of  Harwich,  senator  and  judge,  whose  son  Solomon,  also  senator,  was 
the  honored  parent  of  him  with  whom  now  survives  the  name  of  sire  and  grandsire, 
(a  name  which,  again  transmitted,  it  was  fondly  hoped  would  long  be  borne  by  one 
just  entered  ujjon  manhood  with  bright  prospects,  energetic  enterprise,  and  character 
well  worthy  of  the  lineage,  when,  —  alas !  with  deep  sympathy  we  advert  to  the 
bereavement, — 

'By  foreign  hands  his  dying  eyes  were  closed. 
By  foreign  hands  his  decent  limbs  composed, 
By  foreign  hands  his  distant  grave  adorned. 
By  strangers  honored  and  by  strangers  mourned,' 

his  ashes  finally  returning  to  repose  at  home  with  kindred  dust),  these  Annals  are 
respectfully 

INSCRIBED 

by  his  friend  and  remote  kinsman, 

THE   AUTHOR. 


(346) 


ANNALS  OF  EASTHAM. 


Almost  from  the  time  of  the  arrival  of  the  May- 
flower in  Cape  Cod  Harbor,  Nauset  was  familiar  to  the 
early  settlers  at  Plymouth,  who  often  in  their  need  re- 
sorted hither  to  procure  the  means  of  subsistence,  as 
also  for  other  purposes;  but  no  attempt  was  made 
either  to  begin  a  plantation  or  purchase  lands  until 
the  year  1640.  At  this  time,  "  the  purchasers,"  or 
"old  comers,"  as  sometimes  called,  obtained  a  grant 
from  the  Plymouth  Court  of  a  tract  extending  "  from 
the  bounds  of  Yarmouth,  three  miles  from  the  east- 
ward of  NamsJcaket,  and  across  the  neck,  from  sea  to 
sea."  No  settlement,  however,  was  begun.  The  tract 
remained  still  unimproved,  except  by  Indians,  for  sev- 
eral years. 

Inhabitants  of  Plymouth,  in  1643,  becoming  dissat- 
isfied with  their  location,  and  contemplating  a  move- 
ment which  involved  the  abandonment  of  their  present 
position,  turned  their  thoughts  to  Nauset.-^     Governor 

''■  Notwitlistanding  the  favorable  impression  tliey  had  at  first  conceiyed  of 
Plymouth,  many  of  them  objected:  "the  position  is  disadvantageous;  the 
harbor  is  not  favorable ;  the  town  is  in  the  neighborhood  of  one  of  the  most 
barren  spots  in  New  England;  and  it  is  impossible  it  can  ever  become  a 
flourishing  and  opulent  capitol."  Thus  they  reasoned.  See  Mom-t's  Rela- 
tion. Moreover,  some  of  the  inhabitants  had  already  removed,  so  great 
was  their  dissatisfaction ;  and  others  had  requested  a  dismission  from  the 
church  that  they  might  choose  a  more  eligible  location.  It  became,  there- 
fore, a  serious  question  Avhether,  to  prevent  the  church  from  being  further 
weakened,  and  to  save  It  from  danger  of  total  disruption,  it  were  not  better 
to  remove  in  a  body.     ]\Iany  meetings  were  held  to  confer  on  the  subject. 

(347) 


348  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Bradford  joined  with  others  in  proposing  it  for  the 
commencement  of  a  settlement  anew,  and  a  commit- 
tee was  appointed  and  sent  forth  to  explore  the  prem- 
ises and  make  report.  Upon  their  return,  the  church 
applied  for  and  obtained  the  consent  of  those  who 
had  obtained  the  grant  of  lands  here  in  1640.  Still, 
some  persons  contended  that  the  examination  had 
been  superficial,  and  that  further  exploration  was  ne- 
cessary ;  and  this  led  to  the  appointment  of  yet  an- 
other committee,  instructed  to  inspect  the  locality 
thoroughly,  and  then,  if  judged  expedient,  arrange 
with  the  natives  for  the  purchase  of  the  territory. 
Accordingly,  "  Mr.  Thomas  Prence,  John  Doane,  Nicho- 
las Snow,  Josias  Cook,  Richard  Higgins,  John  Sm alley, 
and  Edward  Bangs,"  —  all  of  whom  became  subse- 
quently settlers  of  the  town,  "with  Gov.  Bradford 
and  others,"  repaired  to  Nauset  and  made  a  fall  and 
accurate  survey.  These  gentlemen  were  unanimously 
of  opinion  that  the  place  was  not  sufficiently  exten- 
sive to  meet  the  views  of  the  Plymouth  settlers  in 
regard  to  both  present  accommodation  and  future  in- 
crease for  the  entire  company ;  but,  nevertheless, 
thought  proper  to  purchase  of  the  Indians.^  Return- 
Fraternal  feeling  prevailed,  but  there  was  diversity  of  opinion.  Some  op- 
posed to  a  removal  would  consent  rather  than  witness  a  dissolution  of  the 
church,  —  provided  a  better  location  could  be  found;  others  were  resolved 
at  all  events  to  remove  ;  and,  finally,  a  compromise  was  effected.  It  being 
agreed  that  the  church  remove  in  a  body,  —  provided  the  place  selected 
shall  be  commodious  for  the  whole,  and  for  such  additions  as  may  be  rea- 
sonably expected. 

^  The  purchase  embraced  lands  claimed  by  Mattaquason,  sachem  of 
Monamoyick,  and  George,  the  successor  of  Aspinet,  sachems  of  Nauset. 
Of  the  former  they  bought  the  tract  called  Pochet,  with  two  islands  lying 
before  Patanumaquut,  and  a  beach  and  small  island  upon  it ;  also,  all  the 
land  called  Namskaket,  extending  northward  to  the  territory  belonging  to 
the  sachem  George,  excepting  a  small  island  called  Pochet  Island,  which 
the  sachem  reserved.  Of  George  they  purchased  all  the  land  belongiijg 
to  him,  extending  northward  from  the  bounds  of  the  territory  claimed  by 
Mattaquason,  excepting  a  small  neck  lying  by  the  harbor,  on  the  E.  side 
of  the  tract,  —  which  neck  the  com.  promised  to  fence,  (hat  the  Indians 
might  use  It  as  a  corn-field.    It  was  further  agreed  between  the  parties  that 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  349 

ing  to  Plymouth,  their  mission  completed,  they  re- 
ported their  doings,  as  also  the  conclusion  to  which 
they  had  arrived,  viz. :  that  Nauset  was  not  extensive 
as  desired,  and  that  it  was  too  remote  from  the  centre 
of  the  colony  to  be  suitable  for  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment. The  church,  for  these  and  other  considerations, 
relinquished  the  idea  of  removal  as  a  body ;  but  re- 
solved that  such  as  are  still  intent  on  removal  have 
liberty  to  do  so,  and  begin  a  new  plantation,  —  pro- 
vided they  pay  for  the  purchase  made  by  the  commit- 
tee in  behalf  of  the  church.  In  the  meanwhile,  a 
grant  had  been  obtained  of  Court,  as  follows :  "  The 
Court  doth  grant  unto  the  Church  of  New  Plymouth, 
or  those  that  go  to  dwell  at  Nauset,  all  the  tract  of 
land  lying  between  sea  and  sea,  from  the  purchaser's 
bounds  at  Namskaket  to  the  herring  brook  at  Billings- 
gate, with  said  herring  brook,  and  all  the  meadows  on 


Indians,  the  natural  inhabitants  of  the  place,  shall  have  liberty  to  get  shell- 
fish in  the  cove,  and  that  they  shall  have  a  share  of  the  blubber  at  any 
time  driven  ashore,  the  proportion  to  be  determined  by  the  English.  At 
the  same  time,  it  being  demanded,  '  Who  lays  claim  to  Billingsgate  V  (which 
was  understood  to  be  all  the  land  within  the  Bay,  N.  of  the  territory  pur- 
chased of  George),  and  the  reply  being,  'It  belongs  to  no  one,'  the  com. 
said,  '  Then  that  land  also  is  om-s,'  "  to  which  the  Indians  assented."  It  is 
proper  here  to  state  that  the  lands  at  Billingsgate,  being  held  many  years 
without  consideration  made  to  the  natives,  were  finally  claimed  by  an  In- 
dian who  presented  himself  as  rightful  owner.  Of  this  Indian,  calling 
himself  Lt.  Anthony,  the  town  bought  the  tract,  —  extending  from  the 
northern  limit  of  Nauset  to  a  little  brook,  called  by  the  natives  Saipokoni^li^ 
and  by  the  English  called  Bound-brook ;  Anthony  reserving  only  a  small 
neck  called  Tuttamnest.  This  latter  transaction  was  about  the  year  1666. 
We  may  add  here,  that  on  the  decease  of  sachem  George,  the  inhabitants 
finding  it  inconvenient  to  have  Indians  located  at  both  extremities  of  the 
township,  made  agreement  with  his  people  for  possession  of  the  neck  of 
land  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbor ;  and  for  this  tract,  called  Tonset,  they,  be- 
sides other  considerations,  secured  to  the  Indians  a  position  at  Gesquoques- 
set,  which  the  natives  were  to  enclose  for  their  own  use.  This  was  previ- 
ous to  the  transaction  previously  named.  The  inhabitants,  in  1662,  also 
purchased  the  fertile  island  of  Pochet,  that  had  been  reserved  by  the  In- 
dians at  the  first  sale  made  by  Mattaquason.  Twelve  years  before  the 
claims  of  the  Indians  were  fully  satisfied,  the  line  between  Eastham  and 
the  lands  belonging  to  "  the  purchasers,  or  old  comers,"  was  settled ;  the 
Court  determining  that  "  the  line  shall  begin  at  the  river  Namskaket,  and 
extend  to  the  Eastern  Harbor." 


350  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

both  sides  the  said  brook,  with  the  great  Bass-pond 
there,  and  all  the  meadows  and  islands  lying  within 
the  said  tract."  ^ 

The  associates  for  removing  to  Nauset,  agreeing  to 
the  terras  proposed  by  the  church,  and  Mr.  Prence 
having  possession  of  the  above  grant,  soon  after  be- 
gan the  settlement,  —  the  fourth  town  on  the  Qape.^ 

Situation  and  Bound aeies.  —  Eastham  is  situated  in  lati- 
tude 41°  51'  K,  and  longitude  69°  56'  W,  from  Greenwich.  Its 
distance  from  Boston,  following  the  main  county  road,  is  94 
miles; ^  from  Plymouth,  52  miles;  and  from  Barnstable,  22  miles, 
E.  N.  E.  Its  original  bounds  gave  it  a  territory  of  fifteen  miles 
in  length  by  two  and  one-half  in  breadth,  having  the  Atlantic 
Ocean  on  the  E.;  Barnstable  Bay  and  Namskaket*  on  the  W. ; 
the  heri'ing  brook  of  Billingsgate^  on  the  IST.;  and  Monamoyick^ 
on  the  S.  But,  by  reason  of  dismemberment,  its  present  boun- 
daries give  a  territory  of  only  six  miles  in  length,  and  two  and 
one-half  miles  breadth,  having  the  Atlantic  on  the  E. ;  "Well- 
fleet  on  the  N". ;  Barnstable  Bay  on  the  W. ;  and  Orleans  on  the 
S.  and  S.  E. 

IsTatural  Divisions,  etc.  —  Although  we  ai-e  called,  in  re- 
cording the  progress  of  the  town  from  its  incij^iency  to  the  pres- 
ent time,  to  note  events  that,  for  a  period,  pertained  to  a  large 
territory    embracing  Eastham  as  it  was,  —  including  not  only 

^  "^his  grant  extended  "  S.  to  Monamoyick  Bay,  Eastern  Harbor,  or  Great 
Harbor,  as  then  sometimes  called.  At  one  end  it  v,^as  bounded  by  '  the 
lands  belonging  to  the  purchasers,  or  old  comers,'  afterward  settled  by  the 
name  of  Harwich ;  and  at  the  other  by  lands  that  Avere  afterward  em- 
braced in  the  incorporation  granted  to  Truro,  —  the  length  being  about  1 5 
miles." 

^ "  The  church  at  Plymouth,"  we  are  assured, "  regretted  their  departure ; 
for  they  who  went  out  from  her  were  among  the  most  respectable  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Plymouth ;  and  she  viewed  herself  as  a  mother  grown  old 
and  forsaken  by  her  children,  though  not  in  their  affections,  yet  in  their 
company  and  personal  assistance."  But,  "  however  the  emigration  might 
be  lamented.  It  was,  doubtless,  productive  of  great  good  to  the  colony.  It 
did  not  essentially  Injure  the  church  at  Plymouth,  their  places  being  soon 
supplied  by  others ;  and  It  eventually  led  to  the  settlement  of  all  the  lower 
part  of  the  Cape,  thus  preventing  the  Indians  there,  who  were  yet  a  for- 
midable body  In  comparison  with  the  few  white  settlers,  from  joining  In  any 
hostile  attempts,  If  they  w.ere  so  inclined,  against  the  English  In  the  wars 
that  afterwards  ensued  "  In  New  England. 

"'  In  a  direct  line,  i.  e.,  by  water,  CG  m..  It  being  S.  E.  from  Boston. 

*Now  Brewster.  ''Now  Truro.  "Now  Chatham. 


ANNALS    OP   EASTHAM.  351 

• 
Eastham  as  it  now  is,  but  Wellfleet  as  a  constituent  part  of  the 
old  domain  until  1763,  and  Orleans  until  1797 ;  yet,  in  describ- 
ing the  natural  divisions,  face  of  the  country,  soil,  etc.,  of  what 
is  at  present  Eastham,  we  must  take  this  ancient  town  in  its  dis- 
membered state; — once  extensive,  for  forty  years  after  assuming 
its  municipal  charter  the  only  township  east  of  Yarmouth ;  for  a 
century  commanding  in  territory,  in  population,  and  in  wealth ; 
but  finally  despoiled  of  a  large  part  of  each  by  the  springing  into 
separate  existence  of  valuable  portions  which  it  had  long  cher- 
ished, since  numbered  among  the  most  important  and  opulent  of 
the  Cape  towns.  If  Plymouth  "  regretted  "  the  loss  of  a  few,  but 
in  her  circumstances  comparatively  many,  "  among  the  most  re- 
spectable inhabitants,"  when  the  little  band  took  their  departure 
for  !N"auset,  "  viewing  herself  as  a  mother  grown  old  and  forsaken 
by  her  children,  though  not  in  their  affections,  yet  in  their  com- 
pany and  personal  assistance,"^  much  more  might  Eastham  la- 
ment the  secessions  that  have  made  the  town,  in  population,^ 
wealth,  and  extent,  the  least  among  its  compeers. 

When  Eastham  was  first  peopled  by  English,  its  approach  from 
the  seat  of  government  Avas  relieved  by  only  three  settlements. 
Sandwich,  Barnstable,  and  Yarmouth.  The  intervening  distan- 
ces were  either  a  wilderness  in  which  no  road  was  cut,  but  where 
were  worn  the  foot-paths  of  natives;  or  Indian  planting  grounds, 
with  here  and  there  the  dottings  of  their  wigwams.  Passing, 
at  the  present  day,  down  the  Cape  below  the  ancient  Matta- 
cheese,  the  traveller  is  introduced  to  the  former  seat  of  the  an- 
cient Nausets,  after  journeying  in  an  easterly  direction  from 
Yarmouth  through  Dennis,  —  whether  by  the  ancient  way  over 
Scargo,  or  that  by  Nobscusset  and  Sursuit,  to  the  Indian  Sawka- 
tucket,  now  Brewster,  and  thence  northerly  through  Pochet,  now 
Orleans,  leaving  Potanumaquut,  now  Harwich,  on  the  right.  He 
finds  the  township  in  great  degree  a  continuous  plain,  with  now  and 
then  slightly  rising  grounds  and  corresponding  depressions;  the 
abodes  of  the  inhabitants  for  the  most  j^art  unprotected  by  shade- 
trees,  bleak  and  exposed  ;  and  the  soil  generally  sandy,  requiring 
careful  nursing  to  make  it  remuneratively  productive.  Still, 
there  are  portions  of  the  township  that  are  comparatively  fertile, 
yielding  large  crops.     The  remark  so  applicable  to  other  towns 


'  Morton's  Memorial. 

^  The  settlement  of  Truro,  commenced  in  1700,  was  also  by  emigrants 
from  Eastham. 


352  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

that  the  course  selected  for  the  county  road  presents  to  a  stranger, 
in  passing,  the  least  favorable  view  of  the  soil,  is  pertinent  here. 

Different  parts  of  the  township  have  distinctive  appellations ; 
but  there  can  scarcely  be  said  to  be  a  village  within  its  bounds ; 
the  dwellings  are  scattered.  The  Indian  name  of  Natjset  still 
inures  to  the  northeastern  portion  ;  the  northwestern  part,  a 
little  north  of  the  centre  of  the  township,  is  Silver  Spring;  the 
portion  a  little  southward  of  the  camp-ground  glories  in  a  name 
unhistoric  and  less  euphonious,  Half-wat  Ponds  ;  the  westerly 
part,  lying  west  of  the  meeting-house,  south  of  Great  and  Long 
Ponds,  and  north  of  Great-Meadow,  rejoices  in  the  name  of 
Great  Neck  ;  the  extreme  southwest  is  Skaket.  The  post- 
office  designations  are  Eastham  and  North  Eastham. 

So  distinguishing  a  feature  of  the  township  are  its  super- 
abounding  waters  that  we  may  most  readily  describe  the  place 
by  reference  to  these.  There  ai'e  8  fresh-water  ponds.  The  most 
considerable  is  Great  Pond,  situated  about  one-fourth  m.  from 
the  western  shore,  north  of  which  pond  the  explorers  landed 
Dec.  6,  1620,  and  spent  the  night.^  The  next  is  Long  Pond, 
separated  from  the  former  by  a  narrow  neck  only  about  40  feet 
wide.  The  next  largest  is  Mill  Pond,  about  one-eighth  m.  from 
Long  Pond  and  connected  with  the  northern  arm  of  ISTauset 
Harbor.  This  small  hai'bor,  sometimes  called  Stage  Harbor,  was 
formerly  the  first  opening  into  the  beach  affording  any  con- 
venient haven,  that,  in  sailing  from  Race  Point  south,  was  to  be 
found  on  the  east  side  of  the  Cape.  Its  entrance  was  in  this 
town,  narrow  and  obstructed  by  a  bar ;  ^  but  for  many  years  it 
has  been  moving  south  and  is  now  in  Orleans.  The  harbor  con- 
sists of  two  arms,  one  extending  north,  shallow  and  accompanied 
by  about  200  acres  of  salt  marsh  protected  from  the  ocean  by  a 
narrow  beach  ;  the  other  reaching  southwest,  and  denominated 


-See  Vol.  I.  80.  More  than  half  a  century  back,  attempts  were  made 
to  open  a  communication  for  alewives  between  this  pond  and  the  bay  The 
channel  soon  closed. 

^  On  this  bar  was  a  depth  of  not  exceeding  8  feet  at  full  sea.  The  in- 
domitable enterprise  of  the  people,  in  days  long  gone  by,  inspired  the 
thought  of  uniting  the  ocean  and  the  bay  by  a  canal  from  near  this  point. 
The  cherished  desire,  though  encouraged  by  the  lowness  of  the  site  and 
the  consequent  inconsiderable  excavations  required,  has  always  been  held 
in  abeyance  by  the  conviction  that  if  such  canal  were  cut  and  all  proper 
appliances  constructed,  winds  and  waves  will  be  inexorable,  —  permitting 
no  canal  long  to  exist  as  an  enterprise  of  utility. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  353 

Town  Cove,  having,  in  ordinary  tides,  about  14  feet  in  its  main 
channel,  and  being  secure  against  winds.^ 

On  the  west  shore  is  a  sandy  flat  reaching  from  Suet  to  the 
bounds  of  Wellfleet ;  it  is  about  1  m.  wide,  is  bare,  or  nearly  so 
at  low  water,  and  then,  for  about  3  hours  may  be  traversed  by 
carriages.  Plere  there  are  creeks  that,  at  high  water,  admit  small 
vessels ;  but  there  is  no  good  harbor  on  this  side.^  The  first  of 
these  creeks  is  what  is  called  Great  Meadow  River,  southwest  of 
the  meeting-house  ;  oii  the  east  side  of  this  river,  or  creek,  being 
a  body  of  salt  marsh.  About  ^  m.  south  is  Boat  Meadow  River, 
running  from  the  southeast,  with  marshes  extending  from  its 
mouth  nearly  to  Town  Cove,  and  leaving  only  a  narrow  ridge 
for  a  road.  This  marsh  comes  within  15  rods  of  the  swamp  at 
the  head  of  the  creek,  or  brook,  denominated  Jeremiah's  Gutter; 
and  the  land  here  is  so  low  that  tides  have  flowed  entirely  across 
from  bay  to  ocean,  completely  insulating  the  northern  part  of 
the  Cape.  There  are  also  several  inconsiderable  brooks  that 
connect  with  the  waters  of  the  bay,  viz.,  Indian  Brook,  which  is 
in  part  the  boundary  between  this  town  and  Wellfleet,  and  con- 
necting with  the  harbor  at  Silver  Springs ;  Cook's  Brook,  |  m. 
south,  dry  half  the  year;  Snow's  Brook,  1  m.  still  further  south, 
quite  small ;  and  1  m.  farther  south  is  Grape  Swamp,  which  gives 
its  scanty  superfluous  waters  to  the  bay. 

On  the  eastern  side  of  the  township,  in  a  comparatively  fertile 
tract,  the  road  lies  across  a  small  stream  whose  waters  at  low 
tide  are  fresh  y'  and  in  this  locality  are  about  200  acres  from 
which  large  quantities  of  Indian  corn  and  rye  are  produced. 

We  have  not  spoken  very  commendingiy  of  the  soil,  as  the 

^  The  cove  answers  well  for  small  vessels.  AVliether  it  might  not  be 
made  a  good  harbor  by  opening  a  sufficient  passage  to  it  from  the  ocean,  is 
a  question  long  time  ago  agitated.  But,  alas  !  storms,  winds,  tides,  choking 
sands,  —  these  are  formidable  opponents  of  all  such  improvements. 

^  The  incessant  action  of  the  sea  in  producing  changes  in  the  shores  is  es- 
pecially noticeable  here.  Mr.  Pratt  has  said,  "  Large  stumps  are  to  be  seen 
nearly  a  m.  from  the  shore ;  and  original  peat  swamps  have  been  found  from 
which  fuel  has  been  obtained.  The  unavoidable  inference  is,  of  course, 
that  this  flat  was  at  some  time  a  part  of  the  upland  long  since  washed  away 
by  the  action  of  winds  and  tides.  The  shore  on  the  other  side  of  the  town 
has  been  washed  more  than  100  yards  in  several  places  within  the  memory 
of  some  now  living  (1840),  and  a  large  peat  swamp,  which  had  been  buried 
many  feet  deep  in  the  sand,  perhaps  for  ages,  has  been  washed  out  in  the 
bluff  and  is  digged  for  fuel." 

^  Jeremiah's  Gutter  may  also  be  regarded  as  a  brook.     It  is,  however, 
only  about  14  rods  in  length,  very  narrow  ;  and,  indeed,  there  is  little  space 
for  any  brooks  to  run ;  they  are  all  diminutive. 
VOL.  II.  45 


354  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

reader  is  aware  ;  and,  to  the  eye  of  the  traveller,  this  town  would 
present  a  strange  contrast  with  the  productive  bottom-lands  or 
even  table-lands  of  other  sections  of  our  country,  and  especially 
the  prairies  of  the  West.  One  fact,  however,  is  remarkable, — that 
while  other  towns  in  the  county  can  boast  of  superior  farms,  this 
town  is  the  only  one  of  the  thirteen  that  produces  sufficient 
grain  for  home  consumption.  More  than  this,  —  a  thousand 
bushels  of  Indian  corn  are  annually  sent  from  this  town  to  a 
market  abroad ;  in  years  past,  more  than  three  thousand  have 
been  exported.  Farmers  were  accustomed  to  raise,  each,  about 
500  bushels  a  year.^ 

On  the  western  side  of  the  township,  a  beach  nearly  half  a 
mile  wide  extends  from  the  north  line  to  Great  Pond,  and  then 
stretches  across  the  township  to  Town  Cove.  This  ban-en  tract, 
about  1,700  acres  now  bereft  of  every  particle  of  vegetable 
mould,  once  produced  successive  crops  of  wheat  and  other  grain. 
The  soil  here  was,  indeed,  always  light,  but,  nevertheless,  suf- 
ficiently productive  amply  to  compensate  the  little  labor  required 
upon  it.  In  1802,  such  had  become  its  condition,  that  the  sand, 
lodging  in  some  places  against  the  beach-gi'ass,  had  been  raised 
into  mounds  50  feet  high,  where  before  no  such  elevations  exist- 
ed. In  other  places,  valleys  and  swamps  had  been  filled.  Wher- 
ever a  strong-rooted  tree  or  bush  withstood  the  winds,  the  mass 
of  earth  adhering  to  the  roots  resembled  a  small  tower.  In  other 
places,  rocks,  once  covered  with  soil,  were  denuded,  and,  by  reason 
of  their  incessant  lashings  by  driven  sands,  had  come  to  be  white 
as  if  recently  taken  from  the  quarry. 

Billing'sgate  Point  is  on  the  west  side  of  the  township,  about 
SIX  miles  from  the  main  lands  with  which  it  was  foi'merly  con- 
nected. For  many  years  it  has  been  an  island,  the  sea  having 
broken  over  and  washed  away  the  intermediate  isthmus  so  thor- 
ougbly  that,  in  two  places,  are  channels  of  sufficient  depth  for 
small  vessels  to  pass.  It  is  a  mere  sandy  island  or  beach.  On 
this  Point,  so  called,  a  lighthouse  was  erected,  in  1822,  greatly 
beneficial  to  the  interests  of  navigation  in  the  bay,  and  especially 
a  guide  to  vessels  that  would  enter  the  safe  and  commodious 
harbor  of  Provincetown.     Other  islands  there  are,  but  of  little 

^  One  farmer  has  raised  here  in  a  single  year  800  bushels,  planting  but  60 
acres.  The  yield  is  generally  from  35  to  45  bushels  of  Indian  corn,  per 
acre,  and  from  20  to  30  of  rye.  The  land  being  exceedingly  easy  of  culti- 
vation, little  labor  is  required.  "  Two  boys  with  a  horse,  may  easily  culti- 
vate and  hoe  three  or  four  acres  a  day." 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  355 

account.  Three  other  lighthouses  were  placed  on  the  cast  or 
Atlantic  side  of  the  township,  in  1838,  that  have  proved  of  great 
advantage,  especially  to  vessels  coming  from  foreign  lands  and 
aiming  for  Boston  harbor,  as  also  to  all  vessels  passing  around 
the  Cape.  These  lights  are  about  three  miles  north  of  Nauset 
Harboi'. 

Excepting  a  tract  of  oaks  and  pines,  about  one  mile  and  a  half 
wide,  adjoining  the  south  line  of  Wellfleet,  no  wood  remains  in 
the  township.  It  was  greatly  unfortunate  for  Eastham  that  its 
forests  were  cut  down.  Had  a  prudent  forecast  prevailed,  tbo 
stripping  from  the  face  of  the  earth  the  natural  protection  given 
against  winds  and  storms  would  have  been  duly  restrained  by 
economical  use,  and  a  sufficiency  of  timber  shades  left  for  both 
protection  and  oi'nament,  greatly  to  the  advantage  of  both  town 
and  county.    For  want  of  such  foresight  and  frugality,  — 

"  Where  dense  forests  reared  their  shady  heads," 

the  relentless  axe  of  the  woodman   came  and  felled  a  growth 

"  Coeval  with  the  world,  a  venerable  sight ! " 

— the  fury  of  the  winds,  no  obstacle  interposing,  now  spends  its 
force  with  desolating  influence,  and,  having  already  devoted  the 
scene  to  barrenness,  threatens  even  greater  encroachments.^ 

The  business  of  the  town  is  still  largely  agricultural,  but  also 
maritime.  Some  young  men  engage  in  the  merchant  service, 
sailing  ships  from  Boston,  New  York,  or  other  commercial  ports ; 
some  vessels  are  employed  in  summer  in  bringing  lumber  from 
Maine,  and  in  winter  engage  in  the  West  India  trade;  but  the 
fisheries  are  prominent.  The  whale-fishery  has  become  a  thing 
that  loas  /  the  cod  and  mackerel  fisheries  are  prosecuted.  The 
benefits  of  the  shell-fishery  in  Town  Cove  always  formed  an  item 
of  no  inconsiderable  profit.^  The  mschanic  arts  are  prosecuted 
as  extensively  as  the  convenience  of  the  inhabitants  requires. 
The  wheelwright,  the  tanner  and  currier,  etc.,  are  here. 

Educational  privileges  are  secured  to  all,  —  the  district  system 

^  The  only  protection  that  can  now  be  afforded,  is  the  planting  of  beach- 
grass  and  the  making  of  suitable  enclosures.  By  these  means,  the  inhabit- 
ants, although  they  cannot  retrieve  what  is  already  lost,  succeed  meas- 
urably in  guarding  the  still  fertile  grounds  which  flourish  amid  deserts  of 
moving  sands. 

^  The  manufacture  of  salt  has  received  attention ;  its  history  here,  how- 
ever, Avould  be  only  the  repetition  of  its  decline  in  other  towns.  In  1837, 
there  were  54  salt-works  here,  yielding  22,370  bushels.  The  cod-fishorv, 
gave  1200  quintals ;  and  the  mackerel,  4,650  barrels. 


356  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

still  prevailing.  The  town  is  divided  into  fdur  school-districts, 
each  district  having  a  commodious  school-house.  The  other 
public  buildings  are  a  Town  Hall  and  a  Methodist  Meeting- 
house.' 

The  inhabitants  of  Eastham  are  not  less  distinguished  than 
others  in  the  county  for  intelligence,  industrj'',  and  enterprise ; 
nor,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  do  they  fail  to  retaiii  in  good  degree  the 
habits  and  virtues  that  did  honor  to  their  ancestors. 

Progress  of  the  Town,  etc. — The  settlement  of  the 
town,  commenced  in  April,  1644,  under  favorable 
auspices,"'^  was  so  augmented  by  accessions,  that  ap- 
plication was  soon  made  to  the  Colony  Court  for  its 
incorporation ;  and,  June  2,  1646,  the  result  was  re- 
corded in  these  words :  "  Nauset  is  granted  to  be  a 
township  and  to  have  all  the  privileges  of  a  township 
as  other  towns  within  the  government  have."  Thus 
recognized,  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants,  duly  con- 
vened, elected  Nicholas  Snow  town-clerk,  Edward 
Bangs  town  treasurer,  and  JosLiS  Cook  town  consta- 
ble. 

There  is  no  reason  to  doubt  that  those  dismissed 
from  the  Plymouth  Church  were  early  organized,  and 
acting  in  church  estate  at  Nauset.  Immediately  after 
taking  possession  of  their  purchase  in  conformity  with 
grant  of  court,  they  recognized  the  propriety  of 
establishing  and  maintaining  the  public  worship  of 
Almighty  God  ;  and  the  meeting-house  which  they 
erected,  although  but  twenty  ft.  square,  with  thatched 


^  The  old  Congregational  Society  has  become  extinct,  tiaving  recently 
dissolved  after  an  existence  of  more  than  two  centuries ;  and  their  meeting- 
house, the  frame  of  which  was  put  up  in  1719,  has  been  sold  and  appro- 
priated to  a  secular  use.     Sic  mutant. 

^  The  settlement  began  with  seven  families,  in  all  49  souls.  It  was  fortu- 
nate that  it  had  the  countenance  and  assistance  of  such  a  man  as  Gov. 
TnoMAS  Pkence.  His  counsels  and  influence  contributed  essentially  to 
its  prosperity.  The  company  was  select;  the  leaders  generally  men  of 
sterling  worth,  whose  influence  at  the  seat  of  government  was  always 
efi'ective. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  357 

roof,  and  ports  in  the  sides  of  the  building  for  use, 
should  occasion  require  the  use  of  muskets  in  defence, 
shows  that  they  were  disposed  to  be  prompt  in  every 
duty.^  The  Rev.  John  Mayo  went  from  Barnstable  to 
Nauset  in  1646,  and  remained  in  the  exercise  of  his 
ministry  here  nine  years,  until  called  to  the  2d  church 
in  Boston.  The  first  deputies  from  Nauset  appeared 
at  the  General  Court  in  1647.  Although  there  is  a 
paucity  of  materials  for  a  record  of  events  during  the 
time  that  Nauset  was  the  discriminative  appellation, 
there  is  evidence  that  successive  migrations  were 
close  upon  the  footsteps  of  the  pioneers.^  Secretary 
Morton  tells  us  that  "  divers  of  the  considerablest  of 
the  church  and  town"  of  Plymouth  "removed."^ 

Passing  over  several  years  prior  to  the  date  of  the 
plantation  assuming  a  new  name,  with  the  mention 
only  of  the  fact  that  Messrs.  Josias  Cook,  Richard  Hig- 
GiNS,  Nicholas  Snow,  Samuel  Hiceis,*  and  John  Doane, 
represented  the  settlement  during  this  period,  at  the 
General  Court,  we  come  to  the  act,  by  which,  in  1651, 
it  was  "  ordered  that  the  town  of  Nauset  be  henceforth 
called  and  known  by  the  name  of  Eastham." 

At  this  time,  a  fresh  impulse  seems  to  have  been  given  to  the 


^  It  is  said  that  around  this  meeting-house,  near  the  Town  Cove,  was  laid 
out  a  burial-place,  —  still  enclosed  and  containing  some  grave-stones  desig- 
nating the  resting-place  of  early  settlers,  but  unused,  for  many  years,  as  a 
place  of  interment. 

^  As  early  as  Aug.  1644,  commissioners  were  appointed  "to  lay  out  the 
farm-land  gr.  to  Nathaniel  Sowther,  near  Billingsgate."  What  relation 
this  measure  had  to  the  settlement  of  Nauset,  we  are  unable  to  conjecture ; 
unless,  perhaps,  it  had  reference  to  the  grant  made  in  1G40. 

^  Richard  Church,  who  was  at  Plymouth  1C30,  aged  22,  removed 
hither  1649.  He  did  not  long  remain,  for  his  settlement  was  in  Hingham. 
He  was  father  of  Col.  Benjamin. 

^Mr.  Samuel  Hicks,  s.  of  Robert,  who  came  over  1621  and  d.  1G47, 
and  his  w.  Margaret,  who  came  over  and  brought  with  her  children  Eph'm, 
Sam'l,  Lydia.  who  m.  Edwd.  Bangs,  and  Phebe  who  m.  George  Watson. 
He  was  in  Plymo.  1643,  but  thence  came  here.  Samuel  m.  Lydia  Doane, 
dr.  John,  1645,  and  had  Dorcas  Feb.  4,  1651;  and  Margaret  1654.  He 
went  to  Be.,  thence  to  Dartm. 


358  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

settlement;  and,  early  the  next  year,  1652,  "a  division  of  the 
common  lands  was  made  to  the  first  settlers  and  new-comers;" 
orders  were  made  for  securing  compliance  with  the  requisitions 
of  Court  in  regard  to  records  of  purchases  of  lands,  divisions,  ad- 
justment of  bounds,  etc. ;  orders  regulating  and  legalizing '"^ear- 
marks for  horses,  cattle,  and  swine ; "  directing  the  constable  to 
collect  fines  imposed  by  the  town  for  negligence  in  attending 
town-meetings,  on  information  given  by  the  clerk,  —  the  consta- 
ble collecting  to  have  one-half  for  his  services;  and  this  year  also 
occurred  the  first  instance  of  the  presentment  at  Court  of  any 
resident :  "Joseph  Harding  was  presented,  June  3,  for  carrying, 
in  his  uncle's  name,  an  Indian's  gun  to  the  smith  to  be  mended." 
In  1654,  "the  bounds  between  this  town  and  lands  belonging 
to  the  '  purchasers  or  old  comers ' " —  afterwards  Harwich  — 
"  were  settled." 

In  1655,  the  Rev.  John  Mayo,  hitherto  ministering 
here,  was  called  to  settle  over  the  Second  Church 
in  Boston.^  The  Rev.  Thomas  Crosby  succeeded  him, 
being  "  employed  to  conduct  public  service  on  Lord's 
days;"  to  whom  was  promised  a  salary  of  £50  per 
annum.  At  this  date,  for  the  first  time,  we  get  a 
glance  at  the  freemen  of  the  town ;  the  list  of  legal 
voters.  May  22.  was, — 

^Mr.  Mayo  was  in  Barnstable  in  1639,  and  became  'teacliing  elder'  in 
the  church  of  which  Mr.  Lothrop  was  pastor.  His  relation  to  the  church 
here  is  said  to  have  been  that  of  "  religious  teacher  "  —  perhaps  implying 
that  he  was  not  invested  with  the  pastoral  office.  In  Boston,  he  was 
inducted  to  the  pastorate  Nov.  9,  1655,  and  continued  in  office  until  1673. 
The  Plymouth  record  says,  "  Growing  aged  and  unable  to  carry  out  his 
office,  he  removed  again  into  this  Colony,  and  lived  near  Yarmouth,  and  not 
long  after  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord."  Rev.  Increase  Mather,  who  succeeded 
liim  in  Boston,  has,  with  greater  particularity  furnished  us  with  the  follow- 
ing record:  "  16  72,  in  the  beginning  of  which  year,  Mr.  Mayo,  the  pastor, 
likewise  grew  very  infirm,  insomuch  as  the  congregation  was  not  able  to 
hear  and  be  edified ;  whereupon,  the  brethren,  the  pastor  manifesting  his 
concurrence,  desired  the  teacher  to  take  care  for  a  supply  of  the  congrega- 
tion that  the  worship  of  God  may  be  upheld  among  us."  Again,  "  on  the 
5th  mo.  1673,  Mr.  Mayo  removed  his  person  and  goods  to  reside  with  his 
daughter  in  Barnstable,  where,  and  at  Yarmouth  since,  he  hath  led  a 
private  liie,  as  not  being  able,  through  the  infirmities  of  age,  to  attend  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry.  The  —  day  of  May  1676,  he  departed  this  life 
at  Yarmouth,  and  was  there  buried."  Mr.  Mayo  preached  the  annual 
Election  Sermon,  June  1658.  He,  with  his  entire  family,  came  from  Eng- 
land. His  wife  Tamsen  d.  at  Y.  a  wid.  Feb.  26,  1682.  Their  children 
w(;re  Samuel,  Hannah,  Natli'l,  Elisa.,  John,  and  Bathsheba.  Hannah  m. 
Nj.th'1  Bacon  of  Be.,  and  Elisa.  m.  Joseph  Howes  of  Y. 


ANNALS   OF   EASTHAM. 


359 


Henry  Atkins,^ 
Stephen  Atwood, 
Edward  Bangs, 
Rd.  Booshop, 
Daniel  Cole, 
Job  Cole, 
Josiah  Cook, 
George  Crisp, 
John  Doane, 
Jno,  Freeman, 


Rd.  Higgins, 
Giles  Hopkins, 
Rd.  Knowles,/ 
John  Mayo, 
Nathaniel  Mayo, 
Wm.  Merrick, 
Thos.  Paine, 
Thos.  Prence, 
Thos.  Roberts, 
Joseph  Rogers, 


John  Sraalley,^ 
Ralph  Smith, 
Mark  Snow, 
Nicholas  Snow, 
Jona.  Sparrow, 
Wm.  Twining,^ 
Rt.  Wexam, 
Thos.  Williams,  * 
John  Younsr. 


Wolves  were  not  infrequent ;  the  bounty  on  four  killed  in 
town  was  paid  this  year. 

In  1656,  Mr.  Edward  Bangs,  who  was  engaged  in  merchandise, 
was  duly  "licensed  to  draw  and  sell  spirituous  liquors." 

In  1658,  the  rate  ordered  to  defray  the  town's  expenses,  £15.0.9, 
suggests  the  economy  of  the  times : 


*Mr.  Henry  Atkins  was  in  Yarmouth  1641 ;  went  to  Ply.,  and  in  1655 
or  sooner  came  here.  He  m.  Ellsa.  Wells  July  9,  1647,  who  d.  Mar.  14, 
1661-2 ;  he  then  m.  Bethia  Linnel  Mar.  25,  1 664.  Issue :  Mary  1 648,  d.  inf. ; 
Sam'l  1651  ;  Isaac  1654,  d.  inf.;  Isaac  b.  in  E.  1657;  Desire  1665;  John 
1666,  d.  in  inf.;  Nath'l  Dec.  25,  1667;  Joseph  Mar.  4,  1669;  Thos.  1671; 
John  1674;  Mercy  1676;  and-  Samuel  1679.  Nath'l,  b.  1667,  by  w. 
Winifred  had  Nath'l  Nov.  21,  1694;  Henry  1696;  Bethia  1698;  Joshua 
1 702 ;  Isaiah  1 704  ;  and  Ellsa.  1 709.  Joseph,  b.  1669,  by  wife  Martha,  had^ 
Joseph  Dec.  9,  1701 ;  Martha  1711  ;  Anne  1713  ;  Paul  1716  ;  James  1718; 
John  1721  ;  Uriel  1722;  and  Hannah  1726. 

^Mr.  John  Smalley  —  the  family  name  often  written  Small  —  was  in 
Ply.  1632  ;  and  was  here  with  the  first  settlers.  He  had  children  b.  in  Ply., 
viz.  Hannah  June  14,  1641,  who  m.  Jno.  Bangs  Jan'y  23, 1661 ;  John  Sept. 
8,  1644 ;  Isaac  Dec.  11,  1647 ;  and  Mary,  twin  to  Isaac,  who  m.  John  Snow 
Sept.  19,  1667.  The  twins  were  baptized  at  Be.  Feb.  27,  1648.  See 
Annals  of  Harwich  and  Truro. 

*  Mr.  William  Twining  Sr.  was  in  Y.  1643,  and  d.  Ap.  15,  1659. 
Stephen,  b.  Feb.  6,  1659,  s.  of  William  2d.,  m.  Abigail  Young,  dr.  John, 
Jan'y  13,  1682-3,  and  had  Stephen  Dec.  30,  1684;  Eleazer  Nov.  26,  1686; 
Nath'l  Mar.  27,  1689;  Mercy  Sept.  8,  1690;  and  John  Mar.  5,  1692-3. 
William,  s.  of  Wm.,  m.  Ruth  Cole,  dr.  Jno.,  Mar.  26,  1689,  and  had 
Elisa.  1690;  Thankful  1697;  Ruth  1699;  Hannah  1702;  William  1704; 
Barnabas  1705  ;  and  Mercy  1708.  William  2d  Is  said  by  Mr.  Savage  to 
have  been  b.  In  England,  and  to  have  m.  Ellsa.  Deane,  dr.  Stephen,  and  had 
Susanna  Jan.  25,  1654-5;  Joanna  May  30,  1657;  Stephen  Feb.  6,  1659-60; 
and  William.  It  Is  difficult  to  distinguish  between  the  families  of  the  1st 
and  2d  Wm. ;  but  we  apprehend  that  the  wid.  of  the  1st  Wm.  was  Anne, 
who  d.  Feb.  27,  1680,  and  that  their  dr.  Ellsa.  m.  John  Rogers  Aug.  19, 
1669 ;  and  Anne  m.  Thomas  Bills  Oct.  3,  1672. 

*  Sam'l  Williams  Avas  In  Y.  1643 ;  a  John,  by  wife  Mary,  had  Elisa.  ia 
S.  June  2,  1709 ;  and  Thomas  of  E.  had  Nath'l  Apr.  24,  1655. 


360  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Foi'  town  officers'  wages,  £3.4.0 
"   magistrate's  and  com- 
missioners' charges, .    2.5.0 
"   a  drum  for  the  mili- 
tary,   3.0.0 

"   deputies'  wages,    .     .    5.0.0 


For  Mr.  Bangs'  going  to 

Yar.  on  town's  busi.  £0.3.0 
"  Indians  killing  wolves,  1.3.0 
"  freight  of  corn  to  Ply.    0.5.9 


£15.0.9 


In  1659,  the  military,  "armed  and  equipped,"  had  for  officers, 
"  Mark  Snow,  Capt. ;  Jonathan  Higgins,  Lieut. ;  Jonathan  Bangs, 
Ensign.  The  town's  proportion  of  troop  horse  "  was  provided ; 
Thos.  Paine  and  Edward  Bangs  each  "  agreeing  to  find  a  man 
and  horse  at  his  own  expense,  for  two  years."  Three  was  the 
number  required  of  the  town ;  we  are  not  infonned  by  whom 
the  other  was  furnished.  The  following  record  appears  this  year : 
"  Concerning  those  purchasers  that  have  lands  at  Satucket,  such 
as  lie  on  that  side  of  Satucket  River  next  Eastham,  shall  be  ac- 
counted within  the  township  for  the  purposes  of  rates;  but 
neither  town  shall  have  any  proprieties  in  the  same."  A  rate  was 
ordered  this  year,  of  £6.19.8.  viz. : 

For  the  assessor's  wages,  £2.14.0  !  For  pikes,     ....  £2.16.  4 
"  magistrate's  ser\'ices,     1.  7.6  {     "  record  book,     .     .      .     1.10 

In  1660,  the  Court  at  Plymouth  ordered  that  the  j^i'oportion 
which  the  town  shall  pay  for  colonial  expenses,  shall  be  £2,  the 
same  as  last  year.  Daniel  Cole  was  licensed  to  draw  and  sell 
wines. 

Now,  for  the  first  time,  freemen,  hj  order  of  the 
Court,  were  permitted  to  vote  by  proxy  in  the  elec- 
tion of  magistrates,  instead  of  being  required  to  go  to 
Plymouth  for  the  purpose  as  heretofore ;  a  provision 
that  must  have  been  peculiarly  acceptable  to  a  town- 
ship so  remote.  The  act  required  that  all  votes  "  be 
taken  in  open  town  meetings."  In  this  we  have 
evidence  of  the  progress  that  was  being  made  toward 
the  enjoyment  of  that  excellent  form  of  government 
to  which  our  country  finally  attained.  Everything 
convenient  and  desirable,  it  is  not  to  be  supposed, 
could  be  the  suggestion  of  a  moment : 

"  Tanta3  molis  erat  condere  gentem." 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  361 

It  may  often  seem  to  the  reader,  in  perusing  these 
annals  of  the  primitive  settlements,  that  the  lists  of 
voters  are  limited,  in  comparison  with  what  may 
reasonably  be  supposed  to  have  been  the  numbers  of 
residents.  Such  is  the  fact :  but  it  must  be  understood 
that  not  all  who  were  men  of  adult  years  were 
entitled  to  the  rig;ht  of  franchise.  The  fathers  of  the 
colonies  were  extremely  cautious  in  admissions  to 
citizenship. 

Some,  doubtless,  found  their  way  to  every  place,  who  were  not 
worthy.  This  last  remark  finds  corroboration  in  the  fact  that 
the  present  year  certain  delinquents  must  needs  be  punished. 
As  the  shades  as  well  as  the  bright  touches  of  a  picture  are 
necessary  to  a  faithful  view,  so  we  may  not  omit  to  mention  that, 
besides  the  fine  of  10s.  irnposed  upon  one  of  the  residents,  five 
years  before,  "for  lying,"  —  which  we  hesitatingly  passed  by  in 
its  appropriate  place,  —  one  of  £1  was  now  decreed  by  the  ma- 
gistrate, ujDon  another  jDcrson,  "  for  slandering  and  belying  his 
neighbors ; "  and,  the  next  year,  the  person  first  fined  was  mulcted 
in  the  amount  of  £1  for  (what  we  may,  without  figure  of  speech, 
call  '  a  fish  story  ')  "  lying  about  a  whale."  ^  Mr.  Richard  Spae- 
Eow  died  this  year,  Jan.  3;^  and  Mr.  Joseph  Rogeks,®  Jan.  27, 


^  The  morality  of  this  town  was  no  doubt  of  high  order ;  as  unexception- 
able, perhaps,  as  that  of  any  town  whatever.  These  incidents  prove  that 
eveiy  community  is  liable  to  excrescences. 

^Mr.  Richard  Sparrow  was  of  Plym.  1632,  here*1653,  and,  soon 
after,  deputy.  His  will,  Nov.  19,  1G59,  makes  his  wife  Pandora  and  son 
Jonathan  whom  he  brought  with  him  from  England,  executors,  and  names 
beside,  grandchildren  John,  Priscilla,  and  Rebecca.  Jonathan,  Esq.,  dep- 
uty and  representative  many  years,  magistrate,  &c.,  as  also  early,  a  military 
man,  m.  Rebecca  Bangs,  dr.  Edwd.,  Oct.  26,  1654;  2d,  Hannah  Mayo,  wid. 
of  Nathaniel,  and  dr.  of  Gov.  Prince  ;  and  3d,  Sarah  Cobb,  wId.  of  James 
of  Be.,  and  dr.  of  Geo.  Lewis,  Nov.  23,  1698;  and  had  Rebecca  Oct.  30, 
1655,  who  m.  Dea.  Thomas  Freeman  of  H,  Dec.  31,  1673  ;  John  Nov.  2, 
1656  ;  Priscilla  Feb.  13,  1658  ;  Mary  Mar.  10,  1659;  Apphia  Dec.  11,  1660, 
d.  inf  ;  Jonathan  July  9,  1665  ;  and  Richard  Mar.  1  7,  1669-70. 

^  The  father  of  the  above,  Lt.  Joseph  Rogers,  was  some  time  in  Dux- 
bury,  then  in  Sandwich,  and  was  here  about  1655,  and  d.  1678.  Mr. 
Savage  says  he  was  s.  of  Thomas,  and  was  brought  by  his  father  In  the 
Mayflower  1620.  His  children  were  Sarah  1633,  d.  Inf. ;  Joseph  3\\\y  19, 
1635;  Thos.  Mar.  29,  1638;  Elisa.  Sept.  29,  1639,  whom.  Jonathan 
HIggins  Jan.  9,  1660;  John  Ap.  3,  1642;  Mary  Sept.  22,  1644;  James 
Oct.  18,  1648;  and  Hannah  Aug.  8,  1652.  Joseph,  b.  1635,  m.  Susanna 
Doane  Feb.  4,  1660-1,  and  had  Joseph  Jan.  27,  1660-1.  His  wid.  m. 
VOL    II.  46 


362  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

by   casualty.     Mr.    Nathaniel    Mayo,   deputy,  died    early  in 
1661.1 

In  1662,  the  town  became  possessed,  by  purchase,  of  Pochet 
Island,  which,  in  the  first  sale,  made  by  Mattaquason,  had  been 
reserved.  The  town  also  adopted  stringent  measures  to  suppress 
the  sale  and  use  of  all  spirituous  liquors;  the  Court  at  Plymouth 
the  same  year  ordering  a  tax  on  all  liquors  sold  at  retail.  This 
town  oi'dered  that  no  white  man  or  Indian  shall  furnish  the  con- 
traband, on  a  penalty  of  5s.  for  each  oifence.  It  was  also  agreed 
that  a  part  of  every  whale  cast  on  shore  shall  be  appropriated 
for  the  support  of  the  ministry. 

In  1663,  selectmen  were  first  appointed,  the  Court 
having  provided  for  the  selection  of  capable  men  to 
be  invested  with  certain  municipal  duties  in  every 
town.  The  population  now  numbered  275.  Mr.  Jno. 
Doane  was  commissioned  "  to  marry  in  Eastham."  as 
was  also  Mr.  Josias  Cook  the  following  year. 

A  feature  of  later  times  seems  to  have  had  an  early  develop- 
ment here  the  present  year;  this  remote,  quiet,  orderly  settle- 
ment being  visited  by  some  'fast  young  men'  from  a  neigh- 
Stephen  Snow  Oct.  28,  1663,  Thomas,  b.  1638,  m.  Elisa.  Snow  Dec.  13, 
1665,  and  had  Ellsa.  1666  ;  Joseph  Feb.  1,  1667  ;  Hannah  1669  ;  Thos.  1671, 
d.  inf. ;  Thos.  May  6,  1672;  Eleazer  Nov.  3,  1673;  and  Nathaniel  Jan.  18, 
^  1675. 

/      *  Nathaniel  Mayo,  s.  of  Rev.  John,  was  a  prominent  townsman ;  his 
"*     /    will  dates  1661,  and  was  admitted  to  probate  Mai\  4,  the  same  year.     He 
/      m.  Hannah  Prince,  dr.  Gov.  P.,  Feb.  13,  1650,  who  m.  2d  Jona.  Sparrow. 
/      Mr.  Mayo  had  ch.  Thos.  Dec.  7,  1650;  Nathaniel  Nov.   16,  1652";  Samuel 
/        Oct.  12,  1655;  Hannah  1657;  Theophilus  Dec.  17,  1659;  and  Bathsheba 
'         1662,  who  m.  Thos.  Freeman.     Samuel,  eldest  son  of  E.ev.  John,  went 
from  Barnstable  to  Oyster  Bay,  L.  I.,  as  is  inferred  fi'om  a  deed,  given  by 
the  Sachem,  of  a  sits  of  that  village  to  Mr.  Leverich,  Samuel  Mayo,  and 
Peter  Wright,  1653-4,  witnessed  by  Anthony  Wright.     Numbers  went  with 
Rev.  Mr.  Leverich  from  both  Sandwich  and  Barnstable ;  and  Mr.  Mayo 
was  owner  of  the  vessel  that  conveyed  their  goods.     Returning  from  L. 
Island,  he  removed  to  Boston  in  1658,  and  d.  there   1663.     By  the  settle- 
ment of  his  estate,  Ap.  26,  1664,  it  appears  that  he  was  a  mariner.     His 
est.  was  adm.  by  "  Mr.  John,  the  father,  the  widow  declining."     By  his  w. 
Thomasine,  dr.  of  Mr.  Lumpkin,  he  had,  b.  in  Be.,  Mary  1645,  who  m.  Jona. 
Bangs  of  E.  July  16,  1664;  Samuel  1647;  Hannah  1650;  Elizabeth  1653, 
who  m.  Rev.  Samuel  Treat  of  E.,  Mar.  16,  1674;  and  b.  in  Boston,  Nath'l 
Ap.  1,   1658;  and  Sarah  1660,  who  m.  Freeman.     John,  also  s.  of  Rev. 
Mr.  Mayo,  by  m.  with   Hannah   Lecroft,  1651,  had  John  Dec.  15,  1652; 
William  Oct.  7,  1654  ;  James  Oct.  3,  1656;  Samuel  Aug.  2,  1658;  Elisha 
Nov.  7,  1661;  Daniel  June  24,  1664;  Nathaniel  April  2,  1667;  Thomas 
June  26,  1670,  d.  inf.;  and  Thomas  July  15,  1672. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  363 

boring  town.  We  will  pass  over  their  names,  not  because  they 
belonged  to  'first  families,'  but  inasmuch  as  their  future  was  more 
honorable  and  respectable.  They  were  evidently  here  '  on  a 
spree^  —  to  use  a  phrase  of  modern  technicality;  the  constable 
was  'at  home,'  although  they  were  'abroad  ; '  and  the  result  was 
an  excursion  to  Plymouth  arid  a  fine  of  £2  10s.  each  in  the  case 
of  two  of  the  ofienders,  and  £1  10s.  each  the  other  two,  "for  go- 
ing into  the  house  of  JohnDoane  Jr.  and  behaving  uncivilly,  ran- 
sacking for  liquors  and  setting  up  some  scandalous  verses." 

In  1664,  it  was  "  agreed  between  Mr.  Samuel  Freeman  and 
the  town,  that  he  will  pay  the  rate  for  which  the  town  is  prose-' 
cuted  by  the  Court,  —  the  town  part  of  the  expenses  of  govern- 
ment,—  one-half  in  money,  and  the  other  half  in  peas  and  wheat ; 
and,  for  so  doing,  he  shall  have  the  black  horse  running  at  large 
in  Pamet,  said  horse  being  the  town's  property ;  he  also  to  serve 
as  trooper  for  the  town  three  years." 

In.  1665,  Mr.  Jonathan  Sparrow  was  engaged  as  schoolmaster. 
It  was  voted  that  "the  sales  and  prices  of  liquors  shall  be  gov- 
erned by  the  court-law  ;  "  also,  "  that  all  horses  belonging  to  the 
inhabitants  shall  be  marked  on  the  fore-shoulder  with  the  letter 
E,  to  distinguish  them  from  those  belonging  to  other  towns;" 
and  "  that  all  persons  standing  outside  of  the  meeting-house 
during  the  time  of  public  service  shall  be  set  in  the  stocks." 

Gov.  Prince,  this  year,  ceased  to  be  an  inhabitant  of 
Eastham  and  returned  to  Plymouth ;  it  being  declared 
by  the  Court  indispensable  for  the  administration  of 
public  affairs  that  the  governors  reside  at  the  seat  of 
government.^ 


^  Gov.  Thomas  Peincb,  b.  1600,  came  over  in  the  2d  ship,  the  Fortune, 
Nov.  1621,  then  aged  22.  His  residence  was  first  at  Plymouth,  then,  1635 
at  Dux.,  then,  1644,  here.  In  the  division  of  cattle  in  Plymouth,  1627,  his 
w.  and  dr.  Relaecca  are  mentioned.  His  Avife  was  Patience,  dr.  of  the  elder, 
Wm.  Brewster,  m.  Aug.  5,  1624,  being,  it  is  said,  the  ninth  marriage  in  the 
colony.  There  are  contradictory  statements  in  regard  to  subsequent  matri- 
monial connections ;  but  it  is  generally  agreed  that  he  m.  2d,  Mary,  dr.  of 
Wm.  Collier,  1635-  Judge  Mitchell,  who  has  reputation  for  accuracy,  says 
"  she  d.  in  Eastham."  It  is  said  that  he  m.  3d,  Mary,  widow  of  Samuel 
Freeman.  It  is  remarkable  that  doubt  and  jierplexity  have  continued  to 
attend  all  investigations  touching  this  matter.  Gov.  P.  d.  "  governor  of 
the  jurisdiction  of  New  Plymouth,  Mai'ch  29,  1673,  aged  73,  and  was  bu. 
in  Plymouth  Api'il  8,"  his  wid.  surviving.  According  to  Yarmouth  records, 
she  died  December  9,  1695,  and  was  burled  at  N.  Dennis.  The  children  of 
Gov.  P.  were  1 ,  Thomas,  who  m.  and  d.  in  England  whilst  yet  a  young  man, 


364         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

In  1666,  Mr.  John  Freeman  was  elected  assistant  to 
Gov.  P.  The  claims  of  the  Indians  are  said  not  to 
have  been  fully  adjusted  until  this  year. 

In  1667,  the  town  ordered  that  every  housekeeper  shall  kill, 
or  cause  to  be  killed,  twelve  blackbirds,  or  three  crows  ;  a  requi- 
sition continued  for  many  years,  as  in  other  towns,  to  which  we 
need  not  again  refer. 

In  1668,  Francis  wields  the  sceptre  as  Sachem  of 
Nauset,  —  the  dignity  of  the  office  being  the  same  as 
in  the  early  days  of  Aspinet ;  but  its  power  and  impor- 
tance much  diminished.  A  census  was  completed  of 
"  all  male  inhabitants  between  sixteen  and  sixty  years 
old,  capable  of  bearing  arms." 

In  1670,  the  town  voted  "  forasmuch  as  it  appears 
to  be  greatly  inconvenient  for  the  minister  to  be  trou- 
bled to  gather  in  the  rates  for  his  maintenance,  and  is 
also  an  occasion  of  prejudicing  some  persons  against 
him  and  his  ministry,  two  meet  persons  be  appointed 
to  take   care  to  gather  in  the  maintenance  and  to 

leaving  a  wid.  and  dr.  Susannah,  who  d.  without  issue.  She  is  mentioned  in 
Gov.  P's  will,  and  in  1677  is  styled  "of  Cathaen  Gate,  near  the  Tower, 
single-woman."  (It  is  said  also  that  Gov.  P.  "  had  a  maiden  sister  Susan- 
nah living  at  St.  Catharine's  Gate,  near  London  Tower»")  2,  Rebecca,  who 
m.  Edm.  Freeman  Jr.,  of  Sandwich,  April  22,  1646  ;  3,  Hannah,  who  m. 
Nath'l  Mayo,  of  E.,  Feb.  13,  1649-50,  and  2d,  Jona.  Sparrow  ;  4,  Mercy, 
who  m.  John  Freeman  of  Sandwich,  afterward  of  E.,  iFeb.  13,  1649-50-, 
5,  Jane,  b.  Nov.  1,  1637,  who  m.  Mark  Snow  Jan.  9, 1660,  she  being  his  2d 
wife  ;  6,  Mary,  who  m.  John  Tracy  of  Dux. ;  7,  Elizabeth,  who  m.  Arthur 
Howland  Jr.  of  Marshfield,  Dec.  9,  1667  ;  8,  Sarah,  who  m.  Jeremiah 
Howes  Jr.  of  Yarmouth,  1650  ;  and  9,  Judith,  who  m.  Isaac  Bai-ker  of  Dux. 
Dec.  28,  1665,  and  2d,  Wm.  Tubbs  of  Pembroke,  1691.  Gov.  P.  had  many 
difficulties  to  encounter  during'the  time  that  he  held  the  office  of  chief  mag- 
istrate, but  it  is  generally  conceded  that  there  was  much  in  liis  administra- 
tion to  be  commended.  Its  fault  was,  in  the  estimation  of  those  that 
reprehend,  "  the  fault  of  the  age,  —  the  lack  of  a  full  and  just  toleration  on 
religious  subjects."  His  contemporaries  say,  "  He  was  a  terror  to  evil- 
doers, and  he  encouraged  all  that  did  well."  The  Plymouth  Church  records 
say,  "  He  was  excellently  qualified  for  the  office  of  governor.  He  had  a 
countenance  full  of  majesty."  Gov.  P.'s  farm  in  this  town  was  extensive, 
embracing  some  200  aci'es  of  the  best  land.  The  celebrated  pear-tree,  said 
to  have  been  brought  from  England  and  planted  here  with  his  own  hand, 
yielded  "  about  15  bu.  a  year  of  fair  and  pleasant  fruit "  long  after  becom- 
ing remarkable  for  its  longevity.  What  yet  remains  of  it  indicates  the 
spot  where  his  house  stood. 


ANNALS   OF   EASTHAM.  365 

incite  the  people  to  duty  in  this  respect."  This  order 
was,  doubtless,  suggested  by  a  law  just  enacted  by  the 
Court  —  of  general  application.  Stringent  enactments 
were  also  made  by  the  Court  to  correct  any  neglect 
of  a  town  in  securing  pastoral  oversight ;  but  this 
year  the  service  of  Rev.  Mr.  Crosby  terminated.^ 

In  1671,  the  town  voted  to  contribute  £6  for  the 
support  of  Harvard  College,  the  ministers  and  elders 
in  the  several  towns  having  been  requested  to  raise 
money  for  the  object.  The  town  forbade  all  persons 
cutting;  wood  or  timber  to  be  ca,rried  abroad.  Mr. 
"William  Merrick  died  March  20 ;  ^  and  Mr.  Nicholas 
Snow  died  Nov.  15.^ 

y^  Jt"  ^Rev.  Thomas  Crosby  was  probably  eldest  son  of  Simon  of  Caonb., 
and  b.  1634  in  Eng.  ;  being  an  infant  when  be  was  brought  over.  He 
grad.  H.  C.  1653.  For  what  cause  his  ministry  here  terminated,  we  are 
not  informed.  He  was  in  good  repute  in  all  the  colony.  Mr.  C.  was  here, 
however,  as  a  "  religious  teacher " ;  not  pastor.  Nice  distinctions  j^re- 
vailed.  His  descendants  have  been  highly  respectable.  ,He  d.  in  Boston 
^-  ^yoi,  June  13,^n^&^>  By  his  w.  Sarah,  he  had  Thomas  b.  here  April  7,  1663  ; 

Simon  July  5,  1665,  who  removed  to  H.  ;  Sarah  Mar.  24,  1667,  who  m.       \ 
Silas  Sears  jr.  ;  Joseph  Jan.  27,  1668-9,  who  removed  to  Y. ;  John  and 
another  s.,  gem.,  Feb.  11,  1670-1,  the  latter  d.  inf ,  and  the  former  set.  in  ; 

H.  ;    William  March  1673;  Eben'r  March   28,  1675;  Anne,  Mercy,  and         / 
increase,  triplets,  April   14  and  15,  1678,  the  former  of  whom  m.   Wm.        / 
Luce  of  Tisbury  July  5,  1704 ;  and  Eleazer  Mar.  30.  16^0.  who  set.  in  H.      / 
Mr.  Crosby's  wid.  m.  2d,  M'.  John  Miller  of  Y.     Eben'r   had   Thankful   -' 
1701 ;  Mercy  1703  ;  and  Eben'r  May  5,  1706,  who  m.  Mehit.  Baker  1733. 

°  The  father  of  the  above.  Ens.  Wm.  Merrick  (the  name  now  gener- 
ally written  Myrick),  was  prob.  early  in  Dux. ;  a  William  of  Dux.  became 
one  of  the  first  proprietors  of  Bridgewater,  but  soon  removed.  The  pre- 
sumption is  that  the  Ensign  was  the  son  of  that  William.  Be  it  as  it  may, 
he  had  by  his  wife  Rebecca,  William  Sept.  15,  1643;  Stephen  May  12, 
1646;  Rebecca  1648;  Mary,  Nov.  4,  1650,  who  m.  Steph.  Hopkins  May 
23,  1667;  Ruth  1652;  Sarah  Aug.  1,  1654,  who  m.  John  Freeman,  Dec,' 
18,  1672;  John  Jan.  15,~~nT56-7  ;  Isaac  Jan.  6,  1660-1;  Joseph  June  1, 
1662;  and  Benj.  Feb.,  1,  1664-5.  William,  b.  1643,  m.  Abigail  Hop- 
kins, dr.  of  Giles,  May  23,  1667,  and  had  Rebecca  Nov.  28,  1668;  and 
William  August  1,  1670.  He  d.  Mar.  20,  1671.  Stephen,  b.  1646,  m. 
Mercy  Bangs,'dr.  Edward  Dec.  28,  1670,  and  had  Stephen  Mar.  26,  1673. 

^  Nicholas,  Anthony,  and  William  Snow  are  reported  to  have  come  over 
early.  The  two  former  brought  families  ;  the  latter  Avas  an  apprentice,  and 
set.  in  Dux.  Anthony  was  first  at  Plym.  ;  then,  1642,  at  Marshfield;  and 
Nicholas,  who  came  in  the  Ann  1623,  and  had  share  in  the  division  of 
land  at  Plym.,  set.  here.  He  Avas  one  of  Prince's  associates ;  a  man  of 
much  note,  —  deputy,  town  cl'k,  selectman,  etc.  many  years.  His  wife 
v/as  Constance,  dr.  of  Stephen  Hopkins,  and  she  d.  a  Avidow,  1677,  They 
had  a  large  family,  of  whom  Mark,  b.  May  9,  16 28,  was,  probably,  the  eldest. 


A 


366  fflSTORY    OF   BAENSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Until  1672,  the  inhabitants  had  not  felt  that  their 
ability  was  adequate  to  the  full  support  of  a  pastor ; 
but  a  call  was  now  extended  to  Mr.  Samuel  Treat  who 
accepted  and  was  ordained. 

The  provision  made  for  his  support  was  a  salary  of  £50,  "with 
a  sufficiency  of  firewood  brought  to  his  door  yearly ;  a  parcel 
of  meadow  and  upland  given  to  the  town  by  Manasseth  Comp- 
ton,  Indian  ;  a  parcel  of  meadow  bought  of  John  Young ;  three 
acres  of  meadow  called  the  White  Meadow;  an  island  at  Bil- 
lingsgate with  the  meadow  about  it ;  a  parcel  of  marsh  at  Great- 
meadows  ;  and  twenty  acres  of  upland  at  the  head  of  the  Cove," 
—  all  which  lands  Avere  in  fee  simple.  It  was  also  "  stipulated 
that  the  town  will  build  upon  this  latter  estate  a  suitable  house." 
Such  was  the  settlement,  and  such  the  salary  ;  apparently  liberal 
for  the  times.  But  as  there  were  within  the  limits  of  Mr.  Treat's 
charge  many  Indians,  he  also  received  aid,  in  addition  to  the 
town's  agreement,  from  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel  among  the  Indians.'^    Mr.  Josias  Cook  d.  Oct.  17,  1673.^ 

In  1674,  the  town  having  raised  the  requisite  number  of  men, 
as  enjoined  by  order  of  Court,  for  service  against  the  Narragan- 
setts,  or  other  Indians,  £70  was  apj^ropriated  by  the  town  for  the 
purchase  of  guns  and  ammunition.  The  sum  subsequently 
raised  for  the  pay  of  the  men  was  £66.16.6. 

In  1675;  "King  Philip's  War"  being  in  progress,  the 
town  was  required  to  furnish  eighteen  men  additional, 
as  its  proportion  of  the  three  hundred  ordered  to  be 
raised  by  the  Plymouth  Colony.  Eastham  performed 
its  full  share  of  duty  in  this  war ;  ^  and,  though  remote 


*  ^  Mr.  Treat  applied  himself  to  learn  the  Indian  language,  and  much  of 
his  time  was  given  to  the  benefit  of  this  portion  of  his  charge.  It  has  been 
said  that  he  stands  "  deservedly  next  to  Mr.  Eliot  for  his  devotion  to  his 
work  and  success  in  improving  the  condition  of  the  natives.  Never  weary, 
he  travelled  to  other  parts  to  preach  to  native  tribes  and  to  awaken  Chris- 
tian people  to  a  sense  of  duty  toward  them." 

^Mr.  Cook  was  one  of  the  founders  of  E.  By  m.  with  Ellsa.  Deane, 
wid.  of  Stephen,  Sept.  16,  1635,  he  had  Josiah  ;  Ann,  who  m.  Mark  Snow 
Jan.  18,  1655  ;  and  Bethia,  who  m.  Joseph  Harding,  Ap.  4,  1660. 

^Mr.  John  Freeman  was  at  this  time  a  captain,  and  of  the  Colonial 
Council  of  War.  In  a  letter  addressed  to  Gov.  WInslow,  he  says  :  "  Taun- 
ton, 3  d.j  4  mo.,  1675.  This  morning  three  of  our  men  are  slain  close  by 
one  of  our  courts  of  guard,  (two  of  them,  Samuel    Atkins  and    John 


ANIMALS    OF   EASTHAM.  367 

from  the  scene  of  action,  and  hitherto  exempt  from 
the  ravages  perpetrated  elsewhere,  was  not  without 
serious  apprehension  of  danger. 

A  view  of  the  growth  of  the  town  may  be  inferred 
from  the  record  of  inhabitants  "admitted"  since  the 
report  we  gave  of  legal  voters,  1655. 
John  Bangs,  Joseph  Harding,'^         Thomas  Paine  Jr., 

Jona.  Bangs  Sr.,  Benj.  Higgins,  Isaac  Pepper,^ 

Joshua  Bangs,  Jona.  Higgins  Sr.,       John  Rogers, 

Israel  Cole,  Jona.  Higgins  Jr.,        Thomas  Rogers, 

Daniel  Doane  Sr.,       Thomas  Higgins,         Samuel  Smith, 
John  Doane,  Jr.,         Joshua  Hopkins,  Thomas  Smith, 

Eclra,  Freeman,  Stephen  Hoj^kins  Sr.,  Nicholas  Snow, 

John  Freeman  Jr.,      Sam'l  Mayo  Sr.,  Stephen  Snow, 

Sam'l  Freeman  Sr.,     Wm.  Merrick  Jr.,        Jno.  Sparrow, 
Sam'l  Freeman  Jr.,     John  Paine,  William  Walker.^ 

Thomas  Freeman, 

Knowles,  of  Eastham) ;  houses  are  burned  ia  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."  He  further  says :  "  I 
pray  you  send  some  arms  to  us,  if  you  can,  and  some  to  our  southern  towns ; 
Eastham  has,  I  think,  not  twenty  good  arms  in  it.  I  pray  you  give  them 
instruction  how  to  manage  things  for  their  security,  for  tliey  much  need 
help."  It  was  well  known  that  emissaries  of  Philip  had  visited  all  the 
Indian  tribes  on  the  Cape,  and,  although  no  actual  demonstrations  had 
been  made  by  Cape  Indians,  there  was  much  anxiety  felt  lest  they  should 
prove  hostile. 

^  We  are  told  that  "  Wid.  Martha  Harding  d.  in  Plym.  1633,  and  left  her 
young  son,  John,  to  Dea.  Doane."  We  know  nothing  more  of  Dea. 
Doane's  loard ;  but  Joseph  Harding  was  made  a  freeman  here,  and  m. 
Bethia  Cook,  Ap.  4,  1660.  Issue;  Martha  Dec.  13,  1662,  avIio  m.  Samuel 
Brown  Feb.  19,  1683;  Mary  1665;  Joseph  July  8,  1667;  Josiah  Aug.  15, 
1669;  Mezelah  Nov.  1,  1671  ;  John  Oct.  9,  1673,  who  d.  June  14,  1697; 
Nath'l  Dec.  25,  1674;  Joshua  Feb.  15,  1675;  Abiah  Jan.  26,  1679;  and 
Sam'l  Sept.  1,  1685.  Josiah,  b.  1669,  had  by  his  w.  Hannah,  Martha 
1693;  Elisa.  1696;  Joshua  Oct.  27,  1698;  Bethia  1701  ;  Josiah  Mar.  7, 
1703-4;  Mary  1707;  Jesse  Mar.  26,  1709;  Eben'r  July  20,  1712;  and 
Bethia  1716.  Mezeiah,  b.  1671,  had  by  Hannah,  his  w.,  Hannah  Feb. 
15,  1694;  Thomas  Nov.  3,  1699  ;  James  Nov.  2,  1702  ;  Mary  1706  ;  Elisa. 
1708  ;  Phebe  1710;  Nathan  Oct.  29,  1711 ;  and  Cornelius  Mar.  31,  1716-17. 

^  Mr.  Isaac  Pepper  is  sup.  by  Mr.  Savage  to  be  s.  of  Robert  of 
Roxbury.  He  m.  Apphia  Freeman  Oct.  7,  1685,  and  had  Apphia  1687  ; 
Mary  1690;  Isaac  July  29,  1693;  Robert  Feb.  15,  1695-6;  Ehsa.  July 
11,  1698  ;  Joseph  Nov.  1,  1700,  d.  y. ;  Solomon  Jan.  15,  1703  ;  and  Joseph 
Feb.  24,  1704-5. 

^Mr.  William  Walker  came  over  1635,  se.  15;  was  in  Hing.  1636; 
and  was  here  m.  to  Sarah  Snow  Jan.  25,  1654-5.  They  had  John  Nov. 
24,  1655,  killed  by  Indians  1676  ;  William  Oct.  12,  1657,  d.  inf. ;  William 


368  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1676,  tlie  town  raised,  as  its  proportion  for  defraying  the 
expenses  of  the  war,  £125.8.3.  Mr.  Jona,  Bangs  was  empowered 
to  act  as  agent  for  the  town  in  reference  to  "a  misunderstanding 
between  this  and  other  towns  on  the  Cape,  growing  out  of  the 
charges  for  the  war." 

The  old  meeting-house  having  become  decayed, 
and  being  insufficient  to  accommodate  the  increased 
number  of  inhabitants,  it  was  "  voted  to  build  a  new 
house  near  the  burial  place  ; "  for  this  purpose  £153.8 
was  appropriated,  and  Dea.  Samuel  Freeman,  Lt.  Spar- 
row, Thomas  Paine,  and  John  Doane  were  appointed 
a  building  committee.  The  population  this  year  was 
520. 

In  1677,  additional  laws  having  been  enacted  "for 
securing  in  every  town  suitable  maintenance  of  public 
worship ; "  and 

In  1678,  an  Act  being  passed  "  still  further  to  pro- 
mote "  the  same,  requiring  that  "  there  be  a  place  for 
public  worship  provided,  and  repaired  or  enlarged  as 
occasion  may  exist,  and  that  if  there  be  any  neglect 
it  shall  be  done  by  the  government,  and  the  delin- 
quent towns  assessed  for  the  expense  ; "  it  was  here 
determined  that  "the  inhabitants  of  Monamoyick 
ought  to  pay  their  proportional  part  both  of  the 
expense  of  building  and  of  Mr.  Treat's  salary."^ 
Lands  were  this  year  "  divided   to  both  old  and  new 


Aug.  2,  1G59  ;  Sarah  1662;  Elisa.  1664;  and  Jabez  July  8,  1668.  Ja- 
BEZ,  by  bis  w.  EHsa.,  had  Richard  June  1,  1695  ;  Rejoice  May  13,  1697  ; 
Mary  1699;  Jeremiah  May  17,  1702;  Mercy  1704;  Jabez;  Sarah;  and 
Patience. 

^  Monamoyick  was  not  within  the  bounds  of  Eastham ;  but  as  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  former  place  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  attending  here,  in  the 
absence  of  any  legal  provisions  for  the  ministry  in  their  own  settlement,  it 
was  considered  reasonable  that  they  assist  in  sustaining  religious  institutions 
here.  This  led  to  a  movement  on  the  part  of  Monamoyick  for  more 
enlarged  privileges.  It  may  here  be  remarked  that  Eastham  being  the 
only  township  below  Yann.,  Mr.  Treat  v>^as  in  the  habit  of  performing  paro- 
chial duties  both  in  Monamoyick  and  within  the  bounds  of  Truro.  Indeed, 
he  seems  to  have  considered  the  whole  Cape  below  Yarmouth  as  his  charge. 


ANNALS    OF    EASTHAM.  369 

comers  "  ;  and  provision  was  made  for  continuing  the 
school.  Mr.  Edward  Bangs  ^  died  this  year;  also,  April 
13,  Mr.  James  Rogers;^  and,  this  same  year,  Mr. 
Joseph  Rogers. 

In  1679,  "Select  Courts"  being  established  by  law, 
Capt.  Jona.  Sparrow,  Mr.  Mark  Snow,  and  Mr.  John 
Doane  were  commissioned  to  hold  them  in  this  town. 

In  1680,  complaints  being  made  that  Indians  were  doing  much 
damage  to  the  town's  commons  by  cutting  pine-knots  to  make 
tar,  and  thus  injuring  the  timber-trees,  measures  were  taken  to 
prevent  the  like  trespass  in  the  future. 

In  1681,  it  was  "ordered  that  the  ranks  of  the  military  com- 
pany shall  be  filled  by  all  such  of  the  inhabitants  as  are  compe- 
tent to  bear  arms,  each  soldier  to  be  furnished  with  a  sword  or 
cutlass  as  well  as  a  gun;"  and  that  each  Sunday  one  part  of  the 
company  go  armed  to  public  worship.  It  was  also  ordered  that 
a  committee,  chosen  for  the  purpose,  divide,  among  the  freemen 
of  the  town,  the  money  to  be  received  as  this  to^wn's  pi'oportion 
of  the  sales  of  Mount  Hope.  The  deputy  from  the  town  was 
instructed  to  apply  for  the  money. 

In  1682,  Indian  constables  were  appointed  for  the  Indians ;  and, 
in  1683,  an  overseer,  agreeably  tc  the  late  j)rovision  of  Court, 
to  determine  controversies  that  may  arise  among  them.  The  In- 
dians were  also  required  to  pay  taxes ;  also  to  assemble  M^hen 
called,  once  a  year,  to  hear  the  criminal  laws  read  and  explained. 

In  1684,  the  second  instalment  of  the  proceeds  of  Mt.  Hope 
was  subject  of  order.  A  census  taken  reported  101  freemen,  or 
legal  voters.     The  entire  population  was  900. 

In  1685,  according  to  the  testimony  of  Gov.  Hinckley,  there 
were  500  adult  Indians  within  the  limits  of  Mr.  Treat's  parochial 


^  See  Vol.  I.  639,  ■where  we  have  ah-eady  given  a  genealogical  sketch  of 
the  family.  Whilst  resident  at  Plymouth,  fourscore  acres  were  granted  him, 
"  on  condition  that  he  contribute  ^sth  part  toward  building  a  barque  of  40 
or  50  tons."  He  was  largely  engaged  in  merchandise.  See  also  Annals  of 
Brewster. 

^  Mr.  James  Rogers  was  s.  of  Lt.  Joseph,  who  also  d.  this  year.  He  m. 
Mary  Paine  Jan.  11,  1670-1,  and  had  James  Oct.  30,  1673;  Mary  1675  ; 
and  Abigail,  1678.  John,  s.  of  Lt.  Joseph  b.  1642,  m.  Elisa.  Twining, 
dr.  Wm.,  Aug.  19,  1669,  and  had  Samuel  Nov.  1,  1671,  d.  inf  ;  John  Nov. 
4,  1672;  JudahNov.  23,  1677;  Joseph  Feb.  22,  1679;  Elisa.  1682;  Elea- 
zerMay  19,  1685;  Mehit.  1687;  Hannah  1689;  and  Nathaniel  Oct.  S,. 
1693. 

VOL.  II.  47 


370  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTiVBLE    COUNTY. 

charge.^  It  was  voted  to  "  pay  £10  for  the  head  of  any  old 
wolf,  and  £5  for  wolves'  whelps,  to  any  Indians  who  shall  kiH 
them."  The  next  year  the  bounty  was  doubled,  the  ravages  of 
wolves  among  the  herds  having  become  a  serious  giievance. 

This  year,  Barnstable  County  established,  the  town 
was  required  to  send  grand-jurors  to  the  Be.  Court." 

The  year  1686  brought  some  excitement  by  reason 
of  the  accession  of  Andros  to  power.  Dea.  John 
DoANE  d.  Feb.  21,  aged  95/  and  Mr.  Rt.  Wixam  d.  in 
the  month  of  October.*  Mr.  William  Freeman  d.  1687 ;  ^ 
and  Ens.  Wm.  Merrick  d.  in  1688. 

In  1689;  Mr.  Jona.  Sparrow  was  commissioned  as 
one  of  the  justices  of  the  Associate  Court,  restored 
upon  the  abdication  of  Andros. 

In  1690,  the  war  with  the  Indians  and  French  in  Canada 
making  it  necessary  that  all  towns  within  the  governments  of 
Plymouth,  Mass.,  and.  Connecticut  colonies  furnish  proportionate 


^  Gov.  H.,  in  cor.  with  the  Society  in  Eng.,  says,  'Mr.  Treat  had,  under  him, 
at  this  time,  four  Indian  teachers  wlio  read,  on  Sundays,  to  separate  villa- 
ges, sermons  written  by  himself.  Every  fourth  Sunday,  Mr.  Treat  himself 
preached  to  them  collectively.  The  Indian  teachers  also  acted  as  school- 
masters. It  is  said  to  have  been  "  a  favorite  object  with  Mr.  T.  to  en- 
courage the  Indians  to  choose  magistrates  for  themselves,  and  to  order  their 
affairs  wisely." 

^  As  facihtics  for  litigation  were  increased,  so  the  business  of  the  courts 
multiplied.  Besides  the  indictments  mentioned  pp.  310-11  of  former  vol., 
an  inhabitant  was  indicted,  fined  5s.,  and  set  in  the  stocks,  "  for  cursing  and 
swearing,"  and  5s.  and  stocks  two  hours,  "  for  drunkenness." 

^  Dea.  DoANE,  in  Ph'mouth  1630,  the  associate  of  Gov.  Prince,  Assistant 
1633,  —  but  not  after,  he  "declining  civil  office  after  being  chosen  dea.," — 
was  one  of  the  founders  of  E.  He  had,  by  his  wife  Abigail,  children  :  Abi- 
gail Jan.  13,  1632,  who  at  the  age  of  60  became  the  2d  wife  of  Samuel 
Lothrop  and  outli^•ed  him  many  years.  A  century  sermon  was  preached  in 
her  room  in  1732  by  Rev.  Joseph  Lord.  She  d.  Jan.  23,  1735;  John, 
Daniel,  Ephraim,  and  Lydia  who  m.  Samuel  Hick's.  Dea.  D.  had  a  very 
large  farm  in  this  town,  N.  of  the  harbor,  and,  it  is  said,  the  remains  of  the 
cellar,  near  the  Avater,  now  indicate  the  location  of  his  house. 

*  Mr.  Wixam  (sometimes  written  Wickson,  and  sometimes  Vixon),  had 
Jemima  1655  ;  Titus  Dec.  2,  1657  ;  Elisa.  1660;  and  Baunabas,  who,  by 
Sarah,  had  Barnabas  Sept.  15, 1693  ;  Joshua  March  14,  1695  ;  Lydia  1697; 
Robert  May  29,  1698  ;  and  Prince  Dec.  2,  1700. 

^  Mr.  VVJi.  FiiKEMAN,  b.  1663,  s.  of  Maj.  John,  had  by  his  w.  Lydia  2 
children:  Lydia,  who  m.  Rd.  Godfrey  1701  ;  and  Wm.  Feb.  24,  1686,  who 
m.  Mercy  Pepper  1711.  The  above  Wm.  is  the  great-great-grandfather  of 
the  present  Solomon  Freeman  Esq.  of  Brewster. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  371 

parts  of  the  means  of  carrying  on  the  war,  this  town  raise/1  its 
quotaof  money,  £187  19s.;  and  the  military  was  organized:  Jona. 
SpaiTow,  captain;  Joseph  Snow,  lieutenant ;  and  Jona.  Bangs,  en- 
sign. Subsequently,  the  war  requiring  additional  aid,  this  town 
was  further  assessed  in  the  sum  of  £46. 

Pursuant  to  order  of  Court,  the  town  assembled  to 
express  their  views  in  regard  to  a  new  patent  from 
the  crown.  Although  the  people  may  have  preferred 
that  the  old  colony  government  be  continued  as  from 
the  first,  the  vote  was  unanimous  that  such  patent  be 
sought,  and  that  this  town  pay  its  proportion  of  the 
expense  of  obtaining  it.     Lt.  Jabez  Snow  d.  Dec.  27.^ 

In  1691,  the  town  provided  for  the  new  levy  for 
paying  expenses  of  the  war,  as  was  ordered  by  the 
Court  sitting  for  the  last  time  at  Plymouth.  It  also 
mortt^ac^ed  to  Mr.  John  Freeman  two  islands  at  Bil- 
lingsgate  to  indemnify  for  advancing  £76,  the  town's 
proportion  of  expenses  attending  the  application  for 
the  new  Charter.  Such  were  the  necessities  of  the 
times  at  this  period  that  a  watch  was  ordered,  to  con- 
sist, each  night,  of  as  many  persons  as  the  selectmen 
shall  think  proper.  Mr.  John  Young  d.  Jan.  29  ;  ^  Mr. 
Benjamin  Higgins  d.  March  14;^  and  Mr.  Samuel  Brown 
d.  Dec.  3.* 

^  Lieut.  vSxow,  a  promineEt  townsman,  had,  by  Ms  w.  Elisa.,  Jabez  Sept. 
6,  1670  ;  Edward  March  26,  1672  ;  Sarah  Feb.  26,  1673-4  ;  Grace  Feb.  1, 
1675-6  ;  and  Thomas  who  d.  1697.         ^< 

^  Mr.  Joiix  YouxG  Avas  here  early.  He  m.  in  Plymouth  Dec.  13,  1648 ; 
and,  by  his  w.  Abigail,  had  John  Nov.  16,  1649  ;  Joseph  Nov.  12, 1651,  d. 
inf.  ;  Joseph  Dec.  1654;  Nathaniel  Ap.  1656;  Mary  1658  ;  Abigail  1660; 
David  Ap.  17,  1662;  Lydia  1664  ;  Robert  1667  ;  Henry  1669,  d.  inf. ;  and 
Henry  March  17,  1672. 

*  Mr.  HiGGixs,  b.  1640,  was  s.  of  Richard  1st.  Richard  Higgins,  in 
Plymouth  1633,  to  E.  1644,  was  of  Celtic  origin.  The  name  is  early  found 
written  HIgginson.  He  was  deputy  several  years.  He  m.  Lvtlia  Chandler 
Nov.  23,  1634,  and  2d,  Mary  Yates  of  Plymouth,  Oct.  1G51.  '  Issue  :  Jona. 
1637;  Benj.  i640;-Mary  1652;  Eliakim  Oct.  20,  16.54;  Wm.  Dec.  15, 
1655  ;  Judah  March  5, 1657  ;  Zervia  1658  ;  Thomas  1661 ;  and  Lydia  1664. 
Bex.jamix,  b.  1640,  m.  Lydia  Bangs,  dr.  Edward,  Dec.  24,  1661,  and  had 
Ichabod  Nov.  14,  1662;  Richard  Oct.  15,  1664;  John  Nov.  20,  1666;  Josh. 
Oct.  1,  1668;  Lydia  1670;  Isaac  Aug.  31,  1672  :  Benj.  June  14,  1674,  d 
inf  ;   Samuel  Mar.  7,  1676-7;  and  Benj.  Sept.  15,  IG.si. 

*  Mr.  Brown  was  s.  of  Wm.,  who  m.  Mary  Murdock  July  16,  IGIO,  at 


372  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNn'. 

In  1692,  pursuant  to  a  warrant  from  Sir  Wm.  Phips^ 
the  town  chose  representatives  to  the  General  Court 
to  be  held  on  the  8th  of  June  in  Boston.  Mr.  Samuel 
Smith  Jr.  died  Sept.  22d; 

In  1693,  for  the  expenses  of  war,  £13  lis.  was  appropriated, 
and  £6  5s.  for  aramunition.  This  year  we  obtain  another  view 
of  the  Indians,  and  of  Mr.  Treat's  labors  among  them.^ 

Plymouth,  and  died  here  about  1694.  Issue :  Mary  1650 ;  Geo.  1652 ;  Wm. 
1654  ;  Samuel  1656  ;  John ;  James ;  and  Mercy.  Sam'l,  b.  1656,  m.  Martha 
Harding-  Feb.  19,  1682-3,  and  had  Bethia  1684,  d.  inf.;  Bethia  1685; 
Martha  1688;  and  Samuel  Nov.  7,  1690.  John  had  Sarah  1690;  John 
1692  ;  Hannah  1694  ;  Zebulon  1696  ;  David  1699;  and  Mary  1701.  Wm. 
m.  Susanna  Harding  Oct.  27,  1699,  and  had  Susanna  1700,  and  Jediah 
1702.  James,  by  w.  Deborah,  had  Martha  1694;  James  1696;  Deborah 
1699  ;  Jediah  1701 ;   and  Thomas  1703. 

^  Mr,  S.  was  s.  of  Mr.  Saini'l  Smith  Sr.,  who  m.  Mary  Hopkins  Jan.  3, 
1664-5,  and  d.  March  22,  1697,  aged  55.  Ho  had  Samuel  May  26, 1668  ; 
Mary  1669  ;  Joseph  April  10,  1071  ;  John  May  26,  1673  ;  Grace  1676  ;  and 
Rebecca  1678.  SaiMUKL,  b.  1668,  m.  Bashua  Lothrop,  probably  dr.  of 
Barnabas,  May  26,  1690,  and  had  Samuel  Feb.  13,  1690-1,  and  Joseph 
Oct.  9,  1692,  posthumoLis.  Thewid.  m.  2d  Samuel  Freeman.  The  origin 
of  the  name  here  is  involved  in  some  doubt.  Mr.  Savage  supposes  that 
Ralph  Smith,  from  Hing.  county  of  Norf  Eng.  who  came  over  1633,  and 
was  in  HIng.  1635,  went  to  Eastham.  It  is  certain  that  a  Ralph  Smitpi 
was  eaiiy  here,  and  wife  Deborah  1654.  There  was  also  a  John,  and  Mr. 
Savage  supposes  he  was  the  "  Sr."  of  Plymouth  1643.  According  to  the 
E.  rec.  John  m.  Hannah  Williams  May  24,  1667,  and  had  Elizabeth  and 
___jSa,rah.  Again,  John  Sr.  of  E.  lost  his  wife  Lydia  July  21,  1672,  and  m. 
Jael  Packard  of  Bridg.  Nov.  1672.  A  John  m.  Mary  Eldridge  Nov.  30, 
1688,  and  had  John,  Jeremiah,  William,  and  others.  Thomas,  who,  Mr. 
^Savage  says,  was,  ^'- perliaps^  son  of  Ralph,"  had  by  Mary,  his  wife,  Ralph 
Oct.  23,  1682  ;  Rebecca  March  31,  1685  ;  Thomas  Jan.  29,  1687-8  ;  David 
1691  ;  Jona.  July  5,  1693  ;  Isaac  June  3,  1695,  d.  aged  9,  and  Jesse  June 
31,  1703-4.  Dan'l,  who,  Mr.  Savage  says,  was  perhaps  s.  of  1st  John  m. 
Mary  Young,  dr.  John,  March  3,  1676-7,  and  had  Daniel  Jan.  8,  1678-9  ; 
Content  1680;  Abigail  1083;  James  1685;  Nathaniel  1687;  and  Mary 
1693.  John,  "  s.  of  John  3d,"  says  Mr.  Savage,  had,  by  his  wife  Sarah,  a 
large  family,  the  sons  of  which  were  Joseph  109  7;  William  1702;  Seth 
1706  ;  and  John  1713.  John,  son  of  Samuel  1st,  b.  1673,  m.  Bethia  Snow, 
dr.  Stephen,  May  14,  1694,  and  had  James  1695  ;  and  Sam'l  May  25, 1696. 
Jkremiah  m.  Hannah  Atwood  Jan.  3,  1677,  and  had  Jeremiah  1685  ;  and 
3  drs.  Samuel  m.  Abisjail  Freeman  Oct.  9,  1712,  and  had  Mary  1713; 
Zoeth  1716;  Abigail  1718;  Martha  1721  ;  Bashua  1723;  Grace  1725;  Su- 
sanna 1727  ;  Samuel  1730;  and  Joseph  1741. 

-  Mr.  Treat  writes  to  Rev.  Increase  Mather,  "I  have  from  time  to  tiuie 
imparted  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  these  Indians  in  their  own 
language,  and,  I  truly  hope,  not  without  success.  I  continue  in  the  same 
service,  earnestly  imploring  a  more  plentiful  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  upon 
them.  .  .  .  They  have  four  distinct  assemblies  in  as  many  villages  belong- 
ing to  our  township ;  with  four  teachers  of  their  own  choice,  who  rejjair 
once  a  week  to  my  house  to  be  themselves  further  instructed,  pro  modulo 
meo,  in  the  concernments  proper  for  their  service  and  station.  .  .  .  There 


ANNALS    OF    EASTHAM.  373 

In  1694,  the  incorporation  of  Harwich  indicates  the 
progress  that  had  been  made  in  the  settlement  of  the 
territory  lying  between  this  town  and  Yarmouth.  Mr. 
Stephen  Atwood  d.  in  the  month  of  February/  and  Mr. 
Daniel  Cole  d.  Dec.  21,  aged  80.^ 

In  1695,  Mr.  Mark  Snow  d,^  The  town  voted  to  build 
a  steeple  upon  its   meeting-house,  and  to   procure  a 

are  besides  four  schoolmasters,  who  teach  their  youth  to  read  and  write  in 
their  own  language.  They  have  six  magistrates,  and  three  stated  courts." 
The  villages  to  which  Mr.  T.  refers  were  "  Potanumaquut,  where  Thomas 
Coshannag  was  the  preacher  and  teacher ;  Meesliaivn  and  PunoimlcaneU 
where  Samuel  Munsha  was  preacher ;  MonamoyicJc,  with  John  Cosens  for 
preacher^  and  Sakaiucket,  the  preacher  being  Manasseth."  Mr.  Treat 
translated  and  caused  to  be  printed  in  the  Nauset  tongue,  '  the  Confession 
of  Faith.'  That  he  might  be  an  instrument  of  good  to  the  Indians,  he 
aimed  to  gain  their  affections,  visited  them  often  in  their  wigwams,  asso- 
ciated with  them  in  all  kindness  and  affability,  and  joined  in  their  festivals.' 
In  return,  the  natives  regarded  him  as  their  friend,  venerated  him  as  their 
religious  teacher  ;  and  loved  him  as  their  father.  But  he  could  not  save 
them  from  toasting  away !  Here,  as  elsewhere,  generally,  from  the  mo- 
ment when  brought  into  contiguity  with  the  English,  and  especially  after 
ifhey  liad  surrendered  their  lands,  they  wilted  and  died  ! 

^  Mr.  Stephen  Atwood  m.  Abigail  Dunham,  dr.  of  John,  Nov.  C,  1G44, 
and  had  John  ;  Hannah  Oct.  14,  1649;  Eldad;  and  Medad.  Eldad  m. 
Anna  Snow  Feb.  14, 1G83,  and  had  Mary  1G84  ;  John  Aug.  10,  1G8G  ;  Anne 
1G88;  Deborah  1690;  Sarah  1692;  Eldad  July  9, 1695  ;  Ebenezer  1698; 
and  Benj.  1701.  Medad,  by  his  w.  Esther,  had  Mercy  1686  ;  Abigail  1689 ; 
David,  Oct.  20,  1691 ;  Sam'l  March  20,  1695  ;  Esther  1699  ;  Phebe  1702  ; 
and  Nathan  June  27,  1705. 

^  There  were  several  of  the  name'of  Cole  who  came  or-er  early.  Isaac^ 
of  Sandwich,  Eng.,  embarked  on  the  Hercules  1634-5  with  Joan,  his  wife,' 
and  2  children.  George  came  from  Lynn  to  Sandwich  1637,  but  d.  1653; 
the  inventory  being  made  at  the  former  place  Mr.  Savage  supposes  indicates 
that  he  had  returned.'  Henry  ytas,  liable  to  bear  arms  in  Sandv/ich  in  1643, 
and  Mr.  S.  thinks  vi'ent  to  Ct.  Job  was  in  Dux.  early,  and  then  In  Y.,  and 
'  finally  in  E.  He  is  said  to  have  m.  Rebecca  Collier,  dr.  Wm.,  May  15, 
1634,  who  d.  a  wid.  Dec.  29, 1698,  aged  88  ;  and  to  have  had  sons,  Jno.,  Job, 
and  Daniel,  and  his  dr.  Rebecca  was  b.  here  Aug.  26,  1654.  James  Jr.  is 
reported  by  the  0.  C.  Rec.  to  have  m.  Mary  Tilson  Dec.  23, 1652.  Dan'l," 
said  to  be  bro.  of  Job,  came  here  from  Y.,  and  was  town  clerk  1652-5,' 
deputy  1652  and  afterwards  6  years.  His  w.  Ruth  died  Dec.  15,  1694,  aged 
67,  perhaps  a  2d  w.  His  ch.  Avere  John  July  15,  1744;  Timothy  Sept.  15, 
1646  ;  Hepzibah  Ap.  15,  1651,  who  m.  John  Young;  Israel  June  8,  1653; 
James  Nov.  30,  1655  ;  Mary  March  10,  1658,  who  m.  Joshua  Hopkins 
May  26,  1681,  and  Wm.  Sept.  15,  1663. 

^  Mr.  Makk  Snow,  b.  1628,  was  a  man  of  large  influence  and  usefulness ; 
a  deputy,  also  selectman,  and  clerk  many  years.  He  m.  Anne  Cook,  dr.  of 
Josiah,  Jan.  18,  1654-5,  and  2d,  Jane  Prince,  dr.  of  Gov.  P.,  Jan.  9,  1660-1. 
Issue:  Anne  1656;  Mary  1661;  Nicholas  Dec.  6,  1663;  Ehzabeth  1666,  d. 
1675;  Thomas  Aug.  6,  1668;  Sarah  1671  ;  Prince  May  22,  1674  ;  Elisa. 
1676;  and  Hannah  1679. 


d74  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

bell.^  In  order  to  make  the  rule  more  imperative  that 
^  every  single  man  in  the  township  shall  kill  6  black- 
birds or  3  crows,  each  year,"  it  was  now  ordered  that 
none  "  such  shall  be  married  until  they  comply  with 
the  requisition."  Mr.  John  Doane  Jr.  was  app.  "to 
procure  the  erection  of  a  whipping-post  and  stocks  for 
the  town's  use."  The  whole  list  of  legal  inhabitants, 
as  reported  this  year,  was  as  follows : — 

Henry  Atkins  Sr.,       John  Cole  Jr., 
Henry  Atkins  Jr.,       Samuel  Cole, 

Til  OS.  Cole, 

Tim.  Cole, 

Josepb  Collins,^ 

Thos.  Crosby, 


Josejih  Atkins, 

Nath'l  Atkins, 

Daniel  Atwood, 

Eldacl  Atwood, 

Stephen  Atwood  Sr.  Daniel  Doane, 

Stephen  Atwood  Jr.  Eph^u  Doane, 
Isaac  Doane, 
Israel  Doane, 


John  Bangs, 
Jona.  Bangs, 
Joshua  Bangs, 
Thos.  Bills, 
Geo.  Brown, 
Sam'l  Brown  Sr., 
Sam'l  Brown  Jr., 
Wm.  Brown, 
Josiah  Cook, 
Josiah  Cook  Jr., 
Daniel  Cole  Sr., 
Daniel  Cole  Jr., 
Israel  Cole, 
John  Cole  Sr., 


John  Doane  Sr., 
John  Doane  Jr., 
Joseph  Doane, 
Const.  Freeman, 
Edm.  Freeman, 
Jno.  Freeman  Jr., 
Nath'l  Freeman, 
Sam'l  Freeman  Jr. 
Steph.  Freeman, 
Thos.  Freeman, 
Wm.  Freeman, 
Joseph  Harding, 


Josiah  Harding, 
Meziah  Harding, 
Benj.  Higgins, 
Ich'd.  Higgins, 
John  Higgins, 
Jona.  Higgins  Sr., 
Jona.  Higgins  Jr., 
Joseph  Higgins, 
Josh.  Hopkins  Sr., 
Josh.  Hopkins  Jr., 
Steph.  Hopkins, 
Sam'l  Knowles, 
Jona.  Linnel, 
Daniel  Mayo, 
James  Mayo, 
John  Mayo,^ 
Nat'l  Mayo, 
Sam'l  Mayo  Sr., 
Sam'l  Mayo  Jr., 
Thos.  Mayo, 
Jos.  Merrick, 
Steph.  Merrick, 


^  Mr.  Pratt  has  said,  "  this  was  the  first  meeting-liouse  bell  used  upon 
the  Cape,  and  the  last  in  Eastham." 

^Mr.  Collins  was  proh.  s.  of  Henry,  "starch-maker,"  who  em- 
barked June  17,  1635,  se.  29,  with  wife  Anne,  se.  30,  with  the  children, 
A'iz. :  Henry,  Joseph,  and  Margery,  se.  respectively  5,  3,  and  2.  They  were 
from  Ireland.  The  father  settled  in  Lynn;  was  a  member  of  the  Salem 
Court  1639,  and  d.  Feb.  20,  1687,  aj.  81.  Joseph  of  E.  m.  Duty  Knowles 
Mar.  20,  1671-2,  and  had  Sarah  1673;  John  Dec.  18,  1674,  who  m.  Han- 
nah Doane,  and  had  Solomon,  Samuel,  John,  Joseph,  and  David;  Lydia 
1676;  Joseph  1678,  whom.  Rebecca  Sparrow;  Hannah  1680;  Jona.  Aug. 
20,  1682,  who  m.  Elisa.  Vickery;  Jane  1684;  Benj.  Feb.  6,  1687;  and 
James  Mar.  10,  1689,  d.  inf 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM. 


375 


Thos.  Merrick, 
Jno.  Mulford  Sr., 
Jno.  Mulford  Jr., 
Thos.  Mulford,^ 
Elisha  Paine, 
John  Paine, 
Joseph  Paine, 
Nicholas  Paine, 
Sam'l  Paine, 
Thos.  Paine  Sr., 
Thos.  Paine  Jr., 
Abraham  Remick,^ 
Joseph  Rich,^ 
Jas.  Rogers, 
Jeremiah  Smith, 
Ralf  Smith  Sr., 


Ralf  Smith  Jr.,  • 
Sam'l  Smith  Sr., 
Sam'l  Smith  Jr., 
Thos.  Smith, 
Benj.  Snow, 
Jabez  Snow, 
John  Snow, 
Josejih  Snow  Sr., 
Joseph  Snow  Jr., 
Mark  Snow, 
Micaiah  Snow, 
Nich's  Snow, 
Steph.  Snow, 
Jno,  Sparrow, 
Jon  a.  Sparrow  Sr., 
Jona.  Span-ow  Jr., 


Richard  Sparrow, 
Mr.  Sunderland, 
Mr.  Treat, 
Wm.  Twining  Sr., 
Wm.  Twining  Jr., 
Jabez  Walker, 
Wm.  Walker  Sr., 
Wra.  Walker  Jr., 
Barn's  Waxam, 
Rob't  Waxam, 
Titus  Waxam, 
Thos.  Williams, 
Jno.  Young, 
Joseph  Young, 
Nathaniel  Young, 
Robt.  Younsr. 


The  preceding,  although  a  numerous  list  of  inhabi- 
tants, does  not  embrace  all  who  were  men  of  adult 
years,  nor  yet  all  who  were  heads  of  families.  Num- 
bers, long  resident  here,  had  not  claimed  the  right  of 
franchise ;  among  whom  we  notice  the  names  of 
Newcomb,*  Godfrey,^  Grey,"  Hurd,^  &c. 


^Mr.  Thos.  Mulford  liad  by  liis  wife  Hannah,  who  d.  a  wid.  Feb.  10, 
1717-18,  John  1670;  Patience  1674;  Anne  1677.  He  had  also  Thomas, 
who  was  prob.  oldest  of  all.  Thomas  Jr.  m.  Mary  Bassett  Oct.  28,  1690, 
and  had  Anna  1691  ;  Dorcas  1693  ;  Mary  1695  ;  Hannah  1698  ;  Ehzabeth 
1701;  Thos.  Oct.  20,  1703;  and  Jemima  1706. 

^Mr.  Abraham  Remick,  and  his  w.  E'Jizabeth,  had  Christian  Dec.  16 
1694;  Abraham  May  20,  1696;  Mercy  1698;  and  Elizabeth  1700, 
Christian  m.  Hannah  Freeman  Oct.  10,  1717,  and  had  Mercy  1718 
Hannah  1721;  Elizabeth  1723 ;  Christian  April  8,  1726;  DanielJuly  11 
1729;  Isaac  Feb.  9,  1732-3;  Joseph  Mar.  21,  1738-9,  d.  inf ;  Sarah  1742 
and  Joseph  June  8,  1744.  Christian,  b.  1726,  m.  Sarah  Freeman  of  H. 
Aug.  27,  1752. 

^  Mr.  Richard  Rich  Sr.,  mariner,  came  here  from  Dover  N.  H. ;  was 
admitted  as  a  freeman  Aug.  23,  1681 ;  and  d.  1692.  Joseph  was  prob. 
his  son;  as  was  also  Richard  Jr.,  who  by  his  w.  Anne  had  Sarah  1696; 
Richard  Feb.  28,  1698-9;  Rebecca  1701;  Zaccheus  AjotI  2,  1704; 
Obadiah  July  15,  1707;  Priscilla  1710,  d.  1716;  Huldah  1712;  Joseph 
Oct.  5,  1715  ;  and  Sylvanus  Sept.  4,  1720. 

*Mr.  Thomas  Newcomb  m.  Elizabeth  Cook,  dr.  Josiah,  Oct.  1693,  and 
had  Edward  Aug.  3,  1695;  Thos.  Aug.  13,  1697;  Simon  Nov.  30,  1699. 

*  Mr.  Geo.  Godfrey's  children  recorded  as  born  here  are  Geo.  Jan.  2, 
1662;  Samuel  Jan.  27,  166^;  Moses  Jan.  27,  166  7;  Hannah  1669;  Mary 
1672  ;  Ruth  1675  ;  Richard  June  11,  1677  ;  Jonathan  June  24,  1682  ;  and 
Elizabeth  1688. 

*  This  name  appears  early  in  Yarmouth ;  but  here  is  the  record  of  the 
birth  of  Benoni  Mar.  15,  1680-1,  son  of  Edward.  After  this  are  families 
of  the  name  in  Harwich. 

'  Mr.  John  Hurd,  sometimes  written  Heard,  was  here  from,  it  is  said, 


376  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1696,  the  town  "  ordered  that  hereafter  when 
any  common's-lands  are  given  or  sold  by  vote  of  the 
town,"  the  act,  to  be  vaHd,  "  shall  be  subjected  to  the 
negative  of  men  chosen  for  that  purpose,  and  shall  be 
laid  out  and  bounded  only  on  their  approval."  This 
veto  power  given  to  "  the  negative  men  "  was  judged 
expedient  to  prevent  the  effects  of  hasty  and  incon- 
siderate acts  by  majorities  possibly  obtained  through 
sinister  effort.  The  Court  of  Quarterly  Sessions  hav- 
ing issued  a  precept  requiring  the  selectmen  to  assess 
£19.5  toward  defraying  the  expense  of  a  bridge  near 
Plymouth,  this  town,  regarding  the  demand  as  both 
unjust  and  unlawful,  —  the  bridge  being  twelve  miles 
beyond  the  county  line,  —  refused  compliance,  and 
instructed  the  selectmen  to  that  effect;  promising  to 
indemnify  them  for  any  damage  that  might  accrue 
from  disregarding  the  order  of  Court. 

In  1767,  purchases  were  made  by  inhabitants  of 
this  town,  in  anticipation  of  the  settlement  and  growth 
of  a  plantation  at  Pamet.  This  end  was  prominently 
in  view  during  several  succeeding  years.  Mr.  Samuel 
Smith  d.  Mar.  22,  se.  65. 


"  the  Highlands  of  Scotland,"  and  his  children  born  here  were  John  Jan. 
17,  1688-9  ;  Grace  Jan.  11,  1692-3  ;  and  Jacob  April  12, 1695.  John,  b. 
1689,  is  reported  in  the  H.  Rec.  as  having  by  his  w.  Hannah,  Sarah  1711  ; 
Rebecca  1713;  Joseph  Feb.  5,  1716-17;  Deborah  1719;  Benj.  July  18, 
1721;  John  Nov.  22,  1723;  and  Hannah  1730.  Jacob,  b.  1695,  is  also 
thei'e  on  record  as  having  by  his  w.  Rebecca,  Jacob  Dec.  17,  1720;  then 
removing  to  Connecticut,  they  had  other  children,  and  he  d.  aged,  "  a  man 
of  large  stature  and  great  strength,"  and  "  his  w.  d.,  £e.  103."  Jacob,  b. 
in  H.  1720,  is  reported  "  the  second  man  who  followed  the  coasting  business 
on  the  Ct.  Rivei'."  He  d.,  as.  91,  leaving  numerous  descendants.  We  have 
before  us  an  able  and  interesting  discourse  preached  on  occasion  of  the 
decease  of  one  of  his  nine  children, — Mrs.  Rebecca  Bowers  1855,  se.  100, — 
so  interesting  and  well-written  that  we  regret  it  must  suffer  at  our  hand,  in 
its  proemial  part  at  least.  The  traditional  data  derived  probably  from  the 
family,  are  inaccurate  in  their  beginning ;  and,  therefore,  the  exordium  of  the 
learned  preacher,  beautifully  expressed,  —  describing  the  patriarch  "  pil- 
grim from  the  land  of  John  Knox  and  the  Covenanters," — is  historically  at 
fault.  Both  patriarch  and  son  were  b.  on  Cape  Cod,  and  their  progenitor 
was  settled  in  Eastham. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  6(7 

In  1700,  great  inconvenience  resulting  from  a  scar- 
city of  money,  the  town  petitioned  the  General  Court 
to  abate  the  town's  taxes  for  general  purposes ;  and 
the  application,  it  seems,  was  not  considered  unreason- 
able:  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists  was  granted. 
The  town  also  asked  to  be  relieved  from  the  necessity 
of  providing  so  many  recruits  for  public  service.  It 
was  voted  to  continue  the  town  school,  and  to  pay  the 
teacher  IQd.  per  week  for  each  pupil  attending;  also, 
that  the  North  part  of  the  town  have  a  school-district 
"  if  they  will  pay  the  teacher  to  learn  their  children 
to  read  the  English  Bible."  ^  It  was,  moreover,  ordered 
that  the  meeting-house  be  repaired  and  enlarged ; 
.£180  was  aj)propriated  for  the  purpose.  The  enlarge- 
ment, by  fifteen  feet,  made  it  square  and  sufficiently 
commodious.  , 

In  1703,  the  population  was  948.  This/and  the  fol- 
lowing year,  a  further  division  of  lands  was  made  by 
agreement  of  the  proprietors.  Mr.  John  Sunderland  d. 
Dec.  26,1703,  aged  85.2 

In  1705,  Pamet,  bordering  on  the  lower  part  of  this 
township,  received  a  quasi  incorporation.  The  name 
given  in  the  act,  however,  was  not  euphonical,  and  a 
few  years  after  was  changed,  the  "  district "  receiving 
full  inc.  as  the  Town  of  Truro. 

The  following  appears  on  the  record  this  year,  and  is  charac- 
teristic of  the  times  :  "  In  town-meeting,  voted  that  '  Whereas 
there  is  much  disorder  and  inconvenience  in  the  town  of  East- 


^  This,  doubtless,  had  reference  to  the  native  Indians. 

2  Mr.  Sunderland  and  his  wife  Dorothy  had  John  1G40;  Mary  1642, 
who  m.  Jona.  Rainsford;  Hannah  1644  ;  James  164 7,  d.  inf.;  James  1G48; 
Benj.  1652.  His  w.  d.  Jan.  29,  1664,- and  he  m.  2d,  Thomasin,  widow  of 
Samuel  Mayo  and  dr.  of  Wm.  Lumpkin,  and  had  Mercy  1665,  and  Sam'l 
1668.  Mr.  Sunderland  was  much  employed  as  a  school-teacher,  and  was 
held  in  high  respect.  His  will,  Sept.  27,  1700,  pr.  Ap.  4,  1704,  provides 
for  his  widow  and  her  three  daughters,  Mary  Bangs,  Sarah  Freeman,  and 
Mei'cy  Sears. 

VOL.   II.  48 


378  HL'STORY   OF   BAENSai4JBLE   COUNTY. 

ham,  in  not  attending  town-meetings  ;  also  by  persons  disorderly 
and  tumultuonsly  speaking  in  said  meetings  ;  also  by  disorderly 
departing  without  leave :  It  is,  therefore,  ordered  that  whenever 
there  shall  be  a  town-meeting  duly  warned,  every  person 
qualified  to  vote  in  said  meeting  and  living  within  seven  miles 
of  the  meeting-house,  who  shall  not  attend  at  the  time  appoint- 
ed, or  by  the  time  the  meeting  is  called  to  order,  or  shall  depart 
before  the  meeting  closes  without  leave  of  the  moderator;  or 
shall  speak  without  liberty ;  shall  be  fined  6d.  for  every  such  de- 
fault.' "  This  proceeding  was  submitted,  as  law  required,  to  the 
Ct.  of  Quar.  Sessions  at  Barnstable  for  apj)robation,  and  was 
"  allowed." 

The  town  gr.  permission  to  Nicholas  Paine  "to  build  a  wind- 
mill on  the  hill  near  his  house."  A  com.,  app.  to  settle  the  bounds 
between  this  town  and  the  town  of  Harwich,  reported  that  an 
agreement  had  been  made  with  the  town  and  proprietors  of 
Harwich  "that  the  jurisdiction  of  Eastham  shall  remain  as 
formerly;  but  that  all  lands  lying  between  the  bounds  of  said 
towns  ^  shall  forever  be  improved  in  common  by  the  said  two 
towns,  —  in  consideration  of  which  the  town  of  Eastham  shall 
annually  pay  to  the  proprietors  of  Harwich,  £2  10s." 

The  French  and  Indian  war  was  onerous,  because  of 
its  exactions.  In  1706,  Mr.  John  Mayo  died;^  also, 
Mr.  Henry  Young,  April  26  ;  ^   and  Mr.  Thomas  Paine.* 

^  The  lands  thus  intervening,  it  is  understood,  were  those  on  which  the 
Potanumaquut  Indians  resided,  a  moiety  of  which  subsequently  pertained 
to  the  domain  of  Eastham. 

°  Mr.  John  Mayo  was  s.  of  Rev.  John.  He  m.  Hannah  Keycroft,  or 
Lecroft,  Jan.  I,  1G50-1,  and  had  John  Dec.  15,  1G52;  Wm.  Oct.  7,  1654; 
James  Oct.  3,  1656;  Sam'l  Aug.  2,  1G58  ;  Elisha  Nov.  7,  16G1,  who  d. 
1701 ;  Daniel  June  24,  1GG4  ;  Nath'!  Ap.  2,.1GG7,  and  Thos.  July  15, 1672. 

*Mr.  YouxG,  b.  1672,  s.  of  John  1st,  by  w.  Sarah  had  Martha  1695; 
Elisa.  1698;  Reliance  1700;  Moses  Nov.  15,  1702;  and  Thomas  Oct.  24, 
1 705,  who  m.  Rebecca  Bangs.  His  elder  bro.  John  m.  Ruth  Cole,  dr  Dan'l. 
Another  brother,  Joseph,  m.  Sarah  LcAvis,  or  Davis,  and  had  Samuel  IG.80; 
Joseph  and  Isaac,  gem.,  1G82-;  and  James  1685.  Another,  Nath'l,  m. 
Mercy  Davis,  who  m.  2d,  Nath'l  Mayo  1708.  Another,  David,  m.  Anne 
Doane,  dr.  John,  Jan.  20.  1687-8,  and  had  8  drs.  and  sons;  John  March  20, 
1695  ;  David  Sspt.  25,  1701 ;  and  Henry  March  23,  1711.  Another,  Rob- 
ert, m.  Joanna  Hix  March  22,  1694,  and  had  Rob't  Dec,  11,  1696,  and 
daughters. 

*  See  Vol.  I.  635 ;  also.  Annals  of  Harwich  and  Truro.  Mr.  Drake 
found  by  examination  of  the  admiralty  records,  among  those  '•  to  be  trans- 
planted to  New  England,  Ap.  1637,  were  Thomas  Paino  of  Wrentom,  in 
fSuflblcke,  weaver,  aged  50  ;  Elizabeth,  Iiis  wife,  aged  53,  and  six  children, 
viz.,  Thomas,  John,  Mary,  Elizabeth,  Dorothy,  and  Sarah."     Mr.  Savage 


ANNALS   OF  EASTHAM.  6Ti) 

Mr.  John  Doane,  a  prominent  and  influential  citizen^ 
died  March  15,  1708.^ 

In  1709,  the  town  having  been  presented  for  not 
having  a  schoolmaster,  John  Doane  Esq.  was  appoint- 
ed to  appear  in  the  town's  behalf  and  answer  to  the 
complaint ;  at  the  same  time,  the  selectmen  were  in- 
structed to  take  especial  care  to  obtain  a  teacher.^  Mr. 
Nathaniel  Mayo  died  Nov.  30." 

In  1710,  lands  were  laid  out  "for  the  ministry,  at 
Pochet  and  Billino;so;ate,  —  if  any  ministers  be  settled 
at  those  places;  with  10  acres  of  woodland  for  each, 
to  be  for  the  benefit  of  the  ministry  in  those  places  re- 
spectively forever."  The  town  voted  at  the  same  time, to 
"  add  £20  to  the  salary  of  Mr.  Treat, — ;making  his  entire 
salary  equal  to  £70,  silver  money."  This  seems  to 
have  been  a  period  when  the  people  were  disposed  to 
devise  liberal  things ;  for,  the  year  following,  4  acres 
of  land  was  voted  to  each  and  every  widow  in  town.* 
Lt.  Joshua  Bangs  died  Jan.  14. 

In  1712,  an  agent  was  app.  "  to  meet  the  agent  of 
the  town  of  Harwich,"  "  to  determine  and  settle  a  line 

has  it,  "they  came  over  1637  in  the  Mary  Ann  of  Yarmouth,"  and  that 
the  father  was  "  son  of  Thomas  and  Catharine  of  Cookhe,  near  Halesworth, 
Co.  of  Suffolk,"  and  gives  the  issue  of  Thomas,  Avhowas  b.  Dee.  11, 1586, 
and  m.  to  his  w.  Ehzabeth  Nov.  22,  1610,  as  Mary  October  12,  1611; 
Thomas  Jan.  18, 1613  ;  Elisa.  Jan.  20,  1615  ;  Peter  March  14,  1617,d.inf.; 
Dorothy  Dec.  6,  1618  ;  John  Aug.  26, 1620  ;  Sarah  Mar.  7,  1622  ;  and  Na- 
thaniel July  21,  1626,  d.  inf. 

^  Mr.  DoANE,  s.  of  Dea.  John,  m.  Hannah  Bangs,  dr.  of  Edward,  April 
30, 1662,  and  had  John  1663,  d.  inf. ;  John  May  29,  1664;  Anna  1666  ;  Re- 
becca 1668  ;  Isaac  June  2,  16  70;  and  Samuel  March  2,  1673.  i/ 

-  The  absence  of  the  schoolmaster  was  evidently  not  the  result  of  indif-  V) 

ference  to  the  importance  of  common  schools.     It  was  often  difficult  to  ob-  / 

tain  a  suitable  teacher.  Probably,  however,  had  the  compensation  been  as  "'■' 
liberal  as  in  later  times,  the  number  of  those  giving  themselves  to  the  occu-  n 
pation  would  have  been  adequately  increased.  \ 

^  Mr.  Nathaniel  Mayo  b.  1652,  was  s.  of  Nath'l.  He  m.  Elisa. 
Wixam  June  28,  1678,  and  2d,  Mercy  Youug,  wid.  of  Nath'l,  June  10, 
1703.  He  had  Nathaniel  1681  ;  Bathsheba  1683;  Alice  1686;  Ebenezer 
1689;  Hannah  1692;  Elisha  1695;  and  Rob't  1698. 

*  A  state  of  widowhood  is  that  into  which  large  numbers  in  these  maritime 
towns  have  been  early  introduced  by  the  dangers  of  the  seas. 


380  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

between  the  two  towns,  running  through  the  tract  of 
land  formerly  reserved  for  the  Indians."  Dea.  Sam'l 
Freeman  d.  Jan.  30  j  ^  Mr.  Joseph  Paine  d.  Oct.  6  ;  and 
Mr.  Samuel  Paine  d.  Oct.  13.  In  1713,  notwithstand- 
ing the  diminished  resources  of  the  country  by  reason 
of  protracted  war,  this  town  provided  for  repairs  of 
the  meeting-house ;  also  divided  the  town  into  two 
school  districts,  the  Cove  to  be  the  dividing  line  ;  and 
engaged  Mr.  Peter  Barnes  as  teacher.^ 

The  next  year,  1714,  Mr.  Nehemiah  Hobart  was  en- 
gaged as  teacher ;  ^  and,  in  addition  to  his  salary  as 
schoolmaster,  the  town  engaged  to  pay  him  £10  "  to 
assist  Rev.  Mr.  Treat,  —  'preaching  as  occasion  may  re- 
quire, the  pastor  being  much  disabled  by  sickness," 
The  Indians  living  on  the  lands  until  recently  known 
as  '  the  reservation/  between  the  bounds  of  Harwich 
and  Eastham,  entered  a  complaint  against  the  town 
for  trespass;  and  an  order  of  notice  being  served  upon 
the  selectmen,  Mr.  John  Paine  was  app.  to  appear  at 
Court  in  the  town's  behalf  and  answer  to  the  action. 

In  1715,  regulations  were  made  to  prevent  cattle 
and  horses  running  at  large  upon  the  town's  commons. 


^  Mr.  Samuel  Feeeman  was  in  Watertown  1630.  His  house  was 
burned  1G31,  and  returning  to  England  on  business  he  died  there,  soon 
after  the  bhth  of  his  son,  the  above  Samuel,  May  11,  1638.  He  owned 
one-sixth  part  of  the  township  of  Watertown.  Tradition,  very  uncer- 
tain, tells  that  he  was  the  eldest  of  11  sons,  and  Edmund  of  Sandwich  is 
supposed  to  have  been  one  of  them.  Henry  of  Watertown,  is  represented  ses 
eldest  s.  of  Samuel,  inheriting  the  paternal  estate.  He  m.  Hannah  Stearns 
Dec.  25,  1650,  who  was  buried  June  17,  1656,  and  2d,  Mary  Shearman 
Nov.  27,  1656.  He  d.  Nov.  12,  1672,  and  his  s.  James,  whose  av.  Rachel 
m.  2d,  E,d.  Siiute,  had  one  only  s.  Samuel,  who  d.  1728  unmarried.  Dea. 
Sam'i.,  b.  1638,  removed  to  Eastham.  He  m.  Mary  Soutliworth,  dr.  of  Con- 
stant, May  12,  1658.  Issue  :  Apphia  Dec.  11,  1659,  d.  inf  ;  Samuel  Mar. 
26,  1662  ;  Apphia  Jan.  1,  1666,  who  m.  Isaac  Pepper  Oct.  7,  1685;  Con- 
stant March  31,  1609 ;  Elisa.  June  26,  1671,  who  m.  Remick,  and  2d,  Mer- 
rick ;  and  perhaps  others. 

-  Mr.  Barnes  grad.  H.  C.  1712. 

^  Mr.  Hobart  grad.  H.  C.  1714,  and  is  prob.  the  same  set.  in  the  ministry 
at  Cohasset  1721. 


ANNALS   OF  EASTHAM.  Obi 

Dea.  Thomas  Freeman  d.  Feb.  9,  1716 ;  ^  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Mayo  also  d.  this  jear.^ 

In  1717,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Treat  died  greatly  lament- 
ed, after  an  active  ministry  of  forty-five  years.^  An  en- 
gagement was,  thereupon,  made  with  Mr.  Hobart  to 
perform  religious  services  imtil  a  minister  could  be 
provided,  and  Joseph  Doane  Esq.  was  sent  abroad 
to  procure  a  candidate.  Mr.  Lord  was  obtained,  but 
preached  only  a  few  Sundays ;  he  afterw^ards  settled 
at  Chatham. 

Of  the  ability,  piety,  and  faithfulness  of  the  late 
pastor,  his  contemporaries  and  parishioners  bear  hon- 
orable testimony.  Tradition  represents  him  as  "cheer- 
ful in  manners,  pleasant  in  conversation,  —  sometimes 


^  Dea.  Thomas  Frbebian,  b.  1653,  s.  of  Dea.  John,  the  Assistant.  See 
Vol.  I.  602. 

^  Mr.  Mayo,  b.  1667,  was  s.  of  John,  and  g.  s.  of  Rev.  John.  He  had 
sons  Wm.  and  Eob't,  and  8  drs. 

^  Mr.  Treat  had  a  remarkably  vigorous  constitution,  and  his  health  was 
firm  until  near  the  close  of  life,  when  attacked  by  palsy.  A  second  attack 
terminated  his  earthly  existence,  to  the  great  grief  of  all  who  knew  him. 
His  decease  occurred  at  the  time  of  a  remarkable  storm  distinguished  in 
the  annals  of  New  England  as  "the  great  snow."  The  winds  blew  with 
violence,  so  that  although  the  grounds  immediately  around  his  house  were 
swept  entirely  bare,  drifts  were  heaped  in  the  road  to  a  great  height.  As 
it  was  impossible  to  make  a  pathway  to  the  grave,  the  burial  was  neces- 
siirily  deferred  some  days  until  an  arch  could  be  dug  through  some  of  the 
more  prominent  drifts.  The  Indians  were,  at  their  urgent  request,  permit- 
ted to  take  their  turn  with  the  white  people,  as  a  token  of  respect  for  their 
beloved  teacher  and  friend,  in  bearing  his  body  to  its  long  rest.  Upon  his 
tombstone  is  this  inscription :  "  Here  lies  the  body  of  the  late  learned  and 
reverend  Samuel  Treat,  the  pious  and  faithful  pastor  of  this  church,  who, 
after  a  very  zealous  discharge  of  his  ministry  for  the  space  of  foi'ty-five 
years,  and  laborious  travail  for  the  souls  of  the  Indian  natives,  fell  asleep  in 
Christ,  Mar.  18,  1716-17,  in  the  sixty-ninth  year  of  his  age."  Mr.  Treat 
grad.  at  Harvard  College  1669.  See  Vol.  I.  350  In  addition  to  what  is 
there  said,  it  may  be  remarked  that  his  children  were :  Jane,  b.  Dec.  6, 
1675;- Ehsa.  July  24,  167G;  Sarah  June  20,  1678;  Samuel  July  1680 ; 
Mary  Mar.  16,  1682;  Robt.  Feb.  24,1683-4;  Abioail  June  13,  1686; 
Joseph  Nov.  19,  1690;  Joshua  Mar.  17,  1692;  John  May  17,  1693;  Nath'l 
April  15,  1694;  Eunice  Sept.  27,  1704;  and  Robert  Jan.  21,  1707.  The 
mother  of  all  except  the  last  two  was  Elizabeth,  dr.  of  Mr.  Samuel  Mayo 
(not  Rev.  John,  as  beiore  inadvertently  stated),  and  grand  dr.  of  Rev. 
John  m.  Mar.  16,  1674,  and  died  Dec.  4,  1696,  m.  44.  To  the  mother  of 
his  last  children,  Abigail  (Willard)  Easterbrook,  widow  of  Benjamin,  he 
was  m.  Aug.  29,  1700.     She  survived  until  Dec.  27,  1746. 


382  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

facetious,  always  dignified  though  fond  of  humor,  and 
often  shaking  his  sides  with  laughter."  The  venerable 
and  learned  minister  of  the  Stone  Chapel  in  Boston, 
long  since  deceased  (Rev.  Jas.  Freeman,  D.D.),  whose 
ancestry  resided  in  the  vicinity  of  Mr.  Treat's  labors, 
has  said,  "  His  sermons  and  manuscripts  exhibit  learn- 
ing; the  doctrines  are  defended  with  ability  and 
ingenuity;  and  the  applications  of  the  sermons -are 
tremendous."  It  has  been  said,  however,  that  he  was 
not  a  popular  orator.^  Mr.  Edmund  Freeman  died  this 
year.^ 

In  1718,  the  town  appropriated  ^600  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  new  meeting-house,  and  extended  a  call  to 


^  Dr.  Freeman  has  said,  "  His  voice  was  so  loud  that  It  could  be  heard  at 
a  great  distance  from  the  meeting-house  where  he  was  preaching,  even  in 
the  midst  of  the  winds  that  howl  over  the  plains  of  Nauset."  He  says, 
moreover,  of  that  powerful  voice,  "  There  was  na  more  music  in  it  than  in 
the  discordant  sounds  with  which  it  mingled."  Such,  it  will  be  understood, 
were  Dr.  F.'s  impressions  from  the  relation  of  others ;  he  could  not  have 
been  an  ear-witness. 

That  'Mr.  Treat  was  not  distinguished  for  captivating  oratorical  powers 
may  be  fairly  inferred  from  an  instructive  and  somewhat  amusing  anecdote 
related  of  his  preaching  for  his  father-in-law,  minister  of  the  Old  South 
Church  in  Boston,  and  sometime  president  of  Harvard  College.  Dr. 
Willard,  as  is  well  known,  possessed  superior  powers  of  mind ;  his  imagina- 
tion rich  without  luxuriance,  his  perception  rapid  and  correct,  his  argument- 
ative efforts  profound  and  clear.  Mr.  Treat,  being  invited  to  preach  for 
him,  gave  one  of  his  best  sermons,  —  without  doubt ;  but  the  congregation 
did  not  receive  it  with  favor.  Some,  not  knowing  that  the  preacher  was 
their  pastor's  son-in-law,  even  hinted  to  Mr.  Willard  a  hope  that  he  would 
not  again  Invite  his  services ;  they  doubted  not  that  the  minister  was  a  pious 
and  very  worthy  man,  but  —  "  such  horrid  preaching ! "  Mr.  Willard  listened 
attentively,  and  borrowed  the  sermon,  which,  a  few  weeks  after,  he  delivered 
from  the  same  pulpit,  verbatim.  The  audience  were  '  charmed !  their  min- 
ister had  excelled  himself;  he  had  never  before  preached  so  excellent  a 
sermon ! '  They  even  requested  a  copy  for  the  press.  Said  one,  "  You 
preached  from  the  same  text  that  stranger  had ;  but  Avhat  a  difference ! " 
When  told  it  was  the  identical  discourse  preached  by  "  the  stranger  "■ —  "  my 
son-in-law,  Mr.  Treat,"  the  effect  of  the  announcement  can  be  better  imag- 
ined than  described.  It  has  been  suggested,  he  might  with  great  propriety 
have  addressed  the  sapient  critics,  In  the  words  of  Phasdrus,  — ■ 

"  En  hie  declarat,  quales  sitis  judices." 

*Mr.  Freeman,  called  Lieut.,  b.  1657,  s.  of  Maj.  John,  m.  probably 
Sarah  Sunderland.  He  had,  by  Sarah,  Isaac,  Ebenezer,  Edmund,  Ruth, 
Sarah,  Mary,  Experience,  Mercy,  Thankful,  Elizabeth,  Hannah,  and 
Rachel.        " 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  050 

Mr.  Samuel  Osborn.^  Joseph  Doane  Esq.,  Capt.  Sam'l 
Freeman,  John  Knowles,  and  Nathaniel  Freeman  Esq. 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  treat  with  him;  his 
acceptance  of  the  pastoral  office  was  reported,  and 
arrangements  were  made  for  his  institution,  which  took 
place  Sept.  18.  In  the  mean  time,  however,  a  tempo- 
rary difficulty  had  arisen ;  the  location  of  .the  old 
meeting-house,  at  the  ancient  burial-place,  was  incon- 
venient for  a  large  portion  of  the  present  population. 
Many  attempts  to  fix  on  a  location  more  central,  and 
harmonizing  the  views  of  all,  proved  unsuccessful.  A 
proposition  was  finally  made  to  build  tzvo  meeting- 
houses,—  one  in  the  south,  the  other  in  the  north 
part  of  the  town,  and  then  divide  the  town  into  corre- 
sponding parishes.  This  met  with  general  approbation. 
Further,  it  was  nobly  resolved  that, "  if  the  people  can- 
not lovingly  agree  on  the  line  dividing  the  two  distinct 
parishes  to  be  formed,  the  town  will  invite  discreet 
men  from  neighboring  towns  to  settle  the  question, 
and  Mr.  Osburn,  concurring,  shall  make  his  election  of 
the  parish  he  will  serve."  The  duty  of  determining 
the  dividing  line  was  committed  to  Messrs.  Joseph 
Lothrop  and  John  Baker,  of  Barnstable,  and  Elisha 
Hall  of  Yarmouth,  whose  decision  settled  the  contro- 
versy. Rev.  Mr.  Osborn  removed  to  the  South  Parish, 
and  entered  upon  the  charge  of  the  branch  of  the 
church  now,  by  amicable  agreement,  duly  organized. 
Richard  Knowles  was  paid  from  the  town  treasury 
£2.10  "for  bringing  Mr.  Osborn's  family  and  goods 
from  Plymouth."  The  next  year,  "  a  burial-place  was 
laid  out  at  the  west  end  of  the  South  meetino;-house." 
Mr.  Simon  Crosby  died  this  year  Jan.  19,  aged  52;  and 

^Mr.  Osborn  was  from  Ireland,  and  educated  at  the  University  of 
Dublin. 


381  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Mr.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Oct.  10.^  Of  the  wreck  of  the 
Whidah,  we  have  spoken,  p.  356  of  our  former  volume.^ 

In  1719,  the  town  being  fined  £50  for  not  having 
a  school,  a  petition  to  the  Court  of  Sessions  asked 
either  the  remission  of  the  fine,  or  that  it  be  disposed 
of  for  the  benefit  of  schools  in  this  town.  The  inhab- 
itants of  Billingsgate  asked  "  to  be  set  off  from  East- 
ham,  —  to  constitute  a  distinct  township  extending 
from  the  bounds  of  Truro  to  Indian  Brook  and  thence 
easterly  to  the  sea.  To  this  the  town  objected.  See 
Vol.  I.  357.     Dea.  John  Freeman  died.^ 

Until  1720,  the  old  meeting-house  was  occupied  by 
the  North  Parish;  the  new  one  being  now  finished, 


^  Mr.  Hopkins,  b.  1642,  s.  of  Giles,  and  grand  s.  of  Stephen  the  Pilgrim, 
is  mentioned  in  his  grandfather's  will  when  yet  an  infant.  See  Annals  of 
Harwich. 

^  This  noted  piratical  craft,  wrecked  April  26,  had  succeeded  in  captur- 
ing several  vessels,  one  of  which  with  a  prize-crew  on  board,  was  soon  after 
anchored  safely  in  Cape  Cod  Harbor  by  her  rightful  captain.  The  pirates 
becoming  intoxicated,  he  seized  the  opportunity  and  regained  his  ship. 
Several  of  the  prize-crew,  when  aroused  from  their  drunken  sleep,  contrived 
to  escape ;  but  they  were  finally  arrested  and  taken  to  Boston.  Six  were 
executed.  The  pirate  ship  itself,  singularly  enough,  was,  soon  after  the  loss  of 
its  prize,  overtaken  by  a  violent  storm,  and  dashed  to  pieces  near  the  table- 
land of  what  is  now  Wellfleet.  All  but  two  of  the  crew  arc  supposed  to 
have  perished.  Capt.  Southack,  sent  by  Government  to  the  seenc  of  disas- 
ter, found  and  buried  the  bodies  of  102.  As  late  as  1814,  parts  of  the  ship 
were  yet  to  be  seen,  in  the  stillness  and  consequent  clearness  of  the  waters, 
reposing  in  the  whiteness  of  the  sandy  bottom,  and  coin  made  in  the  reign 
of  William  &  Mary  had  been  foimd  from  time  to  time  on  the  beai-h.  We 
are  assured  that,  by  the  action  of  the  sea,  the  wreck  is  now,  18G3,  again 
disclosed.  Mr.  Pratt  relates  a  traditional  story  of  a  man  of  peculiar  aspect, 
who,  often  visiting  this  jiart  of  the  Cape,  was  supposed  to  have  been  one  of 
the  pirates.  The  presumption  was  strong  on  the  minds  of  many  that  he 
was,  at  least,  cognizant  of  some  place  where  treasures  v/cre  secreted, 
and  that  he  came  hither  for  supplies  as  his  criigencies  required.  Aged 
people  related  of  him,  that,  oft-times,  in  the  stillness  of  night,  his  sleep  was 
attended  by  boisterous,  profane,  and  quarrelsome  outbreaks,  as  if  he  were 
contending  with  legions.  When  allowed  the  hospitality  of  a  j^rivate  dwell- 
ing, if  the  Scriptures  were  to  be  read  and  prayer  offered,  he  was  greatly 
disturbed  and  hastily  retired.  It  was  said,  moreover,  that,  upon  his  body, 
after  death,  was  found  a  girdle,  in  which  was  concealed  much  gold. 

^Mr.  Freeman  had  held  a  prominent  place,  not  only  in  the  town,  but 
in  the  colony.  Sec  Vol.  I.  COl.  His  will  Avas  offered  for  probate  Nov.  4, 
1719.  He  was  the  patriarch  of  a  numerous  family,  and  survived  several  of 
his  sons  who  also  had  large  families.     His  widow  d.  Sept.  27,  1721. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  385 

the  former  was  abandoned.  A  burial-place  was  laid 
out,  adjoining  the  new  place  for  worship,  and  a  house 
was  erected  for  a  parsonage.  As  an  effort  to  concil- 
iate the  people  of  Billingsgate,  a  resolution  was  offered 
in  town-meeting  to  allow  that  part  of  the  town  to  be 
a  distinct  parish,  —  the  ministers  of  the  three  parishes 
to  be  paid  from  a  common  fund.  The  resolution  was 
negatived. 

The  North  Precinct  having  taken  measures  to  pro- 
vide a  minister,  through  their  agent,  Mr.  Isaac  Pepper ; 
and  Mr.  Benjamin  Webb  being  invited  to  accept  the 
pastoral  charge,  the  town  unanimously  voted  him  a 
salary  of  <£90,  —  the  same  paid  to  Mr.  Osborn,  with 
the  use  of  ministerial  lands  and  meadows.  They  also 
gave  him  in  fee  simple  the  parsonage  house.  He 
accepted  and  was  ordained.^ 

In  1721,  many  meetings  were  held  in  reference  to  the  town's 
portion  of  the  £50,000  loan.  Mr.  Isaac  Pepper  was  appointed 
to  receive  it  from  the  Province  Treasurer ;  and  Joseph  Doane 
Esq.,  Caj)t.  Samuel  Freeman,  and  Nathaniel  Freeman  Esq. 
were  appointed  trustees  of  the  fund  with  directions  to  "  let  out 
the  same,  £468.10  at  five  per  cent,  and  no  more, — taking  good 
security  of  real  or  personal  estate."  Mr.  JoHisr  Feeeman,  son  of 
Dea.  John,  died  July  27,  se.  70.^ 

In  1722,  the  town  was  served  with  order  of  notice, 
and  appointed  Mr.  John  Paine  to  appear  and  oppose 
the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Billingsgate ;  the 
result  was  that,  the  next  year,  a  committee  from  the 
Court  visited  the  town,  heard  the  parties,  and  reported 


^Eev.  Mr.  Webb  was  from  Braintree,  b.  1695,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1715. 

^  Mr.  John  Freeman,  b.  1651,  m.  Sarah  Merrick,  dr.  of  Win.,  Dec.  18, 
1672,  and  2d,  Mercy  Watson,  wid.  of  Elkanah  of  Plynk  He  had  John 
Sept.  3,  1674,  d.  inf  ;  Sarah  1676,  who  m.  Edw.  Snow;  John  1678,  who 
m.  Mercy  Watson,  dr.  of  Elkanah  ;  Rebecca  1681 ;  Nath'l  Mar.  17,  1682-3, 
who  m.  Mary  Watson,  dr.- of  Elkanah;  Benj.  1685,  who  m.  Tcmp'e  Dim- 
mick;  Mercy,  1687,  who  m.  Chilingsworth  Foster;  Patience,  who  m.  Ele- 
azer  Crosby ;  Susanna,  ,who  m.  John  Mayo  Jr. ;  Elisa.,  who  m.  John 
Bacon  ;  and  Mary,  who  m.  Judah  Berry. 
vol.  II.  49 


386  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

in  favor  of  the  petitioners.  Lt.  Joseph  Snow  died  Jan. 
3,  1722-3.1 

In  1723,  Billingsgate  became  the  3d  Parish  in  East- 
ham.  Until  this  time,  one  general  ministerial  tax  had 
been  assessed  by  the  town.  The  new  parish  was 
organized,  July  29,  as  the  North  Precinct.  A  meeting- 
house at  Chequessett  Neck, — owned  by  proprietors, — 
small,  being  only  twenty  feet  square,  but  sufficiently 
large  for  the  present,  had  been  erected ;  and  Mr. 
JosiAH  Oakes,  who  had  been  officiating  here  several 
years,  was  now  requested  to  '^  continue  in  the  ministry 
with  us  as  formerly."  He  "accepted  the  call,"  and 
the  precinct  voted  to  pay  him  a  salary  of  £80.^ 

The  town  ceasing  from  this  time  to  act  in  ecclesias- 
tical matters  in  its  former  united  capacity,  we  must 
distinguish  between  town  and  parish  affairs.  Mr. 
Oakes,  we  have  seen,  accepted  the  call  of  the  newly- 
organized  North  Precinct ;  but,  whether  there  was  a 
misunderstanding  in  regard  to  the  nature  of  the  call 
or  for  other  reasons,  we  soon  find  him  and  his  people 
in  trouble.  At  the  very  first  precinct-meeting  after 
his  acceptance,  no  less  than  twenty-six  voters  entered 
their  "  protest  against  his  settlement  and  against  any 


^Lt.  Joseph  Snow  had  sons:  Joseph,  Benj.,  Stephen,  James,  and 
Josiab,  and  6  drs.  Stephen  m.  Susanna  Rogers,  wid.  of  Joseph  Jr.,  Oct. 
8,  1663,  and  had  Micaijah  Dec.  22,  1669;  and  3  drs.  John  m.  Mary 
Small  Sept.  19,  1667,  and  had  John  May  3,  1678;  Isaac  Aug.  10,  1683 
EHsha  Jan.  10,  1686-7;  and  6  drs.  Thomas,  s.  of  Mark,  m.  Hannah 
Sears,  dr.  Silas,  Feb.  8,  1692  ;  and  2d,  Avld.  Lydia  HamKin  Sept.  30,  1706 
and  had  "^ETisa.  1693;  Mary  1696;  Joslah  Jan.  27,  1699;  Eben.  Feb.  14 
1700,  who  was  the  first  child  baptized  in  the  church  at  Harwich,  Mar.  30 
1701;  Hannah  1703;  Lydia  1707;  Thomas  June  15,  1709;  Aaron  Feb, 
15,  1710-11  ;  and  Ruth  1713. 

-Mr.  Oakes  was  from  Boston,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1708.  He  had,  evi- 
dently, been  here  some  years.  His  father,  Doct.  Thomas,  of  Bostun,  s.  of 
Edward,  of  Cambridge,  who  had  occupied  high  positions  in  political  life,  came 
here,  perhaps,  in  1707,  and  d.  here  July  15,  1719.  He  had  two  sons, 
James  Oct.  30,  1687  ;  and  the  above  Josiah  May  3,  1689.  It  maybe,  how- 
ever, that  Dr.  O.  did  not  permanently  remove  until  after  the  decease  of  his 
•wife,  which  occurred  in  Boston  Ap.  19,  1719,  at  the  age  of  70. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  387 

assessment  to  pay  him."  ^  Nevertheless,  Mr.  Oakes 
continued  his  ministry  in  the  precinct.  The  next 
year,  the  situation  of  the  parish  was  before  the  Gen- 
eral Court.  See  Vol.  I.  362-3.  The  following  jesiv, 
the  precinct  voted,  by  a  large  majority,  to  reconsider 
all  former  doings  in  regard  to  call,  salary,  settlement, 
and  appointed  George  WilUamson  and  Elisha  Eldridge 
Jr.  a  committee  "  to  forbid  his  preaching  any  more  in 
the  meeting-house,"  and  Samuel  Brown  and  Samuel 
Smith  a  committee  "  to  advise  with  neighboring  minis- 
ters in  regard  to  present  circumstances,  and  procure  a 
suitable  minister  for  the  parish."  Mr.  Oakes,  however, 
made  complaint  to  the  Court  of  Sessions  and  asked 
for  redress,  in  which  request  he  was  joined  by  John 
Doane  and  fifteen  others.  He  continued  to  minister 
to  a  minority ;  and,  for  some  time,  notwithstanding 
the  decision  of  Courts  and  frequent  attempts  of  com- 
mittees to  heal  the  breach  or  induce  him  to  leave 
town,  difficulties  seemed  to  augment.  Finally,  Mr. 
Oakes  retired,  and  the  precinct  had  the  services  of 
another.2  Mr.  John  Cole  d.  Jan.  6,  1724-5;^  and  Mr. 
Jonathan  Linnel  July  27,  1725. 

In  1727,  the  General  Court  having  authorized  another  issue 

^  Possibly  invited  ouIt/  "  to  continue  in  the  ministry  as  formerly,"  the 
acceptance  may  have  been  couched  in  terms  that  seemed  to  the  parishion- 
ers to  imply  more  than  they  had  intended :  the  reply  was,  "  I  accept  of 
both  your  former  and  your  latter  call,  together  with  your  former  and  latter 
proposals;  and,  accordingly,  shall  continue  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  in 
order  to  a  settlement  among  you." 

^  Mr.  John  Sumner  ;  but  no  movement  was  made  for  his  settlement. 

^Mr.  John  Cole,  b.  1G44,  m.  Ruth  Snow  Dec  12,  1666,  and  had  Ruth 
1668;  John  Mar.  6,  1669-70;  Hepzibah  1672,  Hannah  1675;  Joseph 
June  11,  1677  ;  Mary  1679;  and  Sarah  1682.  Israel,  b.  1653,  m.  Mary 
Rogers  Ap.  24,  1679,  and  had  Hannah  1681  ;  and  Israel  June  28,  1685. 
William,  b.  1663,  m.  Hannah  Snow  Dec.  2,  1688,  and  had  Elisha  Jan. 
26,  1688-9;' David  Oct.  4,  1691;  Hannah  1693;  and  Jane  1696.  John,. 
b.  1670,  had,  by  his  w.  Mary,  Jona.  Oct.  4,  1694:  John,  Oct.  14,  1696; 
Marv  1698  ;  James  Oct.  23,  1700;  Nathan  Jan.  21,  1702-3;  Joshua  Mar. 
20,  1704-5;  Moses  July  22,  1707;  Phebe  1709;  Thankful  1712,  d.  inf  ; 
Joseph  Oct.  13,  1714  ;  and  Thankful  1716.  He  d.  Dec  13,  1746;  she  d' 
Feb.  17,  1731-2. 


6qQ  history    of   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

of  Bills  of  Credit,  to  the  amount  of  £60,000,  tliis  town  voted  not 
to-  receive  any  part  of  it.  Subsequently,  however,  the  vote  was 
reconsidered,  and  Nath'l  Freeman  Esq.,  Edward  Knowles,  and 
John  Paine  were  constituted  a  committee  to  receive  the  town's 
portion,  £537.15,  and  let  it  out  as  provided  by  law. 

In  1728,  a  meeting  of  the  North  Precinct  was  held 
to  see  if  the  parish  will  consent  to  build  a  new  meet- 
ing-house, or  make  arrangements  with  the  proprietors 
of  the  building  now  in  use ;  and  it  was  finally  agreed 
between  the  parties  that  the  parish  repair  the  present 
house,  put  in  glass  windows/  and  keep  the  building  in 
repair  four  years  ;  after  which  time  the  parish  shall, 
if  thought  expedient,  take  away  the  glass  and  all 
other  fixtures  placed  there  at  its  own  expense ;  the 
building  then  to  revert  to  the  proprietors.  Several  at- 
tempts were  made  to  obtain  a  minister,  £200  being 
voted  for  ministerial  support  and  incidental  charges. 
A  call  was  proffered  to  Mr.  David  Hall,  but  declined.^ 
A  com.  was  then  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Presi- 
dent of  Harv.  College  and  others  to  secure  the  servi- 
ces of  a  suitable  clergyman,  and  an  invitation  was  ex- 
tended to  Mr.  Ezra  Whitmarsh,^  with  the  offer  of  £90 
salary  and  a  settlement  of  £120,  together  with  the 
use  of  the  ministerial  lands  and  a  gift  of  four  acres  ; 
but  although  Mr.  W.  was  inclined  to  accept,  no  satisfac- 
tory agreement  was  made,  and  in  1729  he  discontinued 
his  services.  Mr.  Ichabod  Higgins  d.  June  1,  aged  30  ;  * 


'  The  presumption  is  that,  until  now,  wooden  shutters  only  had  adorned 
the  house. 

^  Mr.  Hall  grad.  Harv.  Coll.  1724. 

'  Mr.  Whitmarsh  grad.  H.  C.  1723. 

*  Mr.  IcHABOi)  Higgins,  b.  1662,  s.  of  Benjamin,  and  g.  s.  of  Richard, 
had,  by  his  av.  Melatiah,  John  June  8,  1692;  Nathaniel  June  1,  1694; 
Thankful  1696;  Lydia  1698;  and  Ebenezer  Ap.  15,  1701.  Jonathajst, 
prob.  a  s.  of  Rich'd,  b.  1637,  m.  Elisa.  Rogers  Jan.  9,  1660-1,  and  had  Be- 
riah  Sept.  27,  1661  ;  Jona.Feb.  14, 1664;  Joseph  Feb.  14,  1667;  and  prob. 
James  and  others.  Ben.t.  b.  1674,  s.  of  Benj.,  m.  Sai-ah,  dr.  of  Edm.  Free- 
man, May  22,  1701,  and  had  sons  Thomas,  Paul,  Benj.,  Zaeeheus,  Solomon, 
Isaac,  and  Freeman,  and  7  drs.    Richard,  b.  1664,  s.  of  Benj.,  had,  by  w. 


ANNALS   OF   EASTHAM.  '  d89 

and  Capt.  Jonathan  Bangs  d.  Nov.  9,  se.  78.  Mr.  Jere- 
miah Smith  d.  March  29,  the  previous  year ;  and  Mr. 
Thomas  Mayo  d.  Ap.  22,  1729,  aged  79.^ 

In  1730,  another  effort  of  the  North  Precinct  to  ob- 
tain a  pastor  was  more  successful.  The  services  of 
Rev.  Isaiah  Lewis  being  obtained,  his  ministry  proved 
highly  acceptable.  A  call  was  extended  to  him  with 
the  offer  of  £110  per  annum  "in  good  and  passable 
money,  and  whatever  strangers  being  providentially 
in  the  place  shall  contribute,"  ^  also  £200  "  good 
money,"  as  a  settlement,  together  with  the  use  of  the 
lands  and  meadows  belonging  to  the  parish.  Mr. 
Lewis  accepted,  and  a  church  was  organized  within 
the  precinct  by  the  council  assembled  to  ordain  him, 
and  EKsha  Doane  was,  at  the  same  time,  elected  dea- 
con. The  church  embraced  about  50  male  members, 
besides  females.     Mr.  Sam'l  Snow  died  July  26. 

In  1731,  Dea.  Thos.  Crosby  died  April  21,  aged  68  ; 
and  Mr.  John  Paine,  Oct.  18,  aged  70.  Mr.  Josiah 
Cook  died  in  1732,  Jan.  31  ;^  and  Mr.  James  Maker  d. 
July  8, 

In  ITSS,  the  "Eastham  grantees  of  Narraganset  Township  No. 


Sarah,  Joshua  Dec.  3,  1695;  Eleazer  Feb.  9,  1G96-7;  Theoph.  May  6, 
1698;  Jediah  1700;  Zaccheus  1701;  Esther  1704;  David  1706;  Reuben 
1709;  Moses  1711;   and  Abigail  1715. 

*  Mr.  Thomas  Mayo,  s.  of  Nathaniel  1st,  b.  1650,  m.  Barbara  Knowles, 
dr.  Eichard,  June  13,  1677,  and  had  Thomas  Ap.  3,  1678;  Theoph.  Oct.  31, 
1680;  Mary  1683;  Maria  1685;  Ruth  1688;  Judah  Nov.  25,  1691  ;  Lydia 
1694 ;  Richard  Jan.  13,  1696  ;  and  Israel  Aug.  12,  1700.  His  bro.  Sam'l, 
who  d.  1738,  was  twice  m.  and  had  Samuel  1690  ;  Jonathan;  Rebecca;  and 
Mercy. 

^  Certain  portions  of  the  Cape  were,  in  early  times,  the  resort,  at  certain 
seasons,  of  not  only  fishermen  from  abroad,  who  came  because  of  the  pe- 
culiar facilities  here  afforded  for  prosecuting  their  business,  but  of  traders 
having  fishermen  in  their  employ,  or  being  desirous  of  securing  shipments. 
The  entire  method  of  conducting  the  business  has  changed,  as  have  also  lo- 
calities where  fish  are  sought. 

^  Mr.  Josiah  Cook,  s.  of  Josias,  m.  Deborah  Hopkins  July  27,  1668, 
and  had  Elisa.  Oct.  12, 1669,  d.  inf. ;  Josiah  Nov.  12,  16  70  ;  Rich'd  Sept.  1, 
1672;  Elisa.  1674;  Caleb  Nov.  15,  1676;  Deborah  1678;  Joshua  Feb.  4, 
1682-3;  and  Benj.  Feb.  28,  1686. 


390  'history  of  barnstable  couNTr. 

7,"  are  described  June  6,  on  the  records  of  the  town  of  Gorham, 
as  follows  :  "  Timothy  Cole,  Jeremiah  Smith,  Jonathan  Grew, 
Thomas  Paine,  Jed.  Higgins,  Elialdra  Higgins,  Joseph  Downing, 
Benjamin  Downing,  John  Walker,  John  Myrick,  Nathaniel  Wil- 
liams, John  Freeman,  Jonathan  Sparrow,  John  Knowles,  Samuel 
Bei'ry,  Sam'l  Atkins,  John  Doane,  Thomas  Mulford,  Josiah  Cook, 
Joseph  Harding,  and  George  Brown."  The  grant  was  for  "  sol- 
dier-service "  in  1675.  But  few,  we  apprehend,  now  remained  to 
enjoy  the  bounty. 

In  1734,  the  North  Precinct  resolved  to  build  a 
meeting-house,  and  to  place  it  S.  of  Duck  Creek.  For 
this  purpose  £200  was  appropriated ;  and  the  town 
was  asked  for  consent  to  the  precinct  being  made  a 
distinct  township.  The  application  was  not  successfiiL 
Agents  were  appointed  by  the  town  to  meet  such  per- 
sons as  may  be  appointed  by  the  towns  of  Harwich, 
Chatham,  Truro,  and  Provincetown,  "  to  memorialize 
the  Gen.  Court,  asking  that  these  five  towns  may  be 
erected  a  County  distinct  and  separate  from  the  county 
of  Barnstable."  Agents  from  five  towns  assembled  at 
the  house  of  Capt.  Simeon  Knowles,  Nov.  20,  prepared 
a  memorial,  and  delegated  William  Paine,  John  Rich, 
and  John  Knowles  to  present  the  same  and  urge  the 
prayer  of  the  petitioners.  The  application  being  re- 
fused, an  effort  was  next  made  to  have  the  number  of 
courts  hekl  in  the  county  diminished.  This  also  was 
unsuccessful.  The  feeling  that  cried  for  change  was 
not  to  be  subdued  by  slight  rebuffs  ;  the  subject  was 
still  agitated  with  much  zeal ;  and  in  1737  a  vigorous 
attempt  was  made  to  obtain  "  a  law  requiring  two 
terms  of  the  Courts  of  Common  Pleas  and  Gen.  Ses- 
sions for  the  county,  to  be  held  annually  in  the  town 
of  Eastham."  The  "  great  distance "  from  the  shire 
town,  the  "  expense  "  of  attending  courts  so  remote, 
the  "loss  of  time"  to  jurors  and  others,  were,  of 
course,   the   prominent   reasons    set    forth   why    the 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  391 

change  should  be  made.  Capt.  Jonathan  Bangs  Jr.  d. 
in  February ;  and  Joseph  Merrick  Sr.  died  June  15, 
aged  75.^ 

In  1738,  the  pastoral  relation  between  Rev.  Mr.  Os- 
born  and  the  South  Precinct  was  dissolved  ;  ^  and  the 
parish  had,  for  some  time,  the  services  of  Mr.  Roland 
Thacher.^  Difficulties  had  existed  between  the  former 
minister  and  a  part  of  the  church,  growing,  probably, 
out  of  differences  of  opinion  in  regard  to  doctrines. 
The  disaffected  alleged  that  his  religious  sentiments 
were  lax  and  his  teachings  erroneous.  An  eccle- 
siastical council  of  ten  ministers  and  messengers,  from 
as  many  churches,  had  convened,  June  27,  upon  letters 
missive  from  Joseph  Doane,  Nathaniel  Freeman,  and 
others  in  behalf  of  the  majority,  and  Mr.  Osborn  was 
suspended  from  the  work  of  the  ministry  four  months. 
Whether  he  regarded  the  action  of  the  council  as 
equivalent  to  a  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  relation  is 
hardly  questionable  ;  for,  from  his  persisting  in  the  oc- 
cupancy of  the  ministerial  lands,  it  must  be  inferred 
that  he  did  not  consider  himself  as  regularly  dismissed. 
Mr.  Osborn  has  been  represented  as  "a  man  of  wisdom 
and  virtue,  possessing  many  good  qualities,"  He  had 
the  reputation  of  introducing  the  use  of  peat  for  fuel, 
and  various  improvements  in  husbandry.* 

In  1739,  Mr.  Joseph  Crocker  was  unanimously  called 
to  the  pastorate  of  the  South  Precinct,  and  was  or- 


^  Mr.  Joseph  Merrick,  b.  1662,  m.  Elisa.  Howes  May  8,  1684,  and  had 
Elisa.  Jan.  1685  ;  Mary  July  7,  1687  ;  Joseph  March  8,  1689-90  ;  William 
Jan.  26,  1692-3;  and  Isaac  Aug.  12,  1697.  The  name  is  now  often,  per- 
haps generally,  Myrick. 

'^  Mr.  Osborne  finally  removed  to  Boston,  where  he  kept  a  grammar 
scliool  many  years,  and  died  at  a  great  age. 

'  Hegrad.  H.  C.  1733. 

*  It  is  the  suggestion  of  later  times,  that  the  gist  of  all  the  trouble  with 
Mr.  Osborn  was  that  he  leaned  to  the  views  of  Arminius,  the  church  retain- 
ing the  faith  of  Calvin. 


392         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTAELE  COUNTY. 

dained  Sept.  12.^  To  this  time,  the  expense  of  sup- 
porting the  ministry  had  been  shared  jointly  by  the 
two  precincts,  South  and  Central,  and  it  was  now 
agreed  that  the  same  fraternal  arrangement  shall  con- 
tinue, —  an  account  to  be  kept  by  the  treasurer  dis- 
tinct for  each,  that  if  hereafter  either  parish  desire  a 
different  arrangement,  there  may  be  an  equitable  di- 
vision of  common  property.  Mr.  Crocker  was  to  have 
the  same  settlement  and  salary  as  given  his  predeces- 
sor ;  in  addition  to  which  was  sufiiciency  of  wood  for 
yearly  use  delivered  at  his  door.  The  precincts  also 
engaged  "  to  sustain  Mr.  Crocker  in  ejecting  Mr. 
Osborn." 

The  town  petitioned  the  Court  for  abatement  of  the  town's 
provincial  tax ;  also  for  an  act  favoring  the  preservation  of  Bil- 
lingsgate beach  and  commons  meadow. 

In  1740,  we  obtain  a  view  of  the  North  Precinct 
meeting-house ;  it  had  hitherto  remained  both  un- 
lathed  and  un-plastered.  It  was  now  resolved  to  finish 
and  underpin  the  building,  and  pave  around  it.  For 
lathing,  plastering,  etc.,  £63  was  raised.  The  precinct 
engaged  to  cause  to  be  delivered  at  Mr.  Lewis's  door 
16  cords  of  wood ;  also  to  lay  out  more  meadow  for 
his  use,  and  plough  for  him  two  acres  of  land.  The 
next  year  an  addition  of  <£8  was  made  to  his  salary. 
Two  years  after,  1743,  a  further  addition  of  £32,  old 
tenor,  was  made  ;  and,  two  years  after  this,  1745,  "  two 
spots  for  pews "  were  sold  "  to  repair  the  glass  of  the 
meeting-house."  The  town,  this  year,  made  "  division 
of  all  the  remaining  undivided  lands,  from  Sluts  Bush 
to  Boat-meadow  River,  to  137  male  inhabitants,  now  of 
age."     Mr.  Sam'l  Freeman  d,  Jan.  30,  1743,  aged  82. 

In  1746,  the   town   applied   "for   protection   from 

^  IMr.  Crocker  was  from  Barnstable,  and  grad.  II.  C.  1734. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTIIAM.  6^6 

impressment  in  His  Majesty's  service."  The  Rev. 
Benjamin  Webb,  pastor  of  the  Central  Precinct,  died 
Aug.  21,  83.  51,  after  a  ministry  of  26  years,  greatly 
lamented.  He  is  commended  by  contemporaries  as 
having  been  "  a  pious,  learned,  laborious,  faithful  min- 
ister, whose  daily  walk  was  holy  and  unblamable,  and 
whose  prominent  traits  were  gentleness  and  humility."  ^ 
Capt.  Edward  Bangs  d.  May  22,  se.  81. 

After  Mr.  Webb's  decease,  Mr.  Josiah  Torry^  and 
Mr.  Ezra  Carpenter  ^  were  each,  successively,  invited  to 
the  pastoral  charge,  but  declined.  Rev.  Edward 
Cheever  was  then  called,  and,  accepting,  was  installed 
in  1751.*  The  population  of  the  entire  township  was 
now  about  2,000.  Mr.  James  Rogers  d.  Sept.  8.  In 
1753,  Samuel  Knowles  Esq.  died.^ 

Excepting  measures  "  to  prevent  the  destruction  of 
the  western  shore,"  and  the  adjustment  of  bounds  on 

^  E.8V.  Mr.  Crocker  of  the  South  Precinct  has  said  of  Mr.  Webb,  "  He 
was  the  best  man  and  the  best  minister  I  ever  knew ;  his  heart  was  pure  as 
the  faUing  snow,  and  his  mind  serene  as  a  mild  June  evening  sky  when  the 
full  moon  shines  without  a  cloud."  Mr.  Webb  was  one  of  the  several  min- 
isters in  the  county  vi^ho  felt  constrained  to  unite  in  a  declaration  against 
the  movements  of  the  Rev.  Geo.  Whitefield,  which  "  testimony  "  was  pub- 
lished in  1745,  and  asserts  "Itinerant  preaching  tends  to  destroy  the 
usefulness  of  ministers  among  their  people,  promotes  strife  and  contention, 
a  censorious  and  uncharitable  spirit,  and  schisms  that  destroy  peace  and 
unity  and  threaten  the  subversion  of  many  churches."  It  should  be  men- 
tioned to  the  honor  of  his  parish,  that,  after  his  decease,  they  voted  "£30, 
old  tenor,  to  his  widow,  with  a  supply  of  firewood  for  one  year."  Mr.  W.'s 
w.  was  Mehitable  Williams  of  Taunton. 

''Grad.  H.  C.  1741. 

^'Grad.  H.  C.  1720. 

*Mr.  Cheever,  b.  1706,  grad.  H.  C.  1737,  was  from  Ipswich,  and  had 
been  previously  settled. 

^Mr.  Richard  Knowles,  who  was  early  at  Plym.,  was  here  1653.    His 
children  were  Mercy,  who  m.  Ephraim  Doane  Feb.  5,  1668  ;  John;  Sam'l 
Sept.  17,  1651,,  at  Plym.;  Mahit.  May  20,  1653,  at  E.,  d.  inf  ;  Mehit. 
1655  ;  Barbara  1656.     John  m.  Apphia Bangs,  di-.  Edward,  Dec.  28,  1670, 
who  m.  2d,  Joseph  Atwood.     Issue :  Edward  Nov.  7,  1671  ;  John  July  10, 
1673;  and   Deborah    1675.     Samuel   m.  Mercy  Freeman,  grand  dr.  of 
Gov.    Prince   1679,  and  had  James   1680;    Mercy   1681;    Samuel  1682; 
Nath'l    1686;    Richard  1688;    Rebecca  1690)!  John  1692 ;. ja:j^th    1694;    . 
Cornelius  1695  ;  and  Amos  1702.     John,  b.  I(j73,  by  w.  MaiyJha^  Joshua 
1696;  John  1698;  Ssth  1700;  Paul  1702;  James  1704;  Jesse  1707;  and  "'^ 
Mary  1709.—  WILL  ->?,T)  ,  >7/<-i, 
VOL.  II.  60 


394         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

either  side  of  the  township,  this  period  is  nearlj''  bar- 
ren of  interest.  In  1754,  the  representative  elected 
by  the  town  in  conformity  w4th  law  was  instructed 
by  a  vote  of  the  town  "  to  stay  at  home "  to  save 
expense,  "  the  town  engaging  to  hold  him  harmless ; " 
—  a  penny-wise  and  pound-foolish  expedient ;  for, 
soon  after,  the  town  found  occasion  to  petition  the 
General  Court,  "to  be  released  from  the  liabilities 
incurred  "  by  that  transaction. 

In  1755,  difficulties  that  bad  long  been  culminating  in  the 
North  Peecij^ct,  growing,  out  of  a  depreciated  currency  that 
rendered  the  minister's  support  quite  precarious,  were  finally  set- 
tled ;  it  being  agreed  that  "  his  salary  shall,  in  future,  be  £50 
sterling^''  and  that  he  shall  receive  "£S,  sterling^''  on  account  of 
former  losses."     Mr.  Samuel  Doane  d,  Aug.  19,  1756. 

In  1757,  the  town  directed  the  payment  of  £420,  old  tenor,  to 
fourteen  men  "  who  have  been  serving  in  the  army  during  the 
war;"  also  "that  they  be  excused  from  paying  a  poll  tax."  It 
was  also  voted  to  prosecute  certain  inhabitants  of  Harwich,  "  for 
carrying-on  the  whale-fishery  at  Billingsgate." 

In  1758,  an  inhabitant  of  the  North  Precinct  having 
avowed  himself  conscientiously  a  .Baptist,  the  parish 
voted  to  remit  his  tax  for  the  support  of  the  ministry 
and  meeting-house  repairs.  It  is  pleasant  to  record 
this  instance  of  justice  and  toleration,  and  to  feel 
assured,  as  we  do,  that  Cape  Cod  was  at  no  time 
greatly  sinning  against  either  Baptists  or  Quakers. 

In  1759,  the  burial-place  of  the  North  Precinct  was 
fenced;  and  "Tate  &  Brady's  version  of  the  Psalms" 
began  to  be  used  in  public  worship.  The  next  year, 
provision  was  made  "  for  the  support  of  the  poor  of 
the  town ; "  and  £160,  lawful  money,  was  raised  for 
schools.  The  year  following,  the  North  Precinct 
engaged  a  teacher  for  its  public  free  school,  at  a  salary 
of  £40,  and  divided  the  precinct  into  three  school 
districts,  appointing  a  school-committee  for  each. 


ANJ^ALS    OF   EASTHAM.  395 

The  desire  for  change,  —  perhaps  we  should  say 
progress^  was  not  laid.  The  years  17GD  to  1763  were 
times  of  local  excitement;  a  strenuous  effort  being 
made  by  the  town,  first,  with  the  aid  of  other* towns, 
to  lessen  the  number  of  courts  in  the  county ;  and, 
next,  by  the  people  of  the  North  Precinct,  to  be  set 
off,  either  as  a  distinct  township  or  didrid}  The 
town  finally  consenting  to  this  last  measure,  the  North 
Precinct,  or  "  Billingsgate,"  as  called  in  the  Act,  was 
incorporated  May  25, 1763,  by  the  name  of  Wellfleet, 
it  being  arranged  that  "  so  far  as  the  choice  of  repre- 
sentatives is  concerned,  the  tw^o  towns  shall  continue 
associated  ;  but,  in  all  other  respects,  shall  each  have 
full  powers  and  privileges  as  are  granted  to  other 
towns."  It  was  further  agreed  by  the  respective  par- 
ties, that  "  the  privileges  of  whaling,  fishing,  oystering 
and  harbors  shall  be  enjoyed  by  both /towns  as  before. 
Wellfleet  being  organized,  this  town  paid  over  to  the 
new  township  its  full  share  of  moneys  remaining  in 
the  treasury  for  general  purposes,  viz.,  £21.10.8. 

The  town  of  Eastham  was  thus  shorn  of  a  portion 
of  its  area  and  of  its  population;  so  that,  from  being 
in  political  importance  the  first  township  in  the 
county,  it  became  the  fifth.  It  seemed,  however,  to 
receive  new  impetus  from  the  change  :  educational 
privileges  were  at  once  increased  and  extended ; 
school-houses  were  provided,  —  jDutting  an  end  to  the 
necessity  of  using  as  a  substitute  rooms  in  private 
dwellings;  boundaries  were  defined ;  new  highways 
were  constructed,  and.  old  ones  repaired ;  and  divers 
public  improvements  indicated  increasing  prosperity. 


^  Whether  the  desire  to  lessen  the  frequency  of  the  county  courts  was 
prompted  by  the  fact  that  litigation  was  infrequent  and  but  few  causes 
required  the  attention  of  courts,  or  because  their  locality  was  not  controlla- 
ble, is  a  question  that  we  may  not  decide. 


396  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

And  so  well  satisfied  were  the  people  with  the  dimin- 
ished extent  of  territory,  that  an  application  to  the 
General  Court  by  persons  belonging  to  Harwich  to  be 
set  ofFVith  their  estates  and  armexed  to  Eastham, 
was  met  with  a  remonstrance.^ 

Exposure  to  the  ravages  of  small-pox,  at  this  time,  induced  an 
application  of  the  town  to  the  Quarter  Sessions,  to  authorize  a 
fine  of  any  persons  who,  having  been  exposed  to  the  infection, 
and  having  knowledge  of  the  fact,  should  neglect  to  give  timely 
notice  to  the  selectmen.  The  jDopulation  of  the  town  was  now 
1331.  The  decay  of  the  Indians  —  a  subject  of  melancholy 
interest  —  was  now  almost  consummated;  the  census  returns  for 
1765  shoAved  that  there  were  but  four  remaining  in  Eastham.^ 
The  Naijsets,  once  numerous  and  powerful,  were  soon  to  be, 
like  the  mammoth,  only  known  to  have  existed  ! 

The  readjustment  of  the  bounds  between  this  town  and  Har- 
wich in  1764,^  and  defining  the  bounds  between  this  town  and 
Wellfleet  in  1765,*  is  all  that  we  find,  for  some  years,  of  general 
interest.     Mr.  John  Snow  died  Feb.  15,  1766. 

In  1772,  the  South  Precinct  was  bereaved  of  its 
beloved  minister,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Crocker,  who  died 
March   2d,  in  the   thirty-third  year  x)f   his  ministry, 

^  The  applicants  resided  at  Potanumaquut.  The  town  subsequently 
consented  to  receive  them  and  their  estates  with  the  Indian  inhabitants 
within  the  line. 

^  The  same  census  reported  1 1  in  Wellfleet,  and  9 1  in  Harwich,  the 
greater  numbers  of  whom  were  at  Potanumaquut,  which,  as  stated  in  the 
preceding  note,  was,  by  and  by,  annexed  to  this  town.  A  missionary  con- 
tinued to  labor  among  them  a  few  yeai'S  ;  but  the  race  was  inevitably 
doomed  to  fade  away.  In  1802  there  remained  but  one  Indian  within  the 
bounds  of  the  ancient  Nauset,  and  only  tliree  at  Potanumaquut. 

^  These  wei'e  declared  tobe :  "  From  the  N.  bounds  of  Namskaket,  thence 
running  southerly  to  a  black-oak  tree  near  Baker's  pond,  marked  E.  H. 
with  a  stone  there  placed ;  thence  to  the  S.  W.  part  of  the  pond  to  a  heap 
of  small  stones  in  the  edge  of  the  pond ;  thence  southerly  to  a  stake  and 
stones  near  Chatham  road  ;  thence  southerly,  following  the  I'oad ;  thence  to 
the  S.  E.  in  the  Bay  by  aroi-k  at  the  edge  of  the  water;  thence  to  Potanu- 
maquut harbor,  as  the  channel  now  runs. 

*  The  bounds  between  Eastham  and  Vv''ellfleet :  "  Beginning  at  a  white- 
oak  tree  at  the  head  of  Indian  Brook,  marked  on  the  S.  side  E.  and  on  the 
N.  side  W. ;  thence  running  due  E.  by  marked  trees  to  a  pinotree  marked 
E.  on  the  S.  side,  and  W.  on  the  N.  ;  thence  E.  to  the  back  side ;  and 
from  the  first  mentioned  bounds  at  the  head  of  Indian  brook,  running  west- 
erly, as  the  brook  runs,  to  a  stake  on  the  beach  at  the  mouth  of"  suid  Indian 
brook,  crossing  the  end  of  Billingsgate  Point  to  Barnstable  Bay." 


AlsNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  397 

Mr.  Jonathan  Bascom  was  called  to  succeed  Mr. 
Crocker,  and  was  ordained  Oct.  14} 

In  the  times  of  trouble  that  preceded  the  open  rup- 
ture between  the  colonies  and  the  mother  country, 
this  town  was  by  no  means  an  indifferent  observer  of 
passing  events ;  nor,  when  the  ordeal  came,  were  the 
people  backward  to  assert  and  maintain  what  they 
regarded  as  American  rights.  The  situation  of  the 
town  was,  it  is  true,  one  of  peculiar  exposure ;  in  the 
event  of  a  resort  to  arms,  its  maritime  interests  must 
suffer,  and  its  dwellings  be  at  the  mercy  of  those  who 
controlled  the  seas;  but  we  are  not  aware  that  a 
majority  of  its  inhabitants  ever  quailed  under  the 
apprehension  of  danger,  or  shrunk  from  duty. 

In  1773,  at  a  meeting  duly  convened,  Feb.  27,  to 
deliberate  and  express  opinions  in  regard  to  matters 
of  public  grievance,  Capt.  Solomon  Pepper  was  chosen 
moderator,  and  patriotic  resolutions  reported  by  a 
large  committee  were  adopted:  — 

"  1.  That  the  several  Acts  of  Parliament  which  are  so  genei'ally 
comj^lained  of  by  these  colonies  are  manifest  violations  of  our 
rights.  , 

"2.  That  we  would  be  happy  if  the  connection  might  be  con- 
tinued between  Great  Britain  and  these  colonies,  and  they  be 
governed  according  to  the  true  spirit  and  meaning  of  our  several 
chai'ters,  and  the  British  constitution, 

"3,  That  we  justly  dread  the  consequences  which  the  burdens 
we  groan  under  must,  if  jiot  removed,  produce. 


*  Of  Mr.  Crocker  it  has  been  said,  that  "  although  not  gifted  with  popu- 
lar eloquence,  he  was  a  hard  student,  of  very  respectable  attainments,  pru- 
dent, of  great  mildness,  affectionate  in  disposition,  and  a  bright  exemplar 
of  virtue's  excellence."  The  Inscription  on  his  tomb-stone  says  :  "  Here  lies 
all  that  was  mortal  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Crocker,  the  pious,  faithful,  and 
respected  pastor  of  the  church  in  this  town,  who,  willing  rather  to  be 
absent  from  the  body  and  present  with  the  Lord,  died  IMar.  2,  1772,  In  the 
58th  yr.  of  his  age,  and  the  33d  of  his  ministry."  Mr.  C.  was  b.  in  Be. 
1714,  was  twice  m.,  and  had  3  ch.  viz. :  Josiah,  who  was  called  to  the  min- 
istry in  Y. ;  Lucia,  who  m.  Rev.  Simeon  Williams,  of  Weymouth  ;  and 
Anne,  who  m.  Rev.  Wm.  Shaw,  of  Marshfield. 


398  HISTORY    OP   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

"4.  That  every  true  friend  of  his  country  who  shall  have  the 
offer  of  a  seat  as  a  judge  in  the  sessions  of  the  courts  of  judica- 
ture, upon  such  a  detestable  plan  as  Ave  hear  is  established,  will 
bless  his  memory  by  rejecting  it  with  abhorrence;  and  all  who 
accei^t,  instead  of  being  deemed  the  dispensers  of  justice,  will  be 
objects  of  contempt. 

"5.  That  we  have  a  right  to  meet,  deliberate,  and  act  on  all 
matters  worthy  of  our  attention ;  and  that  we  look  upon  that 
man,  or  society  of  men,  who  can  sit  still  and  see  their  rights, 
privileges,  and  money  daily  taken  from  them  without  their  con- 
sent, as  not  worthy  of  the  name  of  freemen. 

"  6.  That  we  have  a  right  to  communicate  our  sentiments  and 
ask  advice  of  any  or  all  the  towns  in  the  Province,  or  elsewhere, 
if  need  be." 

It  was  further  voted  "  that  the  rights  of  Americans,  as  stated 
by  the  Boston  committee,  are  in  consonance  with  our  views;" 
and  "thanks"  were  voted  "to  that  committee,  and  to  the  people 
of  Boston,  for  their  zeal  and  activity  in  the  cause  of  liberty." 
Instructions  were  given  to  the  representatives  of  this  town.  It 
was  then  "  ordered,  that  these  doings  of  the  town  be  placed  on 
record  as  a  memorial  of  the  appreciation  of  our  rights  and  privi- 
leges." Barnabas  Freeman,  Thomas  Paine,  and  Joseph  Cole 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  transmit  a  copy  of  the  aforesaid 
proceedings  to  the  town  of  Boston. 

To  say  that  none  in  this  town  were  of  opposing 
views,  or  that  some  who  began  well  did  not  falter,  were 
not  consonant  with  facts;  but,  that  Eastham  was,  as  a 
town,  patriotic,  and  that  noble  spirits  were  here  acting 
in  concert  with  leading  patriots  at  Sandwich  and 
Barnstable,  is  attested  not  simply  by  resolutions,  but 
by  correspondence. 

In  1774,  this  town,  with  others,  took  action  in 
regard  to  the  use  of  teas.  Thomas  Paine  and  others, 
a  committee  of  correspondence,  reported  resolutions 
that  were  adopted :  ■ — 

"  1.  That  the  seven  late  resolves  of  the  citizens  of  Philadel- 
phia, which  the  town  of  Boston,  and  several  other  towns,  have 
adopted,  are  hereby  adopted  as  the  expression  and  sentiments  of 
this  town. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  6\jy 

"2.  That  the  disposal  of  their  own  property  is  the  inherent 
right  of  freemen,  and  that  it  cannot  rightfully  be  taken  from 
them  without  their  consent. 

"3.  That  the  duty  imposed  by  Parliament  on  teas  landed  in 
America  is  levying  contributions  on  us  without  our  consent,  and 
that  the  claim  to  tax  us  is  a  claim  of  right  to  lay  contributions 
at  their  pleasure. 

"4.  That  the  express  purpose  for  whicb  the  tax  is  levied  —  for 
the  support  of  government,  the  administration  of  justice,  and 
the  defence  of  His  Majesty's  dominions  —  has  a  direct  tendency 
to  render  our  constitutional  assemblies  useless,  and  to  introduce 
an  arbitrary  government  and  slavery. 

"5.  That  a  vigorous  and  steady  opi^osition  against  this  minis- 
terial plan  of  governing  America  is  necessary  to  preserve  even 
a  shadow  of  liberty,  and  is  a  duty  which  every  freeman  owes  to 
himself,  to  his  country,  and  to  posterity. 

"  6.  That  the  determination  which  the  East  India  Company 
have  lately  adopted,  to  send  their  teas  to  America,  subject  to  the 
payment  of  a  duty,  is  an  oj^en  attempt  to  enforce  the  ministerial 
plan,  and  a  violent  attack  on  our  liberties. 

"  7.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  every  American  to  oppose  it. 

"8.  That  whosoever  shall,  directly  or  indirectly,  countenance 
this  attemjDt,  is  an  enemy  to  his  country." 

The  committee  of  vigilance  and  correspondence 
were  instructed  "  to  make  careful  observation  to  detect 
any  who  presume  to  sell,  buy,  or  use,  the  detestable 
article,  that  their  names  may  be  known  both  at  home 
and  abroad."  The  town  also,  from  time  to  time,  passed 
resolutions  approbatory  of  the  doings  of  the  Provincial 
Congress. 

This  year,  an  effort  began  to  be  made,  in  conjunction  with 
Wellfleet,  to  proj^agate  oysters  in  the  Bay.^ 

In  1776,  the  town  instructed  their  representative  to 
urge  upon  the  Continental  Congress  the  importance 
of  declaring  the  United  Colonies  independent  of  Great 

^  Here  is  an  illustration  of  the  remark  we  have  before  made,  that  the 
employments  of  the  people  have  been  the  result  of  their  position.     The 
embargo  upon  commerce  led,  at  this  time,  to  the  planting  of  oysters, —  a 
,  business  that  has  been  continued,  and  has  proved  very  lucrative. 


400  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Britain.  Encouragements  were  also  given  to  enlist- 
ments into  the  Continental  service, —  a  bounty  of  £S. 
To  those  volunteering  in  the  Provincial  service,  a 
bounty  of  <£3. 

In  1777,  the  town  was  represented  by  Messrs. 
Solomon  Pepper,  Barnabas  Freeman,  and  Amos 
Knowles,  at  a  meeting  in  the  shire,  to  act  in  conven- 
tion on  public  affairs. 

A  vessel,  the  brig  Wilkes,  having  been  cast  ashore  this  year, 
on  the  east  side  of  the  town,  and  de^^redations  having  been 
made  on  the  wreck  by  some  unprincipled  adventurers,  a  town- 
.meeting  was  called,  and  a  committee  api^ointed  "  to  ferret  out 
and  bring  to  justice  those  who  committed  the  wrong, —  that  the 
honor  of  the  town  may  be  vindicated," 

In  1778,  efforts  were  renewed  by  the  town  to  complete  its 
quota  of  men  for  the  continental  army.  For  each  enlistment, 
£80,  old  tenor,  was  voted,  and  a  committee  chosen  to  provide 
for  the  families  of  the  soldiers  in  their  absence  from  home.  The 
amount  appropriated  at  different  times  to  sustain  the  war  was 
£2,580. 

In  1779,  the  question  of  a  new  Constitution  coming 
up,  this  town  declared  against  the  proposed  change, 
30  to  2.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  regulate 
prices,  agreeably  with  the  recommendation  of  the 
State  Convention  held  at  Concord. 

Poverty  and  distress  being  the  effect  of  the  protracted  war, 
commerce  and  fisheries  interrupted,  and  the  business  of  the  place 
destroyed,  the  inhabitants  petitioned  the  General  Court  to  abate 
the  State  tax  of  the  town;  representmg  the  effort  and  sacrifice 
required  to  provide  its  quota  of  soldiers,  and  at  the  same  time 
support  the  gospel  and  schools.  The  salaries  of  tiie  clergymen 
of  the  two  precincts  were  increased  to  £275  each,  old  tenor;  this 
in  consequence  of  the  depreciation. 

In  1780,  the  number  of  men  again  required  for  Continental 
service  was  enlisted;  the  town  engaging  "to  pay  each  man  thir- 
teen Spanish  milled  dollars  per  month  in  addition  to  the  £2  paid 
by  the  State."  The  next  year,  the  town  hired  four  men  to  join 
the  army  then  in  Ithode  Island,  and  engage'd  "to  pay  each  man 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  401 

sixteen  bushels  of  grain,  and  two  silver  dollars  per  month, 
besides  bearing  their  expenses  on-  the  way."  These  men  were 
David  Taylor,  Benoni  Baker,  Nathaniel  Knowles  and  Abijah 
Mayo.  There  was  one  requisition,  however,  with  which  the 
town  could  not  comply,  —  that  was,  "the  furnishing  of  beef  for 
the  army,"  When  a  committee  of  the  General  Court,  acting 
in  performance  of  duty,  visited  the  Cape  towns,  that  committee 
was  satisfied  that  no  possible  amount  of  patriotism  could  enable 
the  people  here  to  answ^er  the  requisition.  Mr.  Barnabas 
Peeeman"  died  Jan.  17,  1781. 

In  anticipation  of  peace,  the  town  instructed  its  rep- 
resentative to  exert  himself  to  secure  in  General  Court 
proper  measures  to  influence  delegates  to  Congress  to 
press  the  importance  of  the  New  England  fisheries, 
and  of  proper  regulations  respecting  them.,  in  any 
negotiations  with  Great  Britain.  The  inhabitants 
were  again  under  the  necessity  of  petitioning  for  an 
abatement  of  its  portion  of  the  public  taxes.  But,  in 
good  time.  Peace  was,  happily,  restored.  The  town 
had  been  severely  scourged,  but  the  broad  expanse  of 
ocean  was  now  free ;  the  channels  of  business  were 
once  more  unobstructed ;  and  the  place  could  yet  rise 
from  its  depression.  Among  ship-owners,  the  din  of 
preparation  was  heard  ;  its  enterprising  seamen  joined 
in  the  busy  movement,  and  hurried  forth  to  repair 
their  losses  and  gather  the  treasures  of  the  deep. 

The  agricultural  districts  can  hardly  estimate  the 
double  exhaustion  that  war  brings  to  a  maritime  town. 
In  apportioning  the  revenue  from  taxable  property, 
this  peculiarity  had  been  overlooked  by  government ; 
and  before  returns  could  be  made  frpm  voyages,  this 
town  must  needs  again  memorialize  the  General  Court. 
The  Court,  whether  from  incredulity,  or  because  an 
excursion  to  the  ancient  seat  of  the  Nausets  would  be 
an  agreeable  recreation  to  its  members,  sent  another 
committee  "  to  examine  into  the  circumstances  of  the 

VOL.    II.  51 


402  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

town,"  —  especially  in  reference  to  the  valuation  that 
had  been  ordered. 

The  town,  notwithstanding  all  its  perplexities,  had 
at  no  time  been  derelict  in  its  provision  for  schools. 
The  institutions  of  religion  survived. 

In  1785,  measures  were  adopted  by  the  town  to 
prevent  trespasses  by  strangers,  upon  its  hanJcs :  —  we 
mean  those  never-failing,  always-discounting  institu- 
tions which  Nature  has  so  bountifully  provided  here; 
furnishing  bait  for  fishing,  and  sustenance  to  those 
whose  taste  is  epicurean.^  The  town  has  ever  shown 
a  disposition  to  foster  these  banks;  and  hence  the 
application  now  made  to  the  legislative  authorities  for 
an  Act  to  prevent  a  "  run  "  upon  the  banks  by  those 
for  whose  immediate  benefit  they  were  not  established. 

In  1790,  the  population  of  this  town  was  2,064. 
Efforts  were  made  this  year  to  obtain  a  suitable  enact- 
ment regulating  the  fisheries  generally. 

In  1794,  Aug.  17,  the  Rev.  Edward  Cheever,  long 
time  pastor  of  what,  until  the  incorporation  of  Well- 
fleet,  we  had  with  propriety  denominated  the  Central 
Church,  died,  aged  78,  and  in  the  43d  year  of  his 
ministry ;  a  gentleman  of  much  learning,  of  good 
natural  talents,  a  good  preacher,  plain,  but  successful 


■*  In  the  early  settlement  of  New  England,  a  dish  of  clams  was  highly 
appreciated.  See  Vol.  I.  116.  Statistics  show  that  500  bis.  of  olam-bait, 
and  sometimes  1000  bis.,  per  annum,  have  been  furnished  here.  Some 
200  persons  have,  at  times,  found  employment  in  digging,  opening,  salting, 
and  heading  in  casks,  this  species  of  bait.  It  requires  12  or  1 8  bushels  in 
shell,  to  fill,  when  opened  and  removed,  a  barrel.  A  thousand  bushels  of 
clams,  worth  never  less  than  $5  to  $6  per  barrel,  are  equal  in  value  to  6  or 
8  thousand  bushels  of  Indian  corn,  and  are  procured  with,  probably,  not 
much  more  labor  or  expense.  These  treasures,  hidden  in  the  sands,  are, 
under  proper  regulations,  inexhaustible ;  for,  those  parts  of  the  flats  or 
shores  that  are  once  dug  over  soon  yield  again  a  crop  as  abundant. 
Indeed,  it  is  said  to  be  advantageous  to  the  clam  grounds  to  stir  them  as 
often  as  once  in  two  or  three  years.  Taking  into  consideration  the  other 
fish  supplied  by  the  coves,  and  the  bait  obtained  from  the  clam-grounds, 
these  portions  of  the  township  may  be  regarded  as  more  pecuniarily  valuable 
than  if  covered  with  the  most  fertile  soil. 


ANN^VLS    OF   EASTHAM.  403 

in  his  labors.^  The  next  year,  Mr.  Philander  Shaw 
was  invited  as  Mr.  Cheever's  successor.  A  salary  of 
^90  was  offered  him,  and  a  settlement  of  <£200.  He 
was  ordained  Sept.  23.^  The  town  also,  this  year, 
added  £10  to  the  salary  of  Mr.  Bascom.  The  ministry 
in  both  precincts,  it  will  be  understood,  still  contin- 
ued to  be  supported  from  a  common  treasury.  The 
next  year,  however,  1796,  preliminary  arrangements 
were  made  to  divide.  From  the  year  1718,  when  the 
South  Precinct  Church  was  organized,  the  two  had 
been  united  in  ecclesiastical  expenditures.  Whether 
ministerial  support,  building  or  repairing  the  places  for 
public  worship,  &c.,  all  was  met  by  a  town  tax.  Now, 
again,  the  town  harmoniously  voted  a  tax  of  $1,066.66, 
for  the  support  of  the  gospel  in  these  two  precincts, 
and  for  incidental  expenses.  Application  was  made 
this  year  to  the  General  Court,  and  a  committee  was 
sent  from  that  body,  "  to  establish  the  line  between 
this  town  and  Chatham." 

In  1797,  the  South  Precinct  was  incorporated  as  a 
distinct  town,  by  the  name  of  Orleans.  Dea.  Joseph 
Pepper,  the  remaining  selectman  of  Eastham,  was 
authorized  by  the  Act  of  Incorporation  to  call  a  meetr 
ing  for  the  reorganization  of  this  ancient  town,  which 
meeting  was  held  Mar.  15.  It  was  amicably  agreed 
between  authorized  representatives  of  both  towns, 
May  11,  that  this  town  pay  the  town  of  Orleans 
$217.25;  that  Orleans  shall  have  all  the  outstanding 
taxes  of  the  town  under  its  old  organization ;  that 
this  town  pay  to  Orleans,  as  soon  as  any  of  the  Pota- 
numaquut  Indians  become   chargeable,   $13.90,   the 


^  Rev.  Mr.  Cheever's  first  wife  was  a  Wigglesworth ;  liis  2d,  Dorcas 
Cook,  of  this  town.     He  had  several  sons. 

-  Mr.  Shav/  was  from  Marshfield,  nephew  of  Rev.  Oakes  of  Be.,  and  s. 
of  Rev.  Wm.,  who  was  s.  of  Rev.  John  of  Bridgewater. 


404         niSTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

proceeds  of  Indian  lands  sold  by  order  of  the  General 
Court ;  and  that  the  old  records  be  retained  by  the 
town  of  Orleans.^  The  population  of  this  town  was 
now  reduced  to  840 ;  and  yet  two  school-houses  were 
this  year  built,  and  other  signs  exhibited  of  vitality 
and  good  cheer.^ 

In  1799,  considerable  inyestnients  were  being  made 
in  the  manufacture  of  salt.  A  canal  from  Great- 
meadow  River  to  Herring  Pond  was  constructed.  The 
dangers  of  the  coast  were  illustrated  this  year  by  several 
ill-fated  wrecks.  The  century  closing  in  1800  left  a 
population  here  of  only  about  800,  —  a  continued 
decline.  The  meeting-house  had  been  enlarged,  at  an 
expense  of  $1,562.41,  and  the  pews  gained  were  sold 
for  $2,010.=^     Capt.  Winslow  Lewis  d.  July  1801,  £e..63.* 

In  1804  a  committee  was  appointed  to  join  a  committee  from 
Orleans,  and  examine  and  report  the  practicability  of  uniting 
Town  Cove  and  Boat-meadow  River  by  a  navigable  canal.  Ap- 
plication was  made  to  the  legislature  for  power  to  raise  the 
amount  necessary  for  its  construction,  by  a  lottery.  A  connec- 
tion was  thus  effected  between  the  bay  and  the  ocean  on  the 
opposite  side ;  but  to  no  useful  purpose. 

The  year  1806  witnessed  another  of  those  disasters  to  which 


^  An  equal  division  was  made  of  "  books,  powder,  balls,  and  gun-flints." 

^  The  bounds  between  Eastham  and  Orleans  were  thus  defined :  "  A  line 
beglnnino;  at  Rock-harbor  River,  and  running  by  divers  courses  to  Boat- 
meadow  River ;  thence  running  up  the  middle  of  the  river  to  its  head ; 
thence  running  southerly  thi'ough  the  centre  of  the  meadow  to  a  swamp ; 
thence  through  the  swamp  and  along  Jeremiah's  Gutter  into  the  middle  of 
the  Town  Cove ;  thence  running  down  the  centre  of  the  cove  to  Stone 
Island ;  and  thence  an  easterly  course  into  the  Atlantic  Ocean. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Shaw,  in  the  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  1802,  represents,  that  of  99 
dwelling-houses  in  E.,  only  7  were  more  than  one  story  high.  These 
were  occupied  by  122  families.  The  other  buildings,  exclusive  of  barns, 
etc.,  Avere  two  windmills  for  grinding  the  cereals,  two  schoolhouses,  and  a 
meeting-house. 

^  Capt.  Lewis,  b.  1738,  was  s.  of  the  former  pastor  of  the  N.  Precinct. 
See  Wellfleet.  Capt.  L.  had  been  a  prominent  citizen,  and  was  highly 
esteemed.  By  his  ra.  with  Mary  Knowles,  dr.  of  Willard  Sept.  12,  1765; 
he  had  Abigail  17GG,  d.  inf  ;  Abigail  Oct.  25, 1768,  who m.  Samuel  Austin; 
and  Winslow  May  11,  1770,  who  set.  in  Boston,  and  was  f  of  the  present 
Doct.  Winslow  Lewis. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTIMM.  405 

mariners  are  ex|5osed  on  this  dangerous  coast.  The  ship  Confi- 
dence, Isaiah  Knowles,  master,  sailed  from  Boston  for  the  coast 
of  Africa ;  but  was  upset  in  a  violent  gale  near  the  terminus  of 
the  Cape,  and  driven  into  the  Bay  west  of  this  town,.  —  the 
entire  crew  lost. 

In  1807,  we  are  favored  with  a  passing  view  of 
Eastham,  its  venerable  pastor,  and  one  of  his  parish- 
ioners, in  the  graphic  descriptions  and  delineations  of 
the  traveller.  "  All,"  says  Kendal,  "  attend  the  minis- 
try of  Mr.  Shaw,  —  only  the  fifth  clergyman  that  has 
been  settled  in  the  place  since  the  town  was  settled  in 
1644."  ^  But  it  is  not  so  much  to  glance  at  the  learned 
and  excellent  minister,  that  we  introduce  Mr.  K.,  as  to 
gain  from  him  an  inkling  of  the  interior  and  surround- 
ings of  the  abode  of  a  retired  sea-captain.  The  way- 
farer must,  in  the  absence  of  innSj  find  rest  and 
refreshment  where  he  may ;  so,  discovering  in  the 
distance  a  house,  a  barn,  and  a  small  building,  which 
proved  to  be  the  captain's  store,  "  the  house,  conspic- 
uous over  the  level  champaign  by  which  it  was  sur- 
rounded, appearing  to  be  the  chateau  of  the  domain," 
he  approached.  He  was,  of  course,  welcome,  though 
unknown.  It  was  a  habit  the  good  people  of  the 
Cape  had  in  those  days,  to  entertain  strangers.  The* 
hospitality,  on  this  occasion,  seems  to  have  been  ex- 
tended also  without  undue  inquisitiveness ;  for  not 
even  the  nationality  of  the  guest  was  known  until 
divulged  in  the  form  of  dissent  to  some  patriotic 
remark  of  the  host.  This  was  at  noon;  the  family 
dinner  Was  ready,  and  the  enjoyments  of  a  good  meal 
generally  enliven  conversation.  At  the  table,  alluding 
to  topics  of  general  interest,  the  captain  asked, "  Do  you 

*  Mr.  K.  called  upon  this  gentleman,  but  saw  less  of  him  than  he  wished, 
"partly  because  with  zealous  kindness  he  employed  himself  in  writing  let- 
ters for  me  to  his  friends,  a  service  from  which  I  reaped  the  most  agreeable   ' 
and  valuable  benefits." 


406  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY 

not  think  the  bloody  Admiral  Berkeleyvvill  be  hanged  ?  " 
The  reply  is  not  given,  but  may  be  inferred  by  its 
rejoinder,  "  What !  not  hanged !  then  the  United 
States  will  have  Halifax,  Canada,  the  West  Indies. 
They  will  show  to  King  George  what  Yankee  spunk 
is."  This  was  coming  nearer  home  to  the  stranger 
than  was  intended;  and,  to  an  intima,tion  to  this  effect 
Capt.  Colhns  could  only,  with  surprise,  reply,  "  You  a 
British  subject !  you  do  not  speak  like  one  ;  you  speak 
a  great  deal  too  well  to  be  an  Englishman  ;  you  must 
have  been  a  long  time  in  this  country.  Never  before 
knew  an  Englishman  to  speak  the  language  so  well." 
The  exciting  topic  was  dropped  by  the  captain,  with  the 
solitary  remark  that  he  was  ^  for  liberty  and  equality.* 
"After  dinner,"  says  Mr.  K.,  "the  captain's  lands 
afforded  a  topic.  He  is  an  improver  and  a  lover  of 
good  taste.  After  viewing  the  farm  and  the  arrange- 
ments of  the  house,  we  ascended  the  gallery  of  the 
roof,  with  a  telescope  in  hand.  Capt.  C.  had  been  a 
voyager  and  had  boldly  pursued  the  whale  through 
the  billows  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  was  now  enjoying 
the  honorable  reward  of  a  youth  of  industry."  Mr. 
Thomas  Paine  died  Oct.  3,  1807. 

In  1809,  this  town  was  again  called  to  severe  trial, 
by  reason  of  the  Embargo,  Navigation  being  sus- 
pended, a  large  portion  of  the  townsmen  were  unem- 
ployed, and  some  deprived  of  the  only  means  of  sup- 
porting themselves  and  families.  To  commercial  com- 
munities generally,  it  was  a  season  of  privation  and 
sacrifice.  The  succeeding  year,  the  census  showed  a 
continued  diminution,  the  population  of  the  town 
being  only  782.  The  declaration  of  tuar,  in  1812, 
seemed  to  place  the  ban  upon  Eastham's  prosperity. 

There  was,  as  might  be  expected,  some  division  of 
sentiment  in  regard   to  the  expediency  of  hostilities. 


ANNALS    OF  EASTHAM.  407 

The  injustice  of  Britain's  claims  was  acknowledged 
by  allj  and  her  persistence  in  impressments  was  repro- 
bated ;  but  the  town  would,  without  doubt,  have 
desired  a  postponement  of  the  issue.  No  action,  how- 
ever, was  had  conflicting  with  the  national  policy. 
The  fisheries,  in  which  the  greater  portion  of  the 
inhabitants  were  principally  interested,  were  not  sim- 
ply interrupted,  but  vessels  were  captured,  and  crews 
were  made  prisoners.  All  communication  with  com- 
mercial cities,  except  by  small  boats  running  near  the 
shores,  was  cut  off;  and  even  the  attempt  to  put  forth 
cautiously  in  these  was  attended  with  uncertainty  and 
risk.  As  in  the  war  of  the  revolution,  so  now,  the 
very  headquarters  of  the  naval  forces  of  the  enemy 
was  Cape  Cod  Harbor,  —  strangely  left,  and  ever  has 
been  since,  unprotected,  as  if  statesmen  were  intent 
upon  reserving  for  the  common  enemy  one  of  the  best 
havens  on  the  continent ;  and  tenders  and  barges 
were  constantly  on  the  alert,  watching  every  move- 
ment, and  guarding  the  mouths  of  even  the  minutest 
creeks.^  The  smallest  and  fleetest  boats  were  some- 
times captured,  and,  in  some  instances,  the  crews  were 
compelled  to  serve  on  board  British  men-of-war. 
Threats  of  burning  the  town  and  of  a  general  destruc- 
tion of  property,  accompanied  with  offers  of  indem- 
nity on  conditions  proposed,  were  successful.^ 

^  It  seemed  less  practicable  to  attempt  reaching  Boston  than  New  York. 
To  provide  supplies,  frequent  exchanges  were  made  with  the  latter  city,  as 
also  Providence,  Hartford,  and  New  Haven.  In  the  use  of  whale-boats, 
watching  an  opportunity  and  sailing  to  Sandwich,  the  boats  to  be  carted 
thence  across  the  isthmus  to  Buzzard's  Bay ;  from  that  point  of  departure 
running  near  the  shores,  as  occasion  required,  and  enabled  to  make  a  harbor 
in  case  of  emergency  at  any  moment,  they  proceeded  cautiously  on  their 
way.  The  exports  were  generally  dried  fish  or  salted  mackerel,  which 
were  bartered  for  flour  and  other  necessaries  ;  the  return,  by  the  same 
route.  The  writer  has  seen  large  fleets  of  boats,  belonging  to  different 
towns  on  the  Cape,  thus  arrive  at  Sandwich,  having  seized  the  opportunity 
of  exit ;  their  cargoes  speedily  packed  in  wagons,  the  boats  elevated  on 
the  same,  and  in  a  few  hours  again  launched  on  the  waters  of  the  oppo- 


408  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Numbers  of  the  inhabitants  essayed  to  serve  the 
country  in  privateers.^  Tlie  war  concluded,  the  in- 
habitants were  again  at  their  more  peaceful  pursuits, 
but  with  resources  sadly  crippled. 

In  the  early  months  of  the  succeeding  year,  the 
town  was  scourged  by  unusual  sickness,  the  origin  of 
which  has  never  been  satisfactorily  ascertained.  That 
a  township  proverbially  healthy  should,  in  the  short 
space  of  about  four  months,  find  its  population  more 
than  decimated,  was  an  occurrence  fraught  with  much 
alarm,  and  was  long  remembered  with  sadness.^ 

So  little  of  general  interest  is  to  be  found  on  record 
beyond  the  mere  routine  of  a  town's  usual  business, 

site  side,  the  freight  reinstated,  and  the  crafts  with  their  energetic  com- 
manders again  on  their  way  to  port.  It  was  no  unusual  thing  for  those 
who  had  commanded  first-class  merchantmen,  being  now  out  of  employ- 
ment, to  sail  these  small  boats  on  such  adventures. 

^  Rev.  Enoch  Pratt,  in  his  "  History  of  Eastham,"  mentions  incidents 
connected  with  the  war,  which  we  have  not  room  to  reproduce.  One  was 
the  instance  of  the  capture  of  Capt.  Matthew  H.  Mayo  and  Capt.  Winslow 
E.  Knowles,  experienced  shipmasters,  who,  with  a  whale-boat,  loaded  with 
rye,  succeeded  in  reaching  Boston,  and  exchanged  their  freight  for 
family  supplies.  Obtaining  for  their  return  trip  a  more  capacious  craft, 
they  were  captured  by  a '  pink-stern '  supposed  to  be  fishing.  Taken  on  board 
the  man-of-war,  Spencer,  they  were  offered  a  ransom,  and  Capt.  K.  was 
permitted  to  return  to  Boston  to  provide  for  the  payment  of  the  $300 
demanded.  He  there  concluded  to  abandon  the  attempt.  Capt.  M.  was 
put  on  board  the  schooner  that  had  captured  him,  and  compelled  to  serve 
as  pilot  with  three  British  officers  and  twenty  men,  well  armed,  for  a  cruise 
in  the  Bay.  A  severe  '  Nor'wester  '  soon  enabling  him  to  advise  making  a 
harbor  at  Billingsgate  Point,  he  conti-ived  to  get  the  vessel  ashore,  where 
the  whole  crew  were  taken  prisoners  by  his  fellow-townsmen.  Before  the 
marshal  could  arrive,  however,  to  take  possession  of  prisoners  and  baggage, 
sundry  of  the  inhabitants  concluded  it  was  injudicious  to  detain  them,  since 
the  town  was  left  defenceless  by  the  government  and  at  tlie  mercy  of  the 
enemy,  and  the  officers  and  crew  were  permitted  to  take  a  small  boat  and 
return  to  the  ship.  The  result  was,  a  barge  despatched  by  the  commodore 
arrived  with  a  demand  for  satisfaction,  threatening  to  reduce  the  tov/n  to 
ashes  if  the  demand  were  denied.  The  selectmen,  as  a  committee  of 
safety,  visited  the  flag-ship,  and,  upon  their  representations,  the  matter  was 
settled,  —  the  town  paying  Sl,000  for  the  safety  of  the  place,  and  $200  to 
compensate  for  the  prisoners'  baggage  which  had  passed  into  the  marshal's 
hands. 

"  From  Jan.  18  to  May  30,  181G,  72  persons  died.  The  epidemic  was 
confined  to  no  locality,  class,  or  age.  Almost  every  family  was  called  to 
mourn  the  loss  of  one  or  more  of  its  members ;  and,  it  has  been  said,  the 
Bivkness  was  so  prevalent  that  there  were  scai'cely  sufficient  numbers  in 
health  to  care  for  the  sufiurinji. 


ANNALS    OF   EASTHAM.  409 

that  we  must  pass  by  the  few  succeeding  years  with  a 
very  cursory  notice.  The  wreck  of  the  Rolla,  in  the 
Dec.  of  1820,  with  the  loss  of  crew  and  passengers,  on 
Nauset  beach,  and  similar  disasters  from  time  to  time, 
are  events  that  form  no  part  of  town  history.  The 
population  of  the  town  this  year  was  766  ;  a  decline 
from  1810.  Until  this  time,  there  had  been  one  relig- 
ious denomination  only,  in  Eastham..  A  number  of 
the  inhabitants  this  year  evinced  an  interest  in  the 
faith  and  order  of  the  followers  of  Eev.  John  Wesley.^ 
A  Methodist  SociETy  was  organized,  and  Rev.  E.  Wiley 
was  the  minister  in  charge.  As  the  system  of  itineracy 
practised  by  this  respectable  class  of  Christians  ren- 
ders ministerial  changes  a  matter  of  generally  annual 
occurrence,  it  is  impracticable  to  note  the  successions. 
The  following  year,  1821,  a  Methodist  meeting-house 
was  erected.  The  Methodists  were  destined  to  out- 
number the  Cona:reo!:ationalists. 

In  1826,  Harding  Knowles  Esq.  died. 

In  1829,  the  old  Congregational  meeting-house  was 
abandoned,  and  a  new  edifice  was  provided  in  a  more 
eligible  situation.  The  town  this  year  appointed  a 
committee  to  enforce  the  law  against  the  sale  of  intox- 
icating liquors.  It  was  ordered  that  there  shall  be 
only  one  person  approbated  for  license  in  town. 

In  1830,  the  population  was  966,  a  gain,  for  the  last 
ten  years,  of  200. 

In  1836,  Mr.  Samuel  Freeman  died  Mar.  4,  aged  72. 
In  1837,  the  town  received  $2,100,  —  its  portion  of  the 
surplus  revenue,  which  was  in  part  appropriated  to 
the  building  a  bridge  over  Boat  River;  the  balance  of 
this  fund  was  the  next  year  invested,  the  interest  to 

^  It  is  said  that  this  interest  was  excited  through  the  influence  of  a  camp- 
meeting  held  in  a  neighboring  town. 

VOL.  II.  52 


410  '  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

be  applied  to  the  support  of  town  schools.  At  the 
same  period,  an  Act  of  Incorporation  was  obtained 
by  an  association  which,  two  years  previously,  had 
purchased  "Millennial  Grove,"  —  the  Camp-meeting 
grounds.^ 

In  the  Oct.  of  1839,  occurred  the  tremendous  storm 
on  the  coast,  by  Tyhich  many  lives  were  lost  and  much 
property  destroyed.  In  1840  the  population  num- 
bered 955. 

The  Rev.  Philander  Shaw  died,  Oct.  10,  1841,  aged 
73.^  After  the  decease  of  Mr.  Shaw,  the  Congrega- 
tional Church  and  Society  continued  to  exist ;  but  the 
record  made  by  the  pastor,  with  evident  satisfaction, 
in  1802,  "  the  people  of  Eastham  are  happily  united 
in  the  same  mode  of  religious  worship  as  in  the  days 
of  their  fathers,  there  being  not  an  iridividual  in  town 
that  does  not  belong  to  the  Congregational  Society," 
had  long  since  ceased  to  be  applicable;  and  its  vitality 
almost  alone  survived.  Rev.  Daniel  H.  Babcock  was 
a  short  time  in  charge ;  Rev.  Stillman  Pratt  succeeded 
him;  Rev.  Solomon  Hardy;  Rev.  Enoch  Pratt  and 
others ;  but,  upon  this  ancient  institution,  the  planting 
of  Pilgrim  Fathers,  decay  is  too  sadly  inscribed  to  re- 
quire further  mention.  In  fact,  since  the  chief  prepara- 
tion of  these  Annals,  the  church,  which  once  filled  so 
large  a  space  in  the  ecclesiastical  historj^  of  the  colony, 
has  passed  aimy.     The  organization  of  both  church  and 

^  Mr.  Pratt  says,  the  first  of  the  camp-meetings  for  which  Eastham  has 
been  noted  was  held  here  in  1828.  He  represents  these  grounds,  about  10 
acres,  as  "attractive  and  beautiful,  well-adapted  by  their  location  and  nat- 
ural features  for  the  purpose  to  which  they  are  devoted ;  near  the  shore  of 
the  bay  where  steamboats  and  other  vessels  may  conveniently  land  their 
passengers." 

^  Rev.  Philander  Shaw  m.  1st,  Dorothy  Doane  of  E.,  2d,  Lucy  Crocker 
of  Be.  He  had  Joseph  P.,  who  settled  at  Roxbury ;  Philander,  who  d. 
young ;  William  d.  young ;  and  Lucy,  who  m.  Alexander  Childs  of  Cotuit. 
Mr.  Shaw  sustained  the  pastoral  relation  here  more  than  41  years;  "his 
talents  werci  more  than  ordinary ;  his  elocution  good ;  and  his  last  illness 
attended  with  triumphant  faith." 


ANNALS    OF  EASTHAM.  411 

parish  is  gone,  and  all  that  remains  of  the  consecrated 
temple  in  which  -they  worshipped  is  desecrated  to 
secular  use  !     Capt.  Francis  Krogman  died  1862,  9e.  83. 

We  conclude  the  Annals  of  Eastham  with  saddened 
thoughts.  Our  Methodist  friends,  we  doubt  not,  will 
be  careful  to  secure  all  sufficient  religious  privileges 
for  the  inhabitants  of  the  ancient  seat  of  the  Nausets ; 
but  we  feel  the  force  of  the  motto  prefixed  to  these 
Annals:  "It  is  a  reverend  thing  to  see  an  ancient  castle 

NOT  IN  decay." 

Before  we  proceed  to  the  statistical  tables  with 
which  these  Annals  close,  we  may  remark  that  the 
people  of  Eastham,  as  a  patriotic  community,  have 
done,  and,  as  we  write,  July  4,  1863,  are  doing  their 
part,  with  willing  hearts,  to  sustain  our  national  integ- 
rity, and  to  perpetuate  the  blessings  of  free  institu- 
tions. The  immortal  words  of  Washington,  "  If  the 
laws  are  to  be  trampled  upon  with  impunity,  and  the 
minority  to  dictate  to  the  majority,  there  is  an  end  put 
at  one  stroke  to  republican  government,"  come  home 
to  the  heart  of  every  true  American,  at  this,  our 
national  anniversary,  with  singular  force.  Represent- 
atives of  the  pride  and  hope  of  numerous  households 
are  being  sacrificed  to  the  country's  honor  on  the 
battle-field.  Sons  of  the  Cape,  already  fallen  in  the 
cause  sacred  to  liberty,  sleep  on  the  field  where  they 
fell.  May  the  cause  of  justice,  of  humanity,  of  na- 
tional freedom  and  glory  triumph. 

It  is  both  a  consoling  and  a  painful  reflection, 
on  this  hitherto,  and,  we  trust,  always  to  be  proud 
jubilee,  —  and  we  here  deliberately  record  it  as  our 
firm  conviction,  —  that  domestic  agitation  and  strife 
have  arisen  not  so  much  from  reciprocal  animosity,  as 
from  the  ill-conduct  of  men  in  place, —  the  ambitious 


412  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTAELE    COUNTY, 

designs  of  politicians,  the  restless  and  grasping  desires 
of  the  unprincipled,  the  seditious  enterprises  to  which 
base  passions  lead.  The  empire  of  justice  and  virtue 
is  less  the  effect  of  laws,  than  of  principle. 

"I'd  love 
My  country's  good,  witli  a  respect  more  tender, 
More  lioly  and  profound,  than  mine  own  life  " 

the  predominant  feeling,  men  of  position  and  intellect- 
ual power,  or  political  influence, 

"  Had  employed 
Those  excellent  gifts  of  fortune  and  of  nature 
Unto  the  good,  not  ruin  of  the  State." 

It  will  be  a  singular  fact  to  record  hereafter  upon 
the  page  of  history,  if  in  the  loyal  States  there  be 
found  any  considerable  numbers  who,  —  as  the 
tories  at  the  time  of  establishing  our  national  liber- 
ties espoused  the  cause  of  the  enemy,  some  by  open 
revolt  and  others  by  professedly  pious  protestations 
and  wily  machinations ;  and,  as  the  party  which  con- 
demned the  war  of  1812,  and,  through  their  leaders  in 
Congress,  in  our  State  legislatures,  in  public  journ£lls, 
in  conventions,  and  on  every  occasion,  opposed  the 
government  and  Fought  to  embarrass  it,  thus  giving 
aid  and  comfort  to  the  enemy,  and  were,  in  conse- 
quence, finally  driven  from  place  and  political  influ- 
ence to  inherit  the  reprobation  of  posterity,  —  shall 
tread  in  footsteps  that  have  been  dishonored.  Even 
more  remarkable  will  it  be,  if,  foremost  among  such, 
are  found  men  who  have  ever  denounced  the  opposition 
to  government  and  the  language  of  malcontents  re- 
specting both  the  government  and  the  war-supporting 
party  of  those  periods.  Confident  we  are,  and,  from  the 
teachings  of  history,  most  assured  such  may  be,  that,  in 
every  hour  of  trial,  when  the  salvation  of  our  country 


ANNALS   OF  EASTHAM.  4 id 

is  at  issue,  the  people  will  discover  wlio  take  the  patri- 
otic side.  They  will  be  loyal,  and  will  stand  by  their 
country's  cause,  even  though  some  comparatively 
trivial  errors  inseparable  from  human  affairs  be  re- 
gretted, some  omissions  noted,  or  some  unavoidable 
and  necessary  excesses  of  authority  be  indulged. 

The  rebellion  against  the  Union,  under  the  name  of 
Secession,  would,  doubtless,  have  been  brief  but  for  the 
repugnance  of  the  loyal  to  the  exercise  of  prompt, 
energetic,  decisive  measures.  That  mildness  and  de- 
lay in  dealing  with  treason  is  a  mistaken  policy,  and 
that  promptness  and  vigor  are,  in  such  a  case,  the 
attributes  of  mercy  was  a  lesson  to  be  learned.  The 
necessit}^  was  painful  to  contemplate  ;  the  demonstra- 
tion must  needs  come. 


The  following  were  Deputies  oH  Nauset  until  1651;  after  that, 
of  Eastham:  — 


1G47.  Josias  Cooke, 

"    Kic'd  Higgins, 

1048.  Nicholas  finow, 

1640.  Samuel  Hicks, 

"    John  Doane, 


Yrs. 
13. 

7. 
3. 
2. 
6. 


DEPUTIES. 

1054.  Daniel  Cole, 

"     Jno.  Freeman, 

1055.  Kichard  Sparrow, 
1000.  Nathaniel  Mayo, 
1008.  Jona.  Sparrow, 


Yrs. 
12. 


1071.  Thos.  Paine, 

1074.  Jonatlian  Dangs, 

1075.  JIavk  Snow, 
1080.  John  Cook, 
1090.  Thos.  Paine,  Jr., 


Yrs. 
7. 
3. 
6. 
2, 
2, 


EEPEESENTATIVES. 


1692, 

1093- 
1090 
1097, 
1098, 
170>, 
1709, 
1711. 
1722, 
1730, 
1731. 
1735. 
1751. 
1750. 
1757. 
1758. 


Jona.  Sparrow, 
Jona.  Bangs, 
John  Doane, 
Thos.  Paine, 
Samuel  Knowles, 
Israel  Cole, 
Joseph  Doane, 
Jolm  Paine, 
Samuel  Mayo, 
Isaac  Pepper, 
Joshua  Higgins, 

_Wm.  Pnuie, 

'Ralph  Smith, 
John  Freeman, 
Solomon  Pepper, 
Jona.  Doane, 
Sylvs.  Snow, 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

2. 

1707. 

Willard  Knowles, 

2. 

1820. 

1. 

1708. 

Elisha  Doaufc, 

3. 

1829. 

1. 

1709. 

Tlios.  Paine, 

5. 

1831. 

1. 

1772. 

Barnabas  Freeman 

,  10 

18'!2. 

23. 

1774. 

Naaman  ITolbrook 

1. 

1834. 

4. 

1775. 

Amos  Knowles, 

2. 

1830. 

2. 

1778. 

Josiah  Rogers, 

i! 

1S:J8. 

9. 

178-2. 

Nathan  Doane, 

4. 

1S40. 

2. 

1785. 

Elijali  Knowles, 

10. 

1811. 

1. 

1797. 

Simeon  Kingman, 

1. 

1813. 

1. 

" 

Michael  Collins, 

1. 

1814. 

6. 

1798. 

Benj.  Clark, 

1. 

1848. 

1. 

1800. 

Elisha  Mayo, 

2. 

1851. 

4. 

1802. 

Samuel  Freeman, 

11. 

1853. 

3. 

1811. 

Jolin  Doane, 

3. 

1851. 

0. 

1813. 

Heman  Smith, 

3. 

1855. 

2. 

1818. 

Josh.  P.  Atwood, 

2. 

Harding  Knowles, 
Jesse  Collins, 
Samuel  Knowles, 
Michael  Collins, 
David  C.  Atwood, 
Geo.  Collins, 
Philander  Shaw, 
Bars.  Freeman, 
Henry  Horton, 
B.  H.  A.  Collins, 
Ely.  E.  Knowles, 
Barnas.  Doane, 
Scotto  Cobb, 
Reuben  Nickerson, 
Jona.  Snow, 
Elij.  E.  Knowles, 


Yrs. 
5, 
1. 
1. 
3. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
1. 
2. 
1. 
2. 
1. 
2. 
1. 
1. 
1. 


4®=  After  the  incorporation  of  W^ellfleet,  it  was  still  united  with  tliis  town,  until  1774, 
for  representation. 


414 


HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 


SELECTMEN. 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1663. 

John  Freeman, 

10. 

17.36. 

Ralph  Smith, 

1. 

1788 

<< 

Nicholas  Snow, 

7. 

1737. 

Sam'l  Doane, 

0. 

u 

(( 

John  Doane, 

14. 

" 

Sam'l  Freeman  Jr. 

1. 

1791 

1665. 

Edward  Bangs, 

2. 

1738. 

John  Rich, 

5. 

1794 

" 

Richard  Higgins, 

3. 

1741. 

Sam'l  Knowles, 

3. 

1797 

1667. 

Mark  Snow, 

18. 

1743. 

Jno.  Freeman, 

2. 

" 

Daniel  Cole, 
John  Doane  Jr., 

9. 

u 

Jabez  Snow  Jr., 
Zoeth  Smith, 

2. 

1799 
1801 

1670. 

8. 

" 

C,'. 

" 

Wm.  Kickerson, 

2. 

" 

Jona.  Doane, 

2. 

" 

1671. 

Jona.  Sparrow, 

10. 

" 

Sylvs.  Snow, 

2. 

1805 

" 

Thos.  Paine, 

19. 

1744. 

Thos.  Knowles, 

3. 

1807 

1673. 

Joseph  Harding, 

1. 

" 

Joshua  Higgins  Jr. 

,  8. 

" 

1674. 

Jona.  Bangs, 

3. 

" 

Jeremiah  Mayo, 

1. 

" 

1687. 

Daniel  Doane, 

4. 

1747. 

Sam'l  Smith, 

1. 

1815 

11 

Jabez  Snow, 

4. 

" 

Amos  Knowles, 

1. 

1817 

1688. 

Benj.  Higgias, 

1. 

" 

Jona.  Smith, 

1. 

" 

1690. 

Thos.  Mayo, 

12. 

1749. 

Joshua  Knowles, 

2. 

1818 

1691. 

Thos.  Paine  Jr., 

3. 

'' 

EcSm.  Freeman  Jr. 

2. 

" 

" 

Isaac  Pepper, 

11. 

1750. 

James  Higgins, 

7. 

1819 

1692. 

Sam'l  Knowles, 

6. 

1752. 

Eben'r  Higgins, 

2. 

1823 

1693. 

Sam'l  J<  reeman. 

6. 

1754. 

Dan'l  Doane  Jr., 

4. 

1824 

" 

John  Paine, 

6. 

1700. 

Eben'r  Atwood, 

1. 

1820 

1694. 

Israel  Cole, 

5. 

" 

Willard  Knowles, 

4. 

1830 

1695. 

Edm'd  Freeman, 

7. 

1761. 

Joseph  Cole, 

14. 

1831 

1697. 

Dan'l  Cole  .Tr., 

1. 

" 

Sam'l  Smith  3d, 

4. 

" 

1698. 

Sam'l  Paine, 

0. 

1702. 

Sam'l  Doane  Jr., 

1. 

1834 

1700. 

Sam'l  Mayo  Sr., 

6. 

1765. 

.losh.  Knowles, 

2. 

" 

(( 

Thomas  Mulford, 

4. 

" 

Jona.  Higgins, 

12. 

1830 

" 

Joseph  Doane, 

5. 

1709. 

James  Snow, 

1. 

" 

1703. 

Joseph  Snow  Jr., 

1. 

1771. 

Simeon  Doane, 

6. 

1845 

1706. 

Wm.  Freeman", 

1. 

1773. 

Elisha  Smith, 

2. 

1846 

1707. 

Nath'l  Freeman, 

1. 

1775. 

Amos  Knowles  Jr. 

5. 

1848 

1717. 

Edw.  Knowles, 

10. 

1777. 

Barnabas  Freeman 

2. 

1849 

1718. 

Micajah  Snow, 

4. 

1778. 

Wm.  Myrick  Jr., 

1. 

" 

1719. 

Jona.  Young, 

2. 

1779. 

Neh.  Young. 

6. 

1852 

" 

Israel  Doane, 

3. 

" 

Nath'l  Mayo; 

2. 

" 

1722. 

Sam'l  Knowles  Jr. 

,    0. 

1780. 

Jqna.  Linuell  Jr., 

1. 

1855 

17.33. 

Sam'l  Doaue, 

8. 

1781. 

John  Doane  Jr., 

8. 

1857 

(1 

James  Rogers, 

7. 

1782. 

Gideon  Freeman, 

2. 

1858 

17.35. 

Benj.  Higgins, 

1. 

" 

Heman  Linnel, 

12. 

1859 

1736. 
(1 

John  Knowles, 
John  Freeman, 

1. 
3. 

1784. 

Joseph  Knowles, 

1. 

1861 

Yrs. 

Nathan  Doane,  1. 

Sam'l  Higgins,  3. 

Joseph  Pepper,  6. 

Hezekiah  Higgins,  2. 

Judah  Rogers,"  2. 

Jas.  Mayo,  2. 

Michael  Collins,  2. 

James  Cole,  4. 

Sam'l  Smith,  9. 

David  Brown,  4- 

Obed  Knowles,  9. 

Harding  Knowles,  13. 

John  Doane,  5. 

Elisha  Mayo,  2. 

Josh.  Atwood,  1. 
Freeman  Knowles,    4. 

Timo.  Cole,  1. 

George  Clark,  2. 

Josh.  Higgins,  4. 

Parker  Brown,  4. 

Sam'l  Knowles,  13. 

Jas.  H.  Knowles,  5. 

Gushing  Horton,  1. 

Barnabas  Doane,  2. 

Barn's  Freeman,  5. 

Noah  Doane,  3. 

Mich'l  Collins,  17. 

David  C.  Atwood,  14. 

Josh.  Paine,  10. 

Alvan  Rogers,  4. 

Zera  Higgins,  11. 

Heman  Doane,  1. 

Jesse  Collins,  1. 

Henry  Harding,  2. 

Crowell  Doane,  4. 

Abijah  Mayo,  5. 

Josh.  Knov/les,  3. 

.Joshua  Cole,  2. 
Prince  S.  Harding,    6. 

Henry  Knowles,  2. 

Jona.  Snow,  3. 


TOWN  TREASURERS. 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1646. 

Edward  Bangs, 

19. 

1775. 

Gideon  Baty, 

5. 

1666. 

Daniel  Doane, 

9. 

1780. 

Richard  Knowles, 

3. 

1676. 

Thomas  Paine, 

23. 

1783. 

Isaac  Pepper, 

3. 

1703. 

Josepli  Doane, 

6. 

1786. 

Sam'l  Higgins, 

5. 

1709. 

John  Paine, 

21. 

1791. 

Isaac  Sparrow, 

3. 

1731. 

Edward  Knowles, 

31. 

1794. 

Elijah  Knowles, 

3. 

1741. 

Sam'l  Freeman, 

9. 

1797. 

Benj.  Clark, 

8. 

1759. 

Jabez  Snow, 

2. 

1805. 

Eben'r  Paine, 

19, 

Yrs. 
1825.  George  Clark,  6. 

1831.  Josli'ua  Paine,  6. 

1837.  Sam'l  Knowles,  6. 

1841.  Nathan  S.  Knowles,  5. 
1840.  Joshua  Paine,  1. 

1847.  David  Higgins,  1. 

1848.  Heman  Doane  2d,    16. 


TOWN   CLERKS. 


1646. 
1603. 
1070. 
1095. 
1704. 
1729. 
1743. 
1740. 


Nicholas  Snow, 
Mark  Snow, 
Daniel  Doane, 
Tliomas  Paine, 
.John  Paine, 
Joseph  Doane, 
Thos.  Knowles, 
Nath'l  Freeman, 


Yrs. 
10. 
15. 
16. 

8. 
25. 
14. 
13. 

3. 


Yrs. 

1759.  Jabez  Snow,  2. 

1701.  Edvv'd  Knowles,  14. 

1774.  Gideon  Baty,  5. 

1779.  Richard  Kuovs^Ies,  4. 

1782.  Isaac  Pepper,  3. 

1786.  Sam'l  Higgins,  5. 

1790.  Isaac  Sparrow,  3. 

1793.  Elijah  Knowles,  3. 


Yrs. 
1797.  Benj  Clark,  8. 

1805.  Eben'r  Paine,  19. 

1824.  Geo.  Clark,  6. 

1830.  Joshua  Paine,  7. 

18.36.  Sam'l  Knowles,  6. 

1841.  Nathan  S.  Knowles,  5. 
1847.  David  Higgins,  1. 

1849.  Heman  Doane  2d,    16. 


THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OF 


"The  fiest  commandmekt  with  pkomise,  which  eequiees  the  individual  to  honob  his 
immediate  i'akents  with  gkateftjl  assiduity  while  they  live,  and  with  geateful  com- 
memoeation  when  they  aee  gone,  is  a  commandment  foe  communities  and  eaces  to 
honoe  all  that  was  good  in  theie  peogenitoes;  and  i  have  full  faith  that  while  the 
New  England  eace  shall  honoe  the  vieiubs  of  theik  ancestey,  its  days  shall  be  long 
IN  THE  LAND."— ^ey.  Leonard  Bacon,  D.  D, 


(415) 


^xiBtxi^tion, 


TO   MR.   ROBINSON   CROCKER   BODFISH, 

SECRETARY  OF  THE  NEW-YORK  CAPE-COD  ASSOCIATION, 

a  descendant  from  one  of  tlie  earliest  settlers  of  Sandwich,  whose  lineage  is  also  trrxed 
to  KOBINSON,  the  Leyden  pastor,  and  in  whose  veins  is,  commingling,  the  blood  of 
the  Nyes,  the  Ellises,  the  Dimmicks,  and  the  Ckockers  ;  whose  purity  of  life  and 
excellence  of  character  command  admiration ;  whose  filial •  leverence  for  ancestry  is 
worthy  of  imitation ;  and  whose  disposition  to  encourage  by  generous  acts  the  pub- 
lication of  the  history  of  our  native  county  deserves  grateful  acknowledgments,  these 
Annals  of  his  native  town  are  respectfully 

INSCRIBED 
as  an  expression  of  the  kind  regards  of  Ms  sincere  friend, 

THE   AUTHOR. 

(416) 


ANNALS  OF  FALMOUTH. 


This  town  was  incorporated  in  1686  ;  but  the  plan- 
tation at  "  Sachonesit "  receives  frequent  mention  in 
earlier  records ;  the  settlement  begun  chiefly  by  fami- 
lies from  Barnstable,  and  strengthened  by  accessions 
from  Sandwich  and  other  places,  having  been  in  pro- 
gress many  years.  Sachonesit  was  the  general  name 
applied  to  the  township  in  early  records ;  ^  the  other 
Indian  designations  of  localities,  most  of  them  proba- 
bly villages,  were  Tateket^  Wauquoit^  Cataumut^  Cha- 
'poqidtf  AcapesJcet^  Quisset^  Ashimidtf  JSfohsque^  and 
Sipperivisset}^ 

Situation,  Bound aeies,  etc. —  Falmouth  is  the  southwestern 
part  of  the  peninsula  of  Cape  Cod,  lat.  41°  34'  N.  and  long.  70'* 
35'  45"  W.  from  Greenwich ;  bounded  IST.  and  N,  E.  by  Sand- 
wich ;  N".  W.  by  a  small  stream  running  from  Hope  Spring,  at 
the  extreme  N.  point,  into  Cataumet  or  Wild  Harbor ;  E.  by 
Marshpee,  from  which  it  is  separated  in  part  by  Waquoit  Bay ; 
S.  by  the  Vineyard  Sound ;  and  W.  by  Buzzard's  Bay.  Length, 
N".  and  S.,  about  10  or  12  miles ;  breadth,  E.  and  "W.,  about  6 

*  Variously  spelled,  —  sometimes  Sugkones,  but  generally  Succonesit. 

*  Between  the  principal  village  and  E.  Falmouth. 
'  Southeastern'  part  of  the  township. 

*  At  North  Falmouth  Harbor,  and  lying  partly  in  Sandwich. 

*  Between  W.  and  N.  Falmouth,  where  are  remains  of  an  Indian  burial- 
place. 

^  We  do  not  presume  to  fix  this  locality,  concerning  which  there  is  doubt. 
'Between  Falmouth  town  and  Woods  Hole. 
'  Connecting  with  Marshpee. 
'Woods  Hole  neighborhood. 
'"  Hog  Island  neighborhood. 

VOL.  II.  53  (417) 


418  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

miles  ;^  extent  about  45  square  miles,  —  the  township  being  of 
very  irregular  shape.  The  jDrincipal  village  is  70  miles  S.  S.  E. 
from  Boston,  and  22  miles  S.  W.  of  the  Court  House  in  Barn- 
stable. 

Natural  Divisions,  etc.^ — A  range  of  hills  continued  from 
Sandwich,  parallel  with,  and  not  far  distant  from,  Buzzard's  Bay. 
extends  through  the  township  on  the  west,  terminating  at 
Woods  Hole.  These  hills  are,  for  the  niost  part,  rough  and 
rocky,  and  to  a  large  extent  covered  with  wood,  —  chiefly  oak. 
The  land  in  other  parts  of  the  township  is  generally  level,  —  a 
light,  sandy  loam,  though  to  some  extent  a  gravelly,  or  clayish 
loam  prevails.  Much  of  the  surface  is  well  suited  for  tillage, 
and  is  remuneratively  productive  ;  ^  the  balance  is  covered  with 
wood,  and  is  chiefly  valuable  as  furnishing  a  good  supply  of  fuel. 

In  passing  from  Sandwich  through  Pocasset,  on  the  south  side, 
the  borders  of  the  last-named  village  insensibly  connect  with  the 
quiet  village  of  North  Falmouth,  lying  on,  or  near,  Buzzai'd's 
Bay,  and  thus  enjoying  some  conveniences  of  fishing,  and  coast- 
ing facilities,  and  stretching  along  its  pleasant  residences  contin- 
uously but  not  densely,  —  its  Congregational  meeting-house, 
school-houses,  wind-mills,  post-ofiice,  occasional  stores,  shops  for 
the  mechanic  arts,  and  here  and  there  well-cultivated  farms  of 
unpretending  size,  all  bespeaking  for  the  locality  the  credit  of  a 
general  appearance  of  frugal  thrift  and  home  comfort,  —  until, 
after  a  ride  of  about  four  miles,  the  traveller  enters  the  next 
post-office  division,  known  as  West  Falmouth,  which  is  also 
chiefly  located  on  the  main  road  from  Sandwich  toward  the 
Vineyard  Sound,  presenting  very  much  the  same  apjDearance 
of  rural  quietude  and  home  enjoyment.  This  village  has,  in  some 
respects,  greater  resources  than  the  former,  and  is  settled  largely 
by  the  people  who  call  themselves  "Friends,"  whose  meeting- 
house, located  not  far  from  Chapoquit  or  Hog  Island  Harbor,  has 
for  its  neighbor  the  Methodist  place  of  worship.  Here  ai-e  the 
usual  facilities  for  trade,  an  establishment  for  the  manufacture  of 
ochres,  etc.     The  few  good  farms  in  this  part  of  the  town  are 


^  Extreme  extent  of  coast  in  a  straight  line  from  Wood's  Hole  to  Marsh- 
pee  line,  9|  miles ;  distance  in  a  straight  line  from  Falmouth  wharf  to 
Hope  Spring,  8  miles,  15  rods. 

^Statistics  furnished  by  Rev.  Mr.  Lincoln  in  1802,  assert  that,  at  the 
time,  "  More  English  hay  is  cut  in  this  to.wn  than  in  any  other  township  in 
the  county."  The  salt-marshes,  when  compared  with  those  of  S.  and  Be., 
are  not  extensive;  but,  in  1802,  yielded  about  500  tons  of  hay. 


AJNiNALtt    Ot'    FALiVIOUTlI.  419 

perhaps  less  remunerative  in  comparison  with  their  size  than  the 
nmnerous  "patches  of  onions"  that  engross  the  attention  of 
many  whose  cultivated  lands  are  of  lesser  extentl^  Attached 
to  both  the  preceding  villages  are  farms  and  residences  lying  off 
from  the  main  road,  genei-ally  in  the  direction  of  the  shore. 
Forests  of  pines  and  oaks  adorn  the  distance  in  the  opposite 
direction  nearly  the  entire  loute,  and  here  is  also  a  plentiful  sup- 
ply of  granite  from  which  exportations  ai-e  sometimes  made. 

Leaving  the  bounds  of  the  latter  division,  those  of  Falmouth 
proper  are  passed,  a  short  distance "  before  entering  the  uiore  com- 
pact part  of  this  the  central  and  principal  village.  It  occupies 
chiefly  a  level  tract  of  two  or  three  miles  in  extent  along  the  shore 
of  the  Vineyard  Sound,  is  pleasantly  located,  aiid  neat  and  hand- 
some in  appearance.  It  has,  indeed,  the  reputation  of  being  one 
of  our  handsomest  New  England  villages.  Its  public  buildings 
are  two  meeting-houses,  —  Congregational  and  Methodist ;  —  an 
academy,  endowed  by  the  bequest  of  the  late  Shubael  Lawrence, 
Jr.,  with  a  fund  of  $10,000 ;  a  large  edifice  for  the  High  and 
Common  schools;  a  town  hall;  a  bank,  with  a  capital  of  1100,- 
000 ;  and  a  Freemason's  Hall. 

F.i;om  this  agreeable  locality,  passing  in  a  southwesterly  direc- 
tion, the  road  lying  parallel  with  the  waters  of  the  Sound  and  nearly 
equidistant  from  the  waters  of  the  Bay,  and  extending  along  a 
promontory  of  very  unequal  surface,  but  settled  sparsely  the 
whole  distance.  Woods  Hole  is  reached  after  four  miles  travel, 
—  the  westernmost  extremity  of  the  township,  near  the  strait^ 
that  separates  the  island  of  Naushon  *  from  the  main  land  and  con- 
nects Buzzard's  Bay  and  the  Vineyard  Sound.   Woods  Hole  ^  has 


^  Since  the  above  was  written,  this  crop,  for  the  first  time,  has  proved  a 
failure.  The  last  two  years,  an  insect  has  attacked  the  plant,  —  its  depre- 
dations sparing  none. 

^  The  new  cemetery  at  this  point,  is  worthy  of  mention  as  betokening  by 
its  judicious  arrangement  and  adornment  a  pious  reverence  for  the  dead. 

^  The  current  here  is  very  rapid  at  the  flow  of  tide ;  the  passage  being 
narrow  and  the  depths  full  of  rocks  ;  j'et  smaller  vessels  bound  from  New 
Bedford  and  harbors  on  the  Bay,  to  the  East,  or  vice  versa,  usually  pass 
through  this  strait. 

*Naushon  formerly  belonged  to,  and  was  the  summer  resort  of  Gov. 
Bowdoin.  It  makes  now  several  fine  farms.  Deer  ai-e  to  be  found  here  in 
every  covert,  as  also  feathered  game,  —  quails,  partridges,  grouse,  etc. 

*  Some  affect  the  name  "  "VVoodville," ;  -  a  slliy  fancy  that  will  not  exten- 
sively prevail.  The  designation  "  Hole  "  was  in  earlv  days  suggested  by 
the  pecuUarity  of  its  surroundings  and  the  great  depth  of  the  harbor. 
From  this  place  a  regular  ferry  formerly  connected  with  Holmes'  Hole, 
five  or  six  miles  distant ;  the  only  public  arrangement  at  present  is  by  steam- 


420  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

good  harbors,  known  distinctivoly  as  "Little  "  and  "Great,"  shel- 
tered by  points  of  land  and  Nonaraessit  Island.  There  are  sev- 
eral small  inlets  on  the  west  side  of  the  town,  communicating 
Avith  the  Bay;  but,  on  the  Sound,  at  "the  Hole,"  a  haven  may 
be  found  for  vessels  of  the  larger  class.  From  this  village,  a  fine 
view  of  the  Sound  and  of  Martha's  Vineyard  is  obtained  in  one 
direction,  and  of  Buzzard's  Bay,  New  Bedford,  Mattapoisett  and 
other  towns  in  another;  and  Mi'.  Webster  has  said,  "In  point  of 
position  and  in  regard  to  the  prospect,  it  is  the  handsomest  place 
in  these  regions."^  When  the  winds  are  favorable,  the  waters 
are  often  whitened  by  fleets  of  every  class  and  dimension.^ 
There  is  here  an  Episcopal  church. 

Returning  to  the  central  village,  and  then  passing  easterly 
through  Tateket  in  the  road  that  leads  via  the  Marshpee  lands  to 
Sandwich,  the  traveller  comes  to  a  division  of  the  town  formerly 
familiarly  known  as  "the  East  End,"' but  now  known  by  its  post- 
office  designation,  Hatchville.  Here,  five  miles  from  the  cen- 
tral village,  is  a  Congregational  meeting-house,  where  formerly 
the  minister  of  the  town  officiated  a  part  of  the  time.  This  is  a 
farming  district,  and  in  olden  times  the  fulling  and  cloth-dressing 


boats  tliat  toucli  in  passing  between  New  Bedford,  Holmes'  Hole,  and 
Edgartown.  Considerable  ship-building  was  formerly  carried  on  here ; 
and,  at  one  time,  nine  ships,  averaging  about  350  tons  each,  were  employed 
in  the  whale-fishery  from  this  port.  The  capital  invested  was  about  $260,- 
000  ;  the  number  of  men  engaged  in  the  business  was  about  250  ;  and  the 
aggregate  return  was:  of  sperm  oil,  4,952  bis.,  or  148,560  gals. ;  whale  oil, 
275  bis.,  or  8,250  gals.  This  place,  like  others,  has  passed  through  business 
vicissitudes,  but  has  ever  been  regarded  as  in  many  respects  an  important 
and  interesting  locahty. 

^  Mr.  Webster,  in  his  pubHshed  letter  to  Mr.  Blatchford,  refers  to  "  Mr. 
Ticknor  who  has  passed  several  summers  here,"  as  having  said,  "It  is  most 
remarkable  for  the  uniform  temperature  of  its  atmosphere,  hardly  varying 
a  few  degi-ees  for  weeks  and  even  months  in  the  summer.  It  is  almost  an 
island."  Mr.  W.  also  says,  "  The  number  of  vessels  which  pass  up  and 
down  this  sound  is  prodigious.  A  hundred  of  them  sometimes  put  into 
Holmes'  Hole  in  a  day,  if  a  head-wind  arise.  Nearly  all  the  coasting  trade 
between  the  East  and  the  South  goes  through  this  passage,  as  do  ships  from 
t.ie  West  Indies,  South  America,  and  India.  I  was  told  that  in  the  height 
of  the  late  Mr.  Gray's  business  in  navigation,  five  of  his  ships  from  China 
and  Canton  were  in  Holmes'  Hole  at  one  time.  Ships  come  this  way  to 
avoid  the  South  Shoals  of  Nantucket  which  stretch  off  fifty  miles  to  the 
southeast  from  the  visible  part  of  that  vast  and  extensive  sand-bank.  Of 
late  years,  however,  since  improved  chronometers  make  shipmasters  more 
sure  of  their  longitude  in  thick  weather,  it  has  become  more  usual  to  keep 
to  the  eastward  and  make  no  land  till  they  see  Cajjc  Cod." 

■From  Dec.  20,  1848,  one  year,  547  ships,  2,263  brigs,  11, ."05  schooners, 
and  1,991  sloops,  —  16,133,  —  passed  the  floating  light  stationed  at  Cross 
Hip,  Tuckcmuck  Shoal. 


AJS'NALS    OF    FALMOUTH.  421 

mill,  which  was  indispensable  to  each  town,  did  a  large  business 
at  the  stream  well  know^n  as  Dexter's  River.  Further  on,  by  the 
Sandwich  Road,  and  bordering  on  Marshpee  and  Sandwich,  is 
the  sparsely-settled  neighborhood  of  Shitmet/  If  we  return 
again  to  the  site  of  the  old  East  meeting-house  and  to  the  site 
of  the  Lawrence  mills  on  Dexter's  River,  also  known  as  Five 
Mile  River,  and  diverge  to  the  left,  or  return  to  Tateket  and  there 
take  the  Barnstable  road,  and  then  the  road  to  Waquoit  Bay, 
we  pass  through  another  thriving  village,  formerly  known  as 
Upper  Waquoit,  but  of  late  years  denominated  East  Falmouth. 
It  is  a  continuous  settlement,  lying  for  the  most  part  upon  the 
main  road,  with  scattered  settlements  at  Davis's  Neck  and  in 
other  directions.  Further  on,  in  the  direction  of  Great  Neck 
in  Marshpee,  connecting  almost  imperceptibly,  is  Waquoit. 
Here  and  in  the  former  village  are  manufacturing  establishments, 
on  Quashuet  and  Dexter's  Rivers  ;  and  in  the  latter  division 
especially  is  activity  and  thrift.  A  Methodist  meeting-house  is 
at  East  Falmouth,  and  a  Congi'egational  at  Waquoit. 

In  the  townshijD  are  about  40  Ponds,  including  the  salt  ponds, 
some  of  which  are  large.  Several  near  the  central  village  add 
variety  and  beauty  to  the  prospect.  The  Streams,  which  are 
few,  afford  sufficient  power  for  limited  manufacturing  purposes.^ 
The  business  of  the  town  is,  however,  chiefly  agricultural.^  Its 
maritime  interests  have  always  been  somewhat  retarded  by  the 


^  Corruption  jfrom  AsJiimuet. 

^In  1800,  there  were  eight  mills  in  the  township,  one  of  which -rras  a 
fulling-mill;  the  others  grist-mills  —  the  major  part  wind-mills.  Fal- 
mouth, at  that  time  had  between  200  and  300  dwellings. 

^  Salt  was  formerly  manufactured  to  the  amount  of  35,5G9  bu.  per 
annum ;  but  that  business  has  here,  as  elsewhere,  declined.  The  fisheries 
were  never  a  very  prominent  business  here  ;  and  yet,  in  1800,  of  60  vessels 
owned  here,  of  about  55  tons  average,  6  were  employed  in  the  fisheries  ;  2 
going  to  the  Straits  of  Belle  Isle,  and  4  fishing  at  the  Shoals.  The  remain- 
ing 64  Tv'erc  all  coasters,  SOormore  of  which  were  engaged  in  carrying  lum- 
ber and  trading  in  the  Southern  States  and  West  Indies.  Formerly  many 
of  the  young  men  were  occupied  as  mechanics,  making  an  annual  visit  to 
S.  C.  or  Ga.  in  the  Fall  and  returning  in  the  latter  part  of  Spring  or  in 
early  Summer.  The  results  of  their  building  contracts  and  labor  were  lucra- 
tive. More  recently,  the  supply  of  live-oak  for  the  navy,  by  enterprising 
citizens  who  contracted  with  the  U.  S.  gov't,  gave  emplo^mient  to  many 
vessels  and  hands  and  proved  a  profitable  business.  The  timber  was 
obtained  from  Va.,  S.  C,  Ga.,  Flo.,  Ala.,  and  perhaps  other  southern  loca- 
tions chiefly,  and  delivered  at  the  several  navy  yards,  agreeably  to  contract. 
Whaling,  pursued  for  a  time  with  partial  success  only,  has  been  abandoned ; 
and  with  it  the  manufacture  of  sperm  candles  and  oil.  The  attempted 
manufacture  of  glass  was  begun  with  vigor,  but  soon  abandoned. 


422  HISTORY    OF   BAHNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

lack  of  good  and  sufficient  harbors,  those  at  Woods  Hole  in  the 
extreme  southwestern  part  of  the  township  being  the  only 
exceptions.^     Orchards  thrive  well.     Fish  are  abundant.^ 

The  climate  is  favorable  to  longevity.  The  town  has  produced 
its  full  proportion  of  men  distinguished  for  enterprise,  industry 
and  excellence  of  character,  ar>d  some  Avhose  patriotism  or  talents 
have  distinguished  them. 

Progress  of  the  Town,  etc.  —  As  we  have  before  sug- 
gested, the  settlement  of  Falmouth  had  been  progress- 
ing some  years  before  its  incorporation.  In  1659, 
June  7,  "  liberty  to  view  and  purchase  a  tract  at  Saco- 
nesset"  was  granted  to  the  following  persons,  all  of 
Barnstable  :  Thomas  Hinckley,  Henry  Cobb,  Samuel 
Hinckley,  John  Jenkins,  and  Nath'l  Bacon ;  and 
Messrs.  Thos.  Hinckley  of  Be.  and  Richard  Bourne  of 
Sandwich  were  "  empowered  to  arrange  with  the 
Indians  for  the  same."  Whether  any  advance  was 
made  in  this  direction  by  the  gentlemen  above-named, 
admits  of  doubt ;  probably  none,  inasmuch  as,  in 
1660-1,  March  5,  "  liberty  to  purchase  lands  at  Saco- 
nesset  and  adjacent "  was  granted  to  John  Rowland, 
Anthony  Annable,  Isaac  Eobinson,  Nath'l  Thomas, 
Samuel  Fuller,  Abraham  Pierce,  and  Peter  Blossom ; 
and  to  these,  as  "  purchasers  at  Saconesset  and  places 
adjacent,  were  added,  June  4,  Smn'l  HincJde/j,  Matthew 
Fuller,  John  Cooper,  Henri/   Cohh,  John  Dunham,  and 


^  The  mouth  of  Waquoit  Bay  is  narrow,  choked  with  sand.  West  of 
this  bay,  the  shore  is  intersected  by  several  small  outlets  and  inlets,  but 
none  of  them  afford  a  good  harbor.  It  was  once  supposed  that  a  good 
harbor  at  the  central  village  might  be  obtained  by  cutting  from  the  Sound 
into  the  Pond  lying  not  more  than  200  or  300  rods  S.  W.  by  S.  of  the 
meeting-house.  This  pond  is  ^  of  a  mile  long,  and  GO  fathoms  deep,  and 
is  only  about  \  mile  from  the  Sound,  but  the  attempt  was  never  seriously 
made. 

■■^  Fine  trout  are  taken  from  the  streams  and  ponds.  Tautog,  scippog,  — 
"■  the  same,"  says  Mr.  Webster,  "  as  porgee  in  New  York," —  and  bluefish  are 
abundant ;  and  some  parts  of  the  township  have  been  distinguished  as  fine 
trailing  grounds  for  bass.  Those  in  pursuit  of  more  exhilarating  exercise 
make  a  sail  over  to  the  Vineyard  and  try  shark-fishing,  or  to  tlie  Nantucket 
Shoals  for  sword-fish.     The  eels  of  Waquoit  cannot  be  excelled  or  equalled. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  4Zd 

John  Jenkins,^  all  of  Be.,  and  Samuel  Fuller,  William 
Nelson,  and  Thos.  Burman,  all  of  Plymouth."  Subse- 
quently the  names  of  John  Finney,  Thos.  Burman,  of 
Barnstable,  and  John  Dunham  Jr.  appear.^  The 
earliest  of  the  Proprietors'  Records,  commencing  Nov. 
29,  1661,  contain  little  else  than  divisions  and  bounds 
of  lands  as  set  off  to  the  several  original  proprietors. 
Numbers  of  these  were  Barnstable  men,  not  as  yet, 
and  some  never,  settlers  at  Saconesset.  The  first 
entry  in  said  records,  date  as  above,  is  "  An  Agreement 
for  laying  out  the  lands  in  Succonessett :  " 

"We  whose  names  are  hereunder  written  have  agreed  for  our- 
selves and  for  whom  any  of  us  are  agents,  for  laying  out  lands 
at  Succonessett ;  Fii;st,  the  Neck  of  land  lying  by  the  Herring- 
brook  shall  be  in  general;  Second,  Jonathan  Hatch  and  Isaac 
Robinson,  because  they  have  built  their  houses,  shall  have  the 
lots  by  their  houses,^  —  that  is  to  say,  Jona.  Hatch  shall  have  ten 

^  As  the  three  names  in  italics  are  those  of  grantees  in  1659,  the  presump- 
tion is  that  the  first  company  neglected  to  avail  themselves  of  the  grant. 

^  Whether  there  were  two  Burmans  and  Dunhams,  or  whether  these 
names  are  again  mentioned  to  correct  clerical  errors,  is  submitted.  The 
name  Burman  is  evidently  the  same  afterwards  written  Bowerman,  and 
Bowman. 

^  This  seems  to  establish  the  tradition  that  these  two  men  were  the  earliest 
settlers.  But,  as  their  houses  were  already  builded  at  the  time  of  the  above 
writing,  the  tradition  which  fixes  the  period  at  1663  is  in  fault,  —  the  true 
time  being  earlier.  The  tradition  that  "  Moses,  son  of  Jonathan  Hatch, 
was  the  first  white  child  born  here,  and  that  he  received  the  name  because 
he  was  born  among  the  bulrushes  —  or  on  a  bed  of  bulrushes,"  may  be  cor- 
rect in  all  its  paints ;  but  we  must  bear  in  mind  that  this  Moses  was  born 
March  4,  1662-3,  and  that  the  family  mansion  had  then  been  standing  at  least 
15  months.  Another  version  of  the  tradition  is,  that  "  a  company  arrived 
from  Barnstable,  1660,  and  landed  between  Fresh  and  Salt  Ponds  where 
they  encamped  until  their  houses  were  constructed,  and  the  first  night  the 
wife  of  Jona.  Hatch  was  delivered  of  Moses,  —  called  by  that  name 
because  born  among  the  flags."  We  have  learned  to  be  chary  of  traditions  ; 
they  are  often  too  vague  and  speculative  to  be  incorporated  with  history  ; 
and,  if  the  originals  be  verity,  they  are  often  interpolated  to  make  clearer 
circumstances  not  understood  or  to  enhance  the  interest  of  the  credulous. 
Another  version,  evidently  also  a  modern  suggestion,  is,  that  Moses  "  was 
born  under  a  boat  turned  keel  up  to  constitute  temporary  accommodations, 
in  passing  by  water  from  Be.  to  Saconnesset."  All  this  might  be  ;  it  might 
be  that,  although  Mr.  H.  had  erected  a  house  at  S.,  he  had  not  removed 
his  famllj^,  consisting  of  seven  children  before  the  birth  of  Moses,  until  the 
time  when,  in  transitu,  this  birth  occurred ;  or  it  might  be  that  he  and  wife 
were    returning  from  a  visit  to  Be.,  when    sudden    indisposition   made 


424  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

acres  by  his  house,  lying  against  the  Neck,  leaVing  a  sufficient 
way  into  the  Neck ;  and  Isaac  Robinson  shall  have  four  aci-es  by 
his  house  and  eight  acres  next  adjoining  to  Jona.  Hatch's, 
towards  Pease's  land  ;  also,  because  bethought  himself  wronged 
to  be  put  off  the  Neck,  we  have  condescended  that  he  shall  have 
one  acre  and  a  half  of  meadow  within  the  Great  Neck  toward 
Pease's  land;^  Thirdly,  taking  a  view  of  the  land  beyond  them 
and  Pease's  land,  that  it  will  yield  but  eight  acres  to  every  share, 
we  have  laid  it  out  by  lots :  John  Chipman  four  acres,  and  eight 
acres  each  to  John  Jenkins,  James  Harablin,  Wm.  Thomas, 
Samuel  Fuller,  Thos.  Lothrop,  Anthony  Annable,  Peter  Blossom, 
Wm.  Nelson,  James  Cobb,  Samuel  Hinckley,  and  Thomas  Ewer, 
—  all  which  lots  butt  upon  the  Bay  or  Beach  and  run  to  the 
hill,  leaving  a  sufficient  way;  Fourthly,  because  we  question 
whether  we  shall  get  water  upon  these  lots,  Ave  have  laid  out 
four  acres  to  a  share  along  by  the  j^ond ;  also  by  lots,  four  acres 
to  each  of  the  above,  except  to  Wm.  Nelson  and  John  Chipman, 
who  have  two  each,  —  a  sufficient  way  to  be  left  along  by  the 
pond-side  about  or  below  the  houses  ;  ^  Fifthly,  it  is  also  agi-eed 
that  the  purchasers  shall  not  keep  above  twenty  head  of  cattle 
each  upon  the  Great  Neck,  for  a  share ;  Sixthly,  we  have  laid 
out  other  lands  next  to  Jonathan  Hatch's  ground,  lying  upon 
the  sea  and  running  200  rods  toward  the  Avoods,  20  acres  to  a 
share,  in  which  division  Isaac  Robinson  is  included."  This 
"  work  is  concluded  and  the  agreement  duly  signed,  Dec.  3,  1661, 
by  Thomas  Lothrop,  Isaac  Robinson  (acting  for  Capt.  Thomas, 
who  also  drew  lots  for  goodman  Annable),  Jonathan  Hatch, 
James  Hamblin,  Thomas  Ewer  (for  myself  and  John  Chipman), 
Peter  Blossom,  James  Cobb,  William  Nelson,  Samuel  Hinckley 
(acting  for  myself  and  John  Jenkins)." 

The  Colony  laws  required  that  no  settlement  be 
made  remote  from  a  place  of  public  worship  unless  the 

impromptu  arrangements  necessary  ;  but,  looking  at  the  truo  date  of  birth 
and  the  evidence  of  the  existence  of  the  domicile,  we  are  inclined  to  the 
opinion  that  the  pristine  tradition  was  simply  that  the  natural  and  luxuri- 
ant growth  of  flags  or  rushes  around  the  new  home  suggested  the  name. 

^  Perhaps  the  land  of  an  Indian  by  the  name  of  Pea,  or  Peas ;  but  not 
certain,  as  there  have  been  English  residents  here  by  the  name  of  Pease. 

^  Mr.  Charles  Jenkins,  deceased,  who  commendably  bestowed  much  atten- 
tion to  an  examination  of  the  records  with  a  view  to  the  history  of  his 
native  town,  has  said,  "  This  way  was  from  the  street  to  the  fresh  pond, 
lying  on  the  south  side  of  the  burial-place,  —  the  way,  doubtless,  originally 
reserved  for  a  town  watering-place." 


ANNALS   OF   FALMOUTH.  425 

settlers  be  strong  enough  to  support  a  minister  of  the 
gospel ;  and  the  Court  now  enacted,  March,  1663, 
"  that  it  be  commended  to  the  settlers  at  Saconessett 
to  apply  themselves  in  some  effectual  way  for  the 
increase  of  their  numbers "  that  "  they  may  carry  on 
things  to  their  better  satisfaction  both  in  civil  and 
religious  respects  ;  especially  that  they  endeavor  to 
procure  an  able,  godly  man  for  the  dispensing  of  God's 
word  amongst  them ;  and,  for  their  quickening  and 
encouragement,  the  Court  doth  order  that  all  lands 
within  the  place,  though  not  inhabited,  shall  be  liable 
to  be  rated  in  some  measure  of  proportion  for  the 
defraying  of  such  charges  as  shall  necessarily  arise 
concerning  the  premises."  But  "Saconesset  not  being 
yet  strong  enough  to  stand  alone,"  it  was  further 
"  ordered  by  the  Court  that  Saconessett  shall  for  the 
present  belong  to  Barnstable." 

That  some  progress  was  being  made,  and  that  some 
importance  was  beginning  to  attach  to  the  settlement 
even  as  thoroughfare  to  the  adjacent  islands,  is  indicated 
by  the  fact  that,  Feb.  7,  1664-5,  Mr.  Isaac  Robinson 
was  "  approved  and  allowed  by  the  Court  to  keep  an 
ordinary  at  Saconesset  for  the  entertainment  of  stran- 
gers,—  in  regard  that  it  doth  appear  that  there  is  a 
great  recourse  to  and  fro  by  travellers  to  Martha's 
Vineyard,  Nantucket,  etc." '  As  progress  is  made  in  the 
settlement  of  the  plantation,  so  the  concomitants  of 
civilization  that  ever  seem  to  forbid  the  hope  of 
finding  any  community  perfect,  appear  in  the  indict- 
ment of  two  young  men,  sons  of  leading  settlers,  "  for 
lasciviousness  with  the  wife  of "  one  whose  family 


^  The  tendency  of  emigration  in  the  direction  of  these  islands  was  early 
manifest.  In  1G73,  Mr.  Robinson  himself  was  proprietor's  clerk  at  Tisbury, 
and  1678-84  was  selectman.     He  continued  to  reside  there  in  1701. 

VOL.  II.  54 


426  HISTOEY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

name  proDably  does  not,  at  the  time  of  this  writing, 

survive    in    Falmouth.      In    1668,   William  Gifford,^ 

Thomas  Lewis  and  John  Jenkins  ^  became  "  inhabitants 

of  Succonessit." 

In  1677,  "  the  company  agreed,  July  23,  to  lay  out  other  lands 
—  lots  of  60  acres  upland  to  a  share;  also  meadows."  John 
Rowland  and  Thos.  Lothrop  acting  for  the  company,  appointed 
Bernard  Lumbert,  William  Gilford,  and  John  Smith,  to  lay  out 
the  lots.^  The  lands  in  the  vicinity  of  the  first  purchase  being 
taken,  the  inhabitants  and  the  proprietors  agreed  to  the  laying 
out  of  "lands  at  Woods  Hole,  Little  Harbor,  —  to  be  assigned 
equally  to  every  purchaser  according  to  his  proportion ;  beginning 
at  the  south  end  of  the  Little  Neck  and  running  W.  by  N.  to 

^  William  Gifford,  early  in  Sandwich,  had  a  son  Christopher  July 
1658.  Christopher  was  at  Tateket  as  early  as  1690.  The  S.  records  men- 
tion Meribah,  the  wife  of  Christopher,  and  subsequently  another  by  the  name 
of  Deborah ;  these  names  maj^  have  been  designed  for  the  same  person,  the 
issue  being  Meribah  Oct.  30, 1687;  a  daughter,  probably  Alice,  Sept.  1 7, 1689; 
Christopher  May  5,  1687,  d.  inf  ;  Enos  Feb.  1,  1693-4  ;  Mary  Oct.  6,  1695  ; 
Christopher  April  15,  1698  ;  and  Deborah  Feb.  2,  1700.  But  as  a  "  Chris- 
topher GifFord  of  Conway  m.  Mary  Burgess  of  S.  1692,"  we  cannot  be  cer- 
tain that  two  distinct  families  are  not  thus  confounded.  There  was  also  a 
John  in  Sandwich  early,  whose  children  were  Elisa.  12:  25:  1654-5; 
Sam'l  Mar.  12;  1666;  John  June  12,  1668;  Mary  Oct.  9,  1669;  Grace 
Aug.  7,  1671;  William  7:3:  1673;  Yelverton  Ap.  22,  1676;  and  Josiah 
Feb.  27,  1681.  Samuel,  of  S.,  m.  Jane  Loring  Nov.  2,  1699,  who  d.  same 
year,  and  had  Josiah  Feb.  12,  1700-1,  by  Joanna.  John  m.  Desire 
Sprague  Nov.  24,  1696.  William,  of  S.,  m.  Ellsa.  Wheaton  Mar.  13, 
1701-2,  and  had  Benjamin  Aug.  20,  1703;  Nathan  Feb.  16,  1704-5;  and 
Elisa.  May  31,  1710.  William,  of  S.  by  w.  Mary,  had  Jona.  May  4, 
1684;  and  James  Mar.  10,  1685-6.  Jonathan,  of  S.,  who  d.  Feb.  10, 
1734-5,  had  by  w.  Lydia,  Maria  Oct.  16,  1709;  Peleg  Aug.  14,1711; 
Rebecca  Sept.  18,  1713;  Bethia  July  1,  1715;  Silas,  Feb.  14,  1716-17; 
Hannah  Mar.  10,  1719;  and  Anna  Aug.  4,  1721.  James,  of  S.,  m. 
Deborah  Lewis  Mar.  30,  1710,  and  had  Dinah  Oct.  29,  1712,  who  m.  John 
Atkins  Feb.  13,  1729;  Remember  1714;  Sarah  1716;  James  1717; 
Cornelius  Feb.  9,  1718;  Silvanus  Oct.  18,  1720;  Mary  1722;  Deborah 
1724;  George  1726;  Thomas  1728;  and  Eleanor  1730,  who  m.  William 
Chanter  Dec.  4,  1747.  JosiAH,  of  S.,  m.  Mercy  Chadwick  Mar.  11, 
1714-15,  and  had  Rhoda  1716;  John  1717;  Abigail  1718;  Sam'l  1721; 
Christopher  1722,  whom.  Remember  Nye  Nov.  10,  1748;  Hannah  1727, 
who  prob.  ra.  Hoxie ;  and  Benj.  1732.  JosiAH  Jr.,  of  S.,  m.  Elisa.  Nye 
June  21,  1750,  and  had  Sam'l  Mar.  30,  1751,  who  prob.  m.  Anne  Tupper; 
Lemuel  Dec.  1,  1752;  Jane  1754;  Joseph  1756;  and  Abigail  1758. 

^Although  Mr.  Jenkins  is  mentioned  as  becoming  an  "  inhabitant "  at 
this  time,  we  have  doubts  whether  he  had  at  the  time  taken  up  his  abode 
here.     Subsequent  records  seem  to  disprove  it. 

^  The  original  company  had  probably  secured  from  the  natives,  a  tract 
bordering  on  the  coast,  and  extending  from  Woods  Hole  to  Five-mile  River, 
and  e.\tendin;j  inland  4  or  5  miles. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  427 

the  Great  Harbor.  Parallel  to  this  were  twelve  other  strips  of 
land,  averaging  about  7  rods  in  width,  numbered  from  1  to  13,  all 
assigned  as  follows:  viz.,  to  Moses  Rowley  Sr.,  Joseph  Hull, 
Thos.  Griffin,  John  Robinson,/  Sam'l  Tilly,  Nathaniel  Skiff, 
Thomas  Johnson,  William  Giffoi-d,  Thomas  Lewis,  John  Jenkins, 
Jonathan  Hatch  Sr.,  William  Weeks,  and  Thomas  Ewer.  There 
were  laid  out  10  acres  to  a  share,  in  Great  Neck,  to  the  same 
individuals.^  A  blacksmith  being  indispensable  to  the  necessities 
of  the  settlers  at  Woods  Hole,  "  12  acres  of  upland  with  the 
marsh  thereabout,"  was  laid  out  and  appropriated  "  to  encourage 
a  smith  to  come  and  settle  among  us."  • 

In  1678,  lands  were  laid  out  at  Oyster  Pond ;  also  at  Hog 
Island,  and  Great  Sipperwisset,  where  the  early  settlers  were 
William  Gifford  Sr.,  William  Gifford  Jr.,  John  Weeks  and 
William  Weeks. 

In  1679,  an  Indian  deed,  bearing  date  Jan.  15,  appears, 
signed  by  "Job  Notantico,  Indian  of  Suckanessett,"  confirmatory 
of  the  proprietors'  early  purchase  of  Woods  Hole.^  James 
Percival's  lands  were  bounded  this  jear.  The  inhabitants  were 
held  by  the  Court  "  liable  to  do  such  duty  at  Suckanessett  as  is 
requisite  to  be  performed  for  the  good  of  that  Society  there." 
"The  line  between  Sandwich  and  Suckanessett  Village"  was 
defined  :  "  Beginning  at  a  place  commonly  called  Hope's  Spring 
a  little  to  the  southward  of  Pocasset  Neck ;  thence  easterly  into 
the  woods,  being  Suckanesset's  northerly  bounds,  etc.,  to  the 
Christian  Indian's  lands." 


^  The  lots  are  thus  described :  "  The  first  lies  in  the  Neck, —  being  on  the 
foot-path  that  runs  through  the  neck,  and  S.  E.  toward  the  Sound ; "  then 
"  three  lots  lying  contiguous ; "  then  six  lots  on  the  E.  side  of  Little  Harbor, 
—  the  first  runs  E.  by  N.,  4  score  long  and  20  rods  broad,  and  on  that 
range  lies  six  lots,  the  last  joining  to  the  Dutchman's  Pond ;  then  three  lots 
at  Kobsque  Point,—  26  rods  broad,  running  to  the  pond,  and  also  to  the 
sea;  the  12th  lot  being  20  rods  broad,  and  4  score  long;  the  13th  Kes 
beyond  Ackapaskot  and  butts  on  the  sea." 

^  "  To  all  people  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  :  Job  Notantico,  son 
of  Thos.  Notantico,  Indian  of  Suckanesset  in  the  Government  of  New 
Plymouth,  sendeth  greeting,  etc.  Know  ye  that  I,  the  said  Job,  understand- 
ing that  my  father,  the  said  Notantico,  Sachem,  many  years  since,  about  or 
before  the  beginning  of  the  Suckannessett  plantation,  did  freely  and  abso- 
lutely grant  and  give  unto  Jonathan  Hatch  Sr.,of  the  said  S.,  all  that  tract, 
or  neck,  commonly  called  Woods  Hole  Neck,  excepting  a  part  which  he,  the 
said  Notantico  reserved  for  himself,  which  afterwards  he  exchanged  with 
Suckannesset  men,  and  accepted  in  lieu  thereof  40  acres  at  little  Sipper- 
wisset witli  liberty  to  cut  sticks  and  wood  on  the  commons,  the  fins  and  tails 
of  whales  cast  ashore  on  the  neck  to  be  mine,"  etc.  This  deed  was  witnessed 
by  Shearjashub  Bourne  and  Bathsheba  Bourne,  and  "  acknowledged  by 
Job  Notantico,  alias  Attuckoo,"  bclbre  "  Thomas  Hinckley,  Assistt." 


428  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1681,  July  13,  it  was  "ordered  by  the  Court  and 
granted,  that  the  people  and  Society  of  Saconesset  do 
set  apart  about  30  acres  of  upland  with  a  proportion- 
ate parcel  of  meadow  thereunto,  as  may  be  suitable, 
for  the  help  and  encouragement  of  such  fit  person  or 
persons  as  doth  or  may  be  helpful  to  them  in  teaching 
the  good  word  of  God  amongst  them,  and  be  in  perpe- 
tuity for  such  an  end  successively." 

At 'what  time  the  Friends,  or  Quakers,  commenced 
their  career  here  as  a  distinct  denomination,  or  society, 
it  is  difficult  to  determine ;  but,  about  1685,  William 
Gifford  and  Robert  Harper  are  found  to  be  recognized 
as  Quakers.  Their  meeting  was  probably  at  West 
Falmouth.  It  has  been  conjectured  that  Isaac  Robinson 
having  embraced  some  of  the  peculiarities  of  that  sect 
before  leaving  Barnstable,  and  being  a  prominent  and 
influential  man  here,  were  considerations  that  led 
Quakers  to  look  in  this  direction  as  favorable  to  quiet 
and  the  enjoyment  and  establishment  of  their  worship. 

Liberty  was  granted  at  this  time,  and  in  successive 
years,  to  persons  "  to  take  up  land "  in  the  eastern 
section  of  the  township;  viz.,  to  Robert  Harper,^ 
James  Percival,  Joseph  Hull,  John  Weeks,^  Joseph 
Hatch,  Moses  Rowley  Sr.,  James  Lewis,^  and  Thomas 
Creppan  Sr. 

In  1686,  June  4,  the  plantation  received  full  incor- 
poration as  a  Township  by  the  name  of  Falmouth. 

In  1687,  June  6,  the  following  action  of  the  town  is 
recorded  :  — 

"We,  the  inhabitants  of  Suckanessett,  desirous  of  upholding 
and  maintaining  to  oui*  ability  the  public  preaching  of  the  word 


^Land  to  Robert  Harper  was  granted  April  1,  1685. 

^  John  Weeks  was  a  large  land-holder. 

*  James  Lewis  '•  hath  taken  his  at  the  N.  side  of  the  Spruce-swamp,  and 
to  join  the  Indian  line  that  comes  from  the  head  of  Five-mile  River,  to 
Ta'teket." 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  429 

of  God  among  us,  but  considering  the  smallness  of  our  people, 
do  therefore  think  it  to  be  necessary  for  us  to  provide  and  set 
apart  some  lands  and  meadow  or  marsh  that  may  be  an  encour- 
agement and  help  to  any  fit  person  that  is,  or  may  be,  helpful  to 
us,  or  our  posterity  after  us,  in  that  good  work\;  and  having 
obtained  some  help  from  the  Court  to  encourage  -us  in  such  a 
good  work,  —  as  appears  on  record  bearing  date  the  13th  July, 
1681 ;  and  having  understood  that  the  first  purchasers  of  the 
lands  here  in  Suckanesset  were  not  unmindful  of  such  a  thing, 
but  did  leave  a  20  acre  lot  void  at  that  time,  the  which  we  will^ 
and  are  minded  to  lay  for  such  an  end ;  and  having  obtained  of 
the  proprietors  of  the  lands  here,  at  a  general  meeting  in  Sucka- 
nesset, that  Jonathan  Dunham  should  have  ten  acres  of  land 
and  all  the  skirts  of  marsh  or  meadow  about  the  Bass  Pond,  and 
all  the  marsh  on  the  N.  W.  side  of  Quanamut,  as  appears  bearing 
date  the  23d  July,  1677,jand  now  having  obtained  from  the  said 
Dunham,  by  purchase,  all  the  right  or  interest  he  had  in  Sucka- 
nesset, of  lands,  houses,  marsh,  and  meadow ;  Do,  therefore 
agree:  That  the  lands  aforesaid  —  that  is  to  say,  40  acres  of 
upland  in  the  20  acre  lots,  and  half  a  share  of  marsh-meadovr 
lying  at  Great  Seperwisset,  and  a  dwelling-house  and  about  two 
acres  of  upland  adjoining  to  it,  with  all  the  skirts  of  mai'sh  or 
meadow-ground  about  the  Bass  Pond,  or  on  Quanaumet  Neck 
that  was  not  divided  to  men's  lots,  shall  be  and  remain  to  be  for- 
ever improved  for  the  help  and  encouragement  of  any  fit  person 
that  is,  or  may  be,  employed  in  teaching  the  good  word  of  God 
among  us,  or  our  posterity  after  us,  and  to  be  perpetually  to  such 
an  end,  successively,  without  any  alteration  or  change, /breuen" 

The  same  year,  the  first  public  road  was  laid  out ; 
viz. :  "  a  king's-highway,  forty  feet  wide,  through  the 
land  that  was  Thos.  Johnson's  to  the  Little  Harbor, 
and  from  the  said  land  to  Joseph  Hatch's,  where  the 
way  now  goes,  and  so  through  to  the  Five-mile  River." 

In  1688,  lands  were  laid  out  to  Thomas  Bowerman. 

In  1689,  occurred  the  first  election  of  deputies, 
when,  in  Dec,  John  Robinson  was  elected.  This  year, 
Feb.  1,  "  a  certain  tract  of  land,"  —  the  same  that  is 
now  in  part,  North  Falmouth,  —  "granted   to  John 


430  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

and  Ebenezer  Nye/  sons  of  Benjamin  of  Sandwich," 
was  confirmed  by  "Wm.  Bradford,  son  and  heir  of 
Gov.  B."^ 

In  1690,  a  general  meeting  of  the  proprietors  was 
held  at  the  house  of  Jonathan  Hatch,  and  it  was 
"  ordered  that  all  the  undivided  lands  within  said  Suc- 
kanesset  be  laid  out  in  lots  and  allotments  as  soon  as 
convenient.  John  Jenkins  was  appointed  agent  to 
obtain  suitable  persons  to  lay  out  the  said  lands,  and 
employed  William  Wyatt  and  Thomas  Bowerman. 
The  following  year,  — 

March,  1691,  the  duty  was  ably  performed,  and  the 
bounds  accurately  described  ;  1st,  the  vacant  lands  at 
Wood's  Hole  ;  2d,  the  high  lands  in  the  region  of  Hog 
Island  ;  and  3d,  the   Plain  lands.'^     Still,  in  this  "  final 

^  These  were  the  first  settlers  at  North  Fahnouth.  Their  grant,  however, 
covered  but  a  small  part  of  the  territory,  being  less  than  200  acres.  A  gen- 
eral division  of  the  lands  and  settlement  here,  did  not  take  place  until  much 
later.  But  it  is  to  be  remarked  that  the  deed  given  by  AIi-.  Bradford  rep- 
resents said  John  and  Ebenezer  as  having  been  "  many  years  in  quiet  and 
peaceable  possession." 

^  The  deed  describes  the  lands  as  "  at  a  place  called  Mayhagansett,  adja- 
cent to  Saconesset.  Bounds :  northerly  beginning  at  a  small  harbor  or 
cove  running  up  into  the  meadow  ;  and  so  bounded  hy  the  salt  watei'  from 
that  harbor  unto  a  high  hill,  being  a  ditch  cut  in  the  side  of  the  hill ;  and 
easterly  from  the  said  hill  on  a  straight  line  to  a  small  orchard,  and  on  the 
same  line  to  the  hills  ;  and  southerly  from  another  harbor  or  cove  that  runs 
up  between  the  lands  of  said  John  and  Ebenezer  Nye,  and  the  lands  now 
in  occupation  or  teniu-e  of  Daniel  Butler,  and  so  extending,  as  that  river 
runs,  which  issues  into  that  harbor,  until  it  comes  near  the  mouth  in  which 
that  river  issues  ;  and  so  on  a  straight  line  southerly  up  to  the  hill ;  and 
bounded  also  by  the  salt-water  Irom  the  first-mentioned  hai-bor  unto  the 
last-mentioned  harbor  between  their  lands  and  the  lands  in  occupation  of 
the  said  Daniel  Butler."  This  deed,  which  explains  the  history  of  Gov. 
Bradford's  title,  is  wit.  by  John  Hathaway  Sr.,  Roland  Cotton,  and  Wm. 
Bassett,  and  was  ack.  before  "  Thos.  Hinckley,  of  His  Majesty's  Council." 

^ These  were  included  "within  a  line  running  S.  W.  and  by  S.  —  that  is, 
the  range  from  the  River-head  to  Tateket,  and  butting  on  the  lands  of 
Christopher  Giftbrd  and  the  hills  ;  and  a  N.  N.  E.  line  fi-om  a  great  rock, 
which  is  the  range  of  the  hill  lots."  There  being  no  public  way  laid  out, 
every  one  was  to  have  Uberty  of  all  convenient  cart-ways ;  but  gates  and 
bars  erected  for  the  convenience  of  the  owners  of  lands  must  not  be  left 
open.  Five-mile  River,  now  known  as  Dexter's  River,  —  the  head  of  said 
liver  being  a  swamp  about  40  or  50  rods  from  Coonemesset  Pond,  formed 
the  N.  E.  boundary  of  the  original  townshij?.  The  northern  boundary 
extended  on  a  straight  line  from  this  point  to  "  a  large  rpck"  on  the  N.  side 


ANNALS    OF    FALMOUTH.  431 


division/'  a  reserve  was  made  of  certain  meadow-lands, 
"  to  be  sold  and  the  money  to  be  for  the  use  of  the 
inhabitants,  as  a  majority  shall  agree."  This  year 
land  was  granted  to  Wm.  Wyatt.  Moses  Rowley  took 
lands  and  settled  at  Quisset.  Lands  at  the  Plains 
were  granted  to  Jno.  Weeks,  Wm.  Weeks,  and  others. 
Tf  Thomas  Parker,  Joseph  Parker,  Benj.  Hatch,  Moses 
Hatch,  Wm.  Gifford,  John  Gifford,  Jonathan  Hatch, 
and  Christopher  Gifford,  also  "  took  lands." 

Except  as  we  gather  from  the  Proprietor's  records 
and  from  Colonial  records,  the  history  of  the  town 
is,  for  many  years,  almost  as  destitute  of  interest 
as  if  an  entire  blank.  It  has  been  seen  that  for 
municipal  purposes,  and  for  the  due  observance  of 
public  worship,  the  plantation  was,  by  order  of  Court, 
associated  with  Barnstable  many  years  ;  during  which 
time  it  had  been  necessary  to  travel  fifteen  miles  to 
West  Barnstable  to  attend  Sunday  service. 

In  1700,"  let  well  enough  alone  "  seems  to  have  been 
ignored  by  the  voters,  and  an  attempt  was  made  to  re- 
duce the  records  to  order.  Thomas  Lewis  was  an  ex- 
pert  chirographer,   a   systematic   registrar,   and   had 

of  Hog  Island  Harbor,  known  as  Chapoquoit  Kock.  Wlien  this  boundary- 
was  established,  the  line  ran,  as  expressed,  "  from  the  edge  of  one  high  hill 
to  another."  Sevei-al  years  after,  a  controversy  arose  respecting  the  line. 
These  hills  were  long  and  of  gradual  ascent ;  and  by  one  party  it  was  con- 
tended that  the  edge  of  the  hills  was  at  their  base ;  the  other  maintained 
that  the  edge  was  at  the  top.  An  appeal  was  finally  made  to  an  old  Indian 
who  had  said  he  could  tell  them  all  about  the  line  which,  he  averred,  ran 
.  neither  at  the  top  nor  at  the  base,  but  by  a  certain  great  rock  about  half- 
way between  the  supposed  lines.  To  this  it  was  objected,  "  There  is  no 
such  rock."  "  Well,"  said  the  Indian,  "  I  will  show  it  to  you."  Leading 
to  a  large  pile  of  decayed  brushwood,  he  said,  "  There  is  the  rock.  When 
the  bounds  were  established,  our  people  began,  and  were  in  the  habit  after- 
ward to  throw,  each  of  them,  whenever  they  passed  this  way,  a  stick 
upon  the  rock  as  a  token  of  consent,  — renewing  the  act  for  a  long  series 
of  years.  Remove  these  boughs,  and  you  will  find  the  rock."  It  was 
done;  and  the  denudation  settled  the  controversy.  This  Indian,  Jehu 
Horton,  lived  to  a  very  great  age,  and  related  to  a  lad  of  16,  who  was  an 
octogenarian  in  1850,  many  reminiscences  of  long  by-gone  days.  For  the 
substance  of  this  anecdote,  we  are  indebted  to  notes  of  ]\Ir.  Chs.  Jenkins, 
who  obtained  it  from  Mr.  Prince  Gifibrd. 


432  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

probably  long  acted  in  the  capacity  whicb  the  record  of 
this  last  year  of  the  century  assigns  him :  "  At  a  meet- 
ing of  the  proprietors  of  the  lands  at  Siickanesset,  alias 
Falmouth,  March  19,  the  proprietors,  by  vote,  made 
choice  of  Thomas  Lewis  to  be  their  clerk."  This  selec- 
tion was  judicious.  They  must  needs,  however,  —  now 
that  probably  all  legal  inhabitants  had  become  proprie- 
tors,—  determine  on  serious  changes:  "Ordered  that 
all  the  records  of  lands  be  transcribed  from  the  town 
book,  and  recorded  in  a  new  one  -,  and  that  Moses 
Hatch  and  Thos.  Bowerman  perform  this  duty  and  be 
paid  for  their  services."  Accordingly  we  find,  in  the 
oldest  book  extant,  —  following  a  reservation  of  blank 
leaves,  intended,  no  doubt,  for  what  was  never  written 
upon  them,  —  records  datinir  from  1690,  consisting 
chiefly  of  divisions  and  bounds  of  lands,  and  being, 
without  doubt,  so  far,  a  faithful  transcript  from  the 
town's  "old  book."  The  sapient  scribes  say,  at  the 
opening,  that  they  "  have  selected  from  the  old  book  all 
that  was  needful^  We  are  not  told  what  was  the  fate  of 
the  primitive  records;  they  were  -^rohdihXj  destro!/ed ; 
they  are  certainly  lost ;  and  with  them  is  gone,  as  we 
apprehend;  much  that  would  have  been  of  interest  to 
the  antiquarian  and  historian,  leaving  even  the  descent 
of  families  perplexed.  The  municipal  details  were 
consigned  to  oblivion,  and  the  little  that  can  now  be 
recovered  must  be  gleaned  from  colonial  records,  or  con- 
temporaneous correspondence  and  the  archives  of 
other  towns  or  churches.  Fragmentary  items  found 
here  and  there,  afford  but  very  limited  relief  to  the 
vacuum.  Of  the  action  of  this  town,  in  the  French  war, 
for  instance,  the  Colonial  Records  inform  us ;  and  assure 
us  that  although  this  town  was  not  required  to  bear  a 
distinguished  part  in  military  affairs,  it  paid  its  propor- 
tion of  the  levy,  whilst  the  "owe  man''  called  for,  was 


ANNALS    OF    FALMOUTH.  433 

promptly  despatched  with  "  well-fixed  gim,  sword  or 
hatchet,  horn  or  cartoiich-box,  suitable  ammuDition, 
and  knapsack."  At  what  time  Mr.  Samuel  Siiiveriok 
came,  it  is  impossible  to  saj ;  probably  some  years 
before  we  find  any  mention  of  him  in  the  Records. 
He  appears,  in  1700,  to  have  been  some  time  an  inhab- 
itant. The  town,  April  7,  voted  him  .£15;  and  Mr. 
Shiverick  thereupon  "  quit-claimed  all  dues  for  salary 
promised  ivJien  he  came  lierer  ^  The  tax  assessed,  Oct. 
25,  was  £19.5,  viz. :  for  Mr.  Shiverick,  £15 ;  for  repair- 
ing the  j)Ound,  £2.5;  for  assessors,  £1.10;  and  for 
Sylv.  Hatch,  lOs.  At  this  date,  the  first  original  sur- 
viving book  of  town  records  was  begun.^ 

In  1701,  Mar.  25,  every  housekeeper  was  required  "to  kill  6 
old,  or  12  young  blackbirds,  or  4  jays,  by  the  15th  of  June  next, 
and  deliver  the  same  to  the  selectmen ;  in  default  thereof  to  pay 
3s.  additional  tax." 

The  situation  of  Mr.  Shiverick,  we  fear,  was  not  so 
pleasant  as  it  should  have  been.  Whether,  he  being 
the  minister  of  the  town,  its  action  was  sometimes 
embarrassed  by  a  preponderance  of  adverse  votes 
swollen  by  Quaker  suffrage,  does  not  clearly  appear ; 
but,  Aug.  6,  it  was  "  voted  to  look  out  for  a  fit  person 
to  preach  the  word  of  God,  and  to  keep  school ; "  and 
then,  Dec.  21,  ^' the  town  being  orderly  warned  and 
assembled  together,  it  was  voted    that   Mr.   Samuel 

^  Judge  Sewell's  notes  state  that  "  Eev.  Samuel  Shiverick  was  a  Hugue- 
not." 

^  The  first  page  opens  thus :  "  This  is  Falmouth  Town  Book  ;  6  shilling 
cost.  S.  P.,  To  record  all  marriages,  births,  and  business,  and  the  marks  of 
cattle,  and  all  that  is  needful  to  be  taken  out  of  the  old  book  and  placed  in 
this,  with  all  town-business  that  concerns  the  town,  but  not  lands.  Begins 
the  25th  day  of  October,  1 700."  If  any  one,  however,  shall  wish  hereafter 
to  consult  these  early  records,  made  by  successive  clerks,  let  him  be  advised 
that  he  will  find  a  singular  conglomeration  of  events  and  dates,  —  ear- 
marks of  sheep  and  cattle,  town  meetings,  publishments  and  marriages, 
accounts  and  births,  —  often,  the  last  first  and  the  first  last  —  in  some 
instances,  on  the  same  page,  records  varying  many  years  in  date,  even  30 
or  40. 

VOL.  II.  55 


434  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Shiverick  is  none  of  this  town's  minister."  In  1702, 
"the  inhabitants  agree,  in  consideration  of  the  low 
estate  of  Mr.  Shiverick,  and  his  yearly  maintenance 
not  being  paid  to  him,  that  a  rate  of  £15  shall  be 
made  for  his  relief; "  and,  three  months  after,  at  a 
town-meeting, "  said  meeting  did  then  agree  that  they 
will  not  employ  Mr.  Samuel  Shiverick  any  more  to 
preach  to  them,  and  did  choose  Mr.  Joseph  Parker  to 
tell  him  of  it ;  also  chose  Mr.  Thomas  Bowerman  and 
Mr.  Joseph  Parker  to  reckon  and  take  accomit  with 
him  for  what  he  has  done  the  last  summer  and  this 
winter." 

In  1703,  it  was  "  voted  to  pay  John  Robinson  2cl.  for  nails,  and 
Thos.  Bassett  4s.  for  work  about  the  town-house."^ 

In  1704,  the  first  reference  is  made  to  "  the  neiu  pur- 
chase." At  a  meeting,  Aug.  22,  Mr.  Wm.  Bassett  being 
moderator,  "it  was  voted  that  Eben'r  Nye,  Philip 
Dexter,  Benjamin  Nye  Sr.,  Richard  Landers,  Stephen 
Harper,  Benj.  Lewis,  son  of  James,  Jona.  Hatch  Jr., 
Jona.  Johnson,  Nathan  Rowley,  Joseph  Hatch  Jr., 
Benj.  Nye  Jr.,  Gideon  Giflford,  and  Wm.  Johnson,  hav- 
ing formerly  paid  their  equal  part  of  the  purchase  of 
the  last  addition  of  lands  called  the  new  purchase,  on 
the  borders  of  Sandwich, — -purchased  by  Thomas 
Bowerman  and  Wm.  Gilford,  as  agents  for  said  pro- 
prietors who  were  not  of  the  ancient  proprietors,  shall 
have  each  of  them  their  equal  part  and  right  in  all 
the  said  lands  with  all  the  old  proprietors  that  have 
paid,  or  shall  pay,  their  part  of  said  purchase  of  lands." 
Isaac  Green  was  admitted  a  proprietor.     John  Jenkins 


^  This  is  the  first  intimation  of  the  existence  of  such  a  building ;  and 
■whether  it  was  an  edifice  that  had  been  erected  for  the  town's  convenience 
in  transacting  public  business,  and  what  was  its  size,  form,  or  location  ;  or 
whether  it  was  what  is  ordinarily  called  a  "  meeting-house,"  or  perhaps 
*'  parsonage,"  we  are  not  informed. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  435 

*'of  Barnstable"  is  mentioned  as  a  proprietor;  and 
reference  is  made  to  "  Hope  Lothrop's  lands." 

It  was  "  voted  to  apply  to  Mr.  Russel  of  Barnstable 
and  Mr.  Eowland  Cotton  of  Sandwich,  for  assistance 
in  getting  a  minister."  It  was  also  voted,  Oct.  15,  to 
procure  "  window  shutters  for  the  4  lower  windows  of 
the  meeting-house."  ^  It  was  also  "  voted  to  lay  a  tax 
of  £42,"  of  which  sum  <£11  was  to  pay  a  debt  con- 
tracted by  the  town ;  the  balance  was  for  the  county 
tax  and  town  purposes.  The  new  levy  was  denounced 
by  the  minority  as  "  oppressive."  A  "  retrenchment 
party "  was  soon  recognized,  and  their  influence,  it 
may  be  presumed,  was  not  abated  by  an  appropriation 
also  made,  this  year,  "  for  minister's  salary."  It  was 
contended  that  the  meeting,  Oct.  15,  was  not  legally 
warned,  and  that  it  was  thinly  attended ;  and  a  deter- 
mination was  expressed,  "  because  of  inability  to  pay 
the  taxes,  and  the  great  oppression  that  is  thence 
like  to  be  brought  upon  the  poor,"  to  resist  the 
collection. 

In  1705,  Feb.  2,  it  was  "voted  to  pay  to  Mr. 
Shiverick,  in  his  poverty,  £4;"  but,  much  disturbance 
continued,  party  spirit  was  rampant,  and,  April  17,  it 
was  "voted  that  the  minister's  salary  ordered  to  be 
raised  Oct.  15,  1704,  be  reconsidered^'  and  that  the 
doings  of  '  f mer  meetings  "  shall  now  end,  and 
from  henceiv>rth  be  of  no  force,  or  effect."  A  difficulty 
here,  however,  presented  itself;  the  taxes  ordered  had 
already  been  assessed ;  the  bills  were  in  the  hands  of 
the  constable ;  and  the  county-tax  could  not  possibly 
be  evaded.  It  was,  therefore,  finally  "  voted  to  pay 
the  constable  one-half  the  tax  set  against  our  names 


^  This  house  is,  doubtless,  that  before  called  "  the  town-house ; "  and  we 
gain  some  little  insight  of  its  arrangements,  —  4  windows  below. 


436  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY 

respectively,  he  to  pay  the  county-tax  first,  and  then 
the  balance  to  the  selectmen ; "  also  "  to  discharge  the 
constable  from  the  duty  of  collecting  more."  Mr. 
Timothy  Robinson  was^,  moreover,  "  appointed  agent 
for  the  town,  to  apply  to  the  Court  of  General  Sessions 
for  an  abatement  of  what  the  Court  has  assessed  on 
the  town."  All  this  certainly  implies  a  heterogeneous 
state  of  society,  and  its  discordant  materials  are  notice- 
able for  a  long  time. 

A  portion  of  the  inhabitants  were  for  securing  and 
supporting  a  stated  ministry ;  others  opposed  it ;  the 
public  law,  however,  left  no  alternative,  and,  Aug. 
14,  it  was  "voted  that  Mr.  John  Gore  be  the  minister 
of  the  town,  and  that  Joseph  Hatch  and  Timothy 
Robinson  be  agents  to  agree  with  Mr.  Shiverick  con- 
cerning his  demands,  —  also  to  forbid  his  preaching 
any  more  on  the  town's  account." 

In  1707,  Feb.  27,  there  is  evidence  of  the  discomfit- 
ure of  the  "  retrenchment  party,"  and  of  a  gradually 
returning  better  state  of  things.  Application  was 
made  to  Rev.  Joseph  Metcalfe  to  preach  as  a  candidate 
for  settlement;  and,  May  19,  by  advice  of  Revs.  Jona. 
Russell,  Roland  Cotton  and  Nathaniel  Stone,  he  was 
called  to  assume  the  permanent  duties  of  the  minis- 
try.^ The  letter  addressed  to  Mr.  M.  by  the  committee, 
offered  "  £160  settlement,  2  good  cows,  from  10  to  20 
cords  of  wood,  as  his  exigencies  might  require,  and 
£40  salary  for  the  first  three  years,  then  £45,  and 
£50  from  the  7th  year,  then  to  be  annually  increased 
in  proportion  to  the  increase  of  ratable  property 
until  it  amount  to  £70 ;  he  to  build  upon  the  town's 
land;  the  town  to  dig  and  stone  his  well;  the  town  to 


'  Not  called  to  the  pastorate,  for  the  reason  that  there  was  as  yet  no 
church  organized.     Mr.  M.  was  from  Dedham,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1 703. 


ANNALS    OF    FALMOUTH.  4:61 

have  the  refusal  of  the  property  in  case  he  sells,  and 
in  case  of  his  decease,  his  administrators  to  convey  to 
the  town  the  fifty-acre  lot  on  which  he  builds  with  the 
improvements,  allowing  the  town  £60  for  the  lot,  his 
estate  to  be  paid  the  balance  of  the  value  as  estimated 
by  indifferent  persons."  Aug.  22,  Mr.  Metcalfe  returned 
the  following  answer  : 

"  To  John  Robinson,  Melatiah  Bourne,  Moses  Flatch,  Joseph 
Parker,  and  Samuel  Lewis: 

"Gentlemen:  This  is  to  intimate  and  manifest  my  grateful 
acceptance  of  your  above-Avritten  proposals,  in  all  respects  clos- 
ing and  complying  with  and  consenting  unto,  and  granting  the 
conditions  annexed  thereunto  as  yourselves  have  now  expressed 
the  same :  Only  this  exception  I  must  make,  That  I  will  appro- 
priate so  much  time  as  necessary  journeys  and  yearly  visits  shall 
require, ---a  very  reasonable  and  necessary  privilege,  —  Avithout 
being  thought  an  offender,  though  I  provide  no  one  to  supply 
my  absence. 

(Signed,)  "  J.  Metcalfe." 

We  are  glad  to  find  that  Rev.  Mr.  Shiverick  was  not 
forgotten ;  Maj.  Bassett  was  appointed  by  the  town, 
Aug.  26,  '^  to  carry  a  petition  to  the  General  Court  for 
help  out  of  the  public  treasury,  in  getting  a  minister, 
and  help  in  supporting  our  ancient  minister  and  family." 

Relating  to  the  succeeding  year,  we  gather  the  fol- 
lowing from  the  records  of  the  Barnstable  Church  : 

"  1708,  Oct.  10.  The  following  persons  signified  to  the  Church 
in  Barnstable  their  desire  to  be  dismissed  to  the  work  of  gather- 
ing into  a  church  estate  in  Falmouth;  Whereupon,  voted,  that 
according  to  our  best  observation  the  conversation  of  these  per- 
sons has  been  agreeable  to  their  profession ;  and  we  do,  therefore, 
recommend  them  to  the  great  and  good  work  of  forming  and 
organizing  a  church,  which  they  are  upon,  and  therein  unto  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  we  commend  them,  viz. : 
Samuel  Shiverick  Sr.,^ 

'  Mr.  Shiverick,  still  retaining  his  connection  with  the  Barnstable 
Church,  but  having  labored  here  for  years  as  a  preacher  and  teacher,  had 
now  probably  grown  old ;  but  he  is  represented  as  having  been  "  a  devoted, 
gifted,  pious  man." 


438  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

John  Robinson  and  Elisa.,  his  wife,* 
Jolm  Davis  and  Hannah,  his  wife,^ 
Moses  Hatch  and  Elisa.,  his  wife,^ 
Thomas  Parker  and  Mary,  his  wife,* 
Joseph  Parker  and  Mercy,  his  wife, 
Aaron  Rowley  and  Mary,  his  wife,^ 
Anna,  wife  of  Joseph  Hatch, 
Alice,  wife  of  Benj.  Hatch, 
Mary,  wife  of  Wm.  Johnson,^ 
Hannah,  wife  of  Benj.  Lewis,' 
Lydia,  wife  of  Samuel  Hatch, 
Bethia,  wife  of  Joseph  Robinson.  — Amen. 
^  The  above  persons  were  living  in  Falmouth.* 

(Signed,)  "Jonathak  Russell,    . 

Pastor  with  the  consent  of  the  brethren." 

In  1709,  as  appears  by  the  records  of  the  Friends" 
monthly  meeting  at  Sandwich,  a  meeting  for  disciphne 
was  estabhshed  here ;  a  meeting  for  worship  had 
existed  many  years. 

In  1711,  Mr.  Metcalfe,  March  22,  released  £60  of 
his  back  salary. 

In  1712,  June  3,  at  a  proprietors'  meeting  of  the 
old  and  new  purchasers,  Maj.  Wm.  Bassett,  moderator, 
and  Joseph  Parker,  clerk,  the  northeast  part  of  the 
township,  included  in  what  was  denominated  the  nem 
purchase,   was    ordered    to  be  laid  out ;  '"^  and  it  was 

^  The  EoBiNSONS  of  this  town,  are  descended  from  the  Pilgrim  Pastor 
at  Leyden. 

^  John  Davis  was  grandson  of  Dolor. 

*  Moses  Hatch  was  son  of  Jonathan,  and  had  brs.  Benj.  and  Samuel. 

*  Thomas  and  Joseph  Parker  were  the  ancestors  of  those  of  the 
name  here,  supposed  to  be  the  sons  of  Robert,  who  m.  Patience  Cobb, 
and  grandson  of  William. 

'"  Aaron  Rowley  was  s.  of  Moses  who  m.  Elisa.  Fuller  1652. 
^  William  Johnson,  prob.  s.  of  Tliomas,  Avho  was  in  Sandwich  early. 
'  Benj.  Lewis  was  grandson  of  George,  and  was  ancestor  of  those  of  the 
family  name  here. 

*  Whilst  those  of  the  Barnstable  Church  probably  formed  the  nucleus 
of"  the  Falmouth  Church,  there  were,  doubtless,  others  settled  here  who 
united  in  the  organization. 

'■*  Extending  from  a  line  from  Hog  Island  Harbor,  or  W^est  Falmouth,  to 
the  head  of  Five-mile  River,  or  Coonemessett  Pond ;  North  to  Sandwich 


ANNALS    OP   FALMOUTH.  439 

"voted  that  Lt.  Jona.  Hatch  have  one  equal  share 
with  the  other  proprietors  on  account  of  former  dis- 
bursements in  purchasing  the  rights  of  Ceapish,  In- 
dian." Thomas  Bowerman  and  PhiHp  Dexter  were 
appointed  to  lay  out  said  lands,  so  much  as  is  conven- 
ient and  needful,  in  lots, — regard  to  be  had  to  accom- 
modating each  lot  with  water  and  convenient  ways ; 
and  were  to  associate  with  them,  in  the  performance 
of  the  duty,  some  suitable  person.  They  called  to 
their  aid  Mr.  Samuel  Jennings  of  Sandwich,  —  an  ac- 
complished surveyor  and  good  scholar,  whose  able  and 
neatly-prepared  report  of  the  proceedings  amply  jus- 
tify the  encomium  we  bestow.  The  other  proprietors 
mentioned,  were, 

Nathan  Rowley,  Nathan  Fish,  Joseph  Bourne, 

Thomas  Parker,  John  Jenkins,  Joshua  Bourne, 

John  Dimmick,  Thos.  Crocker,  John  Nye, 

Benj.  Burgess,  Richard  Landers,  Benj.  Hatch, 

John  Gifford,  Judah  Butler,  John  Otis. 
Ezra  Bourne, 

These  lots  were  laid  out,  April  10, 1713.^     The  same 

line ;  W.  to  the  grant  previously  made  to  the  settlers  at  N.  Falmouth ;  and 
from  Five-mile  River  E.  to  the  Marshpee's  lands." 

^  A  reservation  was  made  "  for  all  the  proprietors  "  of  "  the  privilege  of 
digging  for  cla]i  to  make  brick,  near  the  path  that  goes  from  Isaac  Robin- 
son's to  Benj.  Nye's,  at  a  certain  place  where  the  people  are  wont  to  dig," 
in  the  centre  of  the  forest  between  E.  and  N.  Falmouth,  with  the  right  of 
way.  Excavations  are  now  to  be  seen  there,  on  the  margin  of  a  swamp 
on  the  high  ground.  In  the  report,  "  sheep-pasture  lots  "  are  mentioned. 
The  report  says :  "  First  we  ran  a  range  through  the  purchase  about  N.  E. 
by  N.,  and  S.  W.  and  by  S.,  beginning  at  the  westward  of  a  little  swamp 
near  the  line  that  divides  the  old  purchase  fi'om  the  new,  and  so  runs  N.  W. 
and  by  N.  to  Sandwich  line.  The  abovesaid  range  Is  the  westei'ly  bound  of  a 
vacancy  of  3  rods  wide  left  for  a  way  for  the  proprietor's  use,  and  this  way 
divides  the  purchase  into  two  parts,  each  of  which  is  a  particular  allotment ; 
and  that  allotment  on  the  westerly  side  of  said  way  Ave  denominate  the 
hill-lots^  and  the  other  the  plain-lols.  We  began  to  lay  out  lots,  near  the 
line  between  S.  and  F.,  butting  the  easterly  ends  of  them  all  on  the  afore- 
said way,  the  westerly  ends  to  extend  to  the  utmost  bounds  of  the  pur- 
chase. The  ranges  of  all  these  hill-lots  run  lengthivays,  W.  N.  W.,  from 
the  aforesaid  way  down  toward  the  Bay  or  salt  water."  The  laying  out 
of  the  plain-lots  is  equally  well  defined ;  as  are  also  the  individual  assign- 
ments in  both  allotments. 


440  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUx\TT. 

year,  June  8,  an  appropriation  of  £40  was  made  by 
the  General  Court  to  aid  the  town  in  building  a  meet- 
ing-house. 

In  1714j  to  Philip  Dexter,  £30  was  voted  "for  his 
part  of  the  mill  and  the  land  the  pond  covers."  Daniel 
Legg  is  mentioned  as  thp  schoolmaster  this  and  sub- 
sequent years. 

In  1715,  "it  was  agreed  to  build  a  new  meeting- 
house 42  feet  square,  to  stand  on  the  same  lot  where 
the  old  one  does,  and  to  be  for  the  town's  use  in  public 
worship  and  to  meet  in  open  town  meetings;"  but, 
subsequently,  it  was  determined  that  the  proposed 
new  house  shall  be  of  lesser  dimensions,  —  "the  old 
house  to  be  improved  to  build  the  new."  William 
Green  and  Elnathan  Nye  entered  their  dissent  to  the 
tov.m's  proceedings.  Finally,  it  was  arranged  "  to  build 
30  X  34,  18  to  root^  flat  as  convenient,  and  finish  only 
the  outside  walls,  but  build  the  ground  floor  and  pulpit 
as  soon  as  convenient."  The  £40  appropriated  by 
the  Province  was  obtained.  A  diversity  of  opinion 
still  existed  in  regard  to  many  of  the  details,  — -  some 
desiring  seats,  others  pew-spots.  It  was  referred  to  a 
committee  authorized  "  to  seat  the  house  according  to 
their  best  judgment."  Part  was  provided  with  seats, 
and  other  parts  chalked  off' for  pews,  —  the  spots  to 
be  sold  to  the  highest  bidder,  each  purchaser  to  build 
his  pew  at  his  own  expense  and  suited  to  his  own 
taste. 

In  1716,  controversies  having  arisen  about  the 
bounds  between  this  town  and  Barnstable,  a  meeting 
was  held,  June  28,  Rev.  Mr.  Metcalfe  presiding,  and  it 
was  agreed  that  three  men  be  mutually  elected  to  run 
the  line  from  Tateket  to  the  head  of  the  river,  and 
from  thence  to  Shepoquoit  Rock,  and  thus  determine 


ANNALS    0?    FALMOUTH.  441 

all  difficulties.^  So  great  was  the  delay  in  building 
arrangements,  that  the  lot  for  the  meeting-house  was 
not  defined  until  this  year,  when  it  was  "  ordered  that 
the  meetino;-house  lot  and  the  trainin«]!:-field  be  laid 
out  in  connection  with  the  burying-ground."  ^  It  was 
"  ordered  that  Hannah  Sargent  be  engaged  this  year 
as  school-dame,  and  that  <£12  and  diet  per  annum  be 
allowed  for  her  services,  —  only  the  agents  shall  obtain 
her  as  much  cheaper  as  they  can ;  the  school  to  be 
settled  in  the  four  quarters  of  the  town."  The  town, 
having  long  since  agreed  to  pay  its  proportion  with 
Sandwich  and  Barnstable  of  a  bounty  of  £20  for  the 
head  of  each  wolf  taken,  was  now  called  on  to  pay  for 
two  killed  by  Sandwich  men. 

In  1717,  the  new  meeting-house  was  so  far  com- 
pleted that  it  was  "  ordered  that  the  seats  be  chalked 
out,  and  bids  received  for  spots  for  pews." 

In  1718,  Dec.  16,  Hannah  Sargent  was  again  in  requisition  as 
school-dame ;  also  some  one  to  sweep  the  meeting-house  the 
ensuing  year.  Not  succeeding  in  obtaining  the  services  of  Miss 
Sargent  as  school-mistress,  Isaac  Green  and  Timothy  Robinson 
were  appointed  at  the  next  meeting  "  to  procure  a  school-master 
or  mistress,  at  a  salary  not  exceeding  £12  per  annum  and  diet." 

In  1719,  much  complaint  was  made  of  the  millei'.  The  town 
had  previously  some  difficulty  with  this  Mr.  Philip  Dexter ;  but, 
as  he  had  no  competitor,  and  the  people  were  dependent  on  his 
mill,  the  town,  Oct.  14,  appointed  Ens.  Parker   and   Timothy 


^  The  persons  selected  to  compose  all  disputes  touching  the  bounds,  were 
two  from  Be.,  viz. :  Lt.  Eben.  Lewis  and  Mr.  John  Jenkins ;  and  Capt. 
Hope  Lothrop  of  this  town ;  but,  notwithstanding,  a  suit  was  brought  by- 
one  of  these,  bsfoi'e  the  close  of  the  year,  to  determine  where  Tateket  is, 
and  where  is  the  head  of  Five-mile  River.  Therefore,  at  a  town-meeting, 
Dec.  31,  Joseph  Parker  was  appointed  agent  to  appear  and  defend  the 
inhabitants  of  Falmouth  against  a  plea  or  action  in  the  case  commenced 
against  them  by  John  Jenkins,  of  Barnstable,  in  the  C.  C.  Pleas.  The 
suit  was  prolonged  and  expensive,  so  that,  April  1717,  a  portion  of  the 
undivided  lands  was  ordered  to  be  sold  to  raise  £35  for  maintaining  the 
town's  rights. 

^  The  meeting-house  then  undoubtedly  adjoined  the  burial-lot ;  the  pres- 
ent Cong,  meeting-house  green  was  not  laid  out  until  1749. 
VOL.  II.  56 


442  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Robinson  to  treat  with  him.  It  is  not  charged  that  he  took 
illegal  toll,  but  the  toll  was  thought  exorbitant.^  Economy  was 
requisite,  for  financial  difliculties  were  pressing;  such  was,  at  this 
time,  the  condition  of  the  currency  that  £\  was  worth  but  44 
cents  of  our  present  coinage.  The  valuation  this  year  stood : 
cows  £1.10,  oxen  £2.10,  yearlings  15s.,  horses  £2,  swine, —  year 
old,  6s.,  sheep, —  score,  5s.,  meadow  and  tillage  lands  5s.  per  acre. 

In  1723,  Dec.  24,  Rev.  Joseph  Metcalfe  died,  after 
16  years  ministry  here,  aged  42,  greatly  lamented; 
but  no  monument  marks  his  grave !  ^ 

^  The  mill  was  on  Five-mile  River,  whicli  came  early  to  be  called  after 
the  first  miller, —  Dexter's  River.  Near  the  seat  of  this  ancient  mill.  Is  now 
the  Pacific  Factory. 

^  Rev.  Joseph  Metcalfe,  b.  Ap.  11,  1682,  was  s.  of  John  and  Hannah, 
grandson  of  Michael  and  Mary,  great-grandson  of  Michael  and  Sarah 
who  came  from  England.  His  emigrant  ancestor  was  from  Tatterford, 
Norfolk  Co.,  and  b.  1586,  —  a  weaver,  who  came  over  1637  and  settled  at 
Dedham.  Rev.  Mr.  M.  m.  Abia  Adams,  daughter  of  Rev.  Wm.  of  Ded- 
ham.  They  had  a  large  family.  She  m.  2d.,  Rev.  Isaac  Chauncey,  of 
Hadley.  Her  children  by  Mr.  M.  were,  all  but  one,  daughters.  Abigail, 
who  died  in  inf  ;  Abljah;  Abia  Nov.  15,  1709,  who  m.  James  Fitch,  of 
Berwick;  Hannah  May  2,  1712,  who  m.  Timothy  Metcalfe  of  Mansfield, 
Ct. ;  Alice,  twin  to  the  preceding,  m.  Wm.  Metcalfe  of  Lebanon ;  Mary, 
who  m.  John  Reed  of  Lebanon ;  Elisa.  who  m.  John  Williams,  of  Lebanon ; 
Delight ;  Sarah,  who  m.  Jas.  Fowler  of  E.  Haddam ;  Azuba,  who  m.  Wm. 
Williams  of  Union,  Me. ;  and  Sybil.  Of  the  excellent  pastor,  an  anecdote 
is  related  which  illustrates  the  suroeillance  to  which,  even  in  private  matters, 
ministers  were  long  accustomed,  and  which  practice,  it  is  possible,  has  never 
yet  wholly  subsided.  It  also  suggests  the  unprofitableness  of  yielding  to 
vulgar  caprice.  Mr.  M.  was  not  only  a  good  man ;  he  was  indulgent,  amia- 
ble, with  a  mind  and  heart  so  elevated  above  all  little  ciforts  at  mere 
personal  decoration,  that  his  care  was  simply  to  be  neat,  agreeable,  and 
respectable  in  his  attire.  He  had  lately  visited  Dedham,  and  also  Boston ; 
and  his  periwig  —  for  ministers,  as  well  as  judges  and  other  distinguished 
gentlemen,  however  youthful,  must  in  those  days  wear  wigs  —  having  from 
long  use  become  somewhat  dilapidated,  he  had  availed  himself  of  his  prox- 
imity to  the  peruke-maker.  Returning  home  late  on  Saturday,  there  was 
no  exhibition  of  this  crowning  accomplishment  of  our  pastor  till  It  suddenly 
presented  itself  in  the  pulpit  on  Sunday  morning.  Whether  the  metamor- 
phosis of  his  venerable  head  Avould  have  been  more  benignly  received,  had 
there  been  opportunity  for  forestalling  general  approbation,  by  deferring  to 
the  excellent  taste  and  superior  judgment  of  Mrs.  A.,  B.  and  C,  severally, 
—  each  one  first,  and  by  giving  a  little  space  for  gossip  to  spend  Itself 
without  being  cheated  of  Its  privilege  of  conveying  the  news,  we  are  not 
prepared  to  say.  The  wig  was  not  extravagant,  nor  yet  had  It  been  pur- 
chased with  parsimonious  stint ;  it  was  fashionable,  and  becoming  the  station 
and  dignity  of  the  wearer.  Some  parishioners  did  not,  however,  It  is  to  be 
feared,  receive  any  gliostly  benefit  from  that  day's  ministrations ;  a  con- 
siderable number  of  the  most  Interesting,  and,  it  may  be  said,  Influential 
part  of  the  flock  were  —  as  might  have  been  Inferred  from  tlieir  quick  and 
significant  glances  at  one  another,  and  as  was  more  than  demonstrated  by 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  44d 

In  1724,  Feb.  24,  arrangements  were  maae  to  settle 
with  the  administrator  of  Mr.  Metcalfe ;  and  the  town 
voted  to  concur  with  the  church  in  the  choice  of  Mr. 
JosiAH  Marshall  to  be  their  minister.-^  A  salary  was 
voted  of  £120  for  the  first  year;  after  that  the  salary 
was  to  be  fixed  at  £80  per  annum.  Mr.  M.  accepted, 
April  6,  and  was  paid  for  the  time  he  had  already 
officiated. 

Timothy  Robinson  asked  "  perniission  to  build ,  a  small  gallery 
and  pew  over  the  front  gallery ; "  and  Thos.  Parker  "  petitioned 
for  leave  to  build  a  small  gallery  for  a  pew  over  the  men's  stairs 
in  the  S.  W.  corner."  Both  applications  were  granted.  The 
school-mistress  was  "  voted  £12  and  diet,  with  use  of  a  horse  to 
visit  her  friends  twice  a  year." 

In  1725,  the  bounds  between  this  town  and  the  Marshpees  were 
defined.^ 

verbal  exchanges  after  meeting  and  on  their  way  home  —  greatly  scandal- 
ized. The  result  was,  after  the  gravity  of  the  scandal  had  been  duly 
discussed  from  dwelling  to  dwelling  through  the  earlier  part  of  the  week,  it 
so  happened  that  a  gathering  of  prominent  and  select  ladies  occurred, 
and  Mr.  M.  was  present,  —  whether  by  direct  summons  coram  nobis,  we 
cannot  say.  IGndly  listening  to  all  their  utterances  and  sincerely  wishing 
to  know  what  terms  would  be  granted,  he  deferentially  asked  whether  he 
should  lay  aside  the  use  of  a  wig  altogether  ?  To  this  they  seemed  imani- 
mously  to  object  — -  they  would  have  their  minister  appear  well,  but  the  wig 
to  which  they  objected  had  "  an  unbecoming  look  of  worldliness  and  pride." 
Shall  I,  then,  resume  the  old  one,  decayed  as  it  is  ?  or  will  you  do  me  the 
favor  to  intimate  Avhat  alterations  are  necessary  to  make  the  new  one  a  true 
Christian  wig  ?  Come,  you.  Madam  A.,  just  do  me  the  honor  to  clip  off 
what  offends.  She  hesitated,  but  he  insisted ;  so  a  supernumerary  lock  or 
two  were  slightly  and  delicately  clipped.  Is  that  really  all  ?  But  others 
were  not  satisfied.  Do,  then,  dear  Goodwife  B.,  try  to  help  us,  and  let  us 
effect  this  wig's  conversion  to  its  proper  condition.  Mrs.  B.  suggested  only 
a  little  additional  trimming,  and  another,  expert  with  scissors,  stood  by  to 
execute  orders.  Nearly  all  were  willing  to  pi'opose  some  improvement  and 
aid  in  the  wig's  reformation.  Finally,  all  but  one  was  satisfied.  She  had 
not  been  particularly  consulted,  and  had  been  silent, —  dissenting  only  now 
when  she  heard  the  rest  of  the  jury  confess  themselves  ready  for  an  acquit- 
tal of  the  wig  in  its  present  state  from  all  charge  of  und'J^e  worldliness. 
She  thought  the  wearing  of  a  wig  a  breach  of  the  second  Ci:/mmandment. 
Rev.  Mr.  Metcalfe,  however,  kindly  and  meekly  obviated  her  objection,  — 
suggesting  that  the  wig  in  its  present  shape  was  really  so  unlike  any  thing 
in  heaven  above,  or  on  the  earth  beneath,  or  in  the  waters  r.nder  the  earth, 
that  he  thought  it  could  hardly  fall  under  the  prohibition  in  the  decalogue. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Marshall,  b.  in  Braintree  Nov.  28,  1700,  grad.  H.  C.  i720. 
There  is  no  evidence  that  either  he  or  his  pi-edecessor  was  regularly  installed 
over  the  church,  and  yet  they  probably  were. 

^ "  Beginning  at  a  creek  called  Moonomoiest  near  Wauquoit,  and  from 


444  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1728,  May  15,  it  was  "voted  that  our  part  of  the  £60,000 
loan  shall  be  brought  and  divided  into  £10  parcels,  to  be  hired 
out  for  the  benefit  of  the  town ;  Lieut.  Hatch,  Ens.  Parker,  and 
Jno.  Dimraick  to  act  as  trustees,  and  to  have  20s.  on  the  £100, 
for  their  trouble."  ^  The  town  was  now  engaged  in  a  contest 
with  Samuel  Barker  respecting  a  road  from  the  county  road  to  his 
wharf  and  ferry.  Barker  was  enterprising  and  persevering;  and, 
the  town  opposing  on  account  of  the  expense,  he  applied  to  the 
Court.  The  controversy  was  protracted  some  ten  years,  and 
proved  an  expensive  affair.  It  was,  at  the  same  time,  "  agreed 
by  the  town  that  Lieut.  Joseph  Parker  shall  carry  the  ferry  from 
Woods  Hole  to  the  Vineyard ; "  and  this  only  aggravated  the 
difficulties, —  a  long  contest  between  Barker  and  Parker  being  the 
result. 

In  1729,  Dec.  29,  an  agent  was  appointed  by  the 
town  to  buy  Mr.  Marshall's  house ;  and,  June  30, 1730, 
Rev.  JosiAH  Marshall  asked  for  a  dismission  from  his 
parochial  charge,  which  was  granted  Aug.  14,  after  a 
ministry  of  about  7  years.^  Oct.  7,  it  was  "  voted  that 
^1.5s.  per  Sunday  be  paid  for  preaching  during  the 
vacancy  ; "  also,  "  voted  to  pay  £545  for  Mr.  Marshall's 
house." 

In  1731,  Feb.  4,  it  was  "voted  to  treat  with  Mr. 
Samuel  PALJffiR."  ^  An  offer  was  made  of  £200  settle- 
Bald  Moonomoiest  on  a  straight  line  about  N.  W.  by  N.  to  a  certain  tree 
marked  by  a  heap  of  stones  at  the  southernmost  end  of  Ashimuit  Pond ; 
from  thence  westerly  to  a  small  pine  tree  now  standing  near  the  county 
road  that  leads  from  Sandwich  to  Falmouth ;  from  thence  by  the  aforesaid 
road  easterly  till  it  meets  with  the  Sandwich  line."  This  was  "  signed  by 
Isaac  Robinson  and  Samuel  Lewis,  agents  for  this  town,  and  Ezra  Bourne, 
Chenachuson  -|-  his  mark,  Matthias  Richard  -}-  his  mark,  and  Caleb  Pognet 
-j-  his  mark,  for  the  South  Sea  Indians." 

^  Six  years  after,  i.  e.  1734,  Capt.  Richard  Bourne,  and  Mr.  Moses  Mendal 
were  chosen  to  take  account  of  the  interest  and  receive  the  same  for  the 
trustees;  and  it  was  "voted  that  the  interest  be  taken  to  pay  the  county- 
rate."  This  was  opposed,  and  a  protest  signed  by  John  ISourne  and  26 
others.  The  trustees  being  in  the  opposition,  refused  to  pay  over ;  and,  in 
1736,  Moses  Mendal  Esq.,  was  remunerated  for  his  trouble  and  expense  in 
recovering  the  money. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Marshall,  it  is  understood,  went  from  hence  to  Va.,  or  N.  C. 
By  his  m.  here  with  Hannah  Hatch  Feb.  1,  1727,  he  had  Mary  Dec.  4, 
1727,  who  d.  1728. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Palmer,  b.  1707,  was  from  Middleboro',  s.  of  Rev.  Thomas. 
He  grad.  H.  C,  1727;  and  was  a  practitioner  of  medicine  as  well  as  cler- 
gj-m'an. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  445 

ment,  to  be  paid  by  instalments  of  £50  per  annum ; 
a  salary  of  £90  for  four  years,  and  after  that  period, 
£100.  If  money  depreciate,  a  proportionate  consid- 
eration ;  if  the  currency  improve,  an  equal  abatement. 
Mr.  Palmer's  letter  of  acceptance,  Sept.  1,  was  read  in 
town-meeting,  Sept.  17.  Dissenting  from  the  call 
extended  to  Mr.  Palmer  were  "  Stephen  Harper,  Benj. 
Swift,  Rd.  Landers,  Sam'l  Bowermaii,  Thos.  Bowerman 
Jr.,  Amos  Landers,  Justus  Gilford,  Jno.  Landers,  Thos. 
Bowerman,  ^Ym.  GifPord  Sr.,  Wm.  Gilford  Jr.,  Seth 
Gilford,  and  Wm.  Gilford,  younger."  ^  Mr.  Palmer 
was  ordained,  Nov.  24.  No  church  records  previous 
to  Mr.  Palmer's  settlement  are  extant ;  by  him  a  reg- 
ular record  was  kept,  and  has  been  transmitted.^  In 
Nov.,  the  town  "voted  £170  for  Mr.  Palmer's  settle,- 
ment  and  salary  —  to  clear  the  Quakers." 

In  1732,  the  first  allusion  to  the  office  of  deacon  in 
the  town  is  found  on  the  first  page  of  the  church 
records,  "  Jan.  9  :  Cuffce,  the  negro  servant  of  Dea. 
Parker,  propounded  for  full  communion,"  and,  "  Feb. 
13,  Cuffee  baptized  and  received  into  full  communion 
with  consent  of  the  brethren."  Mr.  Joseph  Parker 
died  this  year. 

In  1735,  Sept.  8,  the  schoolmaster  was  voted  a  salary  of  £30. 
The  controversy  "  Barker  vs.  the  Town  of  Falmouth,"  is  still 
going  on  :  Sylvs.  Bomiie  Esq.  is  employed  to  defend  the  town; 
and  the  town  "  voted  that  there  is  a  sufficient  open  road  for  the 
use  of  the  town  and  county  to  the  ferry  at  Woods  Hole  and 
convenient  landing  already  provided."  The  town  also  petitioned 
the  Court  that  they  might  "  not  be  put  to  any  more  expense  for 
more  high-ways." " 

^  These  were  Quakers. 

-  The  fact  that  no  records  were  kept,  or  ti'ansmitted,  previous  to  Mr.  P.'s 
pastorate  has  caused  the  impression  on  the  minds  of  many  that  he  was  the 
first  who  held  the  pastoral  office  here.  It  may  be  so ;  but  if  records  had 
been  handed  down,  they  might  also  have  given  other  views.  There  were 
deacons  of  the  church,  but  no  mention  of  them,  as  such,  is  found  for  all 
these  past  years. 

''^  The  new  road  which  Mr.  Barker  desired  to  have  consti-urted,  was  to 


446  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1737,  May  18,  Setb  Parker  was  app.  "  to  oppose  at  the  General 
Court  any  charge  upon  the  town  for  Sani'l  Barker's  ferry ;  "  and,  in 
1738,  an  agent  was  appointed  "to  oppose  the  Eastham  petition 
for  the  county  courts  to  be  held  there."  Joseph  Pitts  was  school- 
master this  year  with  a  salary  of  £35. 

In  1739,  it  was  "  voted  to  build  a  new  meeting-house  45  feet 
square,  with  37  pew  spots  below  and  12  above,  on  the  same  lot 
where  the  old  house  stands."  This  being  earnestly  opposed  by 
a  minority,  who  wanted  to  have  the  location  further  east,  a  com- 
mittee from  neighboring  towns  wei-e  finally  agreed  upon  to  locate 
the  house ;  but  their  decision  not  being  satisfactory,  the  subject 
was  indefinitely  postponed.  Instead  of  requiring  the  killing  of 
mischievous  birds,  a  hounty  was  ofiered,  March  13. 

In  1740,  in  the  list  of  townsmen,  appear  the  names  of  Joseph 
Crowell,  Jehoshaphat  Eldred,  and  Stephen  Bowerman.  "William 
Green  was  appointed  to  call  the  trustees  of  the  loan-fund  to 
account,  and  suit  Avas  directed  in  case  they  refuse  to  pay. 

In  1741,  Mr.  Philip  Dexter  died,  £e.  82.^ 

In  1742,  Mr.  Pitts,  a  teacher  of  much  repute,  was  in  the  town's 
employ ;  and,  April  13,  it  was  "  voted  that  he  who  shall  diet  the 
schoolmaster  shall  have  9d.  a  week  of  the  last  emission  added  to 
the  former  5s.  per  week."  SejJt.  13,  it  was  "voted  not  to  build 
a  new  meeting-house,  but  to  add  to  the  old  one  by  erecting  gal- 
leries over  those  now  existing,  and  repair  the  outside,  under  the 
direction  of  Nathan  Lewis,  Nath'l  Davis,  and  Elnathan  Nye." 
This  proceeding  also  elicited  an  earnest  controversy  that  lasted 
several  years. 

In  1743,  the  name  of  John  Bourne  appears.  Mr.  Pitts  was,  as 
heretofore,  the  schoolmaster.  An  additional  amount,  of  £200, 
was  raised  for  Rev.  Mr.  Palmer  on  account  of  depreciated  cur- 
rency ;  and,  for  the  same  object,  money  was  raised  Oct.  31,  1745. 

In  1746,  Messrs.  Daniel  Butler  and  Benjamin  Parker  were 
appointed  agents  "to  take  care  of  the  burial-place,  also  of  the 


his  house  and  ferry,  at  the  point  forming  the  S.  eastern  extremity  of  Little 
Harbor. 

^Mr.  Philip  Dexter,  b.  1659,  s.  of  William,  first  of  S.,  then  of  Be., 
and  grand  s.  of  Thos.  Sr.,  was  town  clerk  in  1702,  and  appeai-s  by  the 
records  to  liave  had  by  his  w.  Alice  nine  children,  viz. :  Joseph ;  Philip ; 
Jabez  ;  John  who  d.  1723;  etc.  Philip  m.  Tamer  Chadwic-k,  Jan.  19, 
1752,  and  had  Joseph  Mar.  22,  1753.  There  was  a  Jo 'aK  of  Ilochester, 
who  m.  Sarah  Handy  of  S.  Dec.  11,  174G  ;  and  a  John  in  Y.,a  blacksmith, 
who  m.  Bcthia,  prob.  Vincent,  1748,  and  2d  Philippa,  supposed  also  a. 
Vincent,  1758,  and  had  Hannah,  Sept.  7,  1749  in  Y. ;  Isaac,  Oct.  7,  1751  ; 
and  John,  June  4,  1750. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  447 

minister's  lots."  In  1747,  April  23,  a  vote  was  again  obtained 
for  building  a  meeting-house,  and  Messrs.  Joseph  Parkei*,  Joseph 
Robinson,  and  Eben.  Dimmick  were  appointed  a  building-com- 
mittee ;  but  it  was  finally  concluded  "  to  mend  the  old  one  for 
the  present."  It  was  "voted  that  8s.  per  week  be  paid  for  dieting 
the  schoolmaster,  and  no  more."  July  17,  "  voted  that  the  meet- 
ing-house be  40  feet  square."  Sept.  24,  "voted  not  to  build;" 
but  "to  add  £150,  old  tenor,  to  the  minister's  salary."  In  1748, 
for  town  charges,  £200  was  raised ;  and  £-300,  old  tenor,  for  the 
minister's  salary,  —  the  last  reconsidered  and  £250  voted. 

In  1749,  the  meeting-house  lot  and  a  training-field  were  laid 
out;^  and,  August  8,  it  was  "voted  that  the  meeting-house  to 
be  built  shall  be  45  feet  square,  with  17  spots  for  pews  below, 
and  12  above."  This  appears  not  to  have  been  the  final  and 
decisive  vote  ;  that  was  reserved  for  the  following  year,  when, 
March  11,  1750,  it  was  "  voted  that  the  new  meeting-house  to  be 
built  shall  be  42  feet  square,  and  the  present  house  used  to 
build."  The  number  of  the  pews  and  the  owners,  we  shall  see, 
in  a  few  years,  —  when  the  house  is  erected.  No  account  is 
found  of  the  election  of  church  officers  until  1751,  when,  on  the 
resignation  of  Dea.  Joseph  Crowell,  Mr.  Benj.  Parker  was 
elected  deacon.  In  1753,  an  open  road  was  laid  out  on  the 
North  shore.     Capt.  Joseph  Parker  d.  Mar,  21,  se.  56. 

In  1756,  June  21,  we  gain  a  view  of  the  interior  of 
"  the  new  meeting-house,"  and  its  pew-owners.  On  the 
lower  floor  were  22  pews,  belonging  to 

1.  Minister,  8.  Capt.  Joseph  Robinson  and 

2.  Capt.  Thos.  Shiverick,  Eben.  Dimmick, 

3.  Wm.  Eldred,  9.  Solo.  Swift  and  Solo.  Nye, 

4.  Ml-.  Joseph  Bourne,  10.  Joseph  Dexter  &  Lt.  Butler, 

5.  Eben  Hatch  Jr.,  11.  Silas  Hatch, 

6.  Nath'l  Nickerson,  12.  Paul  Hatch  &  Solo.  Davis, 

7.  Lt.  Sam'l  Shiverick,  13.  Shubael  Weeks, 

^Oct.  6,  1749,  the  undivided  lands  having  been  encroached  upon,  action 
was  had  by  the  proprietors  of  "  the  old  purchase,"  particularly  in  relation 
to  a  strip  running  from  the  head  of  the  burial-place  to  Monument  Bay ; 
and  it  was  agreed  that  a  part  of  the  same  shall  be  for  a  meeting-house  lot 
and  training-field,  —  about  1^  acres,  besides  the  road  that  leads  to  Woods 
Hole,  and  is  bounded  southerly  by  Sam'l  Shiverick,  westerly  by  Silas 
Hatch,  northerly  by  Nath'l  Nickerson,  and  easterly  by  Paul  Hatch  and 
Sam'l  Shiverick,  —  to  be  perpetually  and  forever  to  that  end. 


448  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

14.  Sylv.  Parker,  18.  Capt.  Joseph  Parker, 

15.  Joshua  Crowell  and  David  19.  Noah  Davis, 

Crowell,  20.  Eph.  Swift  and  Shub.  Nye, 

16.  Benj.  Parker,  ^21.  Roland  Robinson,  Esq., 

17.  Ens.  Theodore  Morse,  22.  Thomas  Parker 

On  the  gallery  floor,  were  11  pews,  owned  by 

1.  Stephen  Crowell,  7.  Benj.  Davis, 

2.  Jabez  Davis,  8.  Silas  Hatch, 

3.  Reuben  Gifford,  9.  Jno.  Hammond, 

4.  Solo.  Price,  10.  Wid.  Mary  Bourne, 

5.  John  Crowell,  11.  Sylvanus  Hatch. 

6.  Eben.  Weeks, 

The  schoolmaster,  this  year,  was  Samuel  West,  with 
a  salary  of  £20  and  board ;  and  he  was  none  other 
than  the  young  man  from  an  obscure  part  of  Yar- 
mouth, at  this  time  fitting  for  college  by  the  aid  of  a 
few  friends  and  his  own  industry,  who  became  after- 
wards the  learned  and  eminent  divine.  Rev.  Samuel 
West,  D.  D.,  of  metaphysical  renown  and  of  some 
patriotic  distinction. 

In  1759,  the  town  divided  into  two  school-districts.  The 
schools  had,  until  now,  been  "movable,"  i.e.,  itinerating  to  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  town.  In  1763.  a  committee  was  chosen  "to 
open  a  grammar-school  and  procure  a  teacher,  —  moving  the 
school  from  place  to  place  so  as  to  give  all  jDarts  the  benefit." 
In  1767,  another  mill  was  demanded  ;  and  it  was  "  voted  to  build 
a  dam  at  William  Green's  River;  if  Benj.  Gifford  will  build  the 
mill  and  keep  it  in  repair,  —  he  to  make  the  dam  a  sufficient  cart- 
way." This  proposition,  at  a  meeting  held  by  adjournment,  was 
reconsidered,  and  it  was  "  voted  to  give  £53.6.8.  if  said  Gifford 
will  build  a  grist-mill,  keep  it  in  good  repair,  and  grind  for  two 
quarts  'pev  bushel ;  and,  also  to  build  a  dam  over  Green's  River 
where  the  mill  is  to  stand."  So  necessary  to  the  convenience  of 
a  people  were  grist-mills,  and  so  important  was  the  miller,  that 
the  former  were  early  encouraged  by  gratuities,  and  the  latter 
was  exempt  from  military  or  other  public  service.  The  causes 
of  the  decay  of  fish  in  localities  where  they  once  flourished, 
bafiie  the  inquiries  of  ichthyologists.  An  ineffectual  attempt  was 
made  this  year  to  compass  some  means  "  for  the  preservation  of 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  449 

oysters  in  Oyster  Pond."  In  1771,  Mr.  Joseph  Davis  was  chosen 
deacon. 

We  now  approach  the  period  of  revolutionary  ex- 
citement and  political  developments.  The  presence 
and  action  of  patriotic  men  from  this  town,  we  have 
noticed  in  our  first  volume.  Prominent  among  these, 
surroundino;  the  court-house  at  Barnstable,  were  John 
Grannis,  Elisha  Swift,  Ebenezer  Nye,  Moses  Swift,  and 
Daniel  Butler  Jr. 

Capt.  Josepli  Robinson,  and  Messrs.  Noah  Davis,  and  l5"ath'l 
Shiverick  were  appointed  a  committee  of  correspondence  Oct. 

1774,  and  soon  after  it  was  ordered  that  every  man  from  16  to 
60  years  old  shall  be  fui-nished  with  arms  and  ammunition, — the 
committee  of  safety  to  call  the  town  together  in  one  fortnight 
complete  in  arras.  A  stock  of  powder,  balls,  and  flints  were  pro- 
vided ;  and,  Nov.  21,  Joseph  Palmer,  John  Nye,  Abner  Davis, 
Samuel  Fish,  John  Grannis,  John  Bourne,  and  Daniel  Butler  Jr., 
were  appointed  "  to  see  that  the  Continental  Cpngress  be  ad- 
hered to." 

In  1775,  Rev.  Sariuel  Palmer  died,  —  his  ministry 
long,  laborious,  and  faithful;  his  memory  embalmed 
in  the    affections  of  the  people.^     Proceedings  were 

^ '  Here  lies  the  body  of  Rev.  Samuel  Palmer  -who  fell  asleep  April  13, 

1775,  in  the  68th  year  of  his  age,  and  the  45th  of  his  ministry. 

"  His  virtues  would  a  monument  supply."  ' 

Such  is  the  inscription  on  his  tomb-stone.  Mr.  Palmer's  life,  it  is  said,  was  a 
sacrifice  to  labors  and  exposure  in  the  performance  of  his  duties  as  a  physi- 
cian. He  m.  Mercy  Parker  Jan.  25,  1736-7,  who  d.  Mar.  1,  1750,  and  2d, 
Sarah  Allen,  of  Chilmark  1751.  Issue:  Thos.  Feb.  12,  1737-8;  Joseph 
June  12,  1739;  Mercy  July  19,  1743;  Elisa.  July  12,  1745;  Job  Aug.  15, 
1747;  Mary  Feb.  11,  1749;  Sarah  Nov.  7,  1752,  whom.  Jos.  Croswell; 
Lucy,  who  d.  1754;  Martha  July  31,  1756,  who  m.  Lothrop  Lewis;  Susan 
Nov.  27,  1757,  who  m.  Hatch;  Anna  Dec.  27,  1759,  d.  y. ;  and  Sam'l  April 
28,  1763,  d.  y.  —  Mr.  P.  had  lands,  and,  although  having  pi-obably  neither 
leisure  nor  inclination  to  bestow,  personally,  much  labor  vipon  them,  was 
wont  to  assist  his  negro  Titus  at  ploughing-time.  Titus  understood  his  busi- 
ness ;  but  the  master,  whatever  theoretical  knowledge  he  had  of  agriculture, 
was,  in  Titus'  estimation,  not  so  attentive  in  driving  a  team  as  he  should 
have  been.  This,  the  negro  generously  Imputed  to  absent-mindedness;  it 
annoyed  him,  however,  that  the  furrows  were  so  Irregular,  and,  occasionally, 
he  was  heard  by  passers-by  to  say.  In  his  own  impassioned  eloquence, 
•'  Why,  massa,  it  seems  to  me  vou  might  do  a  leetle  better."  These  kindly 
VOL.  II.  57 


450  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

had  by  the  town  to  promote  the  comfort  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Palmer's  widow;  and,  in  the  course  of  the  summer, 
Mr.  Zebulon  Butler  was  called  to  the  pastorate.  His 
acceptance  bears  date  Aug.  19,  and  his  ordination 
occurred  Oct.  18.^  The  Friends'  meeting-house,  which 
had  stood  very  many  years,  gave  place  this  year  to 
one  larger  and  more  convenient. 

In  the  month  of  May,  the  town  voted  instructions 
to  the  constables  to  pay  to  the  Provincial  Agent,  Henry 
Gardner  Esq. ;  and  Barachiah  Bassett  and  Job  Parker 
were  added  to  the  committee  of  correspondence.  A 
night-watch  was  inaugurated,  — "  to  stand  from  9  in 
the  evening  till  sunrise;"  every  citizen,  capable  of  the 
duty,  to  take  his  turn,  directed  by  a  committee  of 
safety.  The  people  here  early  began  to  realize  the 
exposedness  of  their  situation.  There  was  no  shrink- 
ing from  duty ;  no  disposition  to  create  side-issues  to 
embarrass  the  action  of  the  leading  patriots ;  no  sym- 
pathy with  the  enemy,  lurking  under  the  guise  of 
patriotism.  The  locality  was  peculiar.  The  trans- 
portation of  supplies  by  land  was  a  slow  and  tedious 
process;  and  all  intercourse  with  marts  from  which 
supplies  had  been  easily  obtained  by  vessels  in  times 
past,  was  effectually  cut  off.  At  a  town-meeting,  called 
for  the  purpose,  a  committee  was  appointed,  and  in- 
structed to  procure  a  quantity  of  the  cereals  and 
other  stores,  and  deposit  these  in  some  safe  place  to 
sell  to  those  who  shall  need,  and  to  give  to  the  poor, 
at  discretion.     This  committee  was  Timothy  Crocker, 


and  respectful,  but  meaning  reproofs  and  remonstrances  came,  in  fact,  so 
often  that  the  people  called  it  "  Tite's  swearing  at  the  minister."  We  have 
given  the  extent  of  his  profanity,  and  the  utmost  stretch  of  his  disrespect 
toward  his  owner.  They  were  strongly  attached  to  each  other.  Titus 
survived  Mr.  P.,  went  to  sea  in  an  American  privateer,  and  never  re- 
turned. 
'  Mr.  Butler  was  graduated  at  H.  C.  1 770. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  451 

Joseph  Parker,  and  Nath'l  Shiverick.  They  were  also 
directed  to  procure  an  ample  supply  of  fire-arms  on 
the  town's  account,  and  use  the  credit  of  the  town  to 
raise  the  money  necessary  for  these  purchases.^  The 
further  proceedings  introduce  to  us  one  who  took  a 
more  than  ordinarily  prominent  part  in  the  pending 
contest,  and  whose  noble  deeds  are  to  be  remembered, 
—  ever  devoted  to  the  cause  of  liberty,  uninfluenced 
by  threats  or  bribes,  stern  to  his  purpose,  and  fixed  in 
his  position 

11  "  Like  an  oak 

That  stands  unmoved  though  all  the  winds  employ 
11  Their  ceaseless  roar."^ 

The  town  ordered  the  raising  of  a  company  of 
minute-men,  to  be  paid  only  2s.  a  day  for  actual  ser- 
vice, and  appointed  Maj.  Joseph  Dimmick  to  talce  them 
in  charge,  instruct  and  exercise  them,  to  be  ready  to 
any  duty  to  which  he  would  assign  them.  There  was 
confidence  in  his  judgment,  in  his  bravery,  and  in  his 
patriotism. 

The  letter  of  the  general  committee  of  safety, 
addressed  to  this  towm,  is  on  record  •  but  the  whole 
force  the  town  could  raise  was  needed  to  defend  its 
own  shores.  British  vessels  were  constantly  in  the 
Sound,  and  cruisers  around  these  islands  were  ever 
insolent  and  exacting.  The  enemy's  principal  rendez- 
vous was  Tarpaulin  Cove.^     There  their  larger  vessels 


^  It  is  remarkable  that,  although  it  may  have  been  noticed  how  extremely 
cautious  were  the  people  respecting  expenditures  in  years  past,  there  was 
now  no  holding  back.  A  feeling  of  enthusiasm  inspired ,  all,  and  money 
was  poured  out  as  water. 

^  Tradition,  often  fanciful,  says,  "  When  he  received  the  intelligence  of 
the  battle  at  Bunker  Hill,  he  was  with  his  team  in  the  field.  He  paused, 
looked  anxious,  but  soon  said,  '  Here,  Braddock,  you  must  look  to  the  team. 
I  must  go.'  Some  nearly  allied,  but  influenced  by  tory  proclivities,  would 
have  dissuaded  him ;  but  his  purpose  was  firm  and  always  equal  to  the 
end  at  which  he  aimed." 

^  Upon  the  first  appearance  of  the  enemy,  Mr.  Elisha  Nye,. who  was  a  res- 


452  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

harbored,  and  there  was  the  concentrating  point  of  the 
smaller  craft  that  were  almost  incessantly  harassing 
the  contiguous  shores.^  Every  opportunity  for  the 
getting  of  needed  supplies  was  seized  by  them,  and  the 
plunder  of  cattle  and  provisions  was  a  frequent  occur- 
rence. Expeditions,  impromptu,  became  often  neces- 
sary to  cut  off  an  enemy's  vessel  or  retake  a  prize, 
and  these  were  gotten  up  by  the  people.  They,  in 
fact,  became  expert  in  stratagem,  and,  in  their  turn, 
became  provokingly  annoying  to  the  British.  In 
these  adventures  numbers  distinguished  themselves, 
but  none  more  than  Dimmick.  Mr.  Thomas  Palmer  Sr. 
died  this  year,  April  25,  aged  37. 

In  1776,  the  town  was  resolved  as  ever  "to  stand  by  the  Con- 
tinental Congress."  The  town  voted  to  add  £1.16  to  the  wages 
of  such  citizens  as  shall  be  drafted  for  the  Continental  Army.  A 
constant  watch  was  kept;  and,  April  5,  a  petition  was  presented 
to  the  General  Court  for  a  guard  of  soldiers  to  be  placed  on  the 
Neck.  In  October,  the  town  voted  "  consent  to  such  constitu- 
tion and  form  of  government  as  shall  most  conduce  to  the  safety, 
peace,  and  happiness  of  the  State."  The  latter  part  of  the  year, 
news  of  the  arrival  of  ships  of  war  and  transports  in  Newport 
h.arbor  caused  much  excitement. 

In  1777,  the  apprehension  of  distress  for  bread  induced  an 
order  of  the  town  for  the  purchase  of  500  bushels  of  corn  for 
the  poor  the  coming  winter. 


ident  there  as  an  inn-keeper,  and  who  suffered  from  the  indignities  the  Br. 
Sloop-of-War  Falkland,  Capt.  Linzey,  offered  to  himself  and  family,  made 
deposition  of  the  same,  which  was  laid  before  the  Provincial  Congress; 
whereupon.  Congress  directed  Capt.  John  Grannis  to  provide  30  men  and 
arms,  and  repair  without  delay  to  the  Elisa.  Islands  for  their  protection. 
Capt.  G.  raised  his  company  here,  and  they  did  good  service ;  but  the  force, 
though  Increased  to  50,  was  altogether  inadequate  to  the  work  assigned 
them. 

'  The  smaller  craft  were  denominated  by  the  people  here  "  shaving-mills." 
They  were  generally  large,  open,  light  boats  about  three  times  the  size  of 
an  ordinary  Vineyard  sail-boat,  having  often  three  masts,  which  could  be 
unshipped  at  pleasure,  a  large  gun  on  the  bow,  and  were  commanded  by 
about  25  men  well  armed.  Built  for  fast-sailing,  — "  shaving  the  wind 
very  close,"  as  sailors  say  of  a  vessel  that  sails  "  close  to  the  wind,"  and 
probably  deriving  their  name  from  this  circumstance. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  453 

In  1778,  Rev.  Mr.  Butler,  after  three  years'  minis- 
try, received,  by  consent,  his  dismission.'  The  com- 
mittee of  safety  this  year  were  Nath'l  Shiverick  Esq., 
Joseph  Dimmick,  Job  Parker,  Moses  Swift,  Thomas 
Jones,  Moses  Hatch,  and  John  Nye.  Great  was  the 
demand  for  men  and  money."  The  attempt  of  the 
enemy  on  this  town,  Sept.  10,  was  not  unanticipated. 
The  tories  in  this  region  had  more  than  intimated  such 
demonstration;  and  the  operations  of  the  enemy  at 
Fairhaven  and  New  Bedford  on  the  5th  had  sufficient- 
ly forewarned  the  inhabitants  of  this  town  that  the 
jubilant  aspect  of  sympathizers  with  the  British  was 
not  without  cause.^     Refugees  were  known  to  be  near 


^  Mr.  Butler  went  to  Nantucket,  became  a  manufacturer  of  snuff,  and 
lived  to  old  age.  It  Is  said  that  serious  imprudences  alleged,  caused  liis 
removal. 

■  In  a  diary  of  tlie  Revolution,  pub.  in  Hist.  Mag.,  we  find  the  following: 
"May  9,  1778,  Newport.  The  ships  that  went  after  stock  returned  and 
reported  that  they  had  brought  from  the  Elizabeth  Islands  1500  sheep  and 
cattle,  and  landed  them  on  the  E.  side  of  the  island  "  —  Newport.  "  It  is 
likewise  said  that  they  burnt  the  ban-acks."  Again,  "May  19,  four  smaU 
sloops  returned  from  the  Elizabeth  Islands  with  sheep."  The  firing  and 
sack  of  Bristol,  Warren,  etc.,  are  mentioned ;  and  to  all  is  added  this  sig- 
nificant remark :  "  This  expedition  has  caused  universal  joy  among  the 
tories." 

^  Perhaps  we  cannot  give  a  better  idea  of  the  danger  to  which  this  town 
was  exposed  than  by  recurring  to  the  enemy's  own  ofhcial  correspondence, 
giving  an  account  of  the  invasion  of  a  portion  of  Bristol  county.  Letters 
are  found  in  "  The  Remembrancer,"  a  mag.  pub.  in  London,  in  one  of 
which  the  naval  commander,  Rob't  Fanshawe,  writes  to  Lord  Geo.  Germain 
as  follows:  "  Careysport,  off  Bedford,  Sept.  6, 1778.  My  Lord:  I  enclose 
to  your  lordship  a  copy  of  Rear- Admiral  Gambler's  order  to  jM'Oceed  with 
a  detachment  of  ships  and  transports  and  assist  in  such  services  as  His 
Excy.  Sir  H.  Clinton,  or  Maj.  Gen  Grey,  should  propose.  Last  evening, 
the  fleet  came  before  Bedford  harbor.  I  send  your  lordship  an  outline 
sketch  of  the  scene  of  operation,  and  the  plan  and  execution  of  the  naval 
part,  with  minutes  of  the  manner  in  which  it  was  performed.  I  am  in- 
formed that  the  army  in  its  progress  destroyed  all  the  stores,  wharves,  and 
shipping  at  them  ;  two  or  three  sloops  only,  by  being  on  float,  escaped  the 
flames.  .  .  It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  hear  that  the  army  has  had  very 
little  loss.  The  enemy,  not  expecting  an  attack,  was  not  prepared  to  resist. 
I  cannot  particularize  the  damage  done ;  but,  by  the  appearance  of  the 
shipping  before  dark,  and  the  conflagration,  I  suppose  it  must  be  very 
great.  .  .  Prisoners  report  70  sail  destroyed,  of  which  eight  were  large 
ships  laden,  and  four  privateers ;  great  quantities  of  canvas,  cordage,  pitch, 
turpen'aine,  tobacco,  coffee,  etc."  We  here  remark,  this  report  of  Com. 
Fanshawe  conflicts  somewhat  with  contemporaneous  accounts ;  .for  instance, 


454  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

by,  assisting  in  the  marauding  excursions  to  the  islands, 
and  ready  to  act  as  guides  in  the  contemplated  grand 

the  suppression  of  the  fact  of  the  burning  of  dwellings,  bams,  mills,  etc.,  on 
the  march  through  New  Bedford,  Acushnet,  and  around  Oxford  and  Fair- 
haven  to  Sconticut  Neck,  where  they  encamped  4000  strong ;  and  that  per- 
sons were  wantonly  shot  by  soldiers  en  route.  The  fleet  from  which  this 
large  lx)dy  of  troops  landed  consisted  of  32  vessels,  the  largest  a  ship  of  40 
guns,  —  the  CareysjDort,  on  board  which  was  Gen.  Grey,  the  military  com- 
mander of  the  expedition.  The  design,  doubtless,  was  to  finish  the  work 
of  destruction  in  Bristol  County  by  burning  Fairhaven  the  following  night ; 
but  the  militia  from  the  neighboring  towns  were,  by  this  time,  on  hand,  and, 
although  a  large  body  of  Br.  troops  proceeded  up  the  river,  firing  buildings 
on  their  way,  they  met  now  with  an  unexpectedly  warm  reception.  To 
Brig.  Gen.  Fearing,  then  a  Major,  from  Wareham,  has  been  awarded  dis- 
tinguished honor  for  prompt  decision  and  bravery  on  this  occasion.  He 
had  only  about  140  men  with  him,  whose  well-directed  fire  took  the  enemy 
so  completely  by  suiprise  that  they  quickly  retreated  to  their  ships.  It  is 
remarkable  that,  in  all  attempts  made  in  these  parts  by  the  enemy,  they 
seem  to  have  been,  whenever  resisted,  impressed  with  the  idea  that  they 
were  encountering  superior  numbers. 

Maj.  Gen.  (Earl)  Grey,  in  a  despatch  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  same  date  as 
above,  says,  "  A  favorable  wind  and  every  possible  exertion,  and  assist- 
ance received  from  the  Navy,  enabled  us  to  land  so  rapidly,  yesterday 
evening,  about  6  o'clock,  that  the  enemy  had  but  a  few  hours'  notice  of  our 
approach.  The  business  was  finished,  and  the  troops  all  reembarked  this 
morning,  6th,  by  12  o'clock,  with  the  loss  of  only  five  or  six  men  wounded, 
one  of  whom  is  since  dead.  .  .  The  only  battery  they  had  was  on  the 
Fairhaven  side  —  an  enclosed  fort  with  eleven  pieces  of  cannon,  which  was 
abandoned ;  the  cannon  were  properly  demolished  by  Capt.  Scott,  com- 
manding officer  of  the  artillery,  and  the  magazine  was  blown  up.  .  .  I 
must  beg  leave  to  refer  you  for  particulars  to  Capt.  Andre."  This  Capt. 
Andre,  we  would  in  passing  note,  is  the  same  afterward  known  as  Alaj. 
Andre,  and  executed  Oct.  2,  1780,  according  to  the  stern  rules  of  Avar,  and 
to  whose  memory  a  monument  was  erected  in  Westminster  Abbey.  Gen. 
Grey,  like  Com.  Fanshawe,  was  evidently  disposed  to  magnify  the  Impor- 
tance of  the  expedition  and  the  glory  achieved.  He  also  ignores  the 
wilful  burning  of  houses.  He  says,  "  Not  one  house,  I  think,  was  consumed 
that  could  be  avoided,  except  those  with  stores."  To  his  declaration,  "  I  can- 
not enough  praise  the  spirit,  zeal,  and  activity  of  the  troops,  also  their  .so&n'ei?^ 
in  the  midst  of  temptation,"  we  must  oppose  the  testimony  of  one  who  was 
an  eye-witness.  Mr.  William  Russell's  testimony  remains  :  '  They  opened 
a  hogshead  of  rum,  and  several  of  the  soldiers  were  so  intoxicated  that 
they  were  carried  away  in  carts.'  The  fiendish  spirit,  aroused  by  strong 
drink,  was  perhaps  the  cause  of  the  shameless  shooting  of  two  unofi^ending 
young  men  as  the  troops  passed  on  to  the  head  of  Acushnet,  and  the  mor- 
tally wounding  Lt.  Metcalf  soon  after.  Gen.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  also  mag-' 
nifies  the  action  of  Gen.  Grey,  and  says,  Sept.  21,  in  his  despatch  to  Lord 
Germain,  "  It  reflects  much  honor  on  the  abilities  of  the  General  and  the 
behavior  of  the  troops  on  the  occasion."  The  troops  had  been  landed  at 
Clark',s  Neck,  or  Cove,  near  the  mouth  of  the  river.  Wo  regret  to  say, 
foremost  among  the  Bintish  sympathizers,  who  acted  as  conductor  and  in- 
formed the  enemy  of  all  persons  holding  office  or  commissions,  was  Eldad 
Tupper,  a  late  refugee  from  Sandwich.  The  British  returns,  officially 
made,  show  "one  wounded  and  three  missing  of  1st  Battalion  light  Inf ; 
one  killed,  bna  wounded  and  three  missing  1st  Bat.  of  Grenadiers  ;   one 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  455 

attack.  The  entire  militia  of  the  neighboring  towns 
were  called  out.  Their  interposition  was,  however, 
soon  found  to  be  unnecessary.  The  enemy,  after 
burning  one  coaster,  and  cutting  out  four  others  that 
were  sent  for  safety  to  a  harbor  four  miles  distant,  — 
an  act  consummated  before  the  militia  could  reach 
there,  —  confined  their  operations  to  depredations  at 
the  Vineyard,  carrying  off  many  thousand  sheep,  hun- 
dreds of  cattle,  many  arms  and  accoutrements,  —  all 
that  could  be  collected,  all  the  corn  and  vegetables 
that  could  be  found,  burning  a  brig,  with  several 
smaller  vessels,  and  numerous  boats,  and  seizing  the 
public  moneys.  They  even  opened  newly-made  graves, 
so  intent  were  they  in  search  of  treasure,  rifled  private 
dwellings,  and  ruthlessly  broke  the  windows.  They 
then,  on  the  15th,  moved  westward. 

Money  was  raised  by  the  town  to  hire  men  for  the  Continental 
Array,  and  Maj.  Dimmick  was  chairman  of  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  procure  them.  Those  enlisted  were  forwarded  to 
Cambridge.^  Several  men  from  this  town  were  also  of  the  expedi- 
tion sent  to  R.  Island,  Lot  Dimmick  being  lieutenant. 

In  1779,  April  2,  a  formidable  fleet  resolved  on  the 
destruction  of  this  town.     At  a  late  hour  the  nischt 


missing  33d  E.eg't ;  one  wounded  and  eigbt  missing  42d  Keg't ;  one  missing 
46th  Reg't;  one  wounded  64th  Reg't;  Total  1  killed,  4  wounded,  and  16 
missing."  The  report  adds :  "  The  enemy's  loss,  which  came  to  our  knowl- 
edge, was  an  officer  and  3  men  who,  on  receiving  a  fire  from  the  enclosures, 
rushed  on  with  fixed  bayonets." 

^  William  Green,  of  this  company,  is  said  to  have  made  himself  conspicu- 
ous, by  the  death  of  Sir  Rd.  Brown,  a  distinguished  officer  of  Burgoyne's 
army.  The  company  were  employed  in  guarding  the  prisoners ;  Brown 
attempted  to  cross  the  line,  and  was  shot.  The  prisoners  became  tumultu- 
ous, threatened  Green's  life,  and  demanded  the  trial  of  Green  by  court- 
martial.  We  need  not  say  he  was  found  to  have  been  in  the  discharge  of 
duty,  and  was  acquitted.  Green,  whose  bro.  Jona.  was  present  and  wit- 
ness to  the  shooting,  had  been  admonished  that  if  he  permitted  any  prison- 
er to  pass  the  lines,  he  would  be  reported  to  the  superior  officer ;  and 
Brown  had  been  known  to  disregard  the  rules  befoi'e.  He  had  now  two 
women  with  him,  in  a  chaise,  and  intended  to  go  to  Boston.  He  was  chal- 
lenged and  fairly  warned  that  if  he  did  not  stop  he  must  take  the  conse- 
quences ;  but  di'ove  on. 


456  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

previous,  a  marauding  party  from  the  fleet  now  lying 
at  Tarpaulin  Cove,  eluding  the  vigilance  of  our  watch, 
landed  from  their  boats,  having  a  refugee  for  their  con- 
ductor, and  proceeded  from  Woods  Hole  to  the  farms 
of  Messrs.  Ephraim  and  Manassah  Swift,  committing 
sundry  depredations ;  ^  but  were  soon  surprised  and 
compelled  to  put  off  with  little  of  their  booty.  Re- 
turning to  the  fleet,  it  was  decided  to  move  forward 
the  next  day  and  burn  the  town.  Information  of  the 
intention  soon  reached  the  town,^  and,  of  course,  the 
excitemeut  was  very  great.  Expresses  were  sent  to 
the  adjoining  villages  and  towns,  whilst  the  men  on 
hand  hastened  to  the  work  of  perfecting  the  intrench- 
raents.  The  expected  fleet  hove  in  sight  early  on  the 
morning  of  the  3d,  and  came  to  anchor  abreast  the 
town  at  about  9  a.  m.  They  had  taken  this  position 
evidently  to  facilitate  the  landing  of  troops ;  and  were 


^  They  drove  off  1 2  head  of  cattle,  knocked  them  on  the  head  at  the  beach, 
and  were  in  the  act  of  taking  the  carcasses  on  board,  when  surprised.  The 
refugees  who  acted  as  guides  knew  that  the  Swifts  kept  fine  dairies ;  and  the 
officers  liad  determined  on  the  possession  of  a  good  supply  of  fresh  butter 
and  rich  cheeses  ;  therefore,  whilst  the  main  body  were  robbing  stalls,  pig- 
sties and  hen-roosts,  a  party  entered  one  of  the  houses.  Mrs.  Manassah 
Swift  was  alone  with  her  children ;  but,  meeting  the  soldiers  at  the  door, 
she  demanded  if  they  had  a  commander  ?  One  stepping  forward  and 
claiming  that  he  had  the  honor  to  command,  she  replied,  '  My  house  is  de- 
fended by  no  man,  and  I  have  the  right  to  presume  that  you  are  a  gentle- 
man who  will  not  molest  a  helpless  woman  and  her  children.'  The  officer 
politely  inquired  if  she  had  any  cheese  ?  '  Yes,'  she  replied  ;  '  but  no  more 
than  for  my  ovni  use.'  He  professed  a  willingness  to  buy,  but  she  had  none 
to  sell.  A  refugee,  who  made  one  of  the  party,  then  led  two  of  the  soldiers 
to  her  cheese-room,  and  each  pierced  a  cheese  with  his  bayonet,  expecting 
to  bear  them  off  without  further  parley ;  but  Mrs.  S.  confronted  them  at 
the  door,  grasped,  and  slipped  from  their  impalement,  her  cheeses,  and  be- 
stowed them  in  her  blue-checked  apron.  '  You're  a  valiant  set  of  fellows, 
to  be  sm-e  ! '  She  was  not  resisted  ;  the  enemy  cowed,  and,  under  a  pro- 
perly directed  volley  of  wholesome  advice  retreated  to  join  their  comrades 
on  the  beach  who  were  beginning  to  load  the  boat  with  the  carcasses  of  the 
good  woman's  milch  cows. 

^  It  is  said  that  the  evening  of  the  2d  was  spent  by  several  of  the  British 
officers  in  a  frolic  at  the  house  of  one  John  Slocomb  on  Pesque  Island. 
Slocomb  Avas  a  well-known  tory.  He,  of  course,  was  possessed  of  all  their 
plans.  But  as  he  reflected  on  their  purpose,  his  tory  sympathies  gave  way, 
and  he  secretly  despatched  his  son  down  the  islands  to  cross  over  to  the  Hole 
that  night  and  give  warning  to  the  Falmouth  people. 


A^^NALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  457 

soon,  doubtless,  somewhat  perplexed  by  finding  unmis- 
takable indications  of  a  very  considerable  force  in 
waiting  for  them.  Already  had  a  portion  of  the  troops 
disembarked  ;  but,  in  attempting  to  make  the  shore  in 
boats,  although  under  the  cover  of  heavy  guns  from 
the  ships,  they  were  soon  brought  to  reflect  on  the 
hazardous  nature  of  their  undertaking.  They  lay  up- 
on their  oars  for  a  moment,  as  if  for  consultation,  and 
then  a  signal  from  the  flag-ship  seemed  to  change  their 
purpose.  Returning  toward  the  ships,  and  then  re- 
connoitring in  the  direction  of  Nobsque,  they  soon 
abandoned  all  attempt  to  land,  and  again  went  on  ship- 
board.^    The  weather  was  favorable   to  our  cause,  for 


*  Recurring  to  tlie  record  of  these  proceedings  as  published  at  tlie  time, 
and  then  reproduced  in  "  Almon's  American  Remembrancer,"  pubhshed 
in  London,  we  gain  a  better  view  than  we  can  otherwise  obtaiia : 

"Boston,  April  15,  1779.  The  following  account  of  the  attempt  of  the 
enemy  upon  Falmouth,  in  the  County  of  Barnstable,  and  their  repulse  by 
the  militia,  is  authentic  :  — 

"Falmouth,  5th  April,  1779. 

"  Friday,  April  2,  in  the  afternoon,  Major  Dimock,  of  this  town,  was 
informed  that  about  10  or  12  vessels  were  seen  in  the  Sound,  steering  this 
way ;  supposed  with  a  design  of  plundering  and  destroying  this  town.  He 
immediately  sent  expresses  to  Sandwich  and  Barnstable  for  the  mihtia  to 
come  to  our  assistance.  Col.  Freeman  with  Capts.  Fish  and  Swift  of  Sand- 
wich and  their  companies,  arrived  here  that  night  and  Saturday  morning. 
It  being  then  very  foggy,  part  of  the  enemy's  fleet  appeared  oif  Woods 
Hole,  to  which  a  party  of  th©  militia  were  ordered  and  pojted  there.  Soon 
after,  the  fog  cleared  off  and  several  of  the  vessels  appeared  against  the 
town,  near  a  low,  level  piece  of  ground  that  extends  from  the  shore  quite 
to  the  housco.  There  had  been  a  small  intrenchment  made  some  years  ago, 
upon  the  edge  of  the  beach,  which  yet  remained.  Col.  Freeman  marched 
the  remainder  of  the  men  down  to  the  shore,  posting  about  50  in  said 
intrenchment,  and  about  30  at  about  130  rods  distance,  —  being  the  most 
convenient  places  for  the  enemy  to  land.  At  about  half  past  eleven,  they 
formed  their  fleet,  consisting  of  two  schooners  and  eight  sloops,  into  a  line 
against  the  two  posts,  and  commenced  a  very  warm  fire  on  our  people,  with 
cannon-ball,  double-headed  shot,  bars  of  iron,  grape  shot,  and  small  arms, 
and  manned  their  boats, — about  ten  in  number,  with  about  220  men, — 
having,  to  appearance,  nearly  double  that  number  on  board,  and  made 
vai'ious  attempts  to  land  in  several  places,  keeping  up  a  constant  fire  upon 
our  people  from  half  past  1 1  A.  M.  till  half  past  5  p.  m.  Col.  Freeman 
and  Maj.  Dimock,  with  about  50  men,  defended  the  intrenchments,  and 
repeatedly  challenged  them  (being  within  call)  to  land,  which  they  durst 
not  attempt.  Our  people,  till  now,  had  generally  reserved  their  fire,  but 
being  ordered  to  fire,  they  soon  moved  off  into  the  Sound,  where  they 
remained  quiet  till  next  morning.  A  party  of  them,  in  their  boats, 
VOL.  II.  58 


458  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

although  many  buildings  were  struck  by  the  fire  of 
the  assailants,  the  thaw  prevented  the  rebounding  of 
their  missiles  and  but  little  damage  was  done.  Alarms, 
however,  continued  to  be  frequent.  A  large  fleet  came 
into  the  Sound,  Sept.  9 ;  but,  after  inducing  much 
alarm  and  a  general  mustering  of  the  militia  in  the 
several  towns,  they  drew  off  in  the  direction  of  Chat- 
ham.^    There  can  be  scarcely  a  doubt  that  the  attack 

attempted  to  land  at  Woods  Hole,  but  about  30  of  our  men  posted  there 
gave  them  a  warm  fire  which  soon  drove  them  off,  and  the  boats  went  to 
Nonnamesit,  an  island  near  Woods  Hole,  where  they  landed  and  killed 
the  few  sheep,  cows,  and  hogs  the  enemy  had  before  left,  and  threatened  to 

kill  the  family  that  lived  there,  because,  they  said,  the  d d  rebels  had 

been  killing  them.  They  had  two  wounded  men  with  them.  Our  people 
being  about  to  go  upon  the  island,  they  retreated  precipitately  to  their 
boats,  carrying  off  only  one  hog  and  half  a  cow  that  calved  the  day  before. 
They  inquired  of  the  island's  people  our  numbers,  and  said  the  rebels 
fought  like  devils.  The  next  day,  April  4th,  a  little  after  sunrise,  they 
fired  again  from  the  vessels  to  drive  us  from  our  intrenchmont,  and  our 
people  returned  them  a  warm  fir^  with  their  small-arms  for  a  few  minutes, 
upon  which  they  put  off  for  Holmes'  Hole.  This  morning,  Monday  5th, 
one  armed  vessel  proceeded  to  Nonnamesit  Island,  and  sent  off  a  boat  to 
get  the  provisions  they  had  killed  and  left  there  ;  but  a  party  of  our  people 
got  there  before  them  and  prevented  their  landing,  and  some  boats  of  ours 
had  like  to  have  cut  them  off  from  the  sloop.  Upon  the  boat's  getting  to 
the  sloop,  they  hasted  to  join  the  fleet  which  then  made  sail,  as  they  said, 
for  Nantucket.  A  boat  landed  at  Martha's  Vineyard,  where  they  shot  a 
few  cattle,  sheep,  and  hogs,  which  they  carried  off,  paying  for  two  sheep 
only.  They  told  the  Vineyard  people  they  had  sent  one  sloop  to  Rhode 
Island,  with  cowards  who  had  refused  to  fight ;  but  probably  the  wounded. 
The  party  consisted  of  Tories.  Some  of  them  were  known  to  have  gone 
from  this  State.'  The  commander  was  said  to  be  one  Winslow  ;  the  second 
in  command  one  Leonard.  They  fired  on  Saturday  about  500  cannon. 
Had  the  intreachment  been  given  up,  the  town  could  not  have  been 
saved,  their  number  on  Saturday  being  much  superior  to  ours,  and  no  men 
came  to  reinforce  the  Sandwich  and  Falmouth  men  until  the  firing  was 
over  on  Saturday.  Col.  Freeman  and  Major  Dimock  with  their  officers 
and  men  behaved  with  the  greatest  prudence,  resolution,  and  bravery ;  and 
we  hope  those  base  enemies  of  our  country  will  be  deterred  from  future 
attempts  on  this  town." 

^  There  is  an  amusing  anecdote  associated  with  this  last  alarm  that  ought 
not  to  be  lost ;  and,  as  a  record  of  it  can  now  effect  no  detriment,  but  is  in 
itself  instructive,  we  permit  its  insertion.  The  several  companies  of  the 
regiment  had,  on  receipt  of  the  express  sounding  the  alarm,  been  ordered 
to  march  forthwith  for  the  relief  of  Falmouth,  and  report  themselves  for 
orders  at  or  before  daybreak  the  next  morning,  at  the  conjunction  of  the 
Sandwich  and  Barnstable  roads,  about  two  miles  short  of  the  expected 
scene  of  action.  The  several  companies  were  represented  on  the  ground 
punctually,  and  almost  simultaneously.  Almost  at  tlie  same  moment,  a 
note  from  Maj.  Dimmick  reached  the  officer  in  command,  saying  that  the 
enemy  had  left  in  the  direction  of  Chatham,  and  that  there  was  no  longer 


ANNALS   OF    FALMOUTH.  459 

on  this  town,  April  3,  was  planned,  stimulated,  and 
provided  chiefly  by  loyal  refugees.  Such  they  were 
self-styled,  in  their  invasion  of  Nantucket,  a  few  days 
after.^     The  loyalists,  who  had  held  out  to  this  time, 


any  cause  for  alarm.  The  Col.,  thinking  the  opportunity  should  be  use- 
fully employed,  instead  of  communicating  the  intelligence  at  once,  dre-w 
the  companies  around  him  in  hollow  square,  and,  still  holding  the  letter  in 
his  hand,  (of  the  contents  of  which  no  one  present  knew  but  himself  and 
the  bearer,  on  whom  silence  was  enjoined,)  proceeded  to  address  the  assem- 
bled military,  first  in  briefly  complimentaiy  terms  on  their  alacrity  in  an- 
swering to  orders ;  and  then  on  the  importance  of  entire  devotion  to  the 
country's  cause.  The  foe,  against  which  the  sons  of  liberty  contend  ia 
formidable  ;  his  well-disciplined  forces  are  no  strangers  to  the  battle-field  j 
so  that,  if  called  this  day  to  meet  the  enemy,  nothing  less  than  hard  fight- 
ing must  be  expected.  Nevertheless,  whilst  we  would  regret  to  see  our 
numbers  diminished  at  such  a  moment  as  this,  if  there  be  any  present 
whose  heart  fails  him,  whose  resolution  falters,  who  is  not  ready,  if  need  be 
to  shed  the  last  drop  of  his  blood  in  the  cause,  I  am  willing  to  assume  the 
responsibility  of  absolving  him  from  moving  one  step  further  toward  the 
field  of  action.  If  any  such  are  here,  let  them  intimate  their  wishes  by 
stepping  forward  from  the  ranks,  and  their  discharge  shall  be  granted. 
All,  with  one  only  solitary  exception,  and  he  a  lieutenant,  were  animated 
by  the  same  spirit  of  ardor  in  the  cause  and  eagerness  for  the  conflict.  A 
lieut.  ventured  to  plead  a  domestic  avocation  on  account  of  which  he  would 
be  excused ;  the  alarm  came  so  unexpectedly  that,  in  the  haste  of  depart- 
ure, he  had  entirely  forgotten  to  loosen  from  the  stall  the  "  sparked"  heifer 
that  was  about  to  calve.  He  seemed,  too,  really  affected  by  the  urgency 
of  the  case  submitted,  —  his  voice  becoming  almost  womanly  and  his  eye 
glistening  with  moisture.  The  request,  as  might  be  seen  by  a  glance  along 
the  fines,  moved  the  pitiful  contempt  of  many  a  stout  heart ;  but  the  com- 
manding officer's  promise  was  redeemed,  "  with  regret  that  the  country 
must  on  this  occasion  be  deprived  of  the  services  of  an  officer  so  patriotic," 
and  two  soldiers  were  detailed  to  conduct  liim  beyond  the  lines.  This 
being  done,  all  present  were  compHmented  on  their  approved  patriotism 
and  valor  ;  the  despatch  from  Major  Dimmick  was  read,  and  the  mifitary  — 
with  a  cordial  invitation  to  remain  a  few  moments  in  social  chat  and  in  par- 
taking of  some  refreshments,  in  which,  after  breaking  ranks,  they  might 
mutually  pledge  their  country  —  were  dismissed.  The  It.  was,  in  the  mean- 
while, cogitatively  wending  his  homeward  way,  —  his  blushing  honors  thick 
upon  him ;  in  a  brief  space,  however,  to  be  overtaken  and  joined  by  com- 
panions in  travel.  It  is  needless  to  say,  "  the  sparked  heifer  "  was  remem- 
bered long  years  after.  In  fact,  when,  35  years  after,  the  burning  of  the 
Capitol  at  Washington  by  the  British  was  announced,  producing  a  feeling 
that  quickly  brought  around  a  certain  post-office  an  eager  and  excited 
crowd,  and  the  It.,  tottering  under  the  weight  of  years,  came  also,  —  his 
patriotism  not  a  whit  improved,  vociferating  "  I'm  glad  of  it ! "  —  he  was  in 
return  greeted  with  a  reminder  of  "the  sparked  heifer." 

*  See  papers  of  the  day.  "  They  landed,  near  200  strong,  entered  the 
town  with  drawn  swords  and  fixed  bayonets,  and  styled  themselves  '  Loyal 
Refugees,'  professing  to  act  under  commission  from  the  commander-in-chief 
of  tbe  Br.  forces  at  Newport.  They  owned  that  they  had  been  to  Fal- 
mouth and  intended  to  have  landed  ;  but  the  rebels,  who  lay  in  ambush,  fired 
upon  them,  killing  15  and  wounding  20,  who  were  sent  in  a  sloop  to  Rhode 


460  mSTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

had  Decome  desperate.^  Others  were  of  a  better 
mmd,  evidence  of  which  is  found  in  the  fact  that, 
at  this  very  time,  application  was  being  urged  in 
behalf  of  one  whose  large  family  resided  here,  leading 
the  town  to  "vote  its  willingness  that  (he)  should 
return  if  the  General  Court  permit." 

The  town,  Oct.  25,  concurred  with  the  church,  in  a 
call  to  Mr.  Isaiah  Mann  to  settle  here  in  the  work  of 
the  ministry;^  and  voted  <£160  settlement,  £80  salary, 
and  use  of  the  parsonage  lands.  The  winter  of 
1799-80  was  uncommonly  cold.  "The  bay  froze  to 
such  a  degree  that  early  in  Jan.,  one  Sampson  under- 
took to  carry  a  man  named  Price  in  a  sleigh  across  the 
ice  to  New  Bedford.     The  horse  fell  tlirouo:h  the  ice 

Island;  that  Edward  Winslow,  formerly  of  Plymouth,  was  commanding 
officer  when  at  Falmouth,  was  wounded,  and  gone  to  Newport  with  a  ball 
in  his  breast.  This  was  told  by  the  sentries,  though  Geo.  Leonard,  for- 
merly of  Boston,  pretended  that  it  was  gout,  —  this  Leonard  being  next  in 
command,  and  Pelham  Winslow,  formerly  of  Plymouth,  next  to  him.  One 
Murray,  of  Rutland,  stood  next.  Thei-e  were  with  them  two  of  Brig. 
Ruggles'  sons."  [Others  are  mentioned  by  name.]  '•  They  said  they 
should  come  again  very  soon  and  chastise  any  who  should  abuse  those  who 

were  friendly  to  them.     Doet. was  xcry  busy  with  them,  and  they 

showed  great  partiality  for  their  brother  Tories.  From  the  aboA'e,  com- 
pared with  what  they  confessed  at  Nonnameset  and  the  Vineyard,  we  have 
reason  to  think  Col.  Freeman  and  the  brave  men  under  his  command  gave 
the  poor  rascals  a  decent  drubbing." 

^  In  their  invasion  of  Nantucket,  they  made  proclamation  that  they  were 
"  come  for  the  property  of  the  rebellious  subjects  of  America,"  mentioning 
particularly  Thos.  Jenkins  and  Timo.  Fitch.  In  plundering,  the  first  store 
they  broke  into  was  that  of  Jenkins,  "  which  they  cleared  of  a  great  quan- 
tity of  goods,  2G0  bis.  of  oil,  2,000  lbs.  of  whalebone,  and  stripped  it  of 
everything,  even  to  some  chalk  and  an  old  grindstone.  They  broke  open 
a  number  of  other  stores,  and  took  large  quantities  of  oil,  molasses,  sugar, 
coffee,  and  all  kinds  of  goods  that  fell  in  their  way,  30  or  40  suits  of  sails, 
with  anchors,  cables,  tow-lines,  great  quantities  of  cordage,  rigging,  etc., 
also  the  whole  craft  and  provisions  they  came  across.  A  hundred  and  fifty 
men  or  more  were  employed  from  4  p.  M.  on  Monday,  to  6  next  morning 
in  plundering,  insulting,  and  abusing  the  inhabitants,  —  compelling  them  to 
truck  down  to  the  vessels  whatever  they  had  taken  from  them.  They  at 
last  were  told  that  a  20-gun  ship  and  a  privateer  were  coming  to  take 
them.  They  retreated  precipitately,  carrying  with  them  most  of  their 
plunder,  leaving  some  loaded  carts  whii'h  they  dare  not  delay  for.  They 
carried  off  two  brigs  with  cargoes  bound  to  the  West  Indies,  2  or  3  schoon- 
ers, and  a  large  number  of  boats.  Some  things  they  could  not  carry  off 
they  destroyed." 

^  Mr.  Mann  was  from  Scituate. 


ANNALS    OF    FALMOUTH.  461 

and  was  drowned."  In  consequence  of  the  severity 
of  the  weather,  and  the  blocking-up  of  the  roads  with 
snow,  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Mann  was  deferred. 

In  1780,  Jan.  19,  the  ordination  of  Mr.  Mann  which 
had  been  postponed  on  account  of  the  state  of  the 
travelhng,  took  place.^  This  town,  as  were  others  in 
the  county,  was  this  year  embarrassed  by  the  requisi- 
tions made  by  government  for  heef.  Meetings  and 
consultations  were  held,  and  various  expedients  adopted, 
to  secure,  if  possible,  this  requisite  supply  for  the  army. 

In  1781,  May  18,  the  town  petitioned  the  General 
Court  "  for  relief  from  the  enemy  infesting  the  coast." 
To  guard  the  shores,  24  men  were  employed  night 
and  day ;  but  no  adequate  protection  was  afforded.^ 
It  has  ever  been  the  misfortune  of  the  Cape,  that,  in 
times  of  danger  from  invasion,  it  has  received  no  aid 
from  government,  whilst,  notwithstanding  its  peculiarly 
exposed  situation,  it  has  been  expected,  besides  its  con- 
tribution to  the  naval  service,  to  sustain  its  full  share 
of  the  public  burden,  and  also  to  furnish  its  full  quota 
of  recruits   for    the  land-service  abroad.     There    are 


'  The  ordination  had  been  once  delayed,  on  account  of  not  receiving 
from  the  church  in  Scituate  the  certificate  of  church-membership.  The 
Council  would  not  ordain  without  it.  The  same  difficulty  now  again  occur- 
red; mails  and  all  travel  were  interrupted;  but,  this  time,  the  defect  was 
obviated  by  the  church  hei'e  receiving  Mr.  Mann  with  understanding  of 
the  circumstances  and  an  expectation  of  receiving  letters  from  Scituate  at 
the  earliest  practicable  moment.  The  dismission  from  S.  was  received  in 
the  month  of  March,  and  put  on  record. 

^  Owing  to  the  peculiarities  of  the  location  of  Falmouth  and  Sandwich, 
having  a  large  extent  of  coast  exposed  like  all  other  parts  of  the  Cape, 
and,  in  addition,  being  compassed  by  numerous  defenceless  islands,  affording 
both  lurking-places  and  sustenance,  these  towns  were  ever  on  the  qui  vive, 
and  subject  to  constant  annoyances.  Refugees  made  these  parts  their  van- 
tage ground ;  present  to  give  direction  to  the  foreign  foe :  active  in  procur- 
ing from  their  sympathizing  friends,  wearing  the  guise  of  patriotism,  all  the 
aid  and  comfort  needed  by  the  enemy,  whether  of  information  or  supplies ; 
and  alert  to  re-convey  intelligence  to  stimulate  and  encourage  their  sometimes 
desponding  sympathizers,  —  the  people  of  tory  proclivities  who  remained  at 
home,  suspected  and  watched,  anxiously  waiting  and  hoping  for  the  pros- 
tration and  failure  of  the  Revolutionary  movement. 


462         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

always,  in  times  of  war  or  insurrection,  some  who  side 
with  the  enemy,  and  luxuriate  in  their  country's 
calamity.  In  localities  where  they  may  easily  find 
refuge,  or  protectiqn,  domestic  foes  are  emboldened, 
and  will  be  sure  to  find  numerous  sympathizers  among 
those  who,  — 

"  In  moderation  placing  all  their  glory, 
While  tories  call  them  whigs,  and  whigs  say  tory,  — " 

are,  after  all,  the  severest  trial  against  which  true  pa- 
triotism is  called  to  contend. 

In  1782,  April  16,  a  company  of  26  men  was  employed  nightly 
to  guard  the  coast;  for  which  service  they  were  paid  3s.  per  night. 
The  records  from  this  period,  are  barren  of  interest  for  several 
years. 

In  1788,  permission  was  granted  to  Shubael  Law- 
rence to  set  up  a  fulling-mill  at  Dexter's  River ;  and, 
to  encourage  the  erection  of  the  same,  it  was  voted 
that  said  mill  shall  be  free  from  taxation. 

In  1789,  April  2,  Rev.  Mr.  Mann  died,  aged  34,  in 
the  lOtli  year  of  his  ministry.^  From  about  this 
period,  the  united  action  of  town  and  church  in  eccle- 
siastical affairs  nearly  ceased  ;  and,  henceforward,  par- 
ish, or  society,  and  church  records  are  the  legiti- 
mate registry  of  doings  in  such  matters.  Rev.  Henry 
Lincoln  of  Hingham,  a  grad.  of  H.  C.  in  1786,  was 
invited,  June  18,  to  supply  the  pulpit  vacant  by  the 
decease  of  Mr.  Mann.  The  church  gave  him  a  call  to 
the  pastoral  charge,  Nov.  19 ;  and,  at  the  same  time, 
the  concurrence  of  the  precinct  being  asked,  he  was 
elected  the  minister  of  the  parish,  and  a  salary  of  £60 
and  use  of  parsonage  was  voted  him.  Mr.  Lincoln's 
acceptance  is  dated  Dec.  31. 

*Mr.  Mann  was  born  in  Scituate,  1759;  grad.  H.  C.  1775,  and  married 
Zipporah  NJckerson,  daughter  of  Isaiah. 


ANNALS    OP    FALMOUTH.  463 

In  1790,  Feb.  3,  Rev.  Mr.  Lincoln  was  ordained. 
Mr.  Samuel  Shiverick,  long  time  one  of  the  selectmen 
of  the  town,  died  about  this  time,  aged  90.  The  pro- 
prietors' lands  were  set  off  to  each  in  shares.  A 
wolf  committing  great  depredations  here  among  sheep, 
as  also  in  Sandwich,  Wareham,  and  Plymouth,  this 
town  united  with  said  other  towns  in  offering  a  reward 
of  $60  for  his  head. 

In  1791,  the  several  towns  in  the  county  proposing 
to  hold  a  convention  in  Yarmouth  to  devise  measures 
for  obtaining  from  Congress  "relief  from  tlie  burthen 
our  coasting  and  fishing-vessels  labor  under  in  paying 
tonnage  money,  and  also  the  exactions  discouraging  to 
the  manufacture  of  mill'  Mr.  Nathaniel  Shiverick  was 
chosen  to  attend  said  convention,  in  behalf  of  Fal- 
mouth. An  effort  was  made  to  obtain  a  vote  for  re- 
pairs of  the  meeting-house  but  failed.  The  subject 
was  agitated  the  following  year,  also,  without  success ; 
it  being  now  proposed,  also,  to  "  enlarge  the  main 
body  of  the  house,  and  build  a  porch."  In  1794,  the 
enlargement  was  again  pressed ;  some,  however,  pre- 
ferred building  a  new  edifice;  and  all  action  in  the 
premises  was  again  deferred  for  want  of  union.  The 
next  year,  a  vote  was  obtained  to  build ;  but  conflict- 
ing views  and  interests  still  retardied  the  execution. 
To  this  time,  the  whole  town,  with  the  exception  of 
the  Friends,  continued  to  form  one  worshipping  assem- 
bly. Some  were  for  building  a  meeting-house  near 
the  centre  of  the  township ;  but,  finally,  it  was  agreed 
to  divide,  —  the  East  and  North  parts  of  the  town  to 
be  set  off  by  a  line  running  from  Tateket  to  the 
North  shore  ;  each  division  to  provide  its  own  meeting- 
house, the  minister  to  officiate  in  each  a  projDortionate 
part  of  time,  according  to  the  amount  of  taxable 
property  in  each.     The  vote  on  the  revision  of  the 


464         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

U.  S.  Constitution  was,  in  this  town,  unanimously  in 
the  affirmative. 

In  1796,  under  the  direction  of  a  building-committee 
consisting  of  Gen.  Dimmick,  Dr.  Wicks,  Benj.  Sanford, 
Jno.  Lawrence,  David  Swift,  and  Silvanus  Davis,  the 
meeting-house  in  Falmouth  proper  was  completed,  and 
a  bell  provided.  Four  corner-pews  were  reserved  for 
the  poor,  and  the  balance  were  sold. 

In  1797,  a  request  being  made  by  people  living 
on  the  north  side  that  permission  be  granted  for  the 
annexation  of  that  part  of  the  town  to  Sandwich,  a 
town-meeting  was  called,  and  it  was  "  voted,  that  the 
people  of  the  North  Shore  ought  not  to  be  set  off; " 
and  Mr.  John  Robinson  was  "appointed  a  special 
agent  to  oppose  it  in  the  General  Court."  At  this 
time,  Doct.  Francis  Wicks,  under  the  direction  of  a 
committee  of  the  town,*  viz. :  Gen.  Dimmick,  Col. 
Bassett,  and  Thos.  Jones,  established  a  hospital  for 
inoculation  at  Nobsque. 

In  1799^  it  was  "  voted  to  set  up  the  ringing  of  the 
bell,"  to  indicate  the  hour  of  6  o'clock  a.  m.,  noon, 
and  9  p.  m.  The  proprietors  of  '•  a  projected  new 
school-house  were  Timo.  Crocker,  Frank  Wicks,  Elijah 
Swift,  etc." 

In  1800,  a  "  Poor-house  "  was  provided.  The  action 
of  the  town  in  regard  to  the  ministry  hitherto,  now 
became  exclusively  the  prerogative  of  Societies.  The 
public  building  designed  for  a  masonic  lodge,  town- 
halt,  and  school-house,  was  offered  by  the  proprietors 
to  the  town  ;  but  all  interest  in  it  being  declined,  it  was 
then  devoted  to  the  use  of  the  masonic  fraternity,  a 
portion  of  it  to  be  used  for  a  private  school. 

In  1802,  the  amount  raised  for  free  schools  was 
$400 ;  for  general  town  purposes  $900 ;  for  roads  $80. 
A  sad  mortality  on  ship-board  is  recorded  this  year, — 


ANNALS    OF    FALMOUTH.  465 

the  deaths  of  Capt.  David  Wood,  and  four  of  his  men 
belonging  to  this  town.^  In  1804,  a  distressing  casualty 
deprived  the  town  of  Capt.  Joshua  Crowell  and  his 
vessel's  crew,  —  lost  in  Boston  Bay.^ 

In  1805,  liberty  was  granted  to  a  company  to  build 
a  wharf  on  the  shores  of  the  central  village.'^  In  1806, 
a  controversy  of  no  recent  date  was  renewed,  touch- 
ing the  town's  rights  in  Coonemesset  Pond.*  Capt. 
Thomas  Lewis  d.  this  year  in  the  W.  Indies,  ge.  about 
22  ; 5  Mr.  RuFUS  Freeman  d.  Mar.  5,  1807,  se.  34  ',^  and 
Joseph  Palmer  Esq.,  July  22,  se.  68.^ 

In  1809,  a  Methodist  Church  was  gathered  in  town, 
through  the  instrumentality  of  Rev.  Erastus  Otis; 
and,  in  1810,  the  Congregational  Church  at  East  Fal- 


^  "  In  memory  of  Capt.  David  Wood,  who  d.  in  his  42d  year,  in  Cape 
Francois,  Aug.  10,  1802,  of  yellow  fever,  with  four  of  his  men."  The  men 
who  d.  were  Henry  Green  se.  20,  Prince  Fish  93.  19,  Edward  Butler  ss.  15, 
and  Willard  Hatch  te.  12.  Mr.  David  Lewis  and  a  boy  survived,  and 
brought  the  vessel  home.  Rev.  Mr.  Lincoln  preached  on  the  occasion  an 
affecting  sermon  from  Job  i.  1.5,  "  And  I  only  am  escaped  alone  to  tell  thee." 

^  Those  who  perished  with  Capt.  C.  were  Sam'l  Nye,  Benj.  YV^ing,  Job 
Weeks,  and  Jason  Bump.  The  vessel  was  towed  into  Plym.  two  days  after. 
Falmo.  has  met  with  its  full  proportion  of  marine  disasters,  —  more  than  we 
shall  be  able,  with  accuracy,  to  mention. 

^  This  wharf  was  washed  away  in  the  great  gale  of  1815.  The  present 
stone  wharf  was  built  in  1817. 

*  Much  feeling  was  elicited,  and  parties  were  in  rather  unneighborly  ^r- 
ray.  Some  desired  a  free  passage  opened  for  the  fish  into  the  pond  ;  but 
mill-privileges  interposed.  Tradition,  has  it  that  the  excited  feehngs  of  the 
two  parties  became  such  that  a  cannon  was  placed  in  position  by  "  the  her- 
ring-party ; "  the  bursting  of  the  gun,  killing  the  gunner,  finally  producing 
an  armistice. 

^  Capt.  Thomas  Lewis,  s.  of  Thos.,  m.  Sarah  Butler,  and  had  Thomas 
Feb.  IG,  1806,  who  is  the  present  town  clerk,  treasurer,  selectman,  and 
some  time  representative,  to  whose  courtesy  we  are  under  obligation. 

"  Mr.  RuFUS  Freeman,  b.  Oct.  18,  177.3,  was  s.  of  Hon.  Nath'l  of  Sand- 
wich. He  m.  Hannah  Palmer,  dr.  of  Joseph  Esq.,  Apr.  17,  1796,  and  had 
Nath'l  Apr.  1.3,  1797;  Edward  P.  Apr.  18,  1805;  and  Martha  June  23, 
1807.     He  d.  in  Charleston,  S.  C. 

'  See  Vol.  L  565.  Mr.  Samuel  Palmer,  b.  1766,  s.  of  Joseph  Esq.,  m. 
Temperance  Dimmick  Dec.  1,  1789,  dr.  Gen.  Joseph,  and  had  Mary  Sept. 
6,  1790;  Harriet  Mar.  17,  1792;  Lucy  Aug.  15,  1794;  and  Joseph  "Oct.  3, 
1796.  Job,  b.  1747,  bro.  of  Joseph  Esq.  and  s.  of  Rev.  Sam'l,  removed  to 
Charleston,  S.  C,  and  was  father  of  Benj.,  Sarah,  Edwai'd,  John,  Anna, 
Elisa.,  Hannah,  Maria,  William,  etc.  Of  this  branch  was  Rev.  Dr.  Benj. 
of  Charleston,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Benj.  of  N.  O. 

vol.  II.  59 


466  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

mouth  was  organized.  A  Methodist  Society  was  in- 
corporated in  1811 ;  the  first  meeting  for  organization 
being  held  at  Pocasset  in  June  ;  ^  and  a  meeting-house 
was  erected  by  the  society  in  central  Falmouth. 

In  1812,  this  town,  which  had  suffered  severely  from 
the  deprivations  of  Mr.  Jefferson's  embargo,^  was  again 
subjected  to  the  anxieties,  from  its  peculiar  locality  and 
exposedness,  necessarily  attending  a  state  of  war.^ 
Mr.  John  Lawrence  d.  Jan.  %  quite  aged ;  Dea.  Job 
Parker,  May  7,  se.  71;*  Jajmes  Hinckley  Esq.,  May  10, 


■^  The  society  received  its  incorporation  as  "  tie  Methodist  Society  of 
Falmouth  and  Sandwich ; "  and  Pocasset  was,  therefore,  most  convenient 
for  this  business  meeting. 

"'  From  the  effects  of  the  embargo,  the  commercial  interests  of  the  town 
perhaps  never  entirely  recovered.  Its  large  Southern  trade  being  inter- 
rupted and  for  so  long  a  time  effectually  broken  up,  its  able  shipmasters 
turned  their  attention  in  other  directions  and  its  navigation  was  dispersed 
and  greatly  reduced. 

^  Dui'ing  this  war,  the  town  was  exposed  to  naval  attacks  from  the  ene- 
my, quite  as  much  as  during  the  Revolutionary  period.  The  bombardment 
to  which  it  was  subjected  was  not  unexpected  ;  the  only  surprise  was  that 
these  attacks  were  not  more  frecpent  and  persistent.  In  fact,  it  is  matter 
of  wonder  that  the  enemy's  fire  was  not  more  destructive.  Their  anchorage 
was  but  half  a  mile  from  the  shore  of  the  main  settlement,  and  yet  little 
damage  was  inflieted.  The  Cong'l  meeting-house  and  a  few  dwellings  only 
were  slightly  injured.  The  sacking  and  conflagration  of  the  town  was 
threatened,  and  there  were  no  adequate  artillery  defenses ;  the  militia  of 
this  and  the  neighboring  towns,  who  were  ordered  out  to  prevent  a  land- 
ing, seem  to  have  been  thought  formidable  by  the  British. 

*, Thomas  Parker,  b.  Aug.  24,  1669,  s.  of  Eob't  of  Be.,  was  early  in 
town,  an  original  member  of  the  church  here  in  1707,  and  ord.  deacon  Mar. 
6, 1745.  He'm.  Mary  Jenkins  Dec.  5, 1693,  and  had  Robert  Dec.  18, 1604 ; 
Thankful  1697;  Eben'r  Sept.  9,  1700;  Mary  1703;  Prudence  1704;  and 
Elisha  Jan.  15,  1706.  Joseph,  b.  1671,  a  bro.  of  the  preceding,  was  also 
an  orig.  ch.  mem.,  and  m.  Mercy  Whiston,  sometimes  inc.  written  Whetstone, 
June  30,  1698,  and  d.  1732.  They  had  Joseph  Ap.  23,  169^  ;  John  Sept. 
11,  1700  ;  Benj.  Feb.  16, 1702  ;  Timo.  Nov.  27, 1703  ;  Seth  Sept.  20, 1705  ; 
Silvs.  Sept.  11,  1707;  and  Mercy  May  21,  1709,  who  m.  Rev.  Mr.  Palmer. 
Capt.  Joseph,  b.  1699  m.  Rebecca  Freeman,  dr.  of  Benj.  of  II.,  Nov.  15, 
1734,  and  d.  Mar.  21,  1755,  ss.  56.  They  had  Joseph  Jul}'  1,  1736 ;  Isaac 
July  4,  1738  ;  Rebecca  1740,  who  m.  Rev.  Wm.  Whitwell  of  Marblehead 
June  17,  1773  ;  Fear  1742,  who  m.  Silas  Bourne  Esq.  of  S.,  his  2d  w.,  abt. 
1770;  Tempe.  1744,  who  m.  Thos.  Smith  Jr.  of  S. ;  Mehlt.  1747,  who  m. 
Moses  Allen  July  4,  1773  ;  and  John  Mar.  2,  1749,  who  d.  Ap.  1,  1774  93. 
25,  at  S.  John,  b.  1700,  had  by  his  w.  Elisa.,  Timo.  May  17,  1725 ;  Mary 
1737  ;  and  John  Ap.  27,  1739.  Bex.jamin,  b.  1702,  and  ord.  deacon  ,Tuly 
24,  1751,  had  by  his  w.  Hannah,  Susanna  1727;  Ann  1732;  Sarah  1733; 
Benj.  Feb.  26,  1736  ;  Hannah  1738  ;  Job  Nov.  10,  1741,  who  was  ord.  dea- 
con June  14,  1786,  and  d.  May  7,  1812  ;  George  May  27,  1745  ;    and  Nar 


ANNALS    OF   PALMOFni.  ,  467 

aged  45;^  Doct.  Hugh  G.  Donaldson,  June  20,  aged 
55  ;  ~  and  Mr.  Richard  Lake,  Nov.  7.  Col.  Barachiah 
Bassett  died  June  13,  1813,  aged  81.'^ 

In  1814,  the  capture  of  the  British  privateer.  Retal- 
iation, Capt.  Porter,  was  the  daring  act  of  32  men,  led 
b}^  Capt.  Weston  Jenkins.  All  volunteered  ;  and,  with 
one  brass  four-pound,  muskets,  swords,  etc.,  embarked 
on  board  the  little  sloop  '  Two  Friends,'  with  the  deter- 
mination to  dispose  of  so  inconvenient  an  intruder  up- 
on the  waters  of  the  Sound.  From  Woods  Hole,  being 
becalmed,  they  rowed  to  Tarpaulin  Cove,  where  the 
privateer  lay  at  anchor.  Arrived  within  three-fourths 
of  a  mile  of  the  Retaliation,  its  long  gun  was  fired, 
which  the  Two  Friends  chose  to  consider  as  a  signal  to 
stop ;  and  no  sooner  was  anchor  dropped,  than  a  boat 
put  off  from  the  privateer,  with  the  captain  and  five 
men.     Capt.  Jenkins's  men,  with  the  exception  of  two 

than  Mar.  12,  1748.  Seth,  b.  1705,  had  by  his  w.  Abigail,  Mehit.  1742  ; 
and  Sam'l  Aug.  10, 1743,  and  removed  to  Boston.  Silvanus,  b.  1707,  m. 
Martha  Mayhew  of  Chilmark  1 748,  and  had  Seth  Oct.  12, 1750  ;  and  Lydia 
who  m.  Josiah  Cotton  Esq.  of  Plym.,  and  2d,  Dr.  Thos.  Smith  of  S.,  his  2d 
w.  Seth,  b.  1750,  s.  of  Silvs.,  m.  Sophia  Cotton  of  Plym.  abt.  17  76,  and 
had  Sllvs.  1777,  who  d.  single  1811;  Rossiter  C.  1779,  who  d.  1804;  Seth 
1781,  who  d.  1811  ;  WardM.  1784;  Lydia  1787,  who  d.  1848;  and  John 
C.  1793.  Joseph  Esq.  b.  1736,  m.  Hannah  Stone  of  H.,  and  had  Joseph, 
who  d.  abt.  1847,  single;  Rebecca  who  m.  Sam'l  Barker  of  Nantucket; 
Isaac  who  m.  Abigl.  Pope  and  d.  on  the  coast  of  Africa  in  a  slaver ;  Plenry 
who  m.  Mary  Grosvenor  of  Harvard,  and  d.  in  Batavia  about  1800,  leavg. 
sons  Isaac,  Henry,  and  Grosvenor ;  Lucy  who  m.  Nath'l  Whitwell  of  Boston 
Dec.  4,  1796;  Temperance  who  m.  Lewin  Pope  of  S.  ;  John,  lost  at  sea, 
young ;  Fanny,  d.  y. ;  and  Nath'l  who  d.  at  Port  au  Prince.  Ward  M. 
Esq.  m.  Hepzibah  Davis  of  Tisbury  July  1815,  and  2d  Marcia  F.  Lewis,  dr. 
David,  May  183G  ;  has  a  large  family,  and  is  a  prominent  and  highly  esteem- 
ed citizen  of  N.  Bedford. 

^  Mr.  HiNCKLET  was  a  prominent  and  useful  citizen,  town  clerk,  treas- 
urer, selectman,  representative,  and  magistrate. 

"Doct.  Hugh  Geo.  Donaldson  was"  b.  in  London,  Eng.,  June  21,  1757, 
s.  of  Hugh.  He  m.  Chloe  Dimmick,  who  d.  1797  ;  2d,  Susanna  Snow,  Avho 
d.  1806  ;  and  3d,  Hannah  Hatch.  Dr.  D.  was  first  to  introduce  vaccination 
in  Falmo.,  against  some  opposition.  He  was  a  leading  member  of  the 
Methodist  Church. 

*  Col.  Bassett,  an  active  whig  during  the  Revolution,  was  descended 
from  Col.  William  of  S.,  through  Nathan  who  removed  to  Chilmark,  and 
WiUiam  b.  1702,  who  m.  Anne  Mayhew.  He  m.  jNIercy  Bourue  June  4, 
1 761,  and  had  Anne  1762 ;  Mercy  1764  ;  and  Love  1775. 


468      .  HISTORY   OF   EAENSIAJ3LE    COUNTY. 

or  three,  kept  out  of  sight  until  the  boat  was  along- 
side and  had  made  fast ;  then,  at  a  signal  previously 
agreed  on,  twenty  men  rose  up  and  pointed  their  mus- 
kets into  the  boat,  demanding  a  surrender.  Then 
putting  twelve  men  on  board  the  privateer  boat,  they 
got  under  way  the  sloop  also,  boarded  the  privateer, 
and  carried  her  without  resistance.  They  brought  in 
their  prize,  and  its  cargo,  consisting  chiefly  of  plunder, 
was  here  landed.  The  privateer  had  five  guns,  twelve 
men,  and  two  American  prisoners.^  —  Mr.  Samuel  Nye 
died  March  15,  aged  68  ;^  and  Mr.  Seth  Parker,  March 
28,  aged  63. 

In  1815,  Thomas  Jones  Esq.  died  Aug.  12."    Mr.  Lot 
DiMMiCK,  June   15,  1816,  aged  80/  and  Mr.  Ichabod 


^  See  'Boston  Yankee,'  Nov.  4,  1814. 

-  From  Benjamin,  first  of  the  name  in  Sandwich,  1637,  were  John  and 
Ebenr.,  the  first  settlers  at  MaJiaganset,  now  North  Fahno.  Each  of  these 
had  eldest  sons  named  Benjamin;  the  son  of  John,  b.  in  S.  Nov.  24, 
1673,  and  the  son  of  Ebenr.  b.  in  S.  Nov.  7,  1677.  Benjamin  of  F.,  who 
m.  Hannah  Backhouse  of  Be.  Feb.  23,  1698-9,  was  one  of  these  cousins, 
lohich,  we  are  not  positive.  He  had  Ebenr.  Dec.  23,  1699  ;  Ichabod  Aug. 
3,  1703;  Dorcas  Jan.  28,  1706;  Esther  Feb.  4,  1707;  John  Ap.  1,1710; 
Joshua  Aug.  22,  1713  ;  Seth  Feb.  19, 1714-15  ;  and  Benj.  Feb.  5,  1714-15. 
Either,  one  of  these  last  two  dates  is  entered  incorrectly,  or  Seth  and  Ben- 
jamin belong  to  different  families.  We  can  obtain  no  solution  of  the  diffi- 
culty from  the  records  ;  and,  as  we  find  none  of  the  lineage  both  interested 
and  sufficiently  posted  up  in  their  descent  to  aid  our  investigations,  we  re- 
linquish the  task.  Benjamin  3d  m.  Mary  Swift  of  S.  Dec.  1,  1740,  and 
had  John  Nov.  1,  1741  ;  Eben'r  Oct.  19,  1743  ;  Sam'l  Mar.  15,  1746  ;  and 
Iram  Jan.  28,  1751.  Samuel,  above,  had,  by  w.  Deborah,  Rebecca  Aug. 
3,  17  72 ;  Alden  and  Fear,  gem.,  Nov.  2,  1774";  Stephen  Mar.  5,  1777 ;  Lu- 
cy July  17,  1780;  Timothy  Dec.  4,  1782;  Alvin  Ap.  12,  1785;  Francis 
Feb.  7,  1788;  Paul  and  Pbebe,  gem.,  Sept.  1,  1790;  James  Jan.  14,  1793; 
and  Samuel  Dec.  22,  1795.  There  is,  however,  a  further  difficulty  in  de- 
termining the  lineal  descent  of  the  above  Samuel  who  d.  1814,  inasmuch  as 
1  he  F.  register  contains  two  contemporary  and  separate  family  records  of 
"  children  of  Benj.  Zd  and  his  wife  Mary  "  —  the  one  we  have  given  above ; 
the  other  is  "  Samuel  b.  July  10,  1739  ;  Nathan  Feb.  28,  1744';  Hepzibeth 
Oct.  7,  1740;  Rebecca  Dec.  20,  1743;  and  Hannah  Nov.  18,  1747."  .  As 
the  Samuel  first-named  has  a  brother  Iram,  we  presume  he  was  of  the  for- 
mer family. 

^  Thomas  Jones  Esq.  was  long  a  prominent  and  highly  respectable 
citizen  and  justice  of  the  peace ;  but  not  much  in  public  life. 

*Mr.  Lot  Dimmick  was  bro.  of  Gen.  Joseph,  and  b.  1737.  He  was 
energetic  and  daring,  like  his  brother,  —  never  shrinking  from  the  post  of 
danger ;  the  right-hand  man  of  Gen.  D.  on  all  occasions,  because  reliable.; 


ANNALS    OF    FALMOUTH.  *      469 

Hatch,  July  30.  Mr.  Solomon  Nye,  Feb.  11,  1817;  and 
Capt.  Robinson  Crocker,  July  14,  same  year,  aged  32} 
Col.  David  Nye  d.  July  14,  1819,  aged  70." 

In  1821,  June  20,  the  2d  Church  was  organized,  dis- 
tmct  from  the  ancient  Congregational  of  which  it  had 
heretofore  made  a  part.  This  church,  connected  with 
the  parish  at  East  Falmouth,  as  then  known,  —  the 
locality  of  its  meeting-house  since  called  Hatchville, 
where  formerly  the  minister  of  the  town,  subsequently 
known  as  the  minister  of  the  1st  Church,  long  offici- 
ated a  proportionate  part  of  the  time, — was  now  to  be 
supplied  with  undivided  ministerial  services.  The  Fal- 
mouth Bank  was  incorporated  Feb.  14.  Chas.  Sanford 
Esq.  d.  June  5 ;  and  Mr.  Timothy  Bourne,  Nov.  22.^ 

In  1822,  July  21,  Rev.  Silas  Shores  was  installed 
over  the  2d  Congregational  Church.  That  eminent 
citizen  and  distinguished  patriot.  Gen.  Joseph  Dimmick 

but  always  deferring  to  the  latter's  superior  judgment  and  tact.  On  bis 
tomb-stone  is  written,  "He  merited  the  noblest  of  mottos, — ^an  Honest 
man."  His  self-possession  is  illustrated  by  an  anecdote  that  is  told  of  him 
in  respect  to  an  adventure,  two  sloops  being  fitted  out  here  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary War,  on  one  occasion,  to  capture  a  valuable  prize,  —  a  loaded  brig 
which  lay  in  Nantucket  harbor.  As  the  sloops  approached  the  brig,  Dim- 
mick handled  his  gun  with  dextei'ity,  —  his  aim  each  time  being  "  to  get  two 
Britishers  in  range."  He  was  a  lieut.  in  the  company  of  Capt.  Job 
CroL'ker  when  marched  to  Rhode  Island ;  was  some  time  stationed  at 
Tiverton,  and  some  time  at  Dorchester  near  Boston. 

^  Capt.  RoBixsoN  Crocker,  s.  of  Capt.  Joseph.  He  m.  Ehsa.  Bunce 
of  Wethersfield,  Ct.  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  May  26, 1825,  and  d.  in  Havana; 
the  decease  of  his  w.  occui-ring  there  about  two  months  previous.  She  had 
been  left  in  Cuba,  on  a  former  voyage  from  Charleston,  for  the  recovery 
of  health  ;  her  husband  returned  to  learn  his  bereavement  and  to  make 
his  grave  beside  her.     Capt.  C.  was  greatly  esteemed  wherever  known. 

^  Col.  David  Nye  was  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  14  years  a  represent- 
ative of  this  town.  He  was  long  known  in  military  life,  and  was  a  worthy 
citizen. 

''Mr.  Timothy  Bourne  Avas,  with  Benj.,  Samuel,  Nathaniel,  and 
Nathan,  in  direct  descent,  through  Samuel,  from  Hop.  Ezra,  through  Sam- 
uel, who  m.  L'Homedian,  and  had,  besides  the  preceding,  Sarah,  who  m. 
Swift,  and  Elizabeth,  who  m.  Chase.  Ben.j.  m.  Beale,  and  had  Joseph, 
Samuel  m.  Leonard,  and  had  Prince,  Earl,  Benj.,  Cynthia,  and  Dedamia. 
Nath'l  m.  Tobey,  and  had  Nath'l,  Reuben,  Sam'l,  Mercy,  Sarah,  Mary, 
Martha,  Matilda,  Mehit.,  and  Rebecca.  Nathan  m.  Jones,  and  had  Ezra. 
Sam'l,  Nathan,  IMicah,  Mahershalalhashbag,  Jane,  Elisa.,  and  Lucy.  Timo- 
thy m.  Leonard,  and  had  Melinda,  Ehsa.,  Anne,  etc. 


470      *  inSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

died   September  21,  greatly  respected,  beloved,  and 
lamented.^ 

^  Gen.  Joseph  Dijimick  was  early  in  his  country's  service.  He  had 
been  a  lieut.  of  militia  under  Gen.  Abercrombie,  at  Ticonderoga.  At  the 
commencement  of  the  Revolution,  he  at  once  took  a  bold  and  decided  stand. 
The  cause  of  liberty  and  independence  vras  espoused  by  him  in  faith  and 
zeal,  with  unflinching  firmness  and  determination.  He  represented  this 
town  in  the  general  court  of  1779;  in  1788  was  appointed  high  sheriff, 
which  office  he  held  20  years;  was  elected  to  the  senate  in  1808,  and  con- 
tinued three  years;  and  in  1808,  was  appointed  justice  of  the  peace  et  quo- 
rum, and  also  of  the  court  of  sessions.  Eveiy  trust  reposed  in  him  he 
executed  with  dignity,  fidelity,  and  honor.  He  was,  withal,  a  consistent 
Christian.  On  public  religious  services,  he  was  a  constant  attendant ;  and 
in  the  domestic  circle,  the  uniformly-devout  worehipper.  As  a  public  man, 
or  private  citizen,  he  was  public-spii'ited,  humane,  generous,  always  cour- 
teous and  kind;  his  affectionate  disj^osition  vi-as  ever  marked  by  unusual 
fondness  for,  and  attentions  to,  little  children,  who  seldom  passed  by  him  in 
the  street,  without  a  kindly  recognition,  and  in  return  were  always  proud  of 
having  "  made  their  manners  to  Gen.  Dimmick."  We  well  remember  this 
trait ;  for  his  intimacy  with  our  honoi'ed  parent  gave  us  frequent  oppor- 
tunities, when  a  cliild,  of  seeing  him  under  the  parental  roof  and  under 
his  own.  His  personal  appearance  was  that  of  one  of  Nature's  noblemen ; 
his  heavy  and  shaggy  brow,  finely-chiselled  features,  his  noble  form,  all 
bespeaking  for  him  a  combination  of  true  greatness  and  excellence.  As  a 
PATRIOT,  he  stood  conspicuous;  and  yet  so  modest  and  unassuming  that  the 
respect  shown  him  seemed  to  be  regarded  by  him  as  unmerited  kindness, 
when  in  Boston,  at  a  certain  time,  on  business,  and  receiving  a  formal  and 
very  unexpected  invitation  from  Gov.  Hancock,  to  dine,  he  was  amazed 
to  find  so  large  a  party  of  eminent  men  and  notable  ladies  assembled,  and, 
on  entering  the  dining-hall,  was  still  more  astonished,  when  particularly 
assigned  by  Gov.  H.  to  the  seat  of  honor  at  the  table.  His  daring  exploits 
are  generally  and  chiefly  dwelt  upon ;  but  his  honest  patriotism,  his  uniform 
integrity,  his  symmetry  of  character,  are,  after  all,  his  crowning  glory.  We 
shall  be  expected,  however,  we  suppose,  to  relate  a  few  of  the  many  inci- 
dents that  illustrate  his  bravery  and  determined  promptitude  and  energy. 
During  the  Revolutionary  struggle,  a  messenger  arrived  at  Col.  D.'s  (he  was 
then  col.)  in  the  evening,  giving  information  that  two  British  privateers 
were  at  Old  Town  Harbor  with  a  jjrize  schooner  just  taken.  The  col.,  in 
a  few  minutes,  mustered  25  men,  proceeded  with  them  to  Woods  Hole, 
procured  a  sloop,  and  sailed  for  Edgartown,  Capt.  Thomas  Jones  acting  as 
pilot.  Leaving  Woods  Hole  at  2  o'clock,  they  reached  Old  Town  Harbor 
at  the  first  dawning  of  day,  and  saw,  to  their  surprise,  that  a  British  ship- 
of-war  was  in  Holmes'  Hole  Harbor.  Determined,  however,  not  to  be  foiled, 
although  they  saw  they  could  not  weather  the  outward  pnvateer,  they  ran 
past  her  while  she  was  in  the  act  of  firing  signals  for  the  ship  to  come  to 
her  relief;  boarded  and  carried  the  innermost  privateer,  though  manned  by 
33.  men,  and,  in  a  few  moments,  although  cut  off  from  a  retreat  in  the 
direction  of  Woods  Hole,  or  any  part  of  Falmouth,  put  the  vessels  before 
the  wind  and  ran  for  Oyster  Island,  in  Barnstable,  where  they  arrived  safe 
with  their  prize,  landed  their  33  manacled  prisoners,  and  sent  them  off  to 
Boston  by  land  as  prisoners  of  war.  At  another  time,  a  schooner  sent  to 
the  Connecticut  River  for  corn  —  then  extremely  scarce  in  these  parts,  and 
selling  at  S3  per  bushel  —  was  intercepted  on  her  return,  just  as  she  Avas 
entering  tlie  Sound.  The  captain  of  the  craft  escaped  to  the  shore  in  his 
boat,  distressed  by  the  loss  of  his  vessel  and  cargo ;  and  hastened  from 


ANNALS   OF   FALMOUTH.  471 

In  1823,  Nov.  26,  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Mr.  Lincoln 
terminated,  at  his  own  request,  after  a  ministry  of  33 
years.^ 

In  1824,  Rev.  Benjaiviin  Woodbury,  having  been  called 
to  the  pastorate  as  the  successor  of  Mr.  Lincoln,  was 
ordained  June  9.  Mr.  Walley  Robinson  died  April  11, 
83.  57;  Capt.  William  Bodflsh  died  July  30,  se.  54;^ 
Mr.  LoTHROP  Lewis,  in  the  month  of  September ;  ^  Capt. 

Wpods  Hole  to  Col.  Dimmick,  whom  he  reached  at  midnight,  the  distance 
being  about  7  miles,  and  to  whom  he  communicated  the  facts.  Col.  D. 
jumped  at  once  from  his  bed;  whilst  dressing,  gave  the  captain  encouraging 
words  and  directed  him,  for  economy  of  time,  to  go  at  once  to  the  residence 
of  his  brother  Lot  and  arouse  him.  The  colonel  and  Mr.  Lot  Dimmick 
soon  succeeded  in  mustering  20  resolute  men,  and  started  for  Woods  Hole. 
The)'  there  procured  three  whale-boats,  and  proceeded  sUently  to  Tarpaulin 
Cove,  arriving  just  before  daybreak.  It  was  very  cold,  and  the  colonel 
allowed  his  men  to  land  and  kindle  a  fire  in  a  hollow  where  they  would  be 
unobserved  and  there  wait  for  morning.  At  the  first  glimmering  of  day, 
the  privateer,  with  his  prize,  was  discovered  lying  at  anchor  in  the  cove. 
Col.  Dimmick  and  men  were,  another  moment,  in  their  boats,  pulling 
silently,  but  vigorously,  for  the  prize.  They  were  fired  on  fi:om  both  vessels, 
but  quickly  returned  the  compliment,  boarded  the  prize,  retook  it,  got 
inomediately  under  weigh,  and  ran  it  ashore  at  the  west  end  of  the  Vine- 
yard. The  pi'ivateer  followed,  and  was  repulsed ;  the  tide  rose,  and  in  a 
few  hours  the  schooner  was  safely  moored  at  Woods  Hole,  to  the  great  joy 
of  the  inhabitants.  We  might  narrate  other  incidents ;  but,  quantum  suffi- 
cit.  Gen.  D.  was  courage-inspiring,  prompt  in  all  emergencies,  and  always 
found  brave  men  who  were  ready  at  his  lead. 

1  See  Vol.  L  669. 

^  See  pp.  142,  14.3.  Capt.  Bobfish,  b.  1789,  in  Sandwich,  m.  Deborah 
T.  Hatch,  dr.  of  Shubael,  Jan.  30,  1812,  who  d.  July  14,  1815,  9S.  21,  and 
2d,  Mary  Crocker,  dr.  Joseph,  Dec.  1,  1816  ;  and  had  Mary  F.  Nov.  7, 
1813,  who  m.  Edward  Landers  May  6,  1832  ;  William  Feb.  23,  181.5  ;  Rob- 
inson C.May  11,  1819;  Deborah *F.  August  14,  1821,  who  m.  Geo.  W. 
Woodbury  Nov.  16,  1850,  and  d.  May  5,  1851  ;  and  Joseph  C.  May  17, 
1823,  lost  at  sea,  April  15,  1845.  The  widow  d.  in  New  Bedford  Oct.  27, 
1847.     Capt.  Bodfish  was  an  able  and  enterprising  shipmaster. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  614.  The  ancestor  of  this  family,  Geokge  Lewis,  came 
over  from  Eng.,  1633,  and  was  a  clothier,  from  E.  GreeuAvich,  Kent  Co. 
He  was  dis.  from  the  Plym.  Church,  with  others,  to  the  ch.  in  Scit.  Sept.  20, 
1635,  and  was  in  Be.  1640-1.  He  d.  1663,  his  will  being  pr.  Mar.  3, 
1662-3.  His  first  w.  was  Sarah  Jenkins,  whom  he  m.  in  Eng.,  and  who  was 
sister  of  Edward,  the  clothier,  who  came  afterwards  ;  his  2d  w.  was  Mary 

;  and.  his  children  were  Mary,  b.  1623  in  Eng.,  who  m.  John  Bryant, 

of  Scit.  Nov.  14,  1643;  Thomas;  George;  James  1631  in  Eng.;  John,  b. 
in  Scit.  Mar.  2,  1637-8:  Ephraim  July  23,  1641  ;  Sarah  Feb.  2,  1642-3, 
who  m.  1st,  Jas.  Cobb,  and  2d,  Jonathan  Sparrow  Nov.  23,  1698  ;  Nath'l 
1645  ;  Joseph  1647  ;  Edward;  and,  some  say,  Jabez — the  4th  b.,  who  d. 
single.     Thomas,  s.  of  Geo.  1st.,  m.  Mary  Davis  June  15,  1653,  and  2d, 

Hannah  .     He  had  James  Mar.  31,   1654;  Thomas  July  15,   1656; 

Mary  1659  ;  Sam'l  May  14,  1662,  d.  inf. ;  Sam'l  April  23,  1673,  by  2d  m. ; 


472  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Joseph  Crocker,  Nov.  20,  se.  63  ;  ^  and  Capt.  Zimri  Tobey, 
Dec.  7,  se.  57." 

In  1825,  in  the  latter  part  of  May,  or  early  part  of 
June,  occurred  that  afflictive  disaster  at  sea  by  which 
this  and  adjoining  towns  were  bereft  of  a  large  com- 
pany of  enterprising  and  estimable  citizens,  and  many 
families  shrouded  in  mourning.^  Of  the  number,  were 
Mr.  Frederick  Parker,*  Mr.  Albert  Robinson,  Mr.  Jesse 


and  Hepzibali  1674.  Lt.  James,  b.  1631,  s.  of  Geo.  1st.,  was  selectman, 
one  of  the  "  select  court,"  etc.,  and  m.  Sarah  Lane,  dr.  of  Geo.  of  Hing. 
Oct.  31,  1655,  and  d.  Oct.  14,  1713,  se.  82.  They  had  John  Oct.  29, 1656  ; 
Samnel  April  10,  1659;  Sarah  Mar.  4,  1661,  who  m.  1st,  Thomas  Lincoln 
and  2d,  Rt.  Waterman;  James  June  3,  1664;  Susanna;  and  Ebenezer. 
Mr.  George  Jr.,  s.  of  Geo.  1st,  m.  Mary  Lumbert,  dr.  of  Bernard  of  Sclt- 
uate  Dec.  1,  1654,  and  d.  Mar.  20,  1709-10.  They  had  George  Sept., 
1655,  who  was  one  of  the  Narraganset  grantees  ;  Mary  1657  ;  Sarah  1660  ; 
Hannah  1662;  Melatiah  Jan.  13,  1664^;  Bathsheba  1667;  Jabez  June  10, 
1670,  who  m.  Expe.  Hamblin,  Feb.  20,  1695,  and  had  John  1698  ;  Benj. 
Nov.  22,  1671;  Jonathan  July  25,  1674;  John  Dec.  1,  1676;  and  Nathan 
July  26,  1678.  John,  b.  1638,  s.  of  Geo.  1st-  was  slain  in  the  Eehoboth 
battle,  1676.  Nathaniel,  b.  1645,  s.  of  Geo.  1st,  removed  to  Swansey, 
and  d.  1683.  Joseph,  b.  1647,  s.  of  Geo.  1st,  m.  Mary  Jones  and  removed 
to  Swansey.  They  had  Joseph  Jan.  6,  1672,  from  whom  is  the  Pepperell 
branch ;  and  Sybil  1674.  Edward,  s.  of  Geo.  1st,  m.  Hannah  Cobb,  dr. 
Elder  Hy.  May  9,  1661,  and  had  Hannah  1662;  Eleazer  June  26,  1664  ; 
John  Jan.  1,  1666  ;  and  Thos.  1669.  Ebenezer  m.  Anna  Lothrop  1691, 
and  had  Sarah  1692;  Susanna  1694;  James  Aug.  4,  1696;  Ebenezer 
May  9,  1699;  Hannah  1701;  Lothrop  Jime  13,  1702;  George  April  6, 
1704  ;  Nath'l  Jan.  20,  1707-8  ;  John  July  15,  1709  ;  and  David  and  Abi- 
gail, gem.,  Nov.  8,  1711.  From  this  branch  was  the  above  Lothrop,  who  d. 
1324,  one  generation  intervening. 

^  See  Vol.  L  564.  Capt.  Joseph  Crocker,  b.  1761,  s.  of  Timothy,  d. 
in  Charleston,  S.  C  He  m.  Martha  Dimmick,  dr.  Gen.  Joseph,  Nov.  23, 
1785,  and  had  Robinson  July  15,  1786;  Mary  Sept.  30,  1788,  who  m. 
Capt.  Wm.  Bodfish,  2d  w.,  Dec.  1,  1816;  Joseph  D.  Mar.  14,  1792,  drowned 
Mar.  8,  1798;  Sophia  Feb.  23,  1794,  d.  1816;  Caroline  Aug.  17,  1798, 
Avho  m.  Jno.  Hatch  June  19,  1851 ;  Martina  D.  June  26, 1800,  who  d.  1855  ; 
Joseph  D.  June  1,  1802,  d.  inf ;  Julia  A.  May  28,  1804,  who  m.  Ezra 
Bourne  of  S.  Sept.  20,  1824_,  and  2d,  Warren  N.  Bourne  June  10,  1835; 
Albert  July  3,  1806,  who  d.  in  Boston,  Sept.  3,  1828 ;  and  Frances  L.  Jan. 
14,  1811,  whod.  1852. 

^  Capt.  Zimri  Tobey  d.  at  Charleston,  S.  C.  His  obituary  says,  "  Few 
men  have  in  life  been  more  beloved,  or  in  death  more  lamented."  He  was 
father  of  Mr.  Henry  Tobey. 

^Seep.  147,  and  Voh  L  625. 

^Mr.  Frederick  Parker,  b.  Sept.  10,  1777,  m.  Rebecca  Sandford,  dr. 
of  Benj.  Esq.,  and  had  children:  Betsy;  Mary;  Rebecca,  who  m.  Rev. 
Mr.  Pettingil ;  Nancy ;  Sarah  ;  Cynthia,  who  m.  Thomas  Lewis,  Esq. ;  and 
Charles. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  473 

GiFFORD,  and  others  of  this  town.^  Mr.  Foster  Hatch 
d.  Ap.  3,  1826,  ge.  34.~  Mr.  Micah  R.  Swift  d.  June  22, 
1827,  ge.  29 ;  and  Mr.  Philip  Phinney  Mar.  27.^  Mr. 
Thomas  Baker,  Nov.  13. 

In  1828,  Rev.  Silas  Shores  resigned  his  pastoral 
relation  to  the  2d  Church,  June  17  ;  after  which  event, 
the  Church  and  congregation,  without  compromising 
the  identity  of  either  organization,  again  united  for  a 
time  with  the  original  or  first  parish  in  supporting 
public  worship. 

In  1829,  Benjamin  Sanford  Esq.  died,  April  13, 
aged  81.* 

In  1833,  Rev.  Benj.  Woodbury's  resignation  of  his 
charge  was  accepted,  Sept.  19,  after  a  pastorate  of 
about  nine  years.^  The  same  year,  Aug.  21,  Rev. 
Paul  Jewett  was  engaged  as  minister  of  a  congrega- 
tion worshipping  at  North  Falmouth ;  and,  Dec.  25, 
the  3d.  Cong.  Church  was  organized,  of  which  Mr. 
Jewett  was  installed  pastor.*^ 

In  1834,  Rev.  Josiah  Bent  was  installed  pastor  of 
the  1st  Church,  Feb.  5,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Jewett  retired 
from  the  pastorate  of  the  3d  Church. 

In  1835,  Rev.  Daniel  B.  Tappan  succeeded  to  the 
pastorate  made  vacant  by  the  dismission  of  Mr.  Jew- 


^  We  have  not  been  able  to  obtain  in  season  a  full  list  of  those  lost  by 
this  disaster ;  nor  have  we  reliable  accounts  of  other  similar  casualties  and 
fatalities  that  have,  at  different  periods,  filled  the  hearts  of  many  here  with 
sadness. 

°  Mr.  Foster  Hatch  was  s.  of  Shubael.  He  m.  Celia  Fish,  dr.  of  Dea. 
Thomas,  who  became  2d,  the  w.  of  Dr.  Aaron  Cornish. 

^  Mr.  Philip  Phinney  was  selectman  of  the  town  nine  years. 

^  Mr.  Sanford  was  a  highly-respected  citizen,  a  magistrate,  and  deputy 
of  the  Barnstable  collection  district,  for  this  town.  Being  in  Barnstable  on 
official  business,  he  mistook  his  way,  in  a  dark  and  stormy  night,  and  fell 
from  a  wharf  and  was  drowned. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Woodbury  grad.  Dart.  College,  1817.  After  leaving  Fal- 
mouth, he  removed  to  Ohio,  and  died.  His  ministry  was  highly  acceptable 
and  pi'osperous. 

"  Rev.  Mr.  Jewett  had  previously  been  settled  in  Fairhaven,  also  in 
Scituate.     He  was  a  native  of  Rowley. 
VOL.  II.  60 


474  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

ett;^  and,  April  22,  the  associate  connection  of  the 
1st  and  2d  Churches  was  dissolved,  —  in  order  to  pro- 
vide and  maintain  each  its  own  minister. 

In  1836,  Rev.  Timothy  Davis  was  installed  over  the 
2d  Chm^ch.2 

In  1837,  Feb.  22,  Rev.  Mr.  Bent  retired  from  his 
charge  ;  ^  and,  also,  the  next  year.  Rev.  Mr.  Davis. 

In  1838,  Rev.  Henry  B.  Hooker  succeeded  Mr.  Bent.* 
Mr.  Shubael  Hatch  d.  Aug.  9,  se.  81 ;  ^  Mr.  Joseph  Hatch 

^Eev.  Mr.  Tappan  was  a  grad.  of  Bowd.  Col.,  1822.  His  pastorate  was 
brief.  Succeeding  him,  for  generally  brief  periods,  were  Rev.  Gideon 
Dana,  Rev.  John  Pike,  Rev.  Asahel  Cobb,  Rev.  C.  C.  Beaman,  and  others. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Davis  had  formerly  been  minister  of  Wellfleet. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Bent  was  from  Milton,  and  grad.  H.  C,  1822.  He  had  for- 
merly been  settled  in  Weymouth.  He  now  went  to  Amherst  and  there 
died. 

*Rev.  Mr.  Hookek  grad.  Mid.  Coll.  1821.  He  had  recently  retired 
from  pastoral  charge  at  Long  Meadow. 

"  INIr.  Shubael  Hatch,  long  time  innholder,  had,  by  his  m.  with  Debo- 
rah Turner  of  Scituate,  Deborah  T.,  who  m.  Capt.  Wm.  Bodfish,  and  d. 
July  14,  1815,  as.  23;  Hervey,  who  d.  June  23,  1812,  te.  22;  and  Foster, 
who  m.  Celia  Fish,  and  d.  April  3,  1826,  se.  34.  The  lineage  of  this  family 
runs  back  to  Tpiomas,  who  came  over  from  Kent,  1G34,  b.  in  Sandwich; 
was  made  freeman  in  Boston,  May  14,  1634  ;  proposed  freeman  of  Yar- 
mouth, Jan.  7,  1638-9;  and  mem.  of  ch.  in  Be.,  June  1,  1641.  He  d. 
1661,  leaving  a  wid.  Grace.  Had  two  ch.  viz:  Jona.,  "only  son,"  b.  in 
Eng.,  prob.  1625  ;  and  Lydia,  b.  in  Eng.,  who  m.  Hy.  Taylor  of  Be.  Dec. 
19,  1650.  Jonathan,  from  Be.,  had  lands  in  this  town  1660;  a  house 
built  here,  soon  after ;  had  seven  children  born  in  Be.  and  four  in  Succon- 
nessit.  He  m.  Sarah  Rowley  (Mr.  Savage  savs,  Hannah')  at  Be.,  Ap.  11, 
1646,  and  had  Mary  1647  ;  Thomas  Jan.  21,  1648-9  ;  Jona.  May  17,  1652  ; 
Joseph  Mar.  7,  1654;  Benj.  Sept.  7,  1655;  Nath'l  June  5,  1657;  Samuel 
Oct.  11,  1659;  Moses  Mar.  4,1663;  Sarah  1664;  Mark  Ap.  27,1667; 
and  Lydia  1669.  Thomas,  b.  1649,  m.  Abigail  Codman  of  Be.  Feb.  23, 
1679,  and  had  Jona.  Ap.  9,  1693  ;  Nath'l  1698  ;  and  others.  Jonathan, 
b.  1652,  m.  Abigail  Weeks  in  Be.  Dec.  4, 1676,  and  had  Jona.  Jan.  5, 1678  ; 
Sarah  1682;  Mary  1684;  Nathan  1693,  and  Eben.  1696.  Joseph,  b. 
1654,  who  succeeded  to  the  paternal  mansion  and  d.  Feb.  16,  1738,  93.  84, 
m.  Amy  Allen  Dec.  7,  1683,  and  had  Lydia  1684;  Amy  1687;  Joseph 
Aug.  3,  1689,  who  set.  in  Tolland,  Ct.,  but  d.  on  a  visit  to  this  town  1751  ; 
Ichabod  Oct.  21,  1691;  Ruth  1693;  Joanna  1696;  Elisa.  1697;  Bethia 
1700;  Eben.  Mai-.  26,  1702;  and  Barnabas  Feb.  4,  1704.  Benja- 
min, b.  1655,  m.  Mary  Hamblin  (so  says  Be.  rec.,but  F.  rec.  says  Lumber) 

June  17,  1678.     She  d.,  and  he  m.  2d,  Alice  (the  record  lias  it  Ellis) . 

His  children  were  Abig'l  1679;  Mary  1781;  Nath'l  Feb.  3,  1684;  Benj. 
Oct.  17,  1686;  John  Feb.  16,  1689;  Elisa.  1692;  Melatiah  1693;  Timo. 
1695  ;  Hannah  1698  ;  and  Solo.  1704.  Samuel,  b.  1659,  had  a  w.  Lydia, 
and  children,  Eleazer  Sept.  23,  1694;  Sam'l  Feb.  28,  1696;  James  Aug. 
23,1697;  and  Lydia  1699.  Dea.  Moses,  b.  1663,  "8th  child,"  wlio  d. 
May  20,  1747,  ae.  83,  m.  Elisa.  Thacher,  dr,  John,  of  Y.  Oct.  18,  1699,  and 
Iiad  Elisa.  wlio  m.  Timo.  Hallet,  of  Y. ;  Moses,  jr.  ;  and  Silvanus. 


ANNALS    OF    FALMOUTH.  475 

also  died  this  year.  Nathaniel  Shiverick  Esq.  died 
April  22,  1839,  ae.  56 ;  ^  and  Capt.  Micah  Sampson, 
May  19,  se.  66. 

In  1840,  Oct.  15,  Rev.  James  D.  Lewls  became  the 
minister  of  the  2d.  Church  and  society.^  Mr.  Shubael 
Lawrence  died  Sept.  26,  aged  44-.'^ 

In  1842,  the  Friends'  meeting-house  gave  way  to  a 
new  edifice,  being  the  third  occupied  by  the  denomi- 
nation in  this  town.*  Mr.  Abner  Davis  d.  July,  1843, 
93.  93  ;^  Mr.  Robinson  Gifford,  a  venerable  member  of 
Friends'  meeting,  d.  Sept.  14,  se.  74 ;  Mr.  John  Swift 
d.  Oct.  7,  se.  65;  and,  in  Dec,  Mr.  Reuben  Swift,  se.  63. 
Mr.  Moses  Hatch  d.  Dec.  2,  1844,  se.  92. 


^  Eev.  Samuel  Shiverick,  the  progenitor  of  the  families  of  the  name, 
had  Sam'l,  who  was  bap.  at  Be.  1697  ;  Damaris,  bap.  at  Be.  1698 ;  Marga- 
ret ;  Thomas,  who  was  representative  1717  and  15  years  after;  and  Bethia. 
Thomas,  who  was  rep.  1746,  had  by  his  w.  Mary,  a  son  Nath'l;  also  Oct. 
18,  1723,  a  dr.  Hannah.  We  hope  to  be  able  to  give  a  more  full  gen.  of 
the  name  in  the  Annals  of  Dennis. 

"  Rev.  James  D.  Lewis  was  a  native  of  this  town,  and  had  been  settled 
in  the  ministry  at  Reading  where  he  was  ord.  June,  1834. 

^  Mr.  Shubael  Lawrence's  bequest  to  the  town  for  the  endowment  of 
an  academy  has  been  already  mentioned.  The  2d  Church  and  society 
also  became  greatly  aided  by  a  legacy  ;  the  sum  of  $10,000  was  left  it  by 
Mr.  L.,  for  the  support  of  the  Gospel  ministry,  with  a  sum  additional  for 
the  repairs  of  their  meeting-house.  Mr.  L.  d.  unmarried.  He  was  s.  of 
Shubael  b.  Oct.  1766,  who,  by  his  w.  Dinah,  had  Francis  Sept.  19,  1795; 
Shubael  Sept.  27,  1797  ;  and  Silvanus  N.  Aug.  3,  1801. 

*  The  building,  now  supplanted  by  a  neAV  one,  was  built  in  1775. 

''The  families  of  the  name  in  this  town,  are  chiefly  descended  from 
Dolor  Davis  (it  is  sometimes  written  DoUard),  who  came  from  Kent, 
Eng.,  1634.  See  Annals  of  Be.  Mr.  Savage  says,  Mr.  D  wasb.  in  Benne- 
field,  Northamptonshire.  He  was  in  Camb.  1634;  in  Dux.  1640;  and, 
with  his  w.,  was  dis.  from  the  church  in  the  latter  place,  1648,  to  the  ch.  in 
Be.,  —  but  was  there  much  earlier.  He  m.  Margery  Willard,  in  Eng., 
prob.  about  1618,  sister  of  Maj.  Simon,  and  dr.  of  Richard;  and  had  a  2d 
w^,  Joanna  Bursley,  wid.  of  John,  and  dr.  of  Rev.  Joseph  Hull.  Mr.  Sav- 
age supposes  his  children  to  have  been,  John ;  Nicholas ;  Simon,  who  m. 
Mary  ]31ood  1660,  and  set.  in  Concord ;  Samuel,  who  m.  Maiy  Meads  1660 
or  '65,  and  set.  in  Concord  ;  Mary,  who  m.  Thomas  Lewis  of  Be.  June  15, 
1653  ;  and  Ruth,  bap.  at  Be.  Mar.  24,  1645,  and  m.  Stephen  Hall  Dec.  3, 
1663,  son  of  wid.  Mary  of  Concord.  Mr.  D.  went  to  Concord  1656.  The 
Gen.  Register  says,  "  Many  of  the  name  of  Davis,  in  Rutland,  Northboro', 
Holden,  and  Paxton,  are  descendants  from  Simon,  and  trace  from  Dolor 
who  d.  in  Be.  1673.  Nicholas  was  in  Be.  before  1643;  Avas  in  Taunton 
1659  and  mentioned  as  "of  Sandwich."  John,  "  s.  of  Dolor,  carpenter, 
who  was  prob.  br.  of  Rt.,"  was  early  in  Be.,  and  in.  Hannah  Linuell  Mar. 


476  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1845/  Mr.  Joseph  Dillingham,  a  respected  niern- 
ber  of  the  society  of  Friends,  d.  April  2,  se.  08  j~  Capt. 
Silas  Jones,  Ap.  20,  se.  76 ;  '^  Hon.  Braddock  Dimmick, 


15,  1648.  His  will  dated  May  10,  1701,  was  proved  April  9,  1703.  His 
children  were  John  Jan.  15,  1648-9  ;  Samuel  Dec.  15,  1651  ;  Hannah  and 
Mary,  gem.,  Jan.  3,  1653,  the  first  of  whom  m.  Jed.  Jones  1681,  and  the 
other,  Benj.  Goodspsed  1676  and  John  Hinckley  1697  ;  Joseph  and  Benj., 
gem.,  June  1656  ;  Simon  July  15,  1658,  d.  y. ;  Dolor  Oct.  1,  1660  ;  Jabez; 
Timo. ;  and  prob.  Ruth,  who  m.  Linnel.  Johjs",  b.  1649,  m.  Ruth  Good- 
speed  Feb.  2,  1674-5,  2d,  Mary  Hamblen  Feb.  22,  1692,  and  3d,  Hannah 
Bacon,  wid.,  May  8,  1699.  He  and  his  wife  Hannah  were  of  the  church 
orjjanized  in  this  town  in  1707.  Issue:  John  1675,  d.  y. ;  Beuj.  vSept.  8, 
1679,  d.  inf.;  Benj.  1682;  John  Feb.  17,  1684;  Nath'l  July  17,  1686, 
sflpposed  to  be  the  Nath'I  who  set.  at  "  Bourne's  River"  in  this  town  and 
"  d.  very  aged"  1769,  leaving  Joseph  b.  1728,  who  was  f.  of  Dsa.  Joseph, 
who  had  Joseph  about  17  70,  who  had  Nath'I;  prob.  Jabez  1691 ;  Shubael 
July  10,  1694;  James  Mar.  24,  1696  ;  ^ben.  May  13,  1697;  and  Nicholas 
Mar.  12,  1700.  elosEPH,  b.  1G56,  prob.  m.  Mary  ^aghorn  Mar.  28,  1682; 
and  had  Simon  or  Simeon  1683;  Mary  1685;  Joseph  1687;  and  Robert 
1689,  and  resided  in  Be.,  as  did  his  brs.  Dolor  and  Jabez.  Dolor,  b.  1660, 
m.  Hannah  Linnel,  Aug.  3,  1681,  and  had  Shubael  1685;  Thos.  1687; 
Hannah  1689;  Stephen  "l690;  Thankful  1696;  Dan'l  1698;  Dolor  (per- 
haps Job,  as  Gen.  Reg.  says)  1700  ;  Noah  1702  ;  and  Remember  1704,  (the 
Reg.  says  this  last  was  Mercy)  '?  who  m.  Morey.  Jabez  m.  Experience 
LinnelfAug.  20,  1689,  and  had  Nathan  Mar.  2,  1690  ;  Sam'l  1692  ;  Bath- 
sheba  1694";  Isaac  1696;  Abigail  1698;  Jacob  1699;  and  Mercy  1701. 
Nathan,  b.l690,  m.  Elisa.  Pliinney  Nov.  25,  1714,  and  had  Jabez  1715  ; 
Sarah  1717;  Elisa.  1718  ;  and  Isaac  1720.  Jacob,  of  H.,  prob.  b.  1699, 
m.  Kezia  Crosby,  who  d.  1732,  and  2d,  Mary  Rogers  of  E.  1733,  and  had 
Kezia  1732;  Mary  1736;  Susanna  1738;  and  Isaac  1741.  Jonathan,  b. 
1749.  s.  of  Stephen,  m.  Susanna  Lewis,  dying  se.  91  and  his  wid.  se.  92,  and 
had  Stephen,  who  "  went  to  Falm.,"  we  sujjpose  was  descended  from  Robert 
1st,  the  bro.  of  Dolor  1st. 

^  The  records  this  year  mention  the  decease  of  Maktha  Hamilton, 
Dec.  14,  se.  107.  Such  instances  of  longevity  are  very  rare  in  any  com- 
munity ;  but,  perhaps  the  bills  of  mortality  in  the  several  Cape  towns  have, 
m  all  past  time,  exhibited  as  numerous,  a  list  of  persons  living  beyond  the 
age  usually  allotted  to  man,  as  can  be  furnished  from  the  same  extent  of 
population  in  any  other  j^art  of  the  world.  A  few  years  since,  Olive  Fuller 
died  in  Barnstable,  at  Marston's  Mills,  93.  103. 

^  Mr.  Edward  Dillingham,  s.  of  Henry  the  s.  of  Edward,  was  of  S., 
and  d.  Mar.  29,  1739.  He  m.  Abigail  Nye 'Sept.  26,  1695,  and  had  Han- 
nah July  12,  1696;  Abigail  Feb.  26,  1*697-8;  Simeon,  Sept.  24,  1700; 
Edward  Mar.  12,  1704;  Mary  Oct.  22,  1705;  Experience  Mar.  9,  1707-8; 
John  Nov.  14,  1710  ;  and  Deborah  June  7,  1716.  Edward,  Jr.  by  his  w. 
EHzabeth,  had  Cornelius  May  25,  1724;  Silvanus  Nov.  1,  1725;  Stephen 
April  23,  1727;  Remember,  Dec.  18,  1730;  Ignatius  April  16,  1732;  and 
John,  June  11,  1738.  Ignatius,  b.  1732,  m.  Deborah  Gilford,  and  had 
Remember,  Content,  Lydia,  Stephen,  Edward,  Ruth,  William,  and  Joseph. 
Joseph,  b.  177C,  s.  of  Ignatius,  m.  Esther  Rogers  of  Marshfield  who  d.  1856. 
They  had  Steplicu,  Reuben,  Deborah,  Mary,  Elisa.,  Abrani,  and  Edward  G. 
Braddock  had  by  his  w.  Rhoda,  Paul  Mar.  29,  1  765  ;  and  by  Elisa.  Pitts, 
had  Pitts  Dec.  19,  17  70,  who  went  to  Augusta,  Me. 

"Capt.  Jones  had  sons  Capt.  Rowland  R.  b.  May  4,  1816,  Avho  d.  May 


Boston  Public  Library. 


■^h?^e^  e-a^o/-. 


BORN    FEB.  26"^"    1761. 
DIED   APRIL  30TH     1845. 


ANNALS    or   FALMOUTH.'  477 

Ap.  30,  se.  84  ;^  Mr.  Major  Hatch,  Nov.  5,  ge.  76;  and 
Mr.  Ephraim  Parker,  Nov.  12,  se.  76. 

In  1846,  Rev.  James  D.  Lewis  resigned  his  pastoral 
relation  to  the  2d  Church.  Succeedino;  Mr.  Lewis  were 
Rev.  Messrs.  Childs,  Hyde,  Clarke,  and  Ford,  at  short 

27,  1850,  while  on  a  voyage  to  the  Pacific  Ocean  ;  also  Horatio  N.  who  d. 
in  Batavia,  93.  22. 

^  For  a  biographical  notice  of  this  prominent  citizen,  see  Vol.  I.  647; 
and,  of  Gen.  Joseph  Dimmick,  see  Vol.  I.  618.  Prixce,  b.  1763,  s.  of 
Gen.  D.,  d.  Sept.  28,  1841;  Joseph,  b.  1770,  d.  Ap.  16,  1815;  and  An- 
SKLM,  b.  1772,  was  drowned  Jan.  10,  1816.  Hon.  Braddock  Dimmick, 
b.  1761,  s.  of  Gen.  D.,  was  ever  animated  with  the  same  true  patriotism 
and  virtue  that  distinguished  his  honored  father.  He  was  highly  esteemed, 
whether  in  his  position  35  yrs.  as  an  officer  of  the  church,  as  a  representa- 
tive of  this  tOAvn  8  years  in  the  House,  as  a  senator,  several  years,  or  in 
municij^al  offices  —  10  yrs.  selectman  and  the  same  length  of  time  town 
clerk  and  treasurer.  His  commission  as  justice  of  the  peace  dated  from 
1808,  and  as  Quorum  unus  from  1829.     He  went  to  his  grave, 

"  As  Autumn's  mellow  fruit  descends  to  earth ;  " 

was  sincerely  lamented,  and  his  whole  life  is  associated  with  the  progress  of 
his  native  town.  The  engraving  we  present  is  a  filial  tribute  from  his  son, 
Mr.  William  F.  Dimmick.  Elder  Thomas  Dimmick,  prob.  originally 
D/jmocJce,  who  is  so  identified  with  the  early  history  of  Barnstable,  and  d. 
1658,  leaving  a  wid.,  Anne,  and  children,  was  the  ancestor.  He  had  prob. 
Elisa.  who  m.  Knyvet  Sears;  perhaps  John;  certainly  Tim.,  bap.  1640,  d. 
Inf  ;  Mehit.,  bap.  Ap.  17,  1642,  who  m.  Ed.  Chikl;  and  Shubael,  bap. 
Sept.  15,  1644.  He  had  also  a  s.  and  dr.,  gem.,  who  d.  Inf  1641.  Ens. 
Shubael,  b.  1644,  who.  It  is  said,  went  finally,  with  a  part  of  his  family  to 
Mansfield,  Ct.,  and  d.  Oct.  29,  1732,  ae.  91,  was  deputy  several  years,  select- 
man, and  enslo-n.  In  M.  he  was  known  as  Deacon  D.  By  m.  with  Joanna 
Bursley  1663,"he  had  Thos.  1664  ;  John  1666  ;  Timo.  1668  ;  Shubael  1673  ; 
Joseph  1675;  Mehit.  1677;  Benj.  1680;  Joanna  1682;  and  Thankful 
1684.  Thomas,  b.  1664,  was  a  Capt.  at  Daniariscotta  in  the  Indian  Avar, 
and  killed  1697,  — -a  brave  officer.  See  Magnalia.  By  his  w.  Desire,  who  m. 
2d,  Col.  John  Thacher  1698,  he  had  Mehlt."l686,  who  m.  Capt.  John  Davis, 
1705 ;  Temp.  1689,  who  m.  Beniamin  Freeman  of  H.  1709  ;  Edward  July 
5,  1692;  Thomas  Dec.  25,  1694;  and  Desire  1696,  who  m.  Job  Gorham 
1  719.  John,  b.  1656,  m.  Elisa.  Lumbert  1689,  and  had  Sarah  1690;  Anne 
1692;  Mary  1695  ;  Theophilus  1696,  whom.  Sarah  Hinckley  Oct.  1,  1722, 
and  both  joined  the  Falmouth  church  1736;  Tim.  1698;  Eben.  1700; 
Thankful  1702;  Elisa.  1704;  and  David  1706.  Timothy,  b.  16  70,  went 
to  Ct.,  and  from  him  Is,  in  descent.  Col.  Dimmick,  noAv  of  the  U.  S.  army. 
Spiubael,  b.  1673,  m.  Tabitha  Lothrop  1699,  and  had  Sam'l  1702  ;  David 
1704;  Shubael  1706  ;  Joanna  1708;  and  Mehit.  1711.  Joseph,  b.  1675, 
m.  Lydia  Fuller  May  17,  1699,  as  per  S.  rec,  and  had  Thos.  1700  ;  Bethia 
1702;  Mehit.  1707;  Ensign  1709;  Ichabod  1711  ;  Abigail  1714;  Pharaoh 
1717  ;  and  David  Dec.  22,  1721.  A  petition  of  Joseph,  June  14,  1727,  to 
the  Gen.  Court,  sets  forth  that  he  received  a  grievous  Avound  in  the  late 
battle  at  Norridgewock.  David,  b.  1704,  m.  Thankful  Cobb  Oct.  14, 
1 746.  Edavard,  b.  1692,  had,  besides  others,  by  Hannah  his  Avife,  Thomas 
Mar.  16,  1727,  Avho  m.  Elisa.  Bacon  Oct.  7,  1755,  and  had  Charles,  from 
Avhom  Avas  John  L.  and  Col.  Charles. 


478  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

intervals.  The  tenure  of  the  pastoral  office  has  be- 
come so  precarious  that  we  may  not  attempt  further 
to  note  all  its  frequent  changes.  Mr.  Lemuel  Green  d. 
this  year,  Oct.  31,  se.  94 ;  and  Mr.  Abraham  Swift  d. 
Nov.  19,  se.  84.1 

In  1847,  Mr.  Sylvanus  Wing  d.  March  3,  aged  56,  a 
member  of  the  Society  of  Friends;  Mr.  John  Crockjer 
d.  April  6,  aged  74 ;  Mr.  Ebenezer  Lewis,  Dec.  6,  aged 
88  ;  also  Mr.  Moses  Hatch. 

In  1848,  Mr.  Benjamin  Nye  d.  May  26,  aged  74; 
Thomas  Fish  Esq.  d.  Sept.  24,  aged  86;^  and  Mr.  Jon- 
athan Green  d.  Nov.  8,  aged  91. 


^Mr.  Benjamin  Swift  of  S.,  who  m.  Hannah  Wing  Feb.  24,  1703-4, 
and  had  Samuel  Sept.  11,  1704;  Mary  Oct.  11,  1706,  who  m.  GifFord ; 
Content  Dec.  12,  1708,  whom.  Zachs.  Wing  Mar.  15,  1732  ;  ZelDulon  April 
15,  1712,  all  in  S.  ;  and,  afterwards,  Hannah;  Elisa. ;  and  Benjamin,  who 
m.  Waitstill  Bowerman,  dr.  of  Joseph  of  F.  ■  He  appears  as  a  professed  Quaker 
in  this  town  1731.  His  son  Zebulon  was  f.  of  Samuel;  Joseph;  Abram 
(or  Abraham),  who  m.  Olive  Lawrence  May  4,  1799;  Hannah,  who  m. 
Dillingham;  Dorothy,  who  m.  Hatch;  Ehsa.,  who  m.  Gilford;  Rebecca; 
Deborah,  who  m.  Tripp ;  Huldah,  who  m.  Bowerman  ;  Jemima,  who  m. 
Landis,  or  Landers  ;  and  Barnabas. 

"  Thomas  Fish  Esq.  was,  in  many  respects,  a  remarkable  man ;  "  a 
patriot  of  the  Revolution,  44  years  a  soldier  of  the  cross,  and  24  years  dea- 
con of  the  1st  church,  distinguished  through  life  for  symmetry  of  Christian 
character,  uniform  and  cheerful  piety,  and  eminent  usefulness  in  the  service 
of  his  Divine  Redeemei\"  No  man  could  leave  a  purer  record.  Whether 
in  public  or  in  private  walks  of  life,  the  same  uprightness,  goodness,  and 
consistency  marked  his  course  ;  religion  always  diffusing  in  his  veiy  counte- 
nance a  divine  lustre  that  impressed  the  beholder  with  the  thought, 

"  God  waits  not  the  last  moment,  —  owns  His  friend 
On  tliis  side  death,  and  points  him  out  to  man." 

The  most  scrutinizing  eye  could  discover  no  defect ;  the  same  manly 
beai-ing,  the  same  childlike  meekness,  the  same  noble  sensibilities  of  mind 
and  heart,  the  same  lineaments  of  heavenly  birth,  were  manifest  under  all 
circumstances  ;  and  when,  in  old  age, 

"  His  feeble  body  sought  its  native  dust, 
His  heaven-born  spirit  sought  its  native  skies," 

the  saying  of  Holy  Writ  was  confirmed :  "  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold 
the  upright ;  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace." 

"  The  Christian  dwells,  like  Uriel,  in  the  sun : 
Meridian  evidence  puts  doubt  to  flight, 
And  ardent  hope  anticipates  the  skies." 

The  departure  of  a  citizen  so  universally  revered  and  beloved,  so  exem- 
plary and  influential,  so  useful  and  honored,  seemed  a  public  calamity.     It 


*  v!r 


Boston  i-ubiic  Library, 


BORN     1762, 
DIED      SEPT24T"    1848. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  479 

In  1849,  a  Congregational  Church  was  organized  at 
Waqnoit,  being  the  4th  in  the  town.  Mr,  John  Tobey 
d.  Mar.  21,  se.  78 ;  Mr.  Nathaniel  Swift  d.  Sept.  22,  ge. 
73  ;  and  Mr.  Elisha  Gifford,  Oct.  30,  ^.  71. 

In  1850,  Mr.  Silvanus  Hamblin  d.  Feb.  14,  ge.  88 ; 
Mr.  Joseph  Hatch,  Feb.  17,  se.  92,  selectman;  and  Mr. 
Harrison  Goodspeed,  Oct.  10,  se.  56.^ 

In  1851,  Capt.  Zuriel  Bourne  d.  Jan.  12,  ge.  93 ;  Mr. 


is  true,  however,  that  the  good  men  do  lives  after  them ;  and  also  true 
that  their  example  survives.  The  aged  and  middle-aged  continue  to  cher- 
ish the  memory  of  Dea.  Fish  with  reverence  and  affection ;  and  the  young, 
who  never  saw  him,  have  listened  to  the  story  of  his  excellence  with  admir- 
ing pride,  and  treasured  the  remembrance,  it  may  be,  to  "  imitate  and 
live."  Dea.  F.  was  not  by  mechanical  profession,  a  ship-builder  ;  but  many  a 
well-constructed  craft  has  been  launched  from  his  ship-yard  in  Quisset.  At 
the  age  of  17,  he  entered  the  army  in  the  revolutionary  Avar;  after  the 
return  of  peace,  was  engaged  in  school-teaching ;  then  went  into  the  West 
India  trade  and  lumbering-business,  commanding  a  vessel  several  years.  In 
1802,  a  company  was  foniied  for  ship-building,  and  Mr.  F.  was  appointed 
its  agent.  The  business  was  prosecuted  with  vigor  until  the  war  of  1812. 
In  1816,  a  justice  of  the  peace  and  in  1837  commissioned  Quorum  unus, 
he  was  also  21  years  in  the  legislature  and  20  years  selectman  of  this 
town,  besides  filling  other  offices.  He  was  s.  of  Mr.  Samuel  Fish  who 
m.  Sarah  Dimmick,  and  had  eight  children.  The  subject  of  this  notice, 
Thomas  Esq.,  b.  Dec.  28,  1762,  m.  Susanna  Ci-owell,  dr.  of  David  and 
Sarah,  Dec.  10,  1788,  and  had  Cynthia  Oct.  29,  1791 ;  Celia  Sept.  5,  1793; 
Susan  E.  July  8,  1795  ;  Milton  July  31,  1799  ;  Thos.  Oct.  29,  1802  ;  Joseph 
C.  Aug.  11,  1804;  David  W.  Ap.  2,  1807;  and  Henry  L.  May  30,  1809. 
The  engraving  opposite  has  been  furnished  by  his  children,  —  Dea.  Prince 
•Jenkins,  and  Dr.  Aaron  Cornish,  sons-in-law,  participating. 

^Mr.  Goodspeed,  b.  Aug.  20,  1791,  was  s.  of  Walley  of  S.  His  death 
(vas  occasioned  by  falling  from  the  staging  of  a  house  he  was  engaged  in 
building.  A  good  citizen  and  much  lamented.  The  progenitor,  Roger! 
Goodspeed,  was  early  in  Be.,  and  m.  Alice  Layton,  by  whom  he  had  ' 
Nathaniel  Oct.  6,  1642  ;  John  1645;  Mary  1647,  who  m.  Sam'l  Hinckley 
Dec.  14,  1664;  Benj.  May  6,  1649;  Ruth  Ap.  10,  1652,  who  m.  John 
Davis  Jr.  Feb.  2,  1674-5;  Eben.  1655;  and  Elisa.  1658.  Nathaniel 
m.  Elisa.  Bursley  1666.  John  m.  Experience  Holway  Jan.  9,  1668,  and 
had  Mercy  1669;  Sam'l  1670;  John  June  1,  1673;  Experience  1676; 
Benj.  Mar.  31,  1679;  Rose  1680,  who  m.  Isaac  Jennings  July  10,  1700; 
and  Bathsheba  1683.  Benjamin  m.  Mary  Davis,  and"  had  Mary  1678. 
Ebenezer  m.  Lydia  Crowell  1677,  and  had  Benj.  1678;  Mehit.  1681; 
Alice  1683;  Eben.  Sept.  10,  1685;  Mary  1687;  Susanna  1689;  Patience 
1692;  Ruth  1694;  Lydia  1696;  Roger  Oct.  14,  1698;  Reliance  1701; 
and  Moses  Nov.  24, 1 704.  John,  s.  of  John,  m.  Remember  Buck~of  S.  Feb. 
16,  1696-7,  and  had  Sam'l;  Cornelius;  and  John;  also  drs.  Ben.jamin 
Jr.,  s.  of  John  1st.,  m.  Susanna  Allen  1710,  and  had  Joseph  Jan.  1,  1711. 
Benjamin,  s.  of  Ebenezer,  m.  Hope  Lumbert  1707,  and  had  Jabez  1708  ; 
Jane  1709  ;  James  1711 ;  David  1713;  Nathan  1715  ;  Patience  1718;  and 
Jona.  1720. 


480  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Samuel  Phinney,  Feb.  25,  a3.  80 ;  and  Mr.  Noah  Hatch, 
Nov.  21,  ge.  80. 

Ill  1852,  Elijah  Swift  Esq.  cl.  Jan.  19,  se.  77  ;^  Mr. 
Nathaniel  Lewis,  May  14,  se.  7S;^  and  Mr.  John  Crow- 
ell.  July  25,  se.  80. 

In  1853,  Mr.  Prince  Gifford,  a  Friend,  9  yrs.  select- 
man, d.  Feb.  23,  88.  82 ;  also  Dea.  Solomon  Davis,  Jan. 
21,  SB.  87. 

In  1854,  James  D.  Lewis  Esq.,  attorney  at  law,  died 
Mar.  7,'  se.  45.'^     Ebenezer  Nye  Esq.  d.  Oct.  11,  ce.  73 ; 


^Elijah  Swift  Esq.,  b.  1774,  s.  of  William,  and  grandson  of  William, 
was  representative  12  yrs.,  justice  of  the  peace  from  1831,  Quorum  unus 
from  1840,  of  the  Governor's  Council  2  yrs.,  and  a  gent,  of  much  enter- 
prise and  sagacity.  By  mechanical  profession  a  carpenter,  he  contracted 
tor  and  built  many  houses  prior  to  1820,  in  Beaufort  S.  C,  and  until  1818 
had  a  store  in  that  place.  His  contracts  with  the  U.  S.  Government,  faith- 
fully performed,  laid  the  foundation  of  a  large  fortune,  which  he  employed 
with  laudable  regard  to  the  best  interests  of  this  town.  These  contracts 
were  for  furnishing  live-oak  timber  to  the  Navy-yards.  He  took  the  first 
contract  to  furnish  an  entire  frame,  gotten  out  to  the  moulds,  for  a  74  ship- 
of-the-line ;  also,  for  smaller  vessels,  which  business  he  followed  success- 
fully 20  years.  He  Avas  also  first  to  establish  the  whaling  business,  and 
ship-building  at  Woods  Hole.  He  was  public-spirited,  generous,  patriotic, 
and  highly  esteemed.  His  father,  William,  b.  Feb.  17,  1747,  had,  by  w. 
Martha,  viz.  :  Elijah  Aug.  16,  17  74;  Phebe  June  12,  1776  ;  John  Aug.  5, 
1778;  Reuben  Sept.  12,  1780;  Thomas  Ap.  24,  1 783 ;  Eunice  Augusts, 
1785  ;  Lucy  Oct.  2,  1787;  William  Feb.  13,  1790;  Martha  Sept.  17,  1792; 
and  Ezekiel  Aug.  10,  1796.  John  b.  1778,  and  d.  Oct.  7,  1843,  ae.  65,  m. 
Mehit.  Robinson,  dr.  of  Micah,  1798,  and  had  Micah  R.  Dec.  24,  1798, 
who  d.  June  22,  1827,  aj.  29,  and  was  father  of  the  present  Hon.  Chas.  F. 
Swift,  of  Y.  For  the  annexed  engraved  likeness  of  Elijah  Swift  Esc[.,  we 
are  indebted  to  his  son  Oliver  C.  Swift  Esq.,  Erasmus  Gould  Esq.,  and 
perhaps  other  members  of  the  family. 

-  Mr.  Nathaniel  Lewis,  s.  of  Lothrop,  had  by  his  w.  Sarah,  who  d. 
Mar.  22,  1853,  as.  73,  Perez  H.  ;  Sarah,  who  d.  y. ;  Nath'l,  now  of  Texas; 
James,  some  time  minister  of  the  2d.  Cong.  Ch.  in  this  town  ;  Daniel,  rec- 
tor of  the  Episcopal  Church,  St.  Francisville,  La. ;  Sarah  L.,  who  m.  Josiah 
Tobey  of  S.  ;  and  Henry  Martyn,  counsellor  at  law.  Mr.  L.  was  a  promi- 
nent and  highly-respected  citizen. 

^  James  D.  "^Lewis  Esq.,  b.  Dec.  28,1808,  s.  of  Mr.  Nathaniel,  m. 
Eunice  Jenkins,  dr.  Capt.  Weston  Jenkins,  and  left  issue.  IMi".  L.  Vi'as  a 
gentleman  of  good  talents  and  fine  sensibilities.  After  a  pastorate  of  sev- 
eral years  at  Reading,  and  subsequently  in  this  town,  he  relinquished  the 
ministry,  and  entered  the  practice  of  law.  The  accomplished  Allston  has 
said,  "  Those  feelings  which  are  most  intimately  blended  with  our  nature, 
and  which  most  powerfully  and  continually  influence  us,  are  the  very  feel- 
ings which  it  is  the  most  difficult  to  give  any  distinct  apprehension  of  to 
another."  By  all  who  knew  the  excellent  qualities  of  Mr.  L.,  he  was 
esteemed  and  beloved. 


le-b^i'*" 


I-..:.--' 


Boston  Public  Library, 


BORN  AUG.  16""  1774. 
DIED  JAN.  19^."  1852. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  481 

and  Mr.  David  Lewis,  Dec.  17,  se.  75.  We  may  also 
here  mention  the  decease  of  a  distinguished  son  of 
Falmouth,  Samuel  Lewis  Esq.,  who  d.  on  his  farm  in 
Green  Tpwnship,  near  the  town  of  Cheviot,  Ohio,  July 
28,  1854, 86.  55.^ 

*  Ebenezer  Nye  Esq.,  some  time  in  the  legislature,  justice  of  the 
peace  more  than  30  yrs.,  and  for  as  long  a  period  postmaster  at  N.  Falm., 
county  commiss'r  6  yrs.,  and  a  deacon  of  the  3d  Church,  was  an  estimable 
citizen.  He  was  father  of  Mr.  Eeuben  Nye,  cashier  of  the  Fairhaven 
Bank. 

Samuel  Lewis  Esq.  was  b.  in  this  town.  Mar.  17,  1799.  In  1813,  hia 
father,  Samuel  Lewis  Sr.,  s.  of  Lothrop,  finding  the  war  ruinous  to  his 
occupation  on  the  seas,  resolved  to  remove  with  his  large  family  to  the 
West.  Many  families,  from  this  and  other  Cape  towns,  removed  at,  or 
about,  this  period.  A  covered  wagon  was  provided  in  which  the  mother, 
three  daughters,  and  the  youngest  boy  might  ride  ;  whilst  the  father  and 
five  elder  boys,  of  whom  Samuel  was  one,  walked  the  whole  distance  from 
this  town  to  Pittsburg.  The  journey,  now  performed  in  about  two  days, 
was  then  a  long  and  tedious  one  of  at  least  six  weeks'  duration.  The 
wagon  answered  as  a  sleeping-apartment,  as  well  as  for  the  conveyance  of 
the  necessary  effects  to  be  transported.  It  was  the  usual  method  of  emi- 
gration. Arrived  at  Pittsburg,  this  mode  of  travel  was  exchanged  for 
another  little  less  laborious  ;  a  flat-boat  was  provided  at  small  cost,  and  all 
were  floated  down  the  bosom  of  the  Ohio  River  to  Cincinnati.  Those  who 
remove  from  the  Cape,  having  generally  combined  agriculture  with  the 
service  of  Neptune,  can  always  readily  make  themselves  at  home  in  farm- 
life.  The  son,  Samuel,  from  farming  soon  turned  his  attention  to  convey- 
ing the  mails  in  the  then  sparsely-settled,  and,  for  the  most  part,  unbroken 
region  between  Chilicothe,  O.,  and  Maysville,  Ky. ,  An  accident  in  this 
severe  service  nearly  cost  him  his  life,  and  disabled  him  for  the  further  pros- 
ecution of  the  work.  On  recovery,  he  apprenticed  himself  to  a  cai-penter 
and  soon  became  a  superior  workman  at  the  trade.  Dissatisfied,  however, 
with  the  narrow  sphere  to  which  he  foresaw  this  occupation  would  confine 
him,  he  resolved,  before  arriving  at  his  majority,  to  give  his  attention  to 
the  law  ;  a  course,  it  seems,  not  entirely  approved  by  his  father,  who,  hav- 
ing been  a  seaman,  was  accustomed  to  regard  those  of  the  legal  profession 
with  that  peculiar  affection  which  denominates  the  lawyer  a  "  land-shark." 
He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1822,  and  quickly  rose  to  distinction.  Nu- 
merous clients  and  generous  fees  were  not  Avanting  ;  but,  having  at  the  age 
of  ten  years,  connected  himself,  by  religious  profession,  with  a  Methodist 
church  in  his  native  town,  —  a  profession  from  which  he  never  wavered,  — 
and  witnessing  in  his  neighborhood  and  during  his  travels  the  religious  des- 
titution that  prevailed,  he  occasionally  exercised  the  gift  that  was  in  him, 
imparting  religious  instruction  to  listening  throngs.  Persuaded  by  his 
Christian  brethren,  in  1824,  to  accept  authority  as  a  local  preacher,  he  oc- 
cupied that  position  also  till  his  death.  In  1837,  when  the  State  of  Ohio 
established  the  oflice  of  General  Superintendent  of  Common  Schools,  the 
intei-est  he  had  taken  in  introducing  the  system,  and  his  high  qualifications, 
induced  his  appointment,  —  an  office  which  he  sustained  through  life  with  sig- 
nal ability.  Such  was  the  result  of  his  indefatigable  labors  in  shaping  and 
perfecting  this  means  of  the  general  welfare,  that  he  was  known  as""'  the 
Father  of  Common  Schools  in  Ohio  "  —  an  honor  bravely  won  and  richly 
deserved.     Whether    pleading  at   the   bar,   preaching  from  the  pulpit, 

VOL.    II.  61 


482  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1855,  John  Robinson  Esq.  d.  Jan.  3,  83.  59;^  Mr. 
Moses  Hatch,  Oct.  26,  £e.  96 ;  also  Mr.  Stephen  Davis, 
Sept.  11,  se.  78. 

addressing  school  conventions,  or  swaying  the  multitude  by  his  eloquence 
in  political  assemblies,  his  contemporaries,  of  whatever  faith  or  party,  con- 
ceded that  he  was  an  able  and  honest  man,  a  valiant  defender  of  what  he 
conceived  to  be  the  right,  and  a  true  friend  to  his  country.  The  engraving 
on  the  opposite  page  is  obtained  through  the  courtesy  of  his  son.  Rev.  Wm. 
G.  W.  Lewis,  of  Cincinnati,  whose  well-written  Biography  of  his  father 
was  pub.  in  a  handsome  volume,  430  pp.  12mo.,  1857  ;  and  from  that  are 
obtained  the  facts,  in  substance,  above  related. 

^  Mr.  Robinson  was  In  direct  lineal  descent  from  Rev.  John,  the  Leyclen 
pastor,  who,  b.  1576,  wasadm.  to  Christ  Col.,  Camb.  1592,  took  the  degree 
of  A.  M.  and  became  Fellow  1598.  He  lived  some  time  In  Norwich  Co. 
Norfolk,  Eng. ;  "  a  man  worthily  reverenced  of  all  the  city  for  the  grace  of 
God  in  him,"  and,  1608,  "  was  chosen  pastor  of  the  Puritans  gathered  at 
the  residence  of  Wm.  Brewster  at  the  village  of  Scoresby  in  the  Co.  of 
Nottingham."  He  removed  with  the  church  In  the  winter  of  1607-8  to 
Amsterdam,  and  In  IGIO  to  Leyden,  and  witnessed  the  departure  of  a  por- 
tion of  the  church  to  America  in  1620.  He  d.  at  Leyden,  Feb.  19,  1625, 
O.  S.,  or  Mar.  1,  1626,  N.  S.,  te.  50.  According  to  notes  taken  by  Mr. 
Geo.  Sumner,  the  pastor's  family  are  mentioned  In  the  Leyden  census  of  1622 
as  follows:  "  Jan,  preacher ;  Burgetta  (Bridget), Ins  wife;  James,  Bridget, 
Isaac,  Mercy,  Favor,  Jacob,  his  children ;  and  Maria-  Hardy,  his  maid- 
servant." In  1611,  he  is  mentioned  as  "  Jan  Roberts,  preacher  of  the 
Divine  Word,  of  the  English  communion."  There  is  no  reason  to  suppose 
that  the  assertion  often  repeated,  viz :  "  It  is  toell  Icnown  that  the  Pastor's 
wife  and  family  came  over  after  his  decease,"  Is  correct ;  but,  on  the  con- 
trary, the  clearest- evidence  of  Its  Incorrectness  exists.  The  other  tradition 
viz. :  that  "  she  was  burled  in  Barnstable,"  also  fails,  therefore.  See  p. 
278.  The  Leyden  records  show  that  his  dr.  Bridget  m.  John  Grynwich, 
student  of  theology.  May  20,  1629,  and  that  her  mother  was  witness,  she 
then  being  four  years  a  widow.  See  Cong.  Quarterly,  Vol.  IV.  62-5. 
I /Mr.  Isaac,  s.  of  the  pastor,  came  over  1631,  the  only  one  of  the  family 
that  did  come;  was  freeman  in  Sclt.  1633,  and  was  in  Be.  1639.  He  was 
one  of  the  13  men  who  made  the  first  purchase  in  Falm.,  and  the  first  house 
built  In  this  town  was  his.  His  1st  w.  was  Margaret  Handford  June  27, 
1636,  who  d.  June,  1649;  his  2d  wife  was  Mary.  Issue:  Susanna,  bap. 
Jan.  21,  1637  in  Scit. ;  John  bap.  Ap.  5,  1640;  Isaac  bap.  Aug.  7,  1G42; 
Fear  bap.  Jan.  26,  1644,  who  m.  Baker ;  Mercy  bap.  July  4,  1647,  m.  Wm. 
Weeks  Mar.  16,  1669;  a  still-born  June  1649,  at  which  time  the  mother 
died;  Israel  bap.  Oct.  5,  1651;  Jacob  bap.  May  18,  1653;  Peter,  who 
went  to  Norwich,  Ct. ;  and  Thomas  bap.  Mar.  6,  1666,  who  went  to  Guil- 
ford, Ct.  ■,  John,  eldest  s.  of  Isaac,  m.  Ehsa.  Weeks  May  1,  1667,  and  had 
John  166^  ;  Isaac  1669;  Timothy  16  71  ;  Abigail  1674,  who  m.  Jas.  Perci- 
val  Feb.  27,  1699;  Joseph  16  79  j  Mary,  who  m.  Benj.  Davis  1704;  and 
two  sons,  1683  and  1688,  who  d.  Inf  Jacob,  s.  of  Isaac,  had  by  w.  Expe- 
rience, Jacob,  Isaac,  and  Mary  who  m.  Jona.  Weeks  Oct.  26,  1704. 
Timothy,  b.  1671,  m.  Mehit.  Weeks  May  3,  1699,  and  had  Mehit.  1700; 
Thos.  Ap.  3,  1703  ;  Rebecca  June  9,  1706  who  m.  John  Robinson  Nov.  2, 
1727;  Tim.  June  17,  1713;  John  Aug.  30,  1716  ;  and  Wm.  Aug.  10,  1719, 
John,  b.  1716,  s.  of  Tim.,  m.  Kezia  Hatch  1740,  and  2d,  Anna'lloxie  who 
becoming  a  wid.  m.  Edward  Dillingham.  Issue  :  Zenas  Nov.  25,  1740  ;  Seth 
June  21,  1742;  Solo.   Ap.   17,   1 744 ;' Bartlett  July  12,  1746;  and  John 


liostoii  liiDiii;  library. 


lOii  rui 


^^7^^^   I 


B.  APRIL  24,1785.  -   D.  APRIL15, 1857. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  483 

In  1856,  Dea.  Solomon  Lawrence  d.  Feb.  8,  se.  97; 
Mr.  Thomas  Lawrence  died  May  20,  se.  77;^  and  Mr. 
Thatcher  L.  Hatch,  May  3,  se.  63.^ 

In  1857,  Mr.  Thomas  Swift  d.  April  5,  se.  73;^  and 
May  28,  Rev.  Henry  Lincoln,  formerly  minister  of  this 
town,  £6.  91.* 

In  1858,  Mr.  John  Webster  d.  Nov.  22,  se.  70.^  An 
act  was  passed  this  year,  in  Gen.  Ct.,  for  the  protection 
of  the  herring-fisheries  in  this  town,  prohibiting  the 
use  of  any  seine  or  drag-net  within  1^  m.  of  any  river 


Feb.  4,  1747.  Zenas,  b.  1740,  s.  of  Jolin,  who  d.  Nov.  8,  1829,  m.  Mary 
Childs  Dec.  15,  1763,  and  had  Walley  Sept.  15,  1768;  Joseph  May  19, 
1772;  Elisa.  July  1,  1774,  who  m.  Weston  Jenkins  Oct.  29,  1795;  Eunice 
Aug.  1,  1776,  who  d.  1784  ;  and  Zenas  Aug.  1,  1782.  Walley,  b.  1768, 
s.  of  Zenas,  ni.  Susanna  Green  Mar.  16,  1794,  and  had  John  Ju!y  29, 1795  ; 
Henry  Aug.  22,  1798;  Barna.  1801,  d.  inf ;  Walley  1804,  d.  inf. ;  and 
Charles  18i'2,  d.  inf.  John,  Esq.,  b.  1795,  and  d.  1855,  m.  Lucy  Crowell 
Jan.  4,  1824,  and  left  two  sons  and  two  drs.  He  was  8  yrs.  selectman, 
justice  of  the  peace,  and  a  most  estimable  citizen,  honored  and  beloved, 
and  well  worthy  of  his  ancestral  descent. 

^Mr.  Thomas  Lawrence  m.  Martha  Dimmick,  di*.  Hon.  Braddock 
who  d.  Feb.  9,  1828,  as.  38.  His  son,  Capt.  Augustus,  d.  at  Valparaiso, 
May  2,  1856,  £e.  37  ;  and  Celia,  only  dr.,  m.  Samuel  P.  Bourne,  and  died 
Nov.  22,  1858,  93.  22. 

^  "  An  ornament  to  his  Christian  profession  ;  his  end  was  peace." 

'  Mr.  Thomas  Swift,  b.  Ap.  24,  1 783,  s.  of  William,  was  a  highly  re- 
spectable citizen,  public-spirited  and  benevolent,  a  consistent  Christian,  and 
prominent  in  every  good  work.  "  He  was  the  first  in  New  England,  in 
connection  with  his  bro.  Elijah,  in  1816,  to  contract  with  the  U.  S.  Gov- 
ernment for  supplying  live-oak  timber  for  a  line-of-battle  ship."  -  The  tim- 
ber was  obtained  on  the  Sea  Islands  of  S.  Carolina ;  and  the  successful  and 
faithful  accomplishment  of  the  contract  increased  both  the  wealth  and  busi- 
ness of  the  town.  For  the  excellent  engraving  on  the  opposite  page,  we 
are  indebted  to  the  courtesy  and  liberality  of  his  sons,  Messrs.  Henry  and 
James  M.  Swift,  highly  respectable  and  prosperous  merchants  in  New  York. 

*  See  Vol.  I.  669.  Eev.  Mr.  Lincoln's  ministry  here  was  popular  and 
highly  prosperous,  terminating,  at  his  request,  after  a  pastorate  of  33  yrs.,  in 
1823.  After  resigning  his  parochial  charge,  his  ministrations  were  not  en- 
tirely suspended.  Besides  officiating  occasionally  for  his  ministerial  breth- 
ren, he  preached  some  time  at  Dartmouth  ;  but,  although  his  mental  facul- 
ties, more  than  ordinarily  brilliant,  were  unclouded  to  the  last,  his  eyes 
became  dim  and  he  finally  retired  from  all  active  labor,  devoutly,  and 
with  remarkable  serenity,  awaiting  the  reward  ])romised  to  the  good  and 
faithful  servant,  and  gently  passing  from  earth  to  his  glorious  rest.  He  was 
buried  in  this  town,  where  his  memory  is  cherished  with  grateful  respect 
and  aiFection. 

^  Mr.  John  Webster  was  well  known  as  proprietor  of  the  excellently- 
kept  hotel  at  Woods  Hole. 


484  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUKTY. 

* 

or  stream  running  from  any  pond  into  the  sea  or  Vine- 
yard Sound,  between  Nobsque  Point  and  Waquoit 
Harbor,  from  March  20  to  Sept.  20  inclusive,  each  and 
every  year. 

In  1859,  Rev.  William  Bates,  late  of  Sturbridge,  was 
installed  over  the  First  Congregational  Church,  June 
16.  He  died  Sept.  9,  se.  42.^  Mr.  Daniel  Bowerman  d. 
this  year,  Jan'y  13,  aged  80 ;  ^  and  Hon.  John  Jenkins, 
Aug.  10,  i^.  QV 


*  Kev.  WilijIAM  Bates,  whose  pastorate  here  was  thus  brief,  was  b.  in 
Dedbam  Jan.  19, 1816;  grad.  Mid.  Col.  1836;  and  was  s.  of  Rev.  Joshua 
Bates,  D.  D.  formerly  pastor  at  Dedham,  afterward  Pres.  of  Mid.  Col. 

^  See  p.  151.  Mr.  Thomas  Bowerman,  the  ancestor,  was  in  Plym. 
1633,  in  Be.  1643.  His  will  is  dated  May  9, 1663  ;  but  Mr.  Savage  says  ho 
d.  May  25,  1679.  He  m.  Hannah  Annable,  dr.  Anthony, Mar.  10,  1644-5, 
and  had  Hannah  1646  ;  Thos.  1648  ;  Sam'l  1651,  who  was  slain  in  the  E,e- 
hoboth  battle;  Desire  1654;  Mary  1656;  Mehitable  1658;  and  Tristram 
1661.  Thomas,  b.  1648,  some  time  town-elerk,  m.  Mary  Harper  Ap.  9, 
1678,  and  had  Sam'l,  Thos.,  Stephen,  Benj.,  Hannah,  and  Wait.  Thomas, 
s.  of  the  preceding,  had  by  w.  Jane,  Ichabod,  Judah,  David,  Silas,  Joseph, 
Sarah,  Jane,  Elisa.,  Peace,  and  Deborah. 

*  Hon.  John  Jenkins  was  s.  of  Capt.  Weston  Jenkins,  a  prominent 
citizen,  who  m.  Elisa.  Robinson,  dr.  Zenas,  Oct.  29,  1795,  and  had  John 
Mar.  18,  1798;  Rebecca  Mar.  19,  1800,  who  m.  Isaac  H.  Parker;  Hetty 
May  3,  1802  ;  Chs.  Weston  July  31,  1805  who  m.  Phebe  Bishop  of  Far- 
mington,  Ct.,  and  d.  1862,  some  time  town-clerk  and  treasurer ;  Eliza  R., 
who  m.  O.  C.  Swift ;  James  June  24,  1809,  who  m.  Phebe  B.  Donaldson 
and  2d,  Elisa.  Ward,  and  removed  West ;  Eunice  R.,  who  m.  Rev.  Jas.  D. 
Lewis ;  and  Harriet  Frances,  who  m.  J.  F.  Norton  of  Goshen,  Ct.  Hon. 
John,  b.  1798,  m.  Harriet  Swift,  dr.  Elijah,  Jan.  5,  1825,  and  2d,  Chloe 
Thompson  of  Ct.,  July  28,  1841.  He  left  a  family  of  six  children,  —  five 
sons  and  1  dr.  Mr.  Jenkins  was  descended  from  the  first  settler  of  the 
name  in  this  town  to  whom  the  early  records  refer  in  mention  of  what  is 
now  the  road  that  leads  to  W.  Falm.,  —  "  The  road  that  John  Jenkins  goes 
to  meeting ;  "  —  and,  maternally,  from  Isaac  Robinson,  the  son  of  Rev.  John ; 
and  thus, 

"  The  best  blood  chambered  in  his  bosom." 

His  forefathers,  on  either  side,  were  among  those  who,  in.  1660,  pi-ojected 
the  "  Plantation  of  Succanesset ;  "  and  their  descendant  was  worthy  of  his 
lineage.  We  knew  him  in  youth,  —  studious,  noble-minded,  exemplary, 
and  possessed  of  maturity  of  judgment  beyond  his  years.  His  then  finely- 
developing  character  was  fulfilled  in  manhood.  Mild,  yet  decisive  ;  a  true 
friend  and  safe  counsellor ;  generous  without  ostentation  ;  above  all  intrigue 
or  sycophancy ;  of  stern  principle  and  charitable  benignity ;  courageous 
and  prudent ;  honoi'able  and  just ;  a  good  citizen  and  sincere  Christian  ;  he 
was  never,  we  may  venture  to  say,  known  to  do  an  act  beneath  his  station, 
nor  to  intentionally  omit  a  duty  Avhich  became  it.  From  1825,  he  was  a 
ju.stice  of  the  peace,  and,  in  1849,  a  member  of  the  Senate  of  this  Com- 
mon w(!alth.  The  engraved  likeness  of  Mr.  Jenkins  is  kindly  furnished  by 
his  family. 


^ 


'^>^ 
"'^'i^ 


Boston  i  ubiic  Library. 


I  Oi^ 


BORN    MARCH   181"  1798, 
DIED   AUG.  10^."  1859. 


^ 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  4So 

In  1860,  Rev.  James  P.  Klmball  was  ins.  pastor  of 
the  First  Church.  June  20.  Mr.  Moses  Butler  died 
this  year,  June  23,  se.  67 ;  ^  and  Mr.  Eleazer  Fuller, 
July  13,  se,  9V 

^ "  We  find  a  family  tradition  that  "  Dan'l  Butler,  son  of  Thos.  who  came 
from  Eng.  1705,  set.  at  Be.  and  that  his  son  Daniel,  b.  1740,  set.  in  F.  abt. 
1765."  We  do  not  covet  the  task  of  overthrowing  traditions;  but  that 
Thomas  Butler  was  in  Sandwich  in  1637  appears  from  preceding  pages. 
Moreover,  Daniel  of  Falm.  m.  Joanna  Mendal  of  Iioch.,in  Sandwich,  July 
17,  1707.  Again,  Daniel,  of  S.,  m.  Mary  Davis  of  F.  Oct.  16,  1760. 
There  Avas  also  Obadiah,  of  S.,  who,  by  wife  Elisa.,  had  Elisa.  May  5, 
1707;  Obadiah  1710;  Thomas  1714;  Fhineas  1716;  Daniel  1719;  Judah 
1722;  Deborah  1724;  Sam'l  1726;  Benj.  1729;  and,  by  w.  Hannah,  Elisa. 
Ap.  16,  1733.  Israel,  of  Be.,  m.  Elisa.  Blossom,  dr.  Thos.,  July  1,  1725, 
who  d.  Jany.  7,  1734-5,  and  2d,  Mary  Parker,  dr.  Dan'l  Esq.,  Oct.  29, 
1735,  who  d.  1745;  issue:  Nath'l  Ap.  11,  1726  ;  Benjamin  Dec.  18,  1727  ; 
Elisa.  1730  ;  Sarah  1732;  James  Dec.  15,  1736  ;  Hannah,  1738  ;  Mary  1739; 
and  Daniel  Feb.  23,  1740-1.  f^^"  Papers  have  recently  been  before  us, 
that  attempt  to  demonstrate  that  from  James,  b.  1736,  of  this  last  family, 
who  set.  in  Harwich  and  m.  Sarah  Smith,  dr.  of  Moses  of  Eastham,  and 
had  John,  James,  Patrick,  Moses,  Sarah,  Polly,  Rebecca,  and  Mehit.,  is  de- 
scended, —  through  the'  last  James  whose  1st  w.  was  Lydia  and  2d  Han- 
nah, and  who  had  Zebulon  and  Benjamin  F.,  —  an  eminent  lawyer  who, 
espousing  his  country's  cause,  has  merited  the  gratitude  of  the  Union,  and 
distinguished  himself  before  the  world  by  his  military  abilities.  We  are 
not  to  be  understood  as  adopting  the  genealogical  theorem ;  we  rather  give 
it,  contrary  to  our  general  rule,  as  an  on  dlt ;  for,  whilst  we  would  be  quite 
willing  to  know  that  the  intrepid  soldier  and  able  military  Gov.  is  of  Cape 
Cod  origin,  we  have  no  idea  of  claiming  for  Cape  Cod  all  the  distinguished 
men  of  cither  present  or  former  times ;  nor,  indeed,  any,  without  the  clear- 
est evidence. 

"  The  branch  of  the  Fuller  family,  numerous  on  the  Cape,  is  from  early 
Plym.  settlers.  Sa.muel  Avas  in  the  Mayflower,  1620,  with  his  father, 
Edward,  and  his  somewhat  noted  uncle  Doct.  Samuel,  and  by  his  w.  Jane 
had  Hannah,  whom.  Nicholas  Bonham  Jan.  1,  1659;  Sam'l  bap.  at  Scit. 
1638;  Sarah  1641,  d.  inf ;  Mary,  b.  at  Barnstable  June  16,  1644,  who  m. 
Jos.  Williams  1674  ;  Thomas  May  18,  1650  ;  Sarah  Dec.  14,  1654,  who  m. 
Crowell;  John  1655;  and  another  Feb.  8,  1658,  who  d.  inf.  Perhaps 
others.  His  imcle,  Doct.  Samuel,  of  Plym.,  deacon,  a  skilful  physician, 
and  distinguished  also  for  his  pietj",  m.  in  London,  Elsie  Glascock,  2d, 
Agnes  Carpenter,  and  3d,  Bridget  Lee  May  27,  1617;  he  d.  1633,  leaving 
a  wid.  Bridget,  and  son  Samuel,  who  was  the  first  minister  at  Middleboro', 
ord.  1694  when  about  65  years  old.  Matthew,  s.  of  Edward,  b.  in  Eng., 
removed  to  Be.  1652.  He  was  a  surgeon  of  the  army  1673,  Capt.  16  75, 
and  d.  1678.  Twice  m.,  to  Frances  and  Hannah;  he  had  Mary,  who  m. 
Ralf  Jones  Ap.  17,  1650;  Elisa.  Avho  m.  Moses  Rowley  1652;  Sam'l; 
John;  and  Anne  by  2d  m.,  Avho  m.  her  cousin  Sam'l  Fuller.  S.A.MUEL,  s. 
of  Dr.  Matthew,  had  by  w.  Mary,  issue  :  Thos.,  Jabez,  Timo.,  jNIatthew, 
Elijah,  Anne,  and  Samuel  1676.  Samuel,  b.  1698,  s.  of  Sam'l,  m.  Anne 
Fuller,  dr.  of  his  uncle  Matthew,  and  had  Matthew,  Barnabas,  Joseph, 
Benj.,  Desire,  and  Sarah.  I'iiomas,  b.  1650,  s.  of  Sam'l,  m.  Elisa.  Lo- 
throp,  dr.  Rev.  John,  Dec.  29,  1680, —  the  daughter  who  when  a  wid.  went 
to  reside  in  Ct.,  and  took  with  her  the  records  so  long  supposed  to  be  lost, 
now  in  the  library  of  Yale  Co    ,  —  and  had  Hannah  Nov.  17,  1631 ;  Josepli 


486  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1861,  Dea.  Benjamin  Hatch  died  Jan.  4,  aB.  89. 

In  1862,  Doct.  Moses  Rogers  d.  Feb.  4,  se.  44 ;  Mr. 
Timothy  Nye,  March  22,  se.  80  -,  Mr.  Melatiah  Gifford, 
July  20,  ^.  82  ;  Mr.  Frederick  Davis,  Oct.  29,  se.  67,'  and 
Mr.  Charles  W.  Jenkins  d.  Oct.  29,  at  Bangor.^ 

In  the  scenes  which  are  now  being  enacted,  1863, 
this  town  has  not  been  inactive,  nor  has  its  former 
character  for  patriotic  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the 
country  been  sacrificed.  As  in  the  Revolutionary  strug- 
gle it  stood  firm,  and,  in  the  contest  of  1812,  performed 
important  service,  so  now,  it  may  be  expected,  un- 
moved by  privations  or  sacrifices,  to  retain  the  spirit 
of  ear'y  days.  There  may  be,  in  the  loyal  States, 
some  few  instances  by  which  reasonable  expectation, 
founded  on  examples  set  by  noble  sires,  has  been  dis- 
appointed ;  for,  sometimes 

"  Good  seed  degenei-ates,  and  oft  obeys 
The  soil's  disease,  and  into  cockle  strays : " 


July  12,  1683  ;  Mary  1685 ;  Benj.  Aug.  6,  1690;  Elisa.  1692 ;  Sam'l  April 
12,  1694  ;  and  Abigail  1696.  Dr.  John,  s.  of  Matthew,  was  twise  m.,  and 
hadLydia  1675;  Bethia  1687;  John  1689;  and  Reliance  1691.  He  d. 
1691,  and  his  wid.  m.  Lothrop.  John,  b.  1655,  s.  of  Sam'l,  had  by  w. 
Mehit.  issue :  Sam'l,  Thomas,  Shubael,  and  Thankful,  all  in  Be.,  and 
then  removed  to  E.  Haddam,  Ct.,  where  he  had  John  No%^  10,  1697,  and 
others.  Johx,  b.  1689,  s.  of  Dr.  Jno.,  in.  Thankful  Gorham  June  16, 1710, 
and  had  Hannah  1711 ;  John  April  3,  1712,  who  m.  Temp.  Gorham  1740; 
Mary  and  Bethia,  gem.,  1715;  Nath'l  Dec.  10,  1716  ;  and  Thankful  1718. 
Matthew,  of  Be.,  pi-ob.  s.  of  Sam'l,  m.  Patience  Young  Feb.  25,  1692, 
and  had  Anne  1693  ;  Jona.  1696;  Content  1699  ;  Jane  1704  ;  David  1707  ; 
Young  1708;  and  Cornelius  1710.  Barnabas  m.  EHsa.  Young  Feb.  25, 
1680,  and  had  Sam'l  1681  ;  Isaac  1G84 ;  Hannah  1688  ;  Eben.  1699  ;  Josiak 
1709.  It  is  said  that  he,  by  a  2d.  m.,  had  Barnabas  1721 ;  Eleazer  1722  ; 
Joshua  1727  ;  and  Lot  1733. 

^  Fredeuick  Davis  Esq.,  highly  esteemed,  was  in  lineal  descent  from 
Robert  1st.  of  Be.,  whose  s.  Josiah,  b.  1G56,  m.  Anne  Taylor  1679,  and 
had  Stephen  1700,  who  had  Isaac  1729,  who  m.  Hannah  Davis,  dr.  Jas., 
Jan.  16,  1752,  and  had  Isaac  Dec.  29,  1764,  who  m.  Abigail  Gorham,  and 
had  Stephen  G.,  cashier  of  the  Shawmut  Bank,  Boston,  also  Frederick, 
and  others. 

^Mr.  Chas.  W.  Jenkins,  b.  1805,  s.  of  Capt.  Weston,  was  lineally 
descended  from  John,  who  was  in  Plym.  1643,  and  then  went  to  Be.,  who 
m.  Mary  Ewer,  1653,  and  had,  besides  others,  John  Nov.  13,  1659,  who 
was  the  father  of  John  b.  1709,  who  was  the  father  of  James  b.  Dec.  0, 
1735,  who  was  the  father  of  Weston  b.  Aug.  21,  1768. 


ANNALS    OF   FALMOUTH.  487 

but  we  know  of  no  notable  instance  of  such  degen- 
eracy here/  Shades  of  Departed  Patriots!  the  Dim- 
micks,  Bassett,  Grannis,  the  Swifts,  Nye,  and  the  rest 
of  '76,  forbid  that  ever  the  soil  under  which  your 
ashes  repose  be  thus  desecrated  ! 

*  A  severer  test  of  true  fealty  could  hardly  be  made  than  that  of  the  late 
draft  to  fill  the  ranks  of  the  army.  It  was  such  in  1780,  when  an  order  of 
the  General  Court  required  military  officers  to  draft  men  for  the  conti- 
nental service.  That  order  came  at  a  time  when  weariness  aixl  despond- 
ency, consequent  upon  a  protracted  war,  presented  an  opportunity  for  do- 
mestic foes  to  throw  off  disguise  and  counsel  resistance.  In  some  parts  of 
this  county  were  msn,  who,  before,  could  only  cautiously  object  sentiments 
that  were  well  understood  to  characterize  them  as  hostile  to  their  country's 
cause,  and  who,  at  this  crisis,  became  at  once  emboldened  in  their  endeav- 
ors to  intimidate  the  patriotic,  prejudice  the  lukewarm,  sow  the  seeds  of 
disaffection,  and. arouse  the  mob.  Their  professed  sympathy  for  "the  peo- 
ple and  the  people's  rights,"  their  new-born  zeal  for  "  constitutional "  ob- 
servances, and  their  unmeasm'ed  denunciations  of  governmental  "  des- 
potism," became  a  stench  in  the  nostrils  of  every  true  son  of  Liberty. 
Friends  of  government  were  exposed  to  a  severe  tibial  of  patience  and 
forbearance ;  especially  were  the  field-officers  of  the  militia,  on  whom  was 
enjoined  the  duty  of  enforcing  the  draft.  The  triumphs  of  the  enemy  in 
the  field  were  less  insufferable  than  the  insidious,  lurking,  fault-finding, 
factious  Tory-spirit  at  home.  So  far  as  sympathizers  with  the  enemy  dared, 
the  officers  of  militia  were  opposed,  traduced,  insulted.  Senzs-outbreaks 
and  insubordinacy  followed ;  denoting  unmistakably  the  influence  that  was 
both  openly  and  secretly  at  work  to  produce  anarchy  and  ruin ;  and,  as  a 
consequence,  —  as  all  persons  at  all  familiar  with  the  records  of  the  Gen. 
Comrt,  know,  —  arrests,  imprisonments,  and,  in  some  instances,  banishment 
and  confiscation  ensued.  Few,  however,  of  the  chief  instigators  suffered. 
Their  subtilty  and  cowardice  restrained  their  overt  action  within  prudent 
limit. 

"  Tongue-valiant  heroes,  vaunters  of  theil'might, 
In  bragr  the  foremost,  but  the  lag  in  fight," 

they  were  discreetly  careful  not  to  Imperil  their  own  persons.  They  would 
accomplish  their  Ignoble  aim  by  pushing  forward  their  satellites  and  excit- 
ing the  passions  of  the  rout.  They  had,  we  are  happy  to  saj^,  scarcely  a 
representative  of  then-  views,  scarcely  an  emissary,  in  this  loyal  town.  We 
say  loyal,  for  although  whigs  were  then  called  rebels,  and  tories  loyalists, 
the  latter  were  loyal  only  to  the  oppressor,  whilst  the  former  were  truly 
loyal  to  their  country's  Interests.  England's  misrule  forced  the  contest. 
The  patriots  of '7G  were  never  intent  on  resisting  constituted  authority; 
but  the  abuse  of  that  authority. 


DEPUTIES. 

The  first  mention  of  a  Deputy  to  the  Genei-al  Court,  from  this 
town,  was  at  the  Dec.  session  of  1689. 

1689.  John  Kobinson,  2  yrs.       1691.  Isaac  Eobinson,  1  yr. 


488 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


Yrs. 


1692. 
1735. 
1736. 
1741. 
1746. 
1747. 
1762. 
1763. 
1773. 
1776. 


Mo?ts  Kowley, 

Jos.  Robinson,  9. 

Seth  Parker,  6. 

Joseph  Parker,  2. 

Tlios.  Sliiverick,  1. 

Rowland  Robinson,  6. 

Daniel  Butler,  1. 

Thomas  •^niith,  2. 

Moses  Swift,  3. 

Nath'l  SUiverick,  3. 


1779. 

1780. 
178S. 
1799. 
1803. 
1807. 
1808. 
ISll. 
1812. 
182S. 


Jos.  Dimmick, 
Sam'l  Bourne, 
David  Nye, 
Timo.  Crocker, 
Brad.  Dimmick, 
Francis  Wicks, 
Jas.  Hincldey, 
Thos.  Fish, 
Shub.  Lawrence, 
Elijah  Swift, 


Yrs. 

1. 

1. 
14. 

1. 

8. 

4. 

5. 
21. 

2. 
12, 


1834. 
1836. 
1839. 
1840. 
1844. 
1848. 
1851. 
1853. 
1855. 
1857. 


Ward  M.  Parker, 
Nath'l  Shiverick, 
Silas  .Jones, 
Eben'r  Nye, 
S.  P.  Crosswell, 
Knowles  Butler, 
David  Lawrence, 
Thos.  Lewis, 
Erasmu-i  Gould, 
J.  T.  Dillingham, 


Ym. 
4. 
2". 
2. 
3. 
4. 
3. 
2. 

2*. 
1. 


SELECTMEN. 


1701. 


1702, 
1703, 


1704. 

1705, 

1707, 
1709. 

1711. 

1713. 

<( 

1717. 

1718. 
1719. 
1724. 
17-30. 
1733. 


Thos.  Bowerman, 
Philip  Dexter, 
Mel.  Bourne. 
Jno.  Robinson, 
Rich'd  Landers, 
James  Leivis, 
Isaac  Green, 
John  D.ivis, 
Hope  Lothrop, 
Eben'r  Nye, 
Timo.  Robinson, 
Joseph  Parker, 
Samuel  Lewis, 
Aaron  Rowley, 
Josep'.i  Lothrop, 
Moses  Hatch, 
Jos.  Robinson, 
Thos.  Shiverick, 
Natli'l  Davis, 
Jos.  Crowell, 
Jno.  Bourne, 
Elnathan  Nye, 
John  Jenkins, 
William  Weeks, 


Yrs. 

4. 

3. 

5. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

2. 

2. 

5. 

2. 
10. 

7. 

6. 

2. 

4. 

2. 

5. 
16. 

1. 

1. 

8. 

1. 

3. 

1. 


17.35. 
1737. 
1740. 
1744. 
1750. 

1759. 

1760. 
1701. 
1766. 
1768. 

1769. 
1774. 
1775. 
1776. 
1782. 
1780. 

1789. 
1796. 
1798. 


Eben'r  Hatch, 
Rowl.  Robinson, 
Tlios.  Parker, 
Daniel  Butler, 
Jos.  Robinson, 
Nath'l  Nickerson, 
Sol.  Swift, 
Seth  Nye, 
Stephen  Bowerman,  5. 


Yrs. 

1. 
11. 

8. 

8. 
14. 

7. 

9. 

1. 


Moses  Swift, 
Joseph  Wing, 
David  Crowell, 
Tijio.  Crocker, 
Sam'l  Sliiverick, 
Jos.  Dimmick, 
Natli'l  Shiverick, 
Benj.  Parker, 
Job  Parker, 
Jos.  Hatoh, 
John  Nye, 
Paul  Swiit, 
Jno.  Robinson, 
Sam'l  Nye, 


1799. 
1800. 
1802. 
1803. 
1809. 
1813. 

1816. 
1823. 
18:5. 

1827. 
1831. 
1832. 
1838. 
1840. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1855. 
1857. 
1859. 
1802. 


Sam'l  Shiverick, 
.los.  Palmer, 
Prince  Gifford, 
Jas.  Hinckley, 
Sol.  Green, 
Thomas  Fish, 
Brad.  Dimmick, 
Philip  Phjnney, 
Steph.  Nye, 
Timo.  Nve, 
Wra.  Gilford, 
William  Nye, 
Dan'l  Swift, 
Jno.  Robinson, 
Bars.  Bowerman, 
Knowles  Butler, 
William  Nye, 
Pi-inca  G.  Moore, 
David  Lawrence, 
Nymphas  Davis, 
Silao  Jones, 
Thos.  Lewis, 
Silas  J.  Eldred, 


Yra 
4 
3 
9 

10. 

7, 

20, 

10, 


TOWN  TREASURERS. 


1701.  Joseph  Parker, 
1708.  Melatiah  Bourne, 
1710.  Thomas  Parker, 

1718.  Jos.  Robinson, 

1719.  Jno.  Uimmick, 
17-36.  WilUam  Green, 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

3. 

1744. 

John  Bourne, 

2. 

1. 

1750. 

*Rowl.  Robinson, 

2. 

1. 

1757. 

Jo  ep'.i  Bourne, 

20. 

2. 

1777. 

Jos.  Palmer, 

3. 

3. 

1780. 

Jos.  Palmer  Jr., 

13. 

2. 

1791. 

Job  Paricer, 

13. 

1804.  Jas.  Hinckley, 
1813.  Brad.  Dimmick, 
1823.  Rich'd  8.  Wood, 
1S38.  Ch'is.  W.  Jenkins, 
1845.  William  Nye, 
1858.  Thomas  Lewis, 


Srs. 
9. 
10. 
15. 

7. 
13. 


*  Previous  to  this  date,  we  have  given  the  names  of  those  who  were  in  succession,  in 
office ;  but  the  full  number  of  years  each  served,  is  probably  not  given  in  all  cases,  —  only 
the  time  they  are  known  to  have  served.  To  make  out  the  entire  period  from  1701  to 
1750,  some  must  have  continued  in  office  a  longer  time  than  is  crediterl,  or  others  not 
named  must  have  held  the  office.  We  did  not  discover  the  defect  until  too  late  to 
remedy  it. 

TOWN   CLERKS. 


Yrs. 

1700.  Th.-s3.  Lewis,  2. 

1702.  Philip  Dexter,  1. 

1703.  Tiios.  Bowerman,  4. 
1707.  Mel.  Bourne,  4. 
1711.  Timo.  Robinson,  *9. 
1715.  Joseph  Parker,  *3. 
1724.  Jo.s.  Robinson,  *0. 
1730.  Moses  Hatch,  *1. 


17.35.  Thos.  Shiverick, 
1737.  Jno.  Hammond, 
17.J9.  Rowl.  Robinson, 
1740.  John  Bourne, 
1750.  Jno.  Crowell, 
1757.  .Joseph  Bourne, 
1777.  Jo.seph  Palmer, 
1780.  Jos.  Palmer  Jr., 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

*1. 

1791. 

Job  Parker, 

13. 

*2. 

1804. 

Jas.  Hinckley, 

9. 

*3! 

1813. 

Brad.  Dimmick, 

10. 

*7. 

1823. 

Rd.  S.  Wood, 

15. 

6. 

1838. 

Chs.  W.  Jenkins, 

7. 

20. 

1845. 

William  Nye, 

13. 

3. 

1858. 

Thomas  Lewis, 

6. 

13. 

*  Those  with  the  asterisk  prefixed  are  probably  not  the  precise  number  of  years  each 
served.  Some,  or  all  of  the  incumbents  may  have  held  the  office  a  longer  period.  ie9r"The 
first  that  we  find  mentioned  as  Proprietor's  Clerk,  is  Thomas  Lewis,  1087.  Others,  in  suc- 
ce-sion,  were  Joseph  Parker,  1712;  Solo.  Itobinson,  1728;  .John  Bourne,  1743;  and  D. 
Butler,  1719.    The  Proprietor's  Book  dates  f:  »m  Nov.  29,  1661. 


THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OF 


"The  time  mat  comb  when  the  sons  of  the  Pilgrims  will  eevebt  to  the  days  of 

THEIE  FOEEFATHEES  FOE  OLD  I'KINCIPLES,  ANTIQUATED  MANNEES,  AND  PATEIAECHAL  EXAMPLES, 
AND    SEAECn   OUE   DEPOSITOEIiS    FOE   THE    MEMOEIALS    AND    THE   MEANS    OF  A    FEEE,  PUEE,  AND 

PEOSPEEons  EEPDBLic."— ^6it   Holmea,  D.  D. 


62 


SrtBcxxi^ixon, 


TO   COL.    HENUY   C.   BROOKS, 

OF   BOSTON: 

Who,  though  himself  were  to  traverse  the  seas  to  the  farthest  Australasian  isles  in 
those  noble  ships  that,  under  his  direction,  so  regularly  depart  and  return,  would, 
near  or  remote,  stUl  turn  his  thoughts,  with  proud  remembrance  and  lively  interest, 
to  Cape  Cod,  and  recognize  with  gratification  whatever,  derived  from  the  records 
of  the  past  or  existing  in  the  present,  contributes  to  the  honor  of  the  county  of 
which,  in  his  position  as  an  enterj^rising  mekchant,  he  is  a  worthy  representative, 
these  Annals  of  the  Town  of  his  nativity  are  respectfully 

INSCRIBED 

BY    HIS    SINCERE    FRIEND, 

THE   AUTHOR. 

(490) 


ANNALS  OF  HARWICH. 


The  original  township  extended  across  the  peninsula 
of  Cape  Cod,  and  for  more  than  a  hundred  years 
included  the  territory  that  now  constitutes  the  town- 
ship of  Brewster.  Incorporation  was  granted  it  with 
the  name  of  PIarwich/  Sept.  14,  1694;^  but  it  began 
to  be  settled  by  emigrants  from  Eastham,  Plymouth, 
and  other  places,  as  early  as  1647. 

SiTUATiON^,  Boundaries,  etc —  The  town  is  now  bounded  on 
the  N.  by  Brewster,  —  the  settlements  of  the  two  towns  behig 
naturally  separated  by  woods  and  ponds  ;  on  the  S.  by  the  Vine- 
yard Sound ;  on  the  E.  by  Chatham;  and  on  the  W.  by  Dennis. 
The  centre  of  the  township  is  about  88  m.  from  Boston,  by  land; 
13  m.  E.  from  Barnstable  court-house ;  8  m.  from  Chatham 
Light;  and  its  shores  are  30  m.  E".  from  ISTantucket  harbor,  from 
which  island  it  is  separated  by  "the  Shoals  "  and  "  the  Vineyard 
Sound  Channel." 

Natural  Divisions,  etc. —  The  surface  of  the  township  is  for 
the  most  part  gently  undulating,  and  more  level  than  that  of  other 
Cape  towns.  A  very  considerable  portion  of  it  is  covered  with 
wood ;  the  prevailing  growth  being  pine,  with  much,  however, 
of  oak.  The  soil  is  generally  light,  and  much  of  it  sandy  ;  and 
yet  it  yields  remunerative  crops  of  Indian  corn,  rye,  etc.  Com- 
paratively little  English  grass  is  cut ;  the  reliance  for  provender 
for  stock  being  chiefly  on  salt  and  fresh  marshes. 

On  the  coast,  in  this  town,  are  neither  harbor  nor  creeks  into 

^  So  called,  from  Harwich,  a  market,  seaport,  and  parliamentary  borough, 
in  Essex  Co.,  Eng. 

^  Mr.  Patrick  Butler  is  said  to  have  walked  the  whole  distance  to 
Boston  to  obtain  the  incorporation. 

(491) 


492  <•  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

which  vessels  may  enter;  and  the  only  shelter  they  may  have,  is 
a  bar  which  extends  the  entire  length  of  the  township  two-thirds 
of  a  mile  from  the  shore.  On  this  bar  are  from  7  to  9  ft.  of 
water  in  common  tides ;  and,  N.  of  it,  the  depth  is  only  9  ft.  at 
full  sea,  —  excepting  anchorage  gi-ounds  called  "holes,"  in  which 
the  depth  is  greater.^ 

The  town  is  abundantly  supplied  with  pure,  fresh  water ;  no 
less  than  8  ponds  of  from  one  to  six  m.  in  circumference,  besides 
many  smaller,  being  found  here.  Long  Pond,  which  divides  the 
town  from  Brewster,  is  the  source  of  Herring  River,  and  is  three 
miles  long,  —  its  elevation  being  about  10  ft.  above  the  sea, —  the 
river  affording  water-power  for  a  cotton  manufactory. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  present  century,  some  15  or  20 
vessels  of  about  40  tons  each,  on  an  average,  and  partly  owned 
here,  were  employed  in  the  shoal-fishery  on  the  coast ;  and  sev- 
eral, of  about  100  tons  each,  sailed  to  the  Banks  of  Newfound- 
land and  the  Straits  of  Belle-Isle.  The  number  of  persons  thus 
employed  was  about  200.  The  fisheries  are  now  carried  on  to 
a  larger  extent ;  some  80  or  lOji)  vessels  being  employed  in  the 
cod  and  mackerel  fisheries,^  and  several  wharves  and  large  j^ack- 
ing  establishments  are  connected  with  the  business.  Vessels  in 
port  are  obliged,  when  storms  threaten,  to  seek  a  more  secure 
retreat  at  Chatham  or  Bass  River. 

The  manuflicture  of  salt  was  early  attempted  in  this  town 
with  good  success;^  but  this  branch  of  business  finally  declined 
here,  as  in  other  towns,  and  for  like  causes. 

The  township  embraces  several  j)leasant  and  thriving  villages. 
The  central  village,  or  Harwich  proper,  is  on  the  highest  land 
in  the  town,  and  contains  a  Congregational  meeting-house,^  a 

^  A  salt  pond,  20  ft.  deep  and  180  rods  in  circumference,  not  more  than 
200  yards  from  the  shore,  two  and  a  half  miles  W.  of  Chatham  line,  is 
accessible  to  boats  about  half  the  year.  The  sea  flowing  into  this  pond,  it 
has  been  supposed  that,  at  inconsiderable  expense,  it  might  be  converted 
into  a  safe  and  convenient  harbor. 

^  In  1837,  there  were  here  about  20  vessels  engaged  in  these  fisheries ;  the 
aggregate  tonnage  about  1300  tons.  The  result  of  their  voyages  was  10,000 
quintals  of  codfish,  worth  about  S30,000 ;  and  500  bis.  of  mackerel,  worth 
about  $3,000.  The  amount  of  salt  used  in  the  business  was  9,000  bu. ; 
the  number  of  hands  employed,  200  ;  and  the  capital  invested,  $G 0,000. 

^  It  is  remarkable  that  about  the  same  time  that  marine  salt  began  to  be 
manufactured  in  Dennis,  by  solar  heat  alone,  Mr.  Ammiel  Weeks  of  this 
town,  without  knowledge  of  Capt.  Sears'  invention,  as  is  said,  constructed  a 
vat  with  cover  to  exclude  rain,  and  was  manufacturing  successfully  for  his 
own  use.     See  Annals  of  Dennis. 

*  Here  was  the  original  "  South  Precinct  Church,"  as  called  before  the 
division  of  the  town. 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  493 

flourishing  academy;  the  usual  accoraraodations  for  common 
schools;  the  Cape  Cod  Bank;  a  large  edifice  called  'Uhe  Ex- 
change," —  occupied  as  a  trading  and  manufacturing  establish- 
ment,—  with  a  large  hall  for  lectures  and  other  public  uses  ;  a 
printing-office,  from  which  issues  a  weekly  paper,  recently  estab- 
lished, called  the  "  Cape  Cod  Republican ; "  and,  besides  other 
indispensable  accompaniments  of  a  well-ordered  neighborhood, 
many  neat  residences. 

NoETH  Habwich  is  the  post-office  designation  of  a  small  vil- 
lage, familiarly  known  as  Deerfield.  It  contains  a  Methodist 
meeting-house.     Its  locality  is  indicated  by  its  name. 

In  the  west  part  of  the  township  is  a  large,  neat,  thriving,  but 
scattered  village  known  by  the  post-office  designation,  West 
Haewicii.  Here  is  a  Baptist  meeting-house,  —  tlie  society  being 
the  most  ancient  ^  of  the  denomination  in  the  county.  There 
are  some  fine  residences  here,  and  the  usual  appliances  of  public 
convenience. 

Haewich  Poet,  lying  S.  W.  of  the  latter  settlement,  is,  per- 
haps, more  thickly  settled ;  a  village  of  recent  growth,  of  con- 
siderable business,  —  chiefly  connected  with  navigation  and  the 
fisheries,  —  and  contains  a  Cong,  meeting-house  known  as  "the 
Pilgrim  Church,"  a  neat  edifice ;  a  Methodist  meeting-house,  near 
by,  —  the  society  occupying  it  being  one  of  the  oldest  on  the  Cape, 
though  dating  back  little  more  than  half  a  century;  and  a  hotel ; 
the  dwellings  and  other  structures  generally  betokening  a  good 
share  of  prosperity. 

South  Haewich,  the  settlement  being  chiefly  along  the  main 
road,  from  "  the  Port "  to  Chatham  line,^  contains  a  Methodist 
meeting-house;"^  and  a  Union  meeting-house,  known  as  "the 
Bethel" 

JilAST  Haewich  is  a  considerable  settlement  in  the  eastern 
part  of  the  township  adjoining  Brewster.  Here  is  a  Methodist 
meeting-house. 

The  town  is  divided  into  14  school  districts,  with  as  many 
structures   for   common   schools.     The    State   census   of    1855, 

^  The  Baptist  Church  in  this  town  is  said  to  have  been  organized  as  early 
as  "  about  1750."  Another  report  is,  that  it  "  was  founded  at  the  time  of 
'  the  Great  Awakening,'  the  members  first  known  as  '  Separatists,'  and  that 
these  finally  became  Baptists  witli  Mr.  Elkanah  Nickerson  for  the  first 
minister. 

^  The  South  main  road  from  the  Dennis  line  to  the  bounds  of  Chatham, 
is  an  almost  continuous  settlement,  with  only  occasional  breaks,  and  several 
of  the  houses  for  public  religious  worship  are  situated  on  this  thoroughfare. 

^  Formerly  '•  Reformed  Methodists." 


494  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

showca  a  population  of  3,261,  of  which  41  only  were  foreign 
born,  — 1641  rjales  and  1610  females  ;  a  singular  result  for  a  mar- 
itime town  whose  male  inhabitants  are  so  constantly  exposed  to 
disasters  upon  the  seas.  The  taxable  valuation  in  1860  was 
$841,833,  being  about  $250  to  each  individual, .  or  $1,250  to 
?ach  family  of  five  persons.     The  number  of  polls  was  775. 

Progress  of  the  Town.  —  We  •  have  said  that  Har- 
wich was  inc.  in  1694.  Care  seems  to  have  been  early 
taken  to  secure  full  religious  privileges ;  ^  and,  Oct. 
16,  1700,  a  church  was  gathered,  consisting  of  eight 
male  members,  —  each  signing  a  Covenant  and  Con- 
fession of  Faith ;  ^  viz. :  Nathaniel  Stone,  Thomas 
Crosby,  William  Myrick,  John  Freeman,  Thomas  Free- 
man, Edward  Bangs,  Simon  Crosby,  and  Joseph  Paine. 
The  same  day,  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Stone  was  inducted 
to  the  pastoral  office ;  and  Nov.  28,  Mr.  Thos.  Free- 
man was  chosen  deacon.^  The  subsequent  earlier 
admissions  to  the  church  were  as  follows  :  — 

1701,  Feb.  2,  Lt.  Ban-qs  ;  April,  Mrs.  Sarai  Crosbie,  and  Wid. 
Jane  Snow ;  June  8,  Thomas  Clark  and  his  wife  Sarai ;  June 
15,  Mercy,  wife  of  Samuel  Seaes  ;  June  22,  Rebecca  Freeman, 
Patience  Paine,  Susanna  wife  of  Johi^  Gray,  and  Hannah  wife 
of  Thomas  Snow;  Aug.  3,  the  wife  of  Axdrbw  Clark;  Sept. 
14,  the  wife  of  John  Freeman  Sr.,  the  wife  of  Stephen  Hop- 
kins Sr.,  the  wife  of  Stephen  Hopkins  Jr.,  and  John  King  ; 
1704,  June  4,  Thomas  Crosby  and  wife ;  Sept.  17,  Mr.  Wins- 
low;  Oct.  1,  the  wife  of  Mr.  Winslow;  1707,  Feb.  9,  the  wife 
of  Ens.  Myrick  ;  July  9,  Lydia,  wife  of  Thomas  Snow;  Oct.  12, 
Edward  Snow's  wife  ;  and,  Nov.  30,  Edward  Snow. 

Previous  to  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Stone,  all  the  Cape 

^For  all  knowledge  of  the  early  ecclesiastical  affairs  of  the  town,  we  are 
chiefly  indebted  to  the  private  record  made  by  the  first  settled  minister, 
Rev.  Mr.  Stone. 

^The  .-.rticles  of  Faith  were,  in  doctrine,  strictly  in  accordance  with  the 
teaching,  of  "  the  Westminster  Assembly  of  Divines." 

^  Much  of  the  early  history  of  this  first  church,  gathered  in  that  part  of 
the  original  township  subsequently  known  as  "  the  North  Precinct,"  and 
within  the  present  century  as  Brewster,  would,  under  other  circumstances, 
be  naturally  a  proper  prefix  to  the  annals  of  the  last-named  town.  It 
must,  however,  be  recited  lierc ;  as  also  the  doings  of  the  ancient  Precinct 
until  it  received  its  later  in -orporation  and  new  name. 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  495 

below  the  constablerick  of  Yarmouth,  was,  as  we  have 
before  inthnated,  considered  as  belonging  ecclesiasti- 
cally to  Easthara,  —  the  Rev.  Mr.  Treat  claiming  to  be 
the  minister  of  the  whole  intervening  territory,  though, 
during  most  of  the  time,  the  extent  of  ecclesiastical 
prerogative  pertaining  to  the  former  place  was  by  no 
means  accurately  defined.  Difficulties,  at  this  period, 
growing  out  of  the  peculiar  political  position  of  this 
territory,  as  a  part  of  Gov.  Bradford  and  Associates' 
"  Reserve ; "  and  the  early  purchases  and  claims  of  the 
Nickersons  at  "Manomoyet,"  induced  much  uncertainty 
in  many  respects. 

The  earliest  records  made  in  this  town  have  shared 
the  fate  of  those  in  others  of  the  first  settlements,  by 
which  the  inquirer  after  authentic  data  is  so  often 
disappointed,  —  'mutilated,  —  lost.'^  The  first  that 
remains  is  the  following,  of  1701:  — 

"  At  a  town-meeting  assembled,  Mar.  20,  Johx  Dillingham  was 
chosen  constable ;  Benj.  Mirrick,  grand-juryman ;  Wm.  Pars- 
low,  to  serve  on  the  jury  of  trials,  Ens.  Mirrick,  Joseph  Payjste, 
and  Thos.  Freeman,  selectmen ;  Thos.  Freeman,  town-treas- 
urer; John  King,  tithingman;  Serg.  Satrs  and  Edw.  Snow, 
surveyors ;  and  Thos.  Crosby  and  Thos.  Snow,  fence-viewers." 

Under  date  of  1703,  Feb.  8,  we  find  unmistakable  evidence  of 
the  trouble  of  collecting  taxes  from  persons  who,  believing  them- 
selves beyond  the  jurisdiction  of  this  town,  refused  to  pay.-  The 
record  that  next  follows.  Mar.  15,  authenticates  the  election  of 
Thos.  Freeman  as  Town-Clerk,  and  of  other  town  officers.    At  a 


^  The  first  21  pp.  of  the  first  book,  containing  proceedings  of  town-meet- 
ings, also  births,  marriages,  deaths,  etc.,  are  "  lost." 

^  "  Whereas,  several  men  on  the  S.  side  of  the  road  that  leads  from  the 
Herring  River  to  Manomoyick,  who  formerly  paid  rates  to  our  town,  do 
no.w  refuse,  and  have  for  several  years  refused,  to  pay  their  legal  propor- 
tions," etc. ;  the  town  resolved  to  make  an  end  of  all  controversy,  and 
raised  money  to  protect  and  indemnify  "  our  former  constables,  viz. :  Thos. 
Clark,  of  the  year  1699,  Thos.  Crosby,  1700,  Jno.  Dillingham  Jr.,  1701, 
and  Samuel  Sears,  and  Kenelm  Wlnslow  Jr.,  1702,"  if.  In  enforcing  the 
collections  aforesaid,  they  be  "sued,  or  any  ways  molested  or  '  ■'rmed;" 
also  chose  Ens.  Mln-ick,  to  act  in  the  premises  as  agent  of  the  town  as  occa- 
sion might  require,  "  that  our  town's  bounds  may  be  fully  known." 


496  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

meeting,  April  29,  John  Dillingham,  was  chosen  a  Commissioner 
to  meet  other  Commissionei's  from  different  parts  of  the  county, 
at  Barnstable  ;  ^  and  a  pound  for  cattle  was  ordered.  At  a  town- 
meeting,  May  28,  a  committee  appointed  by  the  proprietors  to 
determine  bounds,  reported.^  It  was,  at  said  meeting,  agreed 
that  "  if  the  town  have  any  right  in  a  piece  of  upland  laid  out 
by  the  proprietors  for  a  burial-place,  and  training-place,"  Rev. 
Mr.  Stone  shiall  have  "  about  one  acre  of  said  land,  part  of  whicb 
is  fenced  in,  and  a  little  addition,  to  set  a  barn  on,  where  his 
barn  now  stands." 

In  1705,  the  difficulties  respecting  taxes  having  been  concluded, 
provision  was  made  by  the  town  to  defray  all  expenses  attending 
the  liberating  certain  persons  who,  for  resistance  to  the  collection 
of  taxes  had  been  committed ;  and  also  to  liquidate  all  expenses 
incurred  in  prosecuting  any  delinquents  persisting  in  non-pay- 
ment of  rates.  Arrangements  were  also  made  "for  settling  the 
bounds  between  this  town  and  Eastham." 

In  1706,  a  question  involving  some  difficulty  and  causing  some 
feeling  having  arisen,  viz. :  "  Whether  the  town  ought  to  pay 
Mr.  Stone's  salary  in  at  15  penny,  or  17  weight,"  it  was  decided 
in  favor  of  the  former  standard.  Capt.  Jona.  Bangs,  John  Free- 
man, Thos.  Freeman,  John  Grey,  and  Nicholas  Snow,  having 
been  appointed  to  settle  the  bounds  between  this  town  and 
Eastham,  "the  matter  being  in  controversy;"  and  having  been 


'  We  have  failed  as  yet  to  discover  on  wliafc  occasion  tlils  meeting  was 
convened. 

^  As  follows :  —  "  We,  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed,  being  chosen 
by  the  proprietors  of  lands  lying  within  the  Reserve  of  the  Purchasers,  met 
by  appointment  to  run  the  range,  and  renew  the  bounds  between  the  pur- 
chasers of  Harwich,  and  the  proprietors  of  Manomoick,  and  have  run  the 
range  and  settled  the  bounds  :  viz.  A  pine  knot  driven  into  the  marsh  on 
the  easterly  side  of  Red  River,  and  so  running  northerly  to  the  head  of  the 
swamp  where  the  said  river  issues,  and  to  a  pine  tree  marked,  on  two 
sides,  H  H-  M ;  and  so,  running  along  a  valley,  trees  marked,  and  from  said 
valley  to  a  grassy  pond,  a  pine-tree  marked  on  the  southerly  side ;  and 
so  running  across  said  pond  to  a  pine-tree  marked  H  -t-  M  near  and  on  the 
southerly  side  of  the  highway  that  leads  to  the  Herring-river  from  Manomo- 
ick ;  and  from  said  pine-tree,  as  tiie  way  leads  to  Manomoick  unto  a  white- 
oak  tree  marked  on  two  sides,  on  the  southerly  side  of  the  highway,  near 
the  land  that  Is  In  occupation  of  Joseph  Nickerson ;  and  from  said  tree 
easterly  to  the  Muddy  Cove,  a  stake  stuck  in  the  mai'sh  on  the  easterly  side 
of  said  river.  May  28,  1703."  Signed,  "  AVm.  Nickerson,  Nath'l  Covel, 
Thos.  Nickerson,  Jona.  Bangs,  Stephen  Hopkins,  Thos.  Freeman."  In 
regard  to  the  preceding  report,  we  remark  that,  as  the  record  now  stands, 
the  word  "  easterly,"  In  the  last  line,  Is  crossed,  and  "  southwesterly "  is 
substituted  In  a  different  hand  and  nk  ;  by  whom,  by  wliat  authority,  or 
ibr  wliat  purpose,  does  not  appear. 


ANNALS    OE   HARWICH.  497 

joined  by  Samuel  Knowles,  Samuel  Mayo,  and  Joshua  Doane, 
on  the  part  of  Eastham,  the  matter  was  amicably  arranged,  and 
to  the  agreement  were  affixed  the  signatures  and  seals  of  the 
agents,  "the  16th  day  of  Oct.,  in  the  4th  year  of  the  reign  of  our 
gracious  Lady,  Queen  Anne."  ^ 

The  question  in  regard  to  Mr.  Stone's  salary  being  still  before 
the  public  mind,  and  he  having  proposed  terras  of  compromise, 


^  It  was  agreed  and  determined  that  the  bounds  and  parting-line,  between 
the  two  towns,  and  between  Eastham  "  and  the  proprietors  of  said  town 
of  Harwich,"  shall  be  as  thus  described :  "  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  Nam- 
skaket  River,  and  from  the  mouth  of  said  river  N.  W.  and  by  N.  to  low- 
water  mark,  or  reflux  of  the  sea ;  and  from  Namskaket,  S.  E.,  with  the 
middle  of  the  river  as  it  runs  up  to  the  marsh  to  a  stone  on  the  upland  on 
the  S.  westerly  side  of  a  nook  of  marsh ;  from  thence  to  a  pine-tree  marked 
E  on  the  easterly  side,  and  H  on  the  westerly,  standing  a  little  above  the 
highway,  near  the  head  of  the  marsh ;  from  thence  running  on  a  straight 
line  to  the  head  of  Potanemakut  salt-water  pond,  to  the  brook  that  runs 
into  the  head  of  the  N.  W.  corner  of  said  pond,  a  little  to  the  northward  of 
John  Kurd's  now  dwelling-house;  from  thence  running  down  the  said  pond 
and  middle  of  the  river  that  runs  out  of  said  pond,  along  the  cove  and 
channel  around  Nemacoick  Point,  and  with  the  main  channel  out  at  Potane- 
makut Harbor ;  which  said  bounds,  place,  and  places,  shall  forever  be  the 
bounds  between  the  said  town  of  Eastham,  and  said  town  and  proprie- 
tors of  said  town  of  Harwich.  Further,  it  is  mutually  agreed  that  a  certain 
tract  of  land  lying  to  the  westward  bound  between  said  Eastham  and  Har- 
wich, should  be  and  remain  forever  for  a  perpetual  common  for  the  allowed 
inhabitants  of  said  Eastham  and  allowed  inhabitants  and  proprietors  of 
said  Harwich,  which  said  tract  is  bounded  :  Beginning  at  a  pine-tree  mai'ked 
in  the  range  between  said  town  of  E.  and  said  town  of  H.  eastward  to  a 
pond  by  Jas.  Maker's  now  dwelling-house  ;  from  thence  running  to  the  east- 
erly end  of  said  pond,  so  running  around  the  easterly  end  of  said  pond  to  a 
pine-tree  marked  at  the  S.  W.  corner  of  said  pond ;  from  thence  running 
on  a  straight  line  southerly  to  a  roek  by  the  water  side,  marked  T,  a  little 
to  the  westward  of  the  point  that  lyeth  opposite  against  the  westernmost  of 
Chequeset  Neck ;  running  from  said  roek  around  said  Chequeset  easterly 
and  northerly  as  the  shore  lies,  and  around  .Nemachoick  Neck  and  up  to 
Potanemakut  River  to  the  first  specified  bound ;  all  which  said  tract  con- 
tained within  said  boundaries,  the  allowed  inhabitants  of  said  town  of  E., 
and  also  the  allowed  inhabitants  of  said  Harwich  and  proprietors,  shall 
have  an  equal  right  in  and  to,  together  with  all  the  members'  rights,  privi- 
leges and  appurtenances  thereto  belonging  :  and  it  shall  be  lawful  for  each 
of  the  respective  proprietors  of  each  of  said  towns  to  have  free  egress  and 
regress  from  and  into  said  commons  land  forever  hereafter.  And,  it  is  also 
mutually  agreed  that  inasmuch  as  persons  are  already  settled  in  said  tract 
of  land,  they  and  every  of  them  shall  remain  and  belong  to  the  said  town 
of  Harwich ;  and  all  such  persons  as  are  settled  already  on  certain  parcels 
of  said  tract  of  land  by  fencing  or  building  thereon,  every  such  person  shall 
have  and  hold  the  same  firm  to  them,  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  with- 
out suit,  let,  or  any  molestation  whatsoever :  only,  such  as  are  of  the  pro- 
prietors of  said  Harwich  and  by  virtue  thereof  did  formerly  purchase  any 
land  of  the  natives  within  said  tract,  to  be  notwithstanding  conformable  to 
all  divisions  with  the  rest  of  the  proprietors  of  said  Harwich,  for  and  about 
the  same,  as  fully  as  if  this  instrument  had  not  been  made.'' 
VOL.  II.  63 


498  HISTORY   OP   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

the  town  voted  compliance  with  his  proposition.  Mr.  Joseph 
Snow  Jr.  died  this  year,  Jan.  21. 

In  1707,  it  was  "  ordered  that  every  housekeeper  shall  kill  or 
purchase  12  blackbirds  or  4  crows  before  the  1st  of  May  annu- 
ally ;  and  every  single-man  of  21  years  age  or  more  shall  kill  6 
blackbirds  or  2  crows  annually  as  aforesaid."  For  neglect  of 
this  requisition  a  fine  of  6s.  on  housekeepers,  and  2s.  on  single- 
men,  was  imposed. 

In  1708,  May  3,  Edward  Bangs,  Thos.  Clarke,  and  John  Gray 
were  app.  a  com.  to  complain  to  the  court  of  Quarter  Sessions, 
of  obstructions  in  the  highway  through  the  "  Great  Lots,"  this 
way  being  now  "shutuiJ."  Kenelm  Winslow  Jr.  and  Joseph 
Paine  were  chosen  agents  to  settle  the  bounds  between  this 
town  and  Yarmouth ;  also  to  "  agree  with  the  agents  of  Yarmouth 
that  residents  in  either  place  shall  be  taxed  in  the  town  where 
respectively  they  belong  for  any  lands  or  property  they  may 
own  in  the  other  town."  It  was  voted  "  to  establish  at  the 
town's  charge  schools  of  a  higher  order  than  heretofore  existing 
here ; "  and  Edward  Bangs  was  appointed  "  to  answer  to  the 
presentment  of  the  town  "  for  past  neglect  in  this  matter. 

In  1709,  provision  was  made  for  a  school  tax,  and  the  select- 
men were  directed  "  to  settle  the  schoolmaster  as  to  his  several 
removes  and  settlements  in  the  town  for  the  present  year."  It 
was  voted  "  to  give  the  minister,  Mr.  Stone,  £4  per  annum  for 
the  three  years  in  which  the  town  had  agreed  to  furnish  his  fire- 
wood, and  £10  per  annum  for  the  time  to  come,  making  his  salary 
£70  a  year,  he  finding  himself  in  firewood."  To  this,  Mr.  Stone 
did  not  consent.  The  laws  being  peremptory  touching  the  sup- 
port of  the  ministry,  the  town  was  under  the  necessity,  before 
the  close  of  the  year,  of  assembling  to  choose  agents  to  repre- 
•sent  its  interests  in  an  action  in  the  case ;  and  app.  Ens.  Wm. 
Mirrick  and  Joseph  Paine.  The  old  highway  laid  out  by  the 
"  old-comers,"  from  the  county  road  into  the  woods,  being  judged 
inconvenient,  was  discontinued  and  a  new  road  ordered.  The 
old  road,  contents  about  4  acres,  was  sold  for  £10,  which  was 
appropriated  towards  purchasing  and  laying  out  the  new  high- 
way. 

In  1710,  the  town  voted  to  omit  the  choice  of  a  representative 
to  the  Gen.  Court,  and  instructed  the  selectmen  to  "  return  to 
the  Hon.  Court  our  humble  desire  to  be  excused."  The  ex- 
penses attending  the  action  in  court  the  previous  year-,  the 
Crown  vs.  the  Town,  seem  to  have  had  a  quickening  influence ; 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  499 

for,  besides  an  appropriation  for  "  glass  for  the  meeting-house,"  it 
was  "  voted  that  the  former  contract  between  us  and  our  minister, 
so  far  as  concerns  the  salary,  firing  and  repairing  the  house  he 
now  dwells  in,  be  thrown  up  ;  and  for  the  present  year  and  for- 
ward we  do  make  the  salary  annually  £80,  in  money  as  it  shall 
pass  in  dealing  in  the  Province,  from  time  to  time  ;  and  that  this 
be  a  stated  salary  henceforward  during  his  continuance  with  us 
in  the  work  of  the  ministry. 

In  1711,  Mr.  John  Mayo  being  chosen  representative  to  the 
General  Court,  it  was  voted  "  to  pay  him  4s.  per  diem,  including 
the  time  going  and  returning." 

In  1712,  it  was  "voted  that  all  the  lands  given  by  'the  propri- 
etors of  Harwich '  to  this  town  for  a  training-place,  and  for  a 
burial-place,  shall  lie  unfenced,  except  so  much  as  is  given  to 
Mr.  Stone  and  that  he  has  previously  fenced  with  the  ministerial 
land."  "Voted,  also,  that  Ens.  Mirrick  and  Kenelm  Winslow 
Jr.  run  the  range  between  Jona.  Bangs'  land  and  the  ministerial 
land  now  in  Mr.  Stone's  improvement,  and  set  it  out  by  bounds ; 
as  also  measure  the  land  of  Dea.  Freeman,  before  Mr.  Stone's 
door,  and  set  out  so  much  of  the  land  that  belongs  to  the  training- 
place  adjoining  the  said  Freeman's  land,  by  the  pound,  by  way 
of  exchange  with  the  town."  A  com.  was  app,  "  to  hire  a  school- 
master, and  settle  and  provide  for  him."  Provision  was  made 
for  agents  of  this. town  and  Eastham  to  have  care  of  the  com- 
mons' lands  laid  out  as  per  agreement,  Oct.  16,  1705.  "  A  road 
was  laid  out  from  the  meeting-house  to -the  south  neighborhood, 
by  allowance  of  '  the  purchasers ' ;  beginning  at  the  head  of  the 
Great  Lots,  butting  on  the  highway  formerly  laid  out  on  the  east- 
erly side  of  Edward  Bangs'  lot ;  thence  southerly  between  John 
Freeman's  land  and  Dean's  land  to  the  former  road  allowed  by 
'the  purchasers,'  to  the  South  ISTeighborhood,  passing  the  ponds 
and  terminating  at  Coy's  Brook."  Mr.  John  Mayo  and  Joseph 
Paine  were  app.  "  agents  to  answer  in  Gen.  Court,  in  the  town's 
behalf,  to  the  petition  of  Monamoy,  and  show  why  the  prayer  of 
said  petition  should  not  be  granted.  Ens.  Joseph  Paine  died 
this  year,  Oct.  6. 

In  1713,  the  "road  from  Potonomicut  to  the  meeting-house," 
was  laid  out ;  and,  soon  after,  "  a  way  from  the  Queen's  road  to 
the  shore,  running  northerly  and  easterly."  The  town  "  voted 
to  add  £4  to  the  sum  which  the  Province  allows,  to  be  paid  to 
any  person  who  shall  kill  any  old  wolf  or  wolves  and  bring  the 
heads  of  the  same  to  the  constable  ;  and  £1  for  young  wolves, 


500  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

excepting  any  taken  out  of  wolves'  bellies."  Mr.  Chilingsworth 
Foster  and  others  had  "  liberty  granted  to  set  up  a  horse-house  " 
—  i.  e.,  sheds  —  "near  the  meeting-house."  It  was  voted,  July 
27,  to  "  pay  9d.  per  week  for  a  convenient  house  for  Mr.  Osborne 
to  keep  school  in."  Also  "  to  make  an  addition  of  18  feet  in 
breadth  to  the  back  part  of  the  meeting-house ;  Messrs.  John 
Mayo,  Gershom  Hall,  and  Edw.  Bangs  special  agents  to  carry 
the  order  into  effect,  and  to  place  the  seats  according  to  their 
best  judgment."  It  was  also  "voted  that  if  Mr.  Stone  will  fence 
with  cedar  the  town's  land  now  occupied  by  him,  his  heirs  shall 
have  liberty  to  take  the  fence  off  after  his  decease,  giving  the 
town  three  months'  notice."  Also  "  that  the  selectmen  be  au- 
thorized to  agree  with  the  town  of  Eastham  respecting  the  tax- 
ing of  j)roperty  of  non-residents." 

In  1714,  the  work  on  the  meeting-house  was  still  in  progress, 
when,  Aug.  2,  it  was  "  agreed  to  leave  also  the  management  of 
the  old  part  of  the  house  to  the  aforesaid  agents  with  restriction 
only  that  they  are  not  to  make  any  new  pews  in  the  same,  escept 
for  the  minister's  family." 

A  proprietor's  book  of  records  was  this  year  opened.  Mar.  24, 
embracing  records  of  "  lands  lately  purchased  of  the  Quasons, 
lying  in  the  southerly  part  of  the  town,  being  the  16  shares  pro- 
priety.^ The  proprietors  being  legally  assembled,  made  choice 
of  Nicholas  Snow  to  be  Proprietor's  Clerk,  and  voted  to  divide 
said  lands  into  shares,  or  lots ;  and  chose  Tho's.  Atkins,  Stejjh. 
Hopkins,  Joshua  Hopkins,  John  Gray,  Jos.  Doane,  and  Nicholas 
Snow  to  lay  out  said  lands,  or  as  much  thereof  as  may  be  found 
convenient,  into  lots  or  shares  in  order  to  cast  (or  draw  by  lots) 
that  each  proprietor  may  have  his  just  and  equal  proportion;  and 
also  to  settle  with  particular  men  the  bounds  that  butt  on  said 
lands,  according  to  reason,  justice,  and  a  good  conscience ;  also 
to  rectify  a  mistake  in  the  bounds  of  Joseph  Quasou's  lot  to  him 
laid  out  toward  Muddy  Cove  ;  and  also,  in  particular,  join  with 
Joseph  Nickerson  and  bound  his  50  acres  of  land  and  meadow 
at  Muddy  Cove,  to  the  content  of  his  deed'thereof."  Also  "that 
said  committee  shall  hear  the  claims  of  those  persons  that  chal- 
lenge lauds  within  the  boundaries  of  the  proprietoi's,  and  satisfy 
and  settle  the  same."  Thomas  Atkins  of  Chatham  was  then 
chosen  agent  to  "  prosecute  any  persons  presuming  without  legal 

^  See  Vol.  I.  308,  for  notice  of  the  first  records,  and  entries  on  cover. 


ANNALS   OF  HARWICH.  501 

right  to  "  cut  timber,  wood,  fencing-stuff,  etc.  upon  the  aforesaid 
lands,  or  in  any  way  trespassing  tliereon." 

Gershom  Hall,  Kenelm  Winslow  Sr.,  Ens.  Myrick,  Lt.  Thos. 
Clark,  and  Tho's  Snow  were  chosen,  Oct.  4,  a  com.  "  to  seat  per- 
sons, or  place  them  where  they  shall  sit,  in  the  meeting-house." 
The  amount  of  taxes  this  year,  was  £140  ;  the  following  year, 
£160.    Mr.  JoNATHAX  Feebman-  died  Ap.  27,  aged  36. 

In  1715,  the  town  granted  "to  Capt.  Sears  and  Lt.  Thomas 
Clark,  liberty  to  build,  each  of  them,  a  pew  in  the  meeting-house 
in  such  places  as  Dea.  Freeman  and  Ens.  Myrick  shall  lay  out." 
It  was  also  "voted  that  the  selectmen  take  from  Chilings worth 
Foster's  rates  what  he  was  rated  for  his  Indian  girl."  Kenelm 
Winslow  Jr.  and  John  Freeman  Jr.  Avere  appointed  by  the 
town  "  to  look  to  the  boys  on  Sabbath  days  to  keep  them  from 
playing  in  meeting."  Voted  also  "  to  give  our  schoolmaster  £48 
a  year,  for  two  years ; "  also  "  to  give  Mr.  Stone  the  house  he 
occupies,  and  one  quarter  of  an  acre  of  land  under  and  around 
it."  Mr.  John  Dillingham  d.  this  year.  May  27,^  and  Mr. 
Kenelm  Winslow,  Nov.  11. 

In  1716,  Dea.  Thomas  Freeman  died  Feb.  9,  aged  62.  Mrs. 
Rebecca  Freeman,  executrix  of  her  late  husband  Thomas,  peti- 
tioned for  the  revival  of  proceedings  of  proprietors  of  land, 
against  Robert  Nickerson  and  others. 

In  1717,  Mr.  Philip  Selew  was  engaged  as  schoolmaster,  at 

^Mr.  John  Dillingham  was  s.  of  Edward  of  S.,  and  removed  hei-e 
prob.  between  16  70-80.  '  He,  with  John  Wing  who  also  removed  from  S., 
were  concerned  in  the  Indian  title  to  the  "  land  lying  and  being  in  the  lib- 
erties or  constablerick  of  Yarmouth,  containing  all  that  land  lying  between 
the  place  commonly  called  Bound  Brook  on  the  W.,  and  the  middle  of 
Saquetucket  River  on  the  E.  from  the  North  Sea  to  the  South  Sea."  It  is 
said  that  Mr.  D.  owned  two-elevenths  of  the  whole.  He  m.,  in  S.,  Elisa„ 
dr.  of  Mr.  Hy.  Feake  Mar.  24,  1650^  and,  from  his  will  Nov.  15,  1707,  it 
appeal's  that  he  had,  at  least,  John ;  Hannah,  who  m.  Thorp ;  Rebecca, 
who  m.  Gray;  and  Sarah,  who  m.  Jones.  His  wid.  Elisa.  d.  Dec.  5,  1720, 
88.  73.  John,  s.  of  John  1st.,  m.  Lydia  Chapman,  dr.  of  Isaac,  and  had 
John  Mar."'^1702  ;  Ellsa^  Aug.  2,  1703,  who  m.  Elnathan  Wing  Oct.  12, 
1721  i  Lydia  June  21,  1705,  who  m.  Roland '^Clark  Nov.  5,  1724  ;  Hannah 
Feb.  2,  1706-7,  who  m.  Jona.  Bourne  of  S.  Oct.  14,  1725  ;  Rebecca  June 
24,  1709,  who  m.  Amos  Knowles  of  E.  Jan.  29,  1729-30;  Isaac  May  4, 
1711 ;  Abigail,  June  2,  1713,  who  m.  Prince  Freeman  Jr.  Nov.  17,  1731 ; 
Edward  May  17,  1715  ;  Thankful  Ap.  18,  1718,  who  m.  Thos.  Pope  of  S. 
Sept.  26,  1735;  and  Sarah  Feb.  10,  1719-20,  who  m.  Benj.  Freeman, 
Mar.  15,  1738.  Mi'.  D.  d.  Sept.  11,  1746  ;  his  wid.  d.  Sept.  4,  1760,  £e.  80. 
John,  b.  1702,  m.  Mehit.  Gray  Dec.   29,  1726,  who  d.  Feb.  21,  1738  ;  2d, 

Abigail ,  who  d.  about  1749  ;  3d,  Mary  Nye  of  S.  May  16,  1751,  who 

d.  a  wid.  1764.  He  d.  1763.  Issue  :  Desire  1729  ;  Susanna  1732  ;  Rhoda 
1735  ;  Mehit.  1739  ;  and  John  Nov.  8,  1752. 


602  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

£48.  The  rep.  to  the  Gen.  Court  was  allowed  5s.  per  diem  for 
his  service,  three  days  being  allowed  for  going  and  the  same  for 
returning.  Mr.  Thomas  Feeeman,  son  of  Dea.  Thomas,  died 
Mar.  22,  aged  40 ;  and  in  Dec.  Mr.  Samuel  Cole. 

In  1718,  it  was  "  voted,  in  consideration  of  the  prices  of  pro- 
visions, to  give  Rev.  Mr.  Stone  £10  extra  for  the  present  year." 
The  town  being  "  presented  for  not  having  a  sufficient  pound," 
Lt.  Jos.  Freeman  was  app.  to  answer  for  the  town,  at  court.  Mr. 
SiMOK  Crosby  died  Jan.  19  ;  Mr.  Robert  Asten,  Feb.  25 ;  Mr. 
AisTAisriAs  Wing,  Aug.  30 ;  and  Mr.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Oct.  10. 

In  1719,  Mr.  Selew  was  still  in  the  tov/n's  service  as  school- 
master, at  a  salary  of  £50 ;  and  it  was  "  voted  to  divide  the  town 
into  societies  —  each  to  have  the  benefit  of  the  school  its  part  of 
the  time;  and  no  other  society  shall -break  in  npon  it  for  the 
time  being."  *  The  tax  assessed  this  year  was  £210.  Chilings- 
worth  Foster  was  chosen  to  answer  at  the  Gen.  Court  "  a  peti- 
tion which  the  easternmost  part  of  the  town  has  put  in ;  and,  if 
necessary,  to  employ  counsel." 

In  1720,  it  was  ordei-ed  that  a  grammar  school  be  established ; 
and  Mr.  John  Mayo  was  app.  "  to  answer  to  the  town's  present- 
ment for  not  having  a  pound  and  stocks."  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Sears  died  July  19. 

In  1721,  it  was  voted  "to  allow  Mr.  John  Gray,  our  represen- 
tative, one-half  so  much  as  he  was  fined  in  Boston  for  not  attend- 
ing Court;"  also  "to  give  Mr.  Philip  Selew  £50,  to  keej)  school 
this  year,  provided  he  will  pay  onfe-hali  what  the  town  shall  be 
liable  to  pay  if  fined  for  want  of  a  grammar  school."  Messrs. 
John.  Mayo,  Thos.  Clark,  and  Chil.  Foster  were  trustees  of  the 
town's  proportion  of  the  £50,000  loan.  Mr.  John  Freeman  died 
July  27,  aged  70. 

In  1722,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Myrick  was  app.  to  answer  for  the 
town,  to  a  presentment  for  not  having  a  sufficient  highway  be- 
tween Yarmouth  and  Chatham.  Provision  was  made  to  refund 
to  Capt.  Samuel  Sears  "  money  which  he  paid  to  the  soldiers  the 
last  time  they  went  out  in  the  king's  service."  The  constable 
"  having  received  for  taxes  50s.  counterfeit,  the  town  voted  to 
sustain  the  loss  ;"  and  "  to  allow  Capt.  Seai's  £3.10  paid  for  hal- 
berts  and  mending  drum."  It  was  further  agreed  "to  build  a 
new  meeting-house  on  the  spot  where  the  old  one  now  stands, — 
to  be  of  good  timber,  boarded,  clap-boarded,  shingled,  plastered, 
and  glazed  ;  also  with  seats  as  the  rown  shall  direct."  For  this 
purpose,  £20  was  raised,  and  it  was  "  voted  that  the  town's  pro- 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  503 

portion  of  the  £50,000  loan  be  used  as  far  as  it  will  go  ; "  also 
"that  room  be  left  around  the  body  of  the  house,  next  to  the 
walls,  below,  for  pews,  - — the  galleries  to  be  fully  seated.'" 

In  1723,  the  sum  of  £250  was  raised  by  taxation  to  defray  the 
exjDenses  of  building,  and  £190  additional  for  other  town  charges. 
It  was  ordered  that  the  old  meeting-house  be  sold.  Bucks  were 
prohibited  from  running  at  large  to  the  detriment  of  the  flocks 
of  sheep. 

The  arrangements  for  the  new  meeting-house  had 
been  a  matter  of  grave  consideration.  The  pews  were 
not  yet  built ;  but  the  places  for  them  were  designat- 
ed and  chalked  out,  namely,  '•  all  around  the  inside  of 
the  house  next  the  walls  from  the  pulpit  stairs  around 
to  the  pulpit  again ; "  and  it  was  finally  agreed  that 
the  spots  for  pews  be  sold,  —  in  aggregate  for  £130, 
and  not  under,  —  Capt.  Sears,  Capt.  Edw.  Bangs,  and 
Lt.  Joseph  Freeman  to  proportion  the  £130  to  the  22 
spots  reserved  for  pews,  —  the  prices  to  be  "  according 
to  the  dignity  of  place."  It  was  subsequently  '^thought 
better  that  Mr.  Eaton,  Mr.  North,  and  Mr.  Hinckley," 
as  entirely  disinterested,  should  perform  this  service  ; 
and  it  was  "  agreed  that  every  man  rated  highest  have 
a  choice  in  order ;  to  wit :  "  he  that  is  rated  highest  of 
all  shall  have  the  first  choice ;  he  that  is  rated  next 
highest  shall  have  the  second  choice,  and  so  succes- 
sively ;  provided,  however,  that  if  any  do  not,  on  the 
first  Monday  in  Sept.  next,  appear  at  the  old  meeting- 
house, in  town-meetiiig,  and  make  their  selection  and 
pay  the  money,  they  shall  forfeit  the  privilege  of 
choice."  The  minister's  pew  was  reserved  "  at  the  E. 
side  of  the  front  door."  The  other  spots  intended  for 
pews  were,  on  the  day  appointed,  taken ;  numbering, 
including  the  minister's,  from  1  to  23,  beginning  at  the 
pulpit  stairs  and  so  westerly  to  the  northwest  corner 
of  the  room,  and  thence  southerly,  and  so  around  until 
the  easterly  end  of  the  pulpit  is  reached ;  as  follows: 


504 


HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


1.  Lt.  Thos.  Clark,  £11.00 

2.  Mr.  Kenelm  Winslow,  7.10 

3.  Capt.  Sam'l  Sears,  4.10 

4.  Mr.  Mayo,  who  gave  it 

to  his  son  John,  and 

to  Jos.  Hopkins,         5.15 

5.  Ens.  Benj.  Freeman,      5.10 

6.  Wm.  Gray,  who]3assed 

it  to  Joshua  Bangs,   5.15 

7.  Thos.  Clark  Jr.,  5.05 

8.  Chs.  Foster,  who  gave 

it  to  his  six  children 
by  his  first  wife,        4.10 

9.  John  Wing  Sr.,  5.10 

10.  Ens.  Prince  Snow,  6.00 

11.  Judah  Hopkins,  5.05 


12.  Minister's  pew, 

13.  Capt.  Edw.  Bangs,       £6.05 

14.  Wm.    Freeman,     who 

passed  it  to  Edward 
Bangs  Jr.,  5.05 

15.  Jona.  Small,  4.05 

16.  Steph.    Hopkins,    who 

passed  it  to  Lt.  Jos. 
Freeman,  5.05 

17.  Serg.  Sam'l  Bangs,         5.10 

18.  Nath'l  Freeman,  5,05 

19.  Sam'l  Hall,  5.15 

20.  Serg.  Jno.  Freeman,       4.05 

21.  Capt.  Edm.  Freeman,     7.10 

22.  Mr.  John  Gray,  6.10 

23.  Mr.  Jno.  DilHngham,      7.15 


l^'  Lt.  Thos.  Clark  had  the  first  choice  ;  and  Mr.  Kenelm 
Winslow  the  second ;  but,  after  these,  the  order  adopted  in  the 
record  is  not  indicative  of  the  comparative  wealth  of  the  pur- 
chasers, —  the  order  of  the  numbering  of  pews  being  followed, 
not  of  the  choice. 

It  was  then  "  voted  that  the  three  hindmost  seats  in  the  house, 
below,  be  left  for  the  boys  that  are  under  12  years  old ;  and  three 
seats  above  in  the  men's  gallery  be  left  for  older  boys  to  sit  in  ; 
and  that  the  selectmen  see  to  the  getting  two  men  to  look  after 
the  boys  that  they  be  made  to  sit  in  the  seats  appointed  for 
them,  and  that  they  be  kept  from  playing ;  and  if  any  of  the 
boys  above  12  years  old,  that  sit  in  the  galleries,  do  play  on  Sab- 
bath day,  in  the  time  of  public  worship,  they  be  brought  below 
and  compelled  to  sit  there  with  the  boys  that  are  under  12  years 
old,  until  they  leave  ofi"  playing  on  the  Sabbath."  It  was  also 
"voted  that  the  same  course  be  taken  with  the  girls."  It  was 
now  also  voted  to  give  John  Mayo  Jr.  the  old  meeting-house, 
"  to  make  up  in  part  his  loss  by  being  burned  out."  An  agent 
was  app.  "  to  answer  to  the  town's  presentment  for  not  having 
the  King's  road  cleared  according  to  law." 

In  1724,  Mar.  10,  it  was  "  voted,  very  unanimously,  that  the 
charge  of  the  present  wars  should  be  borne  by  the  town  in  gen- 
eral, by  way  of  rate."  It  was  also  "ordered  that  the  selectmen, 
with  the  commissioned  officers,  have  the  ordering  of  the  money 
i-aised  for  defraying  the  charges  of  the  present  wars ;  and,  in  lieu 


ANNALS   OP  HARWICH.  505 

of  volunteers,  hire  men  to  answer  calls  for  soldiers,"  —  to  which 
last  vote,  Capt.  Edw.  Bangs  and  Ens.  Benjamin  Freeman  did 
then  and  there  "  declare  their  dissent,  and  entered  their  protest 
against  it."  The  town,  having  each  year  added  something  by 
special  vote  to  Mr.  Stone's  salary  now  voted  £20  additional. 

In  1725,  it  was  voted  to  raise  £59,13  to  pay  the  second  instal- 
ment of  one  fifth  part  of  the  town's  bank  loan.  It  was  voted  to 
add  to  Mr.  Stone's  stated  salary  £30  this  year,  making  the  aggre- 
gate £110.  "  John  King  was  chosen  by  the  town  to  look  after 
the  boys  and  youth,  to  keep  them  from  playing  and  jDrofaning 
the  Sabbath-day ;  and  the  town  voted  to  stand  by  the  said  John 
King  if  he  should  find  it  necessary  to  strike  a  boy  or  youth  in 
the  exercise  of  his  authority."  A  large  com.  was  then  ap]3.  "  to 
settle  the  school,  and  proportion  the  six  removes,  both  as  to  the 
number  of  families  and  children  belonging  to  each  remove,  till 
the  school  hath  gone  once  around  the  town." 

As  it  may  serve  to  give  some  correct  view  of  heads  of  families 
at  this  period,  and  of  their  different  locations,  we  present  the 
above  "  six  removes  "  as  settled  for  the  time  being,  namely,^ 

First  remove,^  embracing  16  families,  and  29  children,  to 
have  the  school  with  them  six  months  and  one  week.^  Heads 
of  families  were  — 

Capt.  Sam'l  Sears,      Jno.  Dillingham  Sr.,  Dea.  Tho's  Lincoln, 
Jona.  Sears,  John  Wing,  Joseph  Sears, 

Joshua  Sears,  Nath'l  Clark,  Kenelm  Winslow  Jr., 

Samuel  Sears  Jr.,        Elnathan  Wing,  Lt.  Thos.  Clark, 

Kenelm  Winslow  Sr.,  Scotto  Clark,  Roland  Clark. 

Thomas  Winslow, 

Second  remove,*  embracing  25  families,  and  55  children,  to 
have  the  school  eight  months  and  three  weeks  :  — 

Mr.  John  Gray,  Thomas  Snow,  Prince  Freeman, 

John  Tucker,  Joshua  Bangs,  Hatsuld  Freeman, 

Jacob  Ellis,  Dea.  Crosby,  Ens.  Myrick, 

Lot  Gray,  Eben'r  Paine,  Joshua  Myrick, 

^  The  removes  commencing,  if  we  are  riglitly  infoi'med,  at  the  N.  W.  part 
of  the  town,  continued  thence  to  the  N.  E.,  to  the  S.  E.,  and  to  the  S. 

-  Satucket. 

^It  will  be  borne  in  mind  that  these  removes  contemplated  a  longer 
period  for  their  completion  than  a  single  year.  They  were  to  be  continued 
"  around  the  town,"  in  the  order  indicated,  until  the  school  should  have 
been  enjoyed  in  each  part  the  time  allotted. 

*  The  present  town  of  Brewster,  W.  of  the  Cong,  meeting-house. 

VOL.   II.  64 


506 


HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


Benj.  Freeman,  Edw.  Bangs  Jr.,  Mr,  Stone, 

Nath'l  Freeman,  Steph.  Griffith,  Capt.  Edw.  Bangs, 

Gershom  Phinney,  Benj.  Hatch,  Capt.  Edm.  Freeman, 

Jno.  Fletcher,  Steph.  Myrick,  Lt.  Jos.  Freeman. 
Judah  Berry, 

Third  kemove,^  22  families,  56  children,  eight  months  and 
three  weeks :  — 

Sam'l  Hopkins, 
John  Taylor, 
Philip  Selew, 
Thos.  Clark  Jr., 
Jona.  Lincoln, 
'Judah  Hopkins, 
John  Maker, 


John  Mayo, 
Chil.  Foster, 
John  Snow, 
Jno.  Freeman, 
Steph.  Hopkins, 
ISTath'l  Hopkins, 
Joseph  Hopkins. 


Edward  Snow, 
Jona.  Bangs  Jr., 
Benj.  Myrick, 
Nath'l  Myrick, 
Wid.  Mayo, 
Joseph  Mayo, 
Watson  Freeman, 
George  Weeks, 

Fourth  eemove,^  25  families,  47  children,  eight  months  and 
one  week : — 

Benj.  Hopkins,  Wid.  Mary  Crosby,    Ens.^Snow, 

John  King,  Thos.  Crosby,  Wm.  Freeman, 

Nath'l  Crosby,  Richard  Godfrey, 

William  Crosby,         Benj.  Maker, 
Joseph  Paine,  Wid.  Maker, 

Wid.  Hannah  Crosby, Wm.  Smith, 
Thos.  Crosby,  Edw.  Kendrick, 

Jabez  Lewis,  Wm.  Baker. 

Sam'l  Crosby,' 

Fifth  eemove,^  14  families,  32  children,  four  months :  — 
John  Teat,  Eben.  Rogers,  Wm.  Long, 

Sam'l  Mayo, 
Steph.  Cole, 


Roger  King, 
Eleazer  Crosby, 
Jona.  Cobb, 
Eben.  Nickerson, 
Capt.  Jona.  Bangs, 
Sam'l  Bangs, 
Jabez  Snow, 


John  Hurd, 
Nath'l  Gould, 
Judah  Rogers, 
John  Rogers, 


John  Young, 


Wm.  Nickerson, 
Wid.  Nickerson, 
Josiah  ISTickerson. 


Eleazer  Rogers, 

Sixth  eemove,*  26  families,  35  children,  six  months  and  one 
week:  — 

Jos.  Nickerson  Jr.,      Cornelius  Ellis,  Mr.  Gershom  Hall, 

John  Streigh,  Wm.  Peney,  Jona.  Hall, 

Benj.  Phillijjs,  Josiah  Swift,  Sam'l  Hall, 


^  The  present  town  of  Brewster,  E.  of  the  Cong,  meeting-house. 
^  Nam-jkaket.  ^  Potanumaquut.  *  South. 


ANNALS   OF   HARWICH.  507 

Zachaiy  Small,  Edw.  Hall,  John  Berry, 

Jona.  Small,  Sam'l  Nickerson,         Sam'l  Berry, 

And,  Clark,  John  Smith,  Matthew  Gage, 

Eph'm  Covel,  Beriah  Broadbrooks,  William  Chase. 

Isaac  Atkins,  Wm.  Gray, 

Sam'l  Atkins,  John  Buck, 

1^"  The  school  shall  begin  at  the  westernmost  part  of  the 
town  first,  and  so  remove  eastward. 

Mr.  Edwaed  Hall  died  Jan.  22,  1727,^  and  Mr.  John" 
TUCKEK  Aug.  11.^ 

In  1728,  it  was  voted  to  add  to  the  salary  of  Rev.  Mr.  Stone 
£60,  making  his  future  regular  stipend  £140.  Trustees  were 
app.  to  receive  from  the  province  treasury  this  town's  proportion 
of  "the  £60,000  bank-money,"  namely :  Capt.  Edmund  Freeman, 
Capt.  Joseph  Freeman,  and  Mr.  Chilingsworth  Foster.  Capt. 
JoisrATHAN'  Bangs  died  this  year,  Nov.  9. 

In  1729,  the  town  voted  to  add  £3  to  the  salary  of  Mr.  Selew, 
the  schoolmaster,  to  compensate  him  forgoing  to Potanumaquut. 
Mr.  Samuel  Hall  died  Feb.  19,  1730 ;  and  Dea.  Thomas 
Crosby,  Ap.  21,  1731,  £e.  68. 

In  1732,  a  jDroposition  was  made,  and  strenuously  urged,  that 
the  town  "  build  a  wharf,  or  pier,  near  the  point  of  rocks,  for  the 
safety  of  vessels,"  but  was  negatived.  Mr.  Stephen  Myeick 
died  Mar.  11 ;  ^  Mr.  William  Gray,  Mar.  31 ;  Mr.  Jabez  Lewis, 
Ap.  6 ;  *  and  Ens.  William  Myrick,  Oct.  30.  Mr.  Geeshom 
Hall  d.  this  year,  Oct.  31,  se.  84,  and  was  buried  in  Yarmouth, 

In  1733,  Thomas  Clark  Esq.  was  "  allowed  6s.  per  day  for  at- 
tendance as  representative  last  year,  four  days'  pay  to  be  added 
thereto  for  time  in  going  and  returning."  It  was  ordered  that 
the  school  be  kept  on  the  north  side  of  the  town,  at  four  places 
in  turn,  for  the  space  of  six  years  next  ensuing ;  and  Mr.  John 

^  See  p.  365.  Mr.  Stephen  Myrick,  g.  s.  of  Ens.  Wm.  1st,  m.  Deborah 
Snow  Nov.  21,  1706,  and  had  Joshua  Ap.  17,  1708;  Snow  Jany.  15, 
1709-10  ;  Deborah  1712  ;  Sam'l  Jan.  5,  1714-15;  Oliver  Dec.  14,  1716  ; 
Thos.  Dec.  12,  1718;  Simeon  Ap.  1721;  Jabez  Feb.  1723;  and  Seth 
Aug.  1725. 

^llr.  John  Tucker  m.  Eleanor  Clark  June  14,  1717,  and  had  John 
Ap.  3,  1718  ;  Isaac  Dec.  8,  1719  ;  and  William  Jan.  12,  1722. 

^  Mr.  Edward  Hall  s.  of  Gershom,  m.  twice,  and  had  Bjthia  Dec.  1, 
1709,  who  m.  Andrew  Clark  jr.  1729;  Hannah  1711,  who  m.  Tully 
Crosby  1739  ;  Mary  1713,  who  m.  Gershom  Hall  1734  ;  Edward  Ap.  19, 
1717,  who  was  a  deacon,  and  d.  1797  ;  Sarah  1720  ;  and  Patience  1726. 

*  Mr.  Jabez  Lewis  was  prob.  s.  of  Jabez  of  Be.  He  m.  Sarah  Lincoln 
Feb.  27,  1723-4,  and  had  Thos.  Dec.  22,  1724;  and  Sarah  Mar.  4, 1727-8. 


508  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY.- 

Dillingham,  Capt.  Joseph  Freeman,  and  Messrs.  Edward  Snow 
and  William  Freeman,  with  the  selectmen,  were  app.  to  propor- 
tion to  each  "remove "the  families  and  children  and  the  time 
each  remove  shall  have  the  school.  It  was  also  ordered  that 
Potanumaquut  people,  and  the  people  on  the  south  side,  shall 
have  the  school-money  that  they  are  assessed,  to  lay  out  in  the 
support  of  schools  as  they  and  the  selectmen  shall  agree.  The 
whole  amt.  raised  for  town  charges  this  year  was  £240.  The 
bounds  between  this  town,  and  Yarmouth  and  Eastham,  were 
renewed  by  Edward  Snow  and  John  Dillingham  Jr.  on  the  part 
of  Harwich.    Mr.  Stephen  Hopkksts  d.  Ap.  9.^ 

^From  Stephen  Hopkins,  the  Pilgrim,  who  was  assistant  1633-6,  and 
d.  1644,  in  Plym.,  was  Giles,  who  came  over  with  his  father  and  step- 
mother and  servants  in  the  Mayflower,  and  set.  here,  and  d.  abt.  1690. 
The  servants,  Edw.  Dotey  and  Edw.  Lester,  it  will  be  recollected,  early 
gave  proof  of  their  cliivalry  as  duelKsts,  to  the  horror  of  the  Puritans,  and 
were  punished  by  being  tied  neck  and  heels,  and  thus  exposed  to  public 
gaze.  The  Pilgrim  ancestor,  Stephen,  had  by  his  1st  wife,  Giles;  and  Con- 
stance, who  m.  Nicholas  Snow ;  by  his  2d  w.  Elisa.,  had  Damaris,  who  m. 
Jacob  Cook  1646  ;  the  three  eldest  were  b.  in  England.  He  had  also  a 
son  Oceanus,  b.  on  the  voyage,  who  d.  inf. ;  Deborah  b.  1622,  who  m. 
And.  Ping  1646  ;  Caleb;  B,uth  ;  a  di\  who  d.  inf  ;  and  Ehsa.,  who  d.  sin- 
gle 1666.  /Giles  m.  Catharine  'Whelden  of  Y.,  1639,  and  had  Mary  1640  ; 
Stephen  lg42  ;'~John  1643,  d.  inf;  Abigail  1644;  Deborah  1648' in  E. ; 
Caleb  1650;  Ruth  1653;  Joshua  1657 ;"Wm.  1660;  and  Elisa.  1664,  d. 
inf  y  Stephen,  b.  1642,  s. -of  Giles,  m.  Mary  Myrick,  dr.  Wm.,  May  23, 
1667,  and  2d,  Bethia  Atkins  1701,  and  d.  Oct.  10,  1718.  He  had  JEHsa. 
1668;ySteph.  July  15,  1670;  Ruth  1674;  Judah  1677;  Sam'l  1682; 
Nath'l  1684;  Joseph  1688;  Benj.  1690;  and  Mary  1692,  who  m.  Jno. 
Maker  Nov.  5,  1714,  Caleb,  of  E.,  s.  of  Stephen,  d.  1728.  IIq  had 
Caleb,  Nath'l,  Thos.,  and  Thankful.  Joshua,  b.  1657,  s.  of  Giles,  m. 
Mary  Cole,  dr.  Dan'l,  May  26,  1681,  and  had  John  Ap.  16,  1683-4,  who 
d.  1700;  Abig'l  1686;  Ehsha  Dec.  17,  1688  ;  Lydia  1692;  Mary  1694; 
Joshua  February  20, 1697-8;  Hannah  1700  ;  and  Phebe  17024- Stephen,  • 
b.  1670,  s.  of  Stephen  2d,  m.  Sarah  Howes  May  19,  1692,  and  d.  1733,  as. 
above.  He  had  Jona.  Aug.  20,  1693,  who  d.  1717;  Thankful  1700; 
Elkanah  Aug.  12,  1702,  who  d.  1720;  Thos.  1704;tEbeifiulI0>-j  Mary 
1709  ;  Phebe  1711,  who  m.  1st,  Samuel  Bangs  Jr.  June  19,  1729,  2d,  Jon'a 
Bangs  Jan'y  4,  1732-3,  and  3d,  Rev.  Josiah  Dennis  1746.     JuDAH,  b. 

1677,  m.  twice,  1st,  Hannah ,  2d,  Hannah  Mayo  May  12,  1720,  and  had 

Mercy  1703;  John  Sept.  23,  1704  ;  Martha  1705  ;  Rebecca  Oct.  15,  1707, 
who  m.  Jona.  Hiffgins  of  E. ;  Judah  Oct.  18,  1709;  Stephen  Jan.  26, 
1711-12;  Desu-el7i4;  Sylvanus  Feb.  14,  1716-17  ;  Hannah  1719;  and 
Sam'l  Mar.  14,  1721.  Samuel,  b.  1682,  by  w.  Lydia  had  Richard  1707  ; 
Reliance  1700,  who  m.  David  Crosby  June  19,  1735;  Lydia  1713;  Sarah 
1717;  Susanna  1719;  Moses  1722;  Theodore  1726;  and  Nathan  1729. 
Nathaniel,  b.  1684,  m.  Mercy  Mayo  May  26,  1707,  and  had  David,' 
Jeremiah,  Nath'l,  Reuben,  Sam'l,  James,  and  Theophihis,  besides  daugh- 
ters. Joseph,  b.  1 6887"  m.  Mary  Mayo  Ap.  17,  1712,  and  had  Isaac, 
Joseph,  Mary,  Jonatlian,  Hannah,  Nathan,  Prince,  and  Elisa.  Bex.iamin, 
b.  1690,  m.  Rachel  Lincoln  Feb.  13,  1717-18,  and  had  Benj.,  Giles,  Seth, 
Rachel,  Sam'l,  Solo.,  and  Edward.  The  descendants  arc  still  numerous  on 
the  Cape ;  a  volume  would  scarcely  suffice  for  the  genealogy. 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  609 

In  1734,  the  bounds  between  this  town  and  Chatham  were 
renewed  by  Chilingsworth  Foster  and  Kenelm  "Winslow  on  the 
part  of  Harwich.  Thomas  Clark  Esq.  wasapp.  agent  "  to  appear 
at  the  Gen.  Court  to  answer  the  petition  which  o.ur  neighbors, 
the  Potanumaquut  people,  have  put  in  desiring  to  be  set  off  to 
Eastham,  and  show  cause  why  their  application  should  not  be 
granted.  It  was  also  voted  that  this  town  will  unite  with  the 
towns  of  Eastham,  Truro,  Provincetown,  and  Chatham,  in  peti- 
tioning the  Gen.  Court  that  these  five  towns  be  set  off  as  a  new 
and  distinct  county,  and  that  Thos.  Clark  Esq.  be  our  agent  to 
meet  commissioners  from  the  several  other  towns  to  draw  up  a 
petition  to  that  efiect. 

In  1735,  the  amt.  raised  for  town  charges  was  £276.  "  Crows, 
blackbirds,  bluebirds,  and  jaybirds,  being  so  destructive  in  pulling 
up  the  corn  in  spring-time,  and  opening  ears  at  harvest-time,"  it 
was  ordered  that  every  householder  shall  kill  six  of  these  smaller 
birds  and  two  crows,  yearly ;  and  every  single-man  of  21  or  up- 
wards shall  kill  three  of  the  smaller  birds  and  one  crow, —  the 
heads  of  all  such  birds  killed  to  be  brought  to  the  selectmen  on 
or  before  the  last  day  of  May,  each  year.  In  default  thereof,  the 
delinquents  shall  be  fined.  Mr.  Nathaniel  Fjreeman  died  this 
year,  Aug.  2 ;  and  Mr.  Joshua  Geay  d.  Sept.  2. 

In  1736,  the  amt.  raised  for  town  charges  was  £302 ;  in  1737, 
£300 ;  and  these  sums  were  the  average  for  several  succeeding 
years. 

In  1739,  it  was  voted,  that,  "  taking  into  consideration  the  dif- 
ficulty of  grinding,  by  reason  that  Kenelm  Winslow  doth  take 
away  the  water  from  the  old  grist-mill  at  Stoneybrook,  which  is 
an  infringement  of  the  town's  privileges.  Col.  Edmund  Freeman, 
Chilingsworth  Foster,  and  Jabez  Snow,  be  a  com.  to  agree  with 
said  Winslow ;  or,  failing  to  do  so,  and  he  still  using  the  water 
for  his  other  mill,  to  the  detriment  of  the  town,  to  petition  the 
court"  for  relief."    Mr.  John  Rogers  died  Jan.  10. 

In  1741,  it  was  voted  that  the  salary  of  the  schoolmaster,  Mr. 
Philip  Selew,  be  £86  ;  and  that  of  the  minister  of  the  town,  Rev. 
Mr.  Stone,  £150.  Messrs.  Edm.  Freeman,  Jos.  Freeman,  Jabez 
Snow,  and  Jno.  Snow,  were  chosen.  May  14,  to  settle  the 
schools.  They  decided  on  six  removes,  namely  :  1,  west  end  of  the 
town,  26  weeks,  this  district  to  reach  as  far  as  Roland  Clarke's ; 
the  next  remove  2,  to  be,  from  thence  east  to  Jos.  Freeman 
Esq.'s,  34  w. ;  3,  thence  still  east  to  Mr.  Jos.  Ilopkins,  46  w. ;  4, 
east  to  Mr.  Rd.  Godfrey's,  34  w. ;  5,  at  Potanumaquut,  22  w. ; 


510  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

and  6,  on  the  south  side,  6  w.  It  was  also  voted  that  Dea.  Jos. 
Mayo  and  Mr.  Edw.  Snow  be  authorized  to  sell,  in  behalf  of  the 
town,  at  auction,  to  highest  bidders,  four  places  for  pews  in  the 
gallery  of  the  meeting-house, —  two  each  in  the  S.  W.  corner  and 
S.  E.  corner. 

In  1742,  the  salary  of  Mr.  Selew,  the  schoolmaster,  was  £100, 
and  of  Mr.  Stone,  the  minister,  £200.  Lt.  Pkincb  Snow  died 
May  24,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Bangs  Nov.  15. 

In  1743,  Messrs.  Wm.  Freeman  and  Jabez  Snow  were  app. 
agents  to  meet  and  agree  with  agents  of  the  town  of  Eastham, 
respecting  the  rates  of  persons  in  either  town  owning  lands  or 
meadows  in  the  other, —  the  design  being  an  amicable  and  just 
arrangement,  as  in  former  years,  to  prevent  difficulties  growing 
out  of  assessments.  The  bounds  between  this  town  and  Eastham 
were  renewed  June  13,  and  between  this  town  and  Chatham 
July  S} 

Regulations  were  made  by  the  town  "  to  protect  the  beach- 
meadows  and  sedge-grounds  on  the  north  side,  between  the 
bounds  of  Eastham  and  Mill  Creek  in  Harwich,"  from  incursions 
by  cattle,  sheep,  etc. ;  which  j^roceeding  being  submitted  to  the 
Court  of  Quarter  Sessions,  was  approved.  Capt.  Nathaniel 
Mteick  died  Nov.  13. 

This  was  the  era  of  the  prolonged  religious  excite- 
ment consequent  upon  "  the  Great  Awakening  "  under 
the  preaching  of  Edwards  in  1734,  and  which  followed 
the  labors  of  Whitefield  in  1740-2.  This  year,  1743, 
was  distinguished  by  local  strifes,  which  by  degrees 
ran  into  a  general  controversy,  dividing  the  congre- 

^ "  Beginning  at  a  pine-knot  standing  in  the  meadow,  on  tlie  S.  side  of 
the  Read  River,  near  the  mouth  of  said  river ;  from  thence  S.  into  the 
South  sea;  and  from  sd.  knot  northerly  by  the  E.  side  of  Lt.  Jona.  Howes' 
meadow  and  land,  till  it  comes  to  a  cart-way,  to  a  heap  of  stones  on  the  N. 
side  of  said  way,  and  so  northerly  to  a  stone  set  by  a  pine  stump  by  the 
road  that  leads  from  Yarm.  to  Chatham,  a  little  to  the  eastward  of  Joshua 
Ellis's  dwelling-house ;  and  so  easterly  by  sd.  road  till  it  comes  to  a  stone 
set  in  the  ground,  near  where  John  Crowell's  old  barn  stood ;  and  from 
thence  down  to  the  eel-weir  at  the  Muddy-cove  river;  and  so  running 
down  to  the  middle  of  said  river  till  it  comes  to  the  sea."  In  1746,  the  line 
being  again  defined,  the  record  says :  "  From  the  place  commonly  called 
the  Eel-weir,  at  Muddy  Cove ;  from  thence  to  the  king's  road  to  a  stump 
and  stone  by  it,  a  little  S.  of  Prince  Young's  house ;  from  thence  southerly 
to  a  stone  by  a  pine  brush  on  the  northerly  side  of  the  road  in  the  valley 
called  River-valley ;  thence  southerly  down  sd.  river  to  a  pine  knot  on  the 
E.  side  of  said  river ;  thence  due  S.  into  the  South  Sea." 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  511 

gational  churches  throughout  New  England  into  two 
great  factions,  the  friends  and  the  opposers  of  Revival 
measures.  Conflicting  views  found  expression  in  pub- 
lished testimonials.^  The  religious  interests  of  the 
Cape  could  not  but  be  somewhat  affected  by  the  pre- 
vailing agitations  of  the  day.  "  Separatists^'  as  they 
were  called,  began  to  appear,  and  were,  as  all  records 
show,  and  as  history  affirms,  not  always  discriminating 
in  their  views,  or  imited  in  their  alleged  reasons  for 
discontent.  Some  few  of  this  class  were  found  here, 
and  in  other  Cape  towns.  There  is,  however,  no 
evidence  of  intolerance  toward  such,  we  are  happy  to 
be  able  to  assert,  found  on  the  records  of  Cape  towns, 
churches,  or  courts.^ 

^The  first  was  issued  by  the  Gen.  Convention  of  Cong,  ministers  as 
"  The  Testimony  of  the  Pastors  of  the  Churches  in  the  Province  of  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  in  New  England,  at  their  Annual  Convention  in  Boston, 
May  25,  1743,  against  several  Errors  in  Doctrine  and  Disorders  in  Practice 
which  have  of  late  obtained  in  various  parts  of  the  Land."  The  other  was 
"  The  Testimony  and  Advice  of  an  Assembly  of  Pastors  of  Churches  in 
New  England,  at  a  meeting  in  Boston,  July  7,  1 743,  occasioned  by  the 
late  happy  Revival  of  Religion  in  many  parts  of  the  Land." 

^ "  Separatists,  in  some  instances,  withdrew  from  the  standing  order,  be- 
cause they  were  opposed  to  the  revival,  even  in  the  mildest  form  of  it ; 
others,  because  the  churches  and  ministers  would  not  go  with  them  to  the 
full  extent  of  their  '  new  light '  and  new  measures.  Not  a  few  of  these 
last,  becoming  involved  in  strife  with  their  brethren,  and  exposing  them- 
selves to  church  censure  and  civil  penalties,  at  length  changed  their  denom- 
inational standing,  and  became  BajDtists, —  not  so  much  through  dissatisfac- 
tion with  their  baptism  as  with  the  legal  distraints  upon  their  property  to 
support  ministers  from  whom  they  had  conscientiously  separated.  It  is 
often  insinuated  that  the  civil  enactments  of  that  period  bore  peculiarly 
hard  upon  Baptists  ;  but  what  are  the  facts  ?  The  former  restraints  upon 
their  liberties  had  been  relaxed,  at  least  to  the  acknowledgment  of  their 
right,  as  a  denomination,  to  organize  churches,  support  ministers,  and  wor- 
ship God  in  their  own  way,  with  a  full  exemption  from  assessment  to  sup- 
port ministers  of  '  the  standing  order,'  as  the  Congregationalists  were 
called.  It  was  this  '  standing  order,'  on  which  the  law  bore  the  hardest, 
by  compelHng  all  who  were  not  Baptists,  or  something  else  known  as  a  dis- 
tinct denomination,  to  pay  taxes  for  the  support  of  the  '  able,  learned,  ortho- 
dox minister '  whom  the  major  part  of  the  town  voters  had  settled  over 
them.  Separations,  unless  brought  about  in  the  way  provided  for  by  stat- 
ute, were  not  allowable,  nor  were  such  Separatists  released  from  their  clue 
proportion  of  taxes  in  the  society  from  which  they  came.  This  wrought 
immense  mischief  to  the  Congregationalists,  and  contributed  largely  to  build 
up  the  Baptists,  by  driving  the  disaffected  into  their  ranks." —  Clark's  Hist, 
of  Cong.  Ch.  in  Mass. 


512  inSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

A  committee  was  app.  by  the  town,  this  year,  to 
ascertain  and  report  who  within  the  town  Hmits  are 
Quakers,  and  who  are  Anabaptists.  They  reported  as 
Quakers, "  William  Chase,  William  Eldridge,  Samuel 
Smith,  Jeremiah  Chase,  Reuben  Eldridge,  Ephraim 
Crowell,  and  their  families ; "  as  "  Anabaptist,  Seth 
Clark."  The  object  of  this  inquiry  was  to  exempt  such 
from  ministerial  rates. 

In  ]  744,  Rev.  Mr.  Stone's  salary  was  fixed  at  £200,  okl  tenor. 
An  agreement  between  this  town  and  Yarmouth  was  arranged 
amicably  this  year,  respecting  rates  of  non-residents,  similar  to 
that  negotiated  with  Eastham  in  1743. 

In  1745,  the  town  apj^.  John  Snow  its  agent  to  prosecute  per- 
sons trespassing  on  the  ministerial  lots.  Rev.  George  Weekes 
died  this  year ;  ^  also,  Dec.  7,  Doct.  Jo^stathan  Bangs,  ss.  90.^ 

In  1746,  the  town  voted  to  "  allow  Mr.  Patrick  Butler  £5,  old 


^  There  are  many  families  of  the  name  on  the  Cape.  Some  write  the 
patronymic  Weeks,  others  Weekes.  Whether  they  are  of  the  same  stock, 
is  a  question  not  settled  satisfactorily.  The  name  of  Weeks  appears  early 
in  Sandwich  and  Falmouth.  The  descendants  of  Rev.  George  Weekes 
have  a  tradition  that  he  was  from  Dorchester,  and  was  of  French  or  Hugue- 
not extraction,  and  that  he  was  an  educated  missionary  to  the  Potanuma- 
quut  Indians.  We  are  not  positive  in  reference  to  the  precise  date  of  his 
decease.  By  records  it  appears  that  he  m.  Deborah  Wing  Oct.  15,  1714, 
but  family  tradition  says  he  m.  a  Winslow.  Both  may  be  right ;  for  there 
is  also  a  family  tradition  that  his  son  Ammiel  was  the  eldest  •,  and  this  may 
relate  to  a  2d  marriage.  His  children  were:  Abigail  Aug.  29,  1715; 
Mehit.  Ap.  21,  1717;  Deborah  July  26,  1718;  Ammiel  Ap.  10,  1720; 
Hannah,  Sept.  20,  1721;  Eliz.  Sept.  16,  1724;  andason  Jan.  24,  1725-6, 
d.  inf  His  wife  d.  Feb.  9, 1 725-6.  The  circumstances  of  his  death  are  pain- 
ful. His  last  days  were  clouded  by  lunacy ;  and,  in  his  wanderings,  he  per- 
ished by  exposure  to  cold  in  the  low  ground  south  of  the  Harwich  Academy, 
which  is  known,  from  this  casualty,  as  "  Weekes' Hollow  "to  the  present 
day.  A  sei'mon,  delivered  by  him  on  the  occasion  of  Mr.  Taylor,  of  Yarm., 
being  buried  in  a  well,  see  p.  213,  was  published.  Dea.  Ammiel,  s.  of  the 
preceding,  is  said  to  have  been  named  for  an  uncle,  or  great-uncle,  in 
Dorchester,  who  was  admitted  to  the  church  there  in  1659.  He  m.  Phebe 
Small,  dr.  of  Jona.  by  his  w.  Damaris  Winslow,  and  had  3  s.  &  3  drs.,  one 
of  which  drs.  m.  Obed  Brooks  Esq.  Ebexezer,  b.  1759,  youngest  s.  of 
Ammiel,  m.  Roxana  Brooks.  Branches  of  the  family  are  at  Portland,  Me., 
descended  from  Capt.  Lemuel,  who  removed  from  this  town. 

"  Doct.  Jonathan  Bangs,  b.  1685,  s.  of  Capt.  Edward,  m.  Phebe,  wid. 
of  Sam'l  Bangs  jr.,  and  daughter  of  Steph.  Hopkins,  and  had  Allen  Mar. 
23,  1733-4.  His  wid.  m.  3d  Rev.  Josiah  Dennis,  and  d.  1745,  £e.  39. 
Capt.  Joshua,  b.  1685,  br.  of  Dr.  Jona.,  m.  Mehit.  Clark  1713,  and 
removed  to  Portland.  His  youngest  dr.  m.  Hon.  Jed.  Preble,  and  from 
this  m.  was  Edward  Preble,  1761,  Commodore  U.  S.N. 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH. 


tenor,  for  his  expenses  in  travelling  to  Boston  the  last  year  to 
carry  a  letter  to  Joseph  Freeman  Esq.,  to  enable  him  to  answer 
the  petition,  in  Gen.  Ct.,  of  the  South  side  people  to  be  setoff  as 
a  distinct  precinct."  The  line  between  this  town  and  Easthara 
was  again  renewed.  Mr.  John  Dillingham  died  this  year, 
Sept.  11. 

Notwithstanding  some  diversity  of  opinions  and 
interests,  the  General  Court  saw  fit,  this  year,  to  com- 
ply with  the  request  of  petitioners,  and  the  distinct 
organization  of  that  part  of  the  ancient  town  of  Har- 
wich, which  still  retains  the  name,  commenced.  It 
was  set  off  and  incorporated  as  the  South  Precinct, 
Jan.  16.  The  names  of  those  mentioned  in  the  Act  of 
Inc.  of  this  second  parish,  were' :  — 


Francis  Baker, 
Jabez  Berry, 
Bh.  Broadbrook, 
Bh.  Broadbrook  Jr.. 
Eb.  Broadbrook, 
Jno.  Broadbrook, 
Ezekiel  Burgess, 
Sam'l  Burgess, 
Sam'l  Burgess  Jr., 
Thos.  Burgess, 
Jas.  Gaboon, 
Wm.  Gaboon, 
Eben.  Ghase, 
Andrew  Glark  Jr., 
Ephm.  Govel, 
Dan'l  Doane, 
Elisha  Doane, 
Moses  Doane, 
Nath'l  Doane, 
Isaac  Eld  ridge, 
Reuben  Eldridge, 
Wm.  Eldridge, 
Benj.  Ellis, 
Cornelius  Ellis, 

VOL.   II. 


Gornelius  Ellis  Jr., 
John  Ellis, 
John  Ellis  Jr., 
Joseph  Ellis, 
Joshua  Ellis, 
Samuel  Ellis  Jr., 
James  Gage, 
Lot  Gage, 
Matthew  Gage, 
Thos.  Gage, 
Lot  Gray, 
Wm.  Gray  Jr., 
Edward  Hall, 
Gershom  Hall, 
Jona.  Hall, 
Thos.  Hinckley, 
William  Long, 
Benj.  Maker, 
Benj.  Maker  Jr., 
Joseph  Maker, 
Bar.  Nickerson, 
Benj.  Nickerson, 
Edw.  ISTickerson, 
Elisha  Nickerson,, 


Isaac  Nickerson, 
John  Nickerson, 
Joshua  Nickerson, 
Sam'l  Nickerson, 
Sam'l  Nickerson  Jr., 
Eben.  Paine, 
John  Penney, 
Wm.  Penney, 
Wm.  Penney  Jr., 
Jos.  Phillips, 
Micah  Phillips, 
Oakes  Pliillips, 
Eleazer  Robbins,. 
Daniel  Ryder^ 
Benj.  Small,' 
Jona.  Small, 
Jona.  Small  Jr., 
Zech'h  Small, 
Elisha  Snow, 
Josiah  Swift, 
John  Taylor, 
Prince  Young, 
Ammiel  Weekes. 


65 


514  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

The  record  of  proceedings  subsequent  to  incorpo- 
ration, is  as  follows :  — 

The  first  meeting  of  freeholders  and  other  inhab- 
itants of  the  2d  Precinct  was  holden  at  the  house  of 
Lot  Gray,  Mar.  23,  by  virtue  of  a  warrant  issued  by 
Joseph  Doane  Esq.,  of  Eastham,  who  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator. Sam'l  Burge  Jr.  was  chosen  Clerk ;  Edw.  Hall, 
Benj.  Nickerson,  and  Sam'l  Burge  Jr.,  were  chosen 
Assessors ;  Edw.  Nickerson,  Collector ;  Gershom  Hall, 
Treasurer ;  and  Sam'l  Burge  Jr.,  Edw.  Hall,  and 
Benj.  Nickerson,  were  app.  a  Committee  to  call  the 
meetings  for  the  ensuing  year. 

At  the  next  meeting,  Ap.  8,  Mr.  Edw.  Hall  being 
moderator,  it  was  voted  that  the  meeting-house  shall 
stand  on  the  land  given  by  Messrs.  Sam'l  Nickerson 
and  Benj.  Small ;  and  that  the  building  begun  on  sd. 
land  shall  be  the  Precinct  meeting-house.  Messrs. 
E|)h.  Covel,  Jona.  Small,  and  Matt.  Gage,  were  app.  a 
building-committee  ;  and  Mr.  Sam'l  Burge  Jr.  was  del- 
egated to  obtain  a  minister. 

In  1747,  Messrs.  Thos.  Hinckley  and  Joshua  Nick- 
erson were  constituted  a  com.  to  collect  the  accounts 
for  the  construction  of  the  meeting-house,  before  it 
became  the  property  of  the  precinct.  The  services  of 
Mr.  Edw.  Pell  being  obtained,  Messrs.  Sam'l  Burge  Jr. 
and  Benj.  Nickerson  were  app.  a  com.  to  'engage  him 
to  continue  to  preach,  with  a  view  to  a  settlement. 
For  his  probation  services,  from  Ap.  26  to  July  12,  he 
received  £30  18s.  lOd. 

At  a  meeting,  July  6,  Joseph  Doane  Esq.,  mod- 
erator, it  was  voted  to  call  Mr.  Pell  to  the  pastoral 
ofl&ce,  and  to  give  him  a  salary  of  160  bushels  of 
grain,  namely  :  15  bu.  of  rye  and  10  bu.  of  wheat,  to  be 
paid  annually,  in  the  month  of  Sept.,  and  135  bu.  of 
Indian  corn,  to  be  paid  annually,  in  Nov. ;  also,  to  buy 


ANNALS   OF   HARWICH.  515 

a  piece  of  land,  and  build  upon  it  a  convenient  house 
for  his  use,  and  deliver  to  him  annually,  at  his  door, 
16  cords  of  oak  wood  and  20  cords  of  pine,  so  long  as 
he  shall  continue  in  the  ministry  of  this  precinct. 

At  a  meeting,  July  11,  ISTatli'l  Doane,  moderator,  a  com.  was 
app.,  consisting  of  the  moderator,  together  with  Jona.  and  Zeeh. 
Small,  "to  agree  with  Mr.  Small  for  the  time  and  money  he  hath 
expended  about  the  meeting-house  before  it  became  the  property 
of  the  Precinct.  ISTath'l  Doane  was  app.  on  the  building  com.  in 
place  of  Mr.  Gage;  and  a  com.  was  also  app.  to  buy  or  build  a 
parsonage-house. 

Rev.  Edward  Pell  v^as  invested  with  the  pastoral 
office,  Aug.  12.^  It  was  voted,  Sept.  29,  to  make  a 
convenient  number  of  pews  in  the  meeting-house. 

In  1748,  Rev.  Isaiah  Dunster  was  settled  as  colleague 
with  Rev.  Mr.  Stone,  and  as  assistant  minister  of  the 
North  Precinct.^ 

,The  amt.  raised  this  year  for  town  charges  was  £400,  old  tenor. 
Joseph  Freeman  Esq.  was  app.  agent  to  prefer  a  petition  to  the 
Gen.  Court  "  to  remit  a  part  of  the  Province  taxes  this  year,  in 
consideration  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth  being  in  so  remarkable  a 
manner  cut  off  by  drought,  grass-hoppers,  and  otherwise." 

In  1749,  the  amt.  raised  for  town  charges  was  £500,  old  tenor. 
Mr.  Ammiel  Weekes  having  been  chosen  constable  Feb.  13,  at  a 
subsequent  meeting,  Feb.  27,  it  was  voted  to  choose  another  in 
his  place,  "  he  having  hidden  himself  so  that  he  could  not  be 
warned."  The  lines  between  this  town  and  Eastham,  Chatham, 
and  Yarmouth,  were  severally  renewed.  School-removes  were 
settled,  and  it  was  agreed  that  no  pupils  shall  go  to  school  from 
one  remove  to  another,  "  unless  it  be  to  learn  Latin  ;  and,  in  such 
case,  the  master  shall  keep  such  pupils  wholly  to  that  exercise, 
and  afford  no  other  instruction."  Mr.  Nath'l  Snow  died  this 
year,  in  Mar. 

In  1751,  disturbing  elements,  through  causes  which 
we  have  already  suggested,  continued  to  exist.     Sep- 


iRev.  Mr.  Pell  was  b.  1711  ;  grad.  H.  C.  1730. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Dunster  was  b.  in  Cambridge,  and  grad  H.  C.  1741. 


516         HISTORY  OF  BAENSTABLE  COUNTY. 

AEATiSTS,  or  New  Lights,  as  they  chose  to  be  called, 
held  meetings  in  the  south  part  of  the  town,  and,  it  is 
said,  had  distinct  organizations."  ^ 

In  1752,  the  town  joined  with  others  in  petitioning  for  redu- 
cing the  number  of  courts  held  in  the  county,  proposing  that 
there  be  only  two  sessions  annually  of  the  Superior  Court  of 
Com,  Pleas.  The  lines  between  this  and  adjoining  towns  were 
again  defined,  and  agreements  renewed  for  30  yrs.,  in  respect  to 
rates  of  non-residents. 

Rev.  Edward  Pell,  minister  of  the  South  Precinct, 
died  Nov.  24,  se.  41.  His  grave-stone  is  yet  to  be  seen 
in  the  rear  of  the  Cong,  meeting-house  in  Brewster," 

In  1754,  Rev.  Benjamdj  Crocker  was  called,  Ap.  25, 
to  the  ministry  of  the  South  Precinct,  as  successor  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Pell.^ 

In  1755,  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Stone,  the  first  minister 


^We  find  no  records,  either  town,  parish,  or  ecclesiastical,  to  confirm 
this ;  but  it  is  traditionally  reported  that  Rev.  Elisha  Paine,  a  native  of 
Eastham,  some  time  in  Connecticut,  and  a  Baptist  clergyman,  in  regular 
standing,  preached  in  these  parts  in  1749,  and  was  instrumental  in  gather- 
ing adherents  to  the  Baptist  faith,  his  labors  culminating  finally  in  estab- 
lishing the  Baptist  church  now  worshipping  in  W,  Harwich.  Rev.  Rd. 
Chase,  it  is  claimed,  was  the  first  minister,  in  1  751,  but  was  not  immersed 
until  two  years  after.  It  is  also  said  that  Mr.  Joshua  Nickerson  became 
the  minister  of  a  2d  church  in  1749,  succeeded  in  1773  by  Mr.  Sam'l 
Nickerson,  both  of  whom  were  New  Lights ;  and  that  their  associates 
finally  dissolved  their  organization  in  1789.  It  is  said,  moreover,  that  in 
1781,  a  church  was  gathered  in  another  part  of  the  town,  receiving  a  Bap- 
tist minister,  but  that  none,  except  those  at  W.  Harwich,  were  close  com- 
munionists.  We  accept  all  this,  with  doubts  of  its  entire  accuracy  in  respect 
to  dates.  Other  accounts  say  that  "  the  Baptist  church  at  West  Harwich 
was  originally  a  '  Separate  church,'  founded  by  separation  from  the  Second 
Pariah  in  1763,  and  which,  like  others  of  those  separate  churches, /z«a/(?/ 
became  Baptist ;  and  that  Mr.  Elkanah  Nickerson  was  the  first  minister." 
Rev.  Richard  Chase  was.  Baptist  tradition  says,  "deposed  Jan.  7,  1787,  for 
intemperance,  and  died,  as.  80,  an  excommuulcant." 

*  It  is  said  that  Mr,  Pell  had,  in  view  of  death,  expressed  a  desire  to  be 
buried  on  the  N.  side  of  the  town,  and  was,  accordingly,  interred  in  that 
ancient  cemetery.  But  the  reason  which  tradition  reports,  that  "  if  left 
among  the  pines  of  the  S.  Precinct,  he  might  be  overlooked  in  the  resur- 
rection," we  regard  as  apocryphal.  He  v/as,  doubtless,  a  man  of  some 
humor,  and  at  some  time.  In  speaking  of  his  locality,  he  ina]i  have  Indulged 
in  some  such  facetious  remark,  which,  perhaps,  after  his  decease,  became 
coupled  with  his  choice  of  resting-place  In  the  dust. 

'Mr.  Crocker  was  from  Ipswich,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1713. 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  517 

of  the  town,  and  continuing  pastor  of  the  North  Pre- 
cinct, died,  se.  88.^ 

A  call  being  made  at  this  time  for  soldiers  for  His  Majesty's 
service,  and  an  impressment  contemplated,  £200  was  raised  by 
the  town  to  hire  men  for  the  emergency. 

In  1756,  Eev.  John  Dennis  was  settled  as  minister  of 
the  South  Precinct.^ 

Mr.  John  Mayo  died,  Feb.  1 ;  also  Mr.  Edwaed  Bangs,  June 
3.  The  town  records  this  year  contain  the  following  transcribed 
request,  which,  no  doubt,  was  respected  :  "  Yarm.,  16  day,  3  rao., 
1756.  We,  Jno.  Kelly  and  Seth  Kelly,  of  Yarm.,  do  certify  that 
Matthew  Gage  doth  visit  our  meetings  and  own  our  principles. 
We  do  earnestly  desire  that  the  assessors  would  omit  him  in  the 
Priest's  rate."  A  similar  request  was  made  in  behalf  of  James 
Gage  the  following  year ;  and  also  in  behalf  of  James  Ellis,  the 
next  succeeding. 

In  1657,  Mar.  7,  a  bounty  of  £4  was  offered  to  each  man,  not 
exceeding  twelve,  who  shall  enlist  to  supply  the  places  of  those 
otherwise  to  be  drawn  or  impressed  for  the  projected  expedition. 
Jacob  Davis,  Theophilus  Berry,  Wm.  Crofle,  and  Sam'l  Ellis, 
were  app.  "  to  take  care  of  the  boys  on  Lord's  days,  and  whip 
them  if  found  playing." 

The  Baptist  church  now  worshipping  in  West  Har- 
wich, the  oldest,  by  organization,  of  the  order  on  the 
Cape,  it  is  said,  was  gathered  about  this  time,  and  Rev. 
Richard  Chase  was  installed  pastor,  Sept.  9.^ 

In  1758,  the  line  between  this  town  and  Eastham  was  run. 
Messrs.  Joseph  Wing  and  Jabez  Snow  Jr.  were  app.  "  to  take 
care  of  the  boys  on  Lord's  days,  and  correct  them  that  are  under 


'  See  Annals  of  Brewster;  also  Vol.  I.  390. 

^  Mr.  Dennis  was  from  Ipswich,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1730. 

^  Benedict,  Hist,  of  the  Bap.,  says  the  order  here  were  "  lona;  harassed  by 
ministerial  taxes,  and  two  women  were  set  in  the  stocks."  We  have 
searched  in  vain  for  any  confirmation  of  this  allegation.  Neither  records  nor 
contemporary  writings  are  found  in  its  support ;  and  we  are  distrustfid  of 
its  accui'acy.  See  p.  218.  The  alleged  persecutions  of  early  times  is  a 
subject  entirely  distinct  from  this  period.  When,  in  1663,  a  Baptist  church 
was  gathered  at  Seekonk,  the  first  established;  and,  in  1665,  at  Boston, 
there  wei-e  fines  and  imprisonments,  as  neither  Backus  nor  Benedict  have 
failed  to  note.     See  also  Clark's  Hist.  Cong.  Chs.,  p.  62-67. 


518  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

14  yrs.  old,  and  complain  to  a  justice  of  those  older,  if  found 
playing  on  the  Sabbath." 

In  1759,  another  attempt  was  made,  by  petition,  to  have  the 
number  of  courts  reduced.  To  induce  men  to  enlist  as  soldiers, 
"  for  the  invasion  of  Canada,"  £4  bounty  was  offered  by  the  town. 
Lt.  Thos.  Claek  d.  Nov.  18,  se.  88. 

In  1760,  Rev.  Mr.  Dennis  resigned  his  pastorate  of 
the  South  Precinct,  and,  in  Dec,  the  Precinct  was  cited 
to  answer  at  the  Court  of  Gen.  Sessions,  on  complaint 
of  Mr.  Dennis,  that  the  stipend  promised  him  was  not 
paid.     Mr.  Joseph  Snow  died  Ap.  30,  1761. 

In  1762,  the  frequently  recurring  "running  of  the 
lines"  between  this  and  the  adjoining  towns  was  re- 
enacted;  and,  in  1763,  the  introduction  of  Brady  and 
Tate's  version  of  the  Psalms,  in  public  worship,  was, 
Nov.  22,  a  marked  era  in  the  North  Precinct. 

In  1765,  Rev.  Jonathan  Mills,  having  been  called  to 
the  pastorate  of  the  South  Precinct  church,  the  parish 
concurred  in  the  election,  Nov.  7.  Mr.  Mills  accepted 
the  charge,  and  entered  on  the  duties  of  his  pastorate 
the  following  Spring.^  Mr.  Thomas  Freeman  d.  Jan.  19, 
1766  ;  also  Mr.  John  Snow,  Feb.  15. 

In  1768,  Sept.  6,  a  meeting  was  held  "  to  see  if  the  town  will 
app.  a  com.  to  meet  with  those  that  may  be  sent  from  other  towns 
in  the  province,  to  convene  at  Fanuel  Hall,  Boston,  agreeably  to 
the  proposals  of  the  town  of  Boston."  Decided  in  the  negative. 
Mr.  Benjamin-  Bangs  died  Oct.  31,  1769. 

In  1770,  "the  Potanumaquut  people  desiring  to  be  set  off  to 
Eastham,"  the  arrangement  was  effected. 

In  1773,  May  21,  the  Rev.  Jonathan  Mills,  pastor  of 
the  South  Precinct,  died,  se.  73. 

In  1774,  political  questions  beginning  to  agitate,  a 
town  meeting  was  held,  Nov.  8,  to  app.  delegates  to  a 
county  congress.  Mr.  Kenelm  Winslow  was  mode- 
rator.    Objections  urged    against  the  legality  of  the 

*  Mr.  Mills  was  from  Braintree,  b.  1700  ;  grad.  H.  C  1723. 


ANNALS   OF  HARWICIL  519 

meeting  being  overruled,  it  was  decided  that  all  pres- 
ent, from  21  yrs.  upward,  shall  be  allowed  to  vote ; 
and  Dea.  Edward  Hall,  Mr.  Solomon  Freeman,  and  Mr. 
Joseph  Snow,  were  appointed  to  represent  this  town 
in  said  county  congress. 

In  1775,  Jan.  16,  it  was  voted  not  to  pay  the  prov- 
ince tax  to  the  province  treasurer.  At  a  meeting, 
Jan.  25,  much  feeling  was  elicited  by  an  attempt  to 
obtain  a  vote  not  to  be  represented  in  the  court  to 
assemble  at  Cambridge.  Mr.  Benjamin  Freeman  was 
elected.  At  a  meeting,  Ap.  24,  Solomon  Freeman  Esq. 
moderator,  it  was  voted  to  purchase  100  fire-arms,  to 
be  delivered  to  those  persons  in  town  who  are  destitute 
of  equipments ;  also  6  bis.  powder,  and  1  cask  of  bul- 
lets. It  was  voted.  May  25,  to  pay  the  province 
moneys  to  Henry  Gardner  Esq.,  and  that  all  returns  of 
taxes  be  made  accordingly. 

In  1776,  June  17,  it  was  "  Voted,  That,  should  the 
Hon.  Congress,  for  the  safety  of  the  colonies,  declare 
them  independent  of  the  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  the 
inhabitants  of  this  town  solemnly  engage  with  our 
lives  and  fortunes  to  support  them  in  the  measure  ; 
and  our  representative  is  hereby  instructed  to  act 
agreeably  with  this  vote."  Nathaniel  Stone  Esq.,  who 
had,  besides  filling  other  important  trusts,  been  town 
treasurer  28  yrs.,  and  town  clerk  25  yrs.,  died  this 
year. 

In  1777,  it  was  voted  that  Messrs.  Nath'l  Downs  and 
James  Paine  be  a  com.  to  provide  for  the  families  of 
commissioned  officers  and  privates  engaged  in  their 
country's  service,  from  this  town. 

In  1778,  the  amount  raised  for  town  charges  was 
£450.  Dea.  Edw.  Hall,  Joseph  Nye  Esq.,  and  Mr. 
James  Paine  were  app.  a  com.  of  correspondence,  in- 
spection, and  safety.     The  new  form  of   government 


520  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

was  unanimously  adopted,  the  whole  number  of  votes, 
68,  being  in  favor. 

In  1779,  the  amount  raised  for  town  charges  was 
£2181.  The  town  was  this  year  presented  for  not 
having  a  schoolmaster  provided,  according  to  law. 
Approval  of  the  State  Convention  held  at  Concord 
was  voted.  This  convention  recommended  a  tariff  of 
prices. 

In  1780,  the  com.  of  safety,  etc.,  for  this  town,  was 
Dea.  Joseph  Snow,  Capt.  Benj.  Berry,  and  Nath'l 
Downs.  Under  the  "  Act  to  prevent  monopolies  and 
oppression,"  prices,  etc.,  were  fixed.  A  com.,  May  16, 
consisting  of  Solomon  Freeman  Esq.,  Joseph  Nye  Esq., 
Joseph  Snow,  Benj.  Freeman,  and  Kimbal  Clark,  to 
consider  and  report  on  the  new  form  of  govt.,  re- 
ported, May  26,  in  favor  of  the  same  "  in  all  its  parts," 
but  the  town  did  not  accept  it,  and  another  com.  was 
app.,  consisting  of  Rev.  Mr.  Dunster,  Nath'l  Downs, 
James  Paine,  Benj.  Berry,  and  John  Freeman.  This 
com.  reported,  June  6,  and  the  Third  Article  of  Decla- 
ration of  Rights  was  debated.  The  vote  being  taken, 
it  was  found  that  26  were  for  the  article  as  it  stood, 
and  32  for  amendment.  The  Second  Article,  on  Exe- 
cutive Power,  elicited  earnest  debate,  32  voting  for 
amendment,  and  26  for  it  as  it  stood.  All  beside  was 
unanimously  accepted.  At  a  meeting,  June  19,  it  was 
voted  to  procure  24  men  for  the  Continental  army, 
agreeably  to  Resolve  of  Gen.  Court ;  and  money  was 
raised  for  the  purpose.  Other  doings  of  the  town 
were,  July  3,  "  to  encourage  enlistments;  July  17,  to 
raise  money  for  the  object ;  Aug.  3,  to  provide  money 
for  recruits ;  Sept.  4,  the  same  ;  and  Oct.  12,  to  pro- 
vide heef  for  the  army, —  accompanied,  however,  with 
a  memorial  setting  forth  the  utter  impossibilitj^  of  find- 
ing on  the  Cape  the  amount  required.     The  difficulty 


ANNALS   OF   miRWICH.  521 

of  procuring  beef  was,  neither  here  nor  in  any  of  the 
Cape  towns,  either  feigned  or  exaggerated  ;  and  the 
requisitions  made  upon  these  maritime  towns  for  as 
full  supplies  as  were  demanded  from  the  richest  agri- 
cultural districts  of  the  country,  were  so  preposterous, 
that  it  now  excites  surprise  that  the  idea  was  ever 
conceived.  The  town  resolved  that  the  soldiers  de- 
manded for  five  months'  service  shall,  if  possible,  be 
raised  immediately,  without  resort  to  draft.  No  rep- 
resentative was  chosen  this  year,  and  the  reasons  for 
the  omission  were  set  forth  in  a  respectful  memorial, 
—  representing  to  the  Court  the  impoverished  condi- 
tion of  the  inhabitants,  the  sacrifices  which  their 
patriotism  had  endured,  and  their  continued  fealty  to 
the  cause  for  which  all  true  Americans  were  strug- 
gling. 

In  1781,  the  amt.  raised  for  town  charges  was  £2328 ; 
and,  Jan.  1,  another  petition  to  Court  presented  "  the 
distressing  circumstances  "  of  the  town,  and  prayed  for 
the  remission  of  the  exactions  for  heef.  It  was  resolved, 
f  eb.  13,  to  raise  the  requisite  number  of  ten  men  for 
the  Continental  army,  and  measures  were  taken  to 
meet  the  demand. 

In  1782,  the  town  was  under  the  necessity  of  peti- 
tioning for  an  abatement  of  some  part  of  its  State  tax. 
The  same  course  was  imperative  in  1783. 

In  1784,  an  agreement  was  consummated  with  the  proprietors 
of  the  Herring-brook,  and  application  was  made  to  the  Gen.  Ct, 
for  a  law  to  regulate  the  catching  of  alewives  in  sd.  brook. 

Business  beginning  to  turn  to  the  former  and  legit- 
imate channels  of  active  enterprise,  little  is  to  be  found 
in  the  records  of  interest  beyond  municipal  elections 
and  renewing  boundaries,  —  the  last  duty  having,  as 
in  all  years  past,  been  so  frequentlj;'  performed,  that 

VOL.  II.  66 


522  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

the  reasons  for  it  are  not  obvious  to  our  mind.  Mr. 
Beriah  Broadbrooks  died  this  year.^ 

In  1788,  Rev.  Enoch  Chase  became  the  minister  of 
the  Baptist  Church  in  this  town.^ 

In  1791,  Jan.  18,  Rev.  Isaiah  Dunster  died,  se.  72  ;^ 
and,  Oct.  19,  Rev.  John  Simpkins  was  ordained  as  his 
successor  in  the  pastorate  of  the  North  Precinct.* 

Liberty  was  granted  by  the  town,  this  year,  to  the  people  liv- 
ing near  Muddy  Cove  to  build  a  bridge  aci'oss  said  cove,  pro- 
vided they  keep  it  in  repair  at  their  own  expense. 

In  1792,  Rev.  Nathan  Underwood  was  ordained  pas- 
tor of  the  South  Precinct,  Nov.  21.^ 

In  1796,  the  amount  raised  for  schools  was  840'0.  Mr.  Reuben" 
SjS"ow,  town  clerk,  died  this  year.  Dea.  Edwaed  Hall  died  in 
Feb.  1797,  £e.  80. 

In  1798, ''  the  Baptist  Rehgious  Society  of  Harwich," 
Job  Chase  and  others,  was  inc.  June  27.  Mr.  Edmund 
Freeman  died  this  year,  Dec.  13. 

In  1799,  the  amount  raised  for  schools  was  $350.  In  1801,  the 
sum  of  $400  was  appropriated  for  the  same  object. 

In  1802,  a  proposition  to  divide  the  town  met  at 
first  with  little  favor.  The  first  vote  taken  showed  100 
against  it,  and  the  friends  of  the  measure,  being  prob- 
ably discouraged  by  the  large  numbers  in  opposition, 
cast  only  2  votes.  The  following  year  the  project  was 
destined  to  meet  with  success.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Broad- 
brooks  died  this  year,  Ap.  20,  as.  85;  also  Doct.  Wil- 
liam Fessenden,  Nov.  5. 


^  See  Vol.  I.  666.     The  family  name  is  now  written  Brooks. 

-  E,ev.  Mr.  Chase  labored  seven  years,  and  then  died,  and  was  succeeded, 
it  is  said,  by  Mr.  Lewis,  who,  in  1810,  removed  to  Swansey. 

^E,ev.  j\Ii'.  DuxsTEE  had,  by  w.  Hannah,  Martha  Oct.  7,  17G3  ;  Hannah 
Feb.  26,  1768 ;  Judith  Miller  JDec.  6,  1769  ;  Mary  May  17,  1773-4  ;  Cath- 
arine Mar.  1,  1  774-5  ;  and  Abigail  July  29,  1776. 

*  See  Vol.  I.  646  ;  also.  Annals  of  Brewster. 

*Ilev.  Mr.  Undeewood,  b.  in  Lexington  1753,  grad.  H.  C.  1788.  See 
Vol.  I.  643. 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  '  OZO 

In  1803,  the  division  of  the  town  occurred,  by  which 
that  portion  hitherto  known  as  the  North  Precinct  be- 
came, Feb.  19,  the  town  of  Brewster.  It  will  be  noted 
that  the  part  set  oiF  was  the  seat  of  the  original 
church,  and  thus  acquired  ecclesiastical  precedence. 
Our  record  has,  from  this  date,  to  do  only  with  the 
South  Precinct,  now  alone  retaining  the  ancient  name 
of  the  town,  already,  however,  for  several  years,  de- 
prived of  its  former  unity  in  ecclesiastical  matters,  by 
the  introduction  of  religious  views  and  sects  not  in 
consonance  with  the  early  state  of  religion. 

The  act  of  the  legislature  by  which  the  town  of 
Harwich  was  divided  and  the  town  of  Brewster  incor- 
porated, we  have  already  suggested,  Vol.  I.  584,  was 
anomalous.  Its  very  singular  provisions  were  the 
cause  of  much  difficulty,  and  its  influence  is  apparent 
in  the  embarrassments  to  municipal  action  that  three- 
score years  have  not  entirely  obliterated  or  obviated/ 

The  following  proceedings,  consequent  upon  the 
division  effected,  appear  in  the  town  records :  — 

"  Agreeably  to  an  Act  of  General  Court,  Feb.  19,  1803,  to 
divide  the  town  of  Harwich,  and  inc.  the  Xorth  Parish  thereof 
into  a  separate  town  by  the  name  of  Brewster;  agreeably  to  the 
2d  section  of  sd.  act,  the  pEiioxsTEAXTS  to  the  act  living  in  the 
North  Parish,  together  with  such  widows  as  live  therein,  and 
who  shall  request  it,  have  liberty  to  remain,  with  their  families 
and  estates  to  the  town  of  Harwich,  by  leaving  their  names  in 
the   office  of  the  Secretary  of  this  commonwealth  at  any  time 


^  The  division  of  the  town  was  proposed  at  a  period  of  general  political 
excitement  in  the  commonwealth  and  other  parts  of  the  country,  and  was 
probably  suggested  by  views  of  general  political  expediency  rather  than  by 
any  settled  conviction  that  the  municipal  interests  of  the  town  required  a 
change.  The  increase  of  inhabitants  since  that  period,  and  the  large  ex- 
tent of  territory  embraced  in  the  original  township,  have  rendered  the 
measure  a  present  convenience.  It  was  certainly  one  that  must,  at  some 
time,  have  forced  itself  upon  the  attention  of  the  jjeople.  But,  waiving  all 
remark  in  reference  to  the  necessity  of  the  division  at  the  date  of  its  occur- 
rence, we  may  pertinently  suggest  that  the  peculiarities  of  the  enactment 
remain  an  instructive  comment  on  partisan  legislation. 


524  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

within  two  years  from  the  daite  of  said  act  of  incorporation,  certi- 
fying that  such  is  their  intention  :  Agreeably  to  sd.  Act  of  Inc., 
We,  the  undersigners,  being  inhabitants  of  sd.  late  ISTorth  Parish, 
now  within  the  limits  of  Brewster,  and  being  of  the  number  of 
those  who  remonstrated^  against  sd.  division  of  sd.  town  of  Har- 
wich, did  sign  a  certificate  signifying  our  choice  to  remain  to  the 
town  of  Harwich;  and  it  was  left  in  sd.  Secretary's  office  on  the 
26th  day  of  the  same  February.  And  now  the  sd.  secretary 
informs  us  that  sd.  certificate  is  mislaid,  lost,  or  taken  from  his 
office  :  We,  the  undersigners,  do,  tlierefore,  again  subscribe  our 
names,  and  do  hereby  certify  that  it  is  our  intention,  agreeably  to 
sd.  act,  together  with  our  families  and  estates,  to  remain  to  the 
town  of  Harwich.  Dated,  Harwich,  Feb.  27, 1804.  A  true  copy. 
Attest,  John  D.  Bangs,  clerk  of  the  town  of  Harwich. 

Barn'bs  Griffith,-  Scotto  Freeman,  Benjamin  Small, 

Wid.  Han.  Snow,  Daniel  Rogers,  Thomas  Small, 

Lazarus  Phinney,  Isaac  Myrick,  Uriah  Nickerson, 

Nath'l  Snow,  Sam'l  Berry,  Wid.  Thnkf.  Higgins, 

Judah  Berry,  Zoheth  Hopkins,  Enos  Rogers, 

Stephen  Griffith,  Joseph  Gould,  Zebedee  Small, 

Seymour  Bangs,  John  Gould,  William  Long, 

Edmund  Long,  William  Long  Jr.,  Thomas  Linnell, 

Edward  Snow  Jr.,  Sylvanus  Clark,^  Jesse  Kinney, 

^  The  remonstrance  itself  is  said  to  be  lost.  It  may  have  found  its  place  in 
the  State  archives  since  those  troublous  times,  but  it  is  not  known  by 
inhabitants  of  Harwich  to  have  existence. 

^Mr.  Stephen  Griffith,  of  H.,  m.  Rebecca  Ryder,  of  Y.,  Ap.  6, 
1699,  and  had  Joseph  Mar.  15,  1699-1700;  Stephen  Mar.  15,  1701-2; 
Rebecca  1703,  who  m.  Gershom  Phinney  July  29,  1725  ;  Lazarus  June  7, 
1708;  Bars.  Nov.  21,  1710;  Thankful  1714;  and  Abraham  July  31,  1716. 
Joseph,  b.  1700,  m.  Hope  Hallet,  of  Y.,  July  24,  1729,  and  had  Jno.  Feb. 
12,  1730-1;  Thankful  1733;  Jos.ph  Ap.  29,  1735;  and  Hannah  1737. 
Stephen,  b.  1702,  had,  by  w.  Phebe,  Joshua  Nov.  21,  1736.  Lazarus, 
b.  1708,  m.  Lydia  Doane,  of  E.,  1731,  and  had  Mary  1733 ;  Wm.  June  14, 
1735;  Lazarus  Nov.  5,  1736  ;  and  Rebecca  1741. 

^Mr.  Thomas  Clark  came  over  in  the  Anne  1623,  a  carpenter,  and 
was  rep.  1651-5.  He  m.  1st,  Susannah  Ring;  2d,  Wid.  AHce  Nichols 
dr.  Richd.  Hallet,  and  lived  in  H.  as  early  as  1670;  3d,  Eliz.  Crow,  wid. 
of  Jno.,  and  d.  Mar.  24,  1697,  a3.  98.  He  had  Andrew;  James,  of  Ply., 
who  m.  Abigail  Lothrop  Oct.  7,  1657  ;  Susanna,  who  m.  Barna.  Lothrop, 
Esq.,  1658  ;  Wm.,  of  Dux.,  who  m.  Martha  Nash,  and  went  to  Bridg. ; 
John  ;  and  Nath'l,  of  Ply.,  who  Vvras  Secretary  of  the  Colony  under  Andros, 
and  d.  1717,  a3.  72.  There  was  a  Richard  Clark  in  Ply.  1620,  who  d. 
next  Spring;  also  a  William  in  Y.,  who  d.  Dec.  7,  1668,  prob.  single, 
and  gave  his  prop,  to  Jose])h  and  Benj.  ;  and  an  Edmuxd  in  S.  1643. 
Johx,  of  Be.,  m.  Mary  Benjamin  Aug.  16,  1695,  and  had  John  Nov.  16, 
1697.     "  Mr.  Johx,  schoolmaster,  d.  at  Y.  Aug.  16,  1705."     Andrew,  s. 


AJSfNALS    OF   HARWICH.  525 

Benjamin  Bangs,     Ebenezer  Bangs  Jr.,  Joshua  Hopkins, 

John  D.  Bangs,       James  Small,  Elnathan  Eld  ridge, 

Scotto  Berry,  William  Cahoon,  Samuel  Eldridgs  3d, 

Thomas  Snow  Jr.,  Ebenezer  Nickerson,  Thomas  Bangs, 

Elkanah  Hopkins,  Edward  Nickerson,  Joshua  Gray,' 

Corn'l's  Bradford,  John  Dillingham,  Ebenezer  Bangs, 

Wid.  Jed.  Snow,     Thomas  Snow,  Reuben  Rogers, 

Benj.  Walker,         John  Dillingham  Jr.,  Gideon  Clark, 

Wid.  Lydia  Snow,  Isaac  Dillingham,  Wid.  Desire  Bangs. 
Seth  Freeman,        John  Cahoon, 

"  A  true  copy  of  the  original,^  lodged  in  the  Sec.  of 
State's  office,  May  5,  1804.  Att.,  John  D.  Bangs,  clerk 
of  said  town  of  Harwich.  Att.,  John  Avery,  Secre- 
tary." 

of  Thos.,  of  Ply.  and  H.,  had,  by  Mehit.,  his  w.,  Thos.  July  10,  1672; 
Susanna  Mar.  12,  1674  ;  Mehit.  Dec.  8,  1676,  after  which  he  removed  from 
Boston  to  H  ;  Andrew  ;  Scotto  ;  and  Nath'l.  There  was  a  Thomas  in  Y., 
who  m.  Rebecca  Miller,  dr.  2d  Jno.,  Feb.  15,  1682,  and  had  Susanna  Feb. 
21,  1684,  and  Thomas  Dec.  25,  1685.  Aj^drew,  of  H.,  m.  Eliz.  Winslow 
Aug.  9,  1711,  and  had  Mehit.  Oct.  29,  1712;  Eliz.  1714,  d.  inf.;  Eliz. 
1716;  Thankful  1721;  Eunice  1724;  and  Hannah  1726.  See  "school 
removes,"  1  725. 

'  Mr.  John  Gray  was  in  Y.  1643,  and  d.  1674.  By  Hannah,  his  w.,  he 
had  Benj.  Dec.  7,  1648;  Wm.  Oct.  5,  1650;  Mary,  whom.  Benj.  Ryder 
1670;  Edward;  John;  and  Gideon.  John,  of  H.,  s.  of  John  of  Y.,  m. 
Susanna  Clark,  dr.  of  Andrew,  and  d.  Mar.  31,  1732.  He  had  a  large 
family:  perhaps  Lot;  Susanna,  who  m.  Nath'l  Sears  1712;  Hannah; 
Thomas;  Edward;  certainly,  by  Susannah,  Samuel,  1731;  Lydia  1702; 
Sarah  1704,  who  prob.  m.  Watson  Freeman  1724;  Mehit.  1706,  who  m. 
John  Dillingham  Jr.;  Andrew  Sept.  29,  1707;  Anne  1709,  d.  y. ;  Elisha 
Nov.  29,  1711;  Joshua  Oct.  19,  1713,  who  d.  1735;  and  Anna  Nov.  30, 
1714,  who  m.  Thacher  Freeman  1732.  We  aim  at  accuracy,  but  would 
be  understood  to  admit  the  difficultj^  we  find  in  attaining  to  certainty  in  all 
cases.  The  genealogical  data  of  the  highly  respectable  family  of  Grays  is, 
to  our  mind,  somewhat  complicated.  An  Edward  Gray  was  in  Ply. 
1643,  a  youth,  became  a  merchant,  rep.  in  1676-8,  and  d.  1681.  He  m. 
Mary  Winslow,  dr.  Jno.,  Jan.  16,  1650,  who  d.  1663,  and  2d  Doroty  Lettis, 
dr.  Thos.,  Dec.  12,  1665,  and  had  Desire  Feb.  24,  1651,  who  m.  Lt.  Nath'l 
Southworth;  Mary  Sept.  18,  1653;  Eliz.  Feb.  11,  1658;  Sarah  Aug.  12, 
1659;  and,  Mr.  Savage  says,  John  Oct.  1,  1661;  but,  in  our  notes  it  is 
Samuel,  prob.  a  mistake.  He  had  also,  by  2d  m.,  Edward  Jan.  31,  1666  ; 
and  Susanna  Oct.  15,  1668.  Edward,  of  Y.,  genealogists  say  '■'■proh.  s. 
of  1st  John,"  ;n.  Melatiali  Lewis,  dr.  Geo.  of  Be.,  July  16,  1684,  and  had 
Priscilla  Oct.  8,  1686;  Gideon  Sept.  6,  1688;  John  July  26,  1691  ;  Mela- 
tiah  June  6,  1694;  and  Mercy  Ap.  13,  1696.  See  gen.  continued  in 
Annals  of  Brewster. 

^It  may  here  be  stated  that  some  of  the  remonstrants  who  still  adhered  to 
the  town  of  Harwich  resided  in  parts  of  the  new  town  remotest  from 
Harwich. 


526         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

The  following  additional  was  subsequent  to  the  lost 
certificatej  which  the  preceding  was  intended  to  sup- 

"  Agreeably  to  an  Act  of  the  General  Court  to  divide,  etc., 
.  .  and  to  the  2d  Section  .  .  that  the  remonsti'ants  to  the 
Act  of  Inc.  who  live  in  the  N"orth  Parish,  together  with  such 
widows  living  therein,  and  who  shall  request  it,  shall  have  liberty 
to  remain,  with  their  families  and  estates,  to  the  town  of  Har- 
wich, by  leaving  their  names  in  the  Secretary's  Office  at  any  time 
within  two  years  from  the  date  of  sd.  Act  of  Inc.,  certifying  that 
such  is  their  intention  ;  This  is  to  certify  that  it  is  our  intention 
to  continue  and  remain,  with  our  families  and  estates,  to  the 
town  of  Harwich,  whose  names  are  subscribed  to  this  certificate. 
Harwich,  Feb.  28,  1804. 

Wid.  Eliz.  Seymour,   Nathan  Hopkins  Jr.,  Wid.  Hannah  Snow, 
Wid.  Sarah  Crowell,   William  Snell  Jr.,       Benjamin  Clark. 
Joshua  Bangs,  Seth  Snow, 

"  A  true  copy,  Attest.,  John  D.  Bangs,  clerk  of  sd. 
town  of  Harwich." 

In  the  month  of  Dec,  1803,  the  town  chose  John 
Dillingham  and  Eben.  Broadbrooks  a  com.  to  meet  a 
com.  app.  by  the  General  Court  to  view  the  places  con- 
templated for  erecting  an  academy  in  the  county  of 
Barnstable  ;  ^  and,  at  the  same  mQeting,  it  was  "  voted 
that  the  Academy  should  not  be  built  in  Brewster."  ^ 

In  1804,  the  amount  raised  for  town  charges  was  1900;  "for 
ministerial  purposes,  |550."  Dea.  Ammiel  Weekes  died  this 
year,  £e.  84.^ 

'This  academy  and  its  inc.  and  endowment,  mentioned  Vol.  I.  585, 
also  p.  138  of  the  present  vol.,  was  designed  to  be  a  county  institution.  It 
is  again  mentioned,  page  140-2,  with  intimation  of  its  perversion  from  its 
original  intent,  through  sectarian  influences.  It  has  been  matter  of  sur- 
prise that,  notwithstanding  it  has  long  since  become  defunct  as  a  literary 
mstitution  of  high  order,  and  its  large  endowment  dissipated  none  tell  us 
whither,  that  no  incj^uiry  is  successfully  attempted. 

^  In  this  vote,  we  see  an  inkling  of  the  animosities  engendered  by  the 
division  of  the  town. 

^  Dea.  Weekes  is  said  to  have  been  "  a  man  of  great  moral  worth,  and 
was  in  former  years  one  of  those  denominated  New-Lights."  In  later  life, 
he  was  of  the  Baptist  order.  It  has  been  claimed  for  him  that  he  was 
inventor  of  works  for  manufacturing  salt  by  solar  heat,  and  that  he  was 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  527 


In  1806,  for  Mr.  Underwood's  salary,  |400  was  raised,  and 
for  town  charges.  It  was  voted  to  apply  to  the  Sup.  Jud.  Court 
for  a  partition  of  the  town's  lands  and  ministerial  property ;  and, 
for  this  purpose,  Capt.  Eben.  Weekes  and  Mr.  Benj.  Bangs  wei-e 
app.  agents.  It  was  also  voted  to  sustain  Mr.  Underwood's 
defence  against  the  suit  of  Mi*.  Simpkins  for  the  improvement  of 
part  of  the  ministerial  property.  Messrs.  John  Dillingham,  Eben. 
Brooks,  and  John  D.  Bangs  were  app.,  Aug.  14,  on  the  part  of 
this  town  to  meet  Messrs.  Jona.  Snow,  Isaac  Clark,  and  Abraham 
Winslow  app.  by  the  town  of  Brewster,  to  adjust  the  unsettled 
business  of  the  town  before  the  division,  arrange  for  the  support 
of  the  poor,  etc. 

In  1807,  11000  was  raised  for  town  charges,  and  |400  for  min- 
ister's salary.  To  settle  finally  all  remaining  difficulties  growing 
out  of  the  late  division,  Eben  Brooks  Esq.,  John  Dillingham  Esq., 
and  Capt.  Isaiah  Chase  were  app.  a  com.  to  confer  with  a  like 
com.  app.  by  the  town  of  Brewster. 

In  1808,  commissioners  being  app.  by  the  Sup.  Jud. 
Court  to  divide  the  town  and  ministerial  lands,  Messrs. 
John  Dillingham,  Eben.  Weekes,  and  John  D.  Bangs 
were  app.  by  the  town  to  meet  sd.  commissioners,  and 
assist  them,  by  showing  them  the  lands,  etc. 

In  the  complication  of  difficulties  resulting  from  the  division, 
the  town  found  cause,  in  1810,  to  emjDloy  counsel,  "  to  defend 
to  final  judgment,"  an  action  brought  by  Rev.  Mr.  Underwood 
for  his  salary  from  Nov.  22,  1803  to  Aug.  1,  1810. 

In  1811,  Mr.  Underwood  relinquished  his  salary  and  all  de- 
mands, on  payment  of  arrears.  Rev.  J.  BaejStaby  was  called  to 
the  pastorate  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  W.  Harwich,  this  year, 
and  ordained  Aug.  7.^ 

In  1813,  Mr.  Scotto  Freemak  died,  July  20  ;  and  Mr.  Ebe- 
NEZEE  Weekes  died  in  1815,  se.  60.^      In  1816,  the  bounds  be- 


deprived  of  tbe  honor  of  the  invention  by  another  stepping  in.  These 
rival  claims  it  is  not  our  prerogative  to  judge. 

•'Rev.  Mr.  Barnaby's  connection  with  this  church  has,  since  his  first  set- 
tlement, involved  four  periods,  1813  to  1819,  1837  to  1844,  1849  to  1855, 
and  1862  to  the  present.  The  intervals  were  variously  filled,  Rev.  Mr. 
Curtis  next  succeeding  him,  1822  to  1824. 

^  Mr.  Weekes'  death  was  by  casualty,  —  a  fall  from  a  hay-loft.  He 
was  four  times  married,  and  had  12  children,  one  of  whom  was  the  present 
Cyrus  Weekes  Esq.     A  daughter  married  Obed  Brooks  Esq.,  in  1806.     He 


528  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

tween  this  town  and  Dennis  were  settled.     In  1826,  Rev.  Mr. 
Coombs  became  minister  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

Our  notice  of  future  doings  and  events,  must  neces- 
sarily be  brief;  for  there  is  found  upon  the  records 
very  little  of  public  interest  to  engage  attention. 

In  1828,  April  8,  Rev.  Nathan  Underwood,  who  had 
long  been  connected  with  the  Congregational  Church 
known  as  the  2d,  and  the  South  Precinct,  resigned 
his  pastorate.  During  the  earlier  period  of  his  min- 
istry, his  parochial  charge  were  harmonious  and  pros- 
perous ;  the  multiplication  of  sects  had,  for  the  last 
twenty  years,  rendered  his  situation  less  happy.  Af- 
ter the  retirement  of  Mr.  Underwood  from  active  du- 
ties of  the  ministry,  the  pulpit  left  vacant  by  him  had 
various  supplies  ;  ^  but  the  frequent  changes  ecclesias- 
tical have  long  since  become  indicative  of  the  wane 
of  the  ancient  order  of  things,  and  the  toim^s  doings 
are  no  longer  associated  with  the  ministers  of  religion. 
It  is  no  part  of  our  plan  or  design  to  present  the  ec- 
clesiastical history  of  later  times ;  nor,  indeed,  of  ear- 
lier, —  except  as  intimately  blended  with,  and  by  law 
an  inseparable  part  of,  the  civil  history  which  we 
aim  to  rescue  from  oblivion  and  elucidate.  If  we 
have  mentioned,  or  shall  mention,  such  instances  of 
the  multiplication  of  religious  sects  as  have  fallen  under 

was  representative  five  years,  and  town  clerk  and  treasurer  four  years. 
Being  1 7  years  old  at  the  time  of  the  Lexington  Battle,  his  father,  when 
the  news  of  that  engagement  reached  Harwich,  said  to  him,  "Eben,  you 
are  the  only  one  that  can  be  spared ;  take  the  gun  and  go :  fight  for  reli- 
gion and  liberty."  He  obeyed,  and  others  joined  him.  They  were  in  the 
battle  of  Breed's  Hill.  He  afterwards  enlisted  for  three  years,  and  was  in 
the  hard-fought  battle  on  Long  Island.  "  His  death  was  much  lamented." 
^  Rev.  Mr.  Sanford  of  Dennis  supplied  the  pulpit  several  years  every 
fourth  Sunday;  Rev.  N.  Cobb,  n25-6  ;  Rev.  Wm.  M.  Cornell,  1T27-8; 
RevLW.  Wheelrisht,  1828-9;  Rev.  L.  Field,  1829-30;  Rev.  C.  Kim- 
ball, 1832-4;  Rev.  W.  Withington,  1835;  Rev.  C.  C.  Adams,  1835-8  ;  Rev. 
J.  H.  Avery,  1838-9;  Rev.  W.  H.  Adams,  1841;  and  Rev.  M.  Wilder, 
1851  ;  these  are  sufHcient  indications  of  the  inexpediency  of  our  pages  be- 
ing devoted  to  a  full  rcco?  d  of  ministerial  changes,  occurring  even  among 
those  who,  in  early  times  were  "  the  standing  order." 


ANNALS    OF   HARWICH.  529 

our  casual  observation,  it  has  been  and  will  be,  simply 
with  the  view  of  elucidating  progress,  and  never  with 
the  intention  of  assuming  the  position  of  historiogra- 
pher of  all  or  any  of  the  numerous,  and  still  multiply- 
ing, religious  denominations  of  the  last  half-century. 
Ebenezer  Brooks  Esq.  died  Feb.  4,  se.  78.^ 
Rev.  William  Bowen  became  the  minister  of  the 
Baptist  Church  in  1829 ;  and  Rev.  Davis  Lathrop  in 
1831.2 

In  1832,  the  Barnstable  Baptist  Association  was  organized,  em- 
bracing all  the  churches  of  the  order  on  the  Cape,  Nantucket, 
and  Martha's  Vineyard ;  of  which,  in  its  rise,  the  Baptist  Church 
at  West  Harwich  has,  as  we  have  before  intimated,  the  prece- 
dence. 

In  1834,  Mr.  Joscph  Underwood  died,  se.  35. 

In  1841,  May,  the  Rev.  Nathan  Underwood  died,  se. 

QQ3 


^Ebenezer  Brooks  Esq.  filled  a  large  space  in  society.  He  was  in 
the  legislature  4  yrs. ;  selectman  20  yrs. ;  just,  pac,  1784  to  1828;  post- 
master 1803  to  1821,  and  a  large  landholder. 

*Eev.  Mr.  Lathrop  removed  in  1834  to  another  charge,  but  again  be- 
came the  minister  here  in  1844,  and  of  late  years  has  officiated  at  the 
Bethel,  or  Union  meeting-house.  Mr.  Matthews  and  Mr.  Huntley  fol- 
lowed in  the  ministry  of  the  Baptist  Church ;  then  Mr.  Warrejst  and  Mr. 
Ashley. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Underwood  is  particularly  noticed,  Vol.  I.  642-4  ;  and  we 
have  said  that  his  position  as  a  clergyman  was  highly  respectable.  When, 
in  the  latter  part  of  life,  chosen  to  represent  the  town  in  the  Gen.  Court, 
he  was  much  respected  as  an  intelligent  and  energetic  legislator ;  but,  being 
somewhat  deaf,  he  experienced  at  times  the  inconvenience  of  the  infirmity. 
Especially,  on  one  occasion,  when  an  exciting  debate  had  arisen,  and  the 
question  was  being  put, — •  a  question  in  which  he  felt  unusual  interest  be- 
cause involving  cherished  principles, — the  vote  was  demanded  by  the  presid- 
ing officer  in  a  reversed  order  quite  unexpected  by  Mr.  Underwood.  He, 
entirely  misapprehending  the  call,  voted,  to  the  surprise  of  every  one,  the 
affirmative,  —  his  naturally  strong  voice  enunciating  Aye  with  unusual 
energy,  when  every  listener  knew  that  his  intention  would  thereby  be  frus- 
trated. Hon.  Russell  Freeman  of  Sandwich,  then  a  member  and  coadjutor 
in  politics  with  Mr.  Underwood,  although  himself  nearly  as  deaf,  perceived 
in  an  instant  that  the  Rev.  gentleman  had  mistaken  the  call  of  the  speaker, 
by  not  hearing  the  words  in  which  the  question  was  put ;  and,  in  the  excite- 
ment of  the  moment  sprang  to  the  ear  of  his  venerable  friend,  and,  in  what 
was  meant  to  be  undertone,  thundered  '  No.'  Mr.  Freeman  was  not  only 
promptly  called  to  order,  but  the  opposite  party  affected  to  regard  his  action 
as  a  high  offence,  especially  as  Mr.  Underwood  desired  to  correct  his 
vote.  The  explanation  and  apology  of  Mr.  F.,  it  need  not  be  doubted,  were 
VOL.  IL  67 


530  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1855,  Ap.  3,  was  organized  the  Congregational 
Church  and  Society  at  Harwich  Port,  known  as  "  the 
Pilgrim  Church  and  Society,"  and  Rev.  Mr.  McCollum 
was  settled  as  pastor.  The  Baptist  Society,  in  the 
west  part  of  the  town,  settled  Rev.  Mr.  Warren. 
Obed  Brooks  Esq.  died  Aug.  4,  1856,  ae.  75.^ 

Rev.  Joseph  R.  Munsell  became  minister  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church  at  Harwich  Centre  in  1857 ',  and 
Rev.  Frederick  Hebard,  of  the  Pilgrim  Church,  in  1858. 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Brooks  died  Sept.  26,  1863,  se.  70 ;  and 
Capt.  Amasa  Nickerson,  Sept.  29,  ae.  84. 

In  respect  to  this  town,  there  is  nothing  remarkable 
to  record  of  the  years  that  succeeded.  Its  popula- 
tion is  large,  giving  it  the  rank  of  the  fourth  town 
in  the  county.  In  patriotic  devotion  to  the  interests 
of  the  country,  it  has  always  stood  high ;  nor  have  we 
at  the  time  of  this  present  writing,  1863,  any  reason 
to  apprehend  that  this  town  is  derelict.  If,  in  the 
severe  struggle  in  which  the  nation  is  engaged,  there 
be  malcontents  here,  we  know  it  not.    The  accustomed 


satisfactory  to  all  candid  minds,  and  even  the  indignation  of  the  most  zeal- 
ous opposing  pohticians  was  effectively  quelled.  He  remarked  that  he 
could  not  be  supposed  by  any  intelligent  member  to  have  intended  to  use 
the  language  of  dictation ;  for,  if  he  were  capa,ble  of  such  an  unpai'liamen- 
tary  act,  it  would  be  preposterous  to  presume  on  such  liberty  with  so  enlight- 
ened and  determined  a  mind  as  that  of  the  venerable  member  from  Har- 
wich. He  referred  to  his  intimacy  with  and  high  respect  for  Mr.  U.,  and 
the  conviction  he  felt  the  gentleman  was,  in  consequence  of  an  infirmity, 
suiFered  by  himself  also,  about  to  be  involuntarily  committed  to  an  act  the 
very  opposite  of  what  he  intended ;  and  that  every  principle  of  honesty, 
friendship,  and  sympathy  alike  indicated  the  duty  of  advising  him  of  his 
mistake ;  then  closing  with  the  words  of  the  Sidonian  Dido  to  the  Trojan 
Anchises'  son,  (the  adjective  being  changed  to  suit  the  circumstances,) 

"  Non  ignarus  mali,  miseris  succurrere  disco." 

Mr.  Underwood  was  allowed  to  correct  his  vote ;  and  the  house  were  in 
better  humor  in  consequence  of  the  episode. 

^  Obed  Brooks  Esq.  was  postmaster  many  yrs. ;  town  clerk  and  treas- 
urer 26  yrs.  and  filled  various  offices ;  but  was  not,  as  was  inadvertently 
stated  Vol.  I.  666,  selectman.  He  was  justice  of  the  peace  many  yrs.,  and 
county  commissioner. 


ANNALS  OF   HARWICH.  531 

avocations  of  the  people  upon  the  seas  may  be  imper- 
illed, and  the  conviction  that 

"  great  tumults  are  not  laid 
With  half  the  easiness  that  they  are  raised," 

may  find  strength  in  the  development  of  the  present 
moment ;  but  the  call  for  men  of  stout  hearts  and 
active  enterprise,  whether  upon  the  land  or  sea,  has 
not  been  unheeded.  A  stranger  from  another  land, 
visiting  this  and  other  Cape  towns,  could  hardly  cred- 
it the  magnitude  of  the  work  which  government  has 
undertaken  in  defence  of  the  integrity  of  the  Union. 
Prosperity  seems  not  impeded  ;  thrift  is  everywhere 
apparent ;  and  business  moves  on  as  if 

"  th'  viperous  worm 
That  gnaws  the  bowels  of  the  commonwealth  " 

were  non  est.  Far  different,  we  apprehend,  is  the  state 
of  things  where  the  fires  of  revolt  were  kindled : — 

"  What  anxious  moments  pass  between 
The  birth  of  plots  and  their  last  periods ! 
Oh !  'tis  a  dreadful  interval  of  time, 
Made  up  of  horror  all,  and  big  with  death." 

We  turn  to  the  usual  concluding  statistics  with  one 
other  remark  only :  the  intimate  connection  existing 
for  a  century  of  years  between  the  two  original  prci 
cincts  of  the  ancient  Harwich  leaves  much  of  the  gen- 
ealogical data  to  appear,  more  conveniently,  in  the 
Annals  of  Brewster. 


532 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


EEPRE  SENT  ATI  VE  S. 


1711. 
1712. 
1713. 
1717. 
1719. 
1720. 
1721; 
1722. 
1725. 
1741. 
1749. 
1755. 
1761. 


Yrs. 

John  Mayo,  6. 

Gershom  Hall,  3. 

Thomas  Clark,  10. 

Chilingsw.  Foster,  8. 

Wm.  My  rick,  1. 

Kenelm  Winslow,  1. 

John  Gray,  1. 

Isaac  Mayo,  1. 

Edra.  Freeman,  14. 

Jos.  Freeman,  6. 

Edw.  Bangs,  2. 

Nath.  Stone,  6. 

Chil.  Foster  Jr.,  10. 


1770, 
1775. 
1777. 
1783, 
1793. 
1794. 
1802. 

1808, 
1812, 
1813, 

1823. 


Yrs. 

Benj.  Freeman,  4. 

Joseph  Nye,  5. 

Sol.  Freeman,  4. 

Kimbal  Clark,  9. 

.Joseph  Snow,  1. 

Jno.  Dillingham,  9. 

Bonj.  Bangs,  4. 

Eben.  Brooks,  4. 

Eben.  Weeks,  5, 

Eli  Small,  1. 

Isaiah  Chase,  5. 

Nathan  Nickerson,  1. 
Nathan  Underwood,  2. 


1827. 

1832. 
1833. 
1834. 
1838. 
18.09. 
1841. 
1849. 
1850. 
1853. 
1855. 


YrB. 
James  Long,  13. 

Greenleaf  J.  Pratt,  1. 
Sidney  Underwood,  1. 
Job  Chase,  3. 

Sam'I  Eldridg-e,  4. 

Eich.  Baker,  2. 

Cyrus  Weeks,  7. 

Loring  Moody,  2. 

Obed  Nickerson,  1. 
Nath'l.  Doane,  4. 

Anthony  K.  Chase,  2. 
Elk'h.  Nickerson,      2. 


SELECTMEN. 


1701. 


1707. 
1710. 


1713. 


1716. 
1718. 

1725. 
1727. 
1732. 
17.33. 


1739. 
1742. 

1744. 
1747. 

1748. 
1749. 
1752. 


Yr8. 

Wm.  Myrick,  9. 

Joseph  Paine,  11. 

Thos.  Freeman,  5. 

Thomas  Clark,  4. 

Gershom  Hall,  3. 

Chilingsw.  Foster,  6. 

Kenelm  Winslow,  3. 

Edw'd.  Snow,  2. 

Nath'l.  Myrick,  20. 

Jno.  Freeman,  3. 

Prince  Snow,  13. 

Thos.  Lincoln,  8. 

Jos.  Freeman,  14. 

Edm.  Freeman,  7. 

Nath'l.  Hopkins,  1. 

Chil.  Foster,  3. 

Joseph  Mayo,  11. 

Kenelm  Winslow,  3. 

Jabez  Snow,  28. 

Wm.  Freeman,  3. 

John  Snow,  9. 

Thos.  Winslow,  1. 

Judah  Sears,  1. 

Nat'l.  Doane,  1. 

Edward  Hall,  24. 

EUsha  Doane,  8. 

Barn's.  Freeman,  6. 


1754. 
1759. 
1762. 
1706. 
1770. 

1773. 
1779. 

1780. 

1782. 

1783. 
1785. 
1795. 
1789. 
1792. 
1801. 
1802. 
1804. 
(( 

1809. 
1811. 
1813. 

1814. 
1815. 


Yrs. 

Thos.  Kendrick, 

1. 

1815 

Edm.  Freeman, 

8. 

1816 

Heman  Stone, 

3. 

" 

Chil.  Foster, 

2. 

1817 

James  Paine, 

16. 

1818 

Benj.  Freeman, 

2. 

1825 

Joseph  Nye, 

8. 

1830 

Joseph  Snow, 

8. 

1831 

Sol.  Freeman, 

1. 

18.32 

Benj.  Berry, 

4. 

1835 

Nath'l.  Doane, 

2. 

1836 

Ammiel  Weeks. 

1. 

1837 

Jno.  Dillingham, 

22. 

1839 

Eben.  B.  Brooks, 

20. 

1841 

Jona.  Snow, 

8. 

1843 

Eben.  Snow, 

4. 

1844 

Reuben  Snow, 

2. 

1845 

John  Gould, 

1. 

Scotto  Berry, 

3. 

1848. 

Isaiah  Chase, 

6. 

l'^50. 

Wm.  Eldridge, 

7. 

18-52 

John  D.  Bangs, 

4. 

1853. 

Job  Chase, 

4. 

" 

Nathan  Nickerson 

2. 

1857. 

Stephen  Burgess, 

2. 

1858. 

Eben.  Kelley, 

1. 

1860. 

Daniel  Hall, 

1. 

1863. 

Yrs. 

James  Long,  18. 

Sam'I.  KeUey,  1. 

Nath'l.  Doane,  12. 

Elijah  Chase,  16. 

Reuben  Cahoon,  4. 

Nath.  Underwood,  23. 

Anthony  Kelley,  3. 

Sam'I.  Eldridge,  4. 

Isaiah  Baker,  1. 

Amasa  Nickerson,  3. 

Elk'h.  Nickerson,  1. 

Isaac  Kelley,  8. 

Nath'l.  Chase,  2. 

Isaiah  Doane,  5. 

Freeman  Snow,  2. 

.Jacob  Crowell,  3. 

Nath'l.  Chase  2d,  2. 

Cyrus  Weeks,  9. 

Darius  \veeks,  1. 

Danforth  S.  Steele,  9. 

James  Chase,  2. 

Jno.  Kenney,  2. 

Benj.  F.  Bee,  1. 

Shub.  B.  Kelley,  3. 

Isaiah  C.  Kelley,  5. 

Thos.  Kendrick,  4. 

Sheldon  Crowell,  1. 


TOWN  TREASURERS. 


1701.  Thos.  Freeman, 
1705.  John  Gray, 
1707.  Kenelm  Winslow, 
1709.  John  Mayo, 
1713.  Wm.  Myrick, 
1716.  Chil.  Foster, 
1741.  Nath'l.  Stone, 


STrs. 

Yrs. 

6. 

1776. 

James  Paine, 

9. 

1809. 

1. 

1785. 

Joseph  Snow, 

7. 

1810. 

5. 

1789. 

Benj.  Bangs. 

1. 

1839. 

3. 

1793. 

Reuben  Snow, 

2. 

1846. 

1. 

1794. 

Dean  Bangs, 

1. 

1848. 

25. 

1796. 

Anthony  Gray, 

5. 

1852. 

35. 

1801. 

John  D.  Bangs, 

8. 

1859. 

Yrs, 
Obed  Brooks,  26, 

Eben'r.  Weeks,  4 

John  Allen,  7 

Eph'm.  Doane,  8 

Benj.  W.  Eldridge,  4, 
Obed  Brooks  Jr.,  1 
W.  H.  Underwood,   6 


TOWN   CLERKS. 


1701.  Thos.  Freeman, 
1707.  Joseph  Paine, 
1713.  Chil.  Foster, 
1741.  Nath'l.  Stone, 
1776.  .James  Paine, 
1785.  Joseph  Snow, 


Yrs. 

6. 

6. 
28. 
35. 


1789.  Benj.  Bangs, 

1793.  Reuben  Snow, 

1794.  Dean  Bangs, 
1796.  Anthony  Gray, 
1801.  Jno.  D.  Bangs, 
1809.  Obed  Brooks, 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1. 

1810. 

Eben'r.  Weeks,          4. 

2. 

1839. 

John  Allen,                7. 

1. 

1846. 

Eph'm.  Doane,           8. 

5. 

1848. 

B.  W.  Eldridge,         4. 

8. 

1852. 

Obed  Brooks  Jr.,       1. 

26. 

1859. 

W.  H.  Underwood,    5. 

THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OF 


TRURO. 


"I  WILL  TUEN  MT  ATTENTIOIT  TO  THE  ANCIENT  AND  MEMOBABLE  INSTITUTIONS;  FOE  IT  IS 
NECES3AET  THAT  THE  ELEMENTS  OF  OUE  PEOSPEEITT  BE  KNOWN,  THAT  A  BEOABD  TO  THEM 
MAY  IMPEOVB  THE  PKESENI  TIUES."— Valerius Moximus, 


(633) 


^xiBtxx^ixan, 


TO   HON.    HENRY   CHOCKER, 

One  of  the  -Viae-CPresidents  of  the  Cape  Cod  Association 

OF  BOSTON, 
THESE  ANNALS  ARE  RESPECTFULLY 

INSCRIBED, 

Not  because  of  any  particular  interest  he  can  be  supposed  to  have  in  this  before 
other  towns,  but  because,  especially  and  above  all  other  considerations,  we  desire 
the  opportunity  of  expressing  our  sincere  regard  for  that  high  sense  of  honor,  ster- 
ling integrity,  large  intelligence,  true  patriotism,  and  the  many  virtues,  that  entitle 
him  to  the  esteem  of 

THE  AUTHOR. 


(63*) 


ANNALS  OF  TRURO. 


Tt  appears  from  Truro  records,  that  some  purchases 
of  lands  from  the  Indians  were  made  as  early  as  1696, 
perhaps  before,-^  and  that  the  settlement  of  the  plan- 
tation, the  Indian  name  of  which  was  Pamet,^  com- 
menced about  1700.  It  was  allowed  municipal  privi- 
leges, Oct.  29,  1705,  and  was  then  called  D  anger  field ; 
and,  July  16,  1709,  was  incorporated  by  its  present 
name. 

Situation"  and  Boundaries.  —  Truro  is  situated  E.  S.  E.  of 
Boston,  between  41  °  57 '  and  42  °  4 '  IST.  lat.,  and  between  70  ° 
4  '  and  70  °  13  '  W.  long,  from  Greenwich.  Its  distance  in  an 
air  line  from  Boston  is  57  m. ;  by  the  road,  102  ra.  From  the 
court  house  in  Barnstable  it  is  37  m.  Both  its  eastern  and 
western  shores  being  curved  and  approaching  each  other  toward 
the  northwest,  the  form  of  the  township  is  nearly  a  spherical 
triangle.  The  length  of  the  township,  as  the  road  runs,  is  about 
14  m. ;  in  a  direct  line,  11  m.  The  breadth,  in  the  widest  part, 
is  3  m.;  and  in  the  narrowest,  not  more  than  |-m.  It  is  bounded 
N.  W.  by  Provincetown ;  S.  by  Wellfleet ;  the  Atlantic  washes 
it  on  the  E.  and  N.  E. ;  and  Barnstable  Bay  and  Provincetown 
Harbor  on  the  west. 

Natural  Divisions,  etc. — In  the  extreme  north  and  north- 
west part  of  the  township  is  East  Harbor,  small,  shoal,  and  of 
little  use.  Near  this  harbor  is  a  village  known  for  many  years 
by  the  same  name.  Near  East  Harbor  village,  and  east  of  the 
harbor,  is  a  body  of  salt  marsh,  which,  from  the  action  of  the 
surrounding  sands,  has  greatly  diminished  its  proportions  and 

*  See  Vol.  I.  335,  337.     ^  Sometimes  Paomet.,  and  in  Act  of  Inc.  Pawmet. 

(535) 


536  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

value.  North  of  the  harbor,  the  beach  may  be  said  to  extend 
quite  across  the  townshii^,  and  the  light  sands  are  ever  on  the 
move.^ 

About  a  mile  S.  of  this,  and  3  m.  N",  of  Pamet,  is  a  pond  near 
which  is  another  settlement  designated  Pond  Village.  The 
high  and  steej)  banks  lying  along  the  bay  side  are  here  intei*- 
sected  by  a  valley  that,  making  from  the  shore,  soon  divides  into 
two  branches  '  and  in  this  valley  stands  the  village,  the  entrance 
from  the  sea  affording  a  convenient  landing,^  and  the  surround- 
ing hills  defending  from  winds. 

South  of  the  last-named  village,  one  mile,  the  bank  is  broken 
by  another  valley,  called  Great  Hollow.  Here  also,  and  in  a 
contiguous  dei^ression,  are  dwellings  that  constitute  another  vil- 
lage, between  which  and  "the  Pond "^  a' high  hill  intervenes, 
commanding  an  extensive  view  of  the  Atlantic,  Provincetown 
and  its  harbor,  and  of  the  shores  opposite  as  far  as  Plymouth 
and  the  high  lands  of  Marshiield.  Upon  this  bleak  elevation  was 
built,  in  1721,  "the  meeting-house  of  Truro."  The  edifice  was 
seen,  of  course,  from  a  great  distance  at  sea,  and  long  served  as 
a  landmark  for  mariners.  At  the  extreme  of  the  .mouth  of  the 
valley,  an  opening  is  made  by  the  waters  of  the  bay,  which  ap- 
proach within  a  few  rods  of  the  ocean  on  the  opposite  side. 
This  opening,  or  creek,  is  a  tide  harbor,  and  was  the  "  Pamet 
River "  visited  by  the  pioneers  from  the  Mayflowei-,  on  their 
"  first  excursion,"  in  1620.^  This  harbor,  called  Pamet  Harbor, 
may  yet  be  made  one  of  greater  public  utility.  It  is,  at  present, 
only  adapted  to  the  absolute  exigencies  of  the  place,  a  resort  for 
small  craft  and  for  fishermen.  As  it  extends  inland  it  divides 
into  three  branches,  on  which  are  bodies  of  salt  marsh,  called 
Great,  Hoj^kins,  and  Eagle  Neck  meadows,  which  branches  afford 
a  water  communication  for  boats,  to  the  great  convenience  of 
many.  The  village,  situated  at  the  extremity  of  the  meadows, 
has  been  familiarly  known  as  "  the  Head  of  Pamet." 

^  These  sands  have,  since  the  settlement  of  the  town,  made  considerable 
encroachments  upon  the  bay ;  whilst  the  back  shore  has  been  constantly 
losing,  chiefly  from  the  action  of  the  ocean. 

"  The  circuitous  bend  of  the  land  that  forms  the  harbor  of  Provincetown, 
generally  known  as  Cape  Cod  Harbor,  shelters  this  landing-place  from  the 
winds,  except  when  blowing  directly  toward  the  shore  over  24  miles 
extent  of  bay.  There  have  been  frequent  attempts  to  construct  a  harbor 
here,  but  these  have  not  been  prosecuted  with  desirable  success,     j 

"  There  are  5  other  small  ponds  in  Truro,  —  one  near  the  head  of  Pamet, 
the  others  in  the  southern  part  of  the  township. 

*  It  will  be  recollected  that  not  only  Pamet  River  was  explored  by  the 
pilgrims,  but  most  of  the  prominent  localities  in  the  neighborhood. 


■'s** 


ANNALS   OF   TRURO.  537 

The  part  of  the  townsliip  south  of  Pamet,  adjoining  the  bay, 
has  been  long  known  by  the  name  Hog's  Back.  Here  also  are 
scattered  dwellings  among  the  hills ;  and  between  this  and 
Wellfleet  is  another  body  of  salt  meadows,  caused  by  the  waters 
that  at  spring-tides  flow  between  Bound  Brook  Island  and  the 
main. 

Except  bodies  of  salt  meadows  that  have  been  mentioned,  the 
township  is  sandy,  and  free  from  rocks  or  stones.  The  land 
generally  cannot,  without  exaggeration,  be  said  to  furnish  spon- 
taneous verdure  at  any  season ;  ^  and  yet,  in  this  town,  Indian 
corn,  rye,  and  vegetables  are  produced  nearly  sufficient  for  home 
consumption.^  To  the  eye  of  the  traveller,  the  whole  of  the 
township  seems  to  be  made  up  of  ridges  of  bleak  and  lofty  downs, 
running  nearly  at  right  angles  with  the  shore.  The  tops  of  some 
of  these  elevations  spread  into  a  plain.  From  these  hills  in  the 
north  part  of  the  town,  nothing  but  hills  can  be  discerned,^  if  we 
except  a  few  windmills,  here  and  there  a  wood,  and,  conspicuous, 
the  remains  of  the  old  Congregational  meeting-house.  The  hill 
on  which  stood  this  central  attraction  branches  from  the  high- 
lands of  CajDC  Cod,  well  known  to  seamen,  commencing  at  the 
Clay  Pounds,*  or  clay  banks,  adjoining  the  ocean,  about  a  mile 
due  east  from  "  the  Pond ; "  and  these  "  High  Lands  "  extend 
south  as  far  as  the  "  Table  Land  of  Eastham." 


^  Although  this  is  strictly  true,  tradition  says,  and  possibly  some  are  yet 
living  who  remember,  that  these  hills  were  once  clothed  with  wood. 

^It  may  be  mentioned,  as  a  remarkable  fact,  that  50  bu.  of  Indian  corn 
per  acre  was  the  average  crop  of  some  farms  here  in  years  gone  by,  and  15 
or  20  bu.  of  wheat.  The  favorite  manure  for  corn  was  the  king  or  horse- 
shoe crab,  of  which  there  are  great  numbers  on  this  coast.  To  each  hill  of 
three  plants  was  allotted  one  crab,  its  shell  broken.  The  sand  thus  nour- 
ished yielded  an  adequate  return  for  the  labors  of  the  husbandman,  the 
gi'ain  filling  well,  though  the  plant  be  low  of  stature,  and  limited  as  to  the 
size  of  its  naturally  broad  and  ornamental  flag-Hke  leaves. 

^  Of  these  ancient  moraines,  as  called  geologically,  Doct.  Hitchcock  says 
those  in  Truro  are  among  the  most  remarkable  he  has  ever  seen.  "  They 
ai'e  sometimes  200  or  300  ft.  high,  composed  wholly  of  sand,  often  not 
merely  conical,  but  with  sharp-pointed  apex,  and  give  a  singular  aspect  to 
the  landscai^e."  They  have  been  supposed  to  have  been  "  formed  by 
glaciers,"  or  to  be  "  accumulations  of  detritus,  produced  by  the  grating  of 
icebergs  along  the  bottom  of  the  ocean."  We  are  not  responsible  for  the 
speculations  of  geologists  :  this  learned  class,  we  confess,  often  stagger  our 
credulity. 

*  So  called,  it  is  said,  from  the  incessant  poundings  of  wrecks  against 
these  high,  solid,  and  perpendicular  banks.  This  eastern  shore  has  from 
time  immemorial  been  dangerous,  and  more  vessels,  it  is  said,  have  been 
cast  away  here  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  country.  Perhaps,  of  late 
years,  some  portions  of  the  Gulf  should  be  excepted. 
VOL.  II.  68 


538  HISTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

The  Clay  Pounbs  are  an  object  of  interest.  The  high  banks 
are  excavated  in  a  semi-circular  form,  and,  in  the  midst  of  this 
perpendicular  excavation,  arises,  from  a  broad  base,  a  cone  of 
blue  clay,  100  ft.  high,  Not  far  from  this  is  another  similar  ex- 
\  cavation,  and  another  tower  of  clay,  but  not  so  regularly  formed 

as  its  mate.  The  land  in  this  locality  is,  perhaps,  superior  to 
any  other  in  the  township ;  and  here  is  a  small  village.^  The 
larger  divisions  at  present  recognized  are  :  South  Tkubo,  Tbueo 
(Centre),  and  North  Teuko, 

There  remains  still,  in  the  sojith  part  of  the  town,  some  wood- 
land. The  time  was  when  much  valuable  ship-timber  was  cut 
here.  Good  and  soft  water  is  easily  obtained  by  digging  wells. 
The  springs  of  these  are  but  little  elevated  above  the  level  of 
the  ocean.^  The  climate  is  not  unfavorable  to  health  and 
longevity. 

^  A  lighthouse  was  erected  here  in  1798.  The  Boston  and  Cape  Cod 
Marine  Telegraph  Co.  have  an  office  now  established  at  the  Pounds,  a 
desideratum  of  great  importance,  especially  in  obtaining  early  information 
of  the  passing  of  vessels,  and  of  wrecks  that  occur. 

^  It  is  so  difficult  to  furnish  an  adequate  description  of  this  remarkable 
town,  —  a  view  that  shall  convey  to  the  mind  of  the  reader  the  veritable 
idea,  —  that  we  incline  to  furnish,  as  an  additional  aid,  the  remarks  of  that 
accurate  observer,  Kendal,  as  he  wrote  them  in  1807  :  "The-country  of 
Truro  is  in  great  part  hilly,  with  a  soil  of  gravelly  loam,  supporting  lofty 
woods,  and  hollowed  into  verdant  and  well-watered  vales,  but  with  tracts 
of  sand  near  the  inlets  of  the  sea,  either  drifting  in  the  winds,  or  sujDporting 
a  thin  growth  of  beach-grass.  Several  rivulets  and  ponds  present  them- 
selves ;  and  the  whole  landscape  has  much  in  it  that  is  romantic."  This,  it 
will  be  perceived,  was  on  entering  Truro  from  Wellfleet.  He  continues : 
"  In  going  to  Provincetown,  for  a  short  space,  the  road  lay  over  hills  on 
which  were  crops  of  maize.  At  the  foot  of  these  hiUs,  I  entered  a  tract  of 
salt  marsh,  inclosed  at  its  head  by  a  fence,  and  open  at  the  opposite  ex- 
tremity to  Provincetown  Harbor.  In  aU  the  lower  part,  the  road  lies 
along  its  edge,  and  is  more  or  less  commodious  as  the  tide  is  higher  or 
lower,  the  flood-tide  driving  the  traveller  into  the  loose  sand  and  upon  the 
sand-hills  ;  while  the  ebb  gives  him  the  use  of  the  lower  part  of  the  beach, 
itself  but  soft,  and  thrown  into  transverse  ridges,  and  interrupted  by  rills  of 
fresh  water  flowing  from  springs  in  the  hills.  The  length  of  the  salt-meadow 
is  about  9  m.  Returning  from  Provincetown,  and  crossing  the  salt- 
meadows,  the  main  road  was  reached  near  the  Hghthouse  in  Truro.  The 
intervening  country  was  a  light  loam  ;  its  surface  open  downs.  A  farmer 
and  miUer  was  the  keeper  of  the  light,  which  stood  a  small  distance  from 
the  edge  of  an  eminence  on  the  lofty  table-land  that  runs  along  the  penin- 
sula. This  eminence  is  part  of  a  remarkable  vein  of  blue  clay  and  marl, 
not  more  than  200  yards  broad,  terminating  abruptly  on  the  beach,  and 
growing  narrower  as  it  recedes  inland,  where,  at  a  distance  of  one-half  mile, 
it  contracts  itself  to  a  point.  On  each  side,  all  is  sand.  This  vein,  regarded 
as  the  proper  position  for  the  light,  has  also  the  recommendation  of  solidity, 
no  less  than  the  level  surface  of  the  eminence  ;  but  it  is  said  that  the  impen- 
etrable nature  of  the  soil  occasions  vapors  that  strike  against  it  to  remain 
on  its  surface  ;  and  the  springs  on  each  side,  arrested  in  their  course,  Issue 


r^ 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  539 

On  the  waters,  sea-fowl  are,  in  their  season,  abundant.  Those 
frequenting  these  shores  of  the  bay  are  the  brant,  gannet,  black- 
duck,  sea-duck,  old-wife,  shell-drake,  dipper,  penguin,  coot, 
widgeon,  and  gull.  Of  birds  on  the  shores  and  marshes,  the 
curlew,  plover,  jieep,  and  kindred  species  might  be  enumerated. 

Whales,  that  formerly  were  so  common  on  this  coast,  must 
now,  if  sought,  be  looked  for  in  distant  waters.^  The  other  fish- 
eries are  prosecuted  with  success  ;^  and  the  merchant  service  has 
from  the  first  been  indebted  to  Truro  for  some  of  its  most  able 
ship-masters.  The  youth  of  the  place  are  often  scarcely  of  age 
when  they  rise  to  the  command  of  a  vessel.^ 

at  Its  feet :  hence  a  thick  bank  of  fog  frequently  rests  on  it ;  and  though 
this  bank  is  not  as  lofty  as  the  lanthorn  of  the  lighthouse,  yet,  according  to 
the  law  of  optics,  it  becomes  an  intervening  object  at  a  short  distance,  per- 
haps only  12  m.  from  the  shore." 

Another  traveller,  Willis,  1850,  says:  "  Our  driver  had  'driven  stage' 
for  a  year,  over  the  route,  and  every  day  he  had  picked  a  new  track,  often 
losing  his  way  with  the  blinding  of  the  flying  sand  in  a  high  wind." 

We  must  cjuote  yet  another:  Bartlett,  1853,  says,  in  his  Pilgrim  Fathers, 
pub.  Lond.  1854  :  "  We  had  now  reached  the  narrowest  part  of  the  Cape, 
here  dwindled  into  a  narrow  ridge  of  sand.  The  coachman  steered  his  horses 
down  upon  the  sandy  shores  of  East  Harbor, —  the  tide  at  that  time  being 
out  and  admitting  of  his  driving  on  the  beach.  During  the  blinding  gales  and 
snow-storms  of  winter,  it  requires  no  small  skill  and  intrepidity  to  pilot  a 
four-horse  team,  where  road  is  none,  over  this  intermixture  of  hill,  sand, 
swamp,  and  sea-weed.  The  waves  sometimes  break  fairly  over  the  narrow 
ridge,  threatening  to  make  a  clear  breach  through,  carry  coach  and  all  out 
to  sea  and  suddenly  convert  the  extremity  of  the  Cape  into  an  island.  Af- 
ter driving  some  distance  along  the  wet  shore,  we  were  constrained  to 
strike  up  into  the  head  of  the  Cape,  which  here  widens  out  a  little,  and 
consists  simply  of  vast  sand-hills,  incessantly  shifting  their  shape  by  the 
action  of  the  storms.  There  Is  here  no  sort  of  road,  and  the  driver  has  to 
work  his  team  through  the  yielding  substance  as  he  is  best  able.  The  sand 
is  planted  like  the  downs  of  Holland,  with  a  species  of  grass  which  uniting 
its  roots  tends  to  prevent  the  further  dispersion  of  the  shifting  mass." 

^  It  Is  said  that  the  inhabitants  of  Truro  were  the  first  to  adventure  to 
the  Falkland  Islands  In  pursuit  of  whales.  Voyages  were  undertaken  by 
Capts.  David  Smith  and  Gamaliel  Collins,  in  1774,  at  the  suggestion  of 
Admiral  Montague  of  the  Br.  navy,  and  were  crowned  with  success.  Sub- 
sequently, the  coasts  of  Brazil,  and  of  Guinea,  were  visited  by  the  enter- 
prising mariners  of  Truro.  They  were  said  to  be  among  the  most  dexter- 
ous whalemen  In  the  world. 

^  It  has  been  remarked  that  though  the  youth  and  strength  of  a  place  be 
employed  two-thirds  of  the  year  In  obtaining,  by  hardy  and  audacious  toil, 
the  wealth  of  the  seas  beyond  the  line,  and  even  on  the  further  side  of  Cape 
Horn  ;  and,  though  early  habits  and  the  love  of  voyages  occasionally  prosper- 
ous induce  the  employment,  the  business  Is  often  precarious.  Great  dangers 
and  hardships  too,  are  often  encountered ;  but  they  who  survive  them  are 
generally  successftil  in  acquiring  good  estates. 

^We  must  here  be  indulged  In  quoting  from  the  English  traveller  of 
1807,  his  relation  of  an  Incident  that  Illustrates  the  enterprise  of  early 
youth.     He   says  :   "  In  passing  from  Truro  to  Provincetown  "  by  the  bay 


640  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

The  manufacture  of  salt,  which  once  formed  no  inconsiderable 
item  in  the  business  of  the  town/  has  declined  greatly,  as  in  all  the 
Cape  towns.^  The  reader  will  not  expect  us  to  enlarge  upon  the 
agricultural  interests  of  this  sea-girt  and  comparatively  sterile 
township  ;  and  yet  here  may  be  found  notable  instances  of  good 
husbandry. 

The  population  of  Truro  is  about  2000 ;  the  number  of  families 
about  440,  and  of  dwellings  about  360.^    The  public  buildings 

route,  "  I  had  in  company  an  inhabitant  of  the  latter  place.  As  we  ap- 
proached the  mouth  of  the  inlet,  the  vertebras  of  a  small  species  of  whale, 
here  called  the  black-Jish,  became  frequent  on  the  beach,  together  with 
other  signs  of  the  fisheries.  Soon  after,  at  the  distance  of  haff  a  mile,  on 
the  sandy  flat  from  which  the  sea  was  now  fast  retiring,  we  discovered  a  boy 
and  near  him  appeared  to  be  a  great  fish.  The  solitariness  of  the  boy  and 
his  smallness  compared  with  the  fish,  formed  a  combination  sufficiently 
remarkable  to  draw  us  to  the  spot ;  and  we  found  ouv  fisherman  of  about  ten 
years'  age,  astride  a  porpoise  about  10  ft.  long,  in  the  midst  of  a  sea  of 
blood  collected  in  the  hollow  of  the  sand.  Alone,  and  with  a  common 
table  knife  for  his  instrument,  he  was  cutting  the  blubber  from  the  ribs  of 
the  monster,  a  task  which  he  performed  in  a  very  workmanlike  manner. 
Upon  inquiring,  we  learned  that  he  alone  had  killed  the  fish.  His  employ- 
ment in  the  morning  had  been  that  of  attending  his  mother's  cows ;  and 
from  the  hills  on  which  he  was,  he  had  seen  a  shoal  of  porpoises  enter  the 
inlet.  As  the  tide  was  ebbing  and  the  shore  flat,  many  of  them  were  soon 
embarrassed  by  the  want  of  sufficient  water  to  move  in ;  and  he  flattered 
himself  that  by  leaving  the  cows  and  coming  down  to  the  beach,  he  might 
be  able  to  make  a  prize  !  So  going  into  the  water  as  far  as  he  dared,  he  se- 
lected one  struggling  to  regain  deep  water.  This  fish  he  boldly  caught,  fi'om 
time  to  time,  by  the  tail,  thereby  increasing  its  difficulties,  till  at  last  the 
water  running  away  left  the  porpoise  upon  the  sand.  He  stayed  by  the 
fish  till  he  was  sure  that  escape  was  impossible  ;  and  then  running  home,  a 
distance  of  a  mile,  procured  a  knife.  Thus  armed,  he  proceeded  to  wound 
and  kill  the  fish  —  a  task  of  some  labor  and  danger  ;  and,  according  to  his 
account,  he  had  accomplished  it  only  by  watching  opportunities,  —  alter- 
nately striking  and  retreating.  My  companion  said  it  would  yield  10  gal. 
of  oil,  and  give  the  little  cowherd  $10  for  his  exploit." 

^In  1837,  there  were  in  town  39  establishments  for  salt-making,  yielding 
17,490  bu.      There  were  at  the  same  time  63  vessels  engaged  in  the  cod 
and  mackerel  fisheries,  producing  16,950  quintals  of  codfish,  and  15,750'*1^  bt^ivu^j 
of  mackerel,  and  together  employing  512  hands. 

^  Strangers  visiting  the  towns  where  the  salt  manufacture  has  declined, 
have  noticed  a  peculiarity  in  the  appearance  of  barns  and  other  outbuild- 
ings, —  "a  sort  of  fancy-stained,  rust-spotted,  regularly-patterned  boarding, 
wmch  in  admired  disorder,  finally,  from  its  frequency,  comes  to  haunt  the 
observer,  and  demand  explanation."  The  boards  with  which  such  build- 
ings are  covered,  are  the  remains  of  demolished  salt-woi'ks ;  the  "  queer 
spots  "  that  the  traveller  notices  are  the  rust  of  nails,  spread  by  the  action 
of  the  salt,  —  nails  that  were  driven  after  a  pecuUar  order  in  the  construction 
of  the  original  works. 

^In  1760,  the  population  was  924;  in  1790,  there  were  1193  inhab. ;  in 
1800,  165  dwellings,  only  three  of  which  were  more  than  one  story  in 
height.  According  to  the  census  of  1855,  the  town  contained  a  population 
of  1917,  i.  e.,  973  males,  and  944  females,  —  a  singular  providence,  we 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  541 

are  two  Methodist  meeting-houses,  —  a  Congregation alist,  and 
Union  ;^  also  those  indispensable  requisites  of  a  New  England 
town,  —  school-houses.  Educational  privileges  are  prized,  and 
the  schools  well  supported.^  There  are  in  town  three  gristmills, 
one  moved  by  tides,  the  others  by  winds.  The  healthiness 
of  the  place  compares  well  with  other  localities;^  The  morality 
of  the  community  has  ever  been  of  high  order,  and  continues  to 
merit  this  distinction,  —  with  perhaps  one  only  abatement : 
since  the  old  order  of  things  has  passed  away,  and  here,  as  in 
other  Cape  towns, 

"  No  longer  by  implicit  faith  we  err, 
Whilst  every  one's  his  own  interpreter," 

and  instead  of  the  one  sanctuary  for  the  whole  people  of  a  town- 
ship, sects  are  multiplied,  it  may  be  questioned  whether  the  attend- 
ance on  public  religious  worship  has  not,  in  all  these  towns, 
greatly  diminished. 

Progress  of  the  town,  etc.  —  We  have  said  that  pur- 
chases began  some  years  prior  to  the  settlement  of 


cannot  but  regard  it,  —  as  if  the  disproportion  were  intended  to  supply  the 
losses  to  which  this  people  are  subject  by  the  perils  of  the  seas.  It  has 
been  well  remarked  by  Rev.  Dr.  Bellows,  "Every  cloud  might  well  bring 
a  shadow  to  the  brow  of  wives  and  daughters  ;  every  wind  a  sigh  from 
their  hearts  in  these  maritime  towns.  In  Truro  the  lives  of  sixty  citizens, 
chiefly  the  heads  of  famiUes,  were  lost  in  one  storm,  almost  in  the  sight  of 
their  own  homes  ;  seven  sons  and  one  father  out  of  one  house  !  At  Dennis, 
sixteen  heads  of  families  were  taken  trom  one  school-district.  This  was,  we 
think,  in  1843.  There  is  hardly  a  family  here  that  has  not  lost  some  mem- 
ber at  sea."  Of  the  population,  at  the  time  of  which  we  speak,  only  59  were 
foreigners,  and  none  colored.  There  were  one  deaf  and  dumb,  one  bhnd, 
non-e  insane,  eight  cases  of  idiocy,  and  seven  paupers. 

^  North  Truro  has  the  "  Christian  Union,"  Truro  (centre)  the  Congrega- 
tionallst  and  a  Methodist,  and  South  Truro  a  Methodist.  There  is  said  to 
be  also  a  Second  Advent  place  of  worship  in  the  town. 

^  The  number  of  schools  was  eleven,  school-houses  7,  —  supplied  by  7  fe- 
male teachers,  and  in  winter  by  an  addition  of  four  masters,  as  per  census 
of  1850.  Strangers  visiting  these  schools  have  been  struck  by  the  cheerful 
and  healthy  aspect  of  the  pupils,  —  "  no  haggard  faces,  no  ragged  dresses ; 
all  neat,  faces  beaming  with  intelligence,  and  the  tout  ensemble  indicative 
of  happy  homes." 

^In  1794,  out  of  a  population  of  about  1200,  the  bills  of  mortality  showed 
that,  during  the  seven  preceding  years,  the  deaths  were  115  including  those 
lost  at  sea.  Of  these,  8  died  between  the  ages  of  30  and  40 ;  6  between 
40  and  50;  5  between  50  and  60;  11  between  60  and  70;  12  between  70 
and  80  ;  and  7  between  80  and  90.  During  these  seven  years,  the  number 
of  baptisms  was  278.  These  statistics,  taken  from  the  central  period  of  the 
existence  of  a  settlement  here,  may,  baptisms  excepted,  be  considered  as 
the  usual  average  of  mortality. 


542  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

the  place.  The  Indians  continued  to  hold  possession 
here,  long  after  the  upper  towns  were  settled  by 
English.  The  first  intimation  of  any  move  in  this 
direction,  is  an  order  of  "proprietors  of  Pamet"  in 
regard  to  the  cutting  of  "  cord-wood,  or  timber  upon 
any  of  the  common  or  undivided  lands ; "  and  this 
bears  date  June  17,  1690,  and  is  subscribed  by 
Jonathan  Bangs,  Thomas  Paine,  Steven  Snow,  Caleb 
Hopkins,  Ephraim  Doane,  John  Savage,  and  Israel  Cole.^ 
The  next,  is  the  record  of  a  meeting  for  the  transac- 
tion of  business,  held  by  "  the  proprietors  of  Pamet," 
Feb.  4,  1700.  It  appears  that  a  misunderstanding 
existed  between  said  proprietors  and  Thomas  Smith 
respecting  "  a  parcel  of  land  and  meadow  which  said 
Smith  had  bought  of  Joshua,  Anthon?/,  and  Jeremy,  Indi- 
ans, and  for  the  deeds  of  which  he  had  proffered  the 
proprietors  money  for  their  right  of  purchase."  Propo- 
sitions being  now  made  by  said  Smith,  at  the  meeting, 
it  "  was  agreed  that  said  Smith,  and  the  said  Proprie- 
tors shall  bid  for  the  said  right,  and  that  the  party 
which  shall  bid  most  shall  have  it."  Smith  outbid 
the  proprietors,  he  bidding  £30.  The  next  day  the 
instrument  was  drawn,  and  the  proprietors  met  and 
chose  Lieut.  Jona.  Bangs  and  Isaac  Cole  agents  to  re- 
ceive the  money,  and  give  conveyance  of  said  pur- 
chase-right to  Thomas  Smith,  in  their  name  and  behalf 
The  same  year,  June  4,  "  at  a  meeting  of  the  proprie- 
tors of  Pamet  lands,  it  was  agreed  that  the  land  at 
Pamet  that  may  be  conveniently  divided  shall  be; 
and  that  we  will  go  thither,  God  willing,  on  the  last 
Monday  of  October  next  ensuing,  and  divide  accord- 
ingly." At  the  same  meeting  it  was  "  agreed  that  a 
fence  be  made  below  Eastern  Harbor  Pond,  sufficient 

^  It  is  the  first  entry  in  the  first  book  of  records  in  possession  of  the  town, 
and  was  made  June  18,  1701,  "  pr  Tho.  Paine,  clerk  to  said  Proprietors." 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  04d 

to  stop  the  same  and  keep  the  tide  out  of  said  pond." 
Further,  "  the  said  proprietors  deeply  sensible  of  the 
inconvenience  of  many  persons  of  their  company  buy- 
ing lands  of  the  Indians  for  inconsiderable  pay  valued 
at  great  rates,  to  their  great  damage  :  to  prevent  the 
same,  appointed  by  a  major  vote,  Thomas  Paine  Jr. 
to  be  their  agent  to  buy  all  such  lands  of  the  Indians, 
as  they  shall  be  minded  to  sell,  within  said  propriety, 
from  time  to  time,  and  at  all  times,  as  opportunity  shall 
present;  money  to  be  placed  in  his  hands  for  the 
purpose." 

The  proprietors  assembled  again,  Oct.  31,  according 
to  agreement  concluded  June  4th,  last,  and  "  chose 
Israel  Cole,  Constant  Freeman,  and  Thomas  Paine  a 
committee  to  lay  out  six  acres  of  ^meadow  at  Eastern 
Harbor  for  the  use  of  the  ministry ;  and,  also,  to  survey 
and  lay  out  all  such  uplands  and  meadows  as  they 
shall  judge  convenient. 

The  next  year,  June  17,  1701,  Constant  Freeman  and  Ben- 
jamin Smalle  were  appointed  a  committee  "  to  look  after  all  such 
men  as  shall  come  from  other  parts  to  fetch  sedge  from  the 
meadows  at  Eastern  Harbor,  and  to  make  them  pay  6s.  a  sloop- 
load,  or  an  equivalent  thereto,  which  money  shall  be  improved 
for  the  use  of  the  ministry  at  Pamet ;  ^  also,  to  look  after  such  per- 
sons as  shall  set  up  whale-houses,  or  other  houses,  upon  any  of 
the  common  or  undivided  lands  belonging  to  Pamet;  or  that 
shall  cut  wood  or  timber  upon  the  same ;  and  to  agree  with  them, 
or  any  of  them,  for  the  term  of  their  voyages,  as  they  shall  see 
meet,  for  not  less  than  Is.  per  man ;  or,  otherwise,  to  warn  them 
to  depart  off  said  land." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  proprietors,  Feb.  16,  1702,  it 
was  "voted  that  17  acres  of  land  be  given  to  Mr. 
Nathaniel  Eelles  for  his  encouragement  to  settle  at 
Pamet  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  people  there ;  and, 

*  About  34  acres  of  upland  were  appropriated  for  the  ministry  "  at  a 
place  called  Tashmuit,"  alias  Clay  Pounds. 


544  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

upon  his  settlement  in  order  to  continue  there  in 
that  work,  to  have  it  for  his  own :  Or  if  said  Eelles 
should  not  come,  then  said  land  to  be  reserved  for  any 
other  able  orthodox  minister  who  shall  be  there 
settled."  ^  "  Also,  voted  for  the  ministry  the  privilege 
of  firewood  from  time  to  time,  fencing,  and  herbage 
upon  all  such  lands  as  are  voted  by  said  proprietors :  — 
Also,  that  (certain  lands)  shall  be  a  common  forever 
for  all  such  as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  admitted  as 
inhabitants."  "To  this,  Israel  Cole  did  not  assent." 
Thomas  Paine,  Israel  Cole,  and  Constant  Freeman 
were  constituted  agents  "  to  sell  lands  for  proprietors, 
to  such  persons  as  are  minded  to  remove  to,  and  settle 
at  Pamet." 

The  same  day,  Nath'l  Atkiks  and  Francis  Small  "were, 
by  a  major  vote  of  the  proprietors,  admitted  to  the  privilege  of 
the  stated  Commons  at  Pamet,  provided  they  buy  land  and  settle 
thereon."  ^ 

"  At  a  Proprietors'  meeting,  June  17,  1703,  Thomas  Mulfoed 
was  allowed  to  have,  for  £7  paid,  certain  lands,"  and  was  also 
"  acce^^ted  and  allowed  inhabitant  of  Pamet."  It  was  "granted 
to  Joseph  Young  to  buy  of  David  Peter,  Indian,  4  acres  of  sedge 
meadow."  Ranges  were  run  between  the  great  lots,  and 
bounds  were  set  up.  Lands  for  the  ministry  were  reserved. 
"  A  division  also  was  made  to  proprietors,  of  30  acres  to  each 
whole  share,  and,  in  proportion,  to  parts."  John  Steel  was  also 
voted,  for  a  reasonable  sum,  10  acres  of  upland  and  4  acres  of 
meadow,  and  was  admitted  an  inhabitant.  Benjamin  Ridee 
also  had  lands  granted  to  him. 

At  a  meeting,  July  21,  the  same  year,  agents  were  appointed, 
namely,  Thomas  Paine  and  Constant  Freeman,  on  the  part  of 
the  proprietors,  to  meet  with  David  Peter  and  Jfect  and  JTo. 
TonomatuJc,  to  settle  the  bounds  of  lands  bought  of  Peter;  and 
"  in  case  said  Indians  refuse,  to  sue  them  for  a  settlement  thereof 
in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  proprietors;"  Also  to  "run  the 


^  Rev.  Mr.  Eelles  was  a  grad.  H.  C.  1699. 

^  The  proprietors'  "  voices "  were  always  "  accounted  according  to  their 
proprietie." 


ANNALS   OF   TRURO.  545 

range  with  Indians  on  the  S.  side  of  Moonpoon  Valley,  and  to 
divide  the  lands  of  JTediahP  Lands  were  also  granted  to 
"  Machoiel  ^  Atwood  and  Joseph  Young." 

In  1705,  May  15,  "  a  grant  of  land  was  made  to  Hezekiah 
PuEiNGTOiir ; "  and  Hezekiah  Doake  and  Samuel  Tkeat  were 
admitted  inhabitants.  It  was  further  ordered  that  12  acres  of 
meadow  be  laid  out  for  the  ministry.  It  was  also  ordered,  that, 
inasmuch  as  great  damage  is  done  by  persons  digging  shells  out 
of  the  proprietors'  lands,  to  sell  and  transport,  which  shells  might 
otherwise  be  of  use  to  the  inhabitants  to  make  lime,  a  fine  be 
imposed  of  6d.  pr.  bushel.^ 

Again,  it  was  ordered  that  certain  lands,  —  "6  acres 
on  the  northeastern  side  of  Eastern  Harbor,  in  the 
sedge-meadow,  —  shall  be  for  the  use  and  improve- 
ment of  the  first  orthodox  minister  who  shall  be 
orderly  settled  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  said 
Pamet,  during  the  time  of  his  continuing  in  the  work 
of  the  ministry  there  ;  and  in  case  he  shall  there  con- 
tinue in  the  work  of  the  ministry  until  by  reason  of 
age  he  shall  be  disenabled  from  performing  the  work 
of  a  minister,  then  the  abovesaid  lands  shall  be  his 
own." 

"It  was  agreed  with  Capt.  Jonathan  Bangs  to  exchange  a  bit 
of  land  joining  to  the  easterly  end  of  his  great  lot  at  Pamet  for 
a  bit  of  land  at  the  northeast  corner  of  said  lot,  on  the  N.  E.  side 
of  the  swamp ; "  and  John  Snow,  Constant  Freeman,  and  Thomas 
Paine  were  app.  to  lay  out  and  bound  the  same.^  Further,  "  to 
Mr.  Theophilus  Cotton  *  was  granted  one-ninth  part  of  the 

^  Perhaps  intended  for  Michael. 

^  Accumulations  of  shells,  especially  in  the  Ticinity  of  certain  swamps, 
are  yet  to  be  seen,  indicating  that  these  places  were  especially  the  resort. 
of  Indians ;  and  here  too  are  found,  occasionally,  their  implements  of 
stone. 

r  ^  Mr.  Paine  had  continued  to  hold  the  office  of  clerk  for  the  Proprietors 
to  this  date.  He  now  "  declined  serving  any  longer."  His  records  are  all 
made  with  neatness,  clearness,  and  accuracy.  So  much  cannot  be  claimed 
for  his  immediate  successors. 

*Mr.  Cotton,  grad  H.  C.  1701,  did  not  accept  the  call  thus  extended  to 
him,  but  settled  at  Hampton  Falls.  He  was  brother  of  Rev.  Roland  of 
Sandwich  and  Rev.  John  of  Yarmouth,  sons  of  Rev.  John  of  Plym.  and 
Charleston,  S.  C. ;  and  grandson  of  Rev.  John  of  Boston. 

VOL.  II.  69 


546  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

privilege  of  tlie  shore  (referring  to  drift-fish  within  the  proprietie 
of  Pamet)  during  the  time  of  his  living  in  said  Pamet ;  and  he 
was  admitted  an  inhabitant :  Provided  he  be  settled  in  Pamet  in 
the  work  of  the  ministry.  Also  that  he  shall  have  a  privilege  in 
the  Commons,  as  good  as  any  other  man."  A  special  grant, 
besides,  was  made  to  him  of  land ;  all  predicated  on  the  same 
condition. 

"  The  wife  of  John  Steel  petitioned  the  proprietors  for  right  to 
occupy  land  that  was  fenced  in  by  her  husband  ;  begging  they 
will  consider  her  circumstances  and  sorrowful  condition,  her 
husband  having  absented  himself."  Her  request  was  granted. 
In  1707,  June  16,  Hezekiah  Purington  was  voted  an  inhabitant. 

Nothing  more  of  importance  is  on  record  in  respect 
to  the  doings  of  Pamet,  until  its  incorporation  by  the 
Colony  Court  as  a  town,  by  the  name  of  Truro,  July 
16,  1709,  at  which  time  the  town  records  proper  com- 
mence. From  this  time,  until  the  absorption  of  the 
proprietorship,  distinct  records  were  kept  by  Proprie- 
tors and  Town,  and  from  both  we  shall  continue  to 
gather  what  is  most  interesting  to  a  full  development 
of  the  town's  progress.  The  proprietors  seem  still  to 
have  been  possessed  of  large  and  controlling  power, 
but  to  have  acted  in  conjunction  with  the  town  for 
the  general  good. 

In  1709,  Aug.  1,  pursuant  to  the  order  of  the  Gen. 
Ci,  the  inhabitants  of  Truro  being  duly  warned,  as- 
sembled and  elected  town  officers  for  the  remaining 
part  of  the  year,  namely,  John  Snow,  town-clerk ; 
Thomas  Mulford,  Jedediah  Lumbert  Jr.,  and  John 
Snow,  selectmen ;  and  Constant  Freeman,  treasurer.^ 


^  As  a  matter  of  curious  interest,  we  liere  annex  a  copy  of  the  original 
act  of  incorporation  of  the  town  of  Truro :  — 

"  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay.  L.  s.  —  An  Act  for  making  Paw- 
met,  a  District  of  Eastham,  within  the  county  of  Barnstable,  a  township  to 
be  called  Truroe. 

"  Whereas  there  is  a  certain  tract  of  land  known  by  the  name  of  Paw- 
met,  at  present  a  District  of  Eastham,  and  under  the  constablerick  of  that 
town,  consisting  of  about  forty  famiHes,  and  daily  increasing,  —  the  said 
land  extending  about  fourteen  miles  in  length  from  the  Province  lands  at 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  547 

In  1710,  Feb.  23,  Mr.  John  Avery,  "  who  had  for  some 
time  been  employed  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  Tru- 
ro, was  unanimously  invited  to  settle  as  the  minister 
and  pastor  of  the  town.  A  salary  of  £60  per  annum  ; 
and  £20  in  aid  whenever  he  shall  see  cause  to  build 
himself  a  dwelling-house  in  said  Truro,"  was  voted  by 
the  town.  May  8,  the  proprietors  "  agreed  that  ample 
provision  be  made  for  Mr.  John  Avery  to  settle." 
They  voted  him  lands  at  Tashmuit,  alias  the  Clay 
Pounds,  and  admitted  him  an  inhabitant  with  the 
same  proviso  as  aforetime  annexed  to  their  grants ; 
that  is,  "  that  he  settle  in  Truro ;  with  the  additional 


the  extremity  of  Cape  Cod  reserved  for  the  Fishery  and  the  lands  of  East- 
ham  on  the  south,  and  running  northerly  as  far  as  the  land  called  the  Pur- 
chaser's lands  extends  over  the  harbor  named  the  Eastern  harbor  ;  accord- 
ing to  the  known  stated  boundaries  thereof,  —  the  breadth  thereof  running 
fi'om  sea  to  sea  across  the  neck  of  land  commonly  called  Cape  Cod :  And 
■whereas  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  district  by  their  humble  petition  have 
set  forth  that  they  have  built  a  convenient  house'  to  meet  in  for  the  public 
worship  of  God,  and  have  for  some  time  had  a  minister  among  'em ;  humbly 
praying  that  they  may  be  made  a  township,  and  have  such  necessary  offi- 
cers within  themselves,  whereby  they  may  be  enabled  to  manage  and  carry 
on  their  civil  and  rehgious  concerns  and  enjoy  the  like  powers  and  privi- 
leges as  other  towns  within  this  Province  have  and  do  by  law  enjoy :  Be  it 
therefore  enacted,  by  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  Council  and  Represen- 
tatives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  that 
the  tract  of  land  called  Pawmet,  described  and  bounded  as  afore  expressed, 
be  and  hereby  is  erected  into  a  township  and  made  a  distinct  and  separate 
town,  and  shall  be  called  by  the  name  of  Truroe,  and  that  the  inhabitants 
thereof  have,  use,  exercise  and  enjoy  all  the  powers  and  privileges  by  law 
granted  to  townships  within  this  Province ;  and  the  constable  of  the  said 
place  for  the  time  being  is  hereby  empowered  and  required  to  warn  the  in- 
habitants to  assemble  and  meet  together  to  choose  selectmen  and  other  town 
officers  to  manage  and  carry  on  their  prudential  affairs  until  the  next  anni- 
versary time  for  election  of  town  officers,  and  the  said  inhabitants  are  en- 
joined to  assemble  and  attend  the  said  work  accordingly.  Provided,  that 
the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  do  procure  and  settle  a  learned  Orthodox 
minister  to  dispense  the  word  of  God  to  them,  within  the  space  of  three 
years  next  after  the  passing  of  this  act  or  sooner.  Provided  also,  that  they 
pay  their  proportion  to  the  present  province  tax,  as  it  is  apportioned  among 
them  respectively  by  the  selectmen  or  assessors  of  Eastham. 

"  Boston,  July   16th   1709.     This   bUl  having  been  read  three   several 
times  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  passed  to  be  enacted. 

John  Clark,  Speaker. 

Diepdict.  —  This  BiU  having  been  read  three  several  times  in  Council, 
passed  to  be  enacted.  Isa.  Addington,  Sec'y. 

By  His  Excellency  the  Governor.     I  consent  to  the  enacting  of  this  Bill. 

J.  Dudley. 


548  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

qualification  "  that  he  settle  and  continue  in  the  work 
of  the  ministry  in  this  town." 

Richard  Stevens  was  at  the  same  time  admitted  by  the  pro- 
prietors ;  and  they  made  arrangements  for  an  exchange  of  land 
with  Daniel  Sam,  Indian.  They  also  appointed  Jedediah  Lum- 
bert  and  Thomas  Paine,  agents,  "to  buy  lands  of  the  Indians 
within  the  township  of  Truro,  when,  and  so  often  as,  any  of  said 
Indians  shall  see  cause  to  sell ;  "  and  "  ordered  that  none  others 
shall  buy."^ 

May  29,  Mr.  Avery  accepted  the  invitation  extended 
to  him;  and  Thomas  Paine,  Thomas  Mulford,  and 
John  Snow,  were  appointed  by  the  town  a  committee 
"  to  draw  up  an  agreement  with  Mr.  Avery,  and  to  sign 
the  same  on  the  town's  behalf."  ^     It  was  voted,  at 


^  "  The  first  that  owned  cattle  in  this  town  were  Eben'r  Doane,  William 
Dyer,  Sr.,  Jonathan  Collins,  Jeremy  Bickford,  Josias  Cook,  Jeadiah  Lum- 
bert,  Jonathan  Vickerie,  Constant  Freeman,  Samuel  Treat,  John  Snow, 
Thomas  Lumbart,  Hezekiah  Purrinton,  Thomas  Rogers,  Benjamin  Smalle, 
Richard  Webber,  Thomas  Smith,  Daniel  Smalle,  Christopher  Strout,  George 
.Strout,  and  William  Clap,  all  in  1710." 

"^  That  agreement  was  as  follows :  "  Whereas  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Truro  did,  at  a  meeting  of  said  town  convened  and  held  at  Truro,  Feb. 
23,  1710-11,  by  unanimous  vote,  call  and  invite  Mr.  John  Avery  to  a  settle- 
ment in  the  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry  among  them  ;  and  for  his  support 
and  encouragement  in  said  work,  did  offer  him  £60  a  year  salary  and  £20 
toward  his  building  when  he  shall  see  cause  to  build  him  a  dwelling-house 
in  said  town,  and  sent  by  a  Committee  to  inform  the  said  Mr.  John  Avery 
of  their  desire  and  offer  in  that  matter,  as  by  a  record  of  said  town,  bearing 
date  Feb.  23,  1710,  may  more  fully  appear;  but  the  said  Mr.  John  Avery 
deferred  his  answer  until  another  meeting  of  said  town  convened  and  held 
for  that  purpose,  May  29,  1710,  where  said  town  did  again  shew  by  unani- 
mous vote  their  earnest  desire  of  the  said  Mr.  Avery's  settlement  among 
them  in  the  work  of  the  Gospel  ministry ;  and  the  said  Mr.  Avery  being 
then  present  did  accept  of  said  call :  whereupon,  said  town  chose  Thomas 
Mulford,  John  Snow  and  Thomas  Paine  a  Com.  in  the  name  and  behalf  of 
the  town  of  Truro  to  make  a  full  agreement  with  the  aforesaid  Mr.  John 
Avery  pursuant  to  their  vote  at  their  meeting,  Feb.  23,  1710,  as  by  the 
record  of  said  town,  dated  May  29,  1710,  may  more  fully  appear:  Pursu- 
ant WHEREUNTO,  Juuc  21,  1710,  the  abovesaid  Mr.  John  Avery  for  him- 
self and  the  above  named  Com.  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  town  of 
Truro,  agreed  as  followeth :  that  is  to  say,  the  above  named  Mr.  John 
Avery  doth  agree  for  himself  that  he  will,  God  assisting  him  thereto,  settle 
in  the  work  of  the  ministry  in  the  said  town  of  Truro  ;  and  the  above- 
named  Thos.  Mulford,  John  Snow  and  Thos.  Paine,  in  the  name  and  behalf 
of  the  aforesaid  town  of  Truro,  do  agree  with  the  said  Mr.  John  Avery,  to 
allow  him  for  a  yearly  salary  during  the  time  of  his  continuance  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry  in  the  aforesaid  town  of  Truro,  £G0  per  annum  in 
money  as  it  shall  pass  from  man  to  man  in  common  dealing  (or  in  other 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  549 

the  same  meeting,  that  the  town  treasurer  shall  "buy 
a  cushion  for  the  pulpit  in  the  meeting-house,  also  an 
hour-glass,  and  a  box  to  put  them  in  "  when  not  in 
use,  and  pay  for  these  out  of  the  town  treasury.^ 

In  1711,  Aug.  13,  the  town  granted  £10  "to  defray 
the  charge  of  entertainment  of  elders,  messengers, 
scholars  and  gentlemen  at  Mr.  Avery's  ordination ; " 
and  Lt.  Constant  Freeman,  Hez.  Purington  and  Thos. 
Paine  were  app.  "  to  superintend  the  arrangements 
and  agree  with  a  meet  person  to  provide,"  It  was  also 
ordered  that  Mr.  Thomas  Paine  shall  have  £S  to  reim- 
burse him  for  money  spent  in  securing  the  Act  of  In- 
corporation, and  the  services  of  a  minister.  The 
church  of  which  Mr.  Avery  ~  became  the  pastor,  was 
organized  Nov.  1,  consisting  of  seven  male  members 
besides  the  pastor,  an  offshoot  from  the  Eastham 
church,  and  Mr.  Avery  was  ordained  the  same  day. 

It  was  voted,  Dec.  19  that  "  if  Thos.  Paine  will  set  up  and 
maintain  a  grist-mill  within  this  town,  he  shall  receive  three 
quarts  toll  out  of  every  bushel  that  he  grinds,  and  this  town  will 

merchantable  pay  as  it  shall  pass  with  the  merchant  in  common  traffic)  at 
or  upon  the  29th  day  of  Mai'ch  annually ;  and  £20  of  like  money,  toward  his 
building,  to  be  added  to  his  salary  on  that  year  that  he,  the  said  Mr.  AveVy, 
shall  see  cause  to  build  himself  a  dwelling-house  in  the  town  of  Truro  afore- 
said. In  witness  whereof,  the  above  named  Mr.  John  Avery  for  himself, 
and  the  above  named  Com.  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  town  of  Truro, 
have  hereunto  set  their  hands. 

Signed,  John  Avery,       "1 

Thomas  Paine,     I  ^        ... 

•  "     ThO.   MULFFORD,  K^"^"""^^- 

June  21,  1710.  John  Snow,         J 

^  It  does  not  clearly  appear  when  the  first  meeting-house  was  built,  nor 
where  it  stood ;  but  tradition  says  it  stood  In  the  neighborhood  of  the  pres- 
ent Union  Church  in  N.  Truro,  or  Pond-village.  The  ancient  grave-yard 
is  supposed  to  have  been  around  the  first  meeting-house,  the  county  road 
now  passing  through  the  location.  The  surveyor  of  roads,  some  few  years 
since,  in  following  out  the  course  marked  out  by  the  County  Commissioners, 
was  under  the  necessity  of  disturbing  the  bones  of  some  of  those  first  bur- 
ied here.  An  elderly  man  still  living,  1857,  remembers  when  graves  were 
distinctly  to  be  seen  at  that  spot. 

-Rev.  Mr.  Avery  was  b.  in  Dedham,  1GS5,  and  grad.  H.  C.  170G.  It 
wUl  be  perceived  that  he  had  ministered  here  some  considerable  time  pre- 
viou?  to  hi?  fiiia!  settlement. 


550  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

give  him  £60  toward  the  erection  of  said  mill."  Lt.  Constant 
Freeman,  and  Messrs.  John  Snow  and  Nath'l  Atkins  Avere  app.  a 
com.  "  to  make  a  full  agreement  with  Mr.  P.  in  behalf  of  the 
town."  It  was  also  "  voted  that,  whereas  crows  and  blackbirds 
do  miich  damage  by  pulling  np  and  destroying  the  young  corn, 
every  housekeeper  shall  bring,  or  cause  to  be  brought,  between 
the  middle  of  March  and  the  last  day  of  June,  to  the  selectmen, 
8  blackbirds'  heads  and  2  crows'  heads,  or  proportionable  thereto, 
or  forfeit  3s.  to  the  use  of  the  poor ;  and  that  for  additional 
heads,  a  bounty  be  paid,  —  Id.  for  blackbirds  and  4d.  for  crows." 
The  bounds  between  this  town  and  Eastham  were^adjusted,  and 
^several  highways  laid  oiit. 
-■--/  In  1712,  at  a  proprietors'  meeting,  Feb.  28,  it  was  decided  "  to 
give  Jo.  Tonomatuk  bis  demand  of  30  s.  to  quiet  his  claim  to 
laud  which  Jeremy  Anthony,  Jediah  John  and  David  Peter,  In- 
dians, sold  to  Nath'l  Atkins."  Also,  "  that  in  consequence  of 
great  waste  being  made  of  wood,  in  burning  lime  to  be  sent  out 
of  town,  whicb  may  cause  a  scarcity  of  firewood,  no  person  liiust 
cut  on  the  commons  for  this  purpose."  Further,  it  was  "  ordered 
that  this  regulation,  and  that  against  cutting  cord-wood  and  tim- 
ber, be  presented  to  the  Court  of  Gen.  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  for 
their  approbation." 

In  1713,  the  town  voted  "that  £3  bounty  be  paid,  in  addition 
to  what  is  allowed  by  the  Province  law,  for  every  head  of  grown 
wolves." 

In  1714,  the  town  ordered  that  "a  convenient  piece  of  ground 
on  the  N.  side  of  the  meeting-house  be  cleared  for  a  bui-ial- 
place."  The  proprietors,  at  a  meeting,  Aug.  18,  selected  agents 
'"to  assist  the  selectmen  of  the  town  in  joining  with  a  committee 
appointed  by  the  Gen.  Court  to  settle  the  bounds  and  run  the 
line  between  the  Province  land  at  Cape  Cod  ^  and  the  proprietie 
of  Truro." 

In  1715,  the  first  mention  is  made  of  any  public  efibi't  here  for 
the  support  of  schools.  It  was  then  ordered  in  town  meeting. 
Mar.  21,  "  that  Rev.  Mr.  Avery  and  the  selectmen  be  a  com.  to 
procure  a  suitable  person  to  keep  a  town  school."  The  proprie- 
tors, April  26,  determined  to  make  application  to  the  next  Court 
of  Quarter  Sessions  for  the  County  of  Barnstable,  "  for  a  high- 
way to  be  laid  out  from  Eastham  to  Truro,  and  tlirough  Truro 


^  Such  was  the  name  at  this  time  appropriated  exclusively  to  the  tract 
belonging  to  the  Province  and  subsequently  known  as  Province-town. 


ASJfAIS  or  TBXJBO,  OOl 

down  to  and  thrcmgh  thje  Province  landi!  npon  C<»pf;  Cvi  a«  ike 
law  directs." 

It  liaving  Wm  lound  impracticable  otherwise  to  prevent  great 
wa«te  of  the  wood  on  the  commons,  people  often  catting  ffl/Ofe 
than  they  nec/led,  and  more  even  than  they  could  dmpofse  ot, 
thus  *' letting  it  lie  attd  rot  on  the  ground,"  it  wa«  ordered  hy  thie 
yroimdt/jm  "  that  the  eommons  be  divided.  3Ienti<>n  is  made, 
thi«  year,  of  lands  being  granted  to  3Iachiel  Atwood,  Benaih 
SmitV  -Tosiiib  Cooke,  Frandis  Smalle,  Eben'r  Ilnrd,  Wm.  Dyer 
Jr„/  Samuel  Smalle,  Samuel  Young  Jr.,  Eben'r  Smith,  Jonathan 
Dyer,  Richard  Grey,  Geo.  Kke,  and  llannah  Jeffrie.  The  pro- 
pneUjTfi  provided  that  some  error  to  which  their  attention  had 
been  directed,  touching  a  certain  transaction  with  the  Indians, 
ghoald  be  at  once  corrected ;  and  aissign  as  their  re^on  for  this 
provision,  "  We  are  not  willing  that  any  Indian  should  sa£^ 
any  wrong  throng  our  means  or  mistake,"  The  dividing  line 
between  this  town  and  Eastham  wa«  settled  by  Sam'l  ilayo  and 
John  Paine  on  the  part  of  Eastham,  and  TLonias  Pane  and 
Thomas  Mulford  in  behalf  of  Truro. 

In  1716,  the  town  having  been  presented  tL'i  la-t  y^rar.  for  its 
delinquency  in  not  having  provided  a  schoolrr^artej.  Joriatrian 
Paine  was  appointed,  Jan.  10,  to  appear  in  the  town's  behalf  at  the 
Court  of  Gen.  Sessions;  and  £"20  was  appropriated  to  pay  the 
schoolmaster  for  the  present  half-year's  schooling.  Mr.  Samuel 
Spear,  who  appears  to  have  been  the  teacher  of  the  first  public 
or  common  school  in  the  town,  was  then  engaged  **  for  the  entire 
year,  commendng  at  the  expiration  of  his  present  term."*  He 
was  to  receive  £40,  and  "  board  himself"  The  inhabitants,  intent 
on  due  economy,  "  determined  to  save  in  some  way  what  they  are 
compelled  to  expend  for  schools,"  voted  not  to  send  a  represen- 
tative to  the  Gen.  Court ; "  and  affixed  to  this  resolution  were 
their  reasons  for  the  omission,  namely,  —  "  because  we  »e  not 
obliged  by  law  to  send  one,  and  because  the  Court  has  rated  us 
go  high  that  we  are  not  able  to  pay  one  for  going."  The  school, 
however,  went  on  regularly  henoeforward. 

^  Mr.  Bkkiah  Smith  was  jjrob.  son  of  John  of  Ea=tKam,  and  b.  3Iar.  2, 
1'580.  He  m- Alice  Wona-vrood  Ap.  19,  1711.  His  bro.  Ejbesxzee,  b. 
•Jan-  10,  1C8-^.  alijo  set.  here,  and  later  fff;neTatJon=  cet.  in  Provin^town, 

*  !Mr.  AViLLiAM  UxER.  fA'  Bamstable;  m.  31arj-  Tavlor,  dr.  Henry,  Dec 
168G,  and  had  Lvdia  3Iar.  80.  1(;<58 :  AViJliam  'Oct.'  '^0,  1o5:jO  ;  Jooadian 
Feb.  1002 :  Henri'  Ap.  11, 160.?  :  feibel  .July  16-0-3  :  Ebenezer  Ap.  .3,  1697; 
Samuel  Oct-  30, 16&^ ;  and  Judah  Ap.  1701 ;  aad  removed  to  TrnrtJ- 

"^  31>.  Speak  wa^  the  minister  sometime  in  Frovincetown,  and  grad.  H. 
C.  1  71.5. 


652  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1719,  it  was  "  voted  to  raise  for  Mr.  Avery  £10  additional 
salary  the  present  year,  to  be  jjaid  in  Bills  of  Credit."  Also 
"  that  leave  be  granted  to  Nath'l  Atkins,  Thos.  Smith,  Jeremiah 
Bickford,  and  such  others  as  shall  join  them,  to  build  galleries  in 
the  meeting-house,  over  the  old  galleries,  at  their  own  charge." 
The  project  of  the  applicants,  and  the  permission  from  the  town, 
were  superseded  by  a  vote  of  the  town  soon  after,  Oct.  3,  "  to 
build  a  new  meeting-house,  22  ft.  in  the  walls,  40  feet  long,  and 
36  ft.  broad,"  for  which  object  the  town  aj^propriated  £350. 

In  1721,  the  following  entry,  verbatim,  appears.  Mar.  21 :  "At 
a  meeting  of  the  town  of  Truro,  on  the  day  and  year  above 
written,  for  giving  enlargement  to  swine  by  a  town  vote,  accord- 
ing to  an  Act  passed  by  the  Great  and  General  Court,  in  the  7th 
year  of  the  reign  of  His  present  Majesty,  King  George  ;  at  which 
meeting  Francis  Smalley  was  chosen  moderator, —  at  the  same 
meeting,  said  town  agreed  that  the  swine  belonging  to  the  said 
town  might  go  at  large  under  such  regulations  as  the  law  has 
provided,  voted."  The  town  gave  liberty,  Aug.  24,  to  Rev.  John 
Avery  "  to  build  a  pew  in  the  new  meeting-house,  on  the  left 
hand  of  the  pulj^it,  at  the  going  u])  of  the  pulpit  stairs.  At  the 
same  meeting  the  town  "  agreed  that  all  the  room  below,  except- 
ing what  shall  be  filled  by  seats,  the  Deacon's  seat,  the  ministerial 
pew,  and  that  gi-anted  to  Mr.  Avery,  be  fitted  up  with  pews  by 
such  persons  as  will  be  at  the  cost  of  the  room  and  building  said 
pews."  Also  "  to  proceed  now  and  sell  the  sites  for  pews  in  the 
new  meeting-house."  ^    Nine  pew  spots  were  sold,  namely  :  — 


No.  4,  To  Jona.  Paine,  3.15. 

«     6,  To  Jno.  Myrick,  £2.15. 

«     7,  To  Thos.  Paine,  2.15. 

"     8,  To  Thos.  Smith,  2.15. 

«     9,  To  Micah  Gross,  2.15. 

"     11,  Jed.  Lumbert,  3.15. 


No.  1,  At  the  right  hand 

as  one  goes  in  at  the 

front    door,    to    Capt. 

Constant  Freeman,  for  £5.10. 
"  2,  At  the  left  hand,  to 

Jno.  Snow,  5.00. 

«  3,  ToMachielAtwood,     3.05. 

The  com.  for  the  sale  reported,  Aug.  23,  "  the  three  other 
plats,  or  places  whereon  to  build  pews,  have  been  sold  as  fol- 
lows :  — 

No.  5,  To  Phebe  Paine,   £1.15  i  No.  12,  To  Jona.  Yick- 
«    10,  To  Joshua  Paine,    1.15  |  ery,  £.3.05 

^This  house,  built  in  1721,  standing  on  a  high  hill,  was,  for  a  long  course 
of  years,  a  conspicuous  object  to  mariners,  and  to  be  seen  at  a  great  distance. 
It  stood  119  years. 


ANNALS   OF   TRURO.  553 

The  town  agreed,  Sept.  25,  to  take  its  part  of  the  £50,000  in 
Bills  of  Credit,  issued  by  the  Province,  "  to  impi'ove  the  same 
toward  the  building  of  the  meeting-house  now  begun,^  —  ex- 
cepting such  part  as  belongs  to  the  inhabitants  of  Cape  Cod, 
which  i^art  we  agree  to  let  the  said  inhabitants  have,  provided 
they  give  sufficient  security  for  the  same ; "  ^  and  Messrs.  Jere- 
miah Bickford,  i^Tath'!  Atkins,  and  Jona,  Vickery,  were  app. 
trustees  "  to  receive  this  town's  proportion  of  the  said  Bills  of 
Credit  lodged  in  the  hands  of  the  Province  treasurer."  The  town 
also  voted  "  that  contributions  be  regularly  taken  up,  as  soon  as 
the  new  meeting-house  is  finished ;  and  that  the  inhabitants,  as 
often  as  they  contribute,  enclose  the  money  so  contributed  in  a 
piece  of  paper  with  his  or  her  name  written  thereon."  It  was 
ordered,  Oct.  31,  "  that  the  trustees  of  the  town's  fund  of  bills  of 
credit,  pay  to  Mr.  Sam'l  Eldridge  £177,  and  that  said  Eldridge 
return  to  the  inhabitants  all  that  they  have  paid  over  one  half  of 
what  they  were  rated  for  the  building  of  the  meeting-honse ;  he 
to  I'eturn  the  balance  to  the  agents  or  undertakers  of  the  build- 
ing." "  Mr.  Winter  was  engaged  to  keep  the  town  school  1 
yr.  and  3  mos.  after  his  present  term  shall  expire."  Thomas 
Paine  Esq.  died  this  year,  June  23,  sb.  65.^ 

In  1723,  an  addition  of  £10  was  again  made  to  Mr.  Avery's 
salary. 

In  1724,  a  grant  of  lands  was  made  by  the  proprietors  to  Mr. 
David  Vickery. 

In  1725,  Mr.  Avery's  salary  was  £90. 

In  1728,  July  17,  Thos.  Mulford,  Jona.  Paine,  and  Benj.  Collins 
were  app.  trustees  to  receive  for  the  town  its  proportion  of  the 
£60,000  loan,  and  were  instructed  as  to  the  manner  of  "  letting  it 
out." 

In  1730,  Feb.  16,  a  com.  consisting  of  Kev.  John  Avery  and 


^Mr.  Thus.  Mdford  "entered  his  dissent  to  this  appropriation,  for  the 
reason  that  he  thought  it  not  agreeable  to  the  Act  of  Court." 

^  The  Province-town  was,  in  some  sense,  a  part  of  Truro.  Although 
made  a  District  and  Precinct  in  1 714,  it  was  still  under  the  municipal  direc- 
tion of  this  town. 

^  Thomas  Paine  Esq.,  (or,  as  his  death  is  recorded,  "  Capt.  Thos. 
'  Paine,  Esq.,")  was  one  of  the  most  influential  and  active  of  the  early  settlers, 
and  was  many  years  clerk  of  the  proprietors  of  Pamet.  He  is  understood 
to  have  been  son  of  Tnos.  of  E.  who  was  the  son  of  Thos.  in  Pljon.  1637. 
See  p.  378  ;  also  Vol.  I.  635.  He  was  the  first  representative  of  this  town 
in  Gen.  Court,  1714.  The  patronymic  embraces  a  large  portion  of  the 
inhabitants  of  this  town  to  the  present  day. 
.70 


554 


HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


Moses  Paine, 
George  Picke, 
Humphrey  Purington, 
Richard  Rich, 
Thomas  Ridley, 
Francis  Smalley,^ 
Isabel  Smalley, 
Thomas  Smith, 
Joshua  Snow, 
Richard  Stevens, 
Joseph  Young, 
Samuel  Young. 


Messrs.  Caleb  Hopkins,  Elkanah  Paine  and  Humphrey  Purington, 
were  chosen  by  the  proprietors,  "  to  prevent  cattle  and  horses 
going  upon  the  meadows  and  the  beaches  adjoining."  The  ob- 
ject was  the  preservation  of  the  meadows  from  destruction  by 
sands.  The  com.  were  to  assign  to  each  proprietor  his  particular 
proportion  offence  to  be  made  for  this  purpose.  The  proprietors, 
at  this  time,  were  :  — 

Henry  Atkins,         Henry  Dyer, 

Isaiah  Atkins,         Judah  Dyer, 

Joshua  Atkins,         Sam'l  Dyer, 

Silas  Atkins,  Sam'l  Eldridge, 

Malchiel  Atwood,   Constant  Freeman, 

John  Avery,  Caleb  Hopkins, 

Edward  Bangs,        Thomas  Hopkins, 

Jonathan  Bangs,     John  Lewis, 

Jeremiah  Bickford,  Jedediah  Lombard, 

John  Conant,  Andrew  Newcomb, 

Edward  Cowett,    /Elkanah  Paine, 

Ambrose  Dyer,      -Jonathan  Paine, 

In  1733,  Nov.  19,  the  impounding  of  Doct.  Dyer's  horse  occa- 
sioned much  trouble ;  and,  although  other  and  more  strict  regu- 
lations were  made  to  prevent  horses  and  neat  cattle  from  going 
at  large,  difficulties  on  account  of  cattle  and  fences  existed  for 
years,  furnishing  subject  for  much  debate,  if  not  acrimony,  at 
every  town  and  proprietors'  meeting  and  on  various  occasions. 
Mr.  Michael  Gibson  was  engaged,  Dec.  24,  to  keep  the  town 
school  one  year,  for  £50. 

In  1734,  Nov.  8,  Ens.  Moses  Paine  was  agent  for  this  town,  to 
meet  agents  from  Eastham,  Harwich,  Chatham,  and  Province- 
town,  at  the  house  of  Capt.  Sam'l  Knowles  in  Eastham,  or  else- 
where, to  unite  with  said  agents  in  petitioning  the  Gen.  Court 
that  these  towns  may  be  constituted  a  county. 

In  1735,  Mr.  Avery's  salary  was  raised  to  £100. 

In  1737,  this  town,  with  the  design  of  uniting  with  other  towns 
in  petitioning  the  Gen.  Court  to  provide  that  two  of  the  inferior 
Courts  of  Com.  Pleas  and  Courts  of  Gen.  Sessions  for  the  County 
of  Barnstable  may  be  held  annually  in  Eastham,  chose  Thomas 
Paine  Esq.  its  agent  for  the  afoi'esaid  purpose.     The  same  year, 


^  The  name  frequently  occurs  written  Small,  Smalley,  or  Smalle  ;  the 
patronymic  is  the  same  in  all  cases,  although  these  several  names  have 
come,  at  last,  to  represent  distinctive  branches. 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  565 

the  schoolmaster  having  shown  kindly  feeling  and  extended  sym- 
pathetic aid  to  an  elderly  couple  during  the  inclemency  of  winter, 
was  complimented  by  the  following  vote  :  "  To  give  Mr.  Gibson 
for  keeping  school,  after  the  rate  of  £55,  in  consideration  of  the 
charge  he  has  been  at  in  supporting  the  ancient  people  with 
whom  he  has  lived  the  winter  past." 

"  Good,  the  more 
Gommunicated,  more  abundant  grows ; 
The  author  not  impaired,  but  honored  more." 

In  1788,  a  large  com.  was  app.  by  this  town,  "  to  petition  the 
Gen.  Court  for  courts  in  Eastham,  and  for  a  court-house  and  jail 
to  be  built  there." 

In  1739,  a  com.  was  app.  by  the  town,  "  to  cause  the  law  to  be 
enforced  to  prevent  the  killing  of  deer  at  improper  seasons."  This 
animal  was  formerly  numerous,  even  thus  low  down  on  the  Cape  ; 
and  deer-reeves  were  among  the  officers  appointed  by  the  towns 
many  years.  A  reward  was,  this  year,  offered  by  the  town  "  to 
any  one  who  shall  kill  the  wolf  that  has  of  late  been  prowling 
through  this  township  ;  or  any  wolf  that  shall,  in  future,  be  found 
here." 

In  1740,  the  town  voted  "  to  strengthen  the  memorial  to  the 
Gen.  Court,  lately  gotten  up  by  the  inhabitants  of  Provincetown 
with  a  view  to  the  preservation  of  the  beach  and  meadows."  For 
some  reason,  the  town,  after  a  hearty  concurrence  in  the  measure, 
reconsidered  the  same,  and  voted  that  said  memorial  is  disap- 
pi'oved.  On  further  consideration,  the  town  demanded  a  hear- 
ing "  in  the  matter  of  Cape  Cod  Harbor  and  fishing-places," — 
insisting  that  the  damage  done  the  Province-lands  had  been  mis- 
represented. 

In  1745,  it  was  voted  to  add  £30,  old  tenor,  to  the  minister's 
salary ;  it  was  thought  necessary  also  to  appoint  a  committee  "  to 
take  care  of  the  boys  that  they  don't  play  in  meeting  on  the 
Sabbath."    Mr.  Constant  Freeman  died  this  year,  se.  76.^ 

^Mr.  Constant  Freeman,  b.  Mar.  31,  1669,  s.  of  Dea.  Samuel  of  E., 
m.  Jane  Treat  Oct.  11,  1694,  and  had  Robert  Aug.  12,  1696;  Jane  Sept. 
20,  1697,  d.  inf.;  Jane  Mar.  5,  1699;  Constant  Mar.  25,  1700;  Mercy 
Aug.  31,  1702,  who  m.  Caleb  Hopkins  Oct.  8,  1719 ;  Hannah  May  3,  1704, 
who  m.  Micah  Gross  Aug.  20,  1725  ;  Eunice  Nov.  25,  1705,  who  m.  AVm. 
Crocker  Mar.  4,  1733;  Elizabeth  Feb.  4,  1707-8  ;  Jonathan  June  9,  1710, 
who  m.  Rebecca  Binney  Sept.  23,  1731,  and  had  Jane  1732,  and  Jona. 
May  18,  1739,  and  removed  to  Gorham,  Me.;  Apphia  Jan.  14,  1713,  who 
m.  Samuel  Bickford  Oct.  6,  1731 ;  and  Joshua  July  4,  1717,  who  m.  Re- 
becca Parker  Oct.  9,  1 746.  The  nine  eldest  were  b.  in  E.,  the  two  young- 
est in  Truro. 


556  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1746,  Mr.  Avery's  salary  was  "  fixed  at  £150  in  future." 
Bounds  between  this  town  and  Provincetown  and  Eastham  were 
renewed. 

.  In  1747,  Mr.  Avery's  salary  was  made  £200  per  annum,  on 
condition  that  he  release  the  town  from  all  demands  for  the  past. 
The  schoolmaster  was  voted  £60. 

In  1748,  the  boys  were  still  inclined  to  play  in  meeting;  and 
Mr.  Thos.  Cobb  Jr.  was  "  apjD.  to  correct  them." 

In  1752,  Nov.  6,  it  being  thought  "advisable  to  hire 
some  suitable  minister  to  assist  R^.  Mr.  Avery  in 
preaching  the  gospel,  this  winter,  Mr.  Joshua  Atkins 
and  Dea.  Barnabas  Paine  were  app.  to  look  out  for 
some  one.  The  town  "  agreed  to  bear  Dea.  Paine's  ex- 
penses and  cost  of  shoeing  his  horse,  to  go  to  Barn- 
stable for  the  purpose,^  and  Mr.  Atkins'  expenses  if  he 
hires  a  horse  and  rides  out  of  Boston  in  pursuit  of  the 
same  object." 

In  1753,  Jan.  3,  a  com.  was  chosen  "  to  converse 
with  Rev.  Mr.  Avery  respecting  an  assistant." 

A  man  was  app.  "  to  take  care  of  and  chastise  the  boys  who 
play  in  meeting."  It  was  "  ordered  that  the  town's  j)owder  be 
dried."  Mi*.  Charles  Turner  was  engaged  as  schoolmaster ;  "  his 
pay  to  be  £40  and  diet,  for  three  months."  Also  voted  that,  "for 
the  time  to  come,  if  any  person  shall  take  a  boy  under  10  years 
old  to  drive  black-fish  or  porpoises,  he  or  they  shall  have  nothing 
allowed  for  the  boy ;  and  that  when  any  black-fish  or  porj^oise 
shall  be  driven  ashore  and  killed  by  any  number  of  boats  of  the 
inhabitants  of  this  town,  if  one  man  or  more  shall  insist  on  hav- 
ing the  fish  divided  to  each  boat,  it  shall  be  done."  The  town 
was  "  put  to  some  charge  for  old  Moll^  a  negress  who  has  been 
troublesome  for  yeai's." 

It  was  "  agreed  to  give  Eev.  Mr.  Avery  £100,  old 
tenor,  —  equal  to  <£13.  6.  8.  lawful  money,  for  the 
present  year,  —  he  giving  up  the  right  to  the  parsonage 
property,  both  wood  and  improvement."  Also,  July 
30,  to  give  a  call  either  to  Mr.  Chas.  Turner,  Mr.  Caleb 

'  A  son  of  Kgv.  i\Ii-.  Grcon  of  Barnstable  was  pronoscd. 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  557 

Upham,  or  Mr.  Sam'l  Angier,  to  preach  the  gospel,  on 
probation.  The  com.  of  snppUes  were  Messrs.  Benj. 
CoUins,  Joshua  Atkins,  Barnabas  Paine,  Joseph  Smal- 
ley,  and  ifd.  Colhns.  It  was  voted,  Aug.  15,  "to  give 
^£80  per  annum,  either  in  money  or  other  merchanta- 
ble pay  as  it  shall  pass  with  the  merchant  in  common 
traffic,  and  the  improvement  of  the  parsonage  lands, 
for  the  suppbrt  and  encouragement  of  an  orthodox 
minister  regularly  called  and  settled  in  the  Gospel  min- 
istry in  this  town,  provided  he  allow  Rev.  Mr.  Avery 
£13.  6.  8.  yearly  out  of  his  salary;"  also  voted  "to 
present  the  much-respected  Mr.  Charles  Turner  Jr.,^ 
whom  the  Church  of  Christ  in  this  town  have,  by  their 
unanimous  vote,  called  to  the  pastoral  office,  with  a 
copy  of  these  proceedings  concurring  with  the  church 
in  the  call."  At  a  meeting,  Oct.  22,  Mr.  Turner  having 
declined  the  call,  the  former  votes  were  reconsidered, 
and  it  was  "  voted  to  give  him  £80,  lawful  money,"  — 
with  the  same  provision  in  regard  to  Mr.  Avery.  The 
latter  offer  he  accepted ;  whereupon  Messrs.  Joshua 
Atkins,  John  Rich,  and  Moses  Paine  were  a  com.  "  to 
draw  a  covenant,"  and  Messrs.  Joshua  Atkins,  Rd.  Col- 
lins and  Rd.  Stevens  a  com.  "  to  make  all  necessary 
arrangements  for  the  ordination  appointed  for  the  last 
Wednesday  in  Nov.,  and  for  the  entertainment  of 
elders  and  messengers."  Mr.  Turner  now  desired  to 
be  released  from  his  engagement. 


In  1754,  it  was  "voted  to  petition  the  Gen.  Court  for  an  act  to 
prohibit  neat  cattle  and  horses  from  going  at  large  on  the  banks 
and  beaches ;  and  Barn's  Paine,  John  Rich  and  Joshua  Freeman 
were  chosen  a  com.  to  prefer  the  petition. 

This  year,  Ap.  23,  after  a  lengthened  pastorate  of 
44  yrs.,  the  Rev.  John  Avery  died,  se.  69.     It  is  said 

^Llr.  Turner  grad.  H.  C.  1752. 


558  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

that  he  was  both  physician  and  pastor.  To  the  day  of 
his  decease  he  was  greatly  admired  and  beloved  by 
the  people  of  his  charge,  —  emphatically  a  good  man, 
—  highly  esteemed  as  a  physician,  and  greatly  useful 
as  a  minister.^ 

After  the  decease  of  Mr.  Avery,  a  com.  was  sent  to 
Rev.  Mr.  Lewis  of  Eastham  to  ask  "  how  he  approved 
of  Mr.  Caleb  Upham."  The  com.  reported  Mr.  Lewis 
replied  that  "he  knew  nothing  against  him,  or  of 
him." 

In  1755,  Jan.  9,  Rev.  Caleb  Upham  was  called,  and 
a  salary  of  £53.  6.  8.  per  annum,  was  voted  him,  with 
a  settlement  of  £80  and  use  of  the  parsonage.  A 
meeting  was  held,  Feb.  10,  to  hear  and  act  on  Mr. 
Upham's  answer  ;  when  it  was  "  voted,  that  inasmuch 
as  many  of  the  inhabitants  are  called  away  from  the 
meeting  by  news  of  a  whale  in  the  Bay,  this  meeting 
be  adjourned  to  Feb.  11,  one  day."  At  the  adjourned 
meeting,  an  addition  of  £6.  13.  4.  was  made  to  the 
salary  before  voted,  making  it  £60,  lawful  money. 
Mr.  Upham  requiring,  in  addition,  20  cords  of  wood 
per  annum,  to  be  cut  and  delivered  at  his  door,  this 
also  was  conceded.  His  acceptance  was  then  commu- 
nicated, Feb.  17,  and  he  was  ordained  Oxit.  29.^ 


^  His  tombstone  says  :  "  Here  lie  the  remains  of  tlie  E,ev.  John  Avery, 
who  departed  this  life  the  23d  of  Ap.  1754,  in  the  69th  yr.  of  his  age,  and 
the  44th  of  his  ministry,  the  first  pastor  ordained  in  this  place. 

"  In  this  dark  cavern,  in  this  lonesome  grave, 
Here  lies  the  honest,  pious,  virtuous  friend  : 
Him,  kind  Heav'u  to  us  Priest  and  Doctor  gave,  — 
As  such  he  lived;  as  such  we  mourn  his  end." 

During  his  pastorate,  "he  admitted  to  the  church  367  members."  Mr. 
Avery  was  son  of  Rev.  Wm.  of  Dedham  by  his  w.  Elisa.,  and  was  brother 
of  Rev.  Joseph  of  Norton.  By  his  w.  Ruth  who  d.  Oct.  1,  1732,  se.  46,  he 
had  children,  one  of  whom,  John  Esq.,  of  Boston,  was  father  of  John  Esq., 
many  years  secretary  of  the  commonwealth  ;  another  son,  Ephraim,  b. 
1712,  grad.  H.  C.  1731,  was  a  clergyman  set.  in  Ct.  1 735.  Mr.  Avery  had 
a  2d  w.  Ruth,  who  d.  Nov.  1,  1745. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Upham  was  b.  in  Falmouth,  Me.,  1723,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1744. 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  559 

Mr.  Jonathan  Paine  had  leave  "  to  build  a  wharf  below  the 
bank  at  Indian  Neck,  somewhere  against  the  land  of  Esq.  Paine." 
The  town  raised  £71.  17.  6.  lawful  money,  and  placed  in  the 
hands  of  Capt.  Constant  Freeman  "  to  pay  the  men  hired  in  the 
town  to  go  to  Crown  Point."  Mr.  Barnabas  Paine  died  this 
year. 

In  1756,  Mr.  Jonathan  Paine  died. 

In  1757,  Mar.  22,  Mr.  Joshua  Atkins  was  deputed  "to  petition 
the  Gen.  Court  that  the  town  be  protected  and  excused  from  im- 
presses." A  com.  was  app.  "  to  consult  with  the  inhabitants  of 
Provincetown  respecting  building  a  battery  there,  this  town 
pledging  assistance  in  the  work  ; "  also  "  to  petition  the  General 
Court  for  aid  in  the  same ; "  also  "  to  assist  the  military  officers  in 
drawing  the  alarm  list."  The  Gen.  Court  was  petitioned  again 
in  regard  to  the  protection  of  this  town,  the  defences  having 
been  suspended ;  and  the  town  voted  "  that  the  military  watch 
and  ward  be  carried  on  at  Cape  Cod,  and  that  here  a  suitable 
number  of  guns  and  ammunition  be  brought  to  the  meeting-house 
every  Sabbath  to  be  ready  in  case  of  alarm."  The  scheme  for 
enlisting  men  in  the  service  of  the  Province,  as  generally  adopt- 
ed in  the  towns,  was  the  resort  here.  The  sum  of  £15  per  mo. 
was  voted  to  be  paid  to  each  of  the  town's  quota,  from  the  town 
treasury,  in  addition  to  the  Provincial  wages. 

Mr.  Woomly  was  engaged  as  schoolmaster.  The  expenses  of 
a  town  government  were,  at  this  period,  by  no  means  oppressive ; 
each  selectman  received  £1  for  his  services  the  past  year. 

In  1759,  money  was  again  raised  to  encourage  men  to  enlist  in 
His  Majesty's  service  for  the  invasion  of  Canada.  Twenty  men 
were  required  from  this  town,  and  to  each  of  these  £15  was 
voted. 

In  1759,  Mr.  Constant  Freeman  died,  se.  59.^ 

In  1760,  the  privations  and  exactions  consequent  on  a  state 
of  war,  had  borne  so  heavily  on  this  and  other  maritime  towns 
that  the  town  petitioned  for  an  abatement  of  its  province  tax. 
The  town-school,  ever  an  object  of  interest  with  the  inhabitants, 
it  was  now,  as  often,  difficult  to  supply  with  a  suitable  master. 
Educated  men  offering  for  the  employment  were  few  compara- 
tively, and  their  services  were  generally  early  secured  by   the 

^Mr.  Constant  Freeman,  b.  1700,  s.  of  Constant,  had  by  his  w.  Ann, 
Constant,  Jr.  who  m.  Lois  Cobb  Sept.  23,  1 754,  who  were  the  parents  of 
Kev.  James,  D.  D.  b.  Ap.  22,  1759,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1777,  and  was  in- 
ducted minister  of  King's  Chapel,  Boston,  1782,  and  d.  Nov.  14,  1835. 


560  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

larger  towns.  The  frequent  mention  of  town  action  in  providing 
for  supervision  of  the  boys  in  time  of  public  worship,  is  a  triv- 
ial matter  to  record  as  a  portion  of  history,  except  as  it  illustrates 
as  we  conceive,  the  unfortunate  arrangement  for  "  seating  the 
congregation  "  in  early  times,  —  the  boys  being  congregated  in 
the  "  boys'  seats  in  the  galleries "  where  they  were  free  from 
parental  oversight;  and  also  brings  to  view  the  existence  and 
position  of  men,  who,  except  for  such  record,  might  be  passed 
unnoticed.  Those  app.  "  to  correct  and  whip  the  boys  that  are 
disorderly  on  Sabbath  days  at  or  about  the  meeting  house,"  this 
year  were  Chas.  Annis,  Benj.  Lewis,  and  Solo.  Dyer. 

In  1762,  an  abatement  of  the  provincial  tax  of  this  town  was 
again  asked;  the  reason  now  assigned,  "  on  account  of  the  great 
losses  sustained  by  the  town,  in  consequence  of  the  blowing  of 
the  sand  upon  the  cultivated  lands  and  meadows  the  winter 
jsast."  The  meeting-house,  this  year,  underwent  considerable 
repairs. 

In  1764,  Mr.  Moses  Paine,  many  years  town  clerk  and  filling 
other  useful  offices,  died,  se.  Q9} 

In  1765,  it  was  thought  expedient  to  petition  the  Gen.  Court 
"  to  be  excused  from  providing  a  Grammar-school,  and  to  be  per- 
mitted to  substitute  a  good  English-school  for  reading,  spelling, 
writing,  and  cyphering." 

It  was  also  voted  to  enlarge  and  remodel  the  meeting-house. 
This  being  accomplished,  the  sales  of  pews  intended  for  the  aris- 
tocracy —  for  every  community,  in  all  ages,  has  had,  by  some  dis- 
tinction, its  higher  orders  —  were  as  follows :  Pew  No. 

lower  end  of  the  men's 
front  seat,  170. 

To    Gamaliel    Smith, 
next  lower  end  of  wo- 
men's front  seats,  174. 
To  Thomas  Cobb,  next 
to  No.  5,                             136. 

,  To    Anthony    Snow, 
next  to  No.  6,  136. 

,  To    Josh.   Knowles, 
next  No.  7,  £118. 


1.  To  Benj.  Collins,  it 
being  located  immedi- 
ately on  the  right  side 
ofthe  front  door,  £193. 

2.  To  Joseph  Cobb,  left 

side  front  door,  183. 

3.  To  Jos.  Atkins,  west- 
erly side  of  pulpit,  214. 

4.  To  Rd.  Collins,  it  being 

the  old  minister's  pew,      182. 

5.  To  Isaiah  Atkins,  next 


*Mr.  Moses  Paine,  born  Sept.  25,  1695,  s.  of  Thos.  Esq.,  appears  to 
have  been  a  man  of  much  influence. 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  561 


lower  floor  were  to  be  finished 
at  the  town's  expense. 

The  spot  for  a  pew  over  men's 
stairs,  sold  for  £11  to  Zacheus 
Rich,  Jr. 

The  spot  for  a  pew  over  wo- 
men's stairs  to  the  gallery,  to 
Joshua  Atkins  for  £16, 


10.  To  John  Rich,  next 
to  No.  8,  118. 

11.  To  Gamaliel  Collins, 
at  lower  end  of  men's 
hindmost  seats,  100. 

12.  To  Rd.  Stevens,  at 
lower  end  of  women's 
hindmost  seats,  103. 

^^  These   12  pews,    on   the 

In  1767,  Mr.  Samuel  Hincks  was  engaged  as  schoolmaster."^ 

The  town  referred  to  a  select  com.  consisting  of  Ed. 
CollinS;  Joshua  Freeman,  and  Constant  Hopkins,  Dec. 
21,  "  the  memorial  of  the  Selectmen  of  Boston,  re- 
specting loaf-sugar  and  other  enumerated  articles  men- 
tioned in  the  Boston  Resolves  of  Oct.  28,  last."  The 
result  was  a  vote  "  to  leave  the  affair  to  the  discretion 
of  the  town  of  Boston  to  act  as  they  shall  think  proper 
and  beneficial  to  the  Province." 

In  1774,  a  com.  was  chosen  "to  repair  the  burial- 
place."  And,  "  at  a  town-meeting,  Feb.  28,  several 
persons  appeared  of  whom  it  had  been  reported  that 
they  had  purchased  small  quantities  of  the  East  India 
Go's,  baneful  Teas  lately  cast  ashore  at  Provincetown. 
On  examining  these  persons,  it  appeared  that  their 
buying  this  noxious  tea  was  through  ignorance  and 
inadvertence,  and  that  they  were  induced  thereto  by 
the  villanous  example  and  artful  persuading  of  some 
noted  pretended  friends  of  government,  from  the  neigh- 
boring towns :  It  was,  therefore.  Resolved  that  the  meet- 
ing thinks  them  excusable  with  their  acknowledgment." 
It  thus  appears  that,  notwithstanding  the  exposed  lo- 
cation of  this  town,  —  on  the  northernmost  extremity 
of  the  peninsula  of  the  Cape,  —  the  people,  as  a  whole, 

^Mr.  HiNKS  gi'ad.  H.  C.  1701.  It  is  greatly  to  tlie  credit  of  the  age 
that,  by  law,  none  but  well-edncated  men  were  "  allowed "  as  school- 
masters. 

VOL.   II.  71 


562         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

were  patriotic  and  not  inclined  to  falter  in  the  strug- 
gle for  independence.  Though  the  soil  was  yielding  to 
the  tread  of  man  and  beast,  the  hearts  of  the  citizens 
were  unyielding  to  the  oppressor,  stout  in  maintaining 
the  patriot  cause.  At  the  same  meeting,  the  town 
app.  Capt.  Joshua  Atkins,  Isaiah  Atkins,  Dea.  Joshua 
Freeman,  Doct.  Samuel  Adams,  and  Messrs.  Eph.  Hard- 
ing, Thatcher  Eich,  Nath'l  Harding,  Benj.  Atklns,  and 
Hezekiah  Harding,  a  com.  "  to  prepare  a  proper  resolve 
to  be  entered  into  by  this  town  respecting  the  intro- 
duction of  Teas  from  Gt.  Britain  subject  to  a  duty  pay- 
able in  America."     The  com.  reported  as  follows  :  — 

"  We,  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Truro,  although  by  our 
remote  situation  from  the  centre  of  public  news  deprived  of  op- 
portunities of  gaining  so  thorough  knowledge  of  the  unhappy- 
disputes  that  subsist  between  us  and  the  parent  State  as  we 
could  wish  ;  yet,  as  our  love  of  liberty  and  dread  of  slavery  is  not 
inferior  perhaps  to  that  of  our  brethren  in  any  part  of  the 
Province,  think  it  our  indispensable  duty  to  contribute  our  mite 
in  the  glorious  cause  of  liberty  and  our  Country  by  declaring  in 
this  public  manner  our  union  in  sentiment  with  our  much  re- 
spected brethren  of  Boston  manifested  in  their  patriotic  resolve 
inclosed  in  the  late  letter  of  their  Com.  of  Correspondence  to 
this  town,  and  our  readiness  to  afford  in  our  contracted  sphere 
our  best  assistance  in  any  prudent  measure  in  defence  of,  or  for 
the  recovery  of,  our  rights  and  privileges  and  to  avoid  being 
brought  into  that  deplorable  state  of  wretched  slavery  with  which 
we  are  threatened  by  the  unconstitutional  measures,  if  persisted 
in  by  the  administration,  and  in  particular  by  their  late! danger- 
ous and  detestable  scheme  of  sending  Teas  to  the  colonies  by 
means  of  the  E.  Indies  Co.,  subject  to  the  unrighteous  American 
duty^  —  a  scheme,  as  we  apprehend,  designed  to  take  in  the  un- 
wary and  to  continue  and  establish  the  tribute  so  unjustly  forced 
from  us,  —  a  tribute  attended  with  the  aggravation  of  being 
applied  to  maintain  in  idleness  and  luxury  a  set  of  worthless 
looliceraen  and  pensioners  and  their  creatures  who  are  continually 
aiming  at  the  subversion  of  our  happy  Constitution,  and  whose 
example  tends  to  debauch  the  morals  of  the  people  in  our  sea- 
ports which  swarm  with  them  :  And,  as  we  think  the  most  likely 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  563 

method  that  we  can  take  to  aid  in  frustrating  the  inhuman  de- 
signs of  the  administration  is  a  disuse  of  that  baneful  dutied 
article,  Jfea,  Therefore, 

^'-Mesolved,  That  we  will  not  by  any  way  or  means  knowingly 
promote  or  encourage  the  sale  or  consumption  of  any  tea  what- 
ever while  subject  to  an  American  duty;  and  that  all  persons 
whoever  they  may  be  that  shall  be  concerned  in  a  transaction  so 
dangerous  to  the  well-being  of  this  Country,  shall  be  treated  by 
us  as  the  meanest  and  basest  of  enemies  to  their  Country's  de- 
fence :  And,  though  we  have  the  mortification  to  own  that  some 
persons  among  us  have  been  weak  enough  to  be  led  astray  by 
noted  resciuders  from  all  good  resolutions,  we  cannot  in  justice 
to  ourselves  omit  making  j)ublic  the  fact  that  no  person  in  this 
town  could  be  prevailed  upon  to  accept  the  infamous  employ- 
ment of  transporting  the  tea  saved  out  of  the  Messrs.  Clark's 
Brigantine,  from  Cape  Cod  to  the  vessel ;  but  that  the  repeated 
solicitations  of  the  owners  were  refused  notwithstanding  lib- 
eral promises  of  a  large  reward,  and  notwithstanding  we  had 
several  vessels  here  unemployed  :  and,  it  affords  us  great  pleasure 
and  satisfaction  that  our  highly  esteemed  brethren  of  the  town 
of  Boston  have  made  so  brave  a  stand  in  defence  of  American 
Liberty  ;  and  that  wisdom,  prudence,  and  fortitude  accompanied 
all  their  proceedings.  We  return  them  our  sincere  and  hearty 
thanks  for  the  intelligence  they  have  from  time  to  time  afforded 
us,  and  hope  they  will  continue  their  opposition  to  every  measure 
tending  to  enslave  us ;  and  wish  their  manly  fortitude  may  be 
increasing  under  the  great  public  grievances  to  which  by  their 
situation  they  are  more  peculiarly  exposed." 

The  preceding  was  signed  by  every  member  of  the 
Committee,  and  was  adopted  by  the  meeting,  nem.  con. ; 
and  then  "  ordered  to  be  recorded  and  transmitted." 
The  aforesaid  Committee  were,  by  unanimous  vote, 
constituted  a  Com.  of  Correspondence  for  this  town. 

In  1775,  the  town  voted,  Mar.  13,  "to  pay  over  to 
Henry  Gardner  Esq.,  of  Stowe,  its  Provincial  tax," 
To  this,  GamaUel  Smith  and  Job  Avery  entered  dis- 
sent. 

The  committee  chosen.  May  25,  to  represent  this  town  in  the 
County  Congress  to  be  held  in  Barnstable,  were  Capt.  Ambrose 


^m 


664  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Dyer,  Dea.  Joshua  Freeman,  Israel  Gross,  E[)h.  Harding,  and 
Ebeu'r  Rich.  A  comi^any  of  military  was  organized,  June  1, 
with  David  Smith,  Capt. ;  Jno.  Sellen,  Lt. ;  and  Benj.  Harding} 
Ensign,  At  the  same  time,  it  was  "  voted  that  Ambrose  Smith 
be  Capt.  of  the  alarm-list,  Eph'm.  Harding,  Lt.,  and  Barzillai 
Smith,  Ens.;  and  "that  each  man  employed  as  Watch  to  guard 
the  town  shall  have  for  each  night  that  he  watches  faithfully,  50 
cents."  A  com.  was  also  chosen  "  to  direct  the  watch."  It  was 
ordered,  Dec.  25,  that  "  if  any  man  fire  away  any  powder  except 
to  defend  the  town,  he  shall  forfeit  6s.  for  every  charge  so  fired." 
Additional  arms  and  ammunition  were  ordered ;  and  a  petition 
was  forwarded  to  headquarters  for  12  cannon  and  500  men  to  be 
stationed  near  Provincetown. 

These  were  distressing  times  for  all,  for  much  self- 
sacrifice  was  required ;  and,  upon  those  in  straitened 
circumstances,  the  necessities  of  the  crisis  bore  with 
intensity.  Rev.  Mr.  Upham,  the  town  minister,  gen- 
erously relinquished  <£50  of  his  salary,  requesting  that 
it  might  be  appropriated  to  the  poor.  Economy  and 
retrenchment  were  practised  as  circumstances  required ; 
it  was  even  "  voted  to  give  up  the  schools,  except  one, 
till  better  times." 

During  the  entire  period  of  the  Revolutionary  War, 
this  town  had  almost  no  means  of  defence ;  certainly 
none  adequate  to  threatening  dangers ;  and  yet,  what 
was  lacking  in  fortifications  or  numerical  force  was 
sometimes  made  up  by  stratagem.  On  one  occasion, 
when  menaced  by  the  enemy's  fleet  in  the  Bay,  demon- 
strations of  landing  being  made  against  the  north  part 
of  the  town,  near  Pond  village,  the  town's  militia, 
which,  with  exempts,  was  the  only  force  that  could 
be  brought  to  oppose  veteran  British  soldiers,  took  a 
position  near  one  of  those  elevations,  or  moraines,  for 
which  the  face  of  the  town  is  so  noted,  and,  on  the 
enemy  approaching  the  shore,  were  seen  by  them 
emerging  from  the  depression  on  one  side  and  passing 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  565 

over  in  regular  file  across  the  sea-side  of  the  moraine. 
As  the  van  was  constantly  disappearing  by  passing 
down  into  the  opposite  depression  —  but,  in  fact,  around 
the  hill,  and  yet  the  ranks  still  remained  unbroken, 
undiminished,  —  apparently  company  after  company, 
—  and  the  procession  seeming  interminable ;  it  was 
naturally  supposed  by  the  enemy  that  an  immense 
force  was  assembled  and  passing  to  some  secure  am- 
buscade for  more  effectually  operating  upon  and  sur- 
prising them  on  their  landing.  It  was  not  judged  pru- 
dent, therefore,  by  the  British  commander,  to  attempt 
a  landing.  He  little  imagined  that  the  same  little  com- 
pany was,  for  hours,  thus  passing  around  and  around 
the  narrow  base  of  the  apex,  for  the  mere  purpose  of 
a  ruse. 

In  1776,  Jan.  15,  it  was  thought  proper  to  revoke  the  request 
that  was  made  the  25th  of  the  previous  Dec,  for  cannon,  etc., 
and  simply  "  to  ask  for  3  field-pieces."  Capt.  Hezekiah  Harding 
was  delegated  to  present  the  petition. _  The  towa  was  so  pecul- 
iarly situated  that,  being  advised,  it  was  thought  best  as  a  mat- 
ter of  precaution  and  expediency  to  intrust  to  a  select  commit- 
tee the  action  of  the  town  in  case  of  certain  contingencies.  Ac- 
cordingly, Feb.  12,  a  com.  was  chosen  consisting  of  Isaiah  Atkins, 
Ephraim  Lombard,  Richard  Stevens,  Dea.  Joshua  Freeman, 
Ephraim  Harding,  Ambrose  Dyer,  and  Barzillai  Smith,  "  to  dis- 
course with  the  men  of  war,  should  they  come  with  a  flag  of 
truce,  to  know  what  their  requests  are,  and  to  do  what  they  shall 
think  best  for  the  town  and  Pi-ovince." 

The  com.  of  cor,  and  safety,  chosen  Mar.  3,  were  Capt.  Am- 
brose Dyer,  Dea.  Ephraim  Harding,  and  Mr.  Ebenezer  Rich. 

The  question  of  Independence  was  considered  in 
town-meeting,  June  18  ;  and,  at  an  adjourned  meeting 
July  9,  the  town  instructed  their  representative  "  to 
fall  in  with  the  Provincial  and  Continental  Congresses." 

It  was  voted,  July  29,  "  to  give  each  man  who  will  enlist  to  fill 
this  town's  quota"  for  the  Crown  Point  expedition, £25.  Militia 
officers  were  chosen  for  the  South  District  of  the  town,  Sept.  3, 


566  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

namely,  Eben.  Rich,  Capt. ;  David  Snow,  1st  Lt.;  and  Rd.  Rich  3d, 
2d  Lt.  It  was  also  voted,  the  next  day,  "  that  the  town's  quota 
for  the  Continental  army  be  drafted."  It  should  be  noted  that, 
on  the  1st  inst.,  a  meeting  had  been  held  "  to  raise  3  years'  men 
for  the  army,  or  during  the  war,"  and  $40  had  then  been  offered 
by  the  town  to  each  recruit ;  but  it  was  now  found  necessary  to 
draft. 

On  the  last  day  of  this  monthj  the  question  of  "  the 
Union  "  was  debated,  and  referred  to  a  select  commit- 
tee. 

"  The  inhabitants  assembled  in  town-meeting,  Nov.  12,  to  hear 
the  Treason-law  read,"  Dea.  Joshua  Freeman  being  moderator. 
This  was  occasioned  by  no  defection  on  the  part  of  those  who 
had  been  friends  of  Liberty  ;  the  reading  in  all  towns  was  imper- 
ative. From  the  peculiar  situation  of  the  town,  and  the  tempta- 
tions which  the  possession  of  Cape  Cod  Harbor  by  the  enemy 
presented,  the  lower  towns  of  the  Cape  M^ere  often  the  resort  of 
men  waiting  for  opportunities ;  and  possibly  of  some  who,  in 
times  of  civil  commotion  are  always  found,  that, 

"  dubious  whom 
They  must  obey,  in  consternation  wait 
Till  rigid  conquest  shall  pronounce  their  liege." 

In  1778,  "  some  of  the  soldiers  di-afted  having  paid  their  fines, 
a  committee  was  sent  to  the  Brigadier  to  advise  what  is  best  to 
be  done  about  making  up  the  quota  of  the  Continental  men." 
An  agent,  Capt.  Reuben  Higgins,  was  also  sent,  for  the  same  pur- 
pose, to  the  Gen.  Court.  A  watch  was  set  to  guard  against  ships 
in  the  harbor,  and  provision  was  made  for  the  families  of  soldiers 
absent  on  duty.  "To  the  minister,  Mr.  Upham,  £50  was  voted 
more  than  his  salary  the  last  year." 

In  1779,  the  town  petitioned  for  more  arms.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Upham  was  sent  as  a  delegate  to  Boston,  to  adjust  the  j)rices  of 
the  necessaries  of  life,  and  $100  was  raised  to  bear  his  expenses. 
The  new  State  Constitution  was  accepted,  and  the  representative 
instructed.  The  town,  Aug.  29,  approved  of  the  resolves  of  the 
Convention  at  Concord;  and  a  com.  was  chosen  to  regulate  the 
prices  here,  of  articles  omitted  by  that  convention.  To  defray 
town  and  county  charges,  £1800  was  raised. 

In  1780,  the  town  again  petitioned  the  Gen.  Court 
for  an  abatement  of  State  tax.     To  Rev.  Mr.  Upham 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  567 

£416  was  voted  "  on  account  of  depreciation  of  mon- 
ey ; "  and  "  £60,  hard  money  "  was  voted  for  his  salary. 
It  was  also  ordered  that  "  a  portion  of  the  three  front 
seats  in  the  gallery  be  set  apart  for  the  singers."  It 
was  voted  "to  raise  £6050  to  defray  town  charges." 

The  town  was  anxious  to  furnish  promptly  its  quota 
of  soldiers  now  required  for  the  Continental  service 
for  6  mos.,  and  it  was  "voted  that  20  hard  dollars,  or 
20  bu.  of  corn  be  paid,  in  addition  to  the  £2  promised 
by  government,  to  each  man  who  shall  enlist ;  and 
also  to  allow  6s.  per  mile  travelling  fee  to  the  place 
of  abode  on  receiving  honorable  discharge."  To  pro- 
vide the  beef  required  of  this  town  for  the  sustenance 
of  the  army,  was  regarded  as  impossible  -,  and  it  was 
"  voted  that  in  lieu  thereof  £4416  be  sent  to  the  Gen. 
Court."  Subsequently,  the  town  voted  $1000  to  each 
man  who  will  enlist  in  the  Continental  service.  A  com. 
was  app.  "  to  see  if  the  Gen.  Court  will  allow  the  de- 
preciation on  the  money  paid  to  soldiers'  wives."  Mil- 
itary officers  chosen  this  year  were  Jedediah  Paine, 
Capt.,  Seth  Dyer,  1st  Lieut.,  Ambrose  Snow  Jr.,  2d  Lieut. 
One  hard  dollar  was  ordered  receivable  in  the  collection 
of  taxes  for  seventy-five  paper.  Again,  in  July,  an  at- 
tempt was  made  to  raise  five-months'  men  for  the  army 
and  $100  in  silver  was  offered  as  the  town  bounty. 

In  1781,  it  was  exceedingly  difficult  to  collect  rates. 
Very  little  money  was  to  be  had,  and  could  be  obtained 
only  by  few  persons  at  a  ruinous  sacrifice.  A  meeting 
was  called,  Sept.  17,  "  to  consult  what  can  be  done  to 
furnish  blankets,  shirts,  shoes,  and  stockings  demanded 
from  this  town  for  the  army."  Hon.  Solomon  Lombard, 
formerly  of  this  town,  died  this  year  in  Gorham,  Me.-^ 

^  Mr.  Bernard  Lombard  of  Be.,  b.  1668,  s.  of  Jabez,  had  Joanna 
1692;  Mehit.  1693;  Matthew  Jan.  15,  1698;  Maria  1700;  Bethia  1702; 
John  1704;  and  Solomon  Mar.  1,  1706.     Solomon,  b.  1706,  grad.  H.  C. 


568         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

In  1782,  great  effort  was  requisite  to  make  provision 
for  the  poor.  These  were  days  of  severe  trial;  but 
the  people  were  governed  by  noble  impulses;  they 
were  patriotic,  and,  in  the  midst  of  all  their  sufferings, 
were  never  known  to  neglect  the  widow  and  father- 
less or  to  withhold  from  the  needy.  The  judgment  of 
such  as  in  the  day  of  calamity  can  "^  stretch  themselves 
upon  their  couches,  chant  at  the  sound  of  the  viol, 
drink  wine  in  the  bowls,  anoint  thqmselves  with  the 
chief  ointments,  and  are  not  grieved  for  the  affliction 
of  Joseph,"  was  not  upon  them.^ 

A  committee  was  again  chosen  this  year,  "  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  go  on  board  the  enemy's  ships  in 
Cape  Cod  Harbor,  if  necessity  shall  arise."  The  bless- 
ings of  Peace,  however,  lighted  the  prospect  of  the 
future,  before  the  close  of  another  year,  and  inspired 
fresh  hopes.  No  adequate  idea  of  the  privations  and 
anxieties  of  previous  years  of  hostilities  can  be  con- 
veyed to  the  mind  of  the  reader  better  than  by  the 
simple  narrative  of  recorded  facts  as  set  forth  in  pre- 
ceding pages.  There  are  moments  when  a  people  can 
neither  listen  safely  to  hopes,  nor  fears.  Hope  seems 
forbidden,  despair  must  not  be  indulged.  The  good 
Providence  that  brought  our  fathers  safely  and  tri- 
umphantly through  the  perils  of  the  Revolution  should 
ever  be  devoutly  recognized  by  their  posterity ;  and 
the  acknowledged  Independence  that  in  1783  was  the 


1723,  entered  the  ministry,  preached  some  time  in  Provincetowu,  and  finally 
set.  in  Gorham,  Me.,  where  he  was  inst.  Dec.  26,  1750.  "He  entertained 
more  liberal  sentiments  than  comported  with  the  age ; "  and,  leaving  the 
ministry,  was  app.  judge  of  the  court  of  Cumberland  County.  He  was 
very  active  as  a  patriot  during  the  Revolutionary  period.  He  was  a  foi'cible 
writer,  and  the  author  of  many  papers  urging  resistance  to  tyranny.  Sept. 
1774,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Provincial  Congress.  Plis  descendants  are 
in  Maine  ;  E.  H.  Lombard  of  Hallowell  was  his  grandson. 

^During  the  Revolution,  four  masters  of  vessels  with  all  their  men,  most 
of  whom  belonged  in  this  town,  were  lost  at  sea.  Numbers  died  in  the 
prison-ships  at  New  York. 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  569 

fruit  of  long  years'  toil,  sacrifices,  a,nd  bloodshed,  should 
be  gratefully  cherished. 

In  1786,  Ap.  9,  the  Rev.  Caleb  Upham  died,  se.  63, 
after  31  years'  ministry  in  the  service  of  this  town.-^ 
A  meeting  was  held,  Sept.  25,  "to  see  if  the  town  will 
concur  with  the  church  in  calling  to  the  pastoral  office 
Rev.  JuDB  Damon."  The  town  united  in  the  call,  and 
voted  ,£200,  specie,  "by  way  of  settlement;"  and  "  a 
salary  of  £75,  specie,  annually,  besides  the  use  of  the 
parsonage ;  15  cords  of  good  oak  wood  and  3  cords  of 
pine  to  be  delivered  at  his  door  each  year ;  and  5  tons 
of  hay  to  be  delivered  in  like  manner."  The  call  was 
not  entirely  unanimous ;  a  few  dissented.  He  was 
ord.,  Nov.  15  ;^  after  which  the  town  voted  |40, "  Span- 
ish-milled," to  Capt.  Joshua  Atkins  for  entertaining 
the  ordaining  council.     Mr.  Elisha  Dyer  died  in  1790. 

In  1792,  more  seats  were  required  in  the  meeting-house,  and 
it  was  ordered  that  additional  pews  be  built  in  the  gallery. 

In  1793,  in  the  month  of  Dec,  four  young  men  belonging  here 
were  lost  at  sea ;  and  in  1795,  Dea,  Joshua  Feeema:^^  died,  ae. 
78.3 

In  1798,  the  amount  raised  for  town-schools  was  $200,  and  $40 
was  voted  for  the  support  of  a  singing-school. 

In  1807,  we  obtain,  in  the  absence  of  other  matters  of  interest, 


^  Rev.  Caleb  Upham  "  was  a  good  scholar,  an  entertaining  preacher,  a 
warm  friend  to  his  country,  and  an  honest  man."  It  is  said  that  "  a  taste 
for  poetry  was  apparent  in  all  his  compositions  :  and  he  left  at  his  decease  a 
poem  in  MS.,  founded  on  the  Book  of  Job.  He  was  ever  attentive  to  the 
best  good  of  his  people,  and  a  faithful  pastor."  During  his  ministry,  286 
were  admitted  to  church  membership.  He  m.  Priscilla  Allen  of  Falm.,  Me., 
dr.  of  Rev.  Benj.,  who  was  b  in  Tisbury,  Martha's  Vineyard,  and  set.  at 
Bridgewater,  1718,  at  Cape  Elizabeth,  1734,  and  d.  as.  65. 

-Rev.  Mr.  Damon  was  b.  in  E.  Sudbury,  1751,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1776. 

^Dea.  Joshua  Freeman,  b.  July  4,  1717,  s.  of  Constant,  was  more 
than  a  half  century  an  officer  in  the  old  Cong.  Church  in  this  town,  and  his 
name  prominent  in  all  public  affairs.  He  m.  Rebecca  Parker  Oct.  9,  1746, 
and  had  Apphia  Oct.  2,  1748,  who  m.  Samuel  Gross  Aug.  16,  1768;  Re- 
becca Mar.  15,  1750,  who  d.  inf ;  Sarah  Jan.  16,  1752,  who  m.  Nathaniel 
Smith,  of  Gerry,  Sept.  3,  1773  ;  and  Rebecca  Feb.  18, 1754,  who  m.  Corne- 
lius Lombard  May  30,  1775.  His  will  is  Dec.  5,  1794;  inventory  Dec.  1, 
1795. 

VOL.  II.  72 


570  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

a  partial  glim2:)se  of  the  town  as  it  presented  itself  to  the  eye 
and  mind  of  travellers.  The  town  has,  perhaps,  not  changed 
more  than  others  in  its  physique  or  morale,  since  that  period ; 
in  the  former,  probably  less.^  Mr.  Isaac  Paine  died  Mar.  31, 
1810  ;2  and  Mr.  Thomas  Paine,  Oct.  14.^ 

In  1813,  a  number  of  families  petitioned  to  be  set 
off  to  Provincetown,  that  place  being  most  convenient 
to  their  business  and  estates. 

In  1814,  the  troubles  of  1812-15  having  exposed 
the  town  once  more  to  privations  and  dangers  conse- 
quent on  a  state  of  war,  a  committee  of  safety  was 
appointed,  Aug.  9,  consisting  of  Israel  Lombard  Esq. 


^  Kendal  says,  "  As  there  were  no  regular  inns  in  Truro,  I  sought  lodging 
at  hazard.  There  are  always  those,  where  there  are  no  public  houses,  who 
will  lay  themselves  out  to  give  entertainment.  It  was  my  fortune  to  apply 
at  the  house  of  Capt.  Obadiah  Rich,  an  obliging,  industrious,  and  appar- 
ently thriving  mariner  with  a  large  family,  house  of  which  the  dimensions 
were  increasing,  and  a  good  tract  of  land."  Mr.  K.  was  generally  pleased 
with  the  proofs  he  saw  in  the  place  of  goodly  content  and  courteous  hospi- 
tality. Although  Mr.  K.  could  find  on  the  Cape  no  parallel  to  -Milton's  de- 
scription of  lowly  sheds  and  smoky  rafters,  we  have  no  doubt  he  could,  on 
leaving  the  hospitable  mansion  of  Mr.  Rich,  heartily  apostrophize,  in  quota- 
tion, the  sentiment,  — 

"  Courtesy 
Is  sooner  found  in  lowly  sheds, 
With  smoky  rafters,  than  in  tap'stry  halls 
And  courts  of  princes." 

Rev.  Dr.  Didglit  probably  accurately  describes  what  might,  at  this  period, 
as  he  says,  "  be  called  with  propriety  Cape-Cod  houses  "  in  bleak  and  ex- 
posed situations  on  the  lower  part  of  the  Cape.  He  writes,  "  These  have 
usually  one  story,  with  four  rooms  on  the  lower  floor,  and  are  covered  on 
the  sides,  as  on  the  roofs,  with  pine  shingles  about  18  iujhes  in  length. 
The  chimney  is  in  the  middle,  and  immediately  behind  the  front  door  ;  and 
on  each  side  of  the  door  are  two  windows.  The  roof  is  straight,  and  under 
it  are  two  chambers,  there  being  two  larger  and  two  smaller  windows  in 
each  end.  This  is  the  general  structure  and  appearance  of  the  great  body 
of  the  houses  from  Yarmouth  to  Race  Point.  There  are,  however,  several 
varieties,  but  of  too  little  importance  to  be  described.  A  great  proportion 
of  them  are  in  good  repair,  and  generally  they  exhibit  a  tidy,  neat  aspect 
in  themselves  and  in  their  appendages,  and  furnish  proofs  of  comfortable 
living  by  which  I  was  at  once  disappointed  and  gratified.  The  barns  are 
usually  neat,  but  always  small."  It  may  be  needless  to  say  that  "  the  vari- 
eties "  have  multiplied  and  many  larger  structures  are  now  to  be  seen  in  all 
these  towns. 

-Mt-.  Isaac  Paine,  s.  of  Joshua,  m.  Abigail  Snow  17G2,  and  had  Phebe, 
Ebenezer,  Tho's,  Abigail,  Joshua,  Isaac,  and  Mary. 

"Mr.  Thomas  Paine,  s.  of  Isaac,  m.  Asenadi  lllggins  Oct.  G,  1795,  and 
had  Ruth,  Sarah,  Abigail,  Lurana,  Samuel,  and  Thomas. 


ANNALS    OF   TRURO.  571 

and  Messrs.  Jaazaniah  Gross,  Freeman  Atkins,  Josiah 
Stevens,  Stevens  Mills  and  Zaccheus  Rich. 

In  1815,  Jan.  14,  the  inhabitants  of  Provincetown  having  peti- 
tioned the  Gen.  Court  that  the  inhabitants  of  other  towns  be  pro- 
hibited from  fishing  at  Race-Point,  this  town  remonstrated. 

In  1818,  a  number  of  inhabitants  petitioned  "to  be 
set  off  to  Wellfleet,  they  living  near  the  dividing  line." 
Against  the  application  this  town  objected.  By  abate- 
ments of  its  territory  on  either  hand,  the  township 
seemed  destined  to  be  shorn  of  both  its  original  dimen- 
sions and  population  to  a  greater  extent  than  was  con- 
venient. 

In  1823,  Col.  Constant  Freeman  died,  Feb.  27,  in  Washington. 
The  general  grief  occasioned  here  by  disasters  at  sea  in  1825  has 
been  noticed  in  om'  former  volume. 

In  1827,  application  was  again  made  by  sundry  in- 
habitants to  be  set  off  to  Wellfleet;  and, in  1828,  sun- 
dry inhabitants  applied  to  be  set  off,  with  their  estates, 
to  Provincetown.  The  town  was  also  bereft  of  their 
minister,  Nov.  23,  Rev.  Jude  Damon.^ 

In  1829,  Mr.  Damon  was  succeeded  in  the  pastorate 
by  Rev.  Steppien  Bailey.^  In  1832,  Mr.  Bailey  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  Silas  Baker,  who  was  ordained 
May  7.' 

In  1833,  the  town  petitioned  Congress  for  assistance 
in  deepening  Pamet  River.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Baker  re- 
signed the  pastoral  office  in  1834.     Other  inhabitants 

^  Kev.  Jude  Damon  had  been  settled  here  42  yrs.,  and  died  ae.  77, — "a 
man  of  peaceful  and  lowly  spirit,  greatly  respected  and  beloved." 

"  His  preaching  much,  but  more  his  practice  wrought ; 
A  living-  sermon  of  the  truths  he  taught." 

During  his  ministry,  which  until  near  its  close  embraced  the  whole  town- 
ship in  its  charge,  he  adm.  to  church  membership  186.  IVIi-.  Damon's  wife 
was  dr.  of  Mr.  George  Lewis. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Bailey  had  previously  been  settled  In  Greenfield,  N.  H.,  and 
in  Nantucket. 

*Eev.  Mr.  Baker  was  from  Edgecombe,  Me.,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1828. 


572  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

sought  to  be  set  off  to  Provincetown  in  1835.  Rev. 
Charles  Boyter  succeeded  Mr.  Baker  in  the  ministry 
in  this  town,  and  was  installed  Mar.  16,  1836. 

Having  now  arrived  at  a  period  when  divisions  eccle- 
siastical have  already  occurred,  and  changes  in  the 
ministry  are  become  mere  incidents  exciting  little  in- 
terest, we  might  well  pass  by  any  further  mention  of 
these  oft-recurring  events.  In  fact,  we  have  little 
more  to  record  of  the  progress  of  this  ancient  town. 

In  1837,  the  town  voted  to  receive  its  portion  of 
the  surplus  revenue  and  appropriate  to  public  schools. 
This  disposition  of  the  fund  was,  however,  reconsid- 
ered, —  unwisely,  as  is  since  thought ;  and  it  was  voted 
to  devote  it  to  any  town  expenses  except  the  support 
of  schools.  The  fund  was  soon  among  the  things  that 
were ;  and  to  the  inquiry  respecting  the  benefits  de- 
rived from  it,  echo  answers  in  the  language  of  the 
interrogator.  Still  the  common  schools  were  not  neg- 
lected. 

In  1840,  the  State  school-fund  having  given  fresh  impulse  to 
efforts  in  this  direction,  the  town  apj)ropriated  for  its  schools 
$750,  and  a  gradual  improvement  was  thenceforward  discovera- 
ble. 

In  1841,  again  a  large  portion  of  the  inhabitants 
were  called  to  mourn  the  loss  of  relatives,  connections, 
and  neighbors  at  sea.  The  record  is  made  in  these 
suggestive  terms  :  "  On  the  night  of  that  memorable 
day,  Oct.  3,  fifty-seven  of  our  brave  seamen  were 
swept  from  the  shores  of  time,  their  remains  sinking 
into  one  common  watery  grave."  ^ 

* "  On  the  previous  night,  at  1 1  o'clock,  the  wind  had  risen  to  a  violent  gale 
from  the  northeast  attended  with  rain.  It  continued  to  increase  its  fury 
until  about  4  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  fourth.  So  great  was  the  vio- 
lence of  the  gale  that  the  strongest  canvas  was  blown  into  shreds.  Most 
of  our  vessels  were  fishing  on  the  southwest  part  of  George's  Bank.  On 
the  night  of  the  second,  they  made  sail  to  run  for  the  highland  of  Cape 
Cod.     But  there  were  mighty  currents  unknown  to  them  before,  which 


ANNALS    OF    TRURO.  573 

In  1842,  May  22,  the  North  Cong,  church  was  or- 
ganized.    Mr.  Ebenezer  Paine  died  Mar.  17.^ 

In  1848,  the  town  petitioned  the  Legislature  for 
leave  to  build  a  breakwater  and  wharf  at  the  Pond 
Landing,  —  the  breakwater  to  be  800  feet  in  length 
and  550  feet  distant  from  high-water  mark ;  and  the 
wharf  to  be  400  feet  in  length,  in  the  direction  of  the 
breakwater,  for  the  protection  and  shelter  of  boats 
and  small  vessels  and  for  the  better  prosecution  of  the 
fisheries.  A  portion  only  of  the  work  was  construct- 
ed, when  it  was  found  that  the  wood-work  was  being 
almost  immediately  destroyed  by  worms.  Its  comple- 
tion, therefore,  was  abandoned. 

In  1849,  Rev.  Edward  Noble  became  pastor  of  the 
church  at  Truro  Centre,  and,  1850,  Mr.  Barnabas  Paine, 
town-clerk,  died.^ 

In  1853,  the  amount  raised  for  the  support  of  schools 
reached  f  1300.  The  town  obtained  permission  from 
the  legislature  to  attempt  the  improvement  of  Pamet 
Harbor,  by  placing  spiles  in  such  way  and  direction  as 
would  be  advantageous  for  the  purpose.  It  was  hoped 
that,  by  the  action  of  the  current  in  consequence  of 
the  obstructions,  the  channel  might  be  deepened.  The 
experiment  was  made  at  a  cost  of  about  ^2000,  raised 
by  private  subscription  ;  but,  we  regret  to  say,  without 
commensurate  results.     The  struggles  of  the  inhabi- 

carried  them  out  of  tlie  proper  course  to  the  southwest.  Finding  they  could 
not  weather  by  the  highland,  they  wore  ship  and  stood  to  the  southeast, 
but  being  disabled  in  their  sails  and  rigging,  they  were  carried  by  wind  and 
current  down  upon  the  Nantucket  Shoals,  which  extend  fifty  or  sixty  miles 
into  the  ocean  southeasterly  from  that  island.  These  unfortunate  mariners 
were  nearly  all  young  men  under  30  years  of  age." 

^Mr.  Samuel  Paine,  who  d.  October  12,  17"l2,  m.  Pat'e  Freeman  1683, 
and  had  10  ch.,  one  of  whom  was  Joshua,  b.  1G96,  who  had  Sara'l,  Isaa^, 
Seth,  and  Joshua.  Isaac  had,  by  his  w.  Phebe,  8  ch.,  one  of  whom  was 
Ebenezek,  who  ra.  Sarah  Smith  ;  and  his  s.  Isaac  and  sons-in-law  Reu- 
ben Chapman  and  Dean  Snow  were  lost  at  sea,  1816. 

-  Mr.  Barnabas  Paine,  s.  of  Barnabas,  who  was  s.  of  Daniel,  m. 
Hannah  Cohen,  and  had,  besides  others,  Samuel  C,  the  present  town-clerk. 


574  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

tants  against  adverse  elements,  although  often  discour- 
aging in  the  issue,  have  been  worthy  of  all  commenda- 
tion. 

In  1855,  the  sum  voted  for  common  schools  was  $1450,  and 
suitable  rules  were  enacted  to  secure  a  better  attendance  of  the 
childi'en  and  generally  for  the  better  regulation  of  the  schools. 
The  next  year,  the  sum  aj)propriated  was  $1500 ;  and  the  pro- 
gress has  not  abated.  There  were,  in  1858,  seven  school -districts 
with  as  many  neat  and  commodious  school-houses,  six  of  which 
had  double  rooms.  The  cost  of  erecting  these  was  about  $8000. 
Until  the  year  1852,  the  school-houses  had  been,  under  the  old 
regime,  built  by  districts;  hence  no  mention  of  them  in  the  town 
records. 

In  1857,  Nov,  21,  Capt.  John  Collins,  formerly  of 
this  town,  died  in  New  York.^ 

In  1861,  Dea.  Allen  Hinckley  died,  Feb.  16,  «.  91 
yrs.  and  4  mos.^  Mr.  Israel  Lombard,  formerly  of  this 
town,  a  noted  resident  of  Boston,  died  this  year. 

We  close  the  Annals  of  Truro,  1863,  adding  the 
usual  statistics,  with  acknowledgment  of  the  pleasure 
derived  in  recording  the  always  patriotic  action  of  the 
town  in  "times  that  tried  men's  souls."  Its  inhabi- 
tants, whatever  privations  they  were  called  to  endure, 

"  still  acquiest, 
And  never  humm'd  and  haw'd  sedition, 
Nor  snufEed  treason  ; " 

but  were  true  to  their  country's  cause.     Thus  will  it 


^See  Vol.  I.,  669-71.  To  this  gentlemen  and  his  kinsman,  Mr.  E.  K. 
Collins,  both  originating  fi'om  this  town,  is  to  be  conceded  the  honor  of  initi- 
ating regular  steam  communication  between  this  country  and  Europe. 

^  l)ea.  Hinckley  was,  at  the  time  of  his  decease,  the  oldest  man  in  the 
town.  He  was  b.  in  Falm.  Sept.  24,  1769,  and  came  to  this  town  when 
young  and  served  his  apprenticeship  as  a  carpenter.  There  were 
others  of  the  family  early  located  here  ;  Ben.jamin,  who  m.  Dinah  Swett 
of  W.,  and  had  Azuba,  Joshua,  Benj.,  Dorcas,  Betsey,  Thankful,  Solo.,  etc. 
Joshua  m.  Thankful  Baker  of  W.,  and  had  Thankful,  Ruth,  Betsy,  and 
Joshua.  Dea.  Benjamin  m.  Mercy  Collins,  and  had  Dorcas,  Hannah, 
Mercy,  Benj.,  and  Delia. 


ANNALS    OF    TRURO.  0/0 

ever  be  where  love  of  country  stands  next  to  love  of 
God:  — 

"  The  man  that's  resolute  and  just, 
Firm  to  his  principles  and  trust, 
Nor  hopes  nor  fears  can  blind." 

We  cannot  doubt  that,  at  the  present  national  crisis 
when  Rebellion  is  rampant  in  our  land,  the  sentiment 
of  the  people  is, 

"  Bid  them  disband  their  legions, 
Submit  their  actions  to  the  public  censure. 
And  stand  the  judgment  of  a  Roman  Senate." 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


1714. 
17ft. 
1717. 
1721. 
1723. 
1757. 
1761. 
1774. 
1775. 
1776. 
1779. 
1781. 
1785. 


Thomas  Paine, 
Constant  Freeman, 
Thos.  Mulford, 
John  Snow, 
Jona.  Paine, 
Barnabas  Paine, 
Isaiah  Atlcins, 
Benj.  Atkins, 
Sam'l  Harding, 
Reuben  Higgins. 
Sylv's  Snow, 
Wm.  Thayer, 
Eph'm  Harding, 


1791. 

1800. 
1810. 
1824. 
1831. 
1833. 
1834. 
1835. 
1836. 

1837. 
1838. 


Yrs 

Anthony  Snow  Jr.,    6, 
Levi  Stevens, 
Isr'l  Lombard  Jr., 
James  Small, 
Jno.  Kenney, 
Shub'l  Snow, 
Eben.  L.  Davis,* 
Joshua  Small, 
Henry  Stevens, 
Solo.  Davis, 
Jonas  Stevens, 
Freeman  Atkins, 


1S39. 
1840. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1848. 
1849. 
1852. 
1853. 
1S55. 
1856. 


Jedediah  Shedd 
Michael  Snow, 
Jno.  Kenney  Jr., 
Hugh  Hopkins, 
Eicli'rt  Stevens, 
Eben'r  Davis, 
Levi  Stevens, 
Daniel  Paine, 
James  Small, 
John  Smith, 
Sam'l  H.  Smith  Jr., 
Adiu  H.  Newton, 


Yrs. 

3. 


SELECTMEN. 


Yrs. 

Yrs. 

Yrs 

1709. 

John  Snow, 

12. 

1716. 

Constant  Freeman 

7. 

1731. 

Thos.  Smith, 

3. 

" 

Thos.  Mulford, 

9. 

1720. 

Francis  Small, 

10. 

1734. 

Edward  Covel, 

1. 

" 

Jed.  Lombard, 

5. 

" 

Andrew  Newcomb 

3. 

1744. 

Samuel  Rich, 

4 

1710. 

Benj.  Small, 

1. 

" 

Rich.ard  Stevens, 

1. 

1748. 

Tiios.  Cobb, 

2 

" 

Isaac  Snow, 

1. 

1723. 

Jno.  Myrick, 

15. 

" 

Barnabas  Paine, 

7 

" 

Humph'y  Scammon,  1. 

1725. 

Jona.  Vickery, 

3. 

" 

Eben  Dyer, 

3 

1711. 

Eben  Doane, 

1. 

1726. 

Sam'l  Eldred, 

1. 

1750. 

Zaccheus  Rich, 

11 

1712. 

Thos.  Rogers, 

1. 

" 

Jona.  Paine, 

30. 

1751. 

Isaiah  Atkins, 

20 

" 

Thos.  Paine, 

6. 

1727. 

Elk'h  Paine, 

10. 

" 

Jona.  Dyer, 

2 

1713 

Nath'l  Atkins, 

1. 

" 

Ezekiel  Gushing, 

1. 

1753. 

Joshua  Atkins, 

1 

" 

Josiah  Cooke, 

1. 

" 

Wra.  Sargent, 

1. 

" 

Jas.  Lombard, 

1 

1714. 

Hezek'h  Purinton 

1. 

1730. 

Jer'h  Bickford, 

1. 

" 

John  Rich, 

2 

*  The  families  of  the  name  of  Davis  in  this  town,  it  is  understood  are  descended  from 
Mr.  Benjamin  Davis,  who  came  herefrom  Snow  Hill,  Maryland,  when  a  youth.  He 
m.  Elisa.  Rowe  whose  mother  was  Savage,  and  had  sons  Benj.,  James  W.,  and  Eben'r  L. 
Benjamin  m.  Sarah  Long,  dr.  Jno.  of  H.,  and  m.2d  time  in  Readfield,  Me.,  where  he  d. 
aged.  James  VV.  m.  Sarah  Atkhis,  dr.  Benj.,  and  had  three  sons,  namely,  Benj.  James, 
and  Ebenezer ;  also  several  drs.  one  of  whom  is  the  wife  of  Doct.  Knight  of  Somerville. 
Ebenezer  L.  m.  Azuba  Hinckley,  dr.  Benj.,  and  had  Dinah,  who  m.  Capt.  Benj.  Dyer; 
Solomon  Esq.,  who  m.  Elisa.  Snow,  and  is  of  distinction  in  this  town  ;  Ebenezer,  who 
m.  Maria  Harding,  dr.  Jona.,  and  now  resident  in  Somerville,  a  highly  respected  citizen  ; 
Betsy,  who  m.  Isaac  S.  Gross,  now  of  Somerville;  Benj.,  who  m.  Betsy  Stevens, and  has 
issue  ;  Azuba,  who  m.  Thos.  Paine  of  E. ;  and  Joshua  H.,  who  m.  Ann  S.Lombard,  now 
of  Boston. 

We  regret  that  we  are  obliged  to  pass  by  some  genealogical  notices,  for  want  of 
early  and  definite  information.  Mr.  John  Hughes  died  May,  1799,  aged  48.  He  was 
born  in  tlie  Isle  of  AVight,  and  came  to  this  town  when  twelve  years  of  age.  By  m. 
with  Rachel  Dyer,  dr.  Fulk  and  Elisa.,  be  had  eight  children.  His  decease  was  occa- 
sioned by  casualty — lost  in  the  Bay  with  four  others. 


576 


HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 


Yrs. 

1754. 

Paul  Knowles, 

1. 

1787 

(1 

Anthony  Snow, 

3. 

1795 

1763. 

Job  Arey, 

3. 

1796 

1706. 

Eph'm  Lombard, 

3. 

" 

" 

Eben.  Rich, 

7. 

1797. 

1767. 

Daniel  Paine, 

2. 

" 

1769. 

Ambrose  Dyer, 

7. 

1802. 

't 

Benj.  Collins, 

7. 

" 

1776. 

Eph'm  Harding', 

13. 

" 

" 

Jeded'h  Paine, 

5. 

1804. 

1777. 

Barzillai  Smith, 

1. 

1807. 

1778. 

Israel  Gross, 

3. 

1809, 

1781. 

Benj.  Atkins, 

1. 

1810. 

" 

Thomas  Paine, 

2. 

1811. 

1782, 

Timo.  Nye, 

4. 

1812. 

1783. 

Sylv's  Snow, 

5. 

1814. 

1785. 

Benj.  Hinckley, 

2. 

1816. 

1787. 

Fulk  Dyer, 

1. 

" 

" 

Nath'l  Atkins, 

9. 

1818. 

,  Jesse  Rich, 
David  Dyer, 

,  Caleb  Hopkins, 
Benj.  A.  Upham, 
Ambrose  Snow, 
Levi  Stevens,     , 
Jona.  Eich, 
John  Gross, 
Isaac  Small, 
Joseph  Small, 
Barnabas  Paine, 
Paul  Dyer, 
Israel  Lombard, 
John  Rich, 
Allen  Hinckley, 
Sylv's  Nye. 
Jas.  Collins, 
Eben .  AtkinSj 
Reuben  O.  Pame, 


STrs. 

Trs 

8. 

1818. 

5enj.  Hinckley,  Jr 

•,  1 

3. 

1819. 

Barnabas  Paine, 

4. 

8. 

" 

James  Small, 

10. 

1. 

1822. 

Joshua  Small, 

5. 

13. 

1823 

Asa  Selew, 

3 

9. 

1824. 

Jno.  Kenney, 

23 

1. 

1833. 

John  Smith, 

4 

2. 

1835. 

Freeman  Atkins, 

2. 

1. 

1836. 

Jonas  Stevens, 

9. 

3. 

1837. 

Jed'hShedd, 

11. 

11. 

1839. 

Neh'h  Rich, 

2 

6. 

1841. 

Solo.  Davis, 

2. 

4. 

1843. 

Dan'l  Paine, 

4. 

14. 

1846. 

Solo.  Paine,  Jr., 

1 

2. 

" 

Jas.  Hughes, 

11. 

3. 

1847. 

Sam'l  Dyer, 

2. 

4. 

1849. 

Atwood  Rich, 

6. 

4. 
2. 

1855. 

Sears  Eich, 

3 

TOWN  TREASURERS. 


1709.  Const't  Freeman, 

1710.  Thos.  Paine, 
1721.  Thos.  Paine, 
1724.  John  Snow, 
1726.  Moses  Paine, 
1745.  Joshua  Atkins, 
iJ'SS.  Eph'm  Lombard, 


Trs. 

Yrs. 

1. 

1763. 

Richard  Collins, 

4. 

11. 

1767. 

Job  Avery, 

1. 

2. 

1770. 

Israel  Gross, 

7. 

2. 

1777. 

Richard  Stevens, 

3. 

25. 

1779. 

Benj.  Rich, 

1. 

11. 
3. 

1780. 

Elisha  Dyer, 

5. 

1782.  Joshua  Freeman,  5. 

1787.  Sylvanus  Snow,  1. 

1791.  Anthony  Snow,  26. 

1817.  Lewis  Lombard,  18. 

1835.  Barnabas  Paine,  15. 
1848.  Sam'l  C.  Paine, 


Yrs. 
11. 
11. 
14. 

20. 
7. 


TOWN   CLERKS. 


1769.  Daniel  Paine, 
1785.  Sylvanus  Snow, 
1788.  Benj.  A.  Upham, 
1797.  Levi  Stevens, 


Yrs. 
15. 
3. 
9. 
2. 


1799.  Anthony  Snow, 
1817.  Lewis  Lombard, 
1835.  Barnabas  Paine, 
1849.  Sam'l  C.  Paine, 


Yra. 
17. 
18. 
15. 


1709.  John  Snow, 

1710.  Thos.  Paine, 
1721.  Thos.  Paine, 
1745.  Moses  Paine, 
1764.  Barnabas  Paine, 

*  There  were  two  of  the  name  of  Thos.  Paine  who  held  the  oflBces  of  treasurer  and 
clerk;  but  we  are  unable  to  decide  the  precise  time  of  either.  We  think  the  times  above 
specified  are  correct;  if  not,  either  Moses  Paine  or  John  Snow,  probably  the  former,  oc- 
cupied the  offices  longer  than  the  term  assigned. 


^=  We  endeavor  to  be  accurate  in  these  statistics ;  the  town 
not  only  voted  not  to  send,  niany  years,  but,  for  a  number  of 
years  when  rep's  were  chosen,  their  attendance  was  subject  to 
the  direction  of  the  selectmen.  The  above  table  may  not,  there- 
fore, correspond  entirely  with  the  State  record. 


THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


O  F 


CHATHA 


"lir-ALL  THE  TRIALS  ASD  SACEIFICE3  OF  OUB  ANCESTOES  ONE  THINS  APPEAES  PEOMI- 
HENT,  — THE  BEAUTY  AND  GLOET  OF  SUFPEEIJTG,  WDEN"  ENDURED  FOE  CONSCIENCE'  SAKE. 
OBEDIENCE  TO  THE  SUPREME  LAW  GAVE  A  HEAVENLY  LUSTEK  TO  THEIR  EXAMPLE  AND  A 

SWEET  FEAQEANCE  TO  THEIE  MEMORIES."— ijer.  Edmund  H.  Sears, 


Vol.  II.  73. 


(577) 


TO   ELIJAH   ¥.  CARPENTER,   M.  D., 

OF    CHATHAM: 

Should  we  turn  to  the  etchings  ex  marmore  antiquo,  of  Hippocrates  or  Galen, 
which,  with  the  representations  of  other  ancients,  grace  the  walls  of  our  studio, 
hoping  to  receive  from  these  sons  of  ^sculapius  the  inspiration  enabling  us  to 
say  aU  that  is  worthy  of  their  honored  Disciple  ;  still,  the  brief  space  allotted  to 
a  dedicatory  page  would  preclude  the  doing  more  than  simply 

INSCRIBE 

These  Annals  of"  his  i^dopted  Town  and  of  his  wife's  nativity,  as  hereby,  very  re- 
spectfully, in  token  of  the  sincere  regards  of 

THE  AUTHOR. 


(678) 


ANNALS  OF  CHATHAM. 


The  original  Indian  name  of  this  town  was  Mono- 
moyicJc}  In  the  year  1665,  Ap.  10,  Mr.  William 
NiCKERSON  "  bought  of  John  Quason,  alias  Towsomet,  sa- 
chem of  Monomoyick,  a  tract  of  land  near  Potanuma- 
quut,  —  bounded  E.  by  the  Great  Harbor,  S.  by  a  line 
which  extends  W.  by  S.  into  the  woods  from  Weequas- 
set  to  a  pine-tree  marked  on  four  sides,^  and  N.  by  a 
line  extending  to  the  further  head  of  a  pond  to  a  place 
called  Porchommock."  In  1672,  June  19,  "  Mattaquason 
and  John  Quason,  sachems  of  Monomoyick,  for  and  in 
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  said  William  Nickerson  "  a 
tract  of  land  and  meadows  at  Monomoyick,  on  the  W. 
side  of  Muddy  Cove  and  extending  southerly  to  Match- 
apoxet  Pond,  thence  by  a  creek  to  the  sea,  and  extend- 


^  Variously  written.  Sometimes  Manamoyick,  Monamoy,  Manomoy, 
Manomoyet,  Monamoyick,  according  to  the  fancy  of  writers ;  and  as  we 
have  heretofore  used  the  orthography  of  the  records  from  which  we  quote, 
we  shall  still.  The  locality  intended  cannot  be  mistaken.  Except  when 
Gosnold,  May  16,  1602,  visited  "  Cape  Care," — as  he  named  the  Pointy 
and  was  waited  on  by  "  natives  who  aj^peared  perfectly  friendly,  —  some 
of  whom  wore  copper  plates  upon  their  breasts  and  had  pendents  in  their 
ears  and  were  furnished  with  pipes  and  tobacco  ;  "  and,  excepting  also  the 
name  of  Malabarre  given  to  a  part  of  Monomoyick  by  De  Monts,  in  1605, 
no  similar  word,  to  the  present  day,  indicates  any  other  tract.  See  Vol. 
L  29  and  41. 

^ "  Near  the  road  from  Chatham  to  Saukatuckett  mill." 

(579) 


580  HISTORY    OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

ing  easterly  to  Oyster  Pond."^  Again,  Mar.  29,  1678, 
also  Aug.  16,  1682,-  and  at  divers  times  said  Nicker- 
son  enlarged  his  claims  by  new  purchases  of  lands  and 
meadows,  for  all  which  he  made  to  the  Indians  valua- 
ble considerations. 

But  the  same  year  that  Mr.  Nickerson  began  his 
purchases,  the  Colony  Court  at  Plymouth  had  '•  granted 
to  Mr.  Thomas  Hinckley,  Mr.  John  Freeman,  Mr.  Wm. 
Sargeant,  Mr.  Anthony  Thacher,  Mr.  I^dmund  Hawes 
Sr.,  Thos.  Falland  Sr.,  Lt.  John  Eogers,  and  Mr.  Nath'l 
Bacon,  the  right  to  purchase  of  the  Indians  lands  at 
Monomoyick  and  places  adjacent."  This  grant,  of 
1665,  interfered  with  the  projects  of  Mr.  Nickerson 
who  had  purchased  without  such  grant,  which  grant 
or  permission  from  the  Court  was  necessary  to  make 
his  title  valid.  A  disposition  was  manifested  by  the 
Court,  notwithstanding,  "  to  allow  him  100  acres  at 
Monnamoiett."  ^  In  1667,  Mr.  Nickerson's  purchase 
was  before  the  Court,  on  a  petition  from  William  Nick- 
erson Sr.,  Nicholas  Nickerson,  Eobert  Nickerson,  Sam- 
uel Nickerson,  John  Nickerson,  William  Nickerson  Jr., 
Joseph  Nickerson,  Eobert  Eldred,  Tristram  Hedges, 
and  Nath'l  Covel,  —  aU  of  the  Nickerson  family, — 
father,  sons,  and  sons-in-law.  The  difficulties  which 
the  preceding  transactions  involved  sufficiently  appear 
in  former  pages. 

In  1672,  for  a  valuable  consideration,  Mr.  Hinckley 
and  his  associates  conveyed,  July  3,  to  Mr.  Nickerson 
their  grant,  and  also  all  the  lands  they  themselves  had 
purchased  under  it.  This  made  his  title  indisputable, 
and  it  was  subsequently  confirmed  by  authority. 

On  the  settlement  of  Monomoyick,  which  appears 
to  have  soon  followed,  it  was  considered  as  one  of  the 

'PhTnouth  Court  records,  Lib.  xii.,  fol.  251.  "Lib.  xri.,  fol.  463. 

'This  propositioa  was  entertained  by  the  Court  in  1GG5. 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  581 

towns  of  the  colony,  as  is  evident  from  the  fact  that 
Monomoyick  was,  in  June,  1G8G,  "ordered  by  the 
Court  to  choose  a  grand.juryman."  ^  And,  Feb.  11, 
1691,  "liberty  was  granted  to  the  inhabitants  to  elect 
and  send  a  deputy  to  the  General  Court."  ^ 

In  Mar.  1691,  the  bounds  of  the  place  were  en- 
larged ;  and  this  appears  to  have  been  the  last  act  of 
the  Colonial  Court  respecting  it. 

By  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts,  it  was  incorpo- 
rated a  township  by  the  name  of  Chatham,  June  11, 
1712. 

Situation  axd  Bouxdaeies.  —  Chatham  lies  in  lat.  41"^  41' 
N.,  and  long.  69°  56'  W.  from  Greenwich.  It  is  bounded  E.  by 
the  ocean  ;  S.  by  the  Vineyard  Sound;  W.  and  IST.  W.  by  Har- 
wich ;  and  X.  by  Pleasant  Bay  which,  with  the  exception  of  a 
narrow  beach  on  the  X.  E.,  separates  it  from  Orleans.  It  is  thus, 
as  will  be  perceived,  nearly  encompassed  on  three  sides  by  the 
waters  of  the  Atlantic.  In  length,  E.  and  W.,  it  is,  exclusive  of 
the  harbor,  about  4  m.  in  extent;  and,  in  breadth,  N.  and  S., 
about  the  same  distance.  The  distance  of  the  principal  village 
from  the  court-house  in  Barnstable,  from  which  it  lies  in  an  east- 
erly direction,  is  about  20  m. ;  to  Provincetown,  about  40  m. ; 
and  to  Boston,  about  93  m. 

Nattjeal  Divisions,  etc.  —  The  township  consists  of  sandy 
hills  of  moderate  elevation,  intersected  with  narrow  valleys; 
ridges,  lesser  depressions,  ponds,  and  low  grounds  or  swamps 
making  up  the  residue.  The  hills  being  nearly  of  equal  height, 
the  valleys  are  by  the  observer,  even  a  short  distance  o:^  not 
perceived,  and  to  him  the  township  appears  one  elevated  plain. 
Great  HUl,  a  short  distance  east  of  the  principal  settlement,  lifts 
itself  somewhat  above  the  other  elevations  and  is  the  first  land 
made  by  seamen  on  arriving  on  this  part  of  the  coast.  From 
its  two  summits,  the  prospect  is  extensive,  and,  at  times,  —  when 
"  the  land  looms,"  —  iN'antucket,  20  miles  distant,  is  visible  from 


^  Attlie  Colonial  Court,  June,  1686,  Barnstable  was  ordered  to  choose  3 
grandjurymen,  Yarmouth  3,  Sandwich  3,  Eastham  3,  Monomovick  1,  and 
Succonesset  1. 

- "  Except  in  the  above  instances,  Monomorick  does  not  appear  to  be  rec- 
ognized as  a  town."  —  Baylies. 


582  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

this  hill.  The  heights  of  other  hills  and  ridges  also  command  a 
fine  view  of  the  sea. 

The  principal  roads,  passing  through  Harwich  toward  Barn- 
stable, or  through  Orleans  down  the  Cape,  or  in  other  directions, 
give  the  traveller  an  unfavorable  impression  of  the  productive- 
ness of  the  land ;  and  the  impression,  it  is  apprehended,  will  not 
be  materially  changed  for  the  better  by  an  exploration  of  the 
whole  township.  In  some  instances  the  winds  have  swept  away 
the  turf,  carrying  off  also  the  soil,  and  even  sub-soil  to  the 
depth  of  several  feet,  —  leaving  only  here  and  there  specimens 
of  the  original  surface  in  abrupt  and  diminutive  banks  of  the 
former  height  of  the  once  surrounding  soil.  The  sub-soil  thus 
discovered  exhibits  often  a  thick  substratum  of  shells  generally 
lying  about  two  feet  below  the  former  turf.  And  yet  there  is 
productive  land ;  not  enough,  howevei',  to  induce  any  considera- 
ble portion  of  the  inhabitants  to  engage  in  husbandry  or  to  cul- 
tivate the  earth  with  the  expectation  of  emolument. 

Few  towns  in  the  county  are  so  well  provided  with  harbors. 
The  first  in  importance  was  that  called  Old  Harbor,  —  formed 
by  a  narrow  beach  continued  from  Orleans,  making  from  the 
northeastern  extremity  of  the  town  and  projecting  southward 
8  or  10  miles  in  length,  terminating  in  what  is  called  Sandy 
Point  or  Cape  Malabarre,  and  completely  guarded  from  the  ocean. 
A  breach  in  this  tongue  of  land  has  served  as  the  northernmost 
entrance  to  the  harbor ;  but  changes  wrought  by  winds  and  tides 
are  of  frequent  occurrence.  The  entire-  haven  on  the  western 
side  of  this  beach  is  extensive;  but  the  harbor  proper  of  Chat- 
ham reaches  not  more  than  4  miles  north,  to  Strong  Island,  — 
the  waters  which  are  within  the  limits  of  the  towns  of  Orleans 
and  Harwich  being  known  by  other  names.  The  breadth  of  this 
harbor  is  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile.  On  the  inside  of  the 
beach  are  fiats  and  salt  marshes.  There  is  also  marsh  on  the 
southern  side  of  Strong  Island.  These  marshes  are  covered  by 
tides.  Neither  within,  nor  near  the  harbor  are  rocks ;  but  the 
mouth  is  obstructed  by  bars  which  extend  S.  and  S.  E.  of  the 
point  of  beach  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  On  each  side  of  the 
mouth  of  the  hai-bor  are  breakers,  the  one  called  the  North 
breakers,  the  other  South.  There  are  also,  within  the  outer  bars, 
bars  in  the  harbor;  and  these  are  so  constantly  shifting,  by  reason 
of  storms  and  strong  currents  which  set  in  and  out,  that  it  re- 
quires the  skill  aided  by  daily  observation  and  familiarity  with  the 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  583 

changes  being  wrought  to  navigate  safely."  ^  At  low  water  there 
is  usually  a  depth  of  about  7  ft.  on  the  outer  bars,  common 
tides  rising  about  6  ft.  North  of  these  the  shore  becomes  more 
bold.  Within  the  harbor  is  "good  holding-ground."  At  the 
entrance,  the  bottom  is  sandy ;  further  in,  muddy  ;  and  the  depth 
at  low  water  about  20  ft. 

With  all  its  vicissitudes,  the  extended  haven  proper  of  Chat- 
ham has  many  advantages  for  the  encouragement  of  home  indus- 
try and  the  convenience  of  a  scattered  population.  Although 
not  justifying  the  creating  of  any  one  extensive  central  mart  of 
business,  its  proximity  to  the  ocean,  with  the  coves  and  creeks 
by  which  its  western  shore  is  indented,  enables  an  approach  by 
water  to  within  a  short  distance  of  every  man's  door.  The 
points  that  form  some  of  these  coves  and  creeks  are  Nona- 
messet  Neck,  Bouth  of  Harwich  line  and  bounded  on  the  IST. 
by  Pleasant  Bay ;  Eldridge's  Point,  S.  of  the  neck,  leaving 
Crowell's  Bay  between  the  neck  and  the  point,  and  S.  of  the 
latter,  Eldridge's  Cove ;  S.  E.  of  this  is  Covel's  River,  at  the  head 
of  which  is  a  small  body  of  marsh ;  E.  of  this.  Muscle  Point ; 
then,  S.  E.,  Nickerson's  Point ;  and  still  further  S.,  Morris'  Cove, 
separated  from  the  harbor  by  Little  Beach. 

The  beach,  the  extremity  of  which  is  called  Sandy  Point,^  or 
Cape  Malabarre,  stretching  10  m.  into  the  sea  toward  Nantucket, 
and  being  from  three-quarters  to  one  mile  wide,  has,  on  the  E. 
side,  a  curve  called  Stewart's  Bend,  where  vessels  have  been  ac- 
customed to  anchor.    North  of  the  bend  are  bars  and  shoals : 


^  Not  only  do  the  bars  change,  but  the  mouth  of  the  harbor  is  ever  vary- 
ing, so  that  those  only  who  reside  near  can  at  any  day  determine  where  is 
the  safe  entrance.  In  1800,  the  beach  had  been  extended  more  than  a 
mile  within  the  memory  of  the  living ;  and,  at  that  time,  the  mouth  of  the 
harbor  was  still  moving  gradually  southward,  by  the  accession  of  sand 
to  the  point  of  beach.  After  the  lapse  of  a  half-century  more,  after  being 
finally  closed  by  a  beach  25  feet  high,  covered  with  beach  grass,  it  was 
opened  again  by  a  violent  storm.  There  are  two  lighthouses  off  the  har- 
bor. From  these.  Old  Harbor  is  about  two  miles  distant.  In  the  year  1626, 
there  was  an  entrance  from  the  ocean  into  Monomoyick  Harbor,  as  it  was 
called,  opposite  Potanumaquut,  6  miles  N.  of  the  present  mouth.  A  ship 
entered  it,  and  was  stranded  on  the  beach.  See  Vol.  I.  111-113.  Three- 
quarters  of  a  century  since,  the  wreck  was  yet  to  be  seen ;  and  this  place 
bore  the  name  of  Old  Ship.  The  entrance  closed  many  years  ago ;  and, 
since  that  time,  other  passages  opened  and  closed.  Finally,  there  were  two 
openings  into  the  haven  that  seemed  to  promise  permanency ;  one  styled 
the  Old  Harbor,  the  other  the  New.  The  New  became  at  length  choked 
with  sand ;  the  name  of  Old  Harbor  was  retained. 

^  Confusion  is  sometimes  created  by  this  name,  there  being  also  a  "Sandy 
Point "  on  the  island  of  Nantucket. 


584  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

and  a  little  below  the  middle  of  the  beach,  on  the  W.  side,  is 
Wreck  Cove.  Near  the  mouth  of  the  Cove,  is  Stewart's  Knoll, 
—  an  elevated  part  of  the  beach.^  On  the  western  side  of  this 
beach  are  salt-marshes ;  but  these  have  been  greatly  diminished 
by  the  driving  of  the  sand.  Still,  it  is  a  peculiarity  of  this, 
as  of  some  other  localities,  that  what  is  lost  in  one  place  is 
gained  in  another,  new  spots  being  gradually  formed.  The 
passage  between  Morris'  Island  and  the  main  was,  in  1752,  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  wide ;  in  ]  772  the  strait  was  closed,  being 
filled  with  sand  ;  but  this  junction  with  the  main  being  effected, 
the  beach  on  the  eastern  side  began  to  waste,  until  that  which 
was  an  island  was  found  to  be  nearer  the  ocean  than  formerly 
was  the  easterly  side  of  the  strait.  At  that  period,  there  was  a 
passage  from  Old  Harbor  into  Stage  Harbor,  through  which  ves- 
sels might  sail,  the  beach  being  then  an  island.  Afterward  the 
beach  joined  the  main  land.  But,  in  1770,  again  the  sea,  in  a 
violent  storm,  rushed  through  the  beach ;  and,  afterwards,  by 
degrees,  the  chasm  became  again  closed.  Such  are  specimens  of 
the  changes  wrought  by  the  elements  by  voluble  masses  of  sand. 
Yet  another  striking  instance  may  be  adduced ;  when  the  Eng- 
lish first  settled  on  the  Cape,  an  island  was  located  off  Chatham, 
9  m.  distant,  called  Webb's  Island,  containing  20  acres  covered 
with  red-savin  or  cedar,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Nantucket  ob- 
tained fire-wood  there ;  but  160  years  ago  this  island  was  gone 
and  a  huge  rock  settled  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea,  elevated  as 
miich  from  the  bottom  as  it  was  before  above  the  surface  of  the 
island,  was  all  that  remained. 

On  the  W.  side  of  Cape  Malabarre,  in  the  S.  part  of  the  town- 
ship, is  Stage  Harbor,  about  one  mile  long  and  half  a  mile 
wide,  —  the  entrance  between  Morris' Island  and  Harding's  Neck 
or  Beach  that  runs  westerly.  Here  too  is  a  bar,  there  being  not 
more  than  8  feet  water  at  the  mouth  at  high  tide,  whilst  within 
are  20  feet  at  low  water,  the  anchorage  good,  and  the  harbor 
completely  land-locked. 

^  So  called  from  a  person  by  the  name  of  Stewart,  who,  more  than  a  cen- 
tury ago,  kept  there  a  house  for  the  accommodation  of  seamen  making  a 
harbor  on  the  W.  shore  of  the  beach.  The  house  stood  near  the  Point ; 
but  the  extension  of  the  point  caused  the  knoll  to  be,  in  process  of  time, 
several  miles  off.  We  are  aware  of  the  difficulties  that  attend  an  accurate 
description  suited  to  the  present  hour,  of  localities  so  subject  to  change ; 
and  we  i'ear  that  our  topography  of  this  beach  will  partake  too  largely  of 
the  pa>st,  to  suit  in  all  respects  the  present.  But  we  have  this  consolation, 
that  if  the  sketch  were  precisely  adapted  to  the  present,  winds  and  tides 
would  soon  make  it  obsolete. 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  585 

Oyster  Pond,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  long  and  half  a 
mile  broad,  communicates  with  Stage  Harbor  by  an  opening  in 
which  at  high  tides  are  6  feet  of  water  enabling  small  vessels 
to  pass. 

Mill  Cove  is  N.  E.  of  Stage  Harbor,  communicating  with  it 
by  Mitchell's  River;  and  connecting  with  the  cove,  west  of 
Tom's  Neck,  is  Mill  Pond.  A  mile  and  a  half  W.  of  Stage 
Harbor,  is  Cockle-Cove  River,  communicating  with  a  Salt  Pond 
north  of  it.  West  is  Tumblen's  Cove,  also  connecting  with  the 
Indian  Matchapoxet  —  a  salt  pond.  Still  west  is  Red  River, 
forming  the  boundary  in  part  between  this  town  and  Harwich. 

Besides  salt-water  ponds,  there  are  in  the  township  not  less 
than  30  ponds  of  fresh  water,  the  bottoms  of  which  are  gener- 
ally sandy,  the  water  soft  and  pure,  and  numbers  of  them  sup- 
plied with  fish.  There  are  no  brooks  or  fresh-water  rivers.  Ex- 
cellent water  is  obtained  from  wells,  few  of  which  are  ever 
more  than  12  feet  deep. 

Some  of  the  swamps  have  been  cleared  and  converted  into 
pastures  and  meadows  ;  others  have  furnished  sites  for  productive 
cranberry  bogs ;  and  from  others  still,  peat  is  procured  for  fuel, 
—  "iihough  most  of  the  town's  supply  of  fuel  comes  from  abroad, 
but  little  woodland  remaining  in  the  township,  and  that  which 
survives  being  chiefly  on  the  line  with  Harwich.  iSTotwithstand- 
ing  the  discouraging  account  we  have  been  obliged  to  give  of 
agricultural  prospects,  considerable  English  hay  is  cut  here  and 
corn  and  rye  raised,  whilst  good  gardens  greet  one  on  every  side. 

Fish  are  abundant  on  the  coast,  and  shell-fish  on  the  shores. 
Wild-fowl,  if  not  so  plentifully  obtained  as  formerly,  still  furnish 
sport  for  marksmen. 

The  town  fm-nishes  its  full  quota  of  able  seamen,  not  a  few 
commanding  ships  in  mercantile  voyages  out  of  Boston,  ISTew 
York,  etc.  Some  are  employed  in  coasting  and  in  the  sailing  of 
packets ;  and  numbers  are  engaged  in  the  fisheries.  Formerly 
the  harbors  were  better  adapted  for  large  craft  than  at  present,^ 
and  many  Bank-fishing  vessels  were  owned  here.^ 

'  The  harbors  are  now  used  almost  exclusively  for  vessels  of  the  smaller 
classes. 

^ When  "the  Bankers,"  whose  returns  were  greatly  remunerative  and 
which  did  much  to  enrich  the  town,  ceased, — because  the  business  at  last 
became  unprofitable,  —  the  coasting-business  began  to  employ  large  numbers 
of  vessels  of  smaller  draught,  and  some  of  larger  draught,  but  hailing^rom 
Boston,  in  the  trade  and  freighting  between  Boston,  New  York,  Philadel- 
phia, Baltimore,  Charleston,  and  other  ports.  This  also  has  been  generally 
VOL.  II.  74 


586  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

The  manufacture  of  salt,  once  prominent,  has  declined  here  as 
in  other  Cape  towns,  and  from  similar  causes.^ 

The  population,  in  1855,  was  2560.^  The  people  are  moral, 
enterprising,  industrious,  and  compare  favorably  with  those  of  all 
other  towns  on  the  Cape.  'No  portion  of  our  country  has  greater 
or  more  plentiful  enjoyments  of  the  comforts  of  life.  A  family 
really  poor  is  uncommon.  This  is,  in  fact,  a  comparatively 
wealthy  township.  It  has  also  been  noted  as  a  healthy  location.^ 
Much  attention  is  jDaid  to  education ;  in  this  too  the  town  com- 
pares most  advantageously  with  others,  —  and  a  natural  corollary 
is,  in  intelligence  and  refinement  also. 

The  public  buildings  are  four  large  meeting-houses,  namely. 
Congregational,  Baptist,  Methodist,  and  Universalist,  all  in  the 
central  part  of  the  town  known  by  the  post-office  designation 
Chatham,  and  a  small  and  unpretending  building  for  that  non- 
descript sect  glorying  in  the  expressive  name  of  "  Come-outers  "  ^ 
in  that  part  of  the  town  designated  as  West  Chatham.  The 
other  general  division  of  the  town  is  known  by  its  post-office 
designation  ISToeth  Chatham.  Besides  the  preceding  public 
edifices,  are  the  town-house,  an  academy,  two  commodious  and 
handsome  buildings  for  high  schools,^  and  Atlantic  Hall.     Tlfere 


profitable.  Some  were  also  engaged  in  foreign  voyages.  The  fisheries, 
still  continued  in  other  directions,  find  here  unusual  conveniences  for  their 
prosecution.  Mackerel  fishing,  perhaps,  takes  the  lead.  Mouomoy  Point, 
which  lies  about  9  m.  distant  fi'om  the  Old  Harbor  lighthouses,  nearly 
south,  and  on  the  end  of  which  also  is  a  lighthouse,  is  a  place  of  great  in- 
dustry in  the  season  for  fishing ;  and  the  facilities  provided  there  for  curing 
and  packing  make  it  the  resort  of  many  engaged  in  the  business  fi-om 
neighboring  towns.  There  were,  in  1837,  when  the  population  was  much 
less  than  at  present,  22  vessels  owned  here  and  engaged  in  the  fisheries, 
yielding  that  year  15,500  quintals  of  codfish,  then  worth  $46,500;  and 
1200  bis.  of  mackerel,  worth  $9,600.  The  mackerel  fisheries  have  greatly 
increased. 

^  There  were,  in  1837,  no  less  than  80  establishments  for  the  manufacture 
of  salt  here,  yielding  27,400  bu.,  valued  at  $8,220.  ' 

^  In  1764,  the  pop.  was  677,  with  105  dwellings  and  127  families  ;  in  1776, 
a  pop.  of  930,  making  165  fam.  ;  in  1800,  the  pop.  was  1351,  with  158 
dwellings;  and  in  1850,  the  pop.  was  2437.  ,.^i 

^  The  salubrity  of  the  climate  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact  that,  in  1800, 
with  1351  inhabitants,  there  was  not  sufficient  employment  to  justify  the 
settlement  here  of  a  physician. 

*  We  certainly  mean  no  disrespect.  Their  distinctive  appellative  is  self- 
chosen,  and  the  peculiarities  of  their  faith  we  have  not  seen  defined.  It  is 
understood  that  some  worthy  people  and  good  members  of  society  are  of 
this  order. 

^In  1800,  there  were  five  school-houses  located  in  districts  arranged  for 
general  accommodation ;  In  1 850,  this  town  had  thirteen  public  schools  at- 
tended by  nearly  800  pupils.     The  "  improvements,"  so  called,  of  later 


ANNALS    OF   CHATHAM.  587 

is,  in  every  part  of  this  town,  a  general  aspect  of  thrift  and 
home  comfort ;  the  private  dwellings  are  neat,  convenient,  and, 
in  many  instances,  indicative  of  good  taste.^ 

Progress  of  the  Town,  etc.  —  We  have  seen  that,  in 
1686,  Monomoyick  was  ordered  by  the  Court  to  fur- 
nish its  quota  of  grand-jurors;  and  that,  in  1691,  lib- 
erty was  granted  to  send  a  deputy.^  We  are  not  sure 
that  this  town  ought  not  to  have  taken  precedence  of 
Truro  in  our  historical  arrangement,  under  its  original 
name  ;  but,  we  have  judged  it  expedient  to  follow  the 
order  of  the  incorporations  of  towns  as  they  now  ex- 
ist. 

The  first  public  meeting  here,  of  which  there  is 
any  record,  was  held  May  12,  1693,  when  William 
NiCKERSON  was  chosen  clerk  and  treasurer;  Samuel 
Smith,  coroner  and  commissioner ;  George  Godfrey  and 
Joseph  Nickerson,  surveyors.  At  the  same  meeting, 
the  clerk  and  Joseph  Harding  were  app.  "  agents  for 
the  repairs  of  Monomoy  meeting-house."^  The  rec- 
ords, in  fact,  give  but  a  very  imperfect  view  of  the 
progress  of  the  settlement  for  many  years  previous 
and  subsequent. 

In  1695,  mention  is  made  of  Hugh  Stewart,  William 
Cahoon,  William  Gross,  and  Edward  Small,  among  the 
inhabitants;  and,  in  1696,  of  Benjamin  Phillips,  Wil- 
liam Eldred,  and  Lt.  Nicholas  Eldred,  and,  the  same 
year,  an  order  was  made  that  such  of  the  male  inhab- 
itants of  suitable  age  who  are  deficient  in  killing  black- 


times,  have  Introduced  another,  system  called  ^'■graded"  and  this  has  been 
adopted  with,  as  is  said,  manifest  advantages.  At  the  previous  date, 
1800,  there  was  but  one  meeting-house  and  but  one  religious  society  wor- 
shipping in  town.     There  were  six  wind-mills,  a  ropewalk,  and  a  tannery. 

^  One  of  the  ancient  landmarks,  the  mansion  of  Richard  Sears  Esq., 
has  lately  disappeared,  1863. 
*Mr.  Gershom  Hall  was  chosen,  but  "did  not  attend." 
^This  is  an  indication  of  considerable  progress  in  the  settlement  and 
that  it  was  not  recent. 


588  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

birds  and  crows,  "  shall  clear  the  way  to  go  to  mill 
and  to  go  to  Nauset."  The  name  of  Moses  Godfrey 
first  appears  on  record  in  1697  ;  and  in  1698,  that  of 
Nathaniel  Tomlon,  as  also  Joseph  Eldred,  William 
Stewart,  and  William  Covel. 

At  what  time,  or  under  what  circumstances,  Eev. 
Jonathan  Vickery  was  introduced  to  the  ministry  here 
we  are  unable  to  say;  but,  in  1699,  an  assessment  of 
£35  was  made,  of  which  the  sum  of  £10  was  "for 
Mr.  Vickery."  Mr.  William  Nickerson  is  said  to  have 
exercised  the  office  of  religious  teacher  previous  to 
the  coming  of  Mr.  Vickery,  —  simply,  however,  as  a 
religious  man,  without  assuming  ecclesiastical  preroga- 
tive. Mr.  Vickery  was  selected  by  the  inhabitants, 
Oct.  6,  "  to  go  to  Boston  to  desire  the  Court  that  we 
may  be  made  a  township,  and  that  the  bounds  be 
known  between  us  and  Harwich." 

In  1700,  Feb.  15,  "it  was  agreed  to  build  a  new 
meeting-house  20  ft.  by  32  and  13  ft.  in  the  walls;" 
and  the  matter  was  committed  to  Messrs.  Wm.  Nick- 
erson and  George  Godfrey  "  to  see  that  the  work  be 
done ;  Edward  Small  to  be  fore-workman,  to  get  the 
timber  and  frame  the  house  with  the  help  of  the  in- 
habitants." It  was  also  "  agreed  by  the  inhabitants  to 
take  their  turn  and  their  teams  and  go  out  with  Ed- 
ward Small  to  get  the  timber,  two  days  each  man." 
For  the  frame-work,  £6.  14.  2.  was  appropriated,  and 
£1.  10.  to  buy  ammunition.  It  was  agreed.  May  20, 
with  Wm.  Eldred,^  to  bring  boards  and  planks  to  line 
the  meeting-house.  The  edifice  appears  to  have  been 
in  a  state  of  forwardness  for  occupancy  before  many 
months;  for,  Oct.  16,  Thos.  Atkins  was  app.  "to  look 

^  The  manner  of  writing  this  name  in  early  records  is  conclusive  of  the 
presumption  that  the  names  Eldred,  Eldridge,  and  Eldredge  were  originally 
the  same. 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  589 

after  the  meeting-house,  sweep,  lock,  and  unlock  at  ev- 
ery service,"  and  was  to  receive  for  his  trouble  10  s. 
per  annum.  At  the  same  time  <£11  was  raised  to  de- 
fray town  charges. 

In  1701,  May  21,  Lt.  Harding  was  empowered  "to 
look  out  for  a  man  to  preach  ; "  ^  and  the  selectmen 
were  instructed  "  to  buy  more  finishing  and  go  on  to 
finish  the  meeting-house." 

In  1702,  the  names  of  John  Smith,  Daniel  Hamil- 
ton, and  Thomas  House  (Howes)  first  appear  on  the 
records ;  and  Feb.  22,  Lt.  Harding  was  again  author- 
ized "  to  look  out  and  get  a  man  to  preach  the  word 
of  God  to  us  on  Sabbath  days."  Rev.  Jonathan  Vick- 
ERY  died  Ap.  30.^ 

In  1703,  Jan.  4,  "  the  town  did  agree  with  Mr.  Ger- 
SHOM  Hall  to  come  and  dispense  the  word  of  God  ;  " 
and  <£20  was  voted  as  his  compensation.^ 

In  1704,  April  18,  a  meeting  was  held,  when  Mr. 
Thos.  Nickerson  was  app.  "  to  procure  a  man  to  dis- 
pense the  word,"  etc. ;  from  which  it  would  appear 
that  the  engagement  of  Mr.  Hall  had  been  only  tem- 
porary. Still,  Nov.  22,  a  tax  of  <£10  was  ordered  "  to 
pay  Mr.  Hall  for  preaching  last  summer." 

In  1706,  May  22,  Mr.  Hall  was  again  in  request, 
and  £26  was  offered,  to  be  paid  him  "  for  coming  and 
preaching  to  us  one  year ; "  and,  July  1,  it  was  again 
"voted  to  engage  Mr.  Hall,  or,  if  he  cannot   be  ob- 


^  If  this  entry  and  date  is  correct,  it  would  seem  that  Mr.  Vickery's  labors 
were  concluded,  although  he  was  yet  living  here. 

"  What  were  the  circumstances  attending  the  decease  of  Mr.  Vickery, 
we  are  not  informed  beyond  the  fact  that  he  "  was  drowned."  His  estate 
was  settled  July  15,  1702,  and  the  members  of  his  family  mentioned  are 
EHzabeth,  reHct,  and  children  Jonathan  (eldest),  David,  Elisa.,  Joanna, 
Mary,  Rebecca,  and  Sarah. 

^Rev.  Gershom  Hall,  b.  Mar.  5,  1648,  s. of  Jno.  of  Y. ;  hem.  Bethiah 

Bangs,  dr.  Edw.,  who  d.  Oct.  15,  1696,  and  2d,  Mai'tha ,  and  had 

Sam'l  1669,  Edward,  Bethia,  Mercy,  and  Jonathan.  He  d.  Oct.  31,  1732, 
and  was  buried  in  Y. 


590         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

tained,  some  college-man  to  preach."  ^  For  "  one  half 
year's  service,  <£15  and  diet "  was  voted.  Mr,  Latimer 
was  finally  engaged  to  preach,  "  from  the  1st.  Sab.  in 
Oct."  Laws  were  this  year  enacted  by  the  town  to 
regulate  the  keeping  of  sheep. 

In  1707,  Mar.  13,  the  town  engaged  Mr.  John  Lati- 
mer^ to  preach  one  year,  at  a  salary  of  £48.  Mention 
is  this  year  made  in  the  records,  of  Messrs.  Roland 
Paddock,  Rt.  Nickerson,  and  Caleb  Lombard. 

In  1708,  Ap.  27,  the  inhabitants  made  choice  of 
Capt.  Harding  and  Messrs.  Thos.  and  John  Atkins,  "  to 
bargain  and  buy  or  procure  a  settlement  for  the  min- 
istry, of  our  proprietors."  It  was  "  agreed,  June  23, 
to  settle  Mr.  Latimer  ;  "  and  "  a  bargain  was  proposed 
with  Mr.  Jonathan  Vickery,^  to  buy  land  of  said  Vick- 
ery  for  the  use  of  the  ministry."  Mr.  Latimer's  salary 
was  now  fixed  at  £60  ;  and  it  was  agreed  that  "  the 
houses  that  stand  on  Mr.  Vickery's  land  shall  be  made 
favorable  and  comfortable  for  him,  —  he  to  have  them 
so  long  as  he  is  our  minister."  It  was  finally  conclud- 
ed, Sept.  3,  "  to  huy  Mr.  Vickery's  house  and  land  and 
give  to  Mr.  Latimer  provided  he  do  continue  in  preach- 
ing the  word  of  God  unto  us  the  full  term  of  life,  in- 
firmities of  age,  etc.  excepted."  It  was  also  "  voted 
that  £54  be  appropriated  to  buy  boards,  clapboards 
and  shingles  for  his  house ;  and  that,  when  those 
southern  side  persons  shall  be  added  to  us,  there  be 
added  to  his  salary  £10  yearly."  * 

^  The  presumption  is  that  hitherto  men  had  been  employed  who  had  not 
received  that  public  education  answerable  to  the  requirement  of  law,  for 
ministers. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Latimer  was  s.  of  Jno.  of  Wethersfield,  whose  wife  was 
Mary.     He  grad.  H.  C  1703. 

^  This  Mr.  Vickery  was  eldest  son  of  the  former  minister.  Another  son 
was  David.  Isaac,  who  m.  Rebecca  Bangs  Mar.  3,  1729-30,  was  prob.  a 
grandson  of  the  minister,  and  had  Timo.  Nov.  9,  1729;  Benj.  Sept.  24, 
1731  ;  Joseph  Mar.  19,  1733-4  ;  Jona.  May  1,  1736  ;  David  Aug.  18, 1738; 
and  Abncr  Aug.  26,  1740. 

*  This  probably  refers  to  what  was  a  portion  of  the  S.  part  of  Harwich. 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  S91 

In  1709,  Aug.  1,  the  inhabitants  were  again  on  "  the 
look-out "  for  a  minister  ;  ^  and,  Oct.  20,  provision  was 
made  "  to  entertain  Mr.  Cotton  of  Sandwich."  ^ 

In  1710,  it  was  "voted  to  hear  Mr.  Short  ;" '^  also 
to  buy  a  farm  for  the  ministry.  Mr.  Short  was  after- 
wards, Ap.  17,  invited  to  settle,  and  a  salary  of  £45 
was  offered ;  and  payment  was  made  at  the  same  time 
for  labors  already  performed,  namely,  15s.  per  day, 
for  seven  Sabbaths'  preaching.  Rev.  Mr.  Russell,  from 
Barnstable,  and  Rev.  Benj.  Allen  were  here  after  Mr. 
Short;  but  probably  only  for  a  few  days,  and  from 
courtesy.  Mr.  Richard  Sears'  name  appears  on  the 
records  at  this  date,  he  having  been  drawn  grandjury- 
man ;  and  that  of  Mr.  Daniel  Sears,  soon  after,  as 
town-clerk.* 

^  The  precise  time  of  the  departure  of  Mr.  Latimer  does  not  appear. 
His  stay  here,  though  short,  seems  to  have  been  sufficient  for  the  contrac- 
tion of  some  friendships ;  for,  in  his  will,  recorded  in  Suffolk,  and  dated  Nov. 
27,  1713,  among  other  bequests  are  several  to  friends  on  the  Cape.  His 
inventory  was  rendered  Ap.  12,  1716. 

^Mr.  Cotton's  visit  was  probably  made  in  answer  to  application  for  as- 
sistance and  advice. 

^This  was  prob.  Mr.  Mattheav  Short,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1707. 

*For  Sears'  gen.,  see  Vol.  I.  137,  where  it  will  be  seen  that  the  grand- 
father of  the  above,  Dan'l  and  Kich'd,  was  Richard  (Sayer  or)  Sears, 
the  Pilgrim,  who,  son  of  the  second  John  Bourchier  Sayer  and  Marie 
L.  Egmond,  and  b.  1590,  came  over  in  1630,  and  m.  Dorothy  Thacher 
1632,  and  settled  in  that  pai't  of  Yarm.  now  E.  Dennis.  In  1662  he  was  a 
member  of  the  Plym.  Colony  Court,  and  d.  in  Y.  1676,  leaving  sons  Knyvet 
b.  1635  ;  Paul  b.  1637  ;  Silas  b.  1639 ;  and  a  dr.  Deborah,  who  m.  Zacha- 
riah  Paddock.  Kjsyvet,  eldest  son,  b.  1635,  m.  Elisa.  Dymoke,  and  had 
sons  Daniel  b.  1682  ;  and  Richard  b.  1684.  These  were  left  orphans  when 
very  young.  Their  father  going  a  second  time  to  Eng.,  in  1686,  for  the 
recovery  of  family  estates,  died  there  the  same  year  at  the  residence  of  his 
relative,  Catharine  Harris,  (subsequently  Baroness  Berners),  dr.  of  Sir 
John  Knyvet.  His  cliildren  were  adopted  by  his  bro.  Paul,  who  inherited 
most  of  his  father's  property  in  Yarm.  and  Dennis.  These  sons,  by  the  aid 
of  legacies  received  from  their  uncle's  estate,  made  purchases  in  "  Mono- 
moy,  now  called  Chatham,"  and  removed  here  in  1707.  It  may  be  perti- 
nent to  quote  from  Burke's  '  Vicissitudes  of  Families '  the  result  of 
his  own  investigations  touching  this  family.  He  says :  "  I  must  now  for  a 
moment  wander  back  some  centuries  earlier  than  these  Pilgrim  Fathers  and 
take  my  readers  to  the  famous  county  of  Kent.  Near  the  mouth  of  the 
Medway  and  the  ancient  city  of  Rochester,  at  beginning  of  the  fourteenth 
century,  dwelt  one  Adam  Sayer,  lord  of  the  manor  of  Hougham,  a  country 
gentleman  of  fair  estate  and  high  chai-acter.  He  left  wide  spreading  de- 
scendants.    One  was  returned  to  Parliament  by  the  town  of  Sandwich  in 


592  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1711,  Feb.  23,  the  town  was  again  on  "  the  look- 
out for  a  minister."     It  was  voted,  Ap.  23,  "  to  give 

the  reign  of  Henry  VI.,  and  another  was  created  a  Banneret  for  his  gal- 
lantry at  Stoke.  A  third  crossed  the  Thames  into  Essex  and  founded  a 
family  which  became  possessed  of  good  property  at  Colchester.  Of  that 
town,  John  Sayer,  a  man  of  wealth  and  dignity,  was  alderman  toward  the 
close  of  the  15th  century.  He  d.  1509,  and  a  mural  brass  in  St.  Peter's 
Church  records  his  name  and  honors.  His  grandson,  young  Richard  Sayer, 
is  described  as  a  youth  of  florid  face  and  sanguine  temperament,  who  grew 
up  the  elder  of  two  brothers  and  heir  to  a  large  estate  ;  but  unfortunately 
for  his  worldly  peace  and  prosperity,  he  had  early  imbibed  strong  religious  sen- 
timents, and,  during  the  period  of  animosities  and  persecutions  under  Henry 
Vni.,  became  a  zealous  partisan  on  the  side  opposed  to  his  own  family  and  rel- 
atives. The  result  was  a  total  alienation  from  them,  disinheritance,  and  flight. 
Richard  Sayer's  wife,  Ann  Bouchier,  dr.  of  Edmund  Kny vet  Esq.,  of  the  an- 
cient family  of  Ashwelthorpe  in  Norfolk,  incurred  the  lasting  displeasure  of 
the  Knyvets  because  she  clung  faithfully  to  her  husband  in  his  adversity, 
and  the  name  was  in  consequence  erased  from  all  the  family  pedigrees  and 
papers.  Her  descent,  in  the  female  line,  was  from  Sir  John  Bourchier,  Lord 
Berners,  Knight  of  the  Garter,  4th  son  of  William,  Earl  of  Ewe,  by  Ann 
Plantagenet,  his  wife,  grand-daughter  of  King  Edward  IH.  Ann  Bouchier 
Knyvet,  whose  lot  seems  to  have  been  a  hard  one,  nobly  and  cheerfully 
borne,  was  the  devoted  companion  of  Richard  Sayer  in  all  the  sufferings 
he  underwent  for  conscience'  sake.  She  escaped  with  him  to  Amsterdam, 
and  tended  his  death-bed  thei-e,  1540.  In  consequence  of  their  flight,  the 
husband's  younger  brother  secured  for  himself  possession  of  the  patrimonial 
inheritance,  and  founded  two  families  of  Sayer ;  the  elder,  seated  at  Bour- 
chier's  Hall,  ended  in  an  heiress,  who  m.  the  learned  Sir  John  Marsham, 
Bart.  The  younger  is  still  resident,  I  believe,  at  Pett,  near  Charing,  in 
Kent.  The  only  son  of  Richard  and  Ann  Sayer  was  John  Bouchier  Sayer, 
a  man  of  bold  and  daring  disposition,  who,  instead  of  adopting  measures  to 
recover  his  ancestral  rights,  sought  adventure  under  his  father-in-law.  Sir 
John  Hawkins,  the  famous  Admiral,  and  accompanied  him  in  many  of  his 
voyages.  He  died  in  Holland,  leaving  four  sons,  of  whom  the  eldest,  his 
father's  nan'(es,ake,. acquired  a  large  fortune  on  marriage  with  Marie  L.  Van 
Egmont  of  the  family  of  Count  Egmont,  the  victim  of  the  Duke  of  Alva ; 
and  with  the  money  thus  obtained  with  his  wife,  Sayer  purchased  property 
in  the  neighborhood  of  that  to  which  he  believed  himself  entitled ;  but  his 
efforts  for  its  recovery  were  resisted  by  his  kinsmen  in-  England,  and  an 
open  rupture  was  the  result.  John  Bouchier  Sayer  d.  in  1G29,  leaving  tAvo 
sons,  of  whom  the  elder  was  Richard  Sayer,  or  Sears,  who  joined  the  com- 
pany at  Leyden."  ..."  E[is  father  died  in  1629  ;  he  then  came  into 
possession  of  his  paternal  inheritance,  and  in  1630  accompanied  the  last  ex- 
pedition which  carried  out  from  Leyden  the  remnant  of  the  Scrooby  con- 
gregation ;  landed  at  Plymouth,  May  8,  and  in  1643  removed  thence  to  a 
more  favored  spot  known  by  the  Indians  as  Sursuit  and  Mattakeese,  the 
sites  of  the  present  E.  Dennis  and  Yarmouth."  ..."  Knyvet,  eldest 
son,  unlike  his  father,  had  a  strong  faith  that  the  family  lands  iia  Eng.  might 
be  recovered,  and  set  out  for  the  old  country  "  to  assert  his  claim.  The  re- 
sult has  been  told.  "  From  a  document  filed  in  the  Chapter  House,  West- 
minster Abbey,  it  appears  that  the  contested  manors  were  transferred,  by 
legal  fiction,  to  Sir  John  Marsham,  only  son  of  Sir  John  and  Esther,  dr.  of 
John  Geo.  Sayer,  who  d.  1577.  This  Esther  was  assumed  to  have  been 
sole  heir  upon  the  failure  of  the  male  line  in  Eng. ;  and  the  high  position 
which  the  American  branch  of  the  family  was  entitled  to  hold  here  was 
abandoned  forever." 


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make  up  the  matter  of  their  controversy,  in  peace  and 
love."  To  the  conditions  proposed  by  Mr.  Adams, 
"  the  town  agreed."  ^    Leave  was  granted  by  the  town, 

iRev.  Mr.  Adams  grad.  H.  C.  1(J97. 

"  It  may  naturally  be  inferred  from  the  preceding  that  difficulties  tending 
VOL.  II.  75=     •      ^  '• 


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son,  unlike  his  father,  had  a  strong  faith  that  the  family  lands  in  Eng.  might 
be  recovered,  and  set  out  for  the  old  country  "  to  assert  his  claim.  The  re- 
sult has  been  told.  "  From  a  document  filed  in  the  Chapter  House,  West- 
minster Abbey,  it  appears  that  the  contested  manors  were  transferred,  by 
legal  fiction,  to  Sir  John  Marsham,  only  son  of  Sir  John  and  Esther,  dr.  of 
John  Geo.  Sayer,  who  d.  1577.  This  Esther  was  assumed  to  have  been 
sole  heir  upon  the  failure  of  the  male  line  in  Eng. ;  and  the  high  position 
wliich  the  American  branch  of  the  family  was  entitled  to  hold  here  was 
abandoned  forever." 


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make  up  the  matter  of  their  controversy,  in  peace  and 
love."  To  the  conditions  proposed  by  Mr.  Adams, 
"  the  town  agreed."  ^    Leave  was  granted  by  the  town, 

'Rev.  Mr.  Adams  grad.  H.  C.  1097. 

^  It  may  naturally  be  inferred  from  the  preceding  that  difficulties  tending 
A'OL.  II.  75,    >      '^   ' 


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son,  unlike  his  fai  „„,  .  .^^^ 

be  recovered,  ana  sec  out  lor  the  old  country  »  to  assert  his  claim.     The  re- 

suit  has  been  told.     "  From  a  document  filed  in  the  Chapter  House,  West- 

mmster  Abbey,  it  appears  that  the  contested  manors  were  transferred,  by 

legal  fiction   to  Sir  John  Marsham,  only  son  of  Sir  John  and  Esther,  dr.  of 

John  Geo.   Sayer,  who  d.  1577.     This  Esther  was  assumed  to  have  been 

80  e  he>r  upon  the  failure  of  the  male  line  in  Eng. ;  and  the  high  i>osition 

wliich  the  American  branch  of  the  family  was  entitled  to  hold  here  was 

aoandoned  forever." 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  593 

Mr.  Hugh  Adams  £50  salary  and  £100  settlement,  to 
aid  in  preaching  the  Gospel  here  ; "  also  lands  and 
buildings.^  Mr.  Adams  appears  to  have  hesitated ;  for 
June  20,  the  town  was  again  on  "  the  look-out."  But, 
June  27,  negotiations  with  Mr.  Adams  were  renewed, 
—  the  town  voting  to  "  grant  him,  our  reverend  min- 
ister, right  to  cut  wood,  fencing,  and  timber,  and  of 
fencing  creatures  in  the  undivided  lands;"  and  a  sal- 
ary of  £52  per  annum  with  prospective  increase. 
The  town,  at  the  same  meeting,  resolved  "that  the 
meeting-house  be  finished."  Mr.  Adams  accepted  on 
conditions  which  he  proposed  in  writing,  namely  :  — 

"  1.  That  I  be  ordained  your  pastor.  2.  That  if  any 
difference  arise  betwixt  us  to  such  a  degree  that  we 
must  part,  —  which  we  should  both  humbly  pray  there 
may  never  be,  —  and  that  I  have  my  dismissal  from  my 
pastoral  charge  ;  then,  if  it  be  judged  by  the  reverend 
ministers  that  the  people  only  are  to  blame,  the  settle- 
ment shall  belong  to  me  and  my  heirs  forever  .  . 
and  if  they  shall  judge  that  we  are  equally  to  blame, 
the  £100  settlement  shall  be  proportionably  divided 
between  us ;  or,  if  they  shall  say  that  my  removal  is 
merely  from  some  other  unavoidable  compulsion  with- 
out any  fault  on  either  side,  then  the  said  £100  shall 
be  equally  divided ;  and  if  they  shall  say  that  I  only 
am  to  blame,  the  whole  shall  be  repaid." 

Signed,  Hugh  Adams. 

Mr,  Adams,  at  the  same  time,  recommended  "  that 
the  Proprietors  will  endeavor  as  soon  as  possible  to 
make  up  the  matter  of  their  controversy,  in  peace  and 
love."  To  the  conditions  proposed  by  Mr.  Adams, 
"  the  town  agreed."  ^    Leave  was  granted  by  the  town, 

^Rev.  Mr.  Adams  grad.  H.  C.  1G97. 

^  It  may  naturally  be  inferred  from  the  preceding  that  difficulties  tending 
VOL.  II.  75=     '      "^    •■ 


594  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTAJBLE    COUNTY. 

Mar.  28,  to  Mr.  Daniel  Greenleaf  of  Yarmouth,  '^  to 
purchase  a  piece  of  land  in  the  town  of  Monnamoy 
for  the  fishery,  —  his  land,  boats,  and  men  to  be  free 
from  rates." 

In  1712,  Jan.,  the  following  appears  on  the  town 
records:  — 

"Protection.  —  Boston,  Jan.  26,  1711-12.  Upon 
application  made  to  me,  setting  forth  the  danger  that 
the  village  of  Monamoy  is  in,  of  the  French  priva- 
teers, 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  order."  Signed,  J.  Dudley. 

"  To  the  Hon.  Col.  Otis,  Barnstable." 

The  name  of  John  Ellis  first  appears  on  record  at 
this  time.  "  The  meadows  at  Monamoy  at  Machapox- 
set,"  were  bounded  by  Messrs.  Thos.  Lewis,  Beriah 
Broadbrooks,  Jas.  Eldredge,  and  others.  An  order 
was  made  requiring  that  "  none  shall  shear  sheep  on 
the  commons  before  the  last  Monday  in  May  annually, 
under  a  penalty  of  £20 ; "  also  "  for  the  payment  to 
Mr.  Adams  of  his  charge  for  managing  .the  difficulties 
between  Harwich  and  Monamoy ; "  also  "  that  every 
married  man  shall  deliver  to  Mr.  Adams  a  load  of 
wood,  or  forfeit  5  s." 

Monamoy  was  incorporated  a  township  by  the  name 
of  Chatham,  this  year,  June  11. 

In   1715,  Mar.  13,  a  demand  was  made  "of  what 


to  divisions  and  to  the  hindrance  of  the  ministry  had  existed  here  for  some 
time,  and  the  fact  would  suggest  the  cause  of  the  frequent  changes  occur- 


ANNALS   OF    CHATHAM.  595 

Mr.  Hugh  Adams  owes  the  town  ; "  and,  at  another 
town  meeting,  the  following  proceedings  were  had  : — 

"  Forasmuch  as  5  out  of  7  men,  the  members  of 
the  church  and  inhabitants  of  Chatham,  there  being 
no  more  belonging  to  the  town,  did,  Ap.  11,  move  the 
selectmen  of  sd.  town  to  call  a  town-meeting,  because 
Mr.  Adams,  their  minister,  did  so  imprudently,  un- 
steadily, and  contentiously  behave  himself  in  many 
respects  contrary  to  what  they  say  he  professed  to 
some  of  them,  —  insomuch  that  they  could  not  in 
conscience  join  with  him,  nor  sit  any  longer  under 
his  ministry  :  because  Mr.  Adams,  they  say,  did  profess 
that  if  the  selectmen  would  call  a  town-meeting,  and 
the  major  vote  was  for  his  leaving,  he  would  do  so,  — 
for  he  had  a  better  call  elsewhere :  Now,  at  a  town- 
meeting  orderly  warned  and  attended,  this  13th  day 
of  June,  1715,  it  is  voted  by  the  votable  inhabitants 
not  to  employ  Mr.  Adams  in  the  work  of  the  ministry 
any  longer.         Attest :     Daniel  Sears,  town  clerk." 

In  1717,  Feb.  25,  it  was  "voted  to  look  out  for 
another  minister."  They  are  only  isolated  and  vague 
items  to  be  gathered  from  the  records,  that  furnish 
any  light  on  ihe  state  of  ecclesiastical  affairs,  or  the 
progress  of  the  town.  When,  or  under  what  circum- 
stances, except  as  above  related,  Mr.  Adams  closed  his 
ministry  here,  is  not  within  our  knowledge.^  Eev. 
Mr.  Hall  was  probably  soon  again  officiating  here. 

In  1718,  it  was  voted  "  to  raise  the  remainder  of 
Mr.  Hall's  salary ;  "  also  "  to  apply  to  Mr.  Lord  to  come 
for  one  half-year."  It  was  also  "  agreed  to  invite  Mr. 
Hall  to  tarry  three  Sabbaths  longer  ;  and,  in  the  mean- 
while, send  an  agent  to  Barnstable  to  invite  Mr.  Lord 


^  Rev.  Hugh  Adams  had  by  Ids  w.   Susanna,  a  dr.  Elizabeth,  b.  here 
May  5,  1713. 


596  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

to  corae."^  It  was  proposed  "to  give  Mr.  Lord  £60 
per  annum,  and  to  buy  a  house  and  four  acres  for  the 
use  of  the  ministry."  Mr.  Richard  Sears  died  this 
year,  se.  34.^ 

In  1719,  Mar.  2,  an  invitation  was  extended  to  Mr. 
Lord,  and  £80  salary  and  the  use  of  ministerial  house  ^ 
and  land  voted.  Rev.  Joseph  Lord  accepted  the  invi- 
tation, June  3. 

In  1720,  Mar.  20,  Mr.  Samuel  Stewart  was  engaged  as 
the  schoolmaster ;  and,  June  15,  Mr.  Lord  was  ordained, 
himself  preaching  the  ordination  sermon.  It  was  voted, 
Sept.  21,  to  pay  Richard  Knowles's  bill  "for  keeping 
the  ministers  and  messengers  who  came  to  install  Mr. 
Lord."* 

In  1720,  Mr.  George  Shaw  d.  May  2.^ 


^  Rev.  Mr.  Lord  was  from  Charlestown,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1691.  He  m. 
■^Abigjail  Hinckley,  dr.  Gov.  H.  June  2,  1698.  He  preached  some  time  in 
S.  Carolina.  A  letter  from  the  pastor  of  the  church  at  Barnstable,  ad- 
dressed, Oct.  12,  1698,  to  Mr.  Lord  as  pastor  of  the  church  at  Dorchester, 
S.  C,  recommends  Mrs.  Abigail  Lord  to  that  church  which  had  been  formed 
in  1695  in  Dorchester,  Mass.,  with  the  design  of  removing  to  S.  Carolina, 
he  being  the  pastor.  They  arrived  there  Dec.  20,  and  commenced  a  settle- 
ment on  Ashley  River,  about  18  m.  from  Charleston,  which  they  called 
Dorchester.  "  The  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper  was  first  administered 
by  him  there,  Feb.  2,  1696.  Rev.  Hugh  Fisher  succeeded  him."  Mr. 
Lord  had  now  returned  to  the  mansion  of  his  father-in-law,  and  hence  the 
visit  of  the  agent  to  Barnstable. 

"See  p.  591.  Mr.  Richard  Sears,  b.  1684,  s.  of  Knyvet,  m.  Hope 
Howes  1706.     He  left  one  son,  Paul,  who  removed  to  Maine. 

^June  7,  1720,  the  town  raised  £l70  to  build  the  house  for  Mr.  Lord. 

*  Clark's  Cong.  Chs.  says,  "  The  church  in  Chatham  was  probably  organ- 
ized June  15,  1720,  when  Rev.  Joseph  Lord  was  ordained."  Of  the  cor- 
rectness of  this,  we  have  no  other  intimation.  The  Chatham  town  records 
also  speak  of  Mr.  Lord's  ordination  ;  but  this  error  is  common,  a  distinction 
not  being  always  made  between  ordination  and  installation.  He  was  or- 
dained, as  we  have  seen,  at  Dorchester  at  the  time  when  the  emigrating 
church  was  organized.  The  same  records,  it  will  be  seen,  speak  of  the  previous 
existence  of  a  church  in  Chatham ;  it  may,  possibly,  have  become  defunct, 
and  a  new  organization  mai/  have  been  effected  at  the  time  of  Mr.  L.'s  in- 
stallation ;  but  of  this,  as  we  have  said,  we  find  no  evidence.  We  regret 
that  we  have  been  unable  to  get  access  to  the  diary  of  Mi\  Lord,  —  said  to 
be  beautifully  penned.  It  is  said  to  be  in  the  hands  of  a  person  in  a  neigh- 
boring town  who  has  not  accorded  to  us  the  courtesy. 

^Mr.  Shaw  m.  Constance  Doane  Jan.  8,  1690;  and  had  Elkanah  Oct 
7,  1691;  Rebecca  1693;  Geo.  Dec.  29,  1695;  Hannah  1698;  John  Oct.  6, 
1700;  and  Jona.   Feb.  17,  1703.     There  was  a  Thos.  Shaw  in  Be.  whose 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  597 

In  1721,  Jan.  25,  Mr.  Lord's  house  was  ordered  "  to  be  built, 
21  ft.  by  27,  and  15  ft.  in  the  walls,  with  aleanture  12  ft.  by  6,  of 
8  ft.  wall ;  cedar  or  oak  sills ;  2  chimneys,  and  1  chamber  chim- 
ney ;  and  cellar."  ^  It  was  voted,  Oct.  2,  to  receive  this  town's 
part  of  the  £20,000  loan.  Daniel  Legg  was  this  year  school- 
master. 

In  1722,  May  4,  the  town  petitioned  the  Gen.  Court  "to  con- 
sider the  low  estate  of  the  town,  and  exempt  it  from  fine  for  not 
keeping  a  schoolmaster,,  but  keeping  only  a  schooldame." 

In  1723,  it  was  "voted  to  receive  the  South  part  of  Harwich."  ^ 
Mr.  Legg  was  again  schoolmaster,  Ap.  1 ;  and  June  26,  Mr.  John 
CovEL  was  engaged  at  £30  per  quarter;^  Many  removals  from 
the  town  occurred  about  this  time. 

In  1724,  Feb.  11,  Mr.  Samuel  Stewart*  was  again  employed  to 
teach  the  school,  at  £38  per  quarter. 

In  1728,  Mr.  Bea  *  was  schoolmaster. 

In  1729,  we  have  intimation,  only,  of  the  erection  of  a  new 
meeting-house;  it  was  voted,  Aug.  18,  "there  shall  not  be  any 
pews  made  in  our  new  meeting-house,  save  one  for  the  minister's 
wife." 

In  1732,  Mr.  John  Ckowbll  was  the  schoolmaster.  The 
vexed  question  of  the  liabilities  of  assessors  under  existing  laws, 
came  up ;  and  the  town  "  chose  Mr.  Paul  Ceo  well  to  go  to 
Barnstable  to  see  whether  those  that  call  themselves  Quakers  are 
clear  of  ministerial  taxes."  ^ 


wife  makes  bequests  "  to  kinsman  Rt.  Parker,  and  to  Juo.  Crocker,  Joshua 
Lumbert,  elder  Jno.  Chipman,  Jas.  Hamblin  Jr."  and  others. 

'  It  is  difficult  to  determine  what  were  finally  the  dimensions  of  this  house  : 
another  entry  in  the  records,  says,  "  a  house  21  ft.  by  17,  with  a  leanture 
27  ft.  by  12,  15  ft.  high." 

^  A  portion  of  the  S.  part  of  Harwich  was  set  off  to  this  town. 

^Mr.  John  Covel  had  by  his  w.  Thankful,  Elisa.  July  9,  1722.  The 
name  was  early  here,  Nathaniel  being  son-in-law  to  Mr.  William  Mck- 
erson  1667.     Joseph,  by  his  w.  Lydia,  had  Lydia  July  12,  1701. 

*  Samuel  Stewart  m.  Deborah  Lothrop  Nov.  2,  1721,  and  had  Wm. 
Jan.  11,  1725-6.  There  were  others  of  the  name  early  here,  namely, 
Michael,  who,  by  w.  Mary,  had  Bethia  Sept.  21,,  1704;  and  Patience 
1713.  Joseph,  by  w.  Mary,  had  Temperance  1713;  James  1722;  Mary 
1724;  Abigail  1726  ;  Sam'l  1727  ;  Ellice  1729  ;  and  Mercy  1735. 

^  This  is  a  family  name  of  distinction  ;  but  we  have  been  unable  to  ob- 
tain its  early  history. 

*Mr.  John  CpvOWEll  of  Nobscusset,  b.  1662,  who  d.  Oct.  11,  1728,  m. 
Bethiah  Sears,  dr.  Paul,  May  27,  1684,  and  had  Joseph  Mar.  20,  1685  ; 
Paul  Ap.  20,  1687,  Avho  removed  to  C ;  Bethia  1689,  who  m.  Joseph  At- 
wood  1710;  Mehit.  1691,  who  m.  John  Ryder  1713  ;  John  1693,  who  re- 
moved to  F. ;  Deborah  1695  ;  Christopher  1698  ;  Elisa.  1700,  who  m.  Benj. 


598  HISTORY   OP   BAENSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1734,  the  bounds  between  this  town  and  Harwich  were  set- 
tled.    Mr.  Thomas  Doake  was  schoolmaster. 

In  1737,  Mr.  John"  Hallet  and  Mr.  John"  Collins^  were 
employed  as  schoolmasters. 

In  1738,  Mr.  David  JSTickeeson"  was  the  schoolmaster. 

In  1739,  other  views  prevailed  in  regard  to  the  seating  of  per- 
sons in  the  meeting-house.  The  democratic  principle  of  having 
seats  only,  "  except  for  the  minister's  wife,"  in  other  respects  the 
only  distinction  being  position  in  society  and  age,  in  the  assign- 
ment of  places,  gave  way  to  different  impulses.  A  com.  was  app. 
by  the  town,  "to  set  out  pew  ground,  and  to  determine  who  shall 
have  the  first  choice,"  as  also  the  order  of  choice.  The  aggre- 
gate of  prices  fixed  was  £100. 

In  1742,  the  sales  of  pews  were  as  follows :  To  Messrs. 


Thomas  Doane,  for  £12.10 

John  Collins,  10. 

Ens,  William  Nickerson,      8. 
John  Covel,  8. 


John  Eldridge,2  for  £11.10 

Daniel  Sears,  9.14 

Daniel  Howes,  8.10 

Ebenezer  Eldredge,^  5. 


Homer  1721  ;  and  Mary  1704.  Joseph,  b.  1685,  m.  Bathsheba  Hall,  Oct. 
27,  1709,  and  had  Joseph  Aug.  20,  1713.  Paul  Esq.  b.  Ap.  20,  1687,  m. 
Ehsa.  Hallett  Oct.  21,  1714,  and  2d,  Margery  Hall  Feb.  15,  1724-5.  His 
will,  May  20,  1762,  pr.  Oct.  22,  1765,  mentions  wld.  Margery  and  sons  and 
drs.  namely,  Paul,  Jona.,  David,  Elisa.  who  m.  Doane,  and  Abigail  who 
m.  Collins.  John,  b.  1693,  m.  Keziah  Eldridge  Oct.  23,  1718  and  had 
Deborah  1719,  who  m.  John  Sears  1738;  Mehit.  1721,  who  m.  Zeeh.  Sears 
1742  and  went  to  Windham,  Ct.  ;  John  Jan.  9,  1723-4,  who  m.  Mary 
Howes  1747  ;  Bethia  1727;  Kezia,  Sam'l,  and  Sam'l,  who  all  d.  y. ;  Anne 
1738  ;  and  Mary  1739.  Paul  of  C.  m.  twice.  By  Rebecca,  who  d.  Dec. 
30,  1746,  he  had  Thos.  Oct.  27,  1739;  Betsy  1740;  Pv,ebecca"  Oct.  18,  1742 
in  C. ;  Paul  Mar.  18,  1744-5  in  C. ;  and,  by  Reliance,  he  had  Eleazar 
Aug.  7,  1749,  d.  inf.;  Eleazar  Feb.  15,  1750-1;  Joseph  Ap.  27,  1752; 
Benj.  Feb.  19, 1754  ;  Abigail  1756;  Zadoc  Aug.  1,  1757;  Reliance  1759; 
Patience  1761;  Hallett  June  27,  1763;  Ezra  May  28,  1765;  and  Paul 
June  4,  1768.  Jonathan  m.  Ann  Nickerson  of  C.  July  13,  1738,  and 
had  Sam'l  Mar.  16,  1742-3,  who  removed  to  Ct.,  and  from  whom  is  de- 
scended Hon.  John,  sometime  Mem.  Cong.;  Solo.  1745;  ZenasMaylO, 
1747  ;  Anne  1748;  Achsah  1751  ;  John  Nov.  22,  1753;  and  Elisa.  1756. 

'Mr.  John  Collins,  b.  Dec.  18,  1674,  m.  Hannah  Doane  and  had  Solo. 
Sam'l,  John,  Joseph,  and  David.  Solomon,  by  w.  Eunice,  had  Hannah 
June  5,  1728;  Reuben  June  10,  1730,  who  m.  Zerviah  .Ryder  July  11, 
1751;  Enoch  Dec.  2,  1731;  Azuba  June  10,  1733;  Cyreneus  June  26, 
1735  ;  Solo.  Mar.  23,  1735  ;  Solo.  Mar.  23,  1737-8;  and  Eunice  June  23, 
1742.  Joseph,  by  w.  Abig'l,  had  Ruth,  Oct.  21,  1739  ;  Joseph,  Nov.  5, 
1741;  Benaijah  Oct.  29,  1743;  and  Stephen  Oct.  31,  1745. 

^Mr.  John  Eldridge  ra.  Doane  Sept.  26,  172-8.  Ebenezp:r  had,  by 
w.  Deliverance,  12  children,  namely,  John  Mar.  15,1743;  Stephen  May 
12,  1746;  Elnathan  Mar.  7,  1747;  Sarah  1750;  Eben'r  Sept.  22,  1752; 
Desire  1754;  Jona.  Sept.  2,  1756;  Elisa.  1758;  Heber  Feb.  7,  1760;  Be- 
thia 1762  ;  Mercy  1765  ;  and  Ensign  Mar.  9,  1766.     Barnabas  of  Y.,  by 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  599 


Meziah  Harding,^  for  £1. 

Jonathan  Godfrey,  7. 


John  Nickerson,  for  £4. 

Joshua  Atkins,  5. 

William  Nickerson,  4th,  4. 

In  1746,  Messrs.  Richard  Sears  and  David  Sears,  sons  of 
Mr.  Daniel  Sears  of  this  town,  having  both  gone  to  England,  fell 
at  the  battle  of  Culloden,  Ap,  11? 

In  1747,  Mr.  Richard  Mayo  was  the  schoolmaster. 

In  1748,  Rev.  Joseph  Lord  died,  June  6  -,  ^  and,  June 


w.  Patience  had  John  Sept.  7,  1664;  Gideon  Nov.  9,  1666  ;  Betty  1668  ; 
Barn's  Feb.  24,  1671;  Sarah,  1672;  Reuben  Nov.  1,  1673;  Joseph  Sept. 
10,  1675;  Anne  May  27,  1677;  Patience  1679;  and  Asa  Nov.  27,  1682. 
Gideon  had  Barnabas,  Reuben,  John,  Joseph  who  set.  in  Norwalk,  Ct., 
and  Gideon.  Barnabas  had,  by  w.  Mary,  Edward  Sept.  9,  1736;  Asahel 
Oct.  27,  1739,  d.  1743  ;  Barnabas  Oct.  7,  1743;  Zenas  Ap.  11,  1746;  Ma- 
rah  1750;  Asahel  Aug.  12,  1753,  d.  1755  ;  Asahel  Mar.  6,  1755  ;  and  Levi 
Nov.  21,  1756,  d.  inf.  If  we  go  back,  we  find  Nicholas  b.  Aug.  18,  1650 
s.  of  Robt.,  d.  Ap.  30,  1702.  He  was  the  first  rep.  under  the  charter. 
By  w.  Elisa.  he  had  James,  John,  Nicholas,  Mary,  Elisa.,  Martha,  and  De- 
sire. It  will  be  understood  that  in  classing  this  family  under  the  name  of 
Eldridge,  or  Ekkedge,  we  are  governed  by  the  conclusions  of  that  veteran 
genealogist,  Hon.  Mr.  Savage,  who  decides  that  these  names  and  Eldred 
were  originally  the  same.  Samuel  of  Y.  d.  Jan.  3,  1705-6  ;  he  had  a  s. 
Samuel,  a  soldier  under  age,  1704.  Jehoshaphat,  by  w.  Elisa.,  had  Ed- 
ward, July  17,  1702.  William,  of  H.  m.  Thankful  Crow,  of  Y.,  Mar.  20, 
1718,  and  had  Reuben  Oct.  19,  1720,  who  m.  -Jerusha  Chase  1744;  Re- 
becca 1723;  Sarah  1725;  Thankful'  1728;  Bridget  1730;  Wm.  Jan.  11, 
1732;  Isaac  Sept.  30,  1734;  and  Jeremiah  Ap.  29,  1738.  Hezekiah  m. 
Mary  Doane  May  30,  1759.  Joseph  m.  Martha  Sears  Mar.  22, 1750,  and 
had  Seth  Mar.  9,  1753.  Solomon  m.  Duty  Nickerson  Ap.  25,  1752. 
William  Jr.  m.  Deborah  Nickerson  Nov.  8,  1704. 

^  Meziah  Harding  had,  by  his  w.  Bethia,  Sylv's  May  18, 1723  ;  Joseph 
Feb.  21,  1725;  Seth  Jan.  16,  1727;  Desire  1729;  Bethia  1731;  Grace 
1733;  Sam'l  Mar.  29,  1786;  Thos.  Ap.  29,  1738;  and  Prince  July  20, 
1740.  Sylvanus  had,  by  his  w.  Kezia,  Mary  1744  ;  John  Feb.  1,  1746  ; 
Elisa.  1749;  Sylv's  July  25,  1751;  Seth  Ap.  10,  1752.  Joseph  m.  Han- 
nah Howes  Sept.  1.7,  1747,  and  had  Amos  Mar.  8,  1749.  Seth  m.  Abigail 
Doane  Ap.  29,  1 753.  Samuel  m.  Sarah  Harding  Dec.  29,1 755.  Thomas 
m.  Fanny  Howes  Dec.  15, 1 760.  Prince  m.  Jedida  Young  Feb.  4,  1 760-1,  ■ 
and  had  Olive  1761;  Zepery  1763;  Jedida  1765;  Enoch  Nov.  10,  1767; 
and  Prince  Feb.  21,  1770.  Amos  m.  Mehit.  Taylor  Oct.  17,  1777,  and 
had  Joseph  Sept.  4,  1780;  Mehit.  Nov.  22,  1784,  by  w.  Bethia;  Amos  Oct. 
16,  1790;  and  Nehemiah  Sept.  27,  1797. 

^It  has  been  conjectured  that  they  went  to  Eng.  "  on  the  luckless  errand 
of  their  grandfather  Knyvet,"  to  recover  the  patrimonial  estates,  and  thus 
suffered  "  the  hereditary  misfortunes  of  their  English  ancestry."  "  They 
arrived  at  the  time  when  Charles  (Edward  Stuart)  was  invading  England. 
They  joined  the  army  as  ofiicers,"  and  both  fell  in  that  sanguinary  engage- 
ment. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Lord's  ministry  here  was  distinguished.  The  half-way  covenant 
was  practised,  and  children  of  the  church  were  held  subject  to  discipline. 
He  admitted  to  the  church  143  members,  and  baptized  492  persons.  We 
may  here  advert  to  a  rgmarkable  fact,  namely,  that  notwithstanding  the 


600     .  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

22,  £310  of  Mr.  Lord's  salary  still  due  wa,s  paid  to  his 
executors.  The  town  was  thus  again  "  on  the  look- 
out "  for  a  minister ;  but  the  prevailing  custom  of  the 
neighboring  clergy  to  take  their  turn  in  preaching  for 
a  parish  whose  minister  had  ceased  by  reason  of  death 
rendered  this  ilecessity  for  a  time  inoperative.  Aug. 
olj  the  town  voted  "  to  pay  Mr.  John  Collins  for  enter- 
taining ministers  who  have  come,  or  may  come,  to 
preach."  Rev.  Stephen  Emery  was  called  to  the  pasto- 
rate made  vacant  by  the  decease  of  Rev.  Mr.  Lord, 
who,  supereminet  omnes,  had  occupied  his  ministry  here 
28  years;  and  to  Mr.  Emery  was  "voted  £480,  old 
tenor,  reckoning  silver  at  52s.  per  oz. ;  or  £400,  and 
16  cords  of  oak  wood  and  20  of  pine  to  be  carted 
annually  to  his  door ;  and  a  settlement  of  £800,  old 
tenor."  The  town  petitioned  the  Gen.  Court  for  abate- 
ment of  its  State  tax ;  and  paid  the  entertainer's  ac- 
count "  for  keeping  Mr.  Webb  and  other  ministers  who 
have  preached  here."  Mr.  Daniel  Smith  was  this  year 
the  schoolmaster. 

In  1749,  May  17,  Rev.  Mr.  Emery  was  installed.^ 


Cape  towns  were,  in  early  times,  the  fast  friends  and  efficient  supporters  of 
"  tlie  College,"  and,  notwithstanding  such  men  as  Lothrop,  Leveridge, 
Thornton,  Walley,  Treat,  the  Cottons,  Lewis,  Lord,  the  Stones,  Williams, 
the  Shaws,  Burr,  SimjDkins,  Lincoln,  Goodwin,  and  others  —  compared 
with  whom  many  who  have  borne  the  title  of  D.  D.  were  as  theological 
pigmies  in  the  presence  of  great  divines  ^-  have  exercised  their  ministry 
on  this  peninsula,  to  say  nothing  of  distinguished  civilians,  the  judgment  of 
the  government  of  "  the  Colleges  "  in  regard  to  all  here,  without  a  solitary 
exception,  has  been  of  so  flattering  a  character  it  has  seemed  to  say 
"  These  men  need  not  the  poor  honors  our  academic  charter  authorizes  us 
to  bestow."  Collegiate  honors  havo  fallen  upon  many  who  had  removed 
hence,  but  there  was  never  an  honorary  degree  conferred  on  a  Cape  Cod 
resident !  We  presume  there  is  no  parallel.  This  reminds  us  of  a  signifi- 
cant passage,  in  8th  Vol.  Hist.  Coll.,  1802,  p.  282,  Memoir  of  Eev.  Peter 
Thacher,  D.  D.  :  "  The  University  of  Edinburgh  conferred  upon  him  the 
degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity.  This  of  itself  is  no  special  evidence  of 
learning.  Some  of  our  greatest  divines,  unconnected  with  fi-iends  of  wealth, 
cannot  look  abroad  for  honors  which  their  merit  claims.  The  title  has  lost 
its  professional  distinction  in  this  country." 

^Rev.  Mr.  Emert  was  b.  in  Exeter,  N.  H.,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1730.     He 
had  been  settled  in  Nottingham,  N.  H. 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  601 

Lt.  William  Niceerson  died  this  year ;  also  Mr.  Caleb 

NiCKERSON. 
In  1753,  Mr.  Betstjamin"  Bearse  died,  se.  43.^ 

In  1755,  a  town-meeting  was  called  to  act  upon  a 
question  that  was  not  of  infrequent  occurrence  in  other 
towns  in  New  England  at  the  time,  —  "  to  see  if  cer- 
tain persons,  Eben.  Nickerson  and  others,  called  separat- 
ists^ or  new  lights,  shall  be  exempt  from  ministerial 
rates."  The  question  was  decided  in  the  negative. 
No  representative  to  the  Gen.  Court  was  chosen,  May 
20,  this  year,  and  the  excuse  assigned  was  "the  diffi- 
cult circumstances  this  town  is  in  by  reason  of  sickness 
prevailing  the  year  past." 

In  1756,  Mr.  Daniel  Sears,  one  of  the  early  settlers 
and  a  prominent  citizen,  died,  se.  74 ;  '^  and  Mr.  James 
Eldredge  died  July  19,  1757.^ 

In  1758,  Mar.  13,  the  certificate  of  Richard  Chase,  elder,  and 
Seth  Clark  and  William  Smith,  members,  of  the  Anabajatist 
church  of  Yarmouth  and  Harwich,  alleging  that  Nathaniel 
Bassett  of  this  town  is  of  their  persuasion,  was  made  subject  of 
record. 

In  1760,  Mr.  Thomas  Paine  was  engaged  as  schoolmaster; 
and  in  1761,  Mr.  Daniel  Sears  died,  se.  49.* 

^Mr.  Benj.  Bearse,  b.  Mar.  26,  1710,  s.  of  Benj.  of  Be.,  was  ancestor 
of  the  families  of  the  name  here.  He  m.  Jane  Godfrey,  dr.  Moses,  and 
had  sons  Jon  a,  George,  Benj.,  David,  and  Moses;  and  drs.  Hannah,  Sarah 
Martha,  and  Elisa.  who  m.  Thos.  Eldridge. 

^Mr.  Daniel  Sears,  b.  1682,  s.  of  Knyvet,  was  but  4  yrs.  old  when  his 
father  died,  and  when  he  and  his  brother  were  received  as  adojDted  children 
into  the  family  of  his  uncle  Paul.  He  m.  Sarah,  dr.  of  Mr.  J.  Hawes  of 
Y.,  and  had  Rebecca  1710;  Daniel  1712  ;  Sarah  1714;  Mercy  1716  ;  Rich- 
ard 1718;  David  1720;  and  Deborah  1722.  Richard  and  David  fell,  as 
we  have  mentioned,  at  the  battle  of  Culloden,  Ap.  27,  1746. 

^Mr.  James  Eldridge  had,  by  w.  Ruth,  Zeph.  Dec.  2,  1733,  who  m. 
Phebe  Eldridge  Nov.  29,  1 752  ;  Rebecca  1 73.5  ;  Ruth  1737;  Abner  Oct.  11, 
1738,  who  m.  Sarah  Eldridge  Ap.  19,  1762  ;  and  James  Ap.  8,  1742,  who 
m.  Hannah  Colhns  Mar.  2,  l'771. 

■•Mr.  Daniel  Sears,  b.  1712,  s.  of  Daniel,  and  g.  s.  of  Knyvet,  m.  Fear 
Freeman,  dr.  of  Benj.  of  H.,  and  inherited  his  father's  estates  in  this  town. 
Their  children  were  Sarah  b.  1747;  Richard  1749;  David  1752;  Fear 
1754,  who  m.  Wm.  Colman,  of  Boston,  and  d.  1797;  and  Daniel  1757. 
Mr.  Sears  was  an  eminent  townsman.     David,  b.  Aug.  12,  1752,  removed 

VOL.  II.  76 


602  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1762,  Mr.  James  Rtdee  was  the  schoolmaster,  his  salary- 
being  £210,  old  tenor. 

In  1768,  Sept.  13,  the  letter  sent  to  the  towns  by 
the  town  of  Boston,  was  the  occasion  of  a  public  meet- 
ing. The  letter  was  '^  considered,"  its  contents  "  de- 
bated," and  the  result  was  "  the  town  declined  sending 
to  the  proposed  Convention  on  account  of  our  circum- 
stances, though  approving  of  the  ohject." 

In  1769,  many  families  removed  from  town. 

In  1771,  a  meeting  was  called  to  devise  and  adopt  measures 
"  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  clams  by  strangers." 

In  1772,  in  Nov.,  a  distressing  and  mysterious  occurrence  de- 
prived the  town  of  several  respected  citizens,  of  whom  Capt. 
Thomas  Nickeeson",  and  Mr.  Elisha  IsTewcomb,  and  a  boy 
named  William  Kent  Jr.  are  particularly  mentioned,  —  these, 
with  another,  doubtless  murdered  upon  the  high  seas. 


to  Boston,  1770;  m.  Ann  Winthrop,  and  d.  Oct.  23,  1816,  having  issue  an 
only  child,  David  of  Boston,  b.  Sept.  8,  1787,  who  m.  Miriam  Clarke,  dr. 
of  Jonathan  Mason  of  Boston,  and  has  issue:  1.  David  Mason  d.  young  in 
Falmouth,  Eug. ;  2.  Anne  Powell  Mason,  who  m.  Wm.  Amory  and  has  is- 
sue, Wm.,  Harriet,  Ellen,  Charles,  Walter,  and  Fred.  Inman  ;  3.  Harriet 
E.,  who  m.  G.  Caspar  Crowninshield,  who  d.  and  left  issue,  Caspar,  Fanny, 
and  Cora;  4.  Cordelia  M.,  who  d.  unmarried;  5.  Ellen,  who  m.  Gonzalve 
6.  d'  Hauteville,  and  d.  Nov.  30,  1862,  leaving  issue  Frederick  S. ;  6.  Da- 
vid who  m.  Emily  Esther  Hoyt,  and  has  issue  Emily  Esther,  David,  Miriam, 
and  Henrj''  Francis ;  7.  Frederick  Richard,  who  m.  Marian  Shaw  and  has 
issue  Marian,  Frederick  Richard,  and  m.  2d,  Albertlna  Shelton,  and  has  is- 
sue Tina  and  Richard  Dudley;  8.  Winthrop,  who  d.  young;  9.  Grace 
Winthrop  who  m.  Wm.  C.  Rives  Jr.,  and  has  issue,  WiUiam  Cabel,  Alice, 
and  Arthur  Landon ;  and  10.  Knyvet  Winthrop,  who  m.  Mary  Peabody, 
and  has  issue  Mary  Peabody.  We  have  been  thus  minute  in  our  record, 
for,  whilst  the  descendants  of  Knyvet  Sears  have  spread  from  this  town, 
Hon.  David  Seaks  of  Boston  and  sons  are  the  only  representatives  of 
the  name  of  Sears,  of  the  Knyvet  branch  of  the  line  of  the  Pilgrim  Richard 
that  now  survive,  the  male  line  of  Richard  of  Chatham  having  become 
extinct.  A  beautiful  memorial  of  Knyvet  Sears  stands  on  the  east  wall  of 
St.  Peter's  Church  in  Colchester,  Eng.  Filial  reverence  has  erected 
costly  monuments  to  the  memory  of  the  pilgrim  ancestor,  in  the  cemetery 
at  Yarmouth ;  also  to  the  memory  of  Daniel,  son  of  Knyvet ;  Daniel  II., 
son  of  Daniel ;  and  David  I.,  s.  of  Daniel  II.,  in  the  burial  place  in  Chat- 
ham—  inscribed  "To  theik  Pilgeim  Fathers,  a  grAteful  poster- 
ity." 

'  The  account  of  this  unliappy  event,  as  given  in  the  Mass.  Gazette, 
Nov.  23,  1772,  may  be  familiar  to  only  a  few  readers.  It  appears  that  on 
the  15th  of  that  month,  Capt.  Joseph  Doane,  sailing  from  Chatham,  saw 
back  of  the  Cape  a  schooner  with  signals  of  distress  ;  and  boarding  her  he 
found  "  one  man  only  on  board  much  frightened,"  and  learned  from  him 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  603 

A  committee  consisting  of  Messrs.  James  Covel, 
Paul  Sears,  Seth  Smith,  John  Hawes,  Barnabas  El- 
dridge,  Sam'l  ColHns,  Joseph  Atwood,  Thos.  Hamilton, 
and  Richard  Sears,  were  appointed,  Dec.  17,  "  to  con- 
sider the  grievances  laid  before  the  town  by  the  town 
of  Boston."  The  com.  were  unanimous  in  their  report ; 
the  town  were  agreed,  and  a  patriotic  reply  to  the 
Boston  com.  was  adopted.  A  coiti.  of  correspondence 
was  also  appointed.    . 

In  1773,  it  was  voted  "to  repair  the  meeting-house  and  enlarge 
it;  the  men's  and  women's  seats  to  front  the  pulpit  after  enlarg- 
ing, and  to  take  up  some  hindermost  seats  and  substitute  pews." 
A  com.  of  correspondence  app.  June  22,  was  Messrs.  James  Co- 
ve], Seth  Smith,  Samuel  Collins,  Joseph  Atwood,  and  Thomas 
Hamilton.^ 

that  tlie  day  before, "  the  said  schooner,  Thos.  Nickerson,  master,  had  sailed 
from  Boston  for  Chatham  ;  and  that  at  2  o'clock  the  next  morning  a  top-sail 
schooner  overhauled  them,  when  he,"  —  the  man  who  gave  the  account,  — - 
"fearing  he  might  be  impressed,  slung  himself  by  a  rope  and  let  himself 
over  the  stern,  when  four  boats  with  armed  men  came,  and  the  master, 
mate,  and  one  man,  were  murdered,  and  a  boy  carried  away ;  —  that  he 
heard  talk  of  burning  the  vessel,  but  she  was  left  to  drive  out  to  sea,  sails 
standing ;  —  that  when  the  piratical  craft  left,  he  came  on  deck,  found  none 
of  the  crew,  and  saw  marks  of  blood."  Doane  says  the  decks  were  bloody 
and  the  chests  broken  open  and  plundered  ;  also  that  the  head  of  a  rum- 
barrel  was  knocked  out  and  only  two  or  three  gallons  left  in  it.  This  ac- 
count was  given  by  Capt.  D.  to  Edward  Bacon  Esq.,  of  Barnstable,  who 
forwarded  it  by  express  to  the  governor,  and  the  same  day  went  to  Chat- 
ham to  examine  the  person  found  on  board.  The  governor  immediately 
acquainted  Admiral  Montagu  ;  and  "  the  Lively  "  frigate  was  sent  to  sea, 
without  a  moment's  loss  of  time.  An  express  was  also  sent  to  Newport,  to 
His  Majesty's  ships  there.  In  the  meanwhile,  "  the  person  found  on  board 
was  apprehended  and  ordered  by  the  justices,  into  custody  in  Barnstable 
jail."  He  was  soon  after  brought  to  the  Province  House  in  Boston,  and, 
after  examination,  was  committed.  The  frigate  returned;  no  pirate  was 
seen ;  and  it  was  considered  as  certain  that  there  was  none  on  the  coast. 
The  person  apprehended  was  held  under  suspicion  of  murder.  Again, 
Dec.  16,  the  same  paper  says,  —  "At  a  special  court  of  Admiralty,"  the 
suspected  "  was  remanded  for  trial,  June  2,  tor  murder  upon  the  high  seas." 
What  made  the  case  more  remarkable  was  that  "  two  of  the  missing  were 
cousins  german  to  the  accused,  the  third  married  their  sister,  and  the  fourth 
was  a  boy  aged  about  13,  all  belonging  to  Chatham."  Another  jjaper,  Aug. 
2,  17  73,  says  the  accused  "  was  tried.  Verdict,  Not  guilty ;  the  court,  upon 
the  former  trial,  the  1st  week  in  April,  being  equally  divided,  4  and  4,  the 
trial  lasting  14  days  ;  aj  trial  by  far  the  most  surprising  event  that  has  hap 
pened  in  this  or  perhapfe  any  other  part  of  the  world." 

^Mr.  Trios.  Hamilton,  by  his  w.  Jilebecca,  had  Rebecca  Nov.  21,  1720  ; 
Nath'l  Aug.  23,   17221    Grace   1724\;  Lydia  1726;    Jane  1728;    Zervia 


604  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1774,  on  the  important  committee  appointed  for 
each  town,  by  the  Body  of  the  People  assembled  be- 
fore the  Court  House  door  at  Barnstable,  were  Mr. 
Richard  Sears  and  Dea.  Bassett  for  Chatham.^ 

In  1775,  Jan.  12,  military  of&cers  were  chosen, 
namely,  Lt.  Benjamin  Godfrey,  capt. ;  Mr.  Richard 
Sears,  lieut. ;  Mr.  Joseph  Crowell,  ensign ;  and  Mr. 
John  Emery,  clerk.  It  was  "  voted,  Jan.  26,  not  to 
pay  the  Province  monies  to  Harrison  Gray  ; "  the 
town  engaging  to  defend  Mr.  John  Hawes.  The  com- 
mercial position  of  the  town  being  one  of  peculiar 
exposedness,  the  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress 
being  read  in  town-meeting,  the  action  of  the  town  is 
made  the  subject  of  record  in  this  remarkable  form : 
"  Voted  not  to  vote  to  concur."  The  same  action  was 
had  in  regard  to  the  Provincial  resolves.  The  County 
Congress  resolves  were  read,  Dec.  13,  and  "  a  large 
number  signed  against  tea!' 


1731;  Delilah  1734;  and  Thos.  Sept.  14,  1739.  Thos.  Jr.  m.  Rebecca 
Doane  Feb.  19,  1759,  and  had  Mary,  Bethia,  and  Reliance.  Daniel  had, 
by  his  w.  Abigail,  Melatiah  Oct.  29,  1730;  Eleanor  1733;  Eliphalet  Jan. 
10,1735-6;  and  Sam'l  Mar.  29,  1738.  Samuel  m.  Bethia  Stewart  25, 
3d  mo.  1727;  and  had  Mary  1728;  Sarah  1730;  Michael  Ap.  30,  1732; 
and  Mehit.  1735.  Nathaniel  m.  Mehitable  Godfrey  Sept.  7,  1749,  and 
had  Richard  July  26,  1751 ;  and  Nath'l  Ap.  10,  1753.  There  was  a  Dan- 
iel in  E.,  who,  by  w.  Mary,  had  Grace  Ang.  3,  1694. 

^Nathan  Bassett  of  C.,  by  his  w.  Elisa.,  had  a  sou  1735,  d.  inf. ;  Elisa. 
1736;  Eben.  Sept.  4,  1738,  d.  1760;  Joanna  1740;  Nathan  Mar.  5,  1743, 
Peninah  1745,  who  m.  Sam'l  Basset;  David  and  Jona.,  gemini,  June  10, 
1749  ;  Mercy  1752,  d.  inf  ;  and  Mercy  1753,  d.  inf  Nathan  Jr.,  b.  17^43, 
m.  Eunice  Mayo  Dec.  22,1763,  and  had  Patience  1765;  Eben.  July  21, 
1767,  d.  Jan.  19,1794;  Betty  1769;  Rebecca  1771;  Nathan  July  9,1773; 
Isaac  May  26,  1776;  Theophilus  Feb.  18_,  1778,  d.  1797  ;  Ensign  Nov.  21, 
1780;  and  Eunice  1785.  David  m.  twice  ;  had  by  Jedida,  Temp.  1774; 
Asenath  1777;  Tabitha  17  79;  Jedida  1781;  and  by  Elisa.  had  Deborah 
1783  ;  David  Nov.  10,  1785  ;  Eli  Ap.  8,  178S;  Jona.  Ap.  27,  1790  ;  Abner 
April  9,  1793;  and  Lewis  Ap.  2,  1796.  Jonathan  had  by  w.  Hannah, 
Roxana  1773;  Thos.  Dec.  10,  1775;  James  May  16,  1778;  Abigail  1781; 
and  Hannah  1784.  Nathaniel  had  by  w.  Sarah,  Edith  1740;  Happy 
1743;  Phebe  1744;  Sam'l  Mar.  10,  1746;  Richard  Mar.  13,  1748;  Sarah 
1750;  Nath'l  Mar.  20,  1755;  Huldah  1756  ;  and  Hannah  1757.  Thomas 
m.  Mary  Newcomb  of  W.  Sept.  15,  1763.  William  Jr.  m.  Hannah 
Doane  May  1,  1765.  Samuel  m.  Peninah  Bassett  Jan.  14,  1768,  and  had 
Mercy,  John,  Peninah,  Mary,  Elisa.,  Sam'l,  Achsah,  Enoch,  and  Esther. 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  605 

In  1776,  although  an  epoch  of  political  interest,  the 
records  contain  nothing  worthy  of  note. 

In  1777,  May  19,  the  town  "raised  £13.  6.  8.  for  a 
man  to  enlist  to  the  10th  of  Jan.  next ;  also  £30  for 
a  man  to  enlist  for  the  war." 

In  1778,  Mar.  13,  a  committee  of  inspection  and 
safety  was  appointed ;  and,  Ap.  29,  the  Form  of  State 
Government  being  read,  an  adjournment  was  had  to 
give  time  for  consideration.  Finally,  21  were  for  it, 
and  33  ao;ainst  it. 

In  1779,  the  town  voted  "  to  fall  in  with  the  grand 
Convention  at  Concord,  and  stipulate  prices."  Lt.  Wm. 
Eldridge  d.  this  year,  Ap.  27. 

In  1782,  after  a  ministry  of  33  years,  the  Rev. 
Stephen  Emery  died.  May  18.^ 

The  town  effected  a  final  "  settlement  with  the  es- 
tate of  Mr.  Emery,  Aug.  21 ;  and  voted  "  to  see  if 
Mr.  Roby  will  prolong  his  probation." 

In  1783,  Jan.  28,  Mr.  Roby  being  called  to  the  pas- 
torate by  the  church,  the  town  unanimously  concurred, 
voting  a  settlement  of  £230,  and  a  salary  of  £80  and 
4  loads  of  salt  hay,  and  18  cords  of  wood  annually, 
with  improvement  of  the  town  lands.  Rev.  Thomas 
Roby,  having  accepted,  was  ordained,  Oct.  22.^ 

There  is  little  on  record  of  general  interest,  beyond 
municipal  elections  and  the  dull  routine  of  transac- 
tions of  town  business,  for  many  years. 


^  Rev.  Stephen  E."mery,  during  bis  ministry,  adm.  to  the  church  135 
members  and  bap.  681.  By  his  w.  Hannah,  whom  he  m.  in  Falm.,  Me., 
Oct.  8,  1742,  and  who  d.  Jiine  7,  1799,  he  had  children  Tabitha,  who  m. 
Daniel  Gilma'n  of  Dexter,  Me.  Dec.  8,  1763  ;  Hannah,  who  m.  John  Ward 
Gilman  of  Exeter  Dec.  3,  1767.  These  were  m.  in  Chatham;  and,  born 
in  C.  was  Samuel  Feb.  22,  1 750  ;  perhaps  others.  Mr.  John  Emery  had, 
in  C,  by  his  w.  Mercy,  Stephen  Aug-.  21, 1783  ;  John  Mar.  15,  1785  ;  Sam'l 
Mar.  18,  1787;  Betsy  1788;  and  Joseph  Ap.  4,  1791.  Rev.  Mr.  Emery 
has  many  descendants  in  Chatham. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Roby  wis  son  of  Mr.  Roby  the  minister  at  Lynn,  and  jn-ad. 
H.  C.  1779.  ^      '  b 


606  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1787,  Mr.  Seth  Smith  died,  Ap.  20,  se.  81,^  and 
Mr.  Caleb  Nickerson  died  in  1794,  £e.  59.^ 

In  1795,  Oct.  22,  Eev.  Mr.  Eoby  withdrew  from  the 
pastoral  charge  after  a  ministry  of  11  years  ;'^  and, 
Nov.  2,  the  town  having  consented  to  the  dissolution 
of  the  connection,  were  in  pursuit  of  a  successor. 

In  1796,  Feb.  22,  application  was  made  to  Mr. 
Ephraim  Briggs,  to  preach  as  a  candidate  for  settle- 
ment ;  and.  May  7,  a  call  was  extended  to  him,  offer- 
ing a  salary  of  £85,  the  use  of  parsonage,  16  cords  of 
wood,  and  5  loads  of  hay  annually,  with  £230  settle- 
ment. This  call  being  somewhat  modified  afterwards, 
Mr.  Briggs  accepted,  and  was  ordained,  July  20.* 

In  1804,  the  amount  raised  for  schools  was  $40.     Our  only 


'Mr.  Seth  Smith,  b.  1706,  had,  by  Bis  w.  Elisa.,  Hugh  Jan.  8,  1737, 
who  d.  1742;  Mary  1740;  Seth  Aug.  22,  1743;  Enos  Feb.  21,  1745; 
EHsa.  1748;  and  Hugh  July  21,  1751.  Hugh  m.  Lydia  Paine  Jan.  19, 
1775,  and  had  Seth  Oct.  9,  1777;  Andrew  Oct.  28,  1779;  Tho's  June  25, 
1782;  Mary  1784;  Eben'r  Oct.  21,  1786.  Seth  Jr.  m.  Elisa.  Eldridge 
Ap.  26,  1764,  and  had  Edm'd  Jan.  25,  1765  ;  Joshua  Ap.  19,  1766  ;  Enos 
Ap.  19,  1768;  Betty  1769;  Reuben  Sept.  9,  1778.  John,  by  w.  Elisa., 
had  Nath'l  July  22,  1728,  d.  inf. ;  Elkanah  Dec.  6,  1729,  d.  1731 ;  Elisa. 
1732  ;  Mehit.  1735,  who  m.  Barnabas  Baker,  and  removed  to  Lincoln  Co., 
Me.  1779;  John  Dec.  30,  1737;  Rhoda  1740;  Thos.  June  15,  1744,  who 
went  to  Me.;  Reuben  Mar.  30,  1747;  Benj.  Nov.  23,  1749,  who  went  to 
Me.;  and  Henry  Feb.  3,  1751.  Thos.  and  Benj.,  with  their  bro.-in-law, 
Mr.  Baker,  commenced  a  settlement  where  is  now  Litchfield,  Me.,  in 
1779,  where  their  descendants  are  now  numerous  and  highly  respectable. 
The  first  of  these,  Dea.  Benj.,d.  1814,  as.  64,  and  Dea.  Thomas  d.  1838,  ae. 
90,  the  patriarch  of  the  town.  ..-fi  _^ 

y\-  ^Mr.  Caleb  Nickerson,  b.  1735,  s.  of  Caleb,  had  by  w.  Eliza  i Mayo, 
Joshua,  b.  1756  ;  Salathiel  1760  ;  Judah  1761 ;  Caleb  1763,  d.  j!]  Richard 
1765;  Esther  1767;  Leonard  1769;  Simeon  1771;  Abisha  1773;  and 
Caleb  1778,  who  d.  184|.  The  father  of  the  above  Caleb,  we  have  said 
was  Caleb,  who  is  traditionally  reported  as  one  "  of  ten  sons  of  William, 
one  of  the  first  settlers  in  this  town,"  and  who,  we  suppose,  was  s.  of  the 
first  William.  These  ten  sons  settled  either  here  or  in  Provincetown. 
Caleb,  the  first,  had  b.  to  him  Joshua  1733 ;  Deborah  1734,  d.  y. ;  Caleb 
1735,  who  was  father  of  Salathiel  and  d.  1804  ;  Moses  1739  ;  Richard  1741 
who  d.  1774;  Elisa.  1745,  who  d.  1806  ;  and  Deborah  1749.  He  d.  Dec. 
18,  1749.  Joshua,  b.  1733,  s.  of  Caleb,  m.  Esther  Ryder  Dec.  15,  1754, 
and  had  Caleb  May  22,  1757  ;  and  Levi  Dec.  10,  1759. 

'Rev.  Mr.  Roby,  during  his  ministry,  admitted  to  the  church  66  mem- 
bers. 

*Rev.  Mr.  Briggs  was  son  of  the  minister  at  Halifax,  who  had  five  sons 
settled  in  the  ministry.     This  son  was  grad.  H.  C.  1791. 


.ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  607 

reason  for  adverting  to  this  small  appropriation,  is  to  make  subse- 
quent improvement  more  conspicuous. 

In  1809,  the  embargo  was,  of  course,  felt  severely 
here.  In  February,  a  meeting  was  held  "  to  consider 
the  alarmmg  situation  of  public  affairs,  and  to  petition 
the  Legislature  to  interpose  for  relief  against  unjust  vi- 
olations of  the  rights  of  the  people." 

In  1812,  July  16,  the  majority  being  strongly  op- 
posed to  war  with  Great  Britain,  and  having  expressed 
the  same  by  recorded  vote,  appointed  also  a  committee 
to  memorialize  the  President  of  the  U.  States  to  this 
effect,  and  to  express  the  abhorrence  of  the  people  to 
any  alliance  with  France. 

It  was  voted,  in  Oct.,  to  repair  the  meeting-house, 
and  increase  the  number  of  pews. 

In  1816,  a  Methodist  Society  was  organized  in 
town.  The  Rev.  Ephraim  Briggs  died,  July  22,  in 
the  20th  year  of  his  ministry.^  Mr.  David  Sears,  for- 
merly of  this  town,  died  in  Boston,  Oct.  23,  ge.  64-^ 

In  1817,  Jan.  1,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  con- 
tract with  Rev.  Stetson  Raymond,  and  he  was  ordained, 
Ap.  9.» 

In  1822,  a  Universalist  Society  was  organized  in 
town.  Rev.  Calvin  Munroe,  Rev.  Asa  B.  Cleverly, 
Rev.  Benton  Smith,  Rev.  W.  S.  Utley,  Rev.  W.  S.  Cil- 
ley.  Rev.  W.  S.  Clark,  Rev.  G.   Collins,  and  Rev.  J. 

^Kev.  Mr.  Briggs,  during  his  ministry,  adm.  91,  and  bap.  394.  He  is 
said  to  have  been  not  only  a  faithful  pastor,  but  an  ingenious  chemist  — 
having  the  reputation  of  being  the  first  in  these  parts  who  succeeded  in 
manufactimng  Epsom  salts  and  magnesia. 

^Mr.  Sears  was  one  of  the  most  successful  men  of  business  in  Boston  ; 
was  largely  engaged  in  the  India  and  Canton  trade,  and  distinguished  as 
an  intelligent  and  able  financier.  He  was  a  director  of  the  first  bank  of 
the  United  States  during  its  entii-e  period.  He  purchased  a  territory  30  m. 
square  on  the  Penobscot  in  1806,  now  constituting  the  towns  of  Searsmont, 
Prospect,  Knox,  Searsport,  etc.  His  incorruptible  integrity  and  gentle- 
manly bearing  were  worthy  the  inscription  on  the  family  monument  in  this 
town:"  Worth  is  better  than  wealth;  goodness  greater  than  nobility ;  excel- 
lence brighter  than  distinction." 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Raymond,  from  Middleboro',  grad.  at  Brown,  1814. 


608  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Britton  have  been  its  ministers.  A  Baptist  Society 
was  organized  July,  1824. 

In  1829,  June  24,  Rev.  Stetson  Raymond  was  dis- 
missed from  the  pastorate  of  the  Cong.  Church  and 
Society,  after  a  ministry  of  13  years.^  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  various  supphes,  —  Rev.  Mr.  Scovel  one 
year,  and  by  Rev.  Mr.  Fletcher  a  brief  period.  After 
these,  was  Rev.  Mr.  Stone,  engaged  for  a  period  of  two 
years. 

In  1830,  Rev.  Davis  Lothrop  was  minister  of  the 
Baptist  Society,  which,  from  its  organization  has  had  a 
succession  of  pastors  or  supphes.  Richard  Sears  Jr. 
Esq.  died  Nov.  28;  Mr.  Sears  Atwood,  Mar.  1,  1832; 
and  Mr.  Stephen  Smith,  Mar.  18^  1833. 

In  1834,  Rev.  Isaac  Briggs  was  settled  the  minis- 
ter of  the  Cong.  Society,  but  remained  only  two  or 
three  years.^  This  society  then  received  Rev.  John  A. 
Vinton;^  and  afterwards  Rev.  Charles  Rockwell,* 
Rev.  Messrs.  Tucker,^  Dickinson,  and  Chapman,  in  suc- 
cession. We  may  not  record  all  the  changes  that 
'have  since  occurred.  We  have  not  been  carefal  to 
note  them ;  for  we  live  in  an  age  when  we  are  often 
reminded  of  the  saying  of  an  aged  pastor,  who,  com- 

^Eev.  Mr.  Raymond  adm.  107,  and  bap.  156.  Resettled  in  Bridge- 
water. 

^Rev.  Mr.  BriGGS  b.  in  Halifax  May  7,  1775  ;  grad.  Brown  1794  ;  was 
first  set.  in  York,  Me.  1797;  then  in  Boxford,  Mass.;  then  here.  His 
health  being  unfavorably  affected,  as  he  conceived,  by  sea-coast  exposure, 
he  set.  in  Rochester  and  remained  25  yrs.,  leaving  in  1858,  when  82,  and 
d.  in  Morrisania,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  22,  1862,  se.  87;  "a  good  man  and  a  faithful 
minister." 

*Rev.  Mr.  Vinton,  of  Braintree,  grad.  Dart.  1828.  Was  here  Nov.  27, 
1836;  d.  1838. 

*Rev.  Mr.  Rockwell,  from  Colebrook,  Ct.,  grad.  Yale  1826,  was  ins. 
May  27,  1838.  He  had  been  a  chaplain  in  the  U.  S.  navy,  and  conse- 
quently much  abroad,  and  pub.  "  Sketches  of  a  Life  at  Sea,  including  a 
cruise  on  board  a  man-of-war,"  also  "  A  visit  to  Spain,  Portugal,  the 
South  of  France,  Italy,  Sicily,  Malta,  the  Ionian  Islands,  Continental 
Greece,  Liberia,  and  Brazil." 

•^  Rev.  Mr.  Tucker  remained  but  a  few  years,  and  then  asked  "a  dis- 
mission that  he  might  take  the  oversight  of  some  parish  not  so  well  able  to 
support  the  Gospel." 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  609 

paring  the  present  state  of  the  parochial  tenure  with 
the  period  when  he  entered  upon  the  ministry,  quaintly 
remarked  that  "  ministers  should  now  be  settled  on 
horsehack,  ready  for  a  start."  Mr.  Ensign  Nickerson 
died  this  year,  June  25  ;  and  Mr.  Mdlford  Howes, 
Aug.  7. 

In  1839,  Hon.  Richard  Sears  died  May  13,  se.  90.' 
Mr.  David    Godfrey  died  Ap.   16,  1840,  le.  74  j^  Mr. 

^Hon.  Richard  Seaks,  b.  1749,  s.  of  Daniel,  was  a  member  formerly 
of  the  Senate  of  Massachusetts,  and  through  a  long  course  of  years  a  prom- 
inent citizen.  By  m.  with  Hetty  Marshall  of  Framingham,  he  had  Daniel 
1783,  who  d.  unm. ;  Hetty,  twin  to  Daniel,  who  m.  Rev.  Isaac  Briggs  and 
and  d.  1814;  Ebenezer  1788  who  d.  1810  ;  Marshall,  twin  to  Eben.,  who 
d.  unm. ;  Fear,  who  m.  Dea.  Chs.  Scudder  and  d.  1822,  leaving  issue,  Mar- 
shall S.  and  Chs.  Wm. ;  Sarah,  who  m.  Rev.  Isaac  Briggs,  his  2d  w.,  and 
had  issue  Mary,  Richard  S.,  Chs.  M.,  George,  and  Jas.  F. ;  and  Richard, 
who  m.  Alathena  Marshall  and  d.  1830  leaving  no  issue.  Daniel,  b. 
1757,  bro.  of  Hon.  Rd.,  was  of  Watertown  and  d.  1815,  unm. 

^"  Francis  Godfrey,  who  was  in  Plym.  1637,  is  believed  to  have  been 
the  progenitor."  Of  the  correctness  of  the  assumption  we  have  no  evidence 
aside  from  the  preceding  quotation  which  is  the  result  of  the  investigations 
of  an  intelligent  gent,  of  the  family  name.  He  also  supposes  that  the  de- 
scendants of  the  above  Frs.  went  to  Eastham.  We  have  already  men- 
tioned, p.  375,  Mr.  George  Godfrey  of  E.,  and  his  immediate  issue.  It 
is  supposed  that  Moses,  there  mentioned  as  b.  16G7,  s.  of  Geo.  1st.,  was 
the  father  of  Geo.,  Benj.,  and  Knowles  ;  and  that  the  last-named  George 
is  he  who  m.  Rebecca  Howes,  Ap.  15,  1766,  and  had  David  Dec.  3,  1766  ; 
and  Mercy  1769,  who  m.  Capt.  Zoath  Nickerson  and  d.  in  1862,  se.  92. 
David,  b.  1766,  s.  of  Geo.  Jr.,  is  the  subject  of  this  note.  He  m.  1st,  Es- 
ther Howes,  dr.  Daniel,  and  2d,  Dorcas  Howes.  Issue  was  by  1st  m., 
namely,  Geo.,  who  d.  inf  ;  Rebecca,  d.  inf ;  David  1792  ;  George,  who  was 
lost  at  sea  in  1621,  from  the  schooner  George  of  which  he  was  captain; 
Rebecca,  who  m.  David  Atwood;  Jonathan,  lost  at  sea  by  the  same  disas- 
ter, on  Pollock-rip,  which  befell  his  bro.  Geo. ;  Esther,  who  m.  Isaac  Bea  ; 
and  perhaps  others  who  d.  early.  Mr.  David  Godfrey  Avas  a  prominent  cit- 
izen and  much  respected.  He  was  some  time  selectman,  and  ten  yrs.  town 
clerk  and  treasurer.  Col.  Ben.jamin,  s.  of  Moses,  left  no  issue.  He  also 
was  a  pi'ominent  citizen,  captain  of  a  company  at  the  Bunker  Hill  battle, 
and  d.  aged.  Knowles  m.  Jerusha  Ryder  Oct.  23,  1760,  and  had 
Knowles  Sept.  13,  1762;  and  Mercy  1764.  Knowles,  b.  1762,  m.  Mary 
Ryder  Oct.  19,  1786,  and  had  issue,  among  Avhom  was  Benjamin,  who 
went  West.  This  last  was  early  a  ship-master.  Wrecked  on  the  coast  of 
Mexico  and  thus  losing  all  he  possessed,  the  recuperative  energy  of  a  Cape 
Cod  man  was  soon  displayed  by  the  acquisition  of  a  fortune  in  mercantile 
pursuits,  in  houses  established  by  him  in  Matamoras  and  N.  Orleans.  Re- 
tiring in  1832,  his  disposition  for  activity  forbade  a  life  of  indolence,  and  he 
removed  to  Illinois,  made  extensive  purchases  and  located  where  Alton 
since  is,  —  then  containing  but  two  or  three  log  cabins.  To  his  energy  and 
pecuniary  aid  is  largely  attributable  the  construction  of  the  railroad  from 
Alton  to  Springfield.  His  endowments  for  education,  by  the  establishment 
of  the  Monticello  Female  Seminary,  were  much  larger  than  are  mentioned 
vol.  II.  77  ^ 


610         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTT. 

Caleb  Nickerson  Mar.  24,  1841 ;  and  Mr.  Thomas  Howes 
in  1843. 

In  1845,  Capt.  David  Godfrey,  son  of  the  preceding 
of  the  same  name,  an  eminent  shipmaster  and  subse- 
quently engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits,  died  in  New 
York,  se.  53.' 

In  1S46,  Capt.  Enos  Eldridge  died  Jan.  15,  se.  33  ; 
and  Mr.  Isaac  Hardy,  July  24.  In  1847,  Mr.  Ebenezer 
Covel  died,  a  man  of  influence  and  respectability,  and 
father  of  the  present  Josiah  of  this  town,  Hon.  Alpheus, 

in  a  notice  taken  of  his  decease  from  which  we  shall  quote  in  citing  the 
events  of  1862. 

^Capt.  David  Godfrey,  b.  1792,  s.  of  David,  who  d.  1840,  and  gr.  s. 
of  Geo.,  m.  Anna  Young,  3d  dr.  of  Capt.  Joseph,  and  had  issue,  David,  d. 
young;  George;  Anna  Y.,  d.  early  ;  and  Jonathan,  d.  early.  Mr.  Godfrey 
took  to  the  seas  young,  and  at  his  majority  was  commander.  During  the 
war  of  1812-14,  he  was  an  officer  on  board  the  privateer  Reindeer ;  after- 
wards was  perhaps  the  very  first  to  run  a  regular  line  packet  between  Boston 
and  New  York,  and  was  therefore  sometimes  styled  Coumaodore  —  he,  in 
connection  with  Capt.  Joshua  Nickerson,  Capt.  Mulford  Howes,  Mr.  Ezra 
Lewis,  Capt.  Zenas  D.  Bassett,  the  late  Geo.  Lovell  and  others,  projecting 
the  well-known  "Despatch-line."  Removing  to  N.  York  in  1830,  he  there 
engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits.  He  is  represented  as  a  high-minded,  hon- 
orable man,  liberal  and  greatly  respected.  For  the  engraving  on  the  oppo- 
site page,  we  are  indebted  to  his  son,  Mr.  George  Godfrey,  now  a  merchant 
in  New  York. 

We  would  here  remark  that  it  is  inconvenient  to  make  mention  of  all 
the  families  of  this  or  other  names  as  we  have  desired.  Although  with 
great  pains  and  at  much  expense  we  have  collected  materials  more  tha.n  we 
can  use,  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  determining  relative  issues  without 
assistance  from  intelligent  descendants,  forbid  our  hazarding  what  without 
such  aid  would  be  often  uncertain  conjecture ;  —  a  circumstance  which  it  is 
possible  the  intelligent  of  future  generations,  whose  fihal  reverence  shall 
lead  them  to  inquiry,  may  regret. 

The  name  of  Godfrey  is  now  widely  scattered.  Besides  those  of  the 
name  already  mentioned,  were  Richard  of  H.,  prob.  s.  of  Geo.  1st.,  and 
b.  1677,  who  m.  Lydia  Freeman,  dr.  William,  1701,  and  had  Hannah  Jan. 
26,  1703-4,  who  m.  Edward  Gray  July  3,  1727;  Elisa.  Dec.  20,  1704; 
Mary  Aug.  23,  1707,  who  m.  David  Hopkins  Oct.  26,  1732;  Lydia  and 
Rebecca  July  27,  1709  ;  and  Phebe  June -24,  1716.  Richard  of  C,  who 
m.  Azuba  Collins  Jan.  10,  1750.  Richard  Jr.  of  C.,  who  m.  Lydia 
Doane  Dec.  23,  1756,  and  had  DoaneDec.  11,  1757  ;  Joseph  Jan.  11, 1763  ; 
Molly  1766;  Rich'd  Aug.  20,  1769;  Geo.  May  23,  1771  ;  Polly  1773  ;  Ly- 

^dial775;  Dorcas  1777;  James  Aug.  15,  1779;  and  Benj.  May  9,  1782. 

^MosES  had  by  w.  Martha^  Martha  1727;  Hannah  1729;  Eunice  1731; 
Joseph  Dec.  7,  1733;  Deborah  1736;  Moses  Oct.  10,  1739,  d.  inf.;  Moses 
Jan.  8,  1740-1  ;  John  May  31,  1743  ;  and  Elisa.  1747.  Thomas  m.  Be- 
thiah  Eldridge  June  7,  1733.  George  m.  Mercy  Kno^^les  Nov.  1,  1738. 
Jonathan  Jr.  m.  Mercy  Nickerson  Sept.  2,  1725.     Josiah  m.  Eunice 


i»(Kston  Public  Librao 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM.  611 

of  Boston,  etc. ;  also  Mr.  Salathiel  Nickerson,  Oct.  7,  se. 
87.^ 

In  1848,  July  31,  Mr.  Joseph  Young  died  ;  and  Mr. 
Joseph  Atwood,  Dec.  25,  1850,  a  representative  of  one 
of  the  ancient  families,  a  prominent  citizen  —  formerly 
ship-master,  afterwards  merchant,  and  greatly  respected. 

In  1861,  Capt.  Samuel  Howes  died,  Sept.  22,  se.  85. 
Mr.  MuLFOED  Howes  died  in  1862.  We  also  record, 
as  a  tribute  to  one  who  went  from  this  town  some 
forty  years  ago,  and  illustrated  the  benevolence  of 

Godfree  July  7,  1 748.  Benjamin  m.  Elisa.  Hopkins  Aiig.  23,  1738.  Jo- 
seph m.  Mehit.  Hamilton  Jan.  7,  1 756.  George  m.  Jane  Bearse  Nov.  9, 
1758.  Solomon  m.  Mercy  Crowell  July  10,  1769,  and  had  Phebe  1771  ; 
Mercy  1775;  Solomon  Jan.  18,  1777  ;  Molly  1779;  and  John  Ap.  8,  1783. 
Joshua  had  by  w.  Phebe,  Nath'l  Mar.  'l6,  1743;  Solo.  Sept.  1,  1746; 
Phebe  1748  ;  Joshua  Mar.  24,  1750;  David  Ap.  23,  1754  ;  and  Levi  1756. 
Joshua  Jr.  m.  Naomi  Kelley  Nov.  3,  1774,  and  had  Ruth,  Naomi,  Esther, 
Hannah,  James,  Cynthia,  Joshua  Oct.  20,  1787,  Patience,  and  Luther. 
Benjamin  m.  Sarah  Mayo  Ap.  26,  1764.  Enoch  m.  Miriam  Smith  Nov.  -j-^ 
7,  1772.  David  m.  Rachael  Nickerson  July  9,  1772,  and  had  Levi  Mar. 
10,  1773;  David  May  15,  1775;  Betsy;  Katy;  Rachel;  and  Joseph.  Na- 
than m.  Sarah  Eldridge  Nov.  16,1769.  Benjamin  m.  Bethia  Atwood 
Aug.  2,  1762. 

^Mr.  Salathiel  Nickerson,  b.  1760,  s.  of  Caleb,  and  an  engraved 
likeness  of  whom  appears  on  the  opposite  page,  for  which  we  are  indebted 
to  the  courtesy  of  Dr.  E.  W.  Carpenter,  Joshua  Nickerson,  Esq.,  and  per- 
haps others  of  the  family,  was  truly  a  representative  man  —  scrupulously 
upright,  a  firm  friend,  faithful  in  all  the  relations  of  life.  In  early  life,  he 
served  in  the  army  of  the  Revolution ;  afterwards  represented  this  town  in 
the  Legislature  ;  was  also  selectman ;  and  many  years  one  of  the  leading 
men  in  this  part  of  the  county.  In  business,  he  was  greatly  successful ;  and 
to  a  considerable  extent  engaged  in  ship-building,  the  last  of  his  vessels  be- 
ing launched  here  in  1838.  In  religious  profession  a  Universalist,  he  was 
one  of  the  founders  of  the  society  of  that  order  here.  In  politics,  "  he  was 
a  firm  and  consistent  Democrat."  In  illustration  of  his  energy  of  charac- 
ter, it  has  been  mentioned  that,  during  the  war  of  1812,  the  privateer 
Scourge  having  landed  here  some  goods  captured  from  the  enemy,  a  British 
frigate  soon  appeared  off  the  coast,  and  sent  a  barge  demanding  the  resto- 
ration of  the  prize  and  threatening  in  case  of  refusal  to  burn  the  town. 
A  meeting  was  called  ;  some  of  the  pi'incipal  men  thought  it  best  to  comply 
with  the  enemy's  demand  and  save  the  town  from  conflagration  ;  and  even 
commenced  removing  the  goods.  Mr.  Nickerson  made  his  appearance  at 
this  juncture,  coiintermanded  the  order,  and  dr-ove  the  barge  from  the  har- 
bor notwithstanding  angry  threats  of  destroying  his  house  and  property. 
Mr.  N.  m.  Sabrina  Nickerson  June  12,  1780,  and  had  a  large  family,  namely, 
Ehsa.  1781,  who  m.  Dr.  Cyrus  Chamberlain;  Sabra,  1782,  who  m.  Wm. 
Oliver;  Joshua  1785;  Polly  1787,  whom.  James  Cunningham;  Salathiel 
1789,  who  m.  Martha  McCluer;  Ruth  1792,  who  m.  Jacob  Cunningham; 
Dorcas  1 794,  who  m.  Mulford  Howes ;  Lurana  1 796,  who  m.  Howes  Ryder ; 


612  ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM. 

his  heart  by  noble  charitieSj  the  decease,  this  year, 
in  Illinois,  of  Capt.  Benjamin  Godfrey.^ 

In  1863,  Jan.  3,  Mr.  Joseph  Eldridge  died,  sq.  78 ; 
Mr.  Thacher  Ryder,  Feb.  13,  se.  67,  a  prominent  citizen; 
and  Doct.  Daniel  P.  Clifford,  Sept.  22,  ae.  77. 

At  this  date,  we  recognize  with  gratitude  the  be- 
nignity of  an  always  good  Providence,  in  the  fact  that 
States  shortly  since  embroiled  by  their  soirroundings 
and  destined  by  malign  influences  to  an  obnoxious  at- 
titude, are  rescued  from  their  thraldom ;  and  that  so 
considerable  numbers  of  the  people,  —  their  patriotic 
impulses  left  free  to  action,  —  are  yearning  for  the 
restoration  of  a  glorious  Union.  The  counsels  of  "  the 
Father  of  his  country,"  the  immortal  Washington  — 
whose  spirit  our  imagination  sometimes  depicts  look- 
ing down  upon  scenes  that  have  anguished  the  hearts 
of  patriots,  pleading 

"  Embrace  again,  my  sons !  be  foes  no  more, 
Nor  stain  your  country  with  her  children's  gore  " 

Rhoda  1798,  who  m.  Jas.  Nickerson;  Sally  1800,  who  m.  Christopher  Ry- 
der; Emily  1802,  who  m.  Sylv's  Mayo;  Thomas  1805,  who  m.  Rebecca 
Howes;  Franklin  1807,  who  m.  Lui'ana  Young;  Simeon  1809,  who  m. 
Angelina  Anderson ;  and  Caleb  1812,  who  m.  Julia  Hamilton.  Joshua, 
Esq.,  b.  1785,  now  surviving,  m.  Tabitha  Howes  1810,  and  had  b.  to  him 
Joshua  18.12,  who  m.  Laura  Hart;  John  H.  1814,  who  m.  Mary  Goodspeed 
and  d.  1858;  Mary  H.  1817,  who  m.  Elijah  W.  Carpenter,  M.  D.  1838, 
who,  b.  in  Upton,  Worcester  Co.  Jan.  31, 1814,  settled  as  a  practising  phy- 
sician in  this  town,  (whose  issue  have  been  Chs.  L.  1839,  d.  1840;  Ella  1841, 
who  m.  Edwin  F.  Knowlton  1861  ;  Georgie  1844;  and  May  1848,  d.  1852  ;) 
Lorenzo  1820  who  m.  Susie  Miller;  Tabitha  1823,  who  m.  Geo.  Godfrey  ; 
and  Elizabeth. 

^  Capt.  Godfrey,  whose  early  home  was  in  this  town,  "  pushed  to  sea 
almost  as  soon  as  he  could  handle  a  rope,  as  most  Cape  Cod  boys  do ;  and 
prosecuted  his  fortunes  with  energy  and  success,  both  in  seafaring  and  mer- 
cantile employments,  to  the  accumulation  of  a  handsome  fortune,  and  finally 
selected  a  home  on  the  banks  of  the  Sagamon  River.  He  there,  at  an  ex- 
pense of  more  than  $50,000,  erected  an  institution  for  female  education, 
which  for  twenty-five  years  has  poured  its  blessings  over  State  and  Terri- 
to  jfcyn  both  sides  of  the  Mississippi." 

"  Fortune's  a  well,  and  hoards  but  air, 
'Till  use  lends  weight  to  wealth,  and  taste  to  care ; 
Thus  shine  the  rich  man's  joys,  when  shared  they  flow; 
He  that  would  well  possess,  must  wide  bestow." 


ANNALS    OF    CHATHAM. 


613 


—  are  neither  forgotten,  nor  disesteemed.  The  ties 
that  once  bound  together  a  great  and  prosperous  na- 
tion are  not  broken  forever.  Our  country's  career  in 
prosperity  will  again  move  on  in  peace  and  amity,  pro- 
longed, perpetuated ;  the  national  escutcheon  freed 
from  the  dark  spot  that  has  rested  upon  it ;  traitors 
to  humanity  and  freedom  weeded  out  from  public  in- 
fluence by  their  own  ambition  and  the  mysterious  de- 
signs of  Him  who  maketh  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise 
him.  True,  this  result  is  not  yet  history  ;  we  offer  it 
not  as  such,  but  as  the  devout  aspiration  and  hope  of 
our  heart. 

Our  annals  of  Chatham  conclude  with  the  fervent 
prayer  that  questions  of  secondary  importance  — 
questions  to  be  ignored  by  every  true  American  in 
times  of  national  peril  —  may  not  be  made  paramount 
in  a  day  like  this.  If  political  capital  is  to  be  created 
by  demagogues  out  of  national  difficulties,  and  if  elec- 
tioneering triumphs  are  to  be  sought  regardless  of  the 
general  weal,  it  may  be  hailed  with  delight  by  the 
leaders  of  the  revolt,  may  please  their  sympathizers 
abroad,  may  partially  paralyze  the  arm  of  govern- 
ment, may  retard  the  crushing  of  Rebellion  and  in- 
crease the  effusion  of  blood ;  but  it  will  also  invest 
the  actors  with  unwelcome  odor  and  lasting  shame. 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


Yrs. 
1768.  Joseph  Doane,  10. 

1780.  Joseph  Howes,  1. 

1781.  Richard  Sears,  19. 
1807.  Reuben  Ryder,  •—  3. 
1827.  Richard  Sears  Jr.,     2. 

1829.  Joseph  Atwood,         .3. 

1830.  Joseph  Young,  3. 
-1832.  Joshua  Nicliersou,.  5. 
1834.  Freeman  Nickerson,  5. 


Yrs. 

1837.  Seth  Nickerson,  1. 

1838.  Josiah  Kendrick,  4. 

1839.  Thos.  Sparrow,  1. 

1840.  S.am'l  Doane,  3. 
"     Henry  Gorham,  1. 

1841.  James  Gould,  2. 

1842.  Eph'm  Taylor,  2. 
1844.  Joseph  Young  Jr.,  1. 


1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1849. 
185'^. 
1854. 
lS5li. 
1857. 


John  Taylor, 
Watson  Hinckley, 
O.  A.  Nickerson, 
Lothrop  A.  Bearse, 
Sam'l  Doane, 
Richard  Gould, 
Heman  Smith, 
Thomas  Dodge, 


Ym. 
1. 
1. 
1. 
2. 
1. 
2. 
1. 
1. 


614 


HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


SELECTMEN. 


rrs. 

1696. 

Wm.  Niekerson, 

4. 

1736. 

" 

Joseph  Harden, 

6. 

" 

" 

Thos.  Atkins, 

13. 

1739. 

1697. 

Wm.  Eldred, 

3. 

1740. 

" 

Wm.  Griffith, 

2. 

" 

169S. 

Nicholas  Eldi-ed, 

1. 

1742. 

1~00. 

Thos.  Niekerson, 

2. 

1748. 

1703. 

Wm.  Niekerson, 

1749. 

("  son  of  Jno.") 

3. 

" 

1704. 

Nath'l  Covel, 

1. 

1755. 

1707. 

Daniel  Hamilton, 

3. 

'' 

" 

Edmund  Howes, 

4. 

1760. 

1708. 

Eben.  Howes, 

7. 

1762. 

1710. 

Jos.  Eldrid^e, 
Moses  Godtrey, 

1. 

" 

" 

1. 

1764. 

1711. 

John  Smith, 

1. 

1765. 

" 

John  Atkins, 

5. 

1708. 

1712. 

W.  Niekerson,  'Ens 

.'1. 

1772 

1714. 

Samuel  Taylor, 

4. 

1776 

1717. 

Thos.  Howes,  'Ens 

'  2. 

" 

" 

Richard  Sears, 

l! 

1779 

1719. 

Daniel  Scars, 

11. 

1780 

1720. 

Thos.  Atkins, 

8. 

" 

" 

Rt.  Paddock, 

2. 

1782 

" 

Paul  Crowell, 

1. 

178:5 

1721. 

Wm.  Eldridge, 

1. 

1786 

1722. 

Nath'l  Covel, 

1. 

1789. 

" 

Wm.  Eldridge  Jr., 

4. 

1790 

1725. 

Thos.  Doane, 

3. 

1797. 

1726. 

Jos.  Harding, 

1. 

1800 

1729. 

Samuel  Taylor, 

4. 

1801 

1731. 

John  Young, 

23. 

" 

" 

Caleb  Niekerson, 

3. 

1803 

1732. 

Jno.  Niekerson, 

1. 

1804 

" 

Paul  CroweU, 

4. 

" 

1733 

Sam'l  Stewart, 

1. 

" 

1736. 

Thos.  A.  Doane, 

2. 

1807 

Yrs. 

Sam'l  Atkins, 

3. 

1808. 

Sam'l  Smith, 

2. 

" 

James  Covel, 

13. 

1810. 

Thos.  Hamilton, 

13. 

" 

Jno.  Eldridge, 

3. 

1812. 

Paul  Sears, 

1. 

1813. 

Thos.  Niekerson, 

5. 

1S14. 

Solo.  Collins,' 

2. 

1819. 

Nehem'h  Harding 

2. 

" 

Moses  Godfrey, 

6. 

1820. 

Daniel  Sears  Jr., 

2. 

1823. 

Paul  Crowell  Jr., 

2. 

1824. 

Nathan  Basset, 

6. 

1826. 

Sam'l  Collins, 

9. 

" 

Seth  Smith, 

7. 

1828. 

John  Hawes, 

14. 

1829. 

Joseph  Doane, 

9. 

1831. 

Jos.  Atwood, 

2. 

" 

Jos.  Howes, 

13. 

1838. 

Barzillai  Hopkins, 

2. 

" 

Jno.  Crowell, 

1. 

1843. 

Caleb  Niekerson, 

13. 

" 

Jas.  Eldridge, 

3. 

1844. 

Benj.  Godfrey, 

6. 

1846. 

Isaac  Howes, 

5. 

1847. 

Elijah  Smith, 

7. 

" 

Sam'l  Doane, 

12. 

1849. 

Kimbal  Ryder, 
Jonah  Crowell, 

—  4. 

1851. 

0. 

1852 

Steph.  Smith, 

5. 

1853. 

Jona.  Niekerson, 

5. 

1854 

Simeon  Ryder, 

-~2. 

1855 

Seth  Taylor, 

1. 

" 

Mulford  Howes, 

1. 

1856 

Joseph  Young, 

10. 

1859 

Reuben  C.  Taylor, 

9. 

" 

David  Godfrey, 

2. 

1861 

Yrs. 

Reuben  Ryder,  1. 

John  Taylor,  5. 

Nath'l  Snow,  11. 

Myrick  Niekerson,  1. 

Kimbal  Ryder  Jr.,  1.- 

Rd.  Niekerson,  1. 

Thos.  Howes  Jr.,  2. 

Salath'l  Niekerson,  7. 

Stephen  Rj'der  Jr.,  5.^ 

Sam'l  Doane,  7. 

Jos.  Atwood,  1. 

Christ'r  Taylor  Jr.,  6. 

Nehem'h  Doane,  1. 

Isaac  Hardy,  1. 

Joshua  Atkins,  1. 

Simeon  Doane,  1. 

Joshua  Niekerson,  18. 

Josiah  Kendrick,  8. 

Eph'm  Taylor,  9. 
Reuben  Young,   "^  1. 

Thos.  Sparrow,  1. 

Joel  Sparrow,  1. 

Zenas  Atkins,  2. 

Josiah  Mayo,  1. 

Jos.  Young  Jr,  2. 

Zenas  Niekerson,  4. 

Hy.  Eldridge  Jr,  1. 

Ziba  Niekerson,  1. 

H.  T.  Eldridge,  1. 

Warren  Rogers,  6. 

Jas.  Gould,  1. 

Jacob  Smith,  3. 

Benj.  T.  Freeman,  4. 

Rd.  Taylor,  3. 

Josiah  Hardy  Jr,  5. 

Eph'm  Taylor,  2. 

Levi  Eldiidge  Jr.  3. 


TOWN  TREASURERS. 


Yrs. 

1693.  Wm.  Niekerson,  8. 
1701.  Thos.  Atkins,  7. 

1708.  Wm.  CroweU,  2. 

1710.  W.  Niekerson, 'Ens.' 1. 

1711.  Nath'l  Covel,  2. 

1713.  Richard  Sears,  1. 

1714.  Thos.  Hawes,  5. 
1719.  Jno.  Collins,  2. 
1721.  Thos.  Doane,  2. 


1723. 
1725. 
1726. 
1729. 
1731. 
17.32. 
1733. 
17.35. 
1730. 


Yrs. 

Nath'l  Niekerson,  2. 

Joseph  Harden,  1. 

Elisha  Mayo,  '3. 

Rd.  Knowles,  2. 

Thos.  Niekerson,  1. 

Jno.  Atkins,  2. 

Daniel  Sears,  6. 

Paul  Crowell,  1. 

James  Covel,  21. 


Yrs. 

1740.  Paul  Crowell,  4. 

1748.  Jas.  CroweU,  1. 

1752.  Paul  Sears,  1. 

1753.  Dan'l  Sears  Jr.,  2. 
1769.  Nathan  Bassett,  14. 
1775.  Richard  Sears,  2. 
1785.  John  Emery,  8. 
1789.  Joseph  Doane,  4. 


^"  Since  1792,  it  is  understood  that  the  town  clerks  have  uni- 
formly held  the  office  of  town  treasurer  also  ;  therefore,  this  table 
is  continued  in  the  following  from  that  date. 

^  TOWN   CLERKS. 


1693. 
170S. 
1714. 
1722. 
17.32. 
1749. 
1752. 
1753. 


Yrs. 

Wm.  Niekerson,  15. 

Thos.  Atkins,  9. 

Daniel  Sears,  28. 

Sam'l  Stewart,  2. 

Thos.  Niekerson,  1. 

James  Covel,  7. 

Paul  Sears,  1. 

Dan'l  Sears  Jr.,  2. 


Yrs. 
1769.  Nathan  Bassett,  14. 
1775.  Richard  Sears,  2. 

1785.  John  Emery,  8. 

1789.  John  Doane.  1. 

1790.  Joseph  Doane,  3. 
1797.  Nathan  Bassett  Jr.,  0. 
1803.  John  Hawes,  20. 
1824.  Reuben  C.  Taylor,     3. 


1827.  Richard  Sears  Jr.,  1. 

1828.  David  Godfrey,  10. 

1838.  David  Atwood,  1. 

1839.  Christop'r  Taylor,  4. 

1843.  Nath'l  Snow,  1. 

1844.  Eph'm  Taylor,  3. 
1847.  Josiah  Mayo,  17. 


THE 


AJfNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OP 


PROVINCETOWN. 


"  ZEBCLOH  SHALL  DWELL  AT  THE  HAVEK  OF  THE  SEA  ;  AND  HE  SHALL  BE  FOE  AN  HAVES 

or  SHIPS  ;  AND  HIS  EOBDEB  SHALL  BE  TOTO  ziDON.—  Genesis  xlix.  13. 


(615) 


Jnsrrxpfintt. 


TO    MR.    ELISHA     DYER, 

OF  PEOVINCETOWN: 

History  informs  us  that  "  Kings  and  Princes  in  the  earlier  days  of  the  world, 
labored  in  arts  and  occupations,  and  were  above  nothing  that  tended  to  the  con- 
veniences of  life."  We  honor  Industry  none  the  more,  nor  less,  because  practised 
by  royalty;   but  most  when  associated  with   intelligence,   courtesy,  and  sterling 

integrity. 

"  A  wit's  a  feather,  and  a  chief's  a  rod ; 
An  honest  man's  the  noblest  work  of  God." 

We  take  great  pleasure,  therefore,  in  presenting  these  Annals 
INSCRIBED 

to  HOI  who  (sometime  selectman)  has  for  a  long  period  worthily  held  the  oflSces 
of  town  clerk  and  treasurer ; 

With  assurances  of  the  sincere  respect  of 

THE  AUTHOE. 


(616) 


ANNALS  OF  PROVINCETOWN. 


Provincetown  —  the  name  of  which  is  indicative  of 
the  relation  which  it  early  sustained  to  the  Colonial 
Government  —  originally  associated  with  Truro  for 
certain  municipal  purposes,  was  made  a  District,  or 
Precinct,  in  1714,  for  a  time  still  continuing  under  the 
constableric  of  the  latter  town.  It  was  incorporated 
as  a  township,  by  its  present  name,  June  14,  1727, 
and,  on  account  of  its  peculiar  location,  was  invested 
with  unusual  privileges,  the  inhabitants  being  ex- 
empted from  taxation  and  from  military  duty.  At 
this  period,  as  for  a  number  of  years,  it  was  a  flourish- 
ing, though  small  settlement.  Within  12  or  15  years, 
the  inhabitants  began  to  remove  from  the  place  in 
considerable  numbers,  so  that  before  the  year  1748,  at 
the  beginning  of  the  French  Revolution,  there  were 
not  more  than  three  houses  at  the  harbor,  the  popula- 
tion being  reduced  to  two  or  three  families.  Others, 
it  is  true,  soon  came  in  ;  still,  as  late  as  1755,  it  con- 
tained but  about  10  or  15  dwelling-houses.  In  the 
census  of  1764,  no  notice  was  taken  of  it.  In  the 
time  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  1776,  the  number  of 
families  had  increased  to  36  ;  and  the  town  contained 
205  inhabitants  and  20  dwellins!;-houses.  It  remained 
in  a  state  of  great  depression  during  the  war,  in  the 
former  period  of  which,  having  no  means  of  defence, 

VOL.  II.  78,  (^617) 


618  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

and  the  government  being  unable  to  protect  it,  it  was 
almost  entirely  in  the  power  of  the  enemy,  who  did 
not  hesitate  to  make  exactions  for  supplies  whenever 
they  needed.  Its  spacious  harbor  afforded  a  most 
convenient  and  desirable  resort  for  His  Britannic  Maj- 
esty's ships  of  war,  and  was,  for  the  time  being,  useless 
to  our  own  navigation.  With  the  return  of  the  bless- 
ings of  peace,  the  town  began  again  to  lift  its  head, 
until  it  gradually  became  a  place  of  more  than  ordi- 
nary prosperity. 

Its  name  was  suggested,  as  we  have  intimated,  from 
its  peculiar  relation  to  the  Province,  by  which  it  was 
succored  on  account  of  the  advantages  it  secured  to 
shipping.  The  name  was  originally  written  Province 
Town.  The  Provincial  Government  paid  at  least  £20 
per  annum,  many  years,  for  the  support  of  the  Gospel 
here,  and,  after  the  settlement  of  the  Rev.  Samuel 
Parker,  £45  annually  for  12  years.  After  1786,  the 
ministry  was  supported  wholly  by  the  town. 

Situation  and  Boundaries.  —  Peovincetown  is  situated  in 
lat.  42°  3'  N.,  and  70°  9'  W.  from  Greenwich ;  and  is  distant 
from  Boston,  by  land,  E.  S.  E.,  110  m.,  and,  by  water,  55  m. ; 
from  Cape  Ann  about  50  m. ;  and  from  Barnstable,  by  land,  45 
m.  The  length  of  the  township  from  its  S.  E.  bound  to  Wood 
End,  is  about  4  m.,  and  its  mean  breadth  is  2^  m.  Lying  at  the 
end  of  the  peninsula  which  constitutes  the  county,  in  the  shape 
of  a  hook,  it  is  bounded  by  Truro  on  the  S.  W. ;  the  Atlantic 
ocean  on  the  N^. ;  Barnstable  Bay  on  the  W. ;  and  Cape  Cod 
Harbor,  within  the  curvature,  on  the  S. 

Natural  Divisions,  etc.  —  The  township  consists  of  sundry 
beaches,  hills,  and  downs,  with  several  shallow  ponds,  swamps, 
or  morasses.  The  principal  ponds,  so  called,  are  Shankpainter's, 
Clapp's,  Black-water,  Great,  Grass,  Duck,  Pasture,  Round,  and 
Farm. 

Race  Point  is  the  N.  W.  extremity  of  Cape  Cod.^     Long  Point 

'One  mile  below  Race  Point,  on  the  outside,  is  a  Fog  Bell ;  and  Life 
Boats  are  stationed  there,  as  also  at  intervals  toward  Truro  and  above  it ; 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  619 

is  a  low  sand-beach  stretching  about  6  m.  distance  from  Race 
Point  in  a  curveted  foi'm,  from  100  to  500  yards  in  breadth,  and 
Wood  End  lies  between  the  two.  The  shore  at  Race  Point  and 
on  the  outside  of  Long  Point  is  very  bold.  On  each  of  these 
points  is  a  lighthouse, — the  one  revolving,  the  other  permanent 
or  standing.  The  curvature  of  the  shore  on  the  W.  side,  and  S. 
of  Race  Point,  embraces  Herring  Cove,  which  is  3  m.  in  length, 
with  good  anchoring  ground  and  4  or  5  fathoms  of  water  in 
which,  with  the  wind  from  the  N,  E.  or  S.  E.,  vessels  may  ride 
in  safety.  Within  the  curvature,  is  House  Point  Island ;  on  the 
southern  extremity  of  the  cove  being  Wood  End,  from  which  a 
shoal  extends  about  ^  m.  W.  S.  W.  called  Wood  End  Bar. 

Cape  Cod  Harbor  is  formed  by  the  curvature  of  the  land  from 
Pamet  River,  in  Truro,  to  Long  Point.  This  curve  describes 
nearly  every  point  in  the  compass,  rendering  the  harbor  com- 
pletely land-locked  E.  W.  and  N.,  and  excellently  and  eminently 
safe.  The  distance  from  Long  Point  to  the  Truro  shore  is  about 
4  m.,  and  to  the  business  part  of  Provincetown,  2  m.  The 
depth  of  water  on  the  anchoring  ground  is  from  13  to  14  fath- 
oms. That  part  of  the  anchorage  found  most  convenient  is 
about  4^-  fathoms.  As  there  are  flats  extending  some  distance 
from  the  settlement,  vessels  usually  anchor  about  f  m.  from  the 
shore  ;  but,  besides  lesser  wharves,  one  is  now  constructed  to 
deep  water.  The  harbor  is  sufficiently  capacious  for  3000  vessels 
and  is  a  haven  of  the  greatest  importance  to  navigation  whether 
as  respects  vessels  doing  business  in  the  neighboring  waters,  or 
ships  from  foreign  voyages  arriving  on  the  coast  in  thick  and 
stormy  weather. 

ISTot  far  from  Race  Point,  commences  a  ridge  or  chain  of  sand- 
hills extending  to  the  head  of  Stout's  Creek  in  Truro.  These 
hills  pass  immediately  in  the  rear  of  the  village,  and  beyond  this 
border  of  hills  is  the  continuation  of  the  main  land  of  the  penin- 
sula, about  1|-  m.  in  breadth,  composed  of  lesser  hills,  downs, 
pools,  and  morasses.  These  are  in  some  places  partially  covered 
with  tufts  of  grass,  shrubs,  or  scrub-wood ;  but  little  wood  of 
any  kind  remains.  A  few  pines,  diminutive  maples,  beech,  and 
aspen  are  to  be  segn,  and  some  wild-cherry  trees,  whortleberry 
bushes,  beach-plum,  and  bay-berry  shrubs.^ 

and  on  the  N.  side  of  the  town  is  a  wreck-house,  for  the  protection  of  those 
who  may  be  so  unfortunate  as  to  be  cast  on  shore. 

^  There  was  found  here,  a  half-century  ago, — and  it  may  be,  some  are 
yet  remaining, —  a  large  berry,  then  known  as  the  •'  Josh  Pear,"  something 


620  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

From  the  higher  hills,  the  eye  has  a  near  prospect  of  the  ocean 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  main  land ;  but  between  the  ocean 
and  the  nearer  land  is  a  broad  margin  of  white  sand.  Springs 
are  found  below  the  sands  everywhere,  and  the  water  is  good, — 
as  all  that  is  received  by  the  hills,  from  dews  and  rains,  immedi- 
ately filters  to  their  base,  or  to  some  fitting  reservoir.  Planting 
beach  grass  in  the  sands  has  long  been  an  expedient  here,  as  in 
Truro,  to  j)vevent  the  ravages  of  winds ;  the  spreading  and  mat- 
ted roots  of  this  grass  tend  to  effect  the  purpose  in  some  degree, 
but  to  apply  the  preventive  to  the  whole  of  the  extended  waste 
were  a  labor  that  probably  will  never  be  undertaken. 

The  salt-meadows,  in  the  direction  of  Truro,  have  been  in 
times  past  of  great  importance  in  affording  pasturage  and  fodder 
for  cattle;  and  in  some  measure  are  still  valued. 

The  settlement,  which  is  more  than  2  miles  in  length,  thickly 
studded  with  dwellings,  stores,  etc.,  stands  on  the  margin  of  a 
beach  of  loose  sand,  on  the  northwestern  side  of  the  harbor,  di- 
rectly below  the  chain  of  hills  to  which  we  have  already  referred. 
The  houses  are  chiefly  on  one  street  which  is  near  the  water's 
edge.  This  main  avenue,  through  which  the  passer  had  once 
literally  to  wade  in  sand,  sometimes  ankle-deej?,  has  been  marked 
by  the  improvements  of  the  age ;  a  substantial  sidewalk  has  been 
built  of  timber  and  plank,  and  the  carriage-way  made  pleasant 
and  easy  by  a  covering  and  admixture  of  clay,  thus  affording 
more  substantial  footing  for  both  man  and  beast.  The  town  is 
altogether  unique.  On  the  hills,  tufts  of  grass,  holding  their  ex- 
istence by  frail  tenure  in  masses  of  loose  sand,  cause  the  light 
color  of  their  foundation  to  contrast  strangely  with  their  thin 
verdure.  In  passing  along  the  street,  here  and  there,  delightful 
oases  surprise  the  eye,  —  unpretending,  artificial  gardens  formed 
from  imjjorted  soil.  Nor,  if  we  pass  from  the  village  over  the 
arid  waste  in  the  rear,  shall  we  find  that  these  are  the  only  culti- 
vated spots  ;  cranberry  plats  have  been  formed,  —  Shanki^ainter's 
Pond  and  other  localities  attesting  the  success  that  has  attended 
the  enterprise  of  the  proprietors  ;  these  plats  yielding  a  greater 
profit,  in  proportion  to  the  extent  cultivated,  than  the  richest  land 
of  Western  prairies.  The  dwelling-houses  are  generally  of  neat 
and  comfortable  aspect;  some  are  even  more  than  this.  Four 
edifices  for  public  worship,  one  Congregational,  two  Methodist, 


like  the  whortleberry,  but  as   large  as  ordinary  cherries,  and  said  to  be  a 
delicious  fruit. 


ANNALS    OP   PROVINCETOWN.  621 

and  one  Universalist,  adorn  the  town,  and  unfold  their  doors  for 
spiritual  edifying  ;  whilst  the  Pilgrim  House  and  Union  Hotel 
provide  ample  refreshment  and  comfort  for  the  body  of  traveller 
or  sojourner.  Ocean  Hall  and  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  stand  for  their 
respective  uses.  The  Provincetown  Bank,  true  to  its  trusts  and 
the  puri^oses  for  which  it  was  erected,  is  here  ;  as  are  also  the 
Seamens'  Savings  Bank,  Fire  and  Marine  Insurance  Companies, 
a  Circulating  Library,  and  other  institutions  and  appliances,  not 
excepting  a  jail  — provided  by  special  Act  of  the  Legislature, 
the  place  being  45  m.  remote  from  the  county-jail  proper, — re- 
flecting no  discredit  on  the  highly  moral  community,  whereas 
since  the  place  is  wholly  maritime  and  visited  constantly  by 
strangei-s  from  all  climes,  such  an  institution  must  necessarily 
enter  into  their  well-ordered  arrangements.  The  Town  Hall, 
and  a  handsome  and  commodious  edifice  for  the  High  School,  in 
addition  to  four  other  public  school-houses  in  their  I'espective 
districts,  are  conspicuous  objects.  A  steamer  and  swift-sailing 
packets,  plying  regularly  between  this  town  and  Boston,  are  also 
both  local  and  public  conveniences. 

We  have  said  that  the  location  and  surroundings  of  this  place 
are  somewhat  unique ;  in  addition  to  peculiarities  already  cited, 
we  may  observe  that  interspersed  among  or  near  all  these  to- 
kens of  comfort  and  thrift  are  seen  numerous  structures,  — 
'■'■flakes^''  they  are  termed,  —  indicative  of  a  large  portion  of  the 
legitimate  business  of  the  inhabitants. 

On  these  flakes  fish  are  dried,  or,  as  the  term  is,  "  madeP 
Constructed  from  3  ft.  to  4  in  breadth,  and  from  20  ft.  to  50  in 
length,  elevated  about  2  ft.  above  the  ground,  these  frames  have 
slats  or  osiers  laid  over  or  interwoven  upon  them  to  receive  their 
burden.  The  cargoes,  or  "/ares,"  of  returned  fishing  vessels  are 
thrown  out  into  shoal  water  upon  the  flats  near  the  beach  ;  the 
fish  are  thoroughly  washed,  —  having  before  been  split,  disem- 
bowelled, and  salted,  on  board  ship  as  fast  as  taken,  —  and  then 
conveyed  to  the  frames  to  be  made.  The  reflection  from  the 
sand  beneath  is  nearly  or  quite  as  intense  as  the  direct  rays  of 
the  sun  from  above.  In  the  making,  good  judgment  i&  required, 
as  well  as  careful  watching  of  the  state  of  the  weather.  The 
terms  by  which  the  operation  is  expressed,  appear  to  be  borroAved 
from  the  art  of  haymaking;  the  fish  must  in  due  time  be  turned, 
and,  if  the  weather  is  unfavorable,  or,  if  heavy  dews  of  the  night 
require,  must  be  stacked.  In  stacking,  each  fish  is  laid  neatly 
and  horizontally  with  the  tail  inward   and   lapping  to  keep  the 


G22  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Stack  bound  together  and  in  proper  shape.  When  sufficiently 
made,  store-houses  in  waiting  receive  them,  and  soon  a  ready- 
market  and  generally  good  prices  are  found.  The  preceding  de- 
scription relates,  of  course,  only  to  cod  and  other  fish  that  are 
dried ;  with  mackerel,  the  course  is  different.  Being  prepared 
and  salted  in  casks  on  shipboard,  when  landed  on  the  wharves, 
they  only  require  assorting  and  inspection. 

As  may  well  be  supposed,  great  changes  have  come  over  the 
place  and  its  business  within  the  last  half-century.  When  the 
census  for  1800  was  taken,  the  number  of  inhabitants  was  812  ; 
in  1855,  it  was  3096.  At  the  former  date,  there  were  144  dwell- 
ings ;  90  stores,  —  chiefly  for  the  storing  of  fish ;  5  buildings  for 
the  smoking  of  herrings ;  4  or  5  shops  ;  2  windmills  for  the  grind- 
ing of  grain  ;^  10  clusters  of  salt-works  containing  11,404  ft.  sur- 
face of  vats,  which,  with  numerous  diminutive  windmills  attached 
for  the  purj^ose  of  raising  the  salt-water  for  evaporation,  and 
thickly  studding  the  shore,  gave  the  whole  extent  of  the  settle- 
ment a  much  more  novel  aspect  than  it  presents  at  present ;  and 
two  meeting-houses  —  one  Congi-egational,  the  other  Methodist 
— neither  large,  but  the  latter  of  lesser  dimensions  than  the  for- 
mer. Now,  the  number  of  dwellings,  shops,  stores,  store-houses, 
etc.  are  multiplied,  as  are  also  various  facilities  for  business. 
The  herring-fisheries  have  nearly  ceased  ;  ^  the  manufacture  of  salt 
has  also  declined,  the  vanes,  or  sails,  of  the  mills  attached,  grow- 
ing less  numerous  every  year  as  the  works,  having  fulfilled  their 
mission,  are  suffered  to  pass  away ;  ^  and   the  larger  and  lofty 


■^  One  of  these  mills,  standing  on  the  high  hill  In  the  rear  of  the  town,  was 
to  be  seen  from  a  great  distance  at  sea,  and  many  years  was  a  land-mark 
to  seamen  entering  the  harbor.  This  mill  "  was  carried  by  flyers  inside, 
and  appeared  like  a  large  and  lofty  tower."  ^  Wliere  this  mill  was,  the  hill 
since  known  as  High  Pole  Hill,  stands  the  sightly  Town  Hall,  and  near  by 
the  creditable  High  School  edifice. 

-Formerly,  herring  were  taken  here  in  great  quantities,  chiefly  in  the 
harbor,  from  Oct.  1  to  Dec.  1.  In  some  years  6000  lbs.  were  cured.  See 
note,  p.  30. 

''As  early  as  the  beginning  of  this  century,  800  hogsheads  of  salt  were 
used  here  in  the  fisheries.  Until  the  repeal  of  the  duty  on  imported  salt, 
this  town  had,  by  reason  both  of  its  facilities  for  the  manufacture  and  the 
home-consumption,  superior  inducements  to  invest  in  salt-works.  These 
works  were  erected  near  the  dwellings,  directly  under  the  eye  of  their  own- 
ers or  supervisors  —  so  that  as  the  weather  was  favorable  or  otherwise,  they 
could  be  uncovered  or  covered  without  loss  of  time.  The  sand-hills  under 
which  they  stood  reflected  on  the  vats  a  strong  heat ;  and,  as  no  fresh 
streams  ran  into  the  harbor,  the  salt-water  yielded,  for  the  same  number  of 
superficial  feet,  more  salt  in  a  given  time  than  in  any  other  part  of  the 
county. 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  623 

windmills  for  grinding  having  given  place  to  steam.  Although 
changes  are  inevitable,  one  enterprise  succeeds  to  another ;  and, 
even  by  results  disastrous,  the  recuperative  energies  of  a  people 
accustomed  to  industry  and  daring  are  developed. 

When  the  Mayflower  arrived  in  Cape  Cod  Harbor,  jN"ov.  11, 
1620,  O.  S.,  ^  whales  were  abundant.  They  continued  long  after 
to  be  taken  here  and  in  the  adjacent  waters.^  Even  now,  if  per- 
adventure  one  occasionally  shows  itself  within  the  range  of  the 
practised  sight  of  a  seaman,  no  objection  is  made  to  the  vicinage 
of  the  game,  and  it  is  almost  sure  to  be  "  brought  to  "  by  the  un- 
erring harpoon  of  the  expert.  Those  who  engage  in  the  busi- 
ness have,  however,  with  these  incidental  exceptions,  to  look  for 
this  fish  elsewhere.  The  business  has  never  been  entirely  relin- 
quished by  the  inha,bitants  ;  ships,  brigs,  barques,  and  schooners 
are  still  employed  in  whaling.  The  harbor  and  contiguous  waters 
were,  in  early  times,  as  is  well  known,  richly  supplied  with  great 
varieties  of  fish.  Bass  were  abundant  many  years,  so  that  gen- 
erally 300  quintals  were  ready  for  market  in  a  single  season  ;  few 
comparatively  of  these  are  now  taken.^  At  an  early  period,  cod- 
fish were  sought  immediately  about  the  Cape ;  the  reliance  of 
those  engaged   in   this  fishery  was  soon  on  other  localities  dis- 


^  This  corresponds  with  'Pe(^_21,  N.  S.,  if  10_(laj;s  be  added  to  correct 
the  style  ;  and,  by  the  same  reckoning,  the  Pilgrims,  after  sending  their  shal- 
lop to  various  places,  sailed  in  the  ship  from  this  harbor,  Dec.  25,  N.  S. — 
i.  e.,  Dec.  15,  O.  S. — but,  in  consequence  of  a  northwester,  put  back 
again,  and  the  next  day,  Dec.  26,  N.  S.,  took  their  final  departure  from  the 
harbor.  If,  then,  the  shallop  entered  Plymouth  harbor,  Dec.  9th,  O.  S., 
and  the  Mayflower,  Dec.  16,  O.  S.,  the  21st,  N.  S.  finds  the  Pilgrims  in 
Cape  Cod  Harbor.  When,  and  how  shall  the  true  day  for  the  anniversary 
of  their  landing  at  Plymouth  be  fixed  ? 

^Douglas,  in  1749,  says,  "Formerly  Cape  Cod  embayed  them,  but  being 
much  disturbed,  they  kept  a  good  offing."  He  says,  "A  whale,  stranded  back 
of  Cape  Cod,  yielded  1 34  bis.  of  oil  and  a  proportionate  weight  of  bone. 
This  whale  was  so  fat  that  some  poor  people  tried  the  muscular  flesh,  and 
made  30  bis.  of  oil."  The  shores  of  the  Cape  were,  within  the  remem- 
brance of  persons  now  living,  strewed  in  places  with  huge  bones  of  whales, 
these  remaining  unwasted  many  years.  Fifty  years  back,  rib-bones  set  for 
posts  in  fencing,  was  no  unusual  sight.  The  Pilgrims,  on  their  arrival  here, 
were  imfortunate  in  having  no  tackle  or  implements  for  capturing  this  fish ; 
and  they  were  equally  at  fault  in  not  taking  any  cod,  Avhich  they  might 
have  found  in  great  quantities  outside  the  harbor,  —  the  abundance  of 
the  fish  at  this  point  having,  long  before  their  arrival,  given  it  the  name 
Cape  Cod. 

^  We  say  few  in  comparison  with  former  days.  They  are  still  taken  in 
goodly  numbers,  and  the  way  of  bass-fishing  at  Race  Point  aifords  a  finely 
athletic  exercise  for  chest  and  limbs.  The  fisherman  stands  on  the  beach 
and  throws  out  the  line  with  sinker  attached  as  far  as  strength  will  permit, 
and  then  hauls  in,  dragging  a  bouncing  fish,  if  the  throw  be  a  good  one. 


624  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

tant.^  The  mackerel  fishery  is  still  pursued  both  near  and  re- 
mote.^ 

Shark-fishing  has  been,  in  years  past,  both  a  business  and  a  pas- 
time. Formerly,  not  less  than  200  sharks,  whose  oil  averaged  4 
gal.  each,  were  annually  taken  at  Race  Point.  They  are  to  be 
taken  with  a  hook ;  and  being  drawn  to  the  shore  and  dragged 
to  the  beach,  their  livers  are  secured  and  the  carcases  left  to  the 
tides.  These  sometimes  are  caught  weighing  from  300  to  600 
lbs.  They  were,  in  times  past,  fished  by  strangers  who  came  to 
the  Point  in  boats.     The  number  now  taken  is  not  great. 

Blackfish,  in  early  times  exceedingly  abundant,  —  sometimes 
called  Bottle  Whales,^  —  after  having  fallen  oif  many  years  from 
the  original  supply,  have  of  late  years  appeared  in  increasing 
numbers.'*     The  idea  of  surrounding  them,  and  driving  into  shoal 

^The  first  and  chief  resort  was  to  the  banks  of  Newfoundland,  to  which 
8  voyages  a  yr.  were  made,  returning,  respectively,  in  May,  July,  and  Oct. ; 
stilllater,  at  the  Straits  of  Bellisle,  familiarly  known  as  Labrador.  In  1834, 
this  town  had,  besides  its  400  tons  of  coasting  vessels,  about  6000  tons  en- 
gaged in  these  fisheries,  codfish  and  mackerel  included.  The  fai'es  were  : 
of  codfish  about  45,000  quintals;  of  mackerel  17,000  bis.  No.  1.;  and 
these  fisheries  gave  employment  to  1000  men.  A  subsequent  report,  1837, 
mentioned  98  vessels  emploj-ed  in  the  business,  engaging  1113  hands  on  sea 
and  shore,  and  securing  51,000  quintals  of  codfish,  and  18,000  bis.  of  mack- 
erel. Two  whale  ships  also  sailed  from  here,  employing  35  hands.  The 
business  has  fluctuated,  but  on  the  whole  greatly  increased,  and  may  be 
destined  to  still  greater  extension.  From  statistics  published  in  the  Prov- 
incetown  Banner,  1857,  it  appeared  that  the  year  previous,  100  vessels  were 
fitted  out  and,  for  the  most  part,  owned  here,  for  the  codfishery  alone. 
These  vessels  averaged  about  90  tons,  and  each  carried  on  an  average  8 
hands.  The  amount  taken  was  80,000  quintals,  the  number  of  fishes  to 
each  vessel  averaging  28,000;  thus  giving  2,800,000  fishes,  value,  at  3.12^ 
cured,  $250,000,  and  oil  to  each  vessel,  10  bis,  at  22.50,  $22,500.  Total  of 
fish  and  oil  $272,500  ;  and  bounty  $28,000 ;  making  in  all  $300,500.  It 
was  estimated  that  this  year  about  one-half  the  codfish  taken  in  the  State, 
had  fallen  to  the  share  of  this  town.  The  average  of  the  time  occupied  by 
each  vessel  at  sea  was  from  4  to  6  mos.  Codfish  may  still  be  taken  at 
Wood  End,  and  elsewhere  near;  but,  as  we  have  said,  the  reliance  for 
large  success  is  on  remote  localities. 

^  We  may  not  fill  our  pages  unduly  with  statistics.  The  mackerel  busi- 
ness done  here  is  large.  The  first  mackerel  found  in  Boston  market  in 
spring,  are  taken  here,  usually  in  nets.  Formerly,  hundreds  of  barrels  of 
these  were  pickled  for  market  every  year ;  they  now  find  a  ready  market 
fresh,  when  taken  in  these  waters. 

^Dourjlas,  1749,  says,  "  Grampus,  Bottle-noses,  and  the  other  small  ceta- 
ceous kind  are  called  hlack-fi:ih."     See  also  Purchas,  Vol.  I.  320-3. 

*  Blackfish  oil  pi'omises  no  large  emolument,  but  the  Provincetown  Bannered, 
few  years  since,  stated  that  ten  or  twelve  vessels  were  then  engaged  in  the  busi- 
ness of  taking  it,  and  remarked,  "  It  Is  regarded  as  about  the  most  certain  busi- 
ness now  followed  from  this  place.  Though  there  are  no  very  great  voyages 
made  from  taking  this  oil,  as  sometimes  in  taking  sperm,  yet  It  cannot  be 
said  that  there  has  yet  been  a  poor  or  losing  voyage,  as  in  cod  and  mackerel 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  625 

water  great  numbers,  as  herds  are  driven,  has  been  acted  on  from 
the  days  of  the  early  settlers. 

Other  fish  found  in  the  harbor,  or  on  the  coast,  are  haddock, 
pollock,  halibut,  striped  bass,  turbot,  blue-fish,  manhaden,  tom- 
cod,  horse-mackerel,  shad,  etc.^  Of  shell-fish,  are  muscles,  sea- 
clams,  and  quohaugs."  Lobsters  are  found  in  great  abundance  on 
both  sides  Long  Point ;  and  the  taking  of  these  is  a  profitable 
business. 

Sea-fowl,  once  so  abundant  on  these  shores^  have  met  with  so 
frequent  molestation  that  their  numbers  are  much  reduced. 

The  physical  peculiarities  and  the  singular  configuration  of  this 
part  of  the  Cape,  have  been  so  often  the  subject  of  remark,  and 
have  been  so  much  dwelt  upon  by  writers,  in  an  isolated  and  em- 
bellished form,  that  extravagant  ideas  have  been,  often,  the  result 
of  the  perusal  of  these  accounts.  A  correct  impression  can  be 
gained  by  distant  residents  only  by  a  visit  to  the  place  and  by 
personal  inspection.  Even  the  accurate  and  judicious  remarks  of 
the  eminent  theologian  and  pi'esident  of  Yale  College  will  be 
hardly  applicable  in  all  their  extent  to  any  part  of  the  Cape  at 
the  present  day;' 

fishing."  Another  fish,  sought  for  the  liver,  is  the  dogfish.  The  same  pa- 
per says,  "  They  are  taken  in  large  quantities  of  500  or  1000  to  a  boat. 
One  successful  boat  recently  took  1200  at  a  trip,  affording  30  gals,  of  oil. 
The  bodies  are  sold  for  composting,  to  the  agriculturists." 

^  Shad,  in  early  times  abundant,  have  within  a  few  years  returned  to  pay 
probably  only  a  transient  visit.  In  1857,  about  2000  were  taken  here  in 
one  day  in  weirs  by  a  single  company. 

^  The  small  clam  was  never  abundant  here  ;  clam-balt  had,  therefore,  to 
be  obtained  from  the  towns  above.  Of  late  years,  other  bait  has  become 
generally  substituted.     P-orgles  are  commonly  used. 

^  His  description  of  Cape  dwellings  Is  perhaps  now  less  applicable  to  this 
town  than  to  some  other  parts  of  the  Cape  ;  but  applicable  to  none  as  a 
whole.  More  recent  travellers,  the  credulity  and  profundity  of  whom  the 
driver  who  takes  them  along  In  the  public  stage-coach,  gauges  as  quickly 
and  easily  as  a  tailor  would  take  their  dimensions,  have  with  loving  Pick- 
wickian fidelit}'  noted  down  and  chronicled  things  unworthy  of  regard.  If 
we  go  back  beyond  these,  and  prior  to  Dr.  Dwight,  we  find  In  the  Mass. 
Mag.  of  1791,  descriptive  lilnts  of  changes  which  form  a  link  In  the  vicissi- 
tudes the  face  of  the  township  has  undergone  from  the  days  of  the  May- 
flower to  the  present,  which  are  worthy  of  record,  although  the  writer's  cred- 
ulousness  in  regard  to  the  manner  in  which  the  cows  here  obtained  a  sub- 
sistence savors  a  little  of  caricature:  —  "A  traveller,  In  passing  from 
the  village  over  to  Race  Point,  passes  some  distance  through  the  pine 
woods,  the  trees  about  20  ft.  In  height ;  at  length  he  finds  the  path  obstruct- 
ed by  a  mound  of  sand  almost  perpendicular,  rising  among  the  trees  to 
their  tops.  .  .  .  This  volume  of  sand  is  gradually  rolling  into  the 
woods  with  the  winds,  and  as  It  comes  to  the  trees'  tops,  they  die.  As  soon 
as  the  traveller  mounts  the  bank,  a  cuiious  spectacle  presents  to  view  ;  a 
desert  of  white  sand,  5  miles  in  length,  parallel  with  the  sea,  and  1-^  m.  in 
VOL.  II.  79 


626  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

It  may  be  difficult  to  imagine  the  primitive  order  of  things  when 
the  Pilgrims  found  a  harbor  here,  or  the  feelings  of  that  little  clus- 
ter of  sea-worn  exiles  upon  their  landing  and  brief  sojourn.  They 
have  left  us  the  record  of  some  events  and  observations  and  grate- 
ful emotions  and  final  conclusions ;  and  we  are  glad  of  the  data, 
scanty  as  they  are  which  they  afford  us.  Let  fancy,  guided  by  this, 
invest  the  flats  before  the  town  now  covered  deep  by  every  tide, 
with  heavy  cedar,  juniper,  and  vines  ;  the  hills  and  downs  with  oak, 
pine,  sassafras,  ash,  birch,  holly,  and  walnut ;  the  swamps  and 
morasses  also,  with  vines  twining  their  thick  growth  of  various 
woods  ;  let  the  mind's  eye  fix  the  position  of  the  Mayflower  within 
the  Point ;  the  launching  of  the  shallop ;  the  first  tread  of  New 
England  earth  by  the  foot  of  one  after  another  of  that  blessed 
company  ;  the  women  finally  congregated  on  the  shore  near  the 
"soft-Avater  spring"  where  Provincetown  now  is,  doing  the  accu- 
mulated washing  of  the  voyage ;  the  men  here  and  there  in 
groups,  and  others  in  the  boat  going  to  make  more  distant  explo- 
rations,—  and  some  very  imperfect  view  may  be  conceived  of  the 
happy,  but  yet  anxious  state  of  the  company  in  that  hour  of  sus- 
pense, and  of  the  surroundings  where  some  would  settle,  whilst 
others  were  for  a  harbor  known  to  fishermen,  the  description  an- 
swering to  Agawam  (Ipswich),  and  others  still  listening  to 
Robert  Coppin  who  was  telling  them  of  a  good  harbor  across  the 
bay.^  The  noble  harbor  in  which  Cape  Cod  encircled  our  Pilgrim 
fathers,  remains,  —  its  shores  now  occupied  by  those  who,  we 
trust,  will  ever  venerate  the  principles  of  that  Compact  to  which 
the  names  of  brave  men  were  affixed  Nov.  11,  1620,  O.  S.,  and 
who  will  not  cease  to  remember  how  the  spot  was  consecrated 
by  the  first  prayers  and  thanksgivings  offered  on  these  shores,  by 
devout  souls,  who,  it  is  not  too  much  to  say,  were  the  founders 
of  this  Republic. 

The  scene  is  changed,  and  is  ever  changing;  but  the  inhab- 
itants, we  trust,  do  not  deteriorate.^     Of  the  enterprise  and  sea- 


breadth.  The  tops  of  the  trees  appear  above  the  sand,  but  they  are  all 
dead." 

^It  was  fortunate  for  this  company  that  here  tboy  found  good  weather  and 
enjoyed  a  mild  season.  Wood's  New  Encjland  Prospect  says,  "  The  yeare 
of  Plimouth  men's  arrival!  was  no  Winter  in  comparison." 

"In  the  harbor,  just  below  the  village,  stumps  of  trees  may  j^et  be  seen,  at 
least  were  visible  within  the  last  .50  yrs.,  which  are  doubtless  the  remains 
of  the  stately  growth  described  by  the,  Pilgi'im  adventurers;  but  these  are 
all.  "  Oaks,  pines,  sassafras,  juniper,  birch,  holly,  ash,  walimt,"  etc.,  reported 
by  them,  are   looked  for  in  vain.     Such  have  been  the  geological  changes 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  627 

manship  of  this  people  we  need  say  nothing.  Of  even  children, 
on  the  lower  parts  of  the  Cape,  the  little  porpoise-killer  at  Truro 
is  a  fair  specimen.  Boys  are  often  at  sea  at  a  very  early  age. 
Many  of  them  at  10  have  become  expert  fishermen  ;  and  all  who 
have  a  mind  for  promotion  find  their  way  from  the  forecastle  to 
the  cabin  in  due  time.  Many  of  our  best  commanders  in  foreign 
voyages  are  furnished  here.  The  testimony  of  Burke,  in  the 
House  of  Commons,  before  the  Revolution,  1774,  in  regard  to  the 
mariners  of  New  England,  was  especially  applicable  to  this  and 
other  parts  of  Cape  Cod  :  "No  sea  but  what  is  vexed  by  their 
fisheries;  no  climate  that  is  not  witness  to  their  toils.  Neither 
the  perseverance  of  Holland  nor  the  activity  of  Fi'ance  nor  the 
dexterous  and  firm  sagacity  of  English  enterprise,  ever  carried 
this  most  perilous  mode  of  hardy  industry  to  the  extent  to  which 
it  has  been  pursued  by  this  recent  people.  ...  A  more  hardy 
or  enteriDrising  race  of  mariners  is  nowhere  to  be  met  on  the 
watery  element." 

The  climate  has  been  favorable  to  longevity.  Aside 
from  the  nuaierous  instances  of  disasters  at  sea  and 
deaths  in  foreign  ports,  inseparable  from  the  avocations 
of  the  male  inhabitants  generally,  the  bills  of  mortal- 
ity show  that  the  healthfulness  of  the  place  will  com- 
pare favorably  with  that  of  other  localities. 

In  hospitality,  the  inhabitants  ought  not  to  be  be- 
hind other  portions  of  the  Cape,  and,  we  suppose,  are 
not.  The  only  indication  of  this  that  we  can  cite 
from  knowledge  is  the  alacrity  with  which  seamen 
always  hasten  to  lend  a  hand  to  strangers  imperilled 
on  the  coast  by  storms.  Even  before  Provincetown 
was,  amenities  worthy  of  civilized  life  were  exhibited 
here.  When  Gosnold,  May  15,  1602,  went  on  shore 
at  Cape  Cod  Harbor,  a  young  Indian,  with  plates  of 
copper  suspended  from  his  ears,  and  with  bow  and  ar- 
rows in  hand,  approached  him  with  friendly  salutations 
and  offered  his  services. 

produced,  first  by  cutting  down  this  natural  protection,  and  then  consum- 
mated by  winds,  waves,  tides,  currents. 


628  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Progress  of  the  Town.  —  The  earliest  that  now  re- 
main, are  a  few  pages  only  of  the  ancient  '•  Precinct  of 
Cape  Cod"  records/  with  which  are  interspersed  here 
and  there  what,  we  suppose,  were  intended  to  be  rec- 
ords of  the  town  after  its  incorporation,  but  these  min- 
utes are  very  imperfect.  In  fact,  the  only  records  de- 
serving the  name  commence  at  a  late  period,  more 
than  50  yrs.  after  incorporation  as  a  town,  and  more 
than  60  after  being  constituted  a  precinct. 

That  Rev.  Samuel  Spear  was  officiating  here  Oct.  16, 
is  evident  from  contemporary  data ;  also  that  he  re- 
mained here  during  the  first  flourishing  period  of  the 
settlement,  until  his  flock  being  scattered  abroad  he 
was  obliged  to  follow.^  But  Mr.  Spear  was  not  the 
first  minister ;  nor  is  the  settlement  of  the  place  sim- 
ply coeval  with  any  time  indicated  by  records.  It 
was  probably  the  resort  of  trading  and  fishing  vessels 
from  a  very  early  period,  and  habitations  were,  doubt- 
less, erected.  That  Rev.  Jeremiah  Cushing  was  here 
some  time  before  the  close  of  the  17th  century  is 
demonstrable;^  and  it  is  not  impossible  that  the  few 
residents,  and  the  many  transient  occupants,  enjoyed, 
in  the  season  for  fishing,  the  services  of  others.     Al- 


^UnwarrantaWe  liberties  appear  to  have  been  taken  with  the  records, 
both  precinct  and  town.  Very  many  pages  have  evidently  been  cut  out 
from  the  meagre  little  quarto  designed  as  a  Book  of  Records ;  and  at  a  sub- 
sequent period  a  more  wholesale  sacrilege  has  doubtless  been  committed. 
Our  indignation  burns  toward  the  vile  perpetrators,  quickened,  it  may  be, 
by  selfish  regrets  for  the  deprivation  they  have  occasioned  us. 

*Rev.  Mr.  Speae,  b.  July  6,  169(5,  was  grad.  H.  C.  1715,  and  was  son  of 
Sam"l  of  Braintree,  who  was  son  of  George. 

"Mr.  Gushing  is  the  same,  probably,  who  grad  H.  C.  1676.  Records 
show  that  he  and  wife  Hannah  had  Ezekiel  b.  here  Ap.  28,  1698 ;  and  he 
had  also  a  son  Jeremiah.  Ezekiel,  early  active  and  prominent  in  the  af- 
fairs of  the  settlement  had  by  his  w.  Hannah,  who  was  b.  Dec.  1,  170-3, 
seven  children,  namely,  Loring  Aug.  10,  1721  ;  Ezek'l  June  3,  1724;  Jere- 
miah Oct.  7,  1729;  Hannah  Feb.  9,  1731-2;  Lucia  July  13,  1734,  d.  inf ; 
Lucia  Dec.  27,  173.5  ;  and  Phebe  Ap.  15,  1738.  Jeremiah  had  by  Mary 
his  wife,  Jonathan  Aug.  25,  1732;  Mary  Mar.  15,  1733;  Luranal735; 
Sarah  1737  ;  and  Hannah  1740. 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  6159 

most  from  the  time  of  the  arrival  of  the  Mayflower, 
the  harbor  became  a  place  of  yearly  resort  not  only  of 
colonists  but  of  English  and  French  adventurers. 

The  first  entry  in  the  old  precinct  record,  that  has  been  spared, 

is  the  account  of  John (John  Isaacs  it  appears  to  be,) 

treasurer,  bearing  date  Ap.  24,  1724,  and  so  mutilated  that  only 
the  following  is  recoverable,^  namely  : 

1724,  Ap.  24,  Cash  paid  Mr.  Samuel  Spear,  salary 

"         "   for  drawing  turf  around  the  meeting- 
house   ; 

the  next  is,  1725,  Aug.  11 :  Paid  Mr.  Spear,  by  Thomas  Free- 
man,^   . 

The  names  of  others,  which  appear  on  these  imper- 
fect and  almost  unintelligible  pages,  or  fragments,  at 
this  period,  are 

John  Atwood,         John  Conant,         Elisha  Doane, 
Thomas  Bacon,       Ezekiel  Gushing,    Ephraim  Doane,^ 
Hezek'h  Bosworth,Robert  Davis,         Hezekiah  Doane, 
Elisha  Cobb,  Thomas  Delano,     Jeremiah  Hatch, 

^  Two  years  previous  to  this,  we  find  contemporary  records  making  men- 
tion of  an  occui'rence  here :  The  Rev.  John  Robinson  lost  his  wife  Hannah 
(Wiswall),  and  daughter  Mary,  by  drowning,  Sept.  22,  1722,  the  sloop  in 
which  they  had  taken  passage  from  Duxbury  to  Boston,  being  upset  by  a 
sudden  tempest  near  Nantasket  beach.  The  body  of  Mrs.  R.  was  found 
"  in  Herring  Cove,  a  little  within  Race  Point,"  by  Indians,  about  six 
weeks  after  the  catastrophe,  and  was  the  next  day  interred  here,  in  the  old 
cemetery.  The  corpse  was  identified  by  papers  found  in  her  stays  and  by 
a  gold  necklace  which  had  been  concealed  fi^om  the  natives  by  the  swelling 
of  the  neck.  A  finger  had  been  cut  off,  probably  by  other  natives  to  ob- 
tain the  gold  ring  which  had  disappeared.  A  gravestone  was  put  up  by 
her  husband  ;  but  that  has  disappeared  within  the  last  20  or  30  years.  The 
family  of  Rev.  Mi\  R.  were  originally  at  Dorchester,  it  is  said,  and  were  not 
of  the  Leyden  pastor  lineage.  Descendants  from  this  family,  it  is  also  said, 
are  now  in  Ct.  We  have  been  led,  by  the  preceding  mention  of  "  the  old 
cemetery,"  to  inquire  for  it,  and  find  that  it  probably  has  not  been  used 
since  1 745  ;  but  that  a  few  yrs.  since,  and  perhaps  now,  gravestones  were 
visible  in  it,  bearing  dates  1717,  1727,  1745,  etc.  We  regretted  to  find  the 
spot  disregarded.  It  is  probable  that  a  little  labor  might  bring  to  view 
monuments,  now  hidden  by  sands,  that  would,  of  themselves,  be  an  inter- 
esting history. 

^  Mi'.  Thomas  Freeman  was  prob.  only  here  for  a  shiort  time,  and  was 
prob.  s,  of  Thos.  of  E.,  and  b.  1676.  He  had  a  s.  Thos.'b.  Sept.  13,  1708, 
who  had  a  son  Thomas  "  b.  at  Cape  Cod,"  Ap.  28,  1731. 

*  We  are  not  sure  that  this  h  not  Deane.  Jonas  Deane  of  Scituate, 
from  Taunton,  Eng.,  had  by  w.  Eunice,  Thos.  Oct.   29,  1691  ;  Eph'm  May 


630  history  of  barnstable  county. 

Elisha  Higgins,      Benjamin  Ryder/    Chris'r  Strout,^ 
John  Kinney,  William  Sargent,  Samuel  Winter. 

In  1726,  William  Sargent  was  treasurer  of  the 
Precinct,  and  again  in  1727. 

In  1728,  May  8,  is  recorded  the  receipt  of  Mr.  Spear 
for  moneys  paid ;  and  the  charge  of  the  treasurer, 
"June  21,  To  paid  Mr.  Solomon  Lumbert  for  one  day's 
preaching,  £1."  Other  inhabitants  mentioned  at  this 
date,  are: 

Isaac  Bacon,  John  Gray,  Isaac  Smalley, 

JosiAH  Cole,  Benjamin  Rotch,^    George  Strout. 


22,  1695  ;  and  prob.  others.  Thomas  set.  ia  Be.,  and  by  w.  Lydia,  had 
Lydia  1728,  who  m.  Jos.  Bearse  Oct.  12,  1749  ;  Thos.  Ap.  19,  1730,  who 
m.  Abio-'l  Horton,  and,  had  Hannah  1753  ;  and  Archelaus  June  26,  1755  ; 
Jonas  Oct.  27,  1732;  EiDhraim  Oct.  17,  1784;  Wm.  May  27,  1736;  and 
Eunice  1737,  and  the  family  soon  disappeared  from  Be.  Ephraim,  b.  1695 
had  w.  Ann,  and  settled  here.  He  had  Eunice  Nov.  10,  1725  ;  Thankful 
1728;  and  Ann  1731.  There  was  Israel  in  Truro,  b.  1685,  who  m.  Ruth 
Jones  of  S.  ■ 

^We  find  an  opinion  traditionally  stated,  that  two  brothers  Benj.  and 
another  were  in  this  town  from  England,  about  1 7pO.  We  know  not  how 
this  may  be ;  but,  as  is  everywhere  patent,  the  family  name  was  in  the  up- 
per towns  much  earlier.  Mr.  Ben.jamin  Ryder  of  this  town  had,  by  his 
w.  Mehitable,  Benj.'' Aug.  28,  1725;  Mehit.  1729;  Mary  and  Anne,  gem., 
1732;  and  per.  others.  Samuel  m.  Experience  Atwood  1 724,  and  had 
Sam'l  May  22,  1725  ;  Joseph  Mar.  29,  1727  ;  Desire  1728  ;  Joseph  Oct.  11, 
1730;  Lydia  1732;  Experience  1737;  Sarah  1739;  and  Joshua  Ap.  26, 
1742.  G-ERSHOM  had  by  w.  Bathshoba  Gershom  Oct.  1,  1732;  Mercy 
1735;  Thos.  July  25,1737;  Elisa.  1740;  Barsheba  1742;  John  May  16, 
1744  ;  and  Lot  Feb.  10,  1746. 

^Christopher  Strout  had,  by  Sarah  his  wife,  Lydia  Sept.  22,  1701 ; 
and  Anthony  Mar.  6,  1705-6  ;  and  prob.  others  betbre.  Anthony  m. 
Abigail  Smally  1724,  and  had  Deborah  1725;  Rebecca  1727,  d.  inf.;  Re- 
becca 1729;  Job  Sept.  14,  1730  ;  Dan'l  Feb.  20, 1732-3  ;  and  Abig'l  1735. 
Christopher  had,  by  Mary  his  w.,  Mary  1718;  Christopher  June  26,  1 720  ; 
Ruth  1723;  Dorcas  1724;  Wm.  Sept.  13,  1726;  Betty  1729;  Priseilla 
1732.  Joseph  m.  Rachael  Doane  of  T.  1716,  and  had  Barnabas  June  24, 
1729  ;  Sarah  1731  ;  and  Hezekiah  Jan.  19,  1735.  John  had  by  Ruth  his 
w.,  Ruth  1736  ;  and  Eleazer  Oct.  29,  1737.  George  had  bv  w.  Kezia," 
Geo.  Sept.  1,  1730 ;  Isaiah  July  28,  1732  ;  Kezia  1734  ;  and  Levi  Oct.  21, 
1737.  Christopher,  of  Portland,  m.  Elisa.  Smalley,  of  Provincetown, 
1739.  t 

"  We  do  not  assert  that  this  Ben.jamin  Rotch  was  of  the  same  family  or 
of  the  same  lineage  with  those  who  went  to  Nantucket  early,  engaged  in 
whaling,  and  transferred  their  business  and  residence  finally  to  New  Bed- 
ford; but,  in  our  own  mind,  not  much  doubt  remains.  He,  by  his  w.  Mar- 
tha, had  four  sons  born  here,  namely,  William  Oct.  23,  1729  ;  Prince  Nov. 
1731 ;  Joseph  Nov.  13,  1733  ;  and  Benj.  Nov.  4,  1735.     It  is  well  known 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  631 

"  Mr.  Samuel  Winter's  account  for  keeping  school 
one-half  the  year,"  was  £22.10 ;  and  his  second  ac- 

that  the  whaling  business  in  these  colonies  originated  here  ;  how  much 
Cape  Cod  contributed  to  its  introduction  elsewhere  is  a  question  in  which 
we  certainly  have  no  personal  or  local  interest.  Cape  Cod  men,  from  the 
very  start,  were  generally  "  wide-awake,"  and  always  ready  to  avail  them- 
selves of  favorable  openings  for  extending  their  enterprise.  That  their 
spirit  of  adventure  looked  toward  Nantucket  early,  dej^ends  not  for  proof 
on  Ichabod  Paddock's  migration  alone.  But  let  not  the  reader,  if  per- 
chance he  may  be  of  some  neighboring  locality,  apprehend  that  we  are 
claiming  for  Cape  Cod  that  it  is  at  present  the  chief  mart  of  the  business. 
We  have  had  occasion  to  smile  at  the  circumambiency  by  which  it  has 
been  attempted  not  simply  to  establish  the  claim  of  rival  neighborhoods  to 
superiority  in  the  enterprise,  but  by  which  its  origin  has  been  mystified.  If 
we  essay  with  unbiased  historical  aim  to  determine  who  of  the  people  of 
the  colonies  first  engaged  in  the  business  of  whaling,  eveiy  one,  at  all  con- 
versant with  early  colonial  history  knows  we  must  assuredly  defer  to  Cape 
Cod  and  must  locate  the  central  point  of  its  enterprise  at  Provincetown,  — 
and  that  at  a  time  when  the  place  was  known  only  as  Cape  Cod  Harbor, 
or,  by,  emphasis,  simply  "  Cape  Cod."  From  the  earliest  settlement  of  any 
part  of  this  peninsula,  long  before  either  of  the  places  that  now  contest  for 
preeminence  in  the  business  was  settled  by  white  people.  Cape  Cod  was 
emphatically  the  scene  and  seat  of  the  whale  fishery.  The  year  1690, 
when,  according  to  Macy,  the  historian  of  Nantucket,  the  great  proficiency 
of  the  Cape  people  in  the  art  led  the  island-folk  to  engage  one  from  hence 
to  come  and  teach  them,  was  very  far  from  the  date  of  the  Inclplency  of 
the  enterprise  here,  or  the  people  else  had  not  made  such  profciency. 
From  16  20,  when  it  became  a  question  whether  the  place  which  Mr.  Everett 
has  called  "  the  outstretched  arm  which  Providence  held  forth  to  enclose 
with  protecting  welcome  the  Pilgrims  of  the  Mayflower,"  should  not  be 
adopted  as  their  permanent  residence,  —  one  of  the  reasons  urged  in  favor 
of  it  being,  "It  is  a  place  of  profitable  fishing,  large  whales  of  the  bast  kind 
for  oil  and  bone,"  coming  daily  along-side  and  playing  about  the  ship  ;  so 
that  the  master  and  his  mate  preferred  It  to  Greenland  whale  fishery,  and 
asserted  that,  were  the  ship  provided  with  proper  implements,  £3000  or 
£4000  worth  of  oil  might  have  been  obtained,  —  the  eyes  of  all  Europe 
were  turned  to  this  point.  See  Vol.  I.  62,  320,  242,  396,  et.  al.  All  rec- 
"ords  of  maritime  transactions  connected  with  the  whale  fisheiy  at  the  first 
periods  of  civilization  here  show  the  important  attitude  of  Cape  Cod  thus 
early.  Indeed,  not  a  town,  as  settlement  succeeded  settlement,  but  was 
somewhat  actively  interested  in  this  business.  It  requires  no  circumlocution 
to  shame  the  inaccuracy  of  some  not  ingenuous  philippics  that  have  ap- 
peared within  a  decade  or  two  touching  this  matter.  Cotton  Mather,  refer- 
ring to  early  settlers  of  the  Plymouth  colony,  says :  "  They  have  since 
passed  on  to  the  catching  of  whales,  whose  oil  is  become  a  staple  commodity 
of  the  country  ;  —  luhales,  I  say,  which  living  and  moving  islands  do  find 
way  to  this  coast,  where,  notwithstanding  the  desperate  hazards  run  by  the 
whale-catchers  in  their  whale-boats,  —  often  torn  to  pieces  by  the  strokes  of 
the  enraged  monsters,  yet  it  has  rarely  been  known  that  any  of  them  have 
miscarried.  And  within  a  few  days  of  my  writing  this  paragraph,  1697,  a 
cow  and  calf  were  caught  -at  Yarmouth.  The  cow  was  55  ft.  long :  the 
bone  was  9  or  10  in.  wide;  a  cart  upon  wheels  might  have  gone  into  the 
mouth  of  it.  The  calf  was  20  ft.  long,  for  unto  such  vast  calves  the  sea- 
monsters  draw  forth  their  breasts.  But  so  does  the  good  God  here  give  this 
people  to  suck  the  abundance  of  the  seas."     This  state  of  things,  so  quaint- 


632  HISTORY    OP   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

count,  for  the  other  part  of  the  year,  £22.13.  The 
Treasurer's  charge,  "  Paid  for  underpinning  the  meet- 
ing-house, 12  s.,"  is  also  on  record ;  and  the  Precinct 
is  credited  the  amount  of  "  the  stranger's  contributions 
£1.  7.  1-2."  This  sum  was  probably  derived  from  per- 
sons transiently  here  to  fish,  or  traf&c,  or  for  a  harbor, 
or  possibly  for  pleasure,  health,  or  to  look  after  mer- 
cantile interests.^ 

In  1729,  Jan.  20,  an  entry  is  made:  "  Received  from 
the  town  treasurer  of  Truro,  £8.  15.  7. ; "  and  "  Mar. 
12,  Strangers'  contribution  to  this  day,  £2.  9.  10;" 
also  of  moneys  "paid  Doct.  Bacon  for  Doct.  Dun- 
king." ^ 

We  are  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  present  only  little  in- 
cidents ;  but  they  are  all  we  can  gather,  and  must 
therefore  serve  as  foot-prints  to  indicate  the  direction 
and  progress.  The  strangers'  contribution,  it  will  be 
understood,  was  to  aid  in  the  support  of  public  wor- 
ship. 

\j  described  by  Mather,  had,  when  he  wrote,  been  akeady  progressing  on 
the  Cape  more  than  half  a  century. 

^  The  immense  importance  of  this  locality,  in  times  long  past,  caused  it  to 
be  visited  by  many  "  strangers."  To  appreciate  its  importance  then,  and  a 
century  previous,  we  must  revert  to  the  peculiar  order  of  business  but  little 
known  at  the  present  day,  and  which  was  in  consonance  with  the  habits 
even  of  Old  Testament  times.  Those  who  were  here,  came  not  aU,  to  fish. 
As  there  were  merchants  upon  the  Red  Sea  as  early  as  the  days  of  Jacob 
and  the  primitive  Israelites,  Gen.  xlix.  13,  Deut.  xxxiii.  18,  19,  and 
Judges  v.  i7,  so  there  were  merchants  here,  periodically  visiting  and  tran- 
siently residing,  from  very  early  times.  Douglass^  in  his  Summary,  1 749, 
indicates  the  early  manner  of  conducting  the  fisheries  :  "  The  fish-ships  are 
distinguished  into  Fishing-ships,  which  by  their  own  men  and  boats  catch 
and  cure  their  fish  cargoes  ;  and  Sack-ships  which  purchase  their  fish  from 
the  inhabitants."  Capt.  Smith,  as  early  as  1623,  intimates  the  magnitude 
the  business  was  even  then  assuming ;  he  says,  "  There  fish  upon  the  coast 
of  Newfoundland  about  250  vessels,  at  a  medium  of  60  tons,  and  return  a 
value  of  £135,000  sterling,  annually;"  and  he  tells  us  "their  method  of 
sharing  at  that  time:  "  -|  to  the  owners,  ^  for  victualling,  and  ^  to  the  ship's 
company." 

■^Prob.  Duncan.  Doct.  Bacon  was  prob.  s.  of  Dea.  Nath'l  of  Be.,  and 
b.  Sept.  30,  1697.  lie  first  removed  to  Eastham.  Doct.  John  Duncan 
of  H.  m.  Lydia  Clark  July  6,  1719,  and  2d,  Kezia  Baker  of  E.  17S4,  and 
had  John  Ap.  18,  1735. 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  633 

In  1731,  David  Freeman  appears  as  an  inhabitant.^ 
In  1741,  Rev.  Mr.  Spear  removed;  and  the  town 
being  nearly  depopulated,  and  business  remaining  for 
a  long  time  stagnant,  no  settled  minister  was  had 
for  many  years,  although  occasionally  supplied  with 
preaching. 

In  1747,  Rev.  Solomon  Lumbert  —  frequently  then, 
and  now  generally,  written  Lombard  —  was  officiating 
again,  as  also  the  following  year.  It  was  "  agreed  to 
give  him  this  year  £25,  old  tenor,  for  seven  months' 
services,  in  addition  to  the  contribution  money,  and 
also  the  groats  of  strangers."  In  1848,  Mr.  Lombard 
was  to  receive  £40  for  seven  months. 

In  1750,  it  was  "  ordered  that  no  bayberries  shall  be  gathered 
until  Sept.  10,  and  no  cranberries  until  Oct.  1,  each  year,  under 
a  penalty  of  £2  "  for  each  offence. 

In  1756,  it  was  "agreed  to  petition  the  Gen.  Court 
for  assistance  in  supporting  a  minister.^'  It  was  also 
"  voted  to  shingle  the  meeting-house." 

In  1760, Rev.  Mr.  Green  was  the  officiating  minister; 
and,  Sept.  13,  "to  pay  Mr.  Green  for  preaching,  £25, 
old  tenor,"  was  raised. 

In  1763,  it  was  "voted  to  have  a  minister  some  part 
of  the  summer ;  "  and  £80,  old  tenor,  was  raised  "  to 
defray  the  expense." 

In  1765,  Rev.  Jonathan  Mills  was  "employed  to 
preach."  ^ 

In  1773,  Dec.  7,  Rev.  Samuel  Parker  was  here;  and 
it  was  "  voted  to  give  Mr.  Parker  £66.  13.  4,  lawful 
money,  as  a  salary,  also  the  frame  for  his  house,  27 
ft.  wide,  30  ft.  long,  and  8  ft.  in  the  walls,  and  his 
firewood  cut,  and  meadow  for  two  cows."^ 

'  Our  conjecture  is  that  this  David  Freeman  was  s.  of  Samuel  of  E., 
and  b.  Jan.  28,  1699,  and  m.  Euth  Freeman  Feb.  15,  1728-9. 
2  Rev.  Mr.  Mills  grad.  H.  C.  1723. 

3Rev.  Mr.  Parkek,  b.  1741,  of  Barnstable,  grad.  H.  C.  1768. 
VOL.  u.  80 


634 


HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


In  1774j  Jan.  20,  Rev.  Mr.  Pa.rker  was  ordained,  and 
instituted  minister  of  the  town.  It  is  understood  that 
after  the  removal  of  the  former  and  only  regularly 
settled  pastor,  Rev.  Mr.  Spear,  the  church  had  become 
nearly  extinct  by  the  depopulation  of  the  place,  and 
that  a  reorganization  was  now  found  necessary.^ 

Whether  a  new  meeting-house  was  built  about  this 
time  does  not  appear ;  but  records  show  that  "  the 
pews  were  sold,"  Dec.  1,  as  follows:  — 

No 


No.  1,  To  Sam'l  Cook,  Edward 

Cook,  and  John  Cook.^ 
"    2,  To   John    Kilburn   and 

Thos.  Kilburn. 
"     3,  To  Silas  jSTewcomb  ^  and 

Jno.  Conant. 
"    4,  To  Neh'h  Mckerson  and 

Capt.  Kelley, 
"     5,  (Prob'iy  minister's  pew.) 
"     6,  To  Phineas  Nickerson  & 

Rd.  Perry. 


7,  To  Sam'l  Atwood  and 
Lot  Ryder. 

8,  To  Joshua   Parse  •  and 
David  ISTewcomb. 

9,  To  Seth  Nickerson  Jr. 

10,  To  Seth  Nickerson  Jr. 
and  Elizur  Nickerson. 

11,  To  Thomas  Ryder  and 
Solo.  Cook  Jr. 

12,  To   Benja.   Ryder  and 
Eben.  Ryder. 


^  At  what  time  the  original  church  was  formed  does  not  appear,  nor  does 
any  survivino-  record  fix  the  exact  date  of  the  settlement  of  Mr.  Spear. 
During  the  first  twelve  years  of  Mr.  Parker's  ministry  the  Gen.  Court 
granted  £45  per  annum  toward  his  support,  "  in  consideration  of  the  im- 
portance of  the  place  to  the  interests  of  navigation,  and  the  difficulty  of 
keeping  it  peopled." 

^Mr.  JosiAH  Cook,  b.  in  E.  1670,  s.  of  Josiah,  and  g.  s.  of  Josias,  the 
first  on  Cape  Cod,  had  by  w.  Mary,  Desire  1694;  Deborah  1696;  John 
Ap.  9,  1698  ;  and  Mary  1700.  John  of  P.  had,  by  w.  Desire,  Mary  1728  ; 
John  Aug.  23,  1730  ;  and  Jabez  June  17, 1732.  Joshua  m.  Zervia  Hatch 
1724,  and  had  Joshua  June  10,  1725;  Elnathan  Ap.  15,1727  ;  Elisa.  1729; 
and  Martha  1731.  Jacob  had,  by  w.  Mary,  Eben'r  Dec.  2, 1731.  Solo- 
mon had,  by  w.  Rebecca,  Mary  1733  ;  Solo.  Sept.  12,  1 737  ;  Rebecca  1740 ; 
and  Edward  Ap.  29,  1746.  Solomon  had,  by  w.  Rebecca,  John  C.  Jan. 
4,  1760;  Rebecca  Aug.  1,  1762,  by  w.  Elisa.;  and  Solo.  Aug,  12,  1764,  I, 
w.  Baty. 

*Mr.  Thomas  Newcomb,  prob.  s.  of  Thomas  of  E.,  andb.  1697,  had,  by 
w.  Hepzibah,  Sarah  1723;  and  Silas  Ap.  19,  1725.  Thomas,  prob.  the 
same,  had  by  w.  Mercy,  Hepzibah  1734;  Peggy  1736;  Betty  1738;  Thos. 
Sept.  30,  1740;  Mary,  1743;  and  Jenah  1745.  Silas  m.  Susanna  Kil- 
burn Aug.  4,  1748,  and  had  Susanna  1750  ;  Jeremiah  Nov.  8,  1753  ;  Sarah 
1755;  Mary  1758;  and  Silas  Dee.  16,  1761.  Jeremiah,  by  w.  Rachel, 
had  Andrew  June  11,  1778  ;  Eben.  Dec.  24,  1781 ;  Reuben  Aug.  6,  1783  ; 
Kate  1785  ;  Rachel  1788  ;  and  Jeremiah  July  19,  1794.  Silas  had  by  w. 
Azubah,  Levi  Jan.  1,  1791.     Elisha  of  W.  m.  Phebe  Nickerson  of  C.  Oct. 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  635 

Besides  the  above  pews,  "ground  for  a  pew  by  the  men's 
seats''''  was  sold  to  Stephen  Atwood  ;  and  "ground  for  a  pew  be- 
hind the  women's  seats "  to  Seth  Nickerson  ;  also,  in  the  same 
location,  to  Stephen  Atwood.-^ 

In  1775,  Jan.  10,  it  was  oi'dered,  "  foi-  every  dog  that  comes 
into  the  meeting-house  on  the  Sabbath-day  in  the  time  of  meet- 
ing the  owner  shall  pay  one-half  dollar  or  kill  his  dog."  It 
was  also  "  voted  that  every  man  fetch  one  burden  of  brush  by 
the  last  of  February,  or  forfeit  11  lbs.  of  fish."  It  does  not 
clearly  appear  for  what  use  these  fardels  of  brush  were  intended; 
they  were,  doubtless,  to  be  spread  upon  the  ground  around  the 
meeting-house  to  prevent  the  drifting  of  the  surface. 

The  absence  of  any  allusion  whatever  to  the  excit- 
ing topics  of  the  day,  during  the  whole  Revolutionary 
period,  is  remarkable.  We  find  absolutely  nothing. 
For  this  we  can  account  only  by  reference  to  the  pe- 
culiar and  entirely  defenceless  situation  of  the  town. 
The  mutilated  state  of  the  records  has  also  suggested 
to  our  own  mind  the  conclusion  that  the  records  them- 
selves were,  until  after  the  close  of  the  war,  as  exposed 
as  the  place  itself  We  think  there  must  have  been  a 
neutrality  yielded  to  necessity  ;  but  a  desire,  in  respect 
to  earlier  records,  for  concealment,  judged  expedient. 

In  1779,  Feb.  22,  a  meeting  was  held,  the  action  of  which 
would  seem  to  indicate  that  the  sale  of  pews  for  five  years  pre- 
vious was  a  merely  temporary  arrangement  for  a  limited  period ; 
or  that  more  pew-spots  were  created  by  substitution  for  common 
seats.    It  was  now  "  agreed  that  the  front  aisle  be  2  ft.  9  in. 


28,  1765.     See  note  on  the  catastrophe  1772,  in  Annals  of  Chatham.     Sim- 
eon of  E.  m.  Grace  Harding  of  C.  Ap.  12,  1757. 

^Mr.  Stephen  Atwood  had  by  his  w.  Sarah,  Jona.  Aug.  2,  1731; 
Stephen  Dec.  25,1733;  Martha  1736;  Rebecca  1738;  Sarah  1740;  and 
Susanna  1 743.  Henry  had  by  w.  Thankful,  Thankful  1 729  ;  Kezia  1 733  ; 
Henry  Oct.  11,  1735;  and  Ellsa.  1737.  Joseph  had  by  w.  Lydia,  Lydia 
Sept.  8,  1733.  Joshua  had  by  w.  Sarah,  Sam'l  Aug.  24,  1735;  Mary 
1745;  and  John  Mar.  24,  1756.  Jonathan  had  by  w.  Nabby,  Rebecca 
1757  ;  Nathan  Aug.  11,  1759  ;  Hannah  1763  ;  Henry  Mar.  8,  1766  ;  Nabby 
1769;  Jona.  Nov.  20,  1772;  and  Jaipes  June  2,  1776.  Samuel  had  by 
Barsheba,  Joshua  July  3,  1767;  Henry  Sept.  9,  1768;  Sarah  Dec.  26, 
1769;  Mary  1773;  Sam'l  June  4,  1776;  Elisa.  1779;  Bathsheba  1781; 
and  John  Sept.  11,  1784. 


636  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

wide,  and  the  front  seats  below  be  made  3  in.  nearer,  and  that  the 
ground  in  the  meeting-house  be  sold,  to  make  pews,  and  that  the 
sale  be  by  vendue."     The  spots  for  pews  sold  as  follows  :  "  To 
Seth  Nickerson  Jr.,  the  first  pew  on  the  left  hand,  for  $200. 

«  "  "       «      "       «      next  adjoining,  180. 

Elijah  Nickerson,       "      "       "      on  the  right  hand,  235. 

Phineas  Nickerson,    "      "       "      next  adjoining,  205. 

Silas  Nickerson,  the  uppermost  pew  in  the  long  gallery  on 

the  right  hand  side,  66. 

John  Burgess,  the  next  pew  in  the  long  gallery  on  the 

right  hand  side,  61. 

Samuel  Atwood,  the  next  adjoining,  58. 

Thomas  Kilburn,  "       «  «  59. 

Seth  Nickerson,  the  uppermost  pew  in  the  front  gallery,         186. 
Solomon  Cook  Jr.,  the  next  "         "  "         "  172. 

John  Conant,  the  uppermost  pew  in  the  men's  long  gallery,     80. 
Joshua  Atkins,  the  next  "        "  «         "  "  81. 

Samuel  Ryder,   «       «  «         «  "         "  «  156, 

each  purchaser  to  pay  by  the  1st  of  July,  or  forfeit  his  pew." 

In  1780,  it  was  "voted  to  raise  Mr.  Parker's  salary  £1000." 

In  1781,  Jan.  8,  Messrs.  Stephen  Atwood,  Seth  Nickerson  and 
Solo.  Cook,  Jr.  were  app.  to  agree  with  Mr.  Parker  what  he  shall 
have  for  his  salary  this  year."  A  com.  was  chosen  "  to  see  that 
the  boys  do  not  play  in  meeting,"  etc.  The  former  vote  in  ref- 
erence to  the  fetching  of  brush  was  renewed  ;  and  it  was  voted 
to  repair  the  meeting-house. 

In  1782,  Feb.  18,  it  was  "  voted  that  rates  be  paid  either  in 
money  or  fish,  by  June  1 ;  and  that  Seth  Nickerson  have  the  fish 
in  keeping  until  sent  to  market."  An  order  was  made  "  for  the. 
preservation  of  Mill  Pond  meadow." 

The  town  app.  Messrs.  Seth  Nickerson  Sr.,  Elijah  N. 
Cook,  and  Edward  Cook  a  com.  "  to  petition  the  Gen. 
Court  for  liberty  to  obtain  a  protection  from  the  Brit- 
ish Government  for  occupying  the  business  of  fishing 
and  bringing  the  effects  into  the  adjacent  States." 
Left  by  its  own  government  without  means  of  defence, 
it  is  very  evident  that  this  town  could  do  but  little  for 
its  country  in  the  eventful  struggle  of  the  Revolution  ; 
and  it  is  equally  clear  that  without  being  permitted 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  637 

to  assume  a  position  of  neutrality,  the  people  could 
do  little  for  themselves. 

Messrs,  Stephen  Atwood,  Solo.  Cook  and  Thos.  Ryder  were 
app.  Dec.  4,  a  com.  on  Mr.  Parker's  salary. 

In  1783,  the  amount  raised  for  the  ministry  was  £70. 

In  1786,  it  was  ordered  "  that  each  man  fetch  brush  to  the 
meeting-house  ^  on  or  before  the  day  appointed,  or  pay  the  pen- 
alty for  neglect ; "  also,  "  that  if  any  person  be  found  gathering 
cranberries  before  Oct.  1,  he  or  she  shall  pay  £5,  old  tenor."  ^ 

In  1788,  July  15,  Rev.  Mr.  Parker  was  chosen  agent  "  to  rep- 
resent to  the  Gen.  Court  the  circumstances  of  the  town,  and  ob- 
tain a  relinquishment  of  the  State  tax." 

In  1791,  Sept.  12,  a  com.  was  chosen  to  petition  government 
for  the  removal  of  the  duties  on  salt.  It  is  remarkable  that  to 
this  time,  during  all  its  privations  and  exposedness,  and  notwith- 
standing 20  or  30  vessels  found  opportunities  for  employment  in 
the  cod-fishery,  not  a  vessel  or  man  had  been  lost  since  the  com- 
mencement of  the  war.^ 

In  1792,  Jan.  5,  the  town  petitioned  to  have  its  State 
tax  abated,  and  for  assistance  in  building  a  new  meet- 
ing-house. The  town  appropriated  for  the  building, 
£110. 

In  1793,  the  project  of  a  new  meeting-house  was 
still  under  consideration,  and  subscriptions  were  obtain- 
ed from  residents,  in  shares  of  <£7.10,  each,  —  a  total 
of  £157.10,  as  follows:  from 

Joseph  Atkins,  Sam'l.  Baker,  John  Kinney, 

Silas  Atkins,  Solo.  Cook,  Josh'a  A.  Mayo, 

Henry  Atwood,  Barn's.  Freeman,  William  Miller, 

Steph.  Atwood,  Micah  Gross,  Eben.  Nickerson, 


'  This  confirms  the  impression  that  brush  was  collected  from  time  to  time 
to  be  spread  upon  spots  of  ground  needing  protection  from  the  winds. 

^  These  berries  were  abundant  in  the  bogs  which  were  claimed  as  com- 
mon property. 

^  The  town  at  this  time  contained  100  families,  whose  sole  dependence 
was  their  avocations  upon  the  seas.  The  year  previous  to  the  above  date, 
1790,  ten  vessels  took  11,000  quintals  on  the  Grand  Banks.  It  is  a  trifling 
incident  to  mention,  but  serves  to  illustrate  the  existing  state  of  things,  that 
at  this  date  there  were  owned  in  town  but  2  horses,  2  yoke  of  oxen,  and  50 
cows. 


638 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Edm.  Niekerson, 
Elijah  Nickerson, 
Enos  iSTickerson, 
Geo.  jNTickerson, 
Seth  Nickerson  Jr. 
Steph.  Nickerson, 
Wm.  Nickerson, 
Jon' a.  Nickerson, 
and  in  ^  shares,  of 

Joshua  Atwood, 
William  Bush, 
Edward  Cook, 
Elisha  Cook, 
Jon'a.  Cook, 
John  Cook, 
Pardon  C.  Cook, 


Josiah  Nickerson, 
Joseph  Nickerson, 
Martha  Nickerson, 
Nathan  Nickerson, 
Phineas  Nickerson, 
Seth  Nickerson, 
David  Ryder, 


Rd.  Ryder, 
Sara'l.  Ryder, 
Thos.  Ryder, 
Thos.  Small,       , 
Taylor  Smalley, 
Robert  Soper, 
John  Whorf;  — 


£3.15  each,  —  a  total  of  £75,  as  follows  :  from 


Sam'l.  Cook, 
Solo.  Cook  Jr., 
David  Kilburn, 
Silas  Knowles, 
Allen  Nickerson, 
Jas,  Nickerson,  ^ 
Reuben  Orcutt, 


Rich'd.  Perry, 
Seth  Smith, 
Seth  Smith  Jr., 
Theoph.  Thomas, 
Thos.  Watkins, 
David  Young. 


^  The  name  of  Nickerson  has  prevailed  to  such  an  extent,  in  several  of 
the  Cape  towns,  that  it  is  difficult  to  furnish  a  genealogical  table  that  shall 
be  satisfactory.  It  is  understood  that  the  families  first  here  were  from 
Chatham  and  its  neighborhood.  The  earliest  mention  of  the  name  here,  in 
the  record  of  births,  is  that  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Nickerson  who,  by  wife 
Sarah,  had  born  to  him  Seth  May  28,  1734.  We  will  only  venture  to  pre- 
sent some  isolated  extracts  from  the  records  of  this  and  several  other  towns, 
which  may  possibly  be  suggestive  to  such  as  would  investigate  :  —  Jonathan 
of  Chatham,  had  by  his  wife  Jane,  Judith  Ap.  9,  1720;  Jane  1722,  Jon. 
Jan.  14,  1723-4  ;  and  Simeon  Ap.  10,  1727.  Samuel  of  C.  &  H.  had,  by 
wife  Hannah,  Mehit.  Jan.  10, 1708-9;  Shabar  Aug.  26, 1710  ;  Sam.  Feb.  22, 
1711-12;  Benj,  Sept.  1714  ;  Barn's.  Nov.  7. 1716  ;  and  Joshua  June  16, 1719. 
John  of  C,  had  by  wife  Mary,  Elisha  Mar.  7,  1706.  Ebenezer  of  H., 
had  by  wife  Elisa.  Mary  Aug.  3,  1727  ;  Hannah  1728  ;  Mary  1730  ;  Elisa. 
1732;  Seth  Oct.  21,  1737  ;" and  Nathan  Nov.  22,  1739.  \  Seth,  of  Pro- 
vincetown,  had  by  wife  Martha,  Jon.  July  5,  1754;  Stephen  Sept.  6, 1756; 
/  Martha  May  7, 1759  ;  Joshua  Dec.  7,  1761  ;  Seth  Ap.  17,  1764;  Rebecca 
Aug.  25,  1766;  Bethia  1768;  Ruth  1771;  Sarah  1773;  Nath'l.  Dec.  24, 
17  75  ;  and  Reuben  Nov.  21,  1777.  >'  Seth  of  P.  m.  Mary  Smith  of  C.  Mar. 
19,1761,  andhadHannah  1762;  Nathan  Dec.  11, 1763  ;  Eliz.  1766;  Eben. 
Aug.  17,  1768 ;  and  Enos  Sept.  19,  1770.  Seth  of  P.  had,  by  wife  Phebe, 
Seth  Feb.  23,  1791.  Seth  of  P.  had,  by  wife  Isabel,  4  drs.  ;  Seth  Jan.  4, 
1791 ;  and  Jesse  Sept.  18,  1792.  Enos  of  P.  had,  by  wife  Deborah,  Nehe- 
miah  K.  Feb.  11,  1783.  Phineas  of  P.  had,  by  wife  Susanna,  Jane  Dec. 
12,  1757.  Stephen  of  P.  m.  Hannah  Eldridge  of  C.  Oct.  13,  1781. 
Jonathan  of  P.  had,  by  wife  Bethia,  Abig.  Aug.  26,  1777  ;  Isaiah  Mar.  13, 
1779;  Jonathan  Aug.  19,  1781  ;  Elisha  July  io,-  1783  ;  and  Levi  Nov.  2, 
1785.  Elijah  of  P.,  had  by  wife  Jemima,  Josiah,  Nov.  7,  17  70;  Elijah 
Aug.  7,  1772,  d.  inf ;  Elijah  Aug.  29,  1774;  Joseph  Sept.  27,  1776; 
Hannah  1782;  and  David  Sept.  11,1785.  Joshua  of  P.  had,  by  wife 
Rebecca,  Isaac  Aug.  28,  1784;  Joshua  Sept.  10,  1786;  Rebecca  Nov.  9, 
1788;  and  Abraham  July  25,  1791.  Allen  of  P.  had,  by  wife  Polly, 
James  C.  Nov.  13,  1 784  ;  Rebecca  1 786  ;  and  Allen'Feb.  2,  1 789.     Nathan 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  639 

In  1794,  "  a  mortal  sickness  prevailed  in  town,  —  supposed  to 
have  been  caused  by  the  carcasses  of  a  large  number  of  sharks 
left  putrefying  on  the  shoresnear  the  village." 

In  1795,  a  Free-masons  hall  was  built  by  King  Hiram's  Lodge. 

In  1798,  the  town  decreed  that  a  penalty  of  |10  be  exacted  for 
all  cattle  found  at  large  on  Long  Point.  The  town  also  ordered 
"  that  a  platform  of  plank  be  laid  in  front  of  the  meeting-house." 
The  subject  of  mail  facilities  was  entertained,  and  the  town  re- 
solved to  petition  the  general  government  "for  a  post  to  come 
down  the  Cape."  ^ 

In  1799,  the  town  memorialized  the  Legislature,  "  acquainting 
the  Gen.  Court  Avith  the  disturbance  that  is  likely  to  arise  con- 
cerning the  support  of  the  Methodist-poor ;  "  and  Mr.  Seth  Nick- 
erson  was  appointed  to  present  the  memorial.^ 

In  1800,  the  salary  voted  Eev.  Mr.  Parker  was  |300. 

In  1801,  small-pox  made  its  appearance  here,  and  excited  much 
alarm.  A  hospital  was  provided,  —  a  private  dwelling  being 
used  for  the  purpose  ;  a  high,  close  fence  was  erected  around  the 
premises;  the  hospital  physician  was  prohibited  going  about  the 
town  ;  all  assemblages  were  forbidden  ;  the  schools  and  places  for 
public  worship  were  closed ;  dogs  and  cats  were  by  municipal  order 
summarily  despatched,  and  hogs  and  sheep  interdicted  from  run- 
ning at  large,  under  a  penalty  of  $50  ;  a  smoke-house  for  general 
fumigation  was  provided,  and  other  i^recautionary  measures 
adopted. 

In  1802,  the  Methodists,  who  had  appeared  for  a 
time  to  be  increasing,  were  reduced  in  number,  making 
only  12  families.^      Their  prosperity  after  this  will  be 

of  p.  had,  by  wife  Sarah,  John  Dec.  11,  1786  ;  and  Nathan  Nov.  5,  1790. 
We  might  extend  these  suggestions ;  but  must  leave  other  data  we  have 
collected  respecting  this  very  numerous  and  respectable  name  for  another 
occasion. 

^It  seems  to  us,  at  the  present  day,  incredible  that  no  postal  facilities  had 
existed  here  at  so  late  a  period. 

^We  are  not  disposed  to  be  very  minute  in  our  notices  of  ecclesiastical 
difficulties,  or  of  the  inroads  tnade  upon  the  ancient  order  of  things  by  the 
introduction  of  new  sects ;  nor  have  we  been  anxious  to  acquaint  ourself 
with  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case.  The  first  preacher  of  the  Methodist 
order,  it  is  said,  came  here  within  the  last  decade  of  the  last  century,  prob. 
abt.  1790-2,  and  preached  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Sam'l  Ryder.  Opposition 
to  the  introduction  of  new  sects  was  developed,  and  much  pai'ty  strife  was 
the  sequence.     The  first  located  here  was  Mr.  McLane. 

^  Among  those  who  removed  from  the  place  were  Messrs.  Samuel  Ryder, 
Richard  Ryder,  Eben.    Ryder,  Jno.   Kenney,  Wm.  Reade,  Simeon  Bates, 


640  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

the  more  apparent.  Rev.  Alexander  McLane  came  and 
exercised  his  ministry  here  about  this  time.^ 

In  1803,  a  municipal  regulation,  of  sanitary  precaution,  provid- 
ed that  "  all  carcasses  of  whales,  sharks,  horse-mackerel,"  etc.,  be 
towed,  within  a  given  time,  beyond  low-water  mark  by  those  who 
land  them.^ 

In  1805,  the  town  petitioned  for  a  lighthouse  on  Race  Point. 
Mr.  JosiAH  iSTicKBESON"  died,  April  3. 

In  1806,  the  building  that  had  been  provided  by  the  town  as  a 
hospital  was  used  as  a  poorhouse. 

In  1807,  the  meeting-house  was  again  repaired,  and  the  pews 
were  resold.^ 

Jesse  Kilbourne,  David  lillbourne,  Solomon  Collins,  and  Hy.  Atwood,  who 
are  said  to  have  settled  on  the  Penobscot  River ;  and  Chs.  Atkins  and  Chs. 
Atkins  Jr.,  who  settled  at  Mt.  Vernon,  Me. 

^  The  compulsory  exactions  of  the  law,  in  regard  to  the  payment  of  minis- 
terial rates,  were  the  cause  of  much  complaint.  That  there  was,  at  this 
period,  a  peculiar  aptitude  for  change  in  the  minds  of  many  throughout 
New  England,  is  obvious  ;  the  cause  is  a  question  which  it  is  not  our  prov- 
ince here  to  discuss. 

^  The  produce  of  oil  from  fish  of  various  kinds  was  at  this  period  very 
considerable.  The  amount  ordinarily  obtained  fi'om  different  species  may 
be  rated,  on  an  average,  as  follows :  From  a  right  whale,  20,  40,  80,  or  100 
bis. ;  from  a  humpback,  15  to  50  bis. ;  grampus,  1,  2,  or  3  bis.  ;  blackfish, 
about  1  bl. ;  shark,  from  1  gal.  to  7  or  8  bis. ;  porpoise,  about  2  gals. ;  a 
boat-load  of  dog-fish,  1  bl.  From  other  fish,  oil  was  obtained,  but  the  pre- 
ceding are  most  important.  The  estimate  of  the  various  yield  of  oil  by 
sharks  may  seem  to  some  readers  to  propose  a  large  maximum ;  but,  accord- 
ing to  Mr.  Emery's  account  in  the  Provincetown  Banner,  June  4,  1857,  the 
data  is  appropriate  not  to  former  days  only.  He  describes  a  shark  captured 
that  year  near  the  entrance  of  the  harbor,  —  having  become  entangled  in 
mackerel  nets  off  Long  Point,  —  of  "the  species  sometimes  called  Bone 
Shark,"  and  which  he  denominates  "  a  Sea  Elephant."  This  shark,  he 
says,  measured  about  31  ft.  in  length,  breadth  of  tail  or  flukes  7  ft.,  circum- 
ference in  the  thickest  part  16  ft.,  and  the  liver  weighed  probably  not  far 
from  2  tons  and  yielded  about  7  bis.  of  oil,  worth  then  about  $200. 

^  There  were  at  this  date,  "  the  one  meeting-house  only,  and  that  small ; 
a  building  used  for  a  fi-eemasons' lodge  and  town  school;  and  180  dwellings; 
and  44  sailing  vessels  belonging  here  were  at  sea,  —  chiefly  fishing  at  the 
Straits  of  Belleisle,  —  all  of  which  returned  without  loss,  with  cargoes 
amounting  to  50,000  quintals."  The  traveller  represents  the  houses  at  this 
time  as  standing,  as  they  generally  do  at  present,  "  near  the  water's  edge, 
on  the  side  of  the  ridge  of  hills  that  everywhere  border  one  side  of  this 
part  of  the  peninsula."  He  says,  "  There  was  under  foot  the  deep  white 
sand,  driven  by  winds  like  snow,  so  that  heaps  were  sometimes  piled  against 
the  houses,  and,  but  for  the  contrivance  of  raising  them  on  piles,  they  were 
in  danger  of  being  buried ;  a  passage  being  left  under  the  flooring  prevent- 
ing such  catastrophe.  Two  or  three  willows  had  been  planted,  whose  roots 
struck  deep  and  attracted  the  moisture  below.  There  were  also  a  few 
houses  scattered  in  hollows  where  were  pools  and  morasses,  and  their  loca- 
tion secured  a  fine  atmosphere  in  summer  compared  with  the  undue  heat  of 
the  main  settlement  where  the  reflection  had  no  vegetable  correction." 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  641 

In  1808,  the  town  petitioned  the  Legislature  for  an  act  protect- 
ing lobster  fishery  against  the  incursions  of  non-residents.  The 
town  also  memorialized  Congress  and  the  President  of  the  U. 
States,  setting  forth  the  embarrassing  condition  of  commerce,  and 
asking  a  repeal  of  the  embargo  laws.  The  petition  represented 
the  situation  of  this  town  as  peculiar,  its  interests  being  almost 
entirely  involved  in  navigation  and  the  fisheries,  —  the  soil  not 
admitting  of  cultivation,  and  the  property  of  the  inhabitants  con- 
sisting chiefly  of  vessels  and  the  products  of  their  voyages,  —  the 
sales  of  which  could  not  be  effected  except  at  a  ruinous  loss  Math- 
out  a  foreign  market,  and  were  of  a  perishable  nature  ;  the  vessels 
also,  lying  unemployed,  were  decaying  and  becoming  worthless. 
The  memorial  adds,  "  We  are  ready  to  manifest  our  patriotism  by 
making  every  necessary  sacrifice  for  the  good  of  our  country ;  we 
have  yielded  unlimited  respect  and  submission  to  the  laws  with- 
out evasion ;  but  we  are  distressed  by  embarrassment." 

In  1809,  the  Legislature  was  petitioned.  The 
embargo  on  all  ships  and  other  vessels  in  the  ports  and 
harbors  of  the  United  States  had  made  the  condition 
of  this  town  so  distressing,  that  they  now  sought  from 
the  State  some  amelioration. 

In  1810,  the  representative  to  the  Gen.  Court  was 
elected  on  the  following  conditions  :  "  The  person  elect- 
ed to  represent  the  town  shall  have  $10  for  his  attend- 
ance at  said  Court  during  the  year  ;  shall  there  attend 
to  the  town's  business ;  and  shall  give  bonds  to  the 
town  previous  to  the  return  of  his  election  being  made, 
to  indemnify  the  town  from  all  charge  for  representa- 
tive pay  for  said  year,  except  the  aforesaid  sum  of  $10 
which  the  town  is  to  give  him ;  and  the  overplus  he 
shall  refund  to  the  town  when  it  shall  receive  a  precept 
from  the  Treasurer  of  the  Commonwealth,  statino-  the 
amount  of  said  representative's  pay. "  These  were  cer- 
tainly hard  conditions ;  but  it  will  be  noted  that  the 
town  was  without  a  representative  this  year. 

In  1811,  the  Rev.  Samuel   Parker,  pastor  of  the 

VOL.  II.  81 


642  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTT. 

ancient  Cong.  Church,  died,  Apl.  11,  ge.  71  ;^  and  the 
Methodist  Society  was  this  year  incorporated. 

In  1812,  what  the  embargo  had  failed  to  accomplish, 
the  war  consummated ;  the  town  became  greatly  de- 
pressed.    A  lobster  act  was  obtained  this  year. 

In  1813,  a  town-meeting  was  convened,  Dec.  10,  "  to 
take  into  consideration  the  present  unhappy  situation 
of  the  town  by  reason  of  the  war,  and  to  devise  means 
for  the  enemy's  demands  in  future,  if  the  town  be  obliged 
to  comply  with  them."  Messrs.  Jona.  Cook,  John 
Whorf,  and  Joseph  Atkins  were  chosen  a  com.  of 
safety. 

After  the  close  of  the  war,  the  town  increased  more 
rapidly  than  ever  before,  both  in  population  and 
business. 

In  1817,  Nov.  19,  Rev.  Nathaniel  Stone  was  installed 
over  the  Con  a*.  Church.^ 

o 

In  1820,  Mr.  Joseph  Atkins  was  chosen  delegate  to 
the  convention  for  revising  the  Constitution. 

In  1822,  Mr.  Orsemus  Thomas  died,  Nov.  2 ;  and  in 
1823,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Nickerson,  town  clerk,  died. 

In  1826,  the  United  States  acquired  land  at  Long 
Point  for  a  lighthouse.^  Capt.  Lemuel  Cook  d.,  Jan.  25, 
1828,  se.  42.* 

In  1833,  a  Universalist  Society  was  organized  here. 


^  Rev.  Mr.  Parker,  who  was  here  at  a  period  somewhat  eai'li*r  than  his 
settlement,  m.  1st  Mary  Smith  of  this  town,  Jan.  4,  1785,  and  had  Samuel; 
she  d.  and  he  m.  2d  Eunice  Hinckley,  dr.  of  Sam'l,  Esq.,  of  Barnstable. 

^The  Rev.  Mr.  Stone  was  b.  in  Dennis,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1795. 

^It  is  said  that  the  government  obtained  a  deed  of  the  site  from  the 
town.  An  arrangement  was  doubtless  also  made  with  the  State,  and  with 
its  concurrence  a  quit-claim  was  probably  given  by  the  town.  We  know 
not  how  this  may  be ;  but  the  township  being  the  property  of  the  Province, 
titles,  first  obtained  by  possession  and  improvement,  had  usually  been  trans- 
ferred by  quit-claim.     In  course  of  time,  building  lots  assumed  good  prices. 

*  Capt.  Lemuel  Cook,  b.  1706,  s.  of  Jona.,  d.  in  San  Jago ;  he  was 
father  of  Mrs.  Jalrus  H.  Hilliard,  who  was  Emily,  and  gi-andfather  of  John 
D.  Hilliard,  of  Boston. 


ANNALS   OF   PROVINCETOWN.  643 

The  first  minister  was  Rev.  J.  B.  Dods  ;  the  edifice  built 
as  a  "  Union  meeting-house  "  became  theirs. 

In  1835,  the  sum  appropriated  for  common  schools 
was  $600.     Mr.  Jonathan  Cook  died,  Aug.  2,  83.  82.^ 

In  1837,  the  town  voted  to  receive  its  proportion  of 
the  surplus  revenue,  and  raised  $700  for  schools.  The 
Rev.  Nathaniel  Stone's  connection  with  the  Cong. 
Church  was  dissolved  f  and  from  this  time  the  pastorate 
remained  vacant  some  years.^  The  ancient  church,  in 
fact,  became  nearly  extinct.  The  Methodists  had  made 
inroads  upon  the  old  parish,  and  a  large  and  prosperous 
society  of  this  denomination  of  Christians  was  the  re- 
sult ;  next  came  the  Universalists,  and  still  diminished 
numbers  clouded  its  prospects.  Rev.  Messrs.  White, 
Myrick,  Alderman,  and  perhaps  others,  were  in  succeed- 
ing years  either  pastors  or  supplies ;  but  the  ancient 
order  of  things  had  passed  away  for  the  time  being. 

In  1838,  the  town  assembled  and  chose  a  committee 
to  attend  on  a  delegation  sent  in  behalf  of  the  State  to 
inquire  into  matters  connected  with  the  Province  lands ; 
the  town  com.  consisted  of  Messrs.  Jno.  Atkins,  Eben. 
Atkins,  and  Nathan  Freeman  2d.  In  Feb.,  this  year, 
plank  sidewalks  were  laid  along  the  principal  street 
in  town,  about  2  m.,  at  a  cost  of  about  $2000.  Mr. 
Gamaliel  Collins  died  Mar.  29,  1839. 

In  1840,  the  town  petitioned  Congress  that  "  pro- 
vision be  made  for  sick  and  disabled  seamen  tha.t  are 
or  may  be  left  here ; "  and  hospital  privileges  were 


^Mr.  Jonathan  Cook,  b.  July  22,  1753,  son  of  Solo,  and  Rebecca,  m. 
Mercy  Tilton,  dr.  Philip  and  Desire,  Ap.  16,  1773,  and  had  Patty  1773; 
David  N.  Aug.  29,  1776  ;  Jona.  Feb.'23,  1780 ;  Philip  Oct.  15,  1781  ;  Be- 
thia  1784;  Lemuel  Sept.  13,  1786  ;  Edward  and  Sally,  gemini,  Mar.  16, 
1789,  the  last  d.  inf. ;  and  Sally  1792. 

"^  Eev.  Mr.  Stone  removed  to  Maine,  and  died. 

*  The  population  at  this  time  was  2049,  —  making  438  families,  of  whom 
1087  were  males  and  962  were  females. 


644  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

granted.  The  number  of  scholars  entitled  to  the  benefit 
of  the  common  schools  this  year,  between  the  ages  of 
4  and  16,  were  562  ;  and  the  amount  raised  for  schools 
was  $1000.  Mr.  Silas  Atkins  died,  Feb.  4;  ^  and  Mr. 
Solomon  Cook,  Mar.  28. 

In  1844,  school-houses  were  built  on  improved  plans, 

—  each  two  stories,  with  convenient  rooms  above  and 
below  for  recitations,  connecting  with  the  main  rooms, 
and  furnished  with  globes,  maps,  and  various  apparatus, 

—  at  a  cost  of  about  $10,000;  a  measure  highly 
honorable  to  the  town. 

In  1845,  the  Legislature  was  asked  to  empower  the  county 
commissioners  to  cause  a  jail  to  be  erected  here.  The  prayer 
of  the  petitioners  was  granted,  and  the  jail  was  built.  For  schools, 
this  yeai',  $1250  was  raised. 

In  1847,  the  sum  of  $2000  was  raised  for  schools. 

In  1849,  $2500  was  appropriated  for  schools. 

In  1850,  regulations,  as  at  other  times,  were  adopted  for  the  sup- 
pression of  intemperance. 

In  1851,  a  Town-house  on  High  Hill  was  ordered  to  be  built, 
at  a  cost  of  about  114,300  ;  and  $2,800  was  raised  for  schools. 

In  1852,  Mr.  Thomas  Nickeeson  died,  Jan.  4  ;  Mr.  Lot  Paine, 
May  11 ;  and  Mr.  Stephen  Hilliard,  Aug.  2. 

In  1853,  additional  regulations  were  adopted  by  the  town  for 
the  preservation  of  cranberry  vines ;  and  $3,100  was  raised  for 
schools,  $600  of  which  was  for  a  high  school.  Mr.  Henky  Paine 
was  chosen  delegate  to  the  convention  for  revising  the  Constitu- 
tion. 

In  1854,  the  sum  of  $3,500  was  voted  for  schools. 

In  1855,  leave  having  been  obtained  to  construct  a  bridge  from 
this  town  to  Beach  Point  in  Truro,  an  appropriation  was  made 
for  that  object.  The  bridge  was  built  at  a  cost  of  about  $9,000, 
of  which  this  town  paid  about  one  half,  and  the  town  of  Truro 
and  the  county  the  balance.^ 

^Mr.  Silas  Atkins  had,  by  wife  Bethia,  Isaiah  Oct.  16,  1786 ;  Bethia 
Feb.  20,  1789  ;  Martha  June  5, 1793  ;  and  Joshua  Mar.  16, 1795.  Joseph 
had,  by  wife  Ruth,  Joseph  June  28, 1789;  Freeman  Oct.  8, 1790  ;  and  Ruth 
Feb.  25,  1793, 

*  We  are  informed  that  the  county  contributed  about  $2000  to  this  erec- 
tion, —  $500  to  the  aid  of  this  town,  the  balance  to  Truro.     The  bridge  soon 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  645 

In  1857,  a  project  which  had  often  before  been  seriously  agitat- 
ed, namely,  to  dike  the  East  Harbor-meadows  of  Truro  and  this 
town,  was  again  entertained,  and  preliminary  measures  were,  this 
spring,  adopted  to  accomplish  it,  —  the  people  conceiving  that  the 
work  would  greatly  tend  to  the  preservation  of  Cape  Cod  Harbor, 
upon  which  constant  inroads  were  being  made  by  moving 
sands.^ 

suffered  injuries  from  winds,  ice,  and  tides,  needing  frequent  and  extensWp 
repairs.  The  conviction,  too  late,  was  that  it  would  have  been  economy  to 
have  erected  a  more  substantial  structure,  though  at  a  much  greater  cost. 

^  To  this  plan  forcible  objections  were  made  by  some,  and  the  project  was 
as  earnestly  espoused  by  others.  Some  doubted  both  its  expediency  and 
practicability.  They  contended  that  the  only  possible  protection  of  the 
hai'bor  from  deterioration  and  destruction  was  to  be  obtained  by  strength- 
ening the  tract  of  beach  between  the  ocean  and  East  Harbor.  It  was  al- 
leged that  in  the  notable  storm  that  destroyed  the  lighthouse  at  MInot's 
Ledge  near  Boston,  more  than  half  the  point  of  beach  here  was  overflowed 
for  half  a  mile  next  to  the  channel  of  East  Harbor,  and  that  the  tide  went 
over  the  beach  which  separates  the  ocean  from  the  meadows.  Another  in- 
stance vi^as  cited  of  a  storm  when  not  less  than  eight  shipwrecks  occurred 
on  the  back  of  the  Cape  between  Highland  light  and  Race  Point,  and  the 
overflow  was  not  only  as  already  mentioned,  but  the  sea  broke  over  the 
beach  in  two  places,  near  where  wrecks  lay,  carrying  timber  washed  from 
the  wrecks  with  it.  Another  instance,  occurring  in  Mar.  1854,  showed  a 
similar  overflow,  —  a  boat-house  on  the  beach  between  the  ocean  and  the 
meadows,  although  standing  on  a  bank  covered  with  beach  grass,  15  ft. 
above  high-water  mark,  being  broken  up  and  washed  entirely  over  into  the 
meadows,  whilst  the  bank  itself  was  much  broken.  Other  views,  however, 
prevailed,  as  appears  by  Legislative  action.  May  9,  1857.  A  com.  on  mer- 
cantile affairs  and  insurance,  to  whom  the  petition  of  the  selectmen  of  this 
town  had  been  referred,  reported,  —  having  gathered  some  singular  statistics 
from  a  previous  report,  of  a  Legislative  com.  made  in  1853,  namely,  that  tlie 
narrow  beach,  to  which  reference  is  made  above,  consists  of  loose  sands 
driven  about  and  thrown  into  heaps  like  snow-drifts  by  every  high  wind  ; 
and  that  winds  from  points  N.  E.  to  N.  W.  drive  these  sands  directly  into 
the  channel  of  East  Harbor,  a  strong  current  conveying  them  thence  Into 
the  N.  E.  part  of  Cape  Cod  Harbor ;  the  ocean  on  the  north  side  In  every 
storm  washing  the  narrow  beach,  which  is  the  only  barrier  to  prevent  the 
entire  Isolation  of  Provlncetown  from  the  main,  and  the  current  on  tlie 
south  side  undermining  and  destroying  it.  Of  this  beach,  the  report  says, 
"It  has  narrowed,  within  7  or  8  yrs.,  from  8  to  10  rods;  where  the  mail- 
stage  travelled  only  one  year  since,  is  now  the  channel  with  6  ft.  of  water 
at  low  tide,  and  from  12  to  14  at  high  water."  The  com.  of  1857  advised, 
since  the  simple  planting  of  beach  grass  Is  not  effectual,  that  the  plan,  above 
cited,  of  the  Inhabitants  be  considered  and  fnoroughly  examined,—"  the  plan 
being  to  construct  a  solid  pier  or  wall  from  Beach  Point  In  Truro,  aci-oss  the 
mouth  of  East  Harbor.  The  distance  there  Is  about  1600  ft., over  flats,  e:4- 
cept  a  narroAV  channel.  .  .  .  Such  a  work  Is  eminently  deserving  the 
action  of  the  general  government.  The  harbor  it  will  preserve  Is  one  of 
the  most  Important  in  the  United  States,  sufficient  In  depth  for  ships  of  the 
largest  class,  and  with  a  safe  anchorage  for  a  fleet  of  three  thousand  ves- 
sels "  Whereupon  a  resolve,  providing  for  a  scientific  examination  of  the 
premises,  with  the  view  of  presenting  the  subject  to  the  consideration  of  the 
next  Congress,  was  passed.     The  survey  of  Provlncetown  Harbor  and  of 


646  HISTOBY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

The  inhabitants,  considering  themselves  greatly  inconvenienced 
by  their  remote  position  from  the  custom-house  of  the  district, 
resolved  to  adopt  measures  to  secure  the  establishment  of  a  dis- 
trict for  collection  of  revenue  in  the  lower  part  of  the  county, the 
office  of  collector  to  be  located  here  ;  and  a  committee  was  app. 
by  the  town,  to  act  in  the  premises.^ 

The  inhabitants  of  this  town  are  certainly  a  most  enterprising 
and  energetic  people,  although  they  have  imputed  to  their  "  own 
good-nature  "  their  "  long  endurance  of  great  inconveniences."  ^ 
It  is  no  disparagement  of  them  to  say  that  they  are  also  an 
ambitious  people.^      Their  improvements  for  the  convenience  of 


the  coast,  under  the  direction  of  the  U.  S.  by  Major  J.  D.  Graham,  U.  S. 
Top.  Eng.,  and  assistants,  as  published,  is  a  good  work,  and  the  chart  is  an 
interesting  document. 

^By  referring  to  the  Provincetown  Banner  of  May  21,  1857,  we  are  im- 
pressed with  the  importance  of  this  location.  Under  the  head  of  marine 
journal  are  mentioned  the  arrival,  from  the  IGth  to  the  19th,  of  one  steamer 
and  7  schooners  ;  the  departure,  from  the  14th  to  the  19th,  of  one  steamer 
and  7  schooners;  and  as  being  in  port  one  day,  among  others,  51  fish- 
ing vessels  ready  for  sea  and  waiting  for  weather.  In  addition  to  these, 
were  3  whaling  vessels  on  the  railway,  repairing ;  1  coaster,  and  three 
large  fore-and-aft  coasters  anchored  in  the  offing.  The  meeting,  in  their 
doings,  contrasted  their  grievances  with  those  of  their  "  Gloucester  brethren 
who  would  not  submit  to  be  controlled  by  the  Salem  custom  house  only  a 
dozen  miles  distant,  but  stated  their  position  to  Congress  and  obtained  re- 
lief; "  whereas  here,  those  connected  with  or  interested  in  commerce  were 
"  50  m.  from  the  office  of  the  collectorship  of  the  district  and  suffering  con- 
stantly loss  of  time  and  pecuniary  sacrifice  by  intercommunication." 

*  From  the  high  hill  In  the  rear  of  the  town,  also  at  the  east  part  of  the 
harbor,  cars  have  been  for  years  employed  In  bringing  down  sand  by  rail- 
ways to  the  -v.harves,  for  the  purpose  both  of  making  land  and  especially  to 
furnish  ballast  for  vessels.  Many  thousand  tons  are  thus  annually  supplied. 
The  rail-wa'^'s  Incline  just  sufficiently  to  dispense  Avith  motive  power  except 
in  starting.  A  mountain  of  earth  has  already  been  removed,  and  additional 
house-lots  have  been  furnished  thereby. 

*  The  citizens  have  often  expressed  surprise  at  the  policy  and  propriety 
of  overlooking  their  own  town  as  the  most  suitable  point  for  the  erection  of 
a  monument  In  memorial  of  the  Pilgrim  Fathers.  They  say,  "  the  jumping- 
ofif  place,  as  in  derogation  it  has  been  sometimes  called,  was,  In  fact,  the 
original  jumping-on  place,"  and  that "  the  Pilgrim  monument  should  here  be 
reared."  The  superior  advantages  of  their  harbor  have  ever  been  contem- 
plated by  the  inhabitants  with  just  pride.  This  year,  1857,  their  paper 
says,  "  We  may  suggest,  with  some  propriety,  since  the  project  of  harboring 
the  Great  Eastern  at  Portland  has  been  abandoned,  or  so  reported,  that  she 
be  brought  int©  this  harbor,  the  only  one  perhaps  In  the  United  States  Into 
which  she  could  come  and  turn  ronnd  under  full  headway  with  all  ease." 
The  same  paper  says,  "  Our  village  has  presented  quite  a  cottonlsh  aspect 
during  the  present  week,  thft  cajgo  of  the  Jenny  Lind,  which  came  ashore 
on  the  back  side  of  the  town,  being  conveyed  across  to  our  port  to  be  re- 
shipped  to  Boston."     These  items  may  be  significant  of  coming  events. 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  G47 

the  traveller  are  worthy  of  much  commendation.^  Capt.  Benja- 
min Ceocker  died  this  year,  Aug.  5,  se.  57  ;^  Mr.  Ebenezer  Nick- 
ERSON  of  Boston,  merchant,  a  native  of  this  town,  died  at  Wal- 
tham,  Oct.  24, 1858, 83.  87  ;  and  in  1859,  Mr.  Stephen  Cook  died, 
Jan.  8,  SB.  73. 

In  1860,  this  town  might  be  pronounced,  beyond 
contradiction,  one  of  the  most  enterprising  and  flourish- 
ing in  the  county.^     Mr.  Samuel  Soper  died  Dec.  8.* 

^  The  attention  of  the  towns  on  the  Cape  having  for  several  years  been 
directed  to  a  thorough  work  of  improvement  of  roads,  the  whole  distance 
from  the  depot  of  the  Cape  Cod  Railroad  in  Yarmouth  to  Provincetown  is 
becoming  a  hardened  and  graded  highway,  —  a  luxury,  compared  with  for- 
mer times,  to  those  who  pass  over  it.  Nor  is  it  too  much  to  expect  that,  at 
no  distant  day,  the  magnetic  telegraph,  now  extending  to  this  place  and 
communicating  with  distant  cities,  will  be  found  standing  by  the  side  of  the 
track  of  a  railroad  the  entire  route,  perfecting  all  modern  conveniences  of 
intercommunication. 

^  We  inadvertently,  in  arranging  matter  for  the  printer,  on  the  issuing 
of  Vol.  I ,  (see  Vol.  I.  654,)  made  the  date  of  the  wreck  of  the  schooner 
Bonita  to  be  1847,  whereas,  we  are  kindly  reminded  by  John  W.  Emery 
Esq.,  editor  of  the  Banner,  now  of  the  Republican,  that  It  was  Jan.  19-20, 
1857.  "  Such,"  the  courteous  editor,  in  his  Issue  of  that  date,  says,  "  has 
been  the  severity  of  the  storms  that  we  have  been  unable  to  get  a  mail  for 
some  days,  and  it  has  been  with  difficulty  even  that  our  citizens  have  been 
enabled  to  go  from  one  side  of  the  Cape  to  the  other.  Our  harbor  Is  par- 
tially frozen  over,  and  there  seems  to  be  a  general  blockade,  as  we  can  get 
no  communication  with  the  metropolis,  by  sea  or  land.  Chand'er's  mail 
team  Is  starting  as  we  write,  for  the  first  time  in  ten  days,  and  the  packets 
Melrose  and  W.  Holmes  are  starting  out,  with  the  hope  of  reaching  Boston, 
if  the  Ice  In  that  harbor  does  not  prevent  them.  When  the  news  from  the 
other  parts  of  the  Bay  reaches  us,  we  shall  expect  it  to  be  freighted  with 
many  a  sad  and  awful  tale  of  death  and  destruction,  briefly  but  pointedly 
recorded  each  in  a  few  lines  of  the  marine  lists." 

^  The  returns  of  the  number  of  barrels  of  mackerel  Inspected  In  the  State 
this  year,  were:  Beverly,  237;  Boston,  32,127;  Chatham,  4,514;  Cohasset 
11,980;  Dennis,  7,094;  Gloucester,  97,992;  Harwich,  5,485;  Harwich 
Port,  4,405;  Hingham,  11,773;  Newburyport,  6,805;  Plymouth,  119; 
Provincetown,  19,350;  Rockport,  5,561;  Truro,  286;  WeMeet,  27,350; 
Yarmouth,  633.  Total,  235,406.  These  statistics  do  not,  however,  convey 
the  full  amount  taken  by  Provincetown  vessels,  as  part  was  inspected  in 
Boston.  Nor  Is  the  mackerel  fishery  comparable  with  that  of  the  cod-fish- 
ery. Of  blue-fish,  790  bis.  were  Inspected  here,  693  In  Dennis,  and  115  In 
Chatham.  In  1862,  the  returns  comprising  all  but  two  or  three  of  the  ves- 
sels entitled  to  bounty,  the  statistics  of  the  codfisheiy  showed  the  following 
result:  Provincetown,  74  vessels  employed,  62,181  quintals  cured;  Well- 
fleet,  6  vessels,  3,160  quin.  ;  South  Dennis  and  Harwich,  36  vessels,  17,437 
quin.  ;  Chatham,  28  vessels,  18,395  quin.  Total,  157  vessels,  107,548  quIn. 
The  statistics  for  1861  showed,  In  these  towns,  an  aggregate  of  164  vessels, 
105,336  quin.  Add  Barnstable,  10  vessels,  and  6,375  quIn.,  and  the  total 
was  174  vessels,  and  111,711  quin. 

*Mr.  Robert  Soper  and  wife  Isabella  had  Samuel  July  21,  1791 ;  and 
Elizabeth  1793. 


648  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1861,  Mr.  Jonathan  Kilbourne  died,  July  5,  as.  72. 

In  1862,  Mr.  William  E.  Tupper  died  in  his  country's 
service,  at  Newbern,  N.  C,  se.  24.^  Capt.  Richard  A. 
Cook  died,  June  23,  se.  58 ;  and  Capt.  Phineas  Paine, 
June  25,  se.  58. 

In  1863,  Mr.  Benjamin  Lacy  died,  Aug.  15,  ae.  83. 

We  are  gratified  in  being  able  to  say  that  the  national 
government  seems  no  longer  to  incline  to  leave  this  im- 
portant locality  entirely  defenceless.  If  there  was,  in 
times  past  inevitable  necessity  for  this  people  to  adopt 
the  policy  — 

"  To  their  wills  we  must  succumb, 
Quocunque  trahunt,  'tis  our  doom,"  * 

there  should  be  cause  for  it  no  more.  The  inhabitants 
are  eminently  loyal  to  their  country.  None  more  so. 
Whether  the  government  will  prosecute  the  defences 
that  are  being  attempted,  to  the  extent  and  magnitude 
that  the  importance  of  the  position  demands,  is  yet  to  be 
revealed.  With  suitable  fortifications,  and  a  railroad 
connecting  the  place  with  other  parts  of  the  State,  the 
harbor  would,  in  case  of  foreign  war,  be  of  inexpressi- 
ble value  to  our  navy.      Without  such  means  of  pro- 

^Mr.  Thos.  Kilbottrne,  by  w.  Baty,  Lad  Baty  Aug.  10,  1746  ;  and  m. 
2d,  Mebit.  Ryder  Ap.  7,  1748,  and  had  Thos.  June  26, 1750  ;  Mehit.  1752  ; 
Euth  1755  ;  Andrew  May  12,  1757  ;  Wm.  Aug.  11,  1759  ;  an.d  David  Nov. 
14,  1761.     William  had,  by  w.  Mary,  Wm.  Sept.  11,  1785. 

*  Mr.  Tupper  was  son  of  Nathan,  formerly  of  Barnstable. 

^HuDiBRAS  puts  this  into  the  mouths  of  the  toine.'f  of  the  Revolution. 
They,  too,  yielded  to  necessity^  when  they  found  the  Whig  cause  triumphant, 
and  many  of  them  finally  came  in,  obsequiously,  to  make  pretences  of  pa- 
triotism. We  use  this  quotation  here  in  a  more  honorable  sense.  Those,  for 
whom,  long  years  after  the  period  of  '76,  it  became  fashionable  to  claim  the 
softened  soubriquet  "  moderate  whigs,"  were,  de  facto,  would-be  tories.  We 
fear  they  have  many  imitators  at  the  present  day.  Their  moderation  pains- 
takingly made  known  to  all  men,  they  would  probably  soon  leave  the  fence 
for  the  side  where  their  hearts  are,  were  the  opportunity  given  with  reason- 
able hope  of  impunity.  The  inhabitants  of  Proviocetown  were  simply 
forced  to  neutrality.  Their  hearts  were,  doubtless,  with  their  country  ;  and, 
though  precluded  from  active  effort  as  a  town  in  her  service,  were  never, 
so  far  as  known,  against  her  interests. 


ANNALS    OF   PROVINCETOWN.  649 

tection  and  defence,  the  noblest  aspirations  of  patriot- 
ism must  inevitably  be  restrained,  its  efforts  crippled. 
Before  proceeding  to  the  closing  statistics  of  this 
town  —  the  tables  of  representatives  and  town  officers, 
—  we  submit  a  brief  comment  on  the  existing  state  of 
-national  affairs  at  the  time  of  our  present  writing.  The 
great  question  which  has  been  for  several  years  in  course 
of  solution,  Whether  the  Union  under  which  succes- 
sive generations  have  lived  and  prospered,  can  endure, 
still  engrosses  the  public  mind.  If  this  momentous 
question  must  be  decided  in  the  negative,  the  fondest 
hopes  of  Revolutionary  sires  were  but  dreams,  alas, 
illusory.  That  such  question  should  have  arisen  —  the 
fruit  of  revolt  —  is  deeply  to  be  deplored ;  but  great 
good  is  often  educed  from  greatest  evils. 

"  What  cause 
Mov'd  our  grand  parents  in  that  happy  state, 
Favor'd  of  Heav'n  so  highly,  to  fall  off 
From  their  Creator  " 

reveals  the  occasion  of  present  troubles ;  and  if  an 
institution  long  entrenched  behind  State-sovereignty 
and  enjoying  immunity  because  patriotism  forbore 
interference,  has,  after  becoming  more  and  more  exact- 
ing, been  emboldened  to  deeds  of  daring  that  were 
destined  to  be  the  signal  for  its  own  destruction,  and 
for  the  demonstration  of  that  great  axiom  which  the 
Declaration  of  xlmerican  Independence  intended  to  as- 
sert, —  that  all  men  are  created  politically  equal,  —  the 
non-recognition  of  which  great  theorem  has  generated 
a  constantly  disturbing  element,  —  we  cannot  hesitate 
to  recognize  in  the  result  a  proof  of  that  which  the 
pen  of  inspiration  has  left  on  record :  "  A  man's  heart 
deviseth  his  way,  but  the  Lord  directeth  his  steps." 
Our  fathers  struggled  seven  years  for  the  privilege  of 
trying  the  experiment  of  free  institutions.    In  battling 


650 


HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


to  preserve  them,  in  full  knowledge  of  their  value, 
afforded  by  nearly  a  century  of  unexampled  prosperity 
and  happiness,  we  may  humbly  hope  that  the  God  of 
our  fathers  will  be  our  all-suf&cient  help.  A  rebellion 
formidable,  unprecedented,  most  unjustifiable  and  wick- 
ed is  not  quelled  ;  but  progress,  thank  Heaven,  has  been 
made. 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


1810.  Joseph  Atkins, 

1811.  Sam'l  Cook, 

1812.  Simeon  Conant, 

1813.  Dan'l  Pease, 

1826.  Thos.  Ryder, 

1827.  David  Kyder, 

1828.  Isaac  Small, 
1833.  EUsha  i'oung, 


Yrs. 
2. 
1. 
1. 
2. 
1, 
1. 
6. 
1. 


1834.  John  Atkins, 

"     Enos  Nickerson, 

1835.  Wm.  Gallica, 
1830.  Godfrey  Ryder, 

"     Joshua  Cook, 
1837.  David  Ryder  Jr., 
1839.  David  Cook,  2d, 
1S41.  Steph.  A.  Paine, 


Yrs. 
7. 
3. 
1. 
1. 
1. 
2. 
1. 
2. 


1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1840. 
1850. 
1852. 
1853. 
1856. 


Thos.  IiOthrop, 
John  Dunlap, 
James  Giflford, 
Stepli.  Milliard, 
Jos  P.  Johnson, 
Henry  Paine, 
Elisha  Tilson, 
Nath'l  E.  Atwood, 


Yrs. 
1. 
1. 
2, 
2. 
5. 
1. 
1. 
1. 


SELECTMEN. 


1747. 

u 

1748. 

1749. 

1751. 
1753. 
1755. 
1757. 
175S. 
17C0. 
1762. 
17G3. 

1767. 
1768. 

1769. 
1770. 
1772. 
1775. 

1782. 

1784. 
1786. 
1787. 
1789. 
1790. 
1791. 


John  Conant, 
Thos.  Newcomb, 
Elisha  Mayo, 
Caleb  Conant, 
Jona.  Nickerson, 
Solo.  Cook, 
Thos.  Kilburn, 
Eben.  Nickerson, 
Sam'l  Smith, 
Joslma  Atwood, 
Gershom  Ryder, 
Benj.  Ellis, 
Seth  Nickerson, 
Sam'l  Cook, 
Solomon  Cook, 
Thos.  Ryder, 
Sam'l  Atwood, 
Phin's  Nickerson, 
Neh'ii  Nickerson, 
Steph.  Atwood, 
Seth  Nickerson  Jr., 
Steph.  Nickerson, 
Edw.  Cook, 
Reuben  Orcutt, 
Joshua  A.  Mayo, 
Elijah  Nickerson, 
Sam'l  Ryder, 
Richard  Perry, 
Chs.  Atkins, 


1797, 
1799. 


1801, 
1804, 
1806, 
1807, 
1803, 

1809, 
1811, 

1813, 
1S16, 


1818. 
1820. 
1822. 
1828. 

1829. 

1830, 

1831. 
1832, 


David  Ryder, 
Josiah  JNickerson, 
Eben.  Nickerson, 
Thos.  Ryder, 
Silas  Atkins, 
Steph.  Nickerson, 
Jos.  Nickerson, 
Daniel  Pease, 
Bc-nj.  E.  Atkins, 
Joseph  Atldns, 
Orsemus  Tliomas, 
John  Whorf, 
Paran  C.  Cook, 
Simeon  Conant, 
Nath'l  Nickerson, 
Elisha  Young, 
Abr'm  Smalley, 
Eph'm  Cook, 
Isaac  Smalley, 
John  Cook  Jr., 
Asa  S.  Bowiey, 
David  Brown, 
Thos.  Nickerson, 
Elisha  Holmes, 
Chas.  A.  Brown, 
Sam'l  Cook, 
Sam'l  Soper, 
Enos  Nickerson, 
Seth  Nickerson  Jr 


Yrs. 

1. 

3. 

3. 

8. 

2. 

i! 

1. 

4. 

2. 

2.' 

5. 

1. 

2. 

7. 

3. 
11. 

1. 

0. 
12. 

3. 

5. 

1. 

0. 

1. 

3. 

1. 

4. 


1833. 

1834. 
18.30. 
1837. 
1838, 


1840, 
1842. 
1844. 
1845. 
1847. 
1S4S. 
1849. 
1851. 

1863. 


Ih53. 

1857. 
1859. 
1S60. 
1801. 


Yrs. 
John  Atkins,  4. 

Gamaliel  Collins,       4. 
Elisha  Dyer,  1. 

Nathan  Freeman  2d,  4. 


Ebon.  Atkins, 
Lot  Pniue, 
Benj.  Ryder, 
John  Dunlap, 
Parker  Cook, 
Daniel  Small, 
Steph.  Hilliard, 
Jos.  P.  Johnson, 
Eben.  S.  Smith, 
Lem'l  Cook, 
Timo.  P.  Johnson, 
John  Adams, 
Joshua  Paine, 
Joshua  E.  Bowiey, 
Nath'l  Holmes, 
Joshua  Lewis, 
Benj.  All  strum, 
Artemas  Paine, 
Jesse  Small, 
Eben.  Cook, 
Epaphras  Cook, 
J.  P.  Johnson, 
Robert  Soper, 
Abraham  Chapman,  3, 
Simeon  S.  Giflbrd,     3. 


TOWN  TREASURERS. 


1728.  Ezekiel  Gushing, 
1749.  Tiios.  Kilburn, 
1751.  John  Conant, 
1761.  Eben.  Nickerson, 
1703.  Joshua  Atwood, 
1782.  Sam'l  Atwood, 


1747.  Sam'l  Smith, 
177.3.  Sam'l  Atwood, 
1796.  David  Abbott, 


Yrs. 
12. 
18. 

1. 

1. 

7. 


Yrt. 
26. 
23. 
3. 


1787.  Joshua  A.  Mayo,  6. 

1703.  Steph.  Nickerson,  .3. 

1790.  William  Miller,  17. 

1811.  Setli  Nickerson,  2. 

1815.  Nath'l  Nickerson,  9. 


TOWN   CLERKS. 


1798.  Josiah  Nickerson, 
1800.  Orsemus  Thomas, 
1811.  Sam'l  Cook, 


Yrs. 
8. 
8. 
2. 


1S23.  Thos.  Ryder, 
1821.  Rufus  Conant, 
1829.  Asa  S.  Bowiey, 
3831.  Chas.  Nickerson, 
1835.  Elisha  Dyer, 


1810.  Asa  S.  Bowiey, 

1834.  Chas.  Nickerson, 

1835.  Elisha  Dyer, 


Yrs. 
1. 
5, 
5. 
1. 
29. 


18. 

1 

29. 


/#■ 


THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OF 


WELLFLEET. 


"Few  people  have  extended  theib  inqdieies  after  the  foundation  of  theik  eights 

BEYOND  a  CHAETEE  FEOM  THE  CEOWN.     OtHEKS  THINK  WHEN  THEY  HAVE    GOT  BACK  TO  OLD 

MAGNA  CHARTA,  that  they  aee  at  the  beginnino  of  all  things  ;   they  imagine 

THEMSELVES  ON  THE  BOBDEES  OP  CHAOS,  AND  SEE  CEEATION  RISING  OUT  OF  THE  UNFORMED 

MASS.    Hence,  say  they,  speino  all  the  eights  of  men  and  citizens." — James  Otis. 


m\) 


Jitstrxptxoit. 


TO    MR.    EDWARD    MATTHEWS, 

OF    NE  W    YORE: 

It  is  a  good  sign,  and  of  liappy  augury,  when  the  absorbing  occupations,  whether  of 
the  counting-house,  or  other  laudable  pursuits,  do  not  disqualify  for  sympathy  with 
labors  of  a  more  abstract  and  intellectual  character  which  pay  no  pecuniary  interest 
and  yield  no  tangible  dividend  ;  when  men  of  business-talent  and  agreeable  success 
are  disposed,  by  benefactions  delicately  bestowed,  to  invest  in  stocks  that  are  never 
called  at  the  brokers'  board  —  turning  their  thoughts  from  the  bustle  of  strife  and  the 
fever  and  competition  of  the  busy  and  sordid  world,  to  encourage  or  requite  the  toils 
of  Letters  and  the  Arts.  "  Ars  longa,  Vita  brevis,"  is  a  saying  old  and  trite,  but  preg- 
nant with  meaning  that  lives  in  demonstrati  on  and  affects  the  memory  of  man  when 
the  mere  achievements  of  Mammon  are  forgotten. 

It  is,  therefore,  with  pleasure  that  these  Annals  of  one  of  the  Towns  of  his  native 
County  are,  as  above,  respectfully 

INSCRIBED 

To  One  who  has  not  been  unmindful  of  the  value  of  local  history, 
With  the  kind  regards  of 

THE   AUTHOE. 


(652) 


ANNALS  OF  WELLFLEET. 


Wellfleet,  included  formerly  in  the  Indian  Ponona- 
Jcanet,  remained  a  part  of  the  town  of  Eastham  until 
May  25,  1763,  when  it  was  incorporated  a  District 
"  with  full  powers  and  privileges  like  other  towns,  — 
save  that  it"  was  "to  be  for  the  present  joined  with 
the  latter  town  in  the  election  of  a  representative." 

Situation,  Boundaeies,  etc.  —  It  is  situated  E.  by  S,  from 
Boston,  the  distance  by  land  being  95  m.,  and  by  water  65  m. ; 
from  Plym.  by  water,  24  m. ;  and  from  Barnstable,  by  the  county 
road,  31  m.  It  is  bounded  on  the  S.  by  Eastham  and  Wellfleet- 
Bay ;  N.  by  Truro  ;  E.  by  the  Atlantic  Ocean  ;  and  W.  by  Barns- 
table Bay.  Its  length  is  about  8  m.,  and  in  breadth  it  is  from  2 
to  3  m. 

Natural  Divisions,  Sureacb,  etc.  — The  harbors  are  three, 
each  having  about  the  same  depth,  which  is  about  12  ft.,  at  high 
tide,  and  are  safe,  affording  facilities  for  the  uses  in  which  they 
are  employed  by  the  inhabitants,  —  admitting  vessels  of  70  or  80 
tons.  River  Harbor,  the  northerly  part  of  Wellfleet  Bay,  general- 
ly called  the  outer-harbor ;  Duck  Creek  Harbor,  near  the  centre 
of  the  town  ;  and  Blackfish  Creek,  opening  into  the  south  part 
of  the  bay,  are  each  of  importance  to  the  business  interests  of 
the  place. 

The  principal  divisions  of  the  town,  as  regards  settlements,  are 
North  Wellfleet,  situated,  as  its  name  would  indicate,  in  the 
northerly  portion  of  the  township ;  South  Wellfleet,  lying 
nearly  S.  E.  of  the  former ;  and  Fresh-Brook  Village,  lying 
S.  of  the  last  named. 

From  the  table-lands  of  Eastham  is  a  range  of  hills  extending 

(653) 


654  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

through  this  town,  Truro,  and  Provincetown,  to  Race  Point. 
West,  and  in  range  of  these  hills  are  several  ponds,  namely.  Duck 
Pond,  in  the  centre  of  the  town,  15  fathoms  deep,  perfectly  round, 
with  a  beautiful  shore  of  white  sand  ;  Hopkins  Pond,  i  m.  further 
north,  of  about  the  size  of  the  preceding,  but  not  so  deep  ;  Great 
Pond,  1  m.  in  circumference,  having  several  smaller  ponds  flow- 
ing into  it,  abounding  with  red  perch  ;  Long  Pond,  about  20  rods 
distant  from  the  last  named,  which  also  abounds  with  fish,  and 
has  near  it  the  village  formerly  known  as  Lewis's  neighborhood  ; 
Turtle  Pond,  between  Long  and  Hopkins' ;  Gull  Pond,  large  and 
beautiful,  If  m.  in  circumference,  abounding  with  perch  and  being 
in  their  season  the  resort  of  alewives,  lyingat  the  eastern  extremity 
of  Hunt's  Hollow,  near  the  east  side  of  the  Cape ;  Newcomb's 
Pond,  also  on  the  E.  side,  and  connecting  with  Great  by  a  small 
stream  ;  Herring  Pond  from  which  issues  Herring  Brook  yielding 
large  quantities  of  alewives  in  their  season ;  and  Squier's  Pond 
situated  in  Duck  Creek  village,  also  affording  fish.  Besides  these 
are  others  less  important. 

The  Islands,  four  in  number,  are  Bound  Brook  Island  in  the  'N. 
W.  corner  of  the  township,  surrounded  chiefly  by  a  creek  only, 
and  containing  some  dwelling-houses,  —  the  island  formerly  cover- 
ed by  a  heavy  growth  of  wood  of  which  only  a  few  scattered  trees 
remain;  Grifiin's  Island,  S.  of  the  preceding  and  being  like  it 
about  2  m.  in  circumference,  and  containing  dwelling-houses ; 
Great  Island,  3  or  4  m.  in  circuit,  ^  m.  S.  of  the  last,  and  being 
the  extreme  west  part  of  the  township ;  and  Lieutenant's  Island, 
on  the  W.  side  of  Wellfleet  Bay  and  S.  of  Blackfish  Creek  Har- 
bor, having  a  circumference  of  about  2  m. 

The  soil,  except  in  the  IST.  W.  part  of  the  town,  is  light  and 
sandy,  so  much  that  in  many  places  no  vegetation  appears, 
although  the  most  barren  parts  were  once  covered  by  a  heavy 
growth  of  timber,  —  oak  and  pine,  which  was  used  in  ship-building. 
About  one-third  of  the  township  is  still  covered  with  young 
wood,  chiefly  pines ;  the  eastern  section  of  the  town  is  wooded 
to  the  very  edge  of  the  smooth  sandy  beach  which  the  ocean 
lashes. 

In  the  township  are  also  large  bodies  of  salt  marsh,  —  more 
than  sufficient  for  the  sustenance  of  the  stock  kept  by  the  inhabi- 
tants. Little  English  hay  is  cut.  Some  grain  is  raised,  but  not 
enough  for  home  consumption  ;  still,  meadows  are,  from  time  to 
time,  being  made  by  filling-in  swamps  with  sand ;  and  productive 
gardens  exist. 


ANNALS    OF   WELLFLEET.  655 

The  employments  of  the  male  inhabitants  are  almost  entirely 
connected  with  the  ocean.  The  cod  and  mackerel  fisheries  have 
always  been  extensively  pi'osecuted  here  ;  more  than  100  vessels, 
some  years,  being  engaged  in  the  business.  For  the  accommoda- 
tion of  those  thus  employed,  are  several  wharves  and  packing 
establishments. 

The  whaling  business  was,  in  early  times,  carried  on  extensive- 
ly here,  and  in  the  taking  of  whales  none  were  more  expert  than 
the  Indians  then  inhabiting  the  neighborhood,  whose  services 
were  always  in  demand.  This  fishery,  once  the  chief  emj)loy- 
ment,  was  lucrative  ;  and  by  it  some  large  properties  were  acquir- 
ed.^ But  little  has  been  done  here  in  whaling  since  the  Revolu- 
tionary period ;  "^  except  that  occasionally  the  species  of  whale 
called  black-fish  make  their  appearance  and  are  taken  ;^  orpei^ad- 
venture  a  whale  of  the  larger  kind  is  seen  to  blow  in  Barnstable 
Bay,  possibly  in  WellfieetBay,  or  Provincetown  Harbor,  which  is 
the  signal  for  sport  that  is  generally  successful. 

Oysters  were  formerly  found  here  in  the  greatest  abundance, 
and  were  of  a  superior  quality.  Large  quantities  of  them  were 
taken  to  market,  yielding  a  handsome  revenue  ;  but,  from  some 
unknown  cause,  in  the  year  1775,  nearly  all  the  oysters  in  the  bay 

^Capt.  Smith,  in  his  voyage  to  these  parts,  1614,  had  reference  primarily 
to  the  whale  fishery ;  next,  the  search  for  mines  of  gold  and  copper  ;  and, 
in  event  of  failure  in  this  search,  fish  and  furs.  But  he  says,  "  We  found 
this  whale  fishing  a  costly  conclusion.  We  saw  many,  and  spent  much 
time  in  chasing  them,  but  could  not  kill  any."  He  obtained  about  60,000 
cod,  the  fruit  of  a  month's  fishing  by  1 8  men.  He  obtained  also,  during  his 
various  voyage,  about  10,000  beaver,  100  marten,  and  as  many  other  skins, 
procured  by  natives  at  small  expense.  These  peltries,  to  be  sure,  were  not 
all  found  in  these  localities ;  his  voyage  embraced  an  extended  range.  But 
he  made  himself  somewhat  familiar  with  the  coast,  and,  as  is  Avell  known, 
amused  himself  in  making  a  chart  and  writing  down  all  the  particulars  he 
could  gather  of  the  country  to  Avhich  he  gave  the  name  of  New  England, 
the  name  it  now  bears,  though  he  was  unsuccessful  in  perpetuating  other 
names  given  by  him  to  different  parts.  Cape  James,  he  Intended,  should  su- 
persede Cape  Cod,  but  Gosnold's  designation  of  the  extreme  of  this  penin- 
sula continued  to  prevail. 

^  The  Revolutionary  war  Inflicted  almost  total  ruin  on  this  place.  The 
number  of  Inhabitants  became  diminished,  some  captured  to  die  in  prison- 
ships,  and  many  removing  to  the  Penobscot  and  other  parts.  The  business 
of  the  town,  when  it  began  to  revive,  became  almost  entirely  changed. 

^Rev.  Levi  Whitman,  formerly  the  minister  here,  says.  In  a  communica- 
tion to  the  Hist.  Soe.  of  Mass.,  1793,  "  I  have  seen  nearly  four  hundred  of 
these  fish  lying  dead  upon  the  shore  at  one  time.  Their  size  is,  when  full 
grown,  from  4  to  5  tons  weight.  When  these  fish  come  into  Wellfleet  Bay, 
they  are  quickly  surrounded  by  men  In  boats  and  driven  to  the  shore,  as 
easily  as  sheep  are  driven  on  the  land.  The  average  of  oil  is  a  barrel 
each." 


V. 


656  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

perished,  and  the  genuine  Billingsgate  oyster  has  since  that  time 
been  but  rarely  obtained.  The  town,  however,  is  still  noted  for 
this  delicious  bivalve  ;  and  immense  quantities  are  carried  hence 
to  Boston  and  other  cities.  The  tish  is  sui^plied  by  importations 
from  the  South  —  brought  and  laid  in  the  harbor  where  they  soon 
acquire  the  flavor  and  richness  of  the  old  Billingsgate  oyster,  and 
in  a  single  year  double  their  size.  The  business  is  one  of  magni- 
tude. ,  In  bringing  the  fish  to  the  planting-grounds,  and  in  the 
removal  of  them  after  probation,  m^ny  vessels  are  employed.^ 

Fast-sailing  and  commodious  packets  ply  between  this  place 
and  Boston,  and  other  vessels  are  employed  in  bringing  lumber 
and  wood  from  Maine. 

The  abundantsupply  of  sea-fowl  and  shore-birds,  for  which  the 
town  was  noted  in  olden  time,  is  not  exhausted,  although  greatly 
diminished.^     Fish,  in  their  varieties,  remain. 

The  climate  is  not  unfavorable  to  health  and  longevity ;  ^  the 


^Not  less  than  60,000  bushels  was  the  average  of  oysters  transplanted  here 
annually  many  years  since ;  the  present  extent  of  the  business  we  are  una- 
ble to  define  statistically. 

"Mr.  Whitman,  in  his  paper  to  which  we  have  referred,  published  by  the 
Hist.  Soc.  in  1793,  relates  singular  methods,  which  then  prevailed,  of  catch- 
ing gulls,  and  of  killing  small  birds  upon  the  beach.  Both  he  supposed 
were  of  aboriginal  origin.  To  take  the  former,  a  "  gull-house  "  was  built, 
crotches  being  fixed  in  the  sand,  surmounted  by  poles  with  convenient  ap- 
ertures between,  and  slightly  covered  with  sea-weed ;  the  sides  enclosed  by 
stakes  with  sea-weed  intertwined ;  and  on  the  top  of  this  structure  were 
placed  lean  parts  of  whale  or  other  fishes.  A  person  within,  undiscovered 
by  the  birds,  would  soon  find  great  numbers  alighting,  busy  in  eating  and 
contending  for  the  spoils,  and  might  draw  them  in  by  the  feet  through  inter- 
stices. The  smaller  birds,  that  perch  on  the  beach  at  night,  were  allured  by 
torch-light,  and  killed  by  a  stick  or  walking-cane,  or  caught  by  a  small  dip- 
net,  ad  libitum. 

^  Storms  sweep  over  the  settlements  on  the  extremity  of  the  Cape  with 
much  force,  and  impart  to  the  atmosphere  the  saline  qualities  of  the  sur- 
rounding waters ;  but  the  number  of  persons  who  have  lived  here  to  an 
advanced  age  is  great.  In  1793,  when  the  population  was  about  1200,  the 
deaths  for  9  years  previous  had  averaged  about  16  each  year,  including 
casualties,  the  proportion  of  deaths  being  about  as  1  to  75  ;  and,  of  these, 


10betw'nao;eof25&35; 


2betw'naseof75&80 


12     " 

u 

35  &  45 ; 

3 

u 

a 

80&85; 

4     " 

li 

45&55; 

5 

u 

u 

85&90; 

7     " 

u 

55&65; 

1 

ii. 

(( 

90&95; 

10     " 

a 

65&  75; 

2 

ii 

a 

95  &  100. 

48   d.   under    1    yr.  ; 
19  others  under  5  yrs. ; 

2     "     "       "10  yrs.; 

5  betw'nageof  10  &  15  ; 
15  "  "  15&25; 
Of  the  preceding,  21  d.  away  from  home,  6  of  them  being  drowned ;  4  others 
were  drowned  at  home ;  5  others  d.  by  other  casualties ;  2  of  small-pox ;  4  only 
of  fevers  ;  in  child-bed  1 ;  of  consumption  25  ;  and  of  old  age  7.  In  1 793,  the 
deaths  were  18,  including  1  drowned,  —  which,  added  to  the  145  deaths  of  9 
previous  years,  made  a  total  of  1 63  in  10  yrs.,  giving  an  average  of  3G|-J-  yrs., 
including  the  great  number  who  died  infants.    Mr.  Whitman  mentions  one  in- 


ANNALS    OF   WELLFLEET.  657 

inhabitants  are  generally  robust  and  vigorous.^  The  enterprise 
of  the  people  is  proverbial ;  and  the  town  is  one  of  the  most 
thriving  in  the  State,  and,  in  proportion  to  its  population,  one  of 
the  wealthiest.     The  population,  in  1855,  was  2325.^ 

There  are  in  this  town  three  meeting-houses,  —  two  being  Con- 
gregational and  one  Methodist.  The  other  public  buildings  are  a 
Town  Hall,  Pligh -school  and  District  school-houses,  Poor-house, 
etc. 

Progress  of  the  town,  etc,  —  By  the  act  of  incorpora- 
tion, May  25,  1763,  it  was  ordered  that  John  Freeman 
Esq.,  of  Eastham  issue  his  warrant  to  some  principal 
inhabitant  of  the  district  requiring  him  to  call  the  first 
meeting  of  the  inhabitants  for  the  choice  of  town 
officers  and  the  transaction  of  business.  The  warrant 
was  directed  to  Maj.  Elisha  Doane,  and  the  legal  voters 
assembled  at  the  time  appointed,  Aug.  4, 1763.  Samuel 
Smith  Esq.  was  chosen  to  preside,  and  the  usual  town 
ofl&cers  were  elected. 

Before  proceeding  farther,  however,  with  doings  and 
events  after  the  organization,  it  may  be  here  proper  to 
note  preliminary  proceedings : 

At  a  meeting  of  the  North  Precinct  in  Eastham,  held  Mar.  9, 
1761,  it  was  "  voted.  That  Capt.  Elisha  Doane  be  agent  to  get 
this  North  Precinct  of  Eastham  set  off  as  a  District ;"  and,  "for 
the  more  speedily  and  amicably  doing  which,"  it  was  agreed  that 
certain  of  the  free-holders  of  said  precinct  should  send  a  petition 


stance  of  extraordinary  longevity,  —  Mrs.  Mary  Treat,  whose  maiden  name 
was  Lyon,  born  in  a  village  near  London;  who,  when  in  her  100th  yr., 
although  oblivious  to  recent  occurrences,  retained  a  perfect  recollection  of 
early  days,  and  gave  a  very  minute  account  of  the  coronation  of  Geo.  I. 
which  she  had  witnessed. 

^Mr.  Whitman,  1793,  says,  "  many  of  the  male  inhabitants  have  spent 
more  than  half  their  term  of  life  on  ship-board.  Mr.  John  Young  who  d. 
83.  85,  spent  50  years  of  his  life  in  whaling." 

^Mi".  Whitman,  1793,  says,  "There  have  been  within  the  memory  of 
those  now  living,  born  in  this  town,  small  as  it  is,  32  pairs  of  twins,  and  2 
triplets."  He  supposes  the  proportion  of  births  to  deaths  had  been,  up  to 
that  time,  as  3  to  1.  In  1730,  when  a  Precinct,  the  pop.  was  600.  In  1764, 
when  a  District,  928  ;  in  1766  when  it  became  fully  a  town,  965  ;  in  1775, 
it  was  1235 ;  in  1790,  it  was  1113  ;  in  1800,  it  had  reached  1207  ;  in  1810, 
it  numbered  1402  ;  in  1820,  1472  ;  in  1830,  2044  ;  and  in  1840,  2377. 
VOL.  II.  83 


658  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

to  the  proper  authorities  of  the  town  of  Eastham,  —  which  memo- 
rial was  in  substance  as  follows : — "The  petition  of  us,  proprietors 
of  the  North  Precinct  of  the  town  of  Eastham,  humbly  sheweth: 
That  whereas  we  labor  under  many  and  great  difficulties  in  our 
present  situation,  as  well  by  reason  of  our  great  distance  from  the 
usual  place  of  said  town's  meetings,  as  on  many  other  accounts, 
—  too  many  to  be  here  mentioned ;  to  remedy  which  the  said 
precinct,  at  a  meeting  legally  warned,  chose  an  agent  with  instruc- 
tions to  enter  a  petition  in  the  Gen,  Assembly  of  this  Province 
that  this  precinct  be  made  a  District ;  and  as  it  was  thought  ex- 
pedient by  the  said  precinct,  for  the  more  speedily  and  amicably 
accomplishing  the  same,  to  request  said  town  to  vote  us  off  as  a 
disti'ict :  We,  whose  names  are  under-written,  humbly  pray  that 
you  will  insert  a  clause  in  your  warrant  for  a  town-meeting  to 
know  the  minds  of  the  town,  whether  they  will  vote  the  said  pre- 
cinct off  as  a  District,  or  otherwise  show  cause,  if  any  there  be, 
why  the  prayer  of  your  petitioners  should  not  be  heard.  East- 
ham, Aug.  3,  1761." 

This  paper  was  signed  by  Elisha  Doane,  Jeremiah 
Mayo,  Samuel  Smith,  Zoheth  Smith,  Jonathan:  Hillbr, 
Eleazer  Atwood,  Joseph  Atkins,  James  Atwood,  Kichard 
Atwood,  and  Daniel  Cole. 

In  compliance  with  the  aforesaid  petition,  the  town 
of  Eastham  consented,  "  that  the  Precinct  be  set  off 
as  a  District,  as  far  as  Blackfish  Creek." 

Upon  this,  another  meeting  of  the  Precinct  was  held, 
Nov.  1,  1762,  and  a  com.  of  seven  was  app.,  viz.  Sam. 
Smith,  Jer.  Mayo,  Hezekiah  Doane,  Elisha  Holbrook, 
Zoheth  Smith,  Reuben  Rich,  and  Samuel  Smith  2d,  to 
assist  the  agent ;  and  these  with  said  agent,  Capt. 
Elisha  Doane,  addressed  their  petition  "to  his  excellency 
Francis  Bernard  Esq.,  Captain  General  and  Governor 
in  Chief  in  and  over  His  Majesty's  Province  of  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,  and  to  the  honora- 
ble His  Majesty's  Council  and  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  assembled." 

In  their  memorial  they  state  that  the  town  of  East- 


ANNALS    OF    WELLFLEET.  659 

ham  is  so  continuous  that  there  are  necessarily  three 
houses  for  pubHc  worship  nearly  in  a  line  from  north 
to  south,  and  that  the  central  one  where  the  chief 
business  of  the  town  is  enacted  is  nearly  ten  miles  dis- 
tant from  the  meeting-house  of  the  said  North  Precinct, 
and  that  the  major  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  pre- 
cinct live  still  further  north  of  said  house,  —  many  of 
them  on  islands,  and  that  it  is,  on  account  of  the  distance, 
difficult  and  expensive  for  them  to  enjoy  the  privilege 
of  franchise  and  other  rights  of  townsmen.^  They 
suggest  that  the  privilege  of  the  fishery  may  remain  as 
hitherto  to  the  whole  town ;  and  that,  since  it  is  under- 
stood to  be  the  desire  of  one  individual  living  just 
within  the  bounds  of  the  North  Precinct  to  remain  with 
the  South  Precinct,  his  wish  be  granted. 

Order  of  notice  having  been  served  on  the  town  of 
Eastham,  and  said  town  having  appointed  Capt.  Solomon 
Pepper  as  its  agent  to  make  answer  to  the  petition, 
the  respective  agents  appeared  at  Gen.  Court  on  the 
second  Wednesday  of  May  Sessions,  as  ordered,  and 
the  court  referred  the  hearing  to  a  com.  consisting  of 
Dea.  Foster  of  Plym.,  Doct.  Smith  of  Sandwich,  and 
Col.  Clapp  of  Scituate,  —  of  the  Ho.  of  Keps. ;  and  to 
Col.  Bradford  of  Kingston,  and  Col.  Otis  of  Barnstable, 
—  of  the  Council.  This  committee  reported  in  favor 
of  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists,  and  a  Bill  was 
brought  in  —  resulting  in  Act  of  Incorporation.^ 


^It  will  be  understood  that  at  this  time  Eastham  embraced  both  the 
town  of  Orleans  on  the  one  hand  and  Wellfleet  in  the  opposite  direction. 

^  "An  Act  to  incorporate  the  North  Precinct  in  Eastham  into  a  DiSTPacT 
by  the  name  of  Wellfleet. 

"  Whereas  the  Inhabitants  of  the  North  Precinct  in  E.  in  the  Co.  of  Be., 
have  represented  to  this  Court  the  great  difficulties  and  inconveniances  they 
labor  under  in  their  present  situation,  and  have  earnestly  requested  that 
they  may  be  incorporated  as  a  District  :  —  Be  it  therefore  enacted  .  .  . 
that  the  N.  Precinct  in  E.  in  the  Co.  of  Be.,  according  to  the  known  bounds 
of  said  precinct,  be,  and  hereby  is,  inc.  into  a  District  by  the  name  of  Well- 
fleet  ;  excepting  the  estate  of  Silvanus   Snow  and  the  inhabitants  dwellinor 


660         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

In  accordance  with  the  act,  we  have  said,  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  town  was  effected.  The  town  officers  chosen 
Aug.  4,  1763,  were  Maj.  EHsha  Doane,  clerk;  Maj. 
Doane,  Dea.  Reuben  Rich,  and  Sam.  Smith  Jr.,  select- 
men ;  Maj.  Doane,  treasurer ;  Eph.  Covel,  Eben.  Atwood 
and  John  Swett,  assessors ;  Zoheth  Smith,  constable ; 
with,  in  addition,  the  usual  complement  of  tithingmen, 
surveyors  of  highways,  fence-viewers,  hog-reeve,  pound- 
keeper,  sealer  of  leather,  sealer  of  weights  and  measures, 
culler  of  staves  and  hoops,  surveyor  of  boards  and 
shingles,  brander  of  pickled  fish,  and  wardens. 

Maj.  Doane,  Eph.  Covel,  and  Sam.  Smith  Jr.,  were 
app.  a  com.  to  settle  all  affairs  between  the  town  of 
Eastham  and  this  district;  also  to  settle  with  Mr. 
Zoheth  Smith,  the  late  precinct  treasurer. 

It  is  creditable  to  the  inhabitants  that  the  very  first 
act  of  the  district,  at  the  very  first  meeting  warned  after 
the  organization,  was,  Aug.  29,  the  raising  of  money  "  for 
the   support  of  the  ministry  and  schools,"  £121.13.4 

or  who  shall  dwell  thereon  which  are  to  remain  to  the  town  of  Eastham  and 
to  the  South  Precinct  in  said  town,  said  Snow  paying  his  just  proportion  of 
all  past  taxes  in  said  north  precinct  that  remain  unpaid :  —  And  that  the 
said  district  be,  and  hereby  is,  invested  with  all  the  privileges,  powers,  and 
immunities  that  towns  in  this  Province  do  or  may  enjoy,  excepting  the 
privilege  of  choosing  a  representative  to  represent  them  In  the  Great  and 
Gen.  Court ;  in  choosing  of  whom  the  inhabitants  of  said  district  shall  join 
with  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Eastham  as  heretofore  hath  been 
usual;  and  also  in  paying  said  rep. ;  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  E.  from  time 
to  time  to  warn  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  district  of  the  time  and  place  of 
meeting  for  the  choice  of  a  rep.,  by  Issuing  their  warreut  to  one  or  more  of 
the  constables  of  said  district  requiring  them  to  warn  and  give  public  notice 
thereof  to  the  said  Inhabitants  :  —  Provided,  nevertheless,  the  said  district 
shall  pay  their  proportional  part  of  all  such  town,  county,  and  Province 
taxes  as  are  already  assessed  on  the  town  of  E. ;  and  also  reserving  to  the 
inhabitants  of  said  town  the  privileges  by  them  heretofore  enjoyed  of  all 
ways  to  and  of  erecting  houses  on  the  beaches  and  islands  for  the  conveni- 
ancy  of  the  fishery  of  all  kinds,  and  of  anchorage,  and  of  landing  all  goods 
or  wares  at  any  of  their  common  landing  places  in  any  of  the  harbors  of 
said  E.  in  like  manner  as  they  might  have  done  if  this  Act  had  never  been 
made  and  passed :  —  And  be  It  further  enacted  that  John  Freeman  Esq. 
be,  and  he  hereby  is,  empowered  to  issue  his  warrant  to  some  principal  Inhabi- 
tant of  said  District,  requiring  him  to  call  the  first  meeting  of  said  inhabi- 
tants in  order  to  choose  such  officers  as  by  law  towns  are  empowered  to 
choose  in  the  month  of  March  annually." 


ANNALS    OF   WELLFLEET.  661 

being  voted  for  these  purposes.  It  was  next  voted  to 
raise  also  £120  to  be  appropriated  to  such  uses  as  the 
district  shall  determine ;  and  a  new  road  and  bridge 
over  and  from  Duck  Creek  was  ordered. 

The  Rev.  Isaiah  Lewis  was  now,  as  he  had  been  since 
1730,  the  minister  here ;  ^  and,  although  we  do  not  pre- 
tend to  apprehend  the  obligation  to  the  transaction,  we 
may  mention,  as  indicative  of  a  disposition  on  the  part 
of  the  inhabitants  to  deal  equitably  with  their  spiritual 
guide,  that  at  the  same  meeting  mentioned  above,  it 
was  "  voted  that  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis  have  out  of  the  treas- 
ury £1  lawful  money,  for  his  carpenter's  logs  of  time 
when  building  his  house." 

The  new  road  was  laid  out,  and  the  bridge  ultimately  built.^ 
It  is  Avorthy  of  notice  that  at  the  next  meeting,  Nov.  10,  it  was 
proposed  "  that  Mr.  Lewis  ask  for  a  collection,  or  contribution, 
for  the  support  of"  —  no  matter  whom  ;  it  is  sufficient  to  say, 
a  poor  man  needing  assistance.  It  was  "voted  that  the  select- 
men engage  the  schoolmaster,  and  allow  him  £13.6.8  and  board 
to  keep  the  school  six  months."  Other  provisions  were  also  en- 
acted to  promote  the  usefulness  of  the  school.     At  this  early  day, 


^  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis,  it  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  Annals  of  Eastham, 
was  settled  here  Sept.  23,  1730,  at  which  time  a  Church  was  organized. 
Rev.  JosiAH  Oakes  had  preceded  him,  having  been  settled  July  29,  1723; 
leaving  in  1727  ;  — but,  for  some  reason,  no  church  was  gathered  here  until 
the  day  of  Mr.  Lewis's  ordination.  Mr.  Oakes  was  s.  of  Hon.  Thos.  of  Bos- 
ton who  died  here  July  15,  1719,  £e.  70,  and  was  interred  in  the  old  burying 
ground.  Rev.  Mr.  O.  who  grad.  H.  C.  1708,  d.  1732,  se.  44,  and  was 
buried  here  beside  his  father. 

^  For  the  building  of  the  bridge,  "  Samuel  Smith  Esq.  and  Major  Elisha 
Doane  gave  wood  standing  on  their  lots,  sufficient  for  one-half,  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Lewis  gave  the  timber  for  the  other  half."  The  road  was  laid  out  thus  : 
"  Beginning  at  the  King's  highway  a  little  to  the  eastward  of  the  N.  E. 
arm  of  Duck  Creek ;  running  over  sd.  arm,  as  the  cart-way  now  is,  until  it 
comes  to  the  southerly  side  of  Wm.  Atwood's  dwelling  ;  still  westerly,  as 
the  cart-way  goes,  by  the  northerly  side  of  Eph'm  Atwood's  house  ;  still 
westerly,  as  the  cartway  goes,  to  the  southerly  side  of  Rev.  ]\'Ir.  Lewis's 
house  ;  still  westerly,  over  the  Pound  Hill,  to  the  southward  of  Jos.  AtJvins' 
house ;  then  south-westerly  along  the  head  of  the  meadow  near  the  upland 
bank  until  it  comes  to  the  bottom  of  the  hill  leading  toward  Daniel  Mayo's 
house  ;  still  southwesterly,  as  the  cart-way  runs,  between  Dan'l  and  Sam'l 
Mayo's  dwellings  and  their  orchard  fence,  to  the  southerly  side  of  a  sv^^amp 
near  Dan'l  Mayo's  barn  ;  — forty  feet  wide  from  the  beginning  to  the  end 
of  the  road." 


662  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

there  was  a  general  absence  of  school-houses,  but  not  of  schools. 
To  accommodate  all  in  the  best  manner  possible,  it  was  "  agreed 
that  the  school  shall  be  kept  first  at  James  Atwood's,  5  weeks ; 
then  at  Joseph  Atkins'  5  weeks ;  then  at  Joseph  Perce's  5  weeks ; 
then  at  Zoheth  Smith's  5  weeks ;  and  then  at  the  Widow  Doane's 
the  remainder  of  the  six  months ;  or  at  places  thereabout." 

In  1764,  other  improvements  were  projected.  It  was  ordered 
that  the  new  Duck  Creek  road  be  extended.^  A  committee  was 
chosen  to  propose  a  plan  for  the  enlargement  of  the  meeting- 
house. 

In  1765,  an  article  in  the  warrant  for  the  annual  town-meeting, 
calling  for  some  action  to  suppress  "  the  sale  of  so  much  strong 
drink,"  inserted  "  at  the  request  of  seven  freeholders,"  was  con- 
sidered ;  but  the  proposition  for  further  action  was  negatived,  the 
majority  being  of  the  opinion  that  "  the  law  has  provided  already 
proper  measures  "  to  that  end,^  It  was  ordered  that  the  meeting- 
house be  enlarged  by  an  addition  of  18  ft.,  and  that  a  porch  be 
built  in  front  with  a  steeple  and  vane,  and  for  this,  £183.6.8. 
was  appropriated.  Maj.  Doane  was  app.  chairman  of  the  build- 
ing committee,  and  Thomas  Young  and  Elisha  Holbrook  were 
the  contractors  for  the  work. 

In  1767,  it  was  "  voted  to  sell  the  parsonage  lands  at  Cheques- 
set  Neck,  and  invest  the  proceeds  as  a  ministerial  fund. 

In  1768,  Mr.  John  Geeenough  was  "engaged  to  keep  a  gram- 
mar school  for  one  year ;  ^  the  school  to  be  attended  by  such 
only  as  learn  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages ; "  and  the  school 
"  for  teaching  reading,  writing,  and  cyphering  "  was  arranged  in 
proper  divisions  located  in  diiferent  parts  of  the  town.  In  the 
south  division  were  48  families  ;  in  the  middle  division,  48 ;  on 
Cole's  Neck  and  on  the  east  side  of  the  town,  48  ;  and,  on  Hol- 
brook's  Neck,  the  Islands,  and  Pamet  Point,  49 ;  making  a  total 
of  193  families.  The  sum  appropriated  for  the  town  school  was 
£40. 

^ "  Continued  from  the  southerly  end  of  the  swamp  near  Dan'l  Mayo's 
barn  to  the  northward  of  the  old  meeting-house  hill ;  then  southwesterly, 
as  the  cartway  runs,  near  Maj.  Doane's  fence  ;  then  westerly  to  the  north- 
ward of  Hudson  Vickery's  dwelling ;  thence  still  westerly  till  it  comes  to 
the  N.  E.  end  of  Doane's  Bridge ;  thence  across  said  bridge  S.  W.  and  by 
W.  to  high-water  mark  to  the  eastward  of  Sam'l  Hatch's  dweUing,  —  there 
to  be  a  landing  place." 

^  Mr.  Pratt  has  it  that  measures  were  adopted  to  prevent  so  great  use  of 
spirituous  liquors.     We  find  no  such  action  recorded. 

"Mr.  Greenough  was  a  grad  of  H.  C.  1763. 


ANNALS    OF    WELLFLEET.  663 

A  request  from  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Boston 
was  received ;  and,  in  comphance,  EHsha  Doane  Esq. 
was  app.  a  delegate  to  the  convention  to  be  held  in 
Faneuil  Hall  in  Sept. 

In  1769,  the  line  between  this  town  and  Truro  was  defined ;  ^ 
and  the  parsonage  meadow  was  fenced.  Mr.  Greenough's  gram- 
mar school  was  still  in  operation  and  so  continued  several  years. 

In  1770,  the  amount  raised  for  common  schools  was  £53.  6.  8. 
Application  was  made  by  the  town  to  the  governor  to  appoint 
some  one  resident  here,  justice  of  the  peace  ;  agents  were  app, 
to  take  care  of  the  Indian  lands  ;  and  restrictions  were  imposed 
upon  the  sale  of  intoxicating  drinks. 

In  1771,  the  parsonage  property  in  Chequesset  Neck^  was  sold 
to  Thos.  Holbrook,  for  £38.  13.  4.  The  taxes  of  Mr.  Greenough, 
the  grammar  school-master  were  abated  in  consideration  of  his 
employment. 

In  1772,  a  law  having  been  enacted  by  the  Gen.  Court,  regu- 
lating the  taking  of  oysters  in  Billingsgate  Bay,  an  amendment 
of  that  act  was  now  asked  by  the  town,  namely,  that  during  the 
summer  months  they  shall  not  be  taken  to  market;  nor  fished  by 
inhabitants  of  the  town  for  their  own  use  during  the  months  of 
July  and  August.  Mr.  Barnabas  Freeman  of  Eastham,  the  rep- 
resentative, was  requested  to  present  a  petition  to  that  effect. 

In  1773,  the  schools  were  still  in  operation,  and  the  same 
amount  raised  to  sustain  them  as  in  the  three  preceding  years. 
The  town  ordered  that  "fish  shall  be  taken  from  Herring  Bi'ook 
only  on  Mondays,  Wednesdays,  and  Fridays,  except  for  codfish 
bait."  Also,  '■  that  inasmuch  as  the  oyster-fishery,  which  is  of 
great  value  to  the  town  and  of  great  advantage  to  the  Province, 
has  received  detriment  from  jDersons  taking  young  oysters,  the 
enactment  of  more  stringent  regulations  are  necessary  to  prevent 
their  destruction."  By-laws  were  constructed,  and  by  the  Court 
of  Sessions  approved. 

In  1774,  letters  having  been  received  from  the  Com. 
of  Correspondence  of  the  town  of  Boston,  with  a  copy 
of  the  votes  and  proceedings  of  that  town  and  of  a 


^ "  From  a  heap  of  stones  on  Bound  Brook  Island,  which  heap  of  stones 
is  called  the  westernmost  bound ;  and  from  thence  easterly  by  old  marked 
trees  and  some  newly  marked,  in  tKe  old  range,  to  the  sea  on  the  back  side." 


664  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

convention  assembled  there  the  29th  of  Nov.  last ;  this 
town  voted  to  refer  the  whole  matter  to  a  com.  con- 
sisting of  Mr,  Winslow  Lewis,  Hezekiah  Doane  Esq., 
Capt.  Elisha  Cobb,  and  Messrs.  Joseph  Higgins.  Naa- 
man  Holbrook,  Sam'l  Smith,  and  Ezekiel  Holbrook. 
Their  report,  made  at  an  adjom^ned  meeting,  was  ac- 
cepted and  ordered  to  be  recorded.  Bold  and  patriotic 
resolves  similar  to  those  adopted  in  other  towns,  were 
passed  ;  pledging  the  town  "  to  the  defense  of  liberty 
and  right  against  the  unjust  enactments  of  Parliament 
and  the  usurpations  of  the  Crown  "  ;  also  "  not  to  pur- 
chase or  use  any  imported  articles  on  which  Govern- 
ment has  imposed  unconstitutional  and  unlawful  du- 
ties."    A  copy  of  the  proceedings  was  transmitted. 

The  town  was  now  divided  into  eight  school-districts,  and  an 
agent  was  chosen  for  each.  It  was  also  "  ordered  that  the  select 
men  provide  a  grammar  school."  ^  Additional  regulations  were 
made  for  the  preservation  of  the  oyster  fishery,  in  conjunction 
with  doings  of  the  towns  of  Eastham,  and  approved  by  the 
Court. 

At  a  County  Congress  held  at  Barnstable,  Nov,  16, 
to  consider  the  condition  of  the  country,  this  town 
was  represented  by  Messrs.  Winslow  Lewis,  Zoheth 
Smith,  Samuel  Smith,  and  Maj.  Hezekiah  Doane  and 
Capt.  Elisha  Cobb.  In  the  warrant  issued  Dec.  8,  for 
a  town  meeting  to  be  held  Dec.  19,  "  to  receive  the  re- 
port of  the  County  Congress,  and  to  see  if  the  town 
will  act  agreeably  to  the  directions  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  in  regard  to  choosing  military  officers  and  in 
respect  to  other  matters  submitted  by  said  Provincial 
Congress,"  is  especial  mention  "  by  desire  of  one  gent, 
that  he  may  have  an  opportunity  of  making  satisfac- 
tion for  his  misconduct  in  bringing  Tea  into  town,  and 

^  The  teacher  of  this  school  for  the  last  five  or  six  years  seems  to  have 
fallen  under  public  censure  for  political  malfeasance ;  and  hence  the  inter- 
ruption of  his  pedagoguical  duties. 


ANNALS   OF   WELLFLEET.  665 

also  for  his  abuse  of  the  com.  of  cor.  chosen  by  the 
town,  —  in  the  letter  which  he  addressed  to  them." 
To  the  warrant,  the  selectmen,  Messrs.  Atwood,  Hol- 
brook,  and  Smith,  add  the  following :  "  N.  B.  It  is  the 
desire  of  the  selectmen  and  Mr.  Greenough  that  there 
may  be  a  full  meeting,  as  there  are  many  things  to 
lay  before  the  district  concerning  our  public  alEFairs." 

At  the  meeting  thus  called,  Capt.  Cobb  being  mode- 
rator, the  proceedings  of  the  County  Congress  were 
several  times  read,  also  the  resolves  of  the  Continental 
and  Provincial  Congresses ;  the  town  voted  its  "  appro- 
bation of,  and  hearty  concurrence  with,  all  said  re- 
solves and  recommendations."  Mr.  Greenough  "  hav- 
ing the  opportunity  granted  him,  read  what  he  had  to 
offer  by  way  of  satisfaction  to  the  district,  —  which 
was  as  follows  : 

"  Whereas  I  bought  a  quantity  of  tea  and  brought  into  this  dis- 
trict last  winter,  I  do  acknowledge  that  I  was  therein  guilty  of  an 
error,  and  am  heartily  sorry  therefor ;  and  I  do  declare  I  had  no 
intention  to  injure  the  liberties  of  my  country  therein.  And 
whereas  the  committee  of  correspondence  for  this  district  appre- 
hend that  I  have  abused  them,  in  a  letter  I  sent  them,  I  do  de- 
clare that  I  had  no  such  intention,  and  wish  to  be  reconciled  to 
them  again  and  to  forget  and  forgive  on  both  sides. 

"  Wellfleet,  Dec.  19,  1774.        Signed,        John  GreenoughP 

There  was  evidently  a  general  disposition,  on  the 
part  of  the  inhabitants,  to  accept  the  confession  of  Mr, 
G.,  and  to  treat  him  as  one  fully  restored  to  public 
confidence,  as  appears  from  their  appointing  him  at 
this  meeting  on  an  important  committee.  Still,  there 
were  embarrassing  considerations  present  to  the  minds 
of  many  at  this  meeting ;  and  these  considerations 
were,  probably  in  consequence  of  outward  pressure, 
not  easily  to  be  overcome.  The  selling  of  a  part  of  a 
chest  of  tea  contrary  to  the  town's  resolve,  it  was  be- 

VOL,  II.  84 


666  HISTORY    OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

lieved  abroad,  was  not  the  full  extent  of  the  transac- 
tion. The  teas  landed  here  had  been  extensively  dis- 
tributed by  some  means,  and  had  even  found  their 
way  into  Connecticut.  Satisfaction  was  demanded  by 
the  public  at  large  ;  and  the  final  settlement  of  the  af- 
fair and  the  quieting  of  the  public  mind,  was  a  work 
of  much  trouble  and  delay. 

The  town  required  the  officers  of  the  military,  hold- 
ing commissions  under  the  Crown,  to  resign ;  and  they 
having  complied,  Elisha  Cobb  was  app.  Capt. ;  Zoheth 
Smith,  1st  Lieut.;  and  William  Chipman,  2d  Lieut. 
The  town  also  raised  money  "  for  the  relief  of  the  suf- 
fering poor  in  Boston,  —  that  port  being  shut  up  by 
Act  of  Parliament."  "Agreeably  to  the  10th  resolve 
of  the  County  Congress,  the  same  meeting  chose  eight 
men,  namely,  James  Brown,  Ephr'm  Covel,  Timo.  Nye, 
Doct.  Sam'l  Nutting,  John  Greenough  Esq.,  John 
Swett,  Samuel  Waterman,  and  Jona.  Higgins,  to  see 
that  the  resolves  of  the  several  congresses  are  carried 
into  execution  in  this  district;  and  likewise  to  see 
that  the  inhabitants  subscribe  the  association  or  league 
agreed  on  by  the  Continental  Congress,  with  the  addi- 
tional clause  recommended  by  the  County  Congress  in 
their  5th  resolve." 

In  1775,  at  an  adjourned  meeting  held  Jan.  25,  the 
following  proceedings  were  had  : 

"  Whereas,  according  to  the  best  intelligence  we  can  at  present 
obtain,  there  is,  by  Act  of  Parliament,  a  tax  or  tribute  laid  upon 
teas  exported  from  Great  Britain  into  America  by  the  East  India 
Company,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  raising  a  revenue  in  the  Amer- 
ican Plantations,  which  act  we  look  upon  as  unconstitutional  and 
as  having  a  direct  tendency  to  deprive  us  of  the  rights  and  priv- 
ileges of  free-born  subjects,  and  if  submitted  to  will  destroy  the 
liberty  of  disposing  of  our  own  property  and  in  time  reduce  us 
to  slavery :  Therefore,  upon  mature  consideration,  we  come  to 
the  followincr  resolves :  — 


ANNALS    OF    WELLFLEET,  667 

"  1.  That  we  are  ready  at  all  times  as  loyal  subjects  to  risk  ev- 
ery thing  that  is  dear  to  us,  in  defence  of  the  crown  and  dignity 
of  our  Sovereign  Lord,  King  George  III. ;  and,  as  free-born  sons 
of  Amei'ica,  to  maintain  our  constitutional  rights,  civil  and  relig- 
ious, to  the  last  extremity. 

"  2.  That  it  is  our  opinion  that  there  is  an  unconstitutional  tax  or 
tribute  laid  upon  us,  which,  if  submitted  to,  will  not  only  involve 
us  in  great  difficulties,  but  exclude  the  freedom  that  by  the  Law 
of  Nature  and  our  present  Constitiition,  we  have  a  right  to. 

"  3.  That  for  the  future,  so  long  as  a  tax  or  tribute  shall  con- 
tinue to  be  laid  upon  teas  imported  from  Great  Britain  for  the 
sole  purpose  of  raising  a  revenue  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Amer- 
ica, we  will  not  buy  nor  use  any  in  our  families ;  and  that  we 
will  not  give  countenance  to,  nor  will  we  have  any  connection 
with,  any  person  that  shall  for  the  future  sell  any  teas  in  this  dis- 
trict, or  any  person  that  shall  buy  the  same,  until  said  Act  is  re- 
pealed. 

"And,  lastly.  We,  upon  due  consideration  of  what  the  respect- 
able inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston  and  other  respectable 
towns  have  done  in  this  affair,  do  acquiesce  therein,  as  they  have 
shown  a  laudable  zeal  for  the  preservation  of  the  Rights  and 
Liberties  of  America ;  and  we  return  them  our  sincere  thanks 
therefor." 

The  meeting  being  now  informed  that  the  offender,  before 
noted,  wished  to  make  a  further  communication,  it  was  allowed 
to  be  read.^ 

^We  have  felt  some  hesitancy  in  spreading  before  our  readers  a  matter 
that  in  our  view  is  largely  personal ;  but  as,  in  another  view,  it  was  promi- 
nently a  matter  of  public  interest  and  occupied  the  attention  of  both  Con- 
gresses, we  are  but  complying  with  duty  in  noting  particulars.  We  have, 
before,  referred  to  outside  influence  :  the  following  explains,  —  Mr.  G.  ex- 
pressed a  willingness  to  fall  in  with  any  course  that  should  be  adopted  for 
the  general  good.  He  desired  to  have  the  inhabitants  reconciled  to  him, 
and  to  be  secure  from  public  Indignation.  He  would  submit  whether  the 
remainder  of  the  chest  of  tea,  which  he  averred  was  broken  and  damaged 
when  procured,  should  be  sold  from  hence ;  or  kept  under  the  care  of  the 
committee  to  whom  he  was  ready  to  surrender  It  If  desired ;  or  kept  by  him- 
self, he  pledging  his  honor  that  he  will  not  sell  any  part  of  it  until  it  shall 
be  declared  by  the  committee  lawful  to  do  so.  .  .  .  Whereupon  a  copy 
of  a  letter  to  the  Com.  of  Cor.  at  Boston  was  produced  and  read,  namely, 
"  Gent.,  we  have  received  your  letter  covering  the  votes  and  proceedings  of 
the  town  of  Boston,  on  the  5  &  18th.  of  Nov.  last ;  also  the  proceedings  of 
a  Body  of  the  people  met  at  Boston  on  the  29th  of  the  same  month  ;  and 
for  your  care  herein  we  return  you  our  thanks.  We  are  now  to  Inform 
you  that  when  Capt.  Loring  was  cast  on  shore  at  Provlncetown,  John 
Greenough  Esq.  undertook  to  procure,  and  did  procure  two  vessels  for  Mr. 
Clarke,  and  did  assist  in  getting  the  cargo  to  Boston  as  you  are  already 


668  fflSTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

The   districts  being  this  year  allowed  all  the  rights 
and  privileges  of  towns  in  electing  representatives,  no- 


acquainted.  While  he  was  at  Provincetown,  he  procured  two  damaged 
chests  of  tea,  partly  for  himself  and  partly  for  other  persons,  which,  as  he 
says,  since  they  paid  no  duty,  he  thought  he  might  receive  with  safety  with- 
out injuring  himself  or  his  country  ;  and  on  his  return  back  from  Boston  he 
went  into  Cape  Cod  Harbor  to  take  on  board  the  said  chests,  which  being 
damaged  had  been  there  left,  and  whilst  there,  receiving  a  letter  from  a 
friend  of  his  here,  he  took  away  one  only  of  the  damaged  chests,  the  most  of 
which  was  designed  for  and  purchased  on  account  of  Col.  Willard  Knowles 
of  Eastham.  This  chest  was  landed  here,  and  Col.  Knowles  received  and 
carried  away  his  tea  before  the  district  could  be  called  together.  This  high- 
ly incensed  the  inhabitants ;  and  they  assembled  to  take  into  consideration 
your  letters  and  also  to  do  something  respecting  the  above  chest  of  tea ;  and 
having  been  informed  in  meeting  by  Mr.  Greenough  that  said  chest  was 
damaged,  and  that  when  in  Boston  he  let  it  be  known  to  several  gentlemen 
and  one  of  your  committee  that  a  like  damaged  chest  had  been  disposed  of 
to  the  people  who  were  employed  in  saving  the  cargo,  and  that  he  had  pro- 
cured these,  —  and  that  the  gentlemen  showed  no  dislike  to  it  but  thought 
it  might  be  sold  free  from  duty  without  any  damage  to  the  country  ;  and 
Mr.  G.  having  offered  his  sentiments  to  the  meeting  and  concluded  to  fall  in 
with  anything  at  said  meeting  to  be  done  for  the  good  of  society :  — which  was 
not  satisfactory ;  the  district  then  chose  a  com.  to  take  all  the  matters  then 
before  the  meeting  into  consideration  and  draw  up  some  resolves  and  report, 
and  then  adjourned  to  the  25th  inst.  Mr.  G.  being  still  willing  to  reconcile 
himself  with  the  inhabitants,  and  no  proposals  being  made  to  him,  he  volunta- 
rily gave  in  to  their  committee  a  paper,  the  copy  of  which  you  have  enclos- 
ed, which  being  laid  before  the  meeting  at  the  adjournment  this  day,  the  dis- 
trict, though  not  willing  to  receive  any  tea  that  might  be  brought  among 
them  contrary  to  the  voice  of  the  country,  yet  desirous  of  being  of  a  pacific 
temper  on  receiving  any  rational  proposals  whereby  they  might  clear  them- 
selves of  blame  and  harm,  readily  came  in  to  the  proposals  made  by  Mr. 
Greenough.  And  we  do  now  set  forth  the  above  as  a  true  state  of  the 
facts ;  and  we  do,  on  the  behalf  of  this  district,  earnestly  request  your  opinion 
on  the  conduct  of  this  district  and  Mr.  Greenough  in  this  affair  ;  and  also 
your  opinion  whether  the  remainder  of  said  damaged  chest  of  tea  may  be 
sold  from  us  without  injury  to  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  district  when 
they  have  occasion  to  transact  business  in  Boston ;  and  if  you  are  of  the 
opii^on  that  it  cannot,  we  desire  yoiu'  opinion  and  advice  what  further  ought 
to  be  done  than  keeping  the  same  under  the  care  of  a  committee  of  this  dis- 
trict to  whom  Mr.  G.  has  delivered  it.  The  advice,  Gentlemen,  you  re- 
quested of  us,  we  should  have  given  according  to  our  understanding,  had 
we  timely  reeeived  your  favor.  The  sense  of  this  District  you  have  in  the 
inclosed  Resolves.  —  We  are,  with  great  esteem,  your  friends  and  humble 
servants. 

Signed,     Winslow  Lewis,         Joseph  Higgins,       "1  ^^^^_     .  ^j^^  District 


Hezekiah  Doane,      Naaman  Holbrook, 
Elisha  Cobb,  Samuel  Smith, 


of 


Ezekiel  Holbrook,   J  Well/leet. 

"  Gentlemen,  The  above  facts,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  myself  and  this 
District,  are  true  ;  and  I  readily  and  heartily  join  in  the  above  request  of 
your  opinion  and  advice  ;  And  am,  Gent.,  your  hum.  servt. 
To  the  Com.  of  Cor.  of  Boston.  Signed,       John  Greenough." 

The  district,  we  have  intimated,  became,  in  time,  "reconciled"  to  Mr.  G. 


ANNALS    OF    WELLFLEET.  669 

tice  was  given,  May  22,  for  this  town  to  choose  a  rep- 
resentative to  the  Provincial  Congress  to  assemble  on 
the  last  Wednesday  of  May  inst. 

For  the  support  of  schools  this  year,  £400,  old  tenor,  being 
appropriated,  the  vote  was  subsequently  modified;  and  Doct. 
Nutting  was  employed  to  keep  the  grammar  school.  Orders 
were  passed,  May  29,  to  enforce  obedience  to  military  officers 
and  requiring  such  as  refuse  to  attend  on  training  days  to  pay  a 
fine  of  5s.  It  was  voted  to  regard  such  as  refuse  to  pay,  hostile 
to  their  country  —  no  good  citizen  to  associate  or  deal  with 
them.^ 

It  was  proposed  to  the  minister,  that  he  should  abate  a  part  of 
his  salary,  "  because  of  the  scarcity  of  money  and  the  difficulties 
of  the  times ;  or  wait  for  the  balance." 

In  1776,  the  town  petitioned  the  Gen.  Court  to  abate  the  Prov- 
ince-tax of  the  inhabitants,  "on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  money 
and  the  interruption  of  their  usual  business  by  the  war."  The 
memorial  stated  that  the  jDCople  of  this  town  were  "  located  on 
the  most  barren  soil  of  the  Province;"  that  "all  the  land  capa- 
ble of  being  tilled  "  would  "  not  yield  corn  enough  for  more  than 
one  quarter  of  the  inhabitants ;  "  that  "  the  harbor,  which  was 
convenient  enough  for  small  vessels  in  carrying  on  the  whale  fish- 
ery, was  the  only  advantage  of  the  location,  and  this  pursuit  in 
which  hitherto  had  been  employed  2000  tons  of  shipping,  and  by 
which  nine-tenths  of  the  inhabitants  obtained  their  living,"  was 
entirely  cut  ofiT  by  British  men-of-war  anchored  in  Cape  Cod  Har- 
bor; that  "the  oyster  fishery,  by  which  the  other  tenth  obtained 
a  livelihood,"  was  lost  to  them ;  that  most  of  their  vessels  were 
hauled  i;p  and  becoming  worthless,  and  the  few  which  attempted 
to  go  out  of  the  harbor  to  fetch  provisions  had  been  cap- 
tured ;  ^  and  that  the  town  was  almost  destitute  of  bread  and 
other  necessaries  of  life :  they,  therefore,  prayed  that  they  might 
be  relieved  from  a  public  tax. 


A  proposal  to  that  effect  was  voted  in  the  affirmative.  These  transactions 
taken  as  a  whole  are,  we  confess,  not  a  very  flattering  exhibit. 

^  This  laxity  of  military  discipline  at  such  a  crisis,  and  the  necessity  of 
resorting  to  such  countervailants,  can  only  find  their  apology  in  the  pecul- 
iarly exposed  situation  of  the  town.  That  some  should  be  found  here  not 
hearty  in  their  country's  cause,  is  but  a  trait  of  human  nature  exhibited  in 
all  countries  and  all  localities. 

^  To  what  extent,  at  this  time,  other  navigational  interests  finding  owners 
and  seamen  here  existed,  we  have  no  information  ;  but  one  instance  occurs, 


670  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Still,  however,  the  records  furnish  evidence  of  noble 
patriotism ;  for,  in  response  to  the  proposition  of  the 


somewhat  noted  and  mysterious  in  its  developments.  We  refer  to  the  case  of 
'  the  McClary  owners  vs.  Doane  &  Doane's  administrators.'  The  McClary,  a 
privateer,  was  fitted  out  by  Portsmouth  merchants  in  1776,  and  Oct.  30, 
captured  near  a  British  port,  (Halifax,)  the  Lusanna,  Matthew  Wood  master, 
and  Lot  Lewis  mate,  conveying,  as  was  alleged,  supplies  to  the  enemy. 
Elisha  Doane  Esq.,  of  Wellfleet,  put  in  a  claim  to  the  vessel  as  owner,  and 
to  a  part  of  the  cargo  to  the  amount  of  £2000  sterling  ;  I.  Doane,  then  of 
Boston,  merchant,  claimed  cargo  to  amount  of  £123  ;  and  Capt.  Jas.  Shepard 
of  Boston,  £115  ;  and  part  of  the  cargo  remained  unclaimed.  The  brigan- 
tine  was  about  70  tons  burthen.  The  cause  was  tried  Dec.  16,  1777,  when 
it  was  proved  that  Elisha  Doane  was  owner  at  the  commencement  of  the 
war,  and,  Aug.  16,  1775,  loaded  her  with  100  tons  of  sperm  oil  etc,  cleared 
at  Ply.  for  London  consigned  to  Shearjashub  Bourne  Esq.,  his  son-in-law, 
who  was  going  in  the  vessel ;  or,  in  his  absence,  to  Messrs.  Lane,  Son  &  Eraser. 
She  was  taken  by  a  Br.  ship  of  war ;  then  liberated,  Mr.  Bourne  going  to 
Boston,  the  headquarters  of  the  Br.  army  for  the  procurement.  Again  at 
liberty,  she  proceeded  on  her  voyage.  A  new  register  was  taken,  Aug.  3, 1776, 
in  London,  in  the  name  of  Shearjashub  Bourne,  merchant  of  London,  and 
she  was  employed  more  than  a  year  on  government  account  in  conveying 
supplies  to  Gibraltar.  When  first  taken  by  the  Br.  man  of  war,  Doane  put 
in  no  claim;  but  Bourne  did,  and  in  a  memorial,  1777,  long  after  the  vessel 
was  given  up  to  him,  says  to  the  lords  commissioners  of  the  treasury,  in  appli- 
cation for  payment  for  102  casks  oil,  "  Your  memorialist  hath  ever  been  and 
still  is  one  of  His  Majesty's  loyal  subjects,  and  by  every  act  in  his  power 
hath  maintained  his  loyalty,  and,  whilst  in  Am.erica,  publicly  and  privately 
disavowed  all  actions  which  might  have  a  tendency  to  subvert  his  Majesty's 
government,  and  by  a  steady  perseverance  had  rendered  his  person  and 
property  unsafe  so  that  he  was  obliged  to  convey  himself  with  a  vQry  small 
share  of  his  property  away  from  his  native  land  to  this  kingdom  and  brought 
with  him  a  very  considerable  quantity  of  oil  which  he  apprehended  was  much 
wanted  in  this  kingdom,  —  directly  contrary  to  the  resolves  of  a  body  of 
men  who  took  upon  themselves  the  title  or  style  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress," etc.,  etc.  The  vessel  and  cargo,  when  sailing  for  Halifax,  was  insured 
in  London  against  American  privateers,  and  an  invoice  of  about  £2000 
sterling  was  shipped  by  Messrs.  Lane  Son  &  Eraser,  consigned  to  Bourne  at 
Halifax  ;  £208  was  shipped  by  Bourne  himself,  consigned  to  himself  at  Hali- 
fax ;  and  subsequent  letters  from  him  to  the  house  of  Messrs.  Thos.,  Jas.  & 
Wm.  Cockran  of  Halifax,  order  them  to  account  with  himself,  Messrs.  Lane 
Son  &  Eraser,  or  Messrs.  E.  or  I.  Doane.  John  Greenough,  living  with 
Doane  deposed  to  opening  a  correspondence  with  the  Loud,  mei'chants  in 
Doane's  behalf,  which  lasted  some  years  and  that  they  were  always  in 
Doane's  debt,  they  allowing  him  interest  for  large  sums  of  money  arising 
from  remittances  he  made  them.  David  Stoddard  Greenough  also  testified 
to  the  same  effect.  They  supposed  that  the  London  merchants  must  have 
had  £6000  or  £7000  sterling  in  their  hands  belonging  to  Doane  before  the 
Lusanna  arrived.  It  appeared  that  Melatiah  Bourne  was  also  concerned  in 
the  cargo.  Nathaniel  Freeman  Esq.  being  called  as  a  witness,  deposed  with 
respect  to  Shearj.  Bourne  that  the  said  B.  was  esteemed,  by  all  who  knew 
him,  as  a  friend  to  the  interests  of  his  country,  until  about  a  year  or  more 
before  he  signed  the  address  to  Gov.  Hutchinson,  which,  when  the  courts  in 
Barnstable  were  stopped,  Sept.  2  7, 1 7  74,  he  professed  sorrow  for  having  signed, 
which  declaration  was  voted,  by  the  people  assembled,  to  be  satisfactory ; 


ANNALS    OF   WELLFLEET.  671 

Gen.  Court  that  every  town,  at  a  full  meeting  called 
for  the  purpose,  should  obtain  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple whether  they  desire  to  be  independent  of  Great 
Britain,  etc.,  this  town  "  Voted,  That  if  the  Honorable 
Continental  Congress  shall  think  proper  for  the  safety 
of  the  good  people  of  the  united  colonies,  to  declare 
said  colonies  independent,  we,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Wellfleet,  will  support  them  with  our  lives 
and  fortunes."  The  instructions  to  their  representa- 
tives, Col.  Elisha  Cobb  and  Naaman  Holbrook,  attest 
the  sincerity  of  the  pledge ;  and  when  the  Declaration 
of  Independence  was  received,  and  read  publicly,  Aug. 
25,  on  Lord's  day,  immediately  after  divine  service,  by 
the  worthy  pastor.  Rev.  Isaiah  Lewis,  agreeably  to  the 
order  of  Council,  there  was  not,  so  far  as  we  are  in- 
formed,  one  murmuring  thought  or  discordant  senti- 
ment. 

In  1777,  Mar.  4,  "Messrs.  Joseph  Ward,  Jonathan 
Young,  Thomas  Dean,  Joseph  Smith,  and  Moses  Wyley 
w^ere  chosen  a  committee  of  correspondence,  inspection, 
and  safety.  A  requisition  being  made  for  ten  men  to 
serve  in  the  Continental  Army,  it  was  "  voted  to  hire 
money  to  pay  such  men  as  will  voluntarily  enlist, — 
giving  to  each  man   ,£4  lawful  money  per  month  in 


and  that  it  was  the  general  opinion  in  this  county  that  Bourne  sailed  in  the 
Lusanna  to  protect  the  interests  of  his  father-in-law  in  London,  and  not  as 
having  fled  to  the  enemy  for  refuge,  and  therefore  no  attempt  was  made  by 
committees  or  others  to  disturb  his  estate  which,  in  his  absence,  was  taxed  as 
usual  in  Barnstable.  The  case  was  1 9  yrs.  in  the  courts,  and  finally  decid- 
ed, 1795;  and,  says  the  reviewer  in  the  Statement  pub.  Portsmouth  1795, 
"  the  decision  must  appear  at  a  future  period,  if  not  now,  most  remarkably 
mysterious,  and  possibly  unfathomable."  The  difficulties  which  patriots  of 
the  B,evolution  encountered  were  multiform  ;  and  not  the  least  was  the 
equivocal  bearing  of  men  of  wealth  and  position  suspected  disloyal,  but 
practising  concealments ; 

"  Their  aim 
Private  rewards  ;  for  which  both  God  and  state 
They'd  set  to  sale  ;" 

and  for  whom,  now,  it  is  sometimes  claimed  that  they  were  "  moderate 
whigs  J " 


672  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

addition  to  the  government  wages."  Subsequently, 
the  town  found  it  necessary  to  order  the  enlistment  of 
the  men  on  any  terms  to  secure  their  service. 

Agreeably  to  an  Act  of  the  Gen.  Court  to  prevent  monopoly 
and  oppression,  the  town  app.  a  com.  to  fix  the  prices  of  necessary 
articles  of  subsistence  and  of  all  kinds  of  labor,  "  to  be  a  rule  for 
buyer  and  seller  and  to  be  commended  to  all  persons  as  they 
would  avoid  the  contempt  of  their  fellow-countrymen  as  also  the 
penalties  annexed  to  the  breach  of  said  Act."  It  was  also  "  voted 
to  procure  a  supply  of  ammunition  and  small  arms."  John  Green- 
ough,  Esq.,  the  representative  to  the  Gen.  Court  was  instructed 
"to  lay  before  the  court  a  petition  of  the  town  setting  forth  the 
distressed  condition  of  the  inhabitants  and  praying  an  abatement 
of  public  taxes." 

The  questions  that  arose  in  regard  to  Articles  of 
Confederation  and  perpetual  Union  between  the  Unit- 
ed States  of  America  were  submitted  by  the  town 
"  entirely  to  the  wisdom  and  prudence  "  of  its  Repre- 
sentatives. 

In  1778,  the  enlistment  of  men  for  the  army  continued,  and 
18  were  raised  here  for  the  service.  At  the  same  time,  the 
town  felt  constrained  to  send  again  a  petition  to  the  Gen.  Court, 
protesting  "the  distressed  situation  of  the  people,  and  praying 
for  relief."  An  order  was  passed  "  to  collect  the  town's  powder 
lent  to  other  towns  or  let  out  to  individuals  ; "  also  "  to  pay  for 
the  small-arms,  gun-locks,  powder,  lead,  etc.  received  from  the 
Province  as  the  town's  proportion,"  agreeably  to  Act  of  Court ; 
and  "  that  the  selectmen  provide  for  the  families  of  soldiers  in  the 
contuiental  service,  agreeably  to  Act  requiring  the  same."  Capt. 
Joseph  Higgins,  Capt.  Winslow  Lewis,  Jno.  Greenough  Esq., 
Capt.  .Jos.  Smith,  and  Jos.  Ward  were  app.  the  com.  of  Cor.  and 
Safety. 

The  Constitution  or  Plan  of  Government  adopted 
by  Convention,  being  submitted  to  the  people,  May 
19,  the  town  "  voted  unanimously  that  we  do  approve 
of  and  accept  the  same;  "  and,  Aug.  20,  Messrs.  Eben. 
Atwood,  Eph'm  Covel,  Wm.  Chipman,  Elisha  Cobb, 
Benj.  Swett,  Hezekiah  Doane,  Eleazar  Waterman,  and 


ANNALS    OF   WELLFLEET.  D/d 

Sam'l  Waterman  were  selected  "  to  receive  subscrip- 
tions for  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis  in  consideration  of  the  depre- 
ciated currency." 

The  Br.  ship  of  war,  Somerset,  having  been  stranded  near 
Truro,  and  the  crew  being  taken  prisoners  and  marched  through 
town  on  their  way  to  Boston,  were  here  supplied  with  provisions 
and  other  comforts.  The  expenses  incurred  on  this  occasion 
were  allowed  by  government. 

In  1779,  the  additional  number  of  men  required 
for  the  army  was  enlisted,  and  ^10  in  addition  to  gov- 
ernment wages  was  given  to  each.  Messrs.  Winslow 
Lewis,  Hezekiah  Doane,  Elisha  Cobb,  Naaman  Hol- 
brook,  and  Sam'l  Smith  were  the  com.  of  safety ;  and 
Messrs.  John  Greenough,  Hez'h  Doane,  and  Elijah  Cobb 
delegates  to  the  County  Convention  to  be  held  in 
Barnstable. 

The  Rev.  Isaiah  Lewis,  having  become  aged  and 
feeble,  so  that  he  was  no  longer  able  to  perform  all  the 
labors  of  the  ministry,  relinquished  his  claim  for  salary, 

—  proposing  still  to  continue  his  pastoral  connection  ; 
the  town  being  at  liberty,  if  it  shall  be  thought  desir- 
able, to  procure  an  assistant  minister.  The  town  gen- 
erously voted  £20  per  annum  to  Mr.  Lewis,  and  app. 
a  com.  to  engage  the  services  of  an  assistant. 

An  event  occurred  this  year  that  brought  sadness 
to  many  hearts,  involving  the  whole  town  in  mourning, 

—  the  loss  at  sea  of  William  Doane  and  22  others  be- 
longing here,  in  the  ship  America. 

Agreeably  to  resolve  of  the  Gen.  Court,  Feb.  19, 
the  question  was  submitted  May  10,  touching  a  new 
form  of  government,  which  passed  in  the  atnrmative, 
and  the  representative  was  instructed  to  vote  for 
calling  a  State  Convention  for  the  pupose  of  framing 
a  new  Constitution.  Additional  arms  were  ordered, 
money  for  their  purchase  to  be  borrowed  ;  and  £800 


674  HISTORY  or  barnstable  county. 

was  raised  for  the  current  expenses  of  the  year. 
Either  the  pecuniary  circumstances  of  the  inhabitants 
had  begun  to  improve,  and  hence  the  patriotic  decision 
we  are  about  to  record ;  or  they  had  become  weary  of 
petitioning  and  setting  forth  their  grievances  without 
securing  redress :  a  motion  was  made  this  year,  and 
pressed,  for  memorializing  the  court  again  for  abate- 
ment of  the  State  tax ;  the  proposition  was  negatived. 

In  1780,  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis,  in  consideration  of  £500,  gave  "  a  final 
discharge  to  the  town  for  all  dues  on  account  of  salary  remaining 
unpaid  ; "  and  it  was  "  voted  to  pay  him  in  addition  to  any  for- 
mer grant,  at  the  rate  of  1\  for  1,  for  the  interest  of  the  parson- 
age money  that  is  or  may  be  due  to  him  in  May  next,  in  consid- 
eration of  the  present  depreciated  currency."  The  sum  of  £1600 
was  voted  "to  pay  the  debt  of  the  town  ;"  for  schools,  £700  was 
voted ;  and  a  committee  was  app.  "  to  keep  the  children  and 
young  folk  in  order  in  time  of  service  on  Sabbath  days." 

The  new  Constitution,  with  the  exception  of  the  3d 
article  of  Bill  of  Rights,  was  rejected  by  a  large  ma- 
jority, May  22. 

A  meeting  was  held,  June  26,  "  to  concert  plans  for  enlisting  6 
mo's.  men  for  the  army."  It  was  voted  "  to  pay  $7  hard  money 
per  mo.,  or  continental  bills  equivalent  thereto,  in  addition  to 
government  pay,  from  the  time  of  their  ari'ival  at  the  place  of 
rendezvous,  as  a  bounty  from  the  town ; "  and  a  com.  was  cho- 
sen "  to  use  all  possible  endeavors  to  procure  the  men  and  report 
at  an  adjourned  meeting,  June  28.  The  com.,  at  the  appointed 
time,  reported  "no  success."  The  resolve  of  the  Gen.  Court  for 
reinforcing  the  army  was  then  again  read  in  meeting;  whereupon 
it  was  "  voted  to  give  each  recruit  $10  in  silver  per  mo.  as  a  town 
bounty."  The  requisition  for  heef  for  army  supply  presented 
not  simply  a  difficulty,  but  an  impossibility. 

In  1781,  a  quota  of  6  men  being  required  for  the  army,  the 
town  authorized  the  offer  of  a  bounty  "  not  to  exceed  £20  per 
man  per  mo."     Mr.  John  Gkeenough  died  in  July.^ 

^  John  Greenough  Esq.  was  descended  from  Capt.  Wm.  of  Dorchester 
who  was  b.  in  Eng.  1639,  and  m.  1st,  Ruth  Swift,  dr.  Thos.of  Dor.,  in  1660, 
and  2d,  Elisa.  Rainsfbrd.      They  had  11  ch.,  of  whom  John  b.  Feb.  17, 


ANNALS    OF   WELLFLEET.  675 

In  1783,  we  find  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis  still  the  minister 
of  the  town,  and  often  exchanging  with  the  neighbor- 
ing ministers;  but  some  of  the  people  here  desired 
more  active  services  ;  perhaps  we  should  say,  "  popu- 
lar." Some  misunderstanding  seems  also  to  have  ex- 
isted in  regard  to  the  non-payment  of  arrears  due  as 
acknowledged  in  the  previous  arrangements  for  a  relin- 
quishment of  salary.  Mr.  Lewis  having  now  requested 
a  dismission  from  the  pastoral  charge,  it  was  voted, 
July  29,  that  he  "be  dismissed  according  to  his  de- 
sire ; "  and  a  com.  was  app.  to  procure  a  supply. 
These  votes  were  afterwards  reconsidered,  Mr.  Lewis 
yielding  the  matters  in  controversy ;  and  a  subscrip- 
tion was  then  opened  for  him. 

This  brings  us  to  the  ever-memorable  event  of  the 
year,  when  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  be- 
ing acknowledged  by  Great  Britain,  and  all  difficulties 
being  in  process  of  adjustment,  a  treaty  of  Peace  was 
concluded.  Great  as  had  been  the  sufferinars  of  the 
inhabitants,  by  reason  of  a  war  which  had  now  resulted 
in  honor  and  blessing  to  the  country,  and  poverty- 
stricken  though  many  of  them  became,  they  had  nobly 
endured.  Bearing  more  than  a  proportionate  share  of 
the  evils  of  a  state  of  hostilities,  there  is  no  evidence 
that  the  majority  ever  desponded,  or  ceased  to  be  pa- 


1672,  was  the  5th,  and  had  by  his  w.  EHsa.  9  ch.,  the  7th,  Thos.,  b.  May  6, 1710. 
Dea.  Thomas,  b.  1710,  d.  in  Boston  1785,  m.  1st,  Martha  Clark,  2d,  Sarah 
Stoddard  1750,  and  had  12  ch.  of  whom  were  Thos.  May  8,  1738;  John 
A]p.  4,  1742;  and  David  S.  July  31,  1752.  Thomas,  b.  1738,  had  a  dr. 
Eiisa.  b.  1771,  who  m.  Capt.  Winslow  Lewis  Nov.  7,  1793;  and  another, 
Anne,  b.  1765,  m.  Elisha  BanD;s  of  H.  Nov.  2,  1786  ;  2d,  John  Bris^ht,  and 
3d,  John  Paine  1836.  John  "Esq.,  b.  1742,  grad.  H.  C.  1759,  set.  m  AVell- 
fleet  and  m.  Mehit.  Dillingham  of  H.  Oct.  16,  1766,  who  d.  Aug.  25,  1798, 
as.  51.  They  had  a  dr.  b.  Oct.  4, 1767,  d.  inf  ;  Sarah  Sept.  3,  1768,  drown- 
ed Nov.  30,  1788;  John  July  18,  1770,  d.  1789;  William  Jan.  6,  1772; 
David  June  24,  1774 ;  Abigail  Dec.  28,  1776  ;  Mehitable  Ap.  18,  1779,  d. 
y.  in  Boston.  The  preceding  were  all  b.  in  W.  They  had  also,  in  Boston, 
Mehit.  May  3,  1781.  David  S.  b.  1752,  m.  wid.  Anne,  (Hough)  Doane 
1784. 


676  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

triotic.  They  had  furnished,  probably  according  to 
their  ability,  their  full  proportion  both  for  the  land 
and  sea  service  ;  and  now  had  the  exquisite  enjoyment 
of  relief  from  exactions,  and  of  the  rewards  of  suc- 
cess. Engaging  in  peaceful  and  honorable  avocations, 
their  enterprise  in  their  chosen  branch  of  industry  on 
the  wide  ocean  soon  made  them  again  prosperous  and 
wealthy. 

In  1784,  an  invitation  was  given  to  Mr.  Asa  Packard 
to  settle  here  in  the  ministry.  This  invitation,  after 
due  consideration,  was  declined.^ 

In  1785,  Feb.  7,  a  call  was  extended  to  Mr.  Whit- 
man to  settle  as  colleague  with  Mr.  Lewis,  a  salary  of 
£100,  and  £200  settlement  being  provided.  The  call 
was  accepted,  and  Rev.  Levi  Whitman  was  ordained 
Ap.  13.2 

New  bounds  were  this  year  erected  between  this 
town  and  Truro. 

In  1786,  Oct.  3,  the  venerable  and  honored  Rev. 
Isaiah  Lewis  died  in  the  55th  year  of  his  ministry,  sd. 
84.^ 

In  1787,  the  town  was  rapidly  recovering  from  its 
recent  depression  ;  the  fisheries  were  renewed  ;  other 
enterprises  upon  the  sea  were  undertaken ;   schools 


^Mr.  Packard  grad^H.  C.  1783.     He  settled  in  Wiscasset,  Me. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Whitman,  b.  1748  in  Lridgewater,  grad.  H.  C  17  79. 

*Rev.  Isaiah  Lewis,  b.  in  Hingliam  June  10,  1703,  grad.  H.  C,  1723, 
was  son  of  John  who  was  son  of  Lt.  James  of  Be.  Rev.  Mr.  L.  was  a 
man  of  good  order  of  intellect,  with  a  heart  devoted  to  his  work.  Under 
his  ministry,  219  members  were  added  to  the  clnirch,  and  he  solemnized  233 
marriages.  By  his  marriage  with  Abigail  Winslow,  dr.  Kenelm,  June  25, 
1730,  he  had  born  to  him  Hannah  Sept.  1731,  who  m.  Rev.  Joseph  Green; 
and  Winslow  July  3,  1 738,  who  d.  in  E.  1801,  and  whose  son,  Capt.  Winslow 
Lewis  was  a  prominent  man  in  this  town,  whose  only  son  bearing  the  same 
name  settled  in  Boston  and  was  the  father  of  the  present  Doct.  Winslow  Lewis. 
Residing  in  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis's  family,  during  the  season  of  youth,  —  his  father 
having  died,  —  and  educated  by  the  grandfather,  was  his  g.  son  Isaiah  L. 
Green  who  grad.  H.  C.  1781,  was  many  yrs.  a  merchant  in  Be.,  and  subse- 
quently rep.  in  Congress,  and  afterwards  collector  of  the  revenue  in  this 
district. 


ANNALS   OF   WELLFLEET.  677 

were  an  object  of  increased  attention ;  and  many  local 
improvements  were  effected. 

In  1792,  the  town  voted  to  repair  the  meeting-house,  erect  a 
porch  in  front  with  access  to  the  galleries,  build  pews  in  the  gal- 
leries in  front,  and  paint  the  whole  ;  enterprise,  zeal,  and  success 
attended  the  movement.  The  town  voted  in  favor  of  a  revision 
of  the  Constitution. 

In  1793,  the  town  voted  to  assess  no  tax,  but  to  sell  the  town's 
lands  to  meet  public  expenses.  Small-pox  prevailed  in  town  this 
year. 

In  1794,  a  plan  of  the  town  was  executed  agreeably  to  a  resolve 
of  the  Gen.  Court  passed  June  26. 

In  1795,  the  vote  for  the  revised  Constitution,  as  submitted  by 
the  Gen.  Court,  was  approved  by  unanimous  vote.  A  bridge 
was  ordered  to  be  built  over  Duck  Creek. 

In  1796,  the  town  voted  "  to  procure,  at  an  expense  not  under 
150,  nor  over  |60,  a  horse,  to  be  presented  to  the  minister,  Rev. 
Mr.  Whitman." 

In  1797,  Mr.  Whitman  having  requested  an  allowance  for  the 
depreciation  of  money  paid  him  as  salary,  the  matter  was  referred 
to  a  committee.  The  town  voted  him  $100  "  towards  the  repairs 
of  his  house,"  and  |35  "  towards  the  procuring  the  necessaries  of 
sustenance." 

Public  religious  services  by  the  Methodists  were 
first  held  in  town  this  year.-^ 

In  1798,  the  Treasurer  was  instructed  by  town  vote  "  not  to 
accept  any  orders  drawn "  by  Rev.  Mr.  W.,  "  except  so  far  as 
money  is  due  to  him,  or  to  the  amount  of  the  tax  of  the  person 
holding  the  order."  A  petition  was  presented  to  the  Gen.  Court 
for  an  Act  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  shell-fish. 

In  1799,  it  was  voted  "to  let  out  the  Indian  land,  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  Indians  remaining  in  town."  It  was  also  "  voted  that 
Rev.  Mr.  Whitman  be  permitted  to  draw  $4  from  the  treasury, 
to  buy  him  a  gown."  Mr.  Ezekiel  Holbrook,  town  treasurer, 
died  this  year. 

^  Until  this  time,  the  town  had  been  united  in  the  same  religious  worship. 
But  one  denomination  existed.  The  visits  of  Rev.  Robt.  Yallaley  whose 
labors  had  been  available  at  Provincetown,  culminated  with  the  efforts  of 
others  in  the  establishtuent  of  this  new  denomination  in  this  place.  In  1807, 
Wellfleet  was  constituted  by  the  Methodists  a  part  of  tlie  '  Harwich  Cir- 
cuit.' 


678  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTAJBLE    COUNTY. 

In  1800,  an  order  was  passed  forbidding  "that  sheep  be  permit- 
ted to  go  at  large." 

In  1802,  it  was  "  voted  to  repair  the  Indians'  house 
in  the  north  part  of  the  town,  so  as  to  make  it  com- 
fortable."^ A  Methodist  church  was  org-anized  consist- 
ing  of  three  persons,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev. 
Joel  Steele.^ 

In  1806,  Mr.  Thomas  Holbrook  died.^    The  Congre- 

^The  business  of  the  town  at  this  date  was  thus  noted ;  "  Engaged  in  the 
whale  fishery  were  5  vessels.  They  carried  salt  that,  should  they  not  load 
with  oil  in  the  straits  of  Belle  Isle  or  Newfoundland,  they  might  make  up 
their  voyage  with  codfish.  In  the  cod  and  mackerel  fisheries  4  vessels  were 
exclusively  engaged.     In  the  fisheries  around  the  Cape  1 2  vessels  were  em- 

f)loyed.     And  in  carrying  oysters  to  Boston,  Salem,  Newburyport  and  Port- 
and,  4  other  vessels." 

^  The  system  of  itineracy  adopted  by  this  denomination  precludes  the 
possibility  of  our  noting  all  the  changes  of  successive  years. 

*  The  HoLBROOKS  have  been  numerous  and  highly  respectable  in  this 
town  for  a  long  period,  and  branches  of  the  family  are  scattered  abroad  ; 
but  as  a  Genealogical  Memoir  is  extant  and  accessible,  we  need  not  occupy 
our  pages  with  extended  notes  in  regard  to  them.  Mr.  Thomas  Holbrook, 
the  first,  is  said  to  have  come  from  Scituate  early,  and  had  sons  Naaman, 
Ezeklel,  and  John.  Naaman,  member  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  was 
prominent  and  influential,  filling  a  large  space  in  public  affairs.  ,  Naaman 
jr.,  m.  Mary  Cobb  1779.  Eliphalet  m.  Mary  Covel,  1771.  John  m. 
Kuth  Smith  1778.  Thomas  who  set.  in  E.,  now  Wellfleet,  and  m.  Mar- 
garet Doane,  Jan.  2,  1734-5,  who  survived  him  to  the  age  of  95  }ts.  and  d. 
about  1808,  had  Thos.  Jan.  30,  1739-40,  who  m.  Hannah  Harding,  and  d. 
1806;  Isaiah  May  23,  1742,  who  m.  Price  Hatch  and  was  drowned; 
John  Oct.  18,  1748  who  m.  Ruth  Hamlen  and  removed  in  1771  to  Me.  ; , 
and  Isaac  Doane  Feb.  18,  1751  who  d.  young.  Abiezur  had  by  w.  Han- 
nah, sons :  Abiezur  Aug.  20,  1 741  ;  Jesse  July  24,  1 743  who  m.  Mercy 
Covel;  and  Jonathan  July  21,  1745.  Ezekiel  m.  Martha  Mayo  Oct.  10, 
1751,  and  was  town  elk.  and  treas.  1774-1800,  and  had  Saml.  Feb.  24,  1759 
and  perhaps  others.  Capt.  Jesse  m.  Temperance  Higgins  and  had  Joseph 
Mar.  21,  1 797.  Capt.  H.  was  a  strong,  athletic  man,  weighing  350  lbs.,  and 
in  early  life  belonged  to  "  the  seed-corn-gang  "  of  whalers.  He  killed  52 
sperm  whales  in  one  voyage  ;  and  his  skill  obtained  for  him  employment  by 
a  London  Company,  "  to  teach  others  the  art  of  taking  whales."  He  sailed 
in  the  employ  of  this  Co.  12  yrs.  Returning  in  1794,  he  settled  at  Hamp- 
den, Me.,  where  he  built  the  ship  Hampden  and  sailed  for  Amsterdam, 
chartered  by  the  French  gov.  to  convey  troops  to  La.  After  receiving  300 
men  on  board,  he,  with  15  others  of  the  convoy,  was  blockaded  by  an  Eng- 
lish fleet,  and  frozen  in  for  the  winter.  In  the  mean  while,  France  sold  La. 
to  the  U.  S.,  and  in  the  spring  ordered  the  troops  to  debark.  Capt.  II.  was 
neither  paid  for  the  maintenance  of  the  troops  nor  allowed  anything  by  the 
Fr.  Gov.  for  the  recall  of  the  contract.  The  next  summer,  he  removed  back 
to  this  town  and  d.  sa.  70,  an  honored  member  of  the  Meth.  churcli.  Col. 
Joseph,  s.  of  Capt.  Jesse,  m.  Mary  Rich,  g.  dr.  of  Dea.  Joslah  of  Truro. 
He  was  distinguished  by  love  of  military  adventure.  He;  was  in  Lisbon 
during  the  Peninsular  war;  in  1812  was  engaged  in  privateering.  Was  rep. 
1830-2,  and  in  1834  removed  to  Boston. 


ANNALS   OF   WELLFLEET.  679 

gational  meeting-house  belonging  to  the  town  was 
again  enlarged,  and  the  additional  pews  obtained  were 
sold  for  $2520.61,  more  than  the  expenses  of  enlarge- 
ment and  repairs.^  The  appropriation  for  town  schools 
this  year  was  $100,  being  about  the  average  amount 
for  the  last  twenty-five  years. 


^  This  house  erected  before  1720,  when  this  town  was  the  North  Precinct 
of  Eastham,  is,  in  its  location  and  surroundings  at  this  time,  thus  described 
by  an  intelligent  obseryer :  "  Ascending  and  descending  many  sandy  eleva- 
tions, such  as  form  the  roads  on  the  south  side  of  the  hills,  and  passing  many 
green,  shady  dells,  the  traveller  comes  to  a  vast  region  of  sand  in  which  is 
the  meeting  house."  His  remarks  upon  that  Sunday  and  the  day  following,* 
we  also  venture  to  quote.  He  says,  "  The  appearance  of  a  stranger  excited 
notice."  "The  man  whom  I  joined  on  the  way  to  meeting  and  who,  with 
much  civility  invited  me  to  a  seat,  had  abundant  employment,  both  before 
and  after  divine  service,  in  relating  to  successive  knots  of  auditors  the  most 
prominent  particulars  respecting  the  stranger,  either  as  received  from  him, 
or  as  he  had  been  able  to  conjecture  ;  and  as  these  auditors  retired  to  their 
respective  homes,  he  was  soon  known  in  the  remoter  parts  of  the  town.  In 
one  instance,  a  man  took  the  trouble  to  hallo  to  me,  informing  me  that  I  was 
an  Englishman,  with  the  addition  of  some  small  opprobrious  language.  The 
comment  of  a  native  of  N.  England  would  probably  be  that  there  must  have 
been  a  deficiency  of  schools  in  the  place  ;  but  the  language  soon  escaped 
my  memory  and  I  mention  the  circumstance  chiefly  for  its  simplicity.  With 
scarcely  another  exception,  I  found  every  individual,  of  whatever  domestic 
party,  more  forward,  in  all  personal  addresses,  to  flatter,  than  to  insult  the 
English  name."  He  remarks  generally  of  the  Cape,  "  Few  of  the  meeting 
houses  have  spires ;  but  near  by  is  usually  a  range  of  covered  stalls  for 
horses,  —  a  very  convenient  and  humane  appendage."  This  house  had  no 
spire.  Attendlngthe  service,  two  particulars  attracted  attention:  "  a  violent 
and  thundei'ing  noise,  such  as  seemed  to  threaten  the  fall  of  the  )'Oof ;  of 
which,  until  repeated  I  did  not  discover  the  cause.  This  noise  took  place 
whenever  the  congregation,  after  standing,  sat  down.  It  resulted  from  a 
contrivance  in  the  seats  of  abundant  ingenuity.  As,  in  standing  against  the 
side  of  the  pew,  the  knees  would  otherwise  be  vexed  by  the  edge  of  the  pro- 
jecting seats,  the  latter  are  composed  of  two  parts  joined  by  hinges.  Now, 
when  the  congregation  rises  every  member  lifts  his  seat;  and  when  prepar- 
ing again  to  sit  comes  the  thundering  sound  b}''  a  simultaneous  putting  down 
of  the  seats,  —  the  operation  being  performed  in  no  veiy  gentle  manner,  but 
by  letting  the  seat  fall  with  at  least  all  the  force  which  gravity  imparts. 
The  other  particular  consisted  in  the  appearance  of  the  leader  of  the  choir, 
who  sat  in  a  large  gallery  with  some  20  singers,  and  who,  arrayed  in  a 
cotton  morning  gown,  had  placed  himself  on  the  top  of  the  partition  of  the 
slips,  one  leg  being  supported  by  the  front  of  the  gallery  and  the  other  lyiisg 
along  on  the  top  of  the  partition."  This  leader,  we  will  venture  to  suggest 
was  a  character  In  town,  and  magnified  his  position  in  society.  The  strang- 
er further  remarks,  *•  In  all  this,  Vvrehave  made  no  mention  of  rural  beauties,- 
nor  of  bonnets  ;  and  yet  it  is  highly  proper  that  the  reader  be  enabled  to 
figure  to  himself  both  beauties  and  bonnets  worthy  of  all  praise.  The  ser- 
vice came  to  an  end ;  the  beauties  ascended  their  pillions,  and  their  horses 
vraded  through  the  sand." 


680  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1807,  a  proposition  for  an  addition  to  Rev.  Mr.  Whitman's 
salary  was  voted  in  the  negative  by  a  large  majority.  A  propo- 
sition was  then  made  to  make  him  an  allowance  for  the  depreci- 
ation of  salary  since  the  time  of  settlement,  and  this  also  was 
negatived.  It  was  then  "voted  to  give  him  a  good  suit  of 
clothes,  from  head  to  foot,  both  outer  and  under  clothing  com- 
pletely finished,  including  boots  and  hat."  A  further  proposition 
to  give  him  $50  in  provisions,  failed  of  sujjjDort.  For  common 
schools,  1100  was  appropriated,  and  |30  for  a  singing-school. 

In  1808,  a  committee  of  the  town,  to  be  joined  by 
a  com.  of  the  church,  was  app.  to  propose  to  Rev.  Mr. 
Whitman  a  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  connection. 
These  proceedings  were  unanimous.  That  grave 
causes  for  this  course  were  supposed  to  exist  has  been 
foreshadowed  in  preceding  votes,  and  might  also  be  in- 
ferred from  the  several  contingencies  contemplated  in 
provisions  now  made  which  it  is  not  our  duty  here  to 
recite.  Let  it  suffice  to  say  that  customs  at  that  day 
prevailed  among  all  classes  which  were  an  insidious 
lure  to  indulgence  not  consistent  with  sobriety ;  and 
that  he  consented  to  the  amicable  arrangement  pro- 
posed, and  took  his  dismission,  June  16,  with  a  grant 
of  $500.1 

Rev.  Timothy  Davis  was  the  next  minister.  Being 
called  to  the  pastorate  on  a  salary  of  f  600  and  a  set- 
tlement of  $500,  he  accepted,  and  was  ordained  Nov. 
16?    The  town  petitioned  the  President  of  the  United 


^Mr.  Whitman  remained  here  in  the  ministry  23  yrs.,  and  for  a  long 
time  was  a  very  popular  preacher.  There  were  added  to  the  church  during 
his  ministry  33  members,  and  he  united  in  marriage  283  couples.  He  m. 
Sarah  Thomas  of  Pembroke  and  had  Levi  1789,  who  grad.  H.  C.  1808  and 
set.  in  Maine  as  counsellor  at  law ;  Sarah  1790,  who  m.  Gov.  Parris  of 
Me. ;  Charles  1791,  who  became  att'y.  in  Me. ;  Josiah  1793,  who  became  a 
merchant  in  Portland  ;  Ruth  1794  ;  Ehza  S.  1797  ;  and  Hope  1799.  Mr. 
W.  m.  a  2d  w.  in  Kingston  by  the  name  of  Drew,  and  d.  1838,  ae.  90.  His 
nephew,  residing  with  and  educated  by  him  in  this  town,  grad.  Brown 
University  in  1795,  studied  law,  and  became  Chief  Justice  of  the  State  of 
Maine. 

"  Rev.  Mr.  Davis  was  b.  in  Wrentham  and  grad.  H.  C.  1804.  At  the  date 
of  his  settlement,  the  church  consisted  of  10  male  and  39  female  members 
only. 


ANNALS    OF   WELLFLEET.  681 

States  to  suspend  the  embargo,  either  in  whole  or  in 
part,  agreeably  with  the  power  vested  in  him  by  Con- 
gress. 

In  1812,  war  between  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britain  existing,  the  town  applied  to  the  proper  au- 
thorities for  a  provision  that,  in  consideration  of  the 
exposedness  of  this  and  the  lower  towns  on  the  Cape, 
"  the  militia  be  exempt  from  military  duty,  so  far  as 
not  to  be  liable  to  be  called  from  home,  and  to  be  left 
for  the  defence  of  their  own  towns."  The  school  money 
raised  this  year  was  $200. 

In  1814,  a  committee  of  safety  was  aj)]).  whose  duty  it  should 
be  "  to  have  a  watch  kejDt  in  respect  to  the  British  ships-of-war, 
tenders,  and  barges  cruising  in  Barnstable  Bay  and  threatening 
the  towns,  and  to  use  all  proper  means  for  this  town's  protection 
and  security ; "  and,  July  13,  a  com.  of  13  was  app.  namely,  Thos. 
Higgins,  Freeman  Atwood,  ISTath'l  Wiley,  Rob't  Kemp,  Jos.  Hol- 
brook,  Lem'l  Newcomb  2d,  Eleazer  Withrell,  Beriah  Higgins, 
Elisha  Brown,  Uezekiah  Rich,  and  others,  as  a  committee  of 
safety,  "  whose  power  and  duty  it  shall  be  to  meet  any  flag  of 
truce  that  may  come  into  the  town  of  Wellfleet  from  any  ship  or 
other  vessels  of  war  that  are  at  war  with  the  TJ.  S.  A. ;  and  if,  in 
the  opinion  of  said  com.,  necessity  and  the  safety  of  the  town 
require,  any  three  or  more  of  said  com.  may  go  on  board  any  of 
the  said  vessels  of  war  with  a  flag,  and  there  or  in  the  town  of 
Wellfleet  may  adjust,  settle,  and  determine  on  all  demands  or 
controversies  that  may  take  place  between  said  vessels  and  the 
town  of  Wellfleet :  and  they  may  call  in  to  their  assistance  any 
of  the  principal  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  ;  or  the  said  com.  may 
request  the  selectmen  to  call  a  town  meeting  on  whatever  may 
be  in  controversy.  And  in  all  cases  where  is,  in  their  of)inion, 
any  appearance  of  hostilities  from  any  of  the  said  vessels  of  war, 
against  said  town  or  against  the  adjoining  towns,  they  shall  im- 
mediately give  information  to  the  captain  and  other  militia  offi- 
cers in  said  town  of  Wellfleet ;  and  in  all  cases  and  at  all  times 
they  shall  so  conduct  as  to  keep  in  as  much  friendship  with  the 
said  enemy  as  possible,  making  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the 
U.  S.  and  the  constitution  of  Mass.,  their  guide  as  far  as  they 
can  with  safety  to  the  particularly  exposed  condition  of  the  said 
VOL.  II.  86 


682  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COimTT. 

town  of  Wellfleet  to  the  enemy.  And  the  said  com.  shall  safely 
keep  all  letters  they  may  receive  from,  or  on  account  of  any  ene- 
my, and  copies  of  such  as  they  may  send,  and  lay  them  before 
the  town  when  legally  requested." 

The  Congregational  Church  in  this  town  united  with 
other  churches  of  the  order  in  the  county,  in  a  petition 
to  the  Gen.  Court  for  liberty  to  sell  and  divide  the 
Hersy  donation.     The  dividend  to  the  church  here  was 


In  1815.  the  Wellfleet  Woollen  and  Cotton  Factory 
was  incorporated. 

In  1816,  the  Methodist  Society,  having  hitherto 
worshipped  in  private  houses,  erected  a  meeting-house. 
It  was  ordered  by  the  town  that  those  of  this  society 
who  are  liable  to  be  taxed  for  the  support  of  the  minis- 
try of  the  Cong,  minister,  shall  have  their  tax  remitted. 

In  1817,  Mr.  Hinges  Gross  died,  ae.  77} 

In  1818,  Rev.  Mr.  Davis  relinquished  $50  of  his 
salary.  For  town  charges  $819  was  raised  ;  for  schools 
|200. 

In  1820,  Nov.  15  being  app.  the  time  of  holding  a  State  Con- 

'We  are  unable,  in  the  absence  of  the  aid  which  might  be  derived  from 
family  records  to  present  so  full  genealogy  of  this  family  as  we  intended. 
HiNCKS  Gross  who,  tradition  says,  "  lived  for  a  time  in  the  Br.  Provinces, 
and  then  removed  to  Wellfleet,"  and  whose  mother  was  a  Hincks,  m.  Abigail 
Crowell  of  C.  July  25,  1734,  and  had'SSj^i^fe,  above-mentioned,  in  1740, 
who  m.  Abigail,  dr.  of  Jon.  and  Rebecca  (Harding)  Young.  They  had 
Lurania  1766,  who  m.  Higgins ;  Abigail  1769,  who  m.  ©SB^;  Sally  1773, 
whom.  Chipman;  Bethia  1775,  who  m.  Dyer;  Thos.  1779  ;  Hincks  1782; 
Rebecca  1785,  who  m.  Barnacout;  Mary  S.  1787,  who  m.  Otheman; 
Cynthia  1788,  Avho  m.  Atwood  ;  Thankful  1790,  whom.  Willard ;  Daborah 
1792,  who  m.  Paine;  Jonathan  1794;  and  Miriam  1796,  whom.  Atkins. 
This  numerous  family  generally  attained  to  advanced  age.  We  cannot 
suppose  that  he  whose  mother,  we  have  said,  was  Hincks,  was  the  progeni- 
tor of  all  of  the  name  in  this  town,  Truro,  and  Provincetown  ;  for,  contem- 
porary with  him,  there  was  MiCAH  of  Truro,  Avho  m.  Plannah  Freeman, 
Aug.  20,  1725  ;  and  Thomas  of  Eastham,  who  m.  Experience  Freeman 
about  1730.  Later,  was  Samuel  of  T.,  who  m.  Apphia  Freeman  Aug.  16, 
1768;  MiCAHof  Provincetown,  who,  by  w.  Elisa.,  had  Micah  Jan.  28,  1782. 
Alexander  of  P.,  who,  by  w.  Ehsa.,  had  Jane  Nov.  28, 1 793  ;  and  Joshua 
F.  of  T.,  who,  by  w.  Martlia,  had  William  Ap.  17,  1794.  The  delincjuency 
of  one  from  whom  we  were  led  to  expect  the  information  sought  from 
public  records  necessitates  the  imperfection  of  this  note. 


ANNALS    OF   WELLFLEET.  683 

vention  for  revision  of  the  Constitution,  Reuben  Arey  Esq.  was 
chosen  to  represent  this  town  in  said  convention  ;  and  the  revis- 
ed constitution,  being  in  due  time  submitted  to  the  action  of  the 
town,  was  approved  by  a  unanimous  vote,  with  the  exception  of 
the  4th  and  10th  Articles. 

In  1821,  a  new  meeting-house  was  erected  by  the 
Cong.  Society,  larger  than  the  former,  with  a  tower  and 

bell.  ./.;.^-  :-Lu.^,rLt^v".^f. 

In  1827,  in  Nov.,  Mr.  Thomas  Gross  died,  ge.  48.^ 

In  1828,  it  was  "  voted  that  no  person  within  this  town  be 
approbated  or  licensed  the  ensuing  year  to  retail  spirituous  liquors 
or  wines."  The  next  year  it  was  "  voted  that  the  selectmen  do 
as  they  please  about  approbating  any  for  the  sale  of  liquors." 

In  1829,  the  Methodist  meeting-house  was  enlarged, 
the  congregation  having  greatly  increased. 

In  1830,  Mar.  18,  Rev.  Timothy  Davis  was,  at  his 
especial  request,  released  from  his  pastoral  relation.^ 
The  successor  of  Mr.  D.  after  a  considerable  interval  was 


^Mr.  Thomas  Gkoss,  b.  1779,  was  s.  of  PKeii^.  We  have  in  the 
preceding  note  adverted  to  our  disappointment  in  depending  on  the  courtesy 
of  a  town-clerk.  This  obliges  us  to  make  a  note  here  of  a  highly  respecta- 
ble family  whose  genealogy  would  come  in  more  appropriately  in  connection 
with  Truro.  The  name  of  Stevens  was  in  Sandwich  about  1 730,  but  soon 
disappears  from  the  records.  Mr.  Richard  Stevens  appears,  by  the 
Provincetown  records,  to  have  had,  by  w.  Mercy,  a  son  Richard  July  21, 
1771.  By  other  data,  it  appears  that  Richard  of  Truro  m.  Mary  Gross 
and  had  Jonah,  Mary,  and  Levi.  Levi,  s.  of  Rd.,  m.  Anna  Snow,  dr.  of 
Dea.  Anthony ;  issue :  Abigail,  who  m.  Joseph  Chandler ;  Richard,  who  died 
unm.  ;  Jonah  ;  Mary,  who  m.  Sam.  Atkins  ;  Henry  ;  Levi ;  Anna,  who  m. 
Frs.  Small ;  and  John.  Jonah,  s.  of  Levi,  m.  Hannah  Selew,  dr.  of  Asa, 
and  2d.  Mercy  Selew,  dr.  of  Asa.  By  1st  m.  the  issue  :  Richard,  Josiah, 
Sally,  Levi,  Hannah,  and  Mercy.  Henry  m.  Rebecca  Newcomb  ;  issue : 
Rebecca,  Thos.,  Henry,  Abigail,  and  Roxana.  Levi  m.  Mehit  Lombard, 
dr.  James,  Aug.  25,  1812  ;  issue  :  Betsy  Ap.  25,  1814,  who  m.  Benj.  Davis  ; 
Jane  Feb.  14, 1819,  who  m.  Warren  Newcomb ;  Levi  L.  1821,  d.  inf  ;  Mehit. 
A.  1825,  d.  inf;  Levi  L.  1826,  d.  inf;  Levi  F.  May  24,  1828,  whom. 
Hannah  K.  Rich,  dr.  Joshua  of  Maiden  ;  Mehit.  A.  Mar.  30,  1830,  who  m. 
Lewis  Lombard;  Matilda  H.  June  10,  1833,  whom.  Eph.  A.  Rickerson; 
and  Hannah  K.  Feb.  18,  1837,  who  m.  Ambrose  Snow  Jr.  John  m. 
Polly    Coan ;   issue :   Betsy,  John,   Mary,    Hannah,  Mercy. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Davis  was  in  the  ministry  here  22  yrs.,  during  which  time  160 
persons  were  added  to  the  church.  He  bap.  346  persons,  and  united  in  m. 
250  couples.  Mr.  D.  was  greatly  respected  and  beloved.  His  son  John 
W.  Davis  still  resides  here  as  a  practising  atty.  at  law. 


684  HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

Rev.  Stephen  Bailey.  The  sum  appropriated  for  town 
schools  this  year  was  $400,  the  same  as  the  year  previ- 
ous and  the  year  following. 

In  1833,  Dec.  4,  a  second  Congregational  Church  was 
organized.  This,  located  in  the  south  part  of  the  town, 
consisted  of  42  members  dismissed  for  the  purpose  from 
the  old  church.  A  commodious  meeting-house  was 
erected.     The  amount  raised  for  schools  was  $600. 

In  1834,  a  Methodist  meeting-house  was  built  in  the 
south  part  of  town. 

In  1836,  the  amount  raised  for  town  schools  was 
$700;  in  1837,  it  was  $800. 

In  1838,  the  pastoral  relation  of  Rev.  Mr.  Bailey  to 
the  1st  Cong.  Church  was  dissolved ;  ^  and  a  call  was 
given  to  Rev.  Joseph  Merrill,  who  settled  June  18,  but 
remained  in  charge  only  a  brief  period.'^ 

In  1840,  Feb.  17,  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Adams  was  ordained 
over  the  1st  Cong,  church.^  This  year,  $1000  was 
raised  for  common  schools. 

In  1841,  Rev.  Mr.  Adams  requested  a  dismission, 
which  was  granted ;  and  a  succession  of  supplies  was 
had  in  succeeding  years. 

In  1842,  May  6,  the  2d  Cong.  Church,  which  to  this 
time  had  no  settled  minister,  received  Rev.  Isaac  A. 
Basset  who  was  ordained  the  pastor.  The  connection 
did  not  long  continue.  Mutability  is  written  upon 
all  things,  but  nothing,  perhaps,  has  less  permanency 
than  the  present  status  of  the  pastoral  office  among  re- 
ligious denominations  generally ;  and,  for  aught  we  now 
see,  thus  will  it  continue  until  the  predicted  day  when 

"  Jew  and  Greek  one  prayer  shall  pour, 
With  eager  feet  one  temple  throng, 
One  God  with  grateful  praise  adore." 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Bailey  was  from  Greenland,  N.  H. 
^Rev.  Mr.  Merrill  grad.  Dartmouth  Col,  1806. 
^Rev.  Mr.  Adams  grad.  Yale  Col.  1834. 


ANNALS    OF   WELLFLEET.  685 

In  1843,  the  new  Methodist  place  for  worship  was 
built,  and  dedicated  Dec.  6,  being  67  ft.  by  57  ft.,  and 
having  118  pews  on  the  lower  floor,  with  galleries  on 
three  sides,  tower,  bell,  and  a  convenient  basement 
fitted  for  lectures  and  Sunday  schools,  centrally  locat- 
ed. 

In  1857,  jurisdiction  was  gr.  to  the  U.  States  over 
certain  lands  "  on  Billingsgate  Island  on  which  to  con- 
struct a  light-house  and  keeper's  dwelling,  to  replace 
that  destroyed  the  last  winter."  The  sum  raised  for 
common  schools  was  $2600.  The  next  two  succeed- 
ing years,  about  $2800,  for  12  schools,  and  an  average 
of  about  600  pupils. 

In  1862,  Capt.  Elisha  W.  Smith  died,  Aug.  2,  se.  59 ; 
and  Mr.  Joseph  Higgins  died,  Aug.  19,  ae.  77. 

The  year  1863  has,  notwithstanding  the  calamities 
of  war,  been,  to  the  maritime  interests  of  this  town, 
prosperous  almost  beyond  precedent.  Vessels  and 
seamen  have  found  full  employment,  good  voyages 
have  been  made,  and  the  returns  of  good  fares  with 
prices  ruling  high  abundantly  compensate  for  high 
taxes  and  the  advanced  cost  of  living. 

We  close  the  Annals  of  Wellfleet  with  the  following 
tables  of  representatives  and  town  ofi&cers : 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


Including  the  time  that  this  town  was  associated  with  Eastham 
in  the  choice  of  reps.,  it  has  been  represented  in  Gen.  Court  as 
follows :  — 


Yrs,  I  Yra. 

1767.  Willard  Knowles,      2.    1803.  Reuben  Rich,  2. 


1768.  Elisha  Doane,  3. 

1769.  Thos.  Paine,  5. 
1772.  Barna's  Freeman,  10. 
1774.  Naaman  Holbrook,    2. 

1776.  Elisha  Cobb,  1. 

1777.  Jno.  Greenough,  2. 
1780.  Winslow  Lewis,  1. 
17S5.  Jerem'h  Bickford,  3. 
1787.  Hez'h  Doane,  3. 
1793.  Sam'l  Waterman,  5. 
1797.  Reuben  Arey,  5. 
1801.  Lem'l  JSTewcomb,  3. 


1809.  Josiah  Whitman,  6. 

1810.  Beriah  Higgins,  5. 
1829.  Benj.  R.  Witherell,  3. 
1831.  Jos.  Holbrook  3d,  2. 

1833.  Freeman  Atwood,  1. 

1834.  Eben.  Freeman  2d,  6. 
"     Jos.  Higgins,  1. 

1835.  Amaz'h  Atwood,  1. 

1836.  Rich'd  Libbey,  2. 
"     Jona.  Hickman,  1. 

1837.  Jno.  L.  Daniels,  1. 

1838.  Atkins  Dyer,  1. 


Yrs. 

1838.  Nathan  Paine,  1. 

1839.  Nath'l  B.  Wiley,  2. 
"     Solo.  R.  Howes,  2. 

1841.  Seth  H.  Baker,  2. 

1843.  Isaac  Paine,  2. 

1845.  Caleb  B.  Lombard,  3. 

1846.  Rob't  Y.  Paine,  2. 
1850.  Eben.  Freeman,  1, 

1852.  Wm.  Cleverly,  1. 

1853.  Rich'd  Stubbs,  2. 

1854.  Israel  Pierce,  1. 

1855.  Thos.  H.  Lewis,  1. 

1856.  Jno.  Y.  Jacobs,  1. 


686 


HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


SELECTMEN. 


1763. 


1765. 
1769. 
1770. 
1771. 

1772. 
1775. 

1777. 

1779. 

1780. 
1781. 

1787. 

1799. 
1800. 
1804. 


Elisha  Doane, 

8. 

1804. 

Reuben  Rich, 

3. 

" 

Sam'l  Smith, 

8. 

1807. 

Zoheth  Smith, 

9. 

" 

Naaman  Holbrook 

8. 

1809. 

Jona.  Young, 

10. 

" 

Eleazar  Atwood, 

4. 

" 

Hez'h  Doane, 

5. 

1813. 

Elisha  Cobb, 

5. 

1814. 

Winslow  Lewis, 

1. 

" 

John  Swett, 

1. 

" 

Joseph  Smith, 

5. 

1815. 

Barn's  Young, 

1. 

1816. 

Thos.  Holbrook, 

20. 

(I 

William  Cole, 

6. 

1817 

Lewis  Hamblen, 

13. 

1819 

Reuben  Arey, 

10. 

1820 

Jno.  Witherell, 

6. 

" 

Thos.  Higgins  .3d, 

6. 

1823 

Lem'I  Newcomb, 

5. 

Hezek'h  Rich, 
Matthias  Rider, 
David  Holbrook, 
Steph.  Atwood, 
Jos.  Holbrook, 
Beriah  Higgins, 
Freeman  Atwood, 
Jer'h  Newcomb, 
Elisha  Brown, 
Robert  Kemp, 
Edmund  Freeman, 
Reuben  Rich, 
Moses  Hinckley, 
Josiah  AVhitman, 
Sam'l  Ryder, 
Reuben  Arey, 
William  Cole, 
Jos.  Holbrook, 
Freeman  Atwood 


1827. 

1828. 
1829. 

1830. 

1831. 
1833. 
1837. 


1841. 
1844. 


Jos.  Higsins, 
Benj.  R.  \Vitherell 
Thos.  Hatch, 
Micah  Dyer, 
Solo.  Arey, 
Moses  Lewis, 
Cornelius  Hamblen,  1. 


Tr8. 

2. 
,    2. 

2. 

4. 

1. 

1. 


Thos.  Higgins, 
George  Ward, 
Sam'l  Higgins, 
Eben  Freeman  2d, 
Reuben  Arey  Jr., 
Caleb  Lombard, 
Thos.  Higgins  Jr., 
Elisha  Freeman, 
Amaz'li  Atwood, 
Jno.  Newcomb, 
Knowles  Dyer, 
Bethuel  Wiley, 


TOWN    TREASURERS. 


1763.  Elisha  Doane, 
1766.  Eph'm  Covel, 


Yrs. 
6. 
1. 


1770.  Ezekiel  Holbrook,  30. 


1799.  Lewis  Hamblen,  12. 
1810.  Sam'l  Waterman,  12. 
1813.  Jer'h  Newcomb,        1. 


1823.  Josiah  Whitman,     10. 
1833.  Ezek'l  Higgins,  6. 

1840.  Giles  Holbrook, 


TOWN    CLERKS. 


1763.  Elisha  Doane, 

1766.  Rich'd  Smith, 

1767.  Jno.  Greenough, 
1774.  Hez'h  Doane, 


Yra. 
3. 
1. 
7. 
4. 


Yrs. 
1778.  Dav.  S.  Greenough,  3, 
1781.  Jona.  Young,  2. 

1783.  Sam'l  Waterman,     39. 
1813.  WiUiam  Cole,  1. 


1823.  Josiah  Whitman, 
1833.  Ezekiel  Higgins, 
1840.  Giles  Holbrook. 


Yrs. 
10. 


j6®=  Previous  to  the  inc.  of  the  township,  the  Precinct  Treasurers  had  been :  John  Rich 
from  1723  to  1726  inclusive ;  Samuel  Brown  1727-1729;  Jer'h  Mayo  1730-2;  Israel  Young 
173.3-41 ;  Daniel  Mayo  1742-66 ;  Zoheth  Smith  1757-59 ;  and  EUsha  Doane  1760-62. 


THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OF 


DENNIS. 


"Let  us  oathee  up  the  teaditions  which  still  exist;  let  us  show  the  tvobld, 
that  if  we  are  not  called  to  follow  the  example  of  oue  fatheks,  we  ake  at  least 
not  insensible  to  the  wokih  of  thbib  charactees  ;  not  indifferent  to  the  sacei- 

FICES  AND  TEIALS,  BY  WHICH  THET  PURCHASED  OUE  PEOSPERITT." — Edword  Everett. 


(687) 


^nstni^ixan. 


TO    THE    HON.    PRANCIS    BASSETT, 

Counsellor  at  Laiv. 

We  recognize  among  the  early  pioneers  of  well-ordered  and  prosperous  settle- 
ments, his  honored  ancestry :  their  high  social  position,  business  aptitude,  sound 
judgment,  inflexible  integrity,  and  patriotic  devotion  commanding  in  successive 
generations  public  confidence.  The  descendant  may  wall  venerate  his  lineage.  To 
HIM,  as  a  gentleman  and  scholar  entitled  to  high  esteem,  who  has  steadfastly 
encouraged  our  attempt  to  rescue  from  the  obliterations  of  time  a  history  of  our 
native  county,  we  are  happy  to 

INSCRIBE 

These  Annals  of  the   place  of  his  nativity,  as  a  slight  memorial  of  the  grateful 
remembrance  of 

THE    AUTHOE. 


(688) 


ANNALS  OF  DENNIS. 


Dennis,  set  off  as  a  distinct  Parish  in  1721,  —  being 
from  that  time  known  as  the  East  Precinct,  —  was  until 
the  year  1794  a  constituent  part  of  Yarmouth.  It  was 
incorporated  as  a  Town,  June  19,  1793.  The  principal 
Indian  names  were  Nohscusset,  Sursuit,  and  Qiiivet} 

Situation,  Boundaries,  etc.  —  It  is  situated  in  lat.  41°  45'  N. 
long.  70°  8'  W.  from  Greenwich  ;  and  extends  across  the  penin- 
sula, having  Bai-nstable  Bay  on  the  N. ;  the  Vineyard  Sound  on 
the  S. ;  bounded  by  Harwich  and  Brewster  on  the  E. ;  and  by 
Yarmouth  on  the  W,  The  township  extends  from  N.  to  S.  about 
8  m. ;  and  from  E.  to  W.,  at  the  extreme  points,  about  7  m.,  but 
in  the  centre,  between  the  bay  and  the  sound,  only  about  one-half 
that  distance.  From  Barnstable  court-house  to  the  old  meeting- 
house of  the  East  Precinct,  in  an  easterly  direction,  the  distance 
is  8  m. ;  from  Boston,  78  m.  by  land,  Boston,  60  m.  S.  E.  by  water. . 

Natural  Divisions,  etc.  —  The  townvship  is  naturally  divided 
into  two  parts,  North  and  South,  by  a  large  tract  of  wood.  The  old 
country-road  passes  through  these  woods  from  Yarm.  to  Brewster, 
near  the  head  of  Follen's  Pond,  —  at  which  point  it  commands  a 
fine  view  of  Bass  River  and  the  flourishing  villages  near  it.  N"ot  far 
from  this  pond,  E.,  branches  from  the  former  road  the  ancient  higli- 
way  to  Harwich  and  Chatham.^      The  woods  are  both  oak  and 


^  Beginning  at  the  west,  was  Nohscusset :  next  oursuit,  or  Sesuet,  now 
Suet, — the  northerly  part  of  the  town  ;  and  next  Quivet,  written  by  Col. 
Thacher,  "  Aquiate." 

^  The  principal  thoroughfares  at  present,  are,  to  Brewster,  north  of  these 
woods,  via  Dennis  and  E.  Dennis ;  and  to  Harwich  and  Chatham,  across 
either  the  upper  or  lower  bridges  of  Bass  Kiver. 

VOL.  II.  87  (689) 


690  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

pine.  North  of  them  is  a  range  of  hills,  —  part  of  the  chain  ex- 
tending from  Sandwich  through  Barnstable,  Yarmouth,  Dennis, 
and  Brewster,  to  Pleasant  Bay  in  Orleans.  In  Dennis,  these  hills 
are  about  one  mile  from  the  north  shore,  and  from  their  summits 
are  obtained  fine  views  of  the  entire  shore  of  Barnstable  Bay- 
reaching  from  Provincetown  to  Monument  Point  in  Plymouth, 

—  a  compass  of  70  or  80  m.  If  the  prospect  has  little  of  the 
beautiful  in  perfection,  it  nevertheless  conveys  a  strong  emotion 
of  the  sublime.  North  of  these  hills  the  surface  is  uneven,  and 
south  of  them  generally  a  plain.  The  general  divisions  of  the 
township  as  at  present  recognized  are  five. 

The  first,  approaching  from  Yarmouth,  on  the  north  side  of  the 
peninsula,  is  Dennis  proper  —  often  called  North  Dennis,  —  the 
chief  seat  of  the  once  numerous  and  powerful  JVbbscussetts,  whose 
chiefs  /Sachemtcs,  jSabatubJcet,  WahwoonetshunJce,  JAttle  Mohin, 
and  Sampson,  ancient  records  occasionally  bring  to  mind,  and  the 
only  relics  of  whose  reign  are  furnished  by  occasional  exhuma- 
tions. Here  was  located  the  old  East  Precinct  meeting-house  ; 
and,  towering  above,  on  the  east,  stands  the  noted  Scargo  Hill. 
The  graves  of  early  settlers  are  here,  with  few  exceptions  ;  ^ 
and,  surrounding  the  old  fort  built  for  protection  against  possible 
aggressions  on  the  part  of  the  Indians,  were  the  residences  of 
some  of  the  most  distinguished.  The  place  is  interesting  because 
of  early  associations.^  Peculiarly  exposed  to  the  influence  of 
winds,  since  the  clearing  away  of  the  primitive  forests,  great 
changes  have  been  made  on  the  hills  that  border  the  village,  so 
that  they  now  appear  almost  naked  and  barren.^     There  are  here 

^  Some  of  the  earlier  settlers  were  buried  in  the  ancient  grave-yard  at 
"iTarm.  The  very  oldest  burial-place  in  Dennis  is  not  that  immediately 
contiguous  to  the  present  meeting-houses.  Whether  that  now  known  as  the 
Howe's  burying-ground,  or  that  of  the  Wiuslow's,  is  the  most  ancient,  we 
are  unable  to  say ;  but  probably  the  former.  This,  lying  west  of  the  village, 
too  much  neglected, — we  regret  being  obliged  to  say, —  contains  a  monument, 
erected  some  thirty  years  since,  which  bespeaks  honor  for  him,  or  them, 
who  performed  the  pious  duty,  bearing  the  inscription  :  "  Thomas  Howes, 

—  married  Mary  Burr; — emigrated  in  1637  from  England,  —  and 
brought  three  sons,  viz.  —  Thomas,  Joseph,  and  Jeremiah  who  was  born 

—  on  the  passage.  —  This  monument  erected  in  1831.  —  Descendants  living 
in  Dennis,  345  ;  in  Chatham,  —  133  ;  in  other  places,  39G."  —  The  Wins- 
low  burying-ground  is  near  the  road  leading  from  Nobscusset  to  Setucket. 

^  We  will  not  conceal  our  personal  interest  in  the  locality,  nor  the  feeling 
with  which  we  visited,  in  1858,  the  house  in  which  our  honored  parent  was 
born  Mar.  28,  1741,  O.  S.,  and  from  whence  his  parents  removed  with  him 
whilst  yet  an  infant. 

^  The  rough  hill  of  Scargo — north  of  which,  and  south  of  Sesuet,  is  a 
beautiful  lake  of  the  same  name  —  extends  from  the  chain  of  hills  of  which 


ANNALS    OF   DENNIS.  691 

two  meeting-houses,  —  a  Congregational  and  a  Methodist.  The 
dwellings,  irregularly  scattered,  are  generally  indicative  of  com- 
fort and  thrift.^ 

East  Dennis  embraces  the  continuous  settlements  grouped  on 
Sesuit  Neck,  on  Quivet  Neck,  and  scattered  along  the  main, 
lower,  road  to  Setucket  in  Brewster,  with  some  sparser  neighbor- 
hoods. There  is,  in  East  Dennis,  a  Methodist  meeting-house. 
Sesuit  has  been  long  noted  for  its  shipbuilding.  Both  necks  of 
land  are  pleasantly  located,  and  the  dwellings  comj^are  favorably 
with  any  other  localities  in  the  county. 

West  Dennis  is  the  extreme  southwest  part  of  the  township, 
—  thickly  settled  for  the  most  part,  thriving,  engaged  in  the  coast- 
trade  chiefly,  and  has  many  pleasant  residences  and  a  Methodist 
meeting-house,  with  all  the  usual  appliances  of  business  and  com- 
fort. 

South  Dennis,  formerly  embracing  the  whole  southern  part 
of  the  township,  is  now  that  portion  intermediate  of  the  other 
divisions.  It  has  a  Congregational  meeting-house,  and  also  a 
Universalist.  Its  numerous  pleasant  residences  furnish  ample 
evidence  of  the  enjoyments  of  competency,  and  of  increasing 
prosperity.^      A  toll-bridge  here  spans  Bass  River,  and  is  called 


we  have  spoken,  a  little  east  of  the  old  meeting-house  site,  and  is  a  conspicu- 
ous object  for  seamen  approaching  the  south  shore. 

^  Perhaps  a  better  view  may  be  obtained  of  what  the  village  once  was 
and  now  is,  by  noting  its  statistics  for  the  beginning  of  the  present  century. 
In  1800,  it  contained  52  dwellings  and  one  old  meeting-house  —  a  neat  and 
convenient  building  without  a  steeple ;  a  free-mason's  lodge  called  Sumner's, 
located  near  the  meeting-house,  40  ft.  by  20  its  dimensions,  the  upper 
apartment  of  which  was  a  hall  devoted  to  the  fraternity,  and  the  lower  a 
school-room  ;  two  wind-mills,  also  near  the  meeting-house,  — ■  five  others  being 
located  in  other  parts  of  the  township,  for  grinding  grain ;  23  clusters  of 
salt-works,  containing  14,300  ft. ;  and  belonging  to  this  village  were  five 
sail  of  fishermen  and  three  coasters  of  from  30  to  40  tons  each.  Although 
the  northern  part  of  the  township  was  first  settled,  the  southernhas  now  the 
largest  population  and  the  most  business. 

^  Willis  notices  "  a  peculiarity  "  of  Cape  Cod  residences,  which,  lie  says, 
"  present  a  direct  contrast  to  any  other  poi'tion  of  our  country  :  The  houses 
and  their  surroundings  seem  of  an  unsuitable  inferiority  of  style,  to  those 
who  live  in  them.  In  New  York,  nothing  is  more  common  than  a  house  by 
which  the  proprietor  is  dwarfed,  if  seen  coming  out  of  the  door ;  and,  all 
over  the  U.  States,  there  is  a  great  chance  of  feeling  a  disappointment  on 
seeing  a  rich  man,  if  you  have,  unluckily,  put  up  your  scaffolding  for  an 
idea  of  him,  by  first  seeing  his  house.  Few  dwellings  on  the  Cape  cost 
over  a  thousand  dollars,  yet  there  are  many  wealthy  men  who  live  in  houses 
of  this  cost,  —  men,  too,  whose  families  are  highly  educated,  and  whose  sons 
and  daughters  visit  and  marry  in  the  best  circles  of  society  in  Boston  and 
New  York."     This  is,  in  the  main,  correct ;  but,  of  late  years,  there  Is  a 


692        HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

the  up2oer  bridge,  to  distinguish   it  from  that  at  West  Dennis 
known  as  the  lower  bridge. 

Dennis  Poet  is  contiguous  to  West  Harwich.  This  village  is 
largely  interested  in  the  fisheries,  and  the  general  appearance  of 
the  more  compact  parts  denotes  thrift  and  comfort.  Numerous 
wharves,  extended  from  the  shore  for  the  convenience  of  both 
fishing  and  coasting,  along  the'  south  part  of  Dennis  and  Har- 
wich, are  indicative  of  the  large  amount  of  business  done  here.^ 

The  most  important  inlet  from  the  sea,  in  this  township,  is  on 
the  south  shore  and  furnished  by  Bass  River.  This  river,  taken 
with  the  ponds  and  streams  that  connect  with  it,  is  the  largest 
stretch  of  water  in  the  county.  The  river,  with  Kelley's  Pond 
or  Bay,  and  Pollen's  Pond  communicating  with  it,  furnishes  the 
chief  bound  between  this  town  and  Yarmouth,  —  Chase  Garden 
River  or  Creek,  running  through  a  salt  marsh  into  Barnstable 
Bay,  furnishing  the  principal  remaining  bounds.  The  length  of 
Bass  River  from  Pollen's  Pond  to  the  sea  is  4  m. ;  and  its  mouth 
is  formed  by  beaches  terminating  in  points,  —  one,  on  the  east, 
extending  from  the  entrance  of  Swan's  Pond  Creek  1^  m. ;  the 
other,  on  the  west,  from  the  entrance  of  Parker's  River  in  Tar- 
mouth,  1  m.  From  point  to  point,  the  distance  is  about  35  rods. 
Within  these  points,  the  river  becomes  wider,  continuing  so 
about  two  miles  and  then  it  gradually  narrows.  At  its  entrance 
is  a  bar  on  which  are  5  ft.  of  water  only  at  high  tides,  rendering 
it  necessary  to  lighten  vessels  of  greater  draught  coming  into 
the  harbor ;  but  within  the  harbor  are  found  10  or  12  ft.  of 
water. 

Besides  the  ponds  already  mentioned  as  communicating  with 
Bass  River,  are,  on  its  eastern  side  salt-water  ponds  covering  at 
least  70  acres ;  also  Grand  Cove,  the  extent  of  which  is  70  acres. 


tendency  to  greater  outlay  in  domiciliary  arrangements.  Still,  it  must  strike 
the  stranger  that  there  is,  generally,  on  the  Cape,  "  a  remarkable  republi- 
can simplicity  in  the  style  of  buildings ;  little  distinction  that  betokens 
wealth ;  an  equality  that  extends  to  every  thing." 

^  Willis  says  of  these  wharves,  "  They  have  a  strangely  amputated  look 
—  long  projections  of  frame-work  into  the  sea  —  a  busy  wharf  having  usually 
a  busy  city  attached  to  it."  At  Monomoy  may  also  be  seen,  in  the  season, 
the  same  evidences  of  business,  industry,  and  thrift.  He  speaks  particular- 
ly of  the  mackerel-fishery ;  "  the  little  fleets  constantly  visible  in  the  dis- 
tance following  the  '  schools  '  of  their  prey,  beautiful  objects,  looking  like 
flocks  of  snow-white  birds  painted  upon  the  blue  tablet  of  the  sea.  .  . 
At  the  head  of  each  of  the  landing-places,  a  'store'  and  all  around  ware- 
houses, pyramids  of  new  barrels,  workmen,  and  all  having  a  look  of  most 
especial  thrift  and  contentment." 


ANNALS    OF  DENNIS.  693 

These  ponds  and  coves  are  really  of  more  value  to  the  inhabitants 
than  the  same  quantity  of  land  would  be,  as  they  are  filled  with 
fish  and  their  shores  abound  with  clams.  A  small  brook,  —  the 
only  one  in  all  the  southern  part  of  the  township,  issues  from  a 
swamp  and  empties  into  Bass  River,  On  the  outside  of  the  first 
mentioned  beach  is  a  large  body  of  salt-marsh.^ 

One  mile  E.  S.  E.  from  the  mouth  of  Bass  River  begins  a  bar 
called  Dogfish  Bar,  and  extends  6  m.  W.  to  Point  Gammon  in 
Yarmouth.  It  affords  to  vessels  within  it  a  harbor  called  Deep- 
Hole.2 

Swan-Pond-Creek,  the  head  of  which  is  Swan  Pond,  covering 
120  acres,  has  on  its  margin  a  body  of  salt-mai'sh,  and  between 
it  and  the  sound  is  Crocker's  Neck.  All  these  are  in  the  S.  E. 
part  of  the  township. 

On  the  north  side  of  the  town  is  a  small  harbor,  in  which  fish- 
ing vessels  are  laid  up  for  winter ;  it  is  called  Bass  Hole,  and  is 
the  mouth  of  Chase-Garden  River.  The  largest  body  of  mai'sh 
in  the  township  is  about  this  creek. 

One  mile  IST.  E.  of  Dennis  old  meeting-house,  a  bend  in  the 
shore  forms  a  cove  which  is  denominated  The  Bite  ;  more  famil- 
iarly known,  perhaps,  as  Nobscusset  Harbor.  On  the  west  of  it 
runs  a  point  of  rocks,  called  JSTobscusset  Point,  extending  j-  m. 
into  the  bay.     This  affords  a  shelter  against  !N".  W,  winds.^ 

Sesuet  Neck,  in  the  north  part  of  the  township,  lies  between 

^  West  of  the  township,  Weir-mill  Brook  rises  in  Yarmouth,  runs  east, 
and  discharges  itself  into  Follen's  Pond.  This  brook,  the  whole  of  which  is 
in  Yarm.,  is  properly  the  head  of  Bass  River;  and  from  it  was  formerly 
contemplated  the  cutting  a  canal  into  Yarm.  harbor.  The  intervening  dis- 
tance to  the  marsh,  on  the  N.  side,  is  only  about  •!■  m.,  and  the  land  is  low. 
The  advantage  of  such  a  canal,  it  was  thought,  would  more  than  counterbal- 
ance the  expense,  by  facilitating  water  communication  with  Boston  and  other 
northern  ports.  The  bar  at  the  mouth  of  Bass  River,  it  was  obvious,  would 
prevent  its  general  usefulness  to  navigation  ;  but  it  was  contended  that  the 
canal  might  be  sufficiently  remunerative  in  affording  facilities  for  the  smaller 
kind  of  vessels,  especially  those  engaged  in  fisheries. 

^  We  forbear  noting  the  improvements  made  at  the  several  localities 
described.  As  early  as  the  close  of  the  last  century,  a  pier  was  erected  at  the 
end  of  this  bar ;  and  on  the  pier  a  store.  Mr.  Sylvanus  Crowell  also 
built  a  pier,  and  made  effort  to  deepen  the  channel,  but  without  success. 

^  Not  far  to  the  eastward  of  this  locality,  lies  Crow's,  or  Flax  Pond,  i-  m. 
from  the  bay,  covering  60  acres,  the  pond  1 1  fathoms  deep.  The  project 
of  a  canal  was  conceived  during  the  last  century,  for  the  purpose  of  secur- 
ing a  better  harbor.  A  communication  made  between  this  pond  and  the 
east  of  the  Bite,  passing  through  a  swamp  and  low  grounds  to  the  inside  of 
a  point  of  rocks  lying  off  Sesuit  Neck,  it  Avas  supposed  would  find  ample 
protection  at  its  mouth  from  the  violence  of  winds,  especially  from  N.  E. 
storms  most  to  be  feared  in  obstructing  a  canal  at  its  entrance. 


694  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

the  Bay  and  Sesuet  Creek  which  sweeps  around  it  in  a  westerly- 
direction.  In  the  vicinity  of  this  creek  is  valuable  salt  marsh. 
Here  has  been  carried  on  much  ship-building ;  and  the  business 
is  still  continued.  With  this  locality  and  with  the  name  of  Shiv- 
EEiCK,  are  associated  recollections  of  many  fine  vessels  launched 
from  the  much  noted  ship-yard.  At  Sesuet  begin  the  flats  which 
lie  in  front  of  Brewster,  Orleans,  Eastham,  and  a  part  of  Well- 
fleet  ;  but  the  harbor  here  is  convenient. 

Not  far  east  of  this  neck,  is  that  of  Quivet,  in  the  N.  E.  part 
of  the  township,  formed  by  the  Bay  and  Quivet  Creek  which 
constitutes  in  part  the  bounds  between  this  town  and  Brewster. 
Here  also  is  a  still  larger  and  valuable  body  of  marsh.  The 
creek  runs  but  a  brief  space,  the  high  land  approaching  very 
near  the  north  shore  of  the  town ;  and  the  mouth  of  this  creek 
also  is  obstructed  by  a  bar ;  but  as,  at  high  tide,  about  8  ft.  of 
water  is  found  on  the  flat,  the  mouth  of  the  creek  affords  a  har- 
bor. 

There  are,  on  the  north  shore,  two  brooks  only,  —  one  of  which 
emj^ties  into  Hockanom  Creek  in  Yarmouth,  the  other  into  Qui- 
vet Creek. 

The  ponds  that  have  been  mentioned,  and  others  in  the  town- 
ship, cover  455  acres.  Besides  these  ponds,  are  some  cedar  and 
other  swamps  capable  of  being  converted  into  good  meadows  or 
cranberry  plats,  as  some  of  them  have  been  much  to  the  advan- 
tage of  their  owners.^ 

The  best  land  in  the  town  lies  on  the  Bay  side,  especially  on 
and  near  Sesuet  and  Quivet.  With  the  exception  of  these  necks 
and  vicinities,  and  a  few  other  circumscribed  spots  of  limited  ex- 
tent, the  land  is  generally  light  and  sandy.  The  light  land,  how- 
ever, is  made  to  produce  from  20  to  30  or  more  bushels  to  the 
acre.  Considerable  English  hay  is  cut  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  township.^  A  tract  not  larger  than  this  township,  with  a  soil 
so  unpropitious,  would,  in  an  inland  position,  yield  support  to 
very  few  inhabitants;  but,  on  the  Cape,  great  numbers  derive 
their  principal  means  of  subsistence  from  avocations  and  adven- 

^  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  Cape  Cod  has  the  natural  soil  and  climate 
to  produce  the  cranberry  in  all  its  perfection.  It  may  be  cultivated  else- 
where, and  anywhere  ;  but  here  the  delicious  fruit  can  be  produced  in  all 
its  excellence.  Though  the  culture  be  successfully  attempted  in  every  State 
in  the  Union,  the  demand  will  still  increase,  and  Cape  Cod  -will  occupy  the 
position  which  Malaga  docs  in  respect  to  raisins. 

^  The  only  considerable  exports  —  products  of  the  soil  —  are  cranberries. 
Formerly,  onions  were  produced  here  for  export. 


ANNALS   OP   DENNIS.  695 

tures  upon  the  seas.  The  advantages  enjoyed  for  these  employ- 
ments, and  the  industry  and  enterprise  of  the  inhabitants  in  im- 
proving these  advantages,  are  nowhere  better  exemplified  than 
in  this  town.  It  is  demonstrated  by  success,  that  the  rewards  of 
exertion,  enterprise,  and  intelligence  are  not  confined  to  a  mere 
supply  of  the  necessaries  and  conveniences  of  life ;  but  that 
thrift,  substantial  wealth,  and  the  luxuries  and  refinements  of 
life  are  almost  sure  to  follow.  Better  than  all  this,  here,  as  in 
the  towns  of  this  maritime  peninsula  generally,  are  found  men, 
—  MEN,  we  say,  in  the  higher  sense  of  the  terra,  —  with  sound 
minds  in  a  sound  body,  jDOSsessed  of  proper  self-respect,  well-in- 
formed, honest,  virtuous,  contented,  happy,  loving  the  land  of 
their  nativity,  useful  and  esteemed  in  their  day  and  generation, 
finding  a  more  than  ordinary  share  of  the  full  enjoyment  of  life. 
Those  departed  have  in  large  proportion  been  gathered  to  their 
fathers  in  good  old  age,  —  and  gone  to  honored  graves  in  peace.^ 
In  respect  to  manufactures,  this  town  has  attempted  nothing 
on  an  extended  scale  beyond  the  building  of  vessels,  already 
named,^  and  the  manufacture  of  salt.  It  is  claimed  that  the 
first  salt  produced  in  this  country  by  solar  evaporation  was  ob- 
tained here  by  Mr.  John  Sears  and  others  in  1776.®  The  manu- 
facture was  considered  of  much  impoi'tance  to  the  country  ;  for . 


^  Traveller,  generally,  —  many  of  high  position  in  society,  —  in  whatever 
other  remarks  they  may  indulge,  unite  in  this  confession  and  seem  to  be 
struck  with  the  discovery  they  have  made.  Says  one,  "  There  scarce  seems 
to  be  an  individual  of  70  and  upwards  who  is  not  a  fine  study  for  a  painter. 
I  never  saw  so  many  handsome  old  men  in  any  country  in  the  world ;  — the 
stern  manly  Pilgrim-type  confirmed  and  perpetuated  by  a  life  of  peril  and 
hardy  exercise,  while  visits  to  foreign  parts  have  kept  the  physiognomy  liberal 
and  open.  The  largeness  of  frame  of  these  old  men  —  (he  sazu  few  others,) 
for  they  seemed  like  a  race  of  Anaks  in  comparison  with  modern  New 
Yorkers  —  and  yet  sailors  are  usually  small  men  !  How  account  for  it  ? 
Only  by  Prof.  Guyot's  theory,  that  vegetable  and  human  life  are  not  permit- 
ted by  nature  to  be  luxuriant  together."  The  remark  of  Russell  Lowell 
—  that"  Jonathan  of  the  puritanic  stock,  is  more  like  the  Enghshman  of  two 
centuries  ago  than  John  Bull  himself  is,"  and  that  "  more  of  the  original 
ground-work  and  character  remains,"  may  be  especially  applicable  here 
because  the  population  has  continued  homogeneous.  There  has  been 
scarcely  any  admixture. 

^  Ships  of  a  large  class  have  been  built  in  the  north  part  of  the  town,  as 
also  many  of  lesser  dimensions ;  and  those  constructed  here  have  always 
been  commended  for  their  model  and  faithful  workmanship. 

^Mr.  Sears  obtained  a  patent  in  1799,  after  many  improvements  had 
been  made  on  the  original  design  ;  Mr.  Hatsel  Kelley  made  other  improve- 
ments ;  and  joining  interests  with  Mr.  Sears,  obtained  a  patent.  Their 
claims  as  original  inventors  were  contested,  and  to  whom  the  honor  of  the 
first  discovery  belongs  is  a  question  not  for  us  to  decide. 


696  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

the  article  bare  a  high  price.  Before  the  peace  of  1783,  salt  had 
risen  to  $8  per  bushel,  and  dm-ing  the  interdiction  of  commerce, 
just  before  the  war  of  1812,  it  rose  again  to  $7.^  Much  capital, 
here,  as  in  other  Cape  towns,  became  invested  in  the  manufac- 
ture. That  this  business  has  declined  here,  as  elsewhere,  need 
not  be  repeated.^ 

^It  might  be  supposed  that,  iu  these  circumstances,  every  encouragement 
would  have  been  given  by  Congress  to  the  domestic  production  of  this  article 
of  necessity.  This  was  so  far  from  being  realized  that  it  was  subject  to 
duties  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  20  cents  per  bu. ;  and  when  the  foreign 
production  was  again  poured  into  the  market,  by  the  return  of  peace  and 
free  commerce,  the  regular  profits  of  the  manufacturer  once  estimated  at 
from  15  to  20  cents  per  bu.,  became  small  indeed.  Under  the  operation  of 
acts  levying  duties,  in  1808,  works  of  the  value  of  $1000,  producing  250  bu. 
annually,  at  a  mercantile  value  of  66|  cents  per.  bu.,  afforded  to  the  owner 
only  about  $25,  after  deducting  duties,  cost  of  repairs,  and  attendance  !  The 
capital  thus  invested  on  the  Cape  was  about  $400,000  ;  and  the  return  that 
year  was  100,000  bu.  The  relative  magnitude  of  the  investment  in  the  seve- 
ral towns  was,  in  superficial  feet  (in  the  measurement  of  vats  a  superficial  foot 
being  understood  to  express  a  space  one  foot  wide  and  ten  feet  in  length) 
as  follows :  — 

Dennis,  650,800  ft.  Yarmouth,  307,500  Truro,  98,506 

Brewster,  623,300  Provincetown,  159,615     WelMeet,  60,050 

Barnstable,  415,582  Eastham,  152,560  Harwich,  60,000, 

Chatham,  408,360  Orleans,  146,500 

with  Falm.  and  Sandwich,  in  which  towns  the  manufacture  was  carried  on  to 
a  considerable  extent,  not  included  in  the  returns. 

^  We  may,  however,  since  Dennis  claims  to  have  had  precedence  in  the 
improved  mode  of  manufacture,  record  the  following :  The  expense,  original- 
ly, of  the  erection  of  the  works,  was  $1  to  $1.25  per  sup.  ft.,  in  which  the 
labor  bare  the  proportion  of  ^  ;  and  planks,  boards,  joist  etc.  f.  The  pro- 
cess of  manufacture  was  as  follows :  The  water  being  raised  by  a  pump 
placed  a  little  below  low  water-mark  and  moved  by  Avind,  was  led  by  troughs 
or  pipes  of  logs  first  into  a  range  of  vats  called  watei'-rooms.  These  vats, 
with  upright  sides,  were  usually  oblong.  18  by  36  feet  in  breadth  and  length, 
and  about  9  in.  deep  ;  standing  from  2  to  5  ft.  from  the  ground  and  elevated  on 
piles  or  tumbles.  In  the  first  set  of  vats,  the  sea-water  remained  generally 
about  3  days  for  evaporation  ;  it  was  then,  the  strength  of  the  water  being 
such  as  to  constitute  a  brine,  drawn  off  by  a  conduit  to  another  range  of  vats 
called  pickle-rooms,  in  Avhich  after  depositing  a  proportion  of  lime  and  other 
earthy  matter  minute  cubical  crystals  soon  began  to  form  on  its  surface.  This 
was  the  signal  for  another  remove  ;  and  the  liquid  was  then  drawn  into  other 
vats  called  salt-rooms,  where  the  crystals  that  before  were  exceeding  fine, 
would  soon  conglomerate  and  form  large  and  heavy  cubes  sinking  to  the 
bottom  of  the  vats.  The  salt  thus  accimiulated,  being  complete,  was  raked 
into  heaps,  taken  out,  and  deposited  in  a  dry  ware-house.  The  period  of 
the  entire  process  was  about  3  weeks.  In  the  time  of  Spring,  the  liquid  that 
remained  after  leaving  the  pickle-rooms,  and  which  was  called  bittern,  would 
yield  two  or  three  rakings;  and  this  bittern,  after  the  sea-salt  or  muriate  of 
soda  was  withdrawn,  was  still  impregnate  with  Glauber-salts  —  the  manufac- 
ture of  the  latter  article  being,  as  a  concomitant,  effected  by  boiling.  The 
sea-salt  obtained  was  of  good  color,  and  considered  superior  in  strcmgth  by 
\  to  the  best  imported.      The  weight  of  a  bushel  was  about  80  lbs.      In 


ANNALS    OF    DENNIS.  G97 

Preliminary  to  proceeding  to  the  doings  of  the  town, 
a  few  brief  remarks  and  statistics  may  be  expedient, 
that  its  status  when  entering  upon  its  municipal  career 
may  be  more  perspicuous.  Dennis,  prior  to  its  incor- 
poration, was,  as  has  been  stated,  known  from  1721 
many  years  as  the  East  Precinct  of  the  town  of  Yar- 
mouth. A  few  years  after  its  being  constituted  a  Pre- 
cinct, a  church  was  gathered  here  and  fully  organized ; 
and,  June  22,  1727,  Rev.  Josiah  Dennis  was  ordained 
its  pastor  and  the  minister  of  the  precinct. 

The  first  meeting  to  arrange  for  parish  organization 
was  held  the  last  day  of  Feb.  1721-2,  when  26  free- 
holders assembled  at  the  house  of  Nathaniel  Howes. 
Arrangements  for  building  a  meeting-house  were  made 
at  a  meeting.  Mar.  7,  Judah  Paddock  acting  as  precinct 
clerk  ;  and,  Ap.  9,  a  book  of  parish  records  was  opened. 
In  1723,  Mar.  22,  Rev.  Daniel  Greenleaf,  as  appears 


building  the  vats,  soft,  white-pine  plank -was  used  for  the  floors,  —  the  harder 
woods  injuriously  increasing  the  weight  of  the  structure  and  being  also  apt 
to  warp.  The  height  at  which  the  vat  was  placed  was  regulated  by  the 
quality  of  soil  underneath ;  if  loamy  and  wet,  the  vats  were  placed  higher 
to  allow  a  free  circulation  of  air, —  otherwise  the  dampness  of  the  soil  would 
both  retard  the  process  and  injure  the  structure.  A  deep,  sieve-like  sand, 
from  which  no  moisture  arises,  was  most  favorable ;  and  hence  the  shores 
of  this  peninsula  afforded  peculiar  advantages.  To  promote  the  evapora- 
tion of  the  merely  aqueous  parts  of  the  sea- water,  various  contrivances  have 
been  in  practice.  The  first  cause  of  evaporation  being  heat,  —  the  sun's 
heat  the  maximum ;  the  problem  next  to  be  solved  was  the  extension  of  the 
surface.  The  vats  we  have  described  wei'e  furnished  with  movable  roofs  ; 
and,  besides  the  attendance  in  the  account  we  have  given  of  the  process,  it 
was,  of  course,  necessary  that  these  roofs  or  covers  be  removed  or  replaced 
with  a  constantly  judicious  regard  to  evaporation.  If  rain  threatened,  the  '. 
roofs  were  moved  over  the  vats.  Sometimes  a  sudden  shower  coming  up, 
the  attendants  were  obliged  to  hasten  to  the  woi'ks  and  perform  this  duty  : 
with  alacrity.  The  roofs  were  constructed  in  various  ways,  as  was  also  the  ^ 
apparatus  for  moving  them.  i 

The  chemical  properties  of  the  bittern  were  for  some  time  unknown.  The , 
manufacture  of  Glauber-salts  soon  became  an  important  branch.  It  Is  said' 
that  an  eminent  physician  made  much  use  of  these  salts,  recommending 
them  as  of  great  value.  He  sold  in  potions,  at  Is.  4d.  each.  These  salts 
being  now  soon  for  sale  at  Is.  6d.  per  lb.,  the  doctor's  prescription  was  no 
longer  sought  in  potions.  Soon  the  salts  were  offered  at  4ld.  per  lb.  This 
changed  the  doctor's  penchant  for  Glauber-salts,  and  he  no  longer  kept  them 
as  his  favorite  medicine;  they  were,  he  said,  "cold things — not  fit  for  use." 
VOL.  II.  88 


698  HISTORY    OP   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

by  the  records,  was  called  to  the  ministry  of  this  pre- 
cinct. As  he  had  been  already  15  yrs.  the  pastor  of 
the  parent  church,  a  reasonable  inference  is  that  this 
call  was  rather  indicative  of  the  esteem  in  which  he 
was  held  by  his  late  parishioners  and  designed  as  an 
expression  of  their  satisfaction  if  they  might  still  en- 
joy his  ministrations, — he  having  the  option  of  taking 
charge  of  the  new  parish,  —  rather  than  of  a  well- 
grounded  expectation  that  he  would  accept.  The 
name  of  Mr.  Deming  was  then  proposed,  Ap.  15.^  In 
1724,  Nov.  5,  Mr.  Barnabas  Taylor  appears  as  a  candi- 
date ;  he  visited  the  parish  and  officiated  here,  but  no 
settlement  of  a  minister  occurred  until  several  years 
after.^  Rev.  Josiah  Dennis  was  called,  June  24,  1725  ; 
but  he  was  not  instituted  until  the  next  year,  June  22, 
1727,  at  which  time  he  received  ordination  and  the 
church  was  organized.^ 

The  church  Covenant,  sufficiently  "  orthodox,"  was 
signed  by  the  Pastor  elect,  and 
Dea.  Joseph  Hall,   Joseph  Burge,      Joseph  Hall  Jr., 
Joseph  Howes  Sr.,    Judah  Hall,         Joseph  Burge  Jr., 
John  Nichelson,*      John  Paddock,      Daniel  Hall. 

"  The  following  sisters,  being  dismissed  a  few  days  before,  from 
the  church  in  the  other  part  of  the  town,  were  received  into 
communion,  August  6,  namely, 

Deborah  Paddock,      Sarah  Howes  Jr.,        Mercy  Sears, 
Mary  Paddock,  Susanna  Howes,  Priscilla  Sears, 

Elizabeth  Paddock,     Lydia  Howes,  Sarah  Sears, 

Mehitable  Crosby,       Thomasin  Burge,        Rebecca  Paddock, 
Mary  Hall,  Elisabeth  Nicholson,  Mehitable  Hall, 

'  By  reference  to  annals  of  Yarm.,  it  will  be  seen  tbat  Rev.  Mr.  Dexter 
of  Dedham  had  visited  the  parish  in  1722,  perhaps  by  request,  and  possi- 
bly at  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Greenleaf,  and  that  subsequently  the  advice  of 
neighboring  ministers  was  asked  relative  to  his  settlement. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor,  b.  in  Y.,  grad.  H.  C.  172i;  was  set.  in  Bristol,  1729. 

^Thc  ordination  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Sam.  Wigglesworth  of 
Ipswich,  from  Rom.  x.  15. 

*  This  name  is  doubtless  intended  for  Nickerson. 


ANNALS    OF   DENNIS. 


699 


Keziah  Eldred,  Sarah  Burge,  Mary  Hall  Jr., 

Sarah  Howes,  Elizabeth  Burge,        Mehitable  Hall  Jr., 

Dorcas  Howes,  Hannah  Sears,  Rebecca  Hall ; 

and  two  others  who  were  inhabitants  of  the  West-precinct,  and 
till  then  only  children  of  the  church,  did  then  renew  their  cove- 
nant by  joining  with  this  church,  namely,  Priscilla  Gorham,  wife 
of  Josiah,  and  Elizabeth  Whelden,  wife  of  Thomas."^ 

In  1761,  Aug.  24,  the  meeting-house  having  been  enlarged  and 
repaired,  a  sale  was  made  of  the  increased  accommodations 
gained,  as  follows  :  — 
"Pew,  by  pulpit  stairs,  to 

Dea.  Daniel  Hall,        £216.05 
The  old  ministerial  pew, 

to  Mr.  Lot  Hallet,         238.00 
Pew,  right  hand  of  front 

door,   one   quarter   to 

each,  to  Mr.  Christo- 
pher Crowell,  Mr.  Ju- 

dah  Sears,  Christopher 

Crowell  Jr.,  and  Enoch 

Crowell,  214.00 

Pew,  left  hand  of  front 

door,  to  Mr.  Sam'l  El- 

dridge,  198.16 

^= "  The  sale  left  £100  overplus." 
the  reckonincj  is  in  "  old  tenoi'." 


Pew,  left  of  main  aisle, 

to  Mr.  Jos.  Hall, 
Pew,  next  left,  to  Thos. 

and  Seth  Tobie, 
Pew,  next  men's  aisle,  to 

Zachery  Sears, 
Pew,  right  of  main  aisle, 

to  Eleazer  Nickerson, 
Pew,  in  the  middle,  |  to 

Sam'l  Baker,  and  ^  to 

his  son  Isaiah, 
Pew,  next  women's  aisle, 

to  Jno.  Cliapraan, 


£282. 


213. 


170. 


252. 


222. 


213 


It  is  proper  to  state  that 


Rev.  Mr.  Dennis,  having  deceased  Aug.  31, 1763,  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  Nathan  Stone,^  who  "  was  ord.  Oct. 


^ "  The  first  lecture,  as  a  preparation  for  tlie  sacrament,  was  held  Aug.  4 ; 
text,  Amos  iv.  12.  '  Prepare  to  meet  thy  God,  O  Israel ' ;  and,  Aug.  6,  the 
sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  first  administered,"  on  which  occasion 
the  female  members  above-named  were  received.  The  following  subsequent 
entries  also  made  by  Mr.  Dennis,  may  be  of  interest;  "Nov.  16,  1740,  the 
Lord's  Supper  was  administered  out  of  course  for  want  of  wine  at  the  pro- 
per season.  Dec.  29,  a  church-meeting  to  consider  of  ways  and  means  to 
obtain  our  part  of  the  vessels  which  belonged  to  the  church  in  this  town 
while  we  continued  together.  Dea.  Hall  and  bro.  Ebenezer  Hall  were 
appointed  a  committee." 

^  The  venerable  Nathan  Stone  of  Southboro'  j^reached  from  2  Tim. 
ii.  12.  It  may  be  proper  alsotostate  that  Rev.  Josiah  Crocker  had  been 
invited  as  a  supply  Sept.  19,  1763,  and,  Dec.  7,  called  to  the  pastorate. 
Nothing  further  appears,  except  that  the  parish  was,  the  following  May, 
again  "  on  the  look-out  for  a  minister,"  and,  July  30,  presented  a  call  to 


700  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

17,  1764,  over  the  Second  Church  of  Christ  in  Yar- 
mouth." ^ 

We  proceed  now  to  what  may  appropriately  come 
under  the  head  of 

Progress  and  Doings  of  the  Town,  etc.  —  DeniNtis 
was  inc.  as  a  town,  June  19,  1793.^  Atherton  Hall 
Esq.  was  authorized  by  Act.  of  Inc.  "  to  issue  his  war- 
rant directed  to  some  principal  inhabitant  requiring 
him  to  warn  and  give  notice,  to  the  inhabitants  of 
said  town  to  assemble  and  meet  at  some  suitable  time 
at  the  meeting-house  in  said  town,  sometime  in  the 
month  of  March  or  April  next,  to  choose  such  of&cers 
as  towns  are  required  to  choose  at  their  annual  town- 
meeting  in  the  month  of  March  or  April  annually." 
The  warrant  was  issued,  Jan.  10,  1794,  to  Jeremiah 
Howes;  was  served  by  him,  Feb.  20,  and  the  meeting 
was  held,  Mar.  3,  at  1  o'clock,  p.  m.  Lt.  Jeremiah 
Howes  was  chosen  moderator ;  Mr.  Elisha  Bassett, 
clerk  and  treasurer ;  Lt.  Howes,  Mr.  Jonathan  Bangs, 

Mr.  Stone,  which  he  accepted  SejDt.  13,  1764,  whereupon  the  ordination 
was  app.  for  the  1 7th  proximo. 

^  Perhaps  the  following  additional  items  of  church  matters  may  be  per- 
tinent:  "  Feb.  29,  1768,  Mr.  John  Sears  chosen  deacon  in  the  room  of 
Dea.  Ebenezer  Paddock  deceased." —  "  Mar.  9,  1769,  Mr.  Joseph 
Howe,  2d,  to  officiate  as  deacon  in  place  of  Dea.  Daniel  Hall  deceased." 
—  "June  19,  1782.  Mr.  Anthony  Howes  chosen  deacon."  —  "  Feb.  25, 
1770,  Jonathan  Howes  requested  baptism  for  his  children  upon  owning 
covenant.  Granted."  —  "Mar.  9,  1789,  Stephen  Sears  and  Joseph 
Howes  chosen  deacons." 

^  The  best  evidence  that  in  the  37  years'  ministry  of  Rev.  JosiAH  Dennis 
he  was  personally  acceptable  to  a  past  generation  and  that  his  memory  was 
hallowed  is  found  in  this  fact,  —  that  when  the  East  Precinct  of  Yarmouth 
was  about  to  become  a  town,  so  long  after  his  decease,  a  new  generation  of 
men,  a  portion  only  of  the  former  surviving,  determined,  as  a  token  of  honor 
to  his  worth,  to  give  the  new  township  his  name.  Mr.  D.  admitted  to  church 
membership  159  persons,  and  bap.  560.  —  By  his  wife  Bathsheba,  Mr. 
Dennis  had  born  to  him  Hannah  Oct.  4,  1730;  Sarah  Aug.  6,  1732; 
Abigail  June  8,  1734  ;  Josiah  Ap.  18,  1736,  d.  inf  ;  Sarah  Aug.  18,  1737 ; 
Josiah  Aujr.  22,  1739,  d.  inf  ;  and  Bathsheba  Feb.  9,  1731-2,  d.  inf  By  a 
2d.  m.  with  Phebe  Bangs  1746,  he  had  Bathsheba  Sept.  6,  1  748  ;  and  Phebe 
Oct.  30,  1750. — Evidence  is  found  of  the  republican  simplicity  of  the 
times,  in  tlie  fact  that.  Mar.  13,  1764,  an  appropriation  of  £2.8  was  made 
by  the  East  Precinct,  "for  the  payment  of  funeral  charges  and  gravestones 
for  Rev.  Mr.  Dennis." 


ANNALS    OF    DENNIS.  701 

and  Lt.  Joseph  Sears,  selectmen;  and  also  the  usual 
complement  of  assessors,  constables,  collector,  survey- 
ors of  highways,  fence-viewers,  hog-reeves,  pound- 
keeper,  field-drivers,  surveyors  of  lumber,  etc. 

At  the  next  meeting,  Mar.  11,  Capt.  Isaiah  Hall  and  Mr.  Elisha 
Bassett  were  app.  a  com.  "to  settle  with  the  treasurer  of  the 
town  of  Yarmouth;"  the  sum  of  £75  was,  April  11,  ordered  to 
be  assessed  for  the  poor ;  and,  May  26,  the  bounds  between  this 
town  and  Yarmouth  were  settled  by  agents  appointed  to  the 
duty,  namely,  Messrs.  Thos.  Thacher,  Isaac  Matthews,  Edmund 
Bray,  and  Joseph  Howes  on  the  part  of  Yarmouth,  and  Messrs. 
Jeremiah  Howes,  Jona.  Bangs,  and  Joseph  Sears  on  the  part  of 
this  town.^  The  bounds  between  this  town  and  Harwich  were 
also  renewed  and  settled,  June  16,  by  the  selectmen  of  this 
town,  and  Jona.  Snow  and  Eben.  Broadbrooks,  selectmen  of  Har- 
wich.^ For  schools,  £40  was  appropriated,  Nov.  3  ;  and  Capt. 
Judah  Paddock  and  Lt.  Jeremiah  Howes  were  app.  "  to  apportion 
said  money  to  the  districts  according  to  the  usual  method."     For 

* "  Beginning  at  the  south  of  the  county  road  leading  from  Yarm.  to 
Dennis,  at  three  white-oak  trees  marked  and  standing  at  the  S.  W.  corner 
of  Edward  Howes'  upper  field,  between  Lothrop  Taylor's  and  David  Hall's  ; 
sets  thence  S.  53°  E.,  248  rods  as  trees  are  marked,  till  it  comes  to  a  stake 
and  stone  standing  on  the  S.  side  of  the  country  road  to  the  falling  away  of 
a  hill  to  the  westward  of  Jon.  Whelden's  late  of  Dennis,  dec. ;  then  by  the 
country  and  Bass  River  road  southeasterly  146  rods  to  a  stake  and  stone 
standing  at  the  N.  E.  corner  of  Capt.  Sam.  Gray's  land  and  N.  W.  corner 
of  Wid.  Abigail  Whelden's  land ;  sets  thence  S.  40°  W.,  44  rods  into 
Follen's  Pond ;  thence  southeasterly  through  the  middle  of  said  pond,  and 
southerly  through  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  Bass  River  into  the 
South  Sea.  Then  beginning  at  the  first  mentioned  three  white-oak  trees, 
and  sets  thence  northeasterly  by  the  country  road  that  leads  from  Yarm.  to 
Dennis,  68  rods  to  a  stake  and  stone  at  the  S.  W.  corner  of  Edward  Howe's 
field  and  S.  E.  corner  of  David  Hall's  field  and  on  the  northwesterly  side 
of  the  way  ;  and  thence  northwesterly  42  rods  In  Edward  Howes'  and  David 
Hall's  range  to  a  brook  in  said  range,  and  as  said  brook  runs  Into  the  main 
creek,  and  as  said  creek  and  Bass  Hole  runs  Into  the  North  Sea."  It  was 
"  further  agreed  that  the  privilege  of  fishing,  together  with  the  Indian-land 
at  Bass  River,  and  the  whaling-land  at  Black  Earth,  shall  remain  for  the 
benefit  of  both  towns." 

2  "  Beginning  at  a  rock  lying  about  37  ft.  to  the  S.  of  Bound-brook  bridge 
and  14  ft.  E.  of  said  brook,  —  marked  with  the  letter  B,  —  said  brook  is  on 
the  N.  side  of  said  towns ;  fi-om  thence  sets  S.  about  5°  E.  to  a  heap  of  stones 
on  the  S.  side  of  Setucket  road ;  from  thence  the  same  course  as  trees  are 
marked  to  a  large  black-oak  tree  now  standing  on  the  N.  side  of  Chatham 
road,  and  marked  thence  on  the  same  course  as  trees  are  marked,  to  Benj. 
Gage's  house,  formerly,  deceased ;  and  thence  on  the  same  course  as  trees 
are  marked  until  It  enters  the  Sea  on  the  S.  side  of  said  towns,  which  will 
be  near  the  mouth  of  Herring  River." 


702  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

parish  charges,  £105  was  raised  ;  and  for  other  town  charges,  £30. 
Mr.  JuDAH  Baker  died  this  yeai',  Ap.  14;^  and  Mr,  Samuel 
Chapman,  Mar.  30.  Mr.  Allen  Kellet,  of  Harwich,  d.  Nov. 
14,  1791. 

In  1795,  a  meeting-house  having  been  erected  in 
the  South  part  of  the  town,  was  consecrated,  Jan.  1 ;  ^ 
and,  Jan.  20,  "  it  was  agreed  that  Rev.  Mr.  Stone  preach 
in  the  South  part  their  proportionate  time  ;  Sarsuet 
road  to  be  the  dividing  line  between  the  N.  and  S. 
parts  of  the  parish."  It  was  also  "voted  to  repair  the 
meeting-house  "  in  the  north  part  of  the  town.  In 
the  South  Parish,  Rev.  Mr.  Stone  preached  every  third 
Sunday.  There  was  in  town,  at  this  date,  "  a  small 
Friend's,  or  Quaker,  meeting-house  situated  on  the  east 
side  of  Follen's  Pond ;  at  this,  five  families  belonging 
in  this  town  attended,  with  others  from  Yarmouth  and 
Harwich.  There  were  also,  a,t  this  date,  thirteen  fami- 
lies of  Baptists  in  the  south  village.  The  rest  of  the 
inhabitants  in  every  part  of  the  township  were  of  the 
ancient  order,  and  warmly  attached  to  their  pastor,  the 
Congregational  minister,  and  not  disposed  to  change."  "^ 

It  was  voted  this  year,  that  "  the  town  approves  of  Browning 
Kelley  keeping  a  ferry  over  Bass  River."  For  schools,  1100  was 
voted ;  and  $200  for  the  poor.  Mr.  Samuel  Howes  died  this 
year,  Feb.  18  ;  *  Mr.  Reuben  Baker,  Mar.  5  ;  Mr.  Thomas  ISTew- 
coMB,  Mar.  18  ;  and  Mr.  Josiah  Bakek,  Sept.  25. 

In  1796,  Mr.  Edmund  Seaes  died  Oct.  12,  se.  85.^ 


^Mr.  JuDAH  Baker  had,  by  w.  Mercy,  Timo.  Ap.  25,  1732;  also  Bar- 
nabas, Judah,  etc. 

*  It  is  mentioned  that  this  edifice  had  "  a  steeple." 

^  Of  the  business  of  the  south  part  of  the  town  at  this  date,  we  gather 
from  incidental  statistics  that  there  were  as  yet  "  no  salt-works  in  Bass  River 
village,  although  several  were  about  to  be  constructed.  The  inhabitants 
owned  19  sail  of  fishermen  of  about  40  tons  burthen  each,  and  4  coasters. 
Three  small  wharves  had  been  built  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  river." 

*Mr.  Samuel  Howes  had,  by  w.  Mary,  Elisha  Sept.  30,  1731. 

^See  p.  194  ;  also  Annals  of  Chatham,  pp.  205,  209,  216,  591,  596,  601, 
607,  609;  and  Vol.  I.  137.  Mr.  Richard  Sears,  the  Pilgrim  ancestor, 
was  located  between  Sursuit  and  Quivet  Creeks.  He  was  purchaser  of  part 
of  this  neck  of  land,  and  built  his  house  on  the  site  that  is  still  recognizar 


ANNALS   OF   DENNIS.  703 

In  1797,  the  amount  voted  foi-  schools,  was  1333,33.  A  por- 
tion of  the  town's  commons  was  laid  out ;  ^  also  "  a  burial-place 
near  the  north  meeting-house  ; "  ^  and  land  was  voted  to  Rev. 
Mr.  Stone  "for  a  garden-spot." 

In  1798,  a  com.  was  app.  "to  sell  commons-land;"  and  the 
town  "  voted  that  cattle  may  run  on  the  commons  all  the  year." 
A  petition  was  presented  to  the  Gen.  Court  this  year,  Jan.  3,  in 
behalf  of  Baptists  in  this  town,  Harwich,  and  Chatham,  signed 
by  Job  Chase  and  others,  "  for  incorporation  as  the  Baptist  Relig- 
ious Society  of  the  town  of  Harwich." 

In  1799,  the  town  voted  |240  to  defray  the  expense  of  small- 
pox in  the  family  of  Joshua  Crowell. 

In  1800,  the  amount  raised  for  schools  was  |300. 

In  1801,  Mr.  Seth  Tobet  died,  Aug.  31,  £e.  85  ;  and  Mr.  Jon- 
athan Howes,  Oct.  15,  ee.  72.  Mr.  David  Seabury  also  died 
this  year. 

In  1802,  "the  number  of  dwelling-houses  on  the  south  side  of 
the  county  road,  was  100,^  the  greater  part  of  these  situated  near 


ble.  He  d.  here  in  1676,  se.  86,  and  was  buried  in  the  old  cemetery  at 
Yarm.  where  stands  the  monument  to  his  memory,  an  engraving  of  which 
appears  in  our  pages,  erected  by  one  of  his  descendants.  Mr.  Samuel 
Sears,  b.  1663,  s.  of  Paul,  m.  Mercy  Mayo,  dr.  Saml.,  and  resided  in  Har-j 
wich,  now  Brewster.  They  had  Hannah  1685;  Sam.  1687;  Nath.  1689 
whom.  Susanna  Grey  1712  and  d.  1720  ;  Tamson  1691  ;  Jona.  1693  ;  Joseph 
1695;  Joshua  1697  who  m.  Mercy  Thacher,  dr.  Jno.,  and  removed  to  Ct.j 
whose  fifth  issue  was  Isaac  of  Revolutionary  memory;  Judah  1699  who  na, 
Mary  Pa_ddock  and  removed  to  Rochester;  John  1701  who  m.  Gracei, 
Pa3dock  and  Ead  John  who  went  to  R.  I.,  Ezra  who  perished  in  the  Mageei 
storm,  and  Enoch;  Seth  1703  who  m.  Priscilla  Ryder  and  d.  1750;  and! 
Benj.  1706  who  m.  3  times  and'  had  issue.  Edmund,  b.  1711,  mentionedl 
above,  s.  of  Paul,  who  m.  Hannah  Crowell,  dr.  Christ'r,  lived  in  Quivet,  and! 
had  Ediji-,  Josh.,  Christ'r,  and  Elkanah.  Ebenezer,  b.  1694,  elder bro-.of 
Edm.,  removed  to  Ct.  Paul,  b.  1695,  another  bro.,  removed  to  Rochester. 
Thomas,  b.  1699,  a  bro.  of  the  last,  went  to  Ply.  Joshua,  b.  1708,  same 
family,  removed  to  Ct.  Daniel,  youngest  bro.,  m.  Mary  Snow  of  E.,  and 
had  Micajah,  Paul,  Enos,  and  David.  Silas,  s.  of  Lt.  Silas  who  d.  1697  a 
prominent  man,  lived  in  E.  Dennis  and  had  Phebe  1694  ;  Silas  1695  ;  Sarah 
1697;  Hannah  1701;  Thos.  1702;  James  1704;  and  Eleazar  1706  whb 
lived  in  Yar.  Thomas,  bro.  of  Silas,  settled  in  Newport,  R.  I.  Joseph 
m.  Hannah  Hall  in  1700,  and  had  Priscilla  1701 ;  Hannah  1703;  Zechariah 
1706  who  went  to  Ct. ;  Joseph  1708;  Stephen  1710;  Rowland  1711; 
Barnabas  1714  who  went  to  Rochester;  Peter  1716;  Betliia  1718;  Silas 
1720  who  went  to  Roch.  ;  and  Thankful  1728. 

^  The  persons  to  whom  land  was  assigned,  were  Nathan  Stone,  Elisha 
Howes,  John  Howes,  John  Howes,  Jr.,  James  Howes,  Jas.  Howes,  Jr., 
Josiah  Howes,  Noah  Howes,  Neh.  Howes,  and  others. 

°  The  persons  app.  to  lay  out  the  burial-place  were  Peter  Sears,  Dan. 
Howes,  Jer.  Howes,  Dan.  Eldredge,  and  Judah  Paddock. 

^  Of  these  dwellings,  "  two  only  were  more  than  one  story  in  height." 


704 


HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Bass  River  and  constituting  a  well-built  village,  the  inhabitants 
of  which  were  increasing  in  wealth,  and  the  population  rapidly- 
augmenting."  The  village  of  "  Suet  contained  36  dwelling-houses 
standing  on  Sursuit  and  Quivet  Necks  and  lands  adjacent,  and 
jwned  here  were  5  sail  of  fishermen."  There  were  then  "  here 
24  salt-works  containing  19,500  ft."  ^  Mr.  Moses  Buegess  died 
this  year,  Oct.  29. 

In  1803,  it  was  again  "voted  to  repair  the  meeting-house,  and 
make  and  sell  pews."  The  new  pews,  in  the  old  or  north  meet- 
ing-house were  sold,  Dec.  5,  as  follows  :  — 


118. 


195. 


104. 


114. 


82. 


82. 


Pew  at  end  of  women's 
front  seats,  to  Joshua  and 
Elkanah  Sears,  for 

Pew  adjoining,  to  Jeremiah 
and  Daniel  Howes,  156. 

Middle  pew  in  women's 
seats,  to  Capt.  Judah  Pad- 
dock, 

Pew  adjoining  Capt.  Pad- 
dock's and  the  aisle,  to 
Capt.  Edmund  Sears, 

Pew  at  the  end  of  men's 
seats,  to  Nathan  andBenj. 
Hall, 

^ew  where  the  west  door 
Mr.  Stephen  Hall  died,  Nov.  27,  ae.  67. 

'  In  1804,  Ap.  26,  Rev.  Nathan  Stone  died  in  the  87th 
year  of  his  age  and  the  40th  of  his  ministry,  revered 
and  lamented.^     His  ministry  was  eminently  peaceful 


was,  to  Joseph  Sears  of 

Harwich,  $82. 

Pew  where  east  door  was, 

to  Joseph  Hall, 
Pew  S.  W.  corner,  to  Josiah 

Hall, 
Pew  S.  E.  corner,  to  Henry 

Hall, 
Pew  S.  E.  corner  in  gallery, 

to  Elisha  Howes  Jr.  and 

Isaac  Vincent, 
Pew   S.  W.  corner 

lery,   to   Collins 

and  Judah  Hall, 


22. 


in  gal- 
Howes 


19. 


*  The  Collections  of  the  Hist.  Soc,  1802,  say,  "When  compared  with 
Nobscusset,  it  may  be  denominated  a  pleasant  village  ;  but  in  comparison 
with  the  village  of  Sandwich,  there  is  little  or  no  beauty  in  it.  It  is  a 
flourishing  place  ;  and  what  contributes  principally  to  its  prosperity  is  its 
numerous  and  valuable  salt-works." 

"See  p.  220.  Rev.  Nathan  Stone  was  great  gr.  s.  of  Mr.  Simon  Stone 
of  Watei'town  who  came  from  Eng.  with  his  father  Simon  whose  w.  was 
Joanna  Clark ;  grand-s.  of  the  venerable  Nathaniel  of  Harwich,  since 
Brewster;  and  s.  of  Rev.  Nathan  of  Southboro.  See  Vol.  I.  390-2.  Rev. 
Nathan  of  Southboro',  b.  in  Harwich  1708,  and  m.  1st  Judith  Fox  Oct.  21, 
1734,  2d.  Mary  Thacher  May  16,  1751,  and  d.  May  3,  1781,  as.  73,  was 
the  father  of  Rev.  Nathan,  b.  in  Southboro'  Oct.  11,  173  7,  and  grad.  H. 
C.  1  7G2,  settled  here  1764,  and  d.  1804,  as  above.  He  m.  Mary  Gushing, 
dr.  Rev.  Job  of  Shrewsbury.  She  d.  Ap.  28, 1 790,  £e.  49.  He  had  Nathan  ; 
Mary  who  m.  Doct.  Horton  ;  Job  C  who  m.  dr.  of  Joshua  Howes ;  Nath'l ; 


ANNALS   OF   DENNIS.  705 

and  quiet.  It  was  peculiarly  the  prerogative  of  cler- 
gymen of  that  day  to  enjoy  the  confidence  and  esteem 
of  their  parishioners  and  thus  to  exercise  a  large  and 
salutary  influence.  Mr.  Stone  was  particularly  distin- 
guished in  this  respect.  Dignified  and  grave,  without 
bigotry  or  intolerance ;  sincere,  upright,  and  sympa- 
thetic ;  a  good  scholar  and  acceptable  preacher ;  if  he 
received  a  large  share  of  the  deference  which  at  that 
period  was  accorded  to  the  office  of  a  Christian  minis- 
ter, he  was  also  not  without  his  trials.  One  of  the  most 
discouraging  was,  that  the  permanency  of  his  flock  was 
not  as  he  would  have  desired.  Distant  places  invited 
to  a  more  fertile  soil,  and  many  of  the  most  respecta- 
ble families  of  his  charge  disappeared  from  time  to 
time  by  removals.^  In  this  respect,  however,  he  only 
shared  the  experience  of  pastors  on  the  Cape  from  a 
very  early  period.  We  have,  in  former  pages,  sug- 
gested that  perhaps  no   other  portion  of  our  common 


Bridget ;  Judith ;  Joanna ;  John ;  Jacob.  During  his  ministry,  Mr.  S. 
admitted  209,  and  bap.  843.  His  sermons  were  seen  by  us,  some  eight 
years  since,  then  in  possession  of  his  daughter,  Miss  Judith  Stone,  an  inteUi- 
gent  and  venerable  maiden  lady  who  d.  in  1857,  in  the  old  mansion;  they 
were  beautiful  specimens  of  chirography,  but  so  closely  and  finely  written 
as  to  require  a  stronger  vision  than  is  given  to  most  persons  at  the  present 
day,  to  be  read  with  faciHty.  In  the  Columbian  Centinelof  May  26,  1804, 
is  a  notice  of  his  decease,  from  which  article  we  extract  the  following : 
"  The  able  divine,  the  devout  Christian,  the  honest  man,  and  the  patriot  is 
no  more.  His  charge  respected  him  as  a  father,  and  he  was  venerated  and 
esteemed  wherever  known  ;  exemplary,  laborious  and  devout ;  independent, 
liberal,  and  patriotic. "  In  the  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.  of  1802,  Mr.  S.  yet  living, 
was  spoken  of  by  a  clerical  friend,  on  this  wise  :  "  Vir  humilis,  mitis,  blandus, 
advenarum  hospes ;  suis  commodis  in  terra  non  studens,  reconditis  tlie- 
sauris  in  ccelo. "  That  this  concise  sketch  was  not  incorrect,  we  might 
infer  from  the  sermon  preached  at  his  funeral  by  Rev.  Eph'm.  Briggs  of 
Chatham  :  "  A  shining  light  has  been  removed  from  this  golden  candlestick. 
The  world  is  deprived  of  one  of  the  best  of  men,  and  this  church  and  peo- 
ple of  an  excellent  minister.  The  house  of  God  now  mourns  the  loss  of 
one  of  Zion's  favorite  sons.  While  he  labored  in  this  vineyard,  how  faith- 
ful !  "  We  take  pleasure  in  recording  one  other  sentence  uttered  by  the 
preacher  on  that  occasion,  as  honorable  to  generations  departed :  "  The  in- 
habitants of  this  plar;e  have  been  remarkable  for  their  union,  and  attach- 
ment to  the  ministers  of  the  Gospel." 

^  To  the  church  in  Ashfield,  1 5  members  were  dismissed,  and  28  to  other 
churches  between  the  years  1780  and  1800, 
VOL.  II.  89 


706  fflSTORY    OF   BABNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

country  has  done  so  much  in  proportion  to  its  extent, 
to  populate  other  parts  of  our  land  or  has  its  sons  and 
daughters  represented  so  widely  in  nearly  every  State 
of  the  American  Union.  Very  many  of  the  ancient 
families  of  the  Cape  have  representatives  also  in  the 
Br.  Provinces,  especially  in  New  Brunswick  and  Nova 
Scotia. 

After  the  decease  of  Rev.  Mr.  Stone,  we  find,  June 
3,  Rev.  Mr.  Shaw  of  Eastham  preaching  here  and  ad- 
ministering the  sacraments ;  and,  July  2,  the  parish 
left  vacant  is  "  on  the  lookout  for  a  minister."  Rev. 
Mr.  Bascom  was  then  employed,  and  his  settlement  pro- 
posed without  success.  Rev.  Caleb  Holmes  was  then 
called,  Nov.  5 ;  and  gravestones  were  ordered  by  the 
parish  for  Mr.  Stone.  Salt-works  lots  were  ordered  to 
be  laid  out  at  Black  Earth. 

In  1805,  Rev.  Mr.  Holmes  was  ordained,  the  first 
Wed.  in  Jan.^  The  town  refused,  by  a  large  vote,  to 
permit  a  bridge  to  be  built  across  Bass  River.  The 
same  result  was  had  the  following  year. 

Mr.  Philip  Howes  died  this  year,  Oct.  10 ;  and  in  1807,  Mr. 
Edwaed  Seaes  ^  and  Mr.  Joseph  Howes  ;  also  Mr.  Knowles 
ToBET,  Sept,  13,  £6.  63. 

In  1808,  this  town  united  with  other  towns  in  petitioning  the 
President  of  the  U.  States,  "to  suspend  the  embargo  laws." 

In  1809,  this  town  united  with  others  in  memorializing  the 
President  and  Congress   "  on  the   state  of  the  country."    Mr. 


'Rev.  Mr.  Holmes  was  from  Plym.,  b.  1780,  andgrad.  H.  C.  1802. 

*Mr.  WiLLARD.  Sears,  b.  1714,  son  of  Capt.  Jno.  who  d.  1739,  m. 
Susanna  Howes,  dr.  of  Eben.,  and  d.  1765.  He  had  sons  Edw.,  Reuben, 
Eben.,  and  Willard.  Edward  m.  Bethia  Sears,  dr.  Dea.  Jno.,  and  had 
Edw.,  Sam.,  and  John,  and  d.  1807.  Reuben  m.  1st,  Rhoda  Mayo,  and 
2d,  Abig.  Vincent,  and  had  Willard,  David,  Reuben,  Philander,  Thos.,  and 
Orln.  Eben  lived  in  Y.,  m.  Gray,  and  had  Joshua  who  went  to  Boston, 
see  p.  234 ;  Charles  now  of  Y. ;  Willard  of  N.  Bedford ;  and  Thomas. 
Willard,  bro.  of  Eben.,  m.  Hannah  Sears,  dr.  Edm.,  lived  in  Brewster, 
and  had  Eben.  and  Willard.  John,  s.  of  Edward,  m.  Mercy  Howes,  and 
was  father  of  Philip  H.  Sears  Esq.  of  Boston. 

/ 


ANA^ALS    OF   DENNIS.  707 

CHRisTOPnER  Seaes  died  this  year,  se.  56;^  and  Mr.  Josiah 
Hall,  Jan.  3,  se.  78.^ 

In  1810,  Mr.  Josiah  Howes  died  June  12,  se.  71 ;  Mr.  Judah 
Baker,  Sept.  29 ;  ^  and  Mr.  William  Howes  Nov.  17,  ae.  78. 
In  1811,  Mr.  Watson  Baker  d. ;  and  in  1812,  Sept.  20,  Mr.  John 

NiCKERSON.* 

In  1813,  Rev.  Caleb  Holmes  died,  Mar.  21,  se.  33.^ 
In  1814,  Mar.  21,  Rev.  Joseph  Haven  was  invited  to 
preach  to  the  North  Parish,  vacant  by  the  decease  of 
Mr.  Holmes;  and,  Ap.  21,  a  call  was  extended  to  him, 
with  the  offer  of  "  $600  per  annum  and  the  improve- 
ment of  the  parish  wood-lot  and  cleared  lands."  ^  He 
was  ordained,  July  27,  with  the  understanding  that  he 
was  to  officiate  in  the  South  Parish  meeting-house  ten 
years,  —  the  proportionate  part  of  time  to  be  deter- 
mined by  relative  taxes ;  and  in  the  event  of  entire 
and  final  separation  of  the  North  and  South  as  inde- 
pendent parishes,  the  parish-lands  were  to  be  divided 
in  proportion  to  the  taxes  paid  at  the  time  of  separa- 
tion. 

Precautionary  arrangements  were  made  for  defence  of  the  town 
in  case  of  invasion.  The  IS  obscusset  Pier  Co.,  Daniel  Howes 
and  others,  were  inc.  this  year,  and  authorized  "  to  build  on  the 
easterly  side  of  Nobscusset  Point,  a  pier  of  stone  and  timber, 

'Mr.  Christopher  Sears,  b.  1753,  s.  of  Edm.,m. Mercy  Snow  of  Br., 
and  had  Christ'rwho  was  lost  at  sea  1816  ;  William  who  removed  to  Dorch. ; 
and  Lot. 

^Mr.  Josiah  Hall,  b.  1731,  was  s.  of  Josiah  and  Rebecca. 

^  Mr.  Judah  Baker  m.  Mary  Look,  and  had  Allen  1765  who  d.  Jan.  19, 
1830;  Judah  1771  who  d.  June  10,  1830;  Heman  1729  who  d.  Jan.  9, 
1860  ;  Peter,  and  Charles. 

*Mr.  John  Nickerson  had  by  w.  Mary,  Isaiah  1774,  who  d.  1862. 

^  The  parish,  after  the  decease  of  Rev.  Mr.  Holmes,  voted  to  continue 
his  salary  to  his  widow  "  so  long  as  the  neighboring  ministers  preach  to 
supply."  The  beautiful  exhibition  of  fraternal  regard,  which  was  a  custom 
long  prevailing  among  the  pastors  of  New  England,  and  the  consequent 
postponement  of  any  hasty  arrangements  for  the  call  of  a  new  minister  until 
after  this  expression  of  sympathy  is  now  a  usage  fading  away.  Mr.  Holmes, 
during  his  brief  ministry,  adm.  to  the  church  40  members,  and  bap.  Ill 
persons.  By  his  w.  Lucy  who  d.  Ap.  25, 1811  he  had  issue  who  d.  infants; 
his  2d  w.,  Eliza,  by  whom  he  had  Caleb  1812  d.  inf,  m.  2d  Rev.  Mi.  Ha- 
ven. » 

"Rev.  Mr.  Haven  was  from  Dover,  N.  H.,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1810. 


708  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

600  ft.  in  length,  more  or  less."     Mr.  Judah  Bakek  died  Jan.  14, 
SB.  81 ;  ^  and  Mr.  Samuel  Howes,  in  Dec,  se.  72. 

In  1815,  Feb.  6,  a  committee  was  chosen  "to  fix  the 
line  for  the  division  of  the  North  and  South  Parishes. 
This  measure  was  in  contemplation  immediately  upon 
the  decease  of  Mr.  Holmes.^ 

The  town  united  with  others  in  memorial  respecting  treaty  ar- 
rangements in  regard  to  the  fisheries.  Mr.  I^athan"  Ceowell 
died  this  year,  Aug.  9 ; '  and  Doct.  Zabina  Hobtotst,  a  distin- 
guished practitioner,  d.  Nov.  14. 

In  1816,  Mr.  Isaac  Vincent  died  Jan.  18;  Mr.  Edwaed 
Howes,  June  1,  se.  77  ;*  and  Mr.  Thomas  Hall,  Oct.  3.^ 

In  1817,  June  16,  the  2d  Cong.  Church,  in  the 
South  part  of  the  town,  was  organized  and  called  to 
the  pastorate  Rev.  John  Sanford.® 

Mr.  Abraham  Howes  died,  Jan.  19,  se.  77  ;  ^  Mr.  Isaiah  Hall, 
Jan.  30 ;  and  Mr.  John  Sears,  June  9. 

In  1818,  resolves  were  passed  in  town-meeting  in 
respect  to  "  taverners  and  retailers  of  ardent  spirits," 
designed  to  promote  temperance. 

Rev.  Mr.  Sanford  was  ord.  pastor  of  the  South  Church, 
Dec.  30.  His  engagement  was  to  officiate  one-fourth 
part  of  the  time  in  the  Cong,  meeting-house  at  Harwich, 
the  society  over  which  he  was  settled  in  this  town  be- 
ing few  in  numbers  and  of  comparatively  feeble  means 


^Mr.  Baker,  b.  June  11,  1733,  was  s.  of  Judah  and  Jane.  His  brother 
Seth,  b.  May  6,  1739,  d.  Dee.  8,  1828. 

^It  was  agreed  that  the  dividing-line  shall  be  as  follows:  "Beginning  at 
the  Chatham  road  on  the  Yarmouth  line,  running  easterly  by  said  road  to 
the  house  of  Seth  Bangs ;  and  still  easterly  to  the  Brewster  and  Harwich 
line  near  the  north  side  of  White  Pond.  " 

^  Mr.  Nathan  Ceowell  was  father  of  the  present  Seth  Crowell,  Esq. 

^Mr.  Edward  Howes,  b.  Mar.  21,  1739,  s.  of  Sam'l,  who  d.  Oct.  27, 
1772,  by  w.  Jerusha.  Of  the  same  family  were  Sam'l  1744,  who  d.  1818  ; 
John  1746,  who  d.  Sept.  11,  1832,  se.  86. 

^Mr.  Thos.  Hall  was  father  of  Christopher  who  d.  1857. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Sanford  was  from  Berkley,  b.  1790,  grad.  Brown,  1812. 

^Mr.  Abraham  Howes  was  s.  of  Judah  who  d.  Jan.  5,  1786,  and  had, 
by  w.  Susanna,  issue:  Wm.  June  2.5,  1732,  d.  1810;  Abm.  Aug.  22,  1734, 
d.  inf ;  Elisa.  1738;  Abm.  Nov.  8,  1740;  Susanna  1743;  and  Judah  May 
2,  1748. 


ANNALS   OF   DENNIS.  709 

for  full  ministerial  support.  Before  his  ministry  closed, 
however,  its  numbers  and  ability  so  increased  that  the 
necessity  for  such  arrangement  was  obviated. 

Mr.  John  NiCKEESoif  died  Sept.  20,  se.  74 ;  ^  and  Mr.  James 
NiCKEESoisr,  Oct.  5.  Mr.  Stephen  Tobbt  d.  June  29,  1820,  ae. 
79;  2  and  Mr.  John  Chapman,  Dec.  28. 

In  1821,  numerous  individuals  certificated  to  the 
Methodists. 

In  1822,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Howes  died  May  28,  se.  77;^  and 
Mr.  John  Bakee,  Aug.  16,  se.  78.*  Mr.  Micajah  Seaes  d.  in 
1823 ;  also  Mr.  Jeeemiah  Ceowell,  Feb.  6 ;  Mr.  Edwaed 
Ceowell,  in  Mar.,  ae.  69;  and  Mr.  Elkanah  Howes,  Mar.  4,  se. 
72.^ 

In  1824,  Mr.  David  Kelley  died;^  Mr.  Samuel  Bassett, 
Jan.  4,  JB.  77 ; ''  Mr.  Samuel  Paddock,  Sept.  14,  ae.  78 ;  ^  Mr. 
Simeon  Tayloe,  Sept.  17,  ae.  88 ;  Mr.  Jeeemiah  Howes,  Nov. 
17,  ae.  81 ;  ^  Mr.  Lot  Goeham,  Dec.  23 ;  and  Mr.  Baenabas 
Hall,  Dec.  27,  se.  S2}'> 

In  1825,  the  proposition  for  a  canal  from  the  Flax  Pond  into 
the  sea  was  before  the  town,  and  a  com.  was  app.  to  report  on 
its  feasibility  and  utility ;  but  nothing  more  was  effected.  Mr. 
Joshua  Seaes  died  this  year,  ae.  73 ; "  Mr.  Levi  Howes,^^  Mar.  8, 


*  Mr.  John  Nickeeson,  b.  Mar.  3,  1 744,  was  s.  of  Eleazar  and  Sarali. 

^Mr.  To  BEY,  b.  June  28,  1741,  was  s.  of  Thos.  and  Mary,  and  bro.  of 
Knowles  and  Samuel. 

3  Mr.  N.  Howes,  b.  Nov.  18,  1745,  s.  of  Nathl.  and  Thankful. 

^  Mr.  Baker  was  s.  of  David  and  Thankful,  and  bro.  of  Jeremiah  who 
d.  Dec.  10,  1840. 

'^Mr.  E.  Howes,  b.  Jan.  18,  1751,  was  s.  of  Steiahen  and  Thankful. 

^Mr.  Kelley  had  sons:  Jon.  b.  1779;  David  1782;  Saml.  1785  ;  and 
Bangs  1792  who  d.  1857. 

^  Mr.  Bassett,  b.  Ap.  17,  1747,  was  s.  of  EUsha  and  Ruhamah  who  had 
Lydia  1740  ;  Abigail  1742  ;  Elisha  1745  ;  Samuel  1747  ;  Wm  Deborah; 
and  Lot. 

^Mr.  Paddock,  b.  Ap.  13,  1746,  was  s.  of  Sam.  and  Thankful,  and  bro. 
of  Judah  who  was  b.  May  9,  1749. 

^Mr.  Jer.  Howes,  b.  Dec.  26,  1743,  s.  of  Lot  and  Thankful,  was  bro.  to 
Jon.  b.  July  27,  1752  who  d.  May  19,  1834. 

^°Mr.  Hall,  b.  Ap.  20,  1742,  s.  of  Jos.  and  Rebecca,  was  bro.  to  Stephen 
b.  Jan.  9,  1735-6  who  d.  1803. 

"Mr.  Sears,  b.  1752,  s.  of  Edm.,  m.  Sarah  Sears,  dr.  of  Prince,  and  2d, 
Olive  Clark,  and  had  sons  Joshua,  Lot,  Ezra,  Geo.,  Reuben,  and  Calvin. 

i^Mr.  L.  Howes,  b.  Dec.  6,  1749,  s.  of  David,  who  d.  Feb.  3,  1781,  was 
bro.  of  Jon.  b.  Nov.  27,  1729  and  d.  1801. 


710  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

se.  76 ;  Mr.  James  Howes,  Mar.  23,  se.  83  ;  ^  Mr.  John  Crow- 
ell,  Ap.  6,  83.  80 ;  ^  Mr.  Barnabas  Crosby,  Aug.  2,  se.  80 ;  ^  and 
Mr.  JuDAH  Paddock,  Aug.  17,  se.  76. 

In  1826,  Mar.  14,  Rev.  Mr.  Haven,  on  account  of  de- 
clining health  tendered  his  resignation  —  to  take  ef- 
fect at  the  close  of  the  parochial  year ;  and  received 
an  honorable  dismission.  May  12,*  Rev.  Daniel  Stearns 
was  engaged  as  a  supply,  Oct.  5.  An  invitation  to 
him  to  continue  his  labors,  was  extended,  Dec.  1.^ 

Mr.  Daniel  Hall  died  this  year,  July  10,  ae.  52. 

In  1827,  March  19,  Rev.  Mr.  Stearns  was  again  en- 
gaged to  supply  12  mos. 

Mr.  James  Downs  was  lost  at  sea  this  yeai',  in  the  month  of 
Jan. ;  and  Mr.  Joshua  Howes  died  July  25. 

In  1828,  Mar.  6,  Rev.  Mr.  Stearns  was  engaged  for 
another  year ;  and  it  was  voted  to  sell  the  parish 
lands.  He  was  invited,  Ap.  8,  to  become  permanently 
the  pastor  of  the  North  Parish,  at  a  salary  of  $380. 
This,  being  the  act  of  the  parish  without  concurrence 
of  the  church,  occasioned  trouble,  resulting  in  the  or- 
ganization of  another  church  in  the  same  village,  and 
the  existence  of  separate  places  of  worship  in  conti- 
guity.^ 

Mr.  David  Crowell  died  this  year,  sq.  69  ;  Mr.  Eli  Eldbidge 
in  Apr.,  se,  72 ; ''  Mr.  Josiah  Nickerson,  July  9,  se.  78 ;  ^  Mr. 


^Mr.  Jas.  Howes,  b.  July  15,  1742,  was  s.  of  Amos  and  Rebecca. 

^Mr.  Crowell,  b.  Feb.  2,  1745,  was  s.  of  Christ'r  and  Sarah. 

^  Mr.  Crosby,  b.  Feb.  2,  1745,  was  s.  of  Barnabas  and  Mehitable. 

*Rev.  Mr.  Haven  received  to  church  privileges  96  persons,  and  bap. 
209.  He  had  one  son,  Joseph,  b.  in  this  town,  who  settled  in  Brooklyn. 
Mr.  H.  afterwards  settled  in  Billerica. 

*Rev.  Mr.  Stearns  was  from  Lincoln,  and  grad.  Brown  Univ.  1822. 

°Mr.  Stearns  was  Unitarian. 

'Mr.  Eldridge,  b.  1756,  was  s.  of  Sam.  and  Sarah,  and  was  bi'o.  to 
Daniel  b.  176  7  who  d.  Oct.  25,   1833. 

*Mr.  -JosFAH  NiCKERsoN,  b.  Mar.  17,  1750-1,  was  s.  of  Shubael  and 
Thankful.  By  his  w.  Reliance,  he  had  Shubael  1 782  who  d.  July  29,  1858  ; 
Henry  1785  whod.  Dec.  4,  1838;  and  Fred.  1797  who  d.  May  20,  1862. 


ANNALS   OF   DENNIS.  711 

Stephen  Howes,  July  22,  ae.  81 ;  ^  and  Mr.  Seth  Bakee,  Dec. 
8,  aj.  89. 

In  1829,  Mar.  4,  considerable  numbers  of  the  North 
Parish  withdrew,  and,  as  a  Third  Cong.  Society,  were 
associated  with  the  church  now  known  as  "  the  Trini- 
tarian North  Church." 

Mr.  Peince  Seaes  died  this  year,  ae.  94 ;  ^  Mr.  Seth  Tobey, 
Jan.  21,  ae.  60 ;  ^  Mr.  Reuben  Bakee,  Apr.  4,  ae.  73 ;  *  and  Mr. 
Paul  Bakee,  Oct.  14.^  Mr.  Joseph  Kellet  died  Jan,  2,  1830  ; 
Mr,  David  Chapman,  Ap.  13;**  and  Mr.  Judah  Bakee  3d,  June 
10,  1830,^ 

In  1832,  the  town  appointed  a  com,  "to  locate  Bass  River 
bridge,"  Mr.  Edmund  Seaes  died  this  year,  se,  88 ;  ^  also  Mr, 
Peince  Howes,  Oct,  16.^  Mr.  Jedediah  Buegess  died  Jan.  13, 
1833 ;  Mr.  Enoch  Hall,  Aug.  1 ;  and  Mr,  Daniel  Eldeedge, 
Oct.  26. 

^Mr.  S.  Howes,  b.  July  17,  1747,  s.  of  Stephen  and  Thankfal. 

^Mr.  Prince  Seaes  was  gt.  gr.  s.  of  Paul  1st.,  gr.  s.  of  Sam.  b.  1663, 
and  s.  of  Jona.  b.  1693.    He  m.  Betsey  Hall,  dr.  Joseph,  and  left  a  s.  Joseph. 

'Mr.  Seth  Tobey,  b.  Nov.  18, 1769,  wass.  of  Seth  and  Zipporah.  The 
father  d.  1801.  We  find  conclusive  evidence  that  the  ancestor  of  the 
Yarmouth  and  Dennis  families  of  this  name  was  Thomas,  b.  Feb.  2,  1676, 
only  son  and  heir  of  Thos.  of  Sandwich,  whose  father  was  also  Thos. 
Thomas,  of  S.,  s.  of  Thos.  Sr.,  m.  Martha  Knott  Nov.  18,  1650,  dr,  of 
Geo.  Knott  deceased  —  not  his  widow,  as  has  been  conjectured  by  some  ; 
and  had  a  son  Thomas  b.  Dec,  8,  1651,  who  m.  Mehit.  Crowell,  dr.  of  John 
of  Nobscusset.  The  only  issue  was  Thos.  Feb.  2,  1676-7.  The  father  died 
1676-7,  se.  24,  and  the  mother,  a  widow,  died  1728,  80.  74.  See  the  will  of 
Jno,  Crowell,  also  a  deed  of  trust,  of  Thos.  of  S.,  1678,  to  Jno.  Snow,  in 
favor  of  his  grandson  Thos.  then  "  2  yrs.  old  s.  of  my  son  Thos,  late  of  S. 
deceased."  Thomas,  b,  1677,  was  precinct  clerk  1747,  and  d,  1757,  se.  81. 
He  had  sons  Thomas  and  Seth,  and  per.  other  issue.  Thomas,  b.  1704, 
had,  by  w.  Mary,  sons  Stephen  June  28,  1741  ;  Knowles  May  22,  1744; 
Sam.  Ap.  1,  1746,  and  per.  otherissue,  and  d.  1791.  Lt.  Seth,  b.  1716,  had 
by  w.  Zipporah,  Seth  Nov.  18,  1767,  and  d.  Aug.  31,  1801,  se.  85.  Prob. 
otherissue.  SExnhad,  by  w,  Ruth,  Jona.  1794,  and  d.  Jan.  21,  1829.  The 
latter  is  father  of  the  present  Seth  of  Boston.  Stephen,  b.  1741,  and  d. 
June  29,  1820,  had,  by  w.  Mercy,  Polly  1785,  who  d.  1806. 

*Mr.  Reuben  Baker,  b.  1 756,  was  s.  of  Reuben  and  Lydia,  The  father 
d.  1795. 

^Mr.  Paul  Baker  had,  by  w.  Elisa.,  sons:  Obed  1784  ;  PauM789  ;  Dan. 
1791  ;  Amaziah  1793  ;  Varanus  1797;  and  Silvanus  1799, 

^Mr.  Chapman,  b,  Nov.  15,  1739,  was  s.  of  Ralph. 

^Mr.  Judah  Baker  3d  m.  Mercy  Howes,  dr.  Ezra;  and  had  sons 
Howes  1801  ;  Judah  1804;  Ezra  H.  1811 ;  Francis;  and  William  1817, 

^Mr.  Edm.  Sears,  b.  1744,  s.  of  Edm.,  m.  Hannah  Taylor  of  Y.,  dr. 
Jacob,  and  had  sons  Jacob,  Judah,  Paul,  and  Edmund, 

^Mr.  Prince  Howes,  b.  1774,  had,  by  w.  Temp.,  issue:  Jer'h  1802; 
Martha  1808  ;  Sylvia  1813:  and  Thos.  Prince  Sept.  28,  1817. 


712  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1834,  May  19,  Mr.  Jonathan  Howes  died;  Mi\  Isaac 
/  Chapman  d.  Aug.  27 ;  Mr.  Aaron  Crowbll,  Nov.  9 ;  and  Mr. 
Nathaniel  Sears,  Nov.  26,  se.  76.^  Mr.  John  Kellet  died 
Feb.  15,  1835;  Mr.  Isaiah  Hovtes,  May  18,  ee.  78;^  and  Mr. 
Benjamin  Hall,  Aug.  24.  Mr.  Oren  Howes  died  Apr.  9,  1836,. 
se.  78 ;  ^  Mr.  Joseph  Sears  d.  May  22 ;  Mr.  Elkanah  Sears, 
June  1,  86.  77  ;*  Mr.  Elisha  Crowell,  July  29,  se.  79;^  and  Mr. 
Levi  Crowell,  Nov.  5. 


In  1837,  Dec.  30,  Rev.  Mr.  Sanford,  of  the  2d  Cong. 
Church,  resigned,  and  was  regularly  dismissed.^ 

A  partial  view  of  the  business  of  the  town  at  this  date,  we  sub- 
join in  a  note.'^  Mr.  Obed  Howes  died  this  year,  Jane  19 ; 
Mr.  David  Howes  d.  Nov.  16 ;  and  Mr.  Silvanus  Nickerson, 
Dec.  17. 

In  1838,  Ap.  16,  Rev.  Mr.  Stearns  preached  his  fare- 
well sermon.  After  this,  the  plan  of  building  a  new 
meeting-house  was  agitated.  Rev.  Mr.  Walcut,  Rev. 
Mr.  White,  Rev.  Mr.  Maynard,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Chandler 
successively  served  the  ancient  parish  ;  but  its  prosper- 
ity being  constantly  on  the  wane,  no  particular  ac- 
count of  its  decay  is  here  required.  Mr.  Nathan 
Crowell  died  this  year,  July  9. 

In  1839,  Feb.  13,  Rev.  Thacher  Thayer  was  ordained 


^  Mr.  Nath'l  Sears,  b.  1 759,  s.  of  Nath.  and  Deborah,  and  gr.  s.  of  Capt. 
Jno.,  had  by  bis  w.  Rachel,  sons  Arnold,  Nath.,  Howes,  Lot,  and  Freeman. 

^  Mr.  Isaiah  Howes,  b.  1757,  was  s.  of  Wm.  and  Mary. 

^Mr.  Oren  Howes,  b.  1776,  s.  of  Jer'h  and  Priscilla,  was  bro.  of  Prince. 
The  father  d.  1824. 

*Mr.  Elkanah  Sears,  b.  1759,  s.  of  Edm.  and  Hannah,  m.  Mercy 
Bray,  dr.  Wm.,  and  had  Elkanah  who  m.  Clarissa  Hall  and  2d,  Sarah 
Berry ;  Thomas  who  m.  Azubah  Crowell ;  and  William  who  m.  Ruth  Berry. 

^Mr.  Elisha  Crowell,  b.  1757,  s.  of  Edward  and  Betsy.  His  brother 
'"'^Thes.  d.  Sept.  6,  1855,  as.  95. 

®  Rev.  Mr.  Sanford  resigned  on  account,  it  is  said,  of  the  state  of  his 
health,  —  wishing  to  avoid  a  seaboard  clime.     He  removed  to  Amherst. 

'Jn  1837,  the  statistics  of  salt-manufacture  here  give  60,000  bu.  salt,  and 
500  bis.  Epsom.  Engaged  in  the  cod  and  mackerel  fisheries  were  18  vessels 
—  tonnage  1037.  Cod  caught,  9141  quintals,  worth  $25,137;  mackerel, 
4684  bis.,  worth  $25,762.  Salt  used  in  these  fisheries,  16,691  bu.  Hands 
employed,  247.  Capital  invested,  $29,682.  The  larger  proportion  of  this 
business  was  done  on  the  South  side. 


ANNALS    OF   DENNIS.  713 

over  the  2d  Cong,  or  South  Church;^  and,  Sept.  1, 
Rev.  Daniel  Kendrick  Jr.  was  settled  over  the  3d. 
Cong.  Society  in  connection  with  the  Trinitarian 
church,  which  had  hitherto  depended  on  various  sup- 
phes.^  The  organization  of  this  last  society  was  ere- 
long defunct,  and  its  meeting-house  was  occupied  by 
Methodists,  with  whom  its  members  generally  united 
in  worship.^ 

Mr.  Henet  Seaes  died  this  year,  ge.  63 ;  *  Mr.  Job  C.  Stone 
d.  July  17,  se.  69  ;  Mr.  Isaac  Ceowell,  Nov.  30 ;  and  Mr.  Na- 
than Stone,  Dec.  28,  £e.  72.^ 

In  1840,  Mr.  Ctebnius  Kellet  died  in  Jan. ;  Mr.  Stephen 
HoMEE  d.  April  6 ;  ^  and  Mr.  Jeeemiah  Bakee,  Dec.  15. 

In  1841,  in  Oct.,  the  2d.  Cong.  Church  became  va- 
cant by  the  removal  of'  Rev.  Mr.  Thayer,^  who  was,  in 
course  of  time,  succeeded  by  Rev.  Mr.  Jennings  as  a 
supply.  Rev.  Mr.  Pettingill  came  next;  succeeded  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Teacher.  After  the  removal  of  the  last,  the 
parish  was  some  time  without  a  stated  supply. 

The  town  suffered  severely  in  "  the  awful  October 


^Rev.  Mr.  Thayer  was  from  Boston,  andgrad.  Amherst  Col.  1831. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Kendrick  was  fi-om  Pittston,  Me.,  and  grad.  Brown  1810. 

^  The  Methodists  had  before  this  erected  and  occupied  a  small  meeting- 
house in  the  village. 

*Mr.  Henry  Sears,  b.  1776,  s.  of  Micajah,  m.  Nancy  Snow,  dr.  Thos., 
and  had  a  s.  Henry. 

^Nathan  Stone  Esq.,  b.  June  10,  1766,s.  of  Rev.  Nathan,  was  a  prom- 
inent citizen  and  many  yrs.  town-clerk.  He  m.  Patience  Baker,  dr. 
Moses,  who  d.  July  19,  1821,  ag.  49,  and  2d,  Abigl.  Bourne,  dr.  Rd.  of 
Barnstable.  Issue:  Jacob  Sept.  11,  1793,  drowned  Dec.  19,  1815;  Moses 
Aug.  8, 1795,  drowned  Dec.  19,  1815;  Bridget  Dec.  24,  1800,  whom.  Rufus 
Howes ;  Patience,  twin  to  Bridget,  who  m.  Amasa  Howes ;  Nathan  Mar.  1 2, 
1803;  Twins  1807,  d.  inf.;  Thankful  Nov.  22,  1808,  who  d.  1825;  and 
Abiel  Sept.  5,  1815. 

"  Tradition  says  the  first  of  the  name  in  the  Province  was  a  master  of  a 
ship  trading  from  London  to  Boston,  and  that  the  family  probably  originat- 
ed from  Bristol,  Eng.  Mr.  Stephen  Homer  m.  a  Chapman,  had  14  chil- 
dren, and  Mr.  Alden  mentions  as  "  remarkable  that  in  1792  nine  sons  were 
living,  seven  of  whom  were  6  ft.  3  in.  in  height,  or  over,  —  some  6  ft.,  6  in." 
The  sons  were  Chapman,  Joshua,  Joseph,  Stephen,  W^m.,  Zenas,  David, 
Benj.  Stephen  Jr.  had  sons  Joshua,  Stephen,  David  who  went  to  Bucks- 
port,  Joseph,  Zenas,  and  Benjamin. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Thayer  settled  in  Newport,  R.  I. 
vol.  II.  90 


714         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

gale "  this  year ;  26  of  its  most  active  and  promising 
men  —  many  of  them  just  entered  upon  manhood  — 
being  buried  in  the  ocean  in  one  day !  Of  these,  18 
had  been  school-fellows,  and  left  their  kindred  living 
within  one-fourth  of  a  mile  of  each  other. 

Mr,  Isaiah  Croweli,  died  this  year,  Mar.  24,  se.  61 ;  ^  and  Mr. 
Elisha  Kellet,  Oct.  26.  Mr.  13 avid  Howes  Jr.  d.  Feb.  15, 
1843.  Mr.  Nehemiah  Baker  d.  Feb.  23, 1844 ;  and  Mr.  Samuel 
Shiverick,  May  6.  Mr.  Samuel  Chase  d.  Aug.  29,  1845  ;  and 
Mr.  Obed  Baxter,  Nov.  5.  Mr.  Joistathan  Bangs  d.  Jan.  24, 
1846;  Mr.  Barkabas  Hall,  Sept.  24;  Mr.  Jacob  Sears  also  d. 
this  year,  se.  74.^  Mr.  Samuel  Baker  died  Aug.  4, 1848,  se.  66  ;  ® 
and  Mr.  Ebenezer  Paddock,  Oct.  17.  Mr.  John  Wixon  died 
Feb.  25,  1849;  and  Mr.  Alexander  Howes,  Nov.  30.  Mr.  Ju- 
dah  Sears  died  in  1850,  ee.  75  ;*  Mr.  Lot  Chase  Jr.  Mar.  25  ; 
Mr.  Sylvanus  Studley,  May  9 ;  Mr.  Allen  Bangs,  July  5 ; 
and  Mr.  Henry  Hall,  July  25.  Mr.  Stephen  Sears-  d.  May 
24,  1851.  Mr.  Thomas  Matthews  d.  Ap.  13,  1852;  Mr.  Jere- 
miah Howes  Jr.,  July  8,  1853;  Mr.  Isaiah  Baker,  May  9, 
1854 ;  Mr.  Elihu  Kellby,  June  7  ;  Mr.  Paul  Sears,  Nov.  23 ; 
and  Mr.  Sylvanus  Baker,  in  Dec,  se.  69.^ 

We  pass  by  the  year  1851,  with  reference  simply 
by  note  to  subjects  then  engrossing  the  public  mind, 
and  events  transpiring  that  were  neither  new  nor  des- 
tined to  occupy  less  of  public  attention  for  years  to 
come.^ 

*Mr.  Crowell,  b.  Sept.  23,  1770,  was  s.  of  Jona.  and  Phebe. 

^Mr.  Jacob  Sears,  b.  1772,  s.  of  Edmund,  m.  Elizabeth  Foster,  and 
had  sons  Dan'l  and  Nathan. 

*Mr.  S.  Baker,  b.  1782,  was  s.  of  Josiah  and  Experience  who  had  also 
John  1775  who  d.  Aug.  24,  1859.     The  father  d.  1795. 

*Mr.  JuDAH  Sears,  b.  1775,  s.  Edmund,  had  by  w.  Sarah,  sons  Eben 
and  Judah. 

*  Mr.  Sylvanus  Baker,  b.  June  28,  1785,  was  s.  of  David  and  Jane. 
His  bro.  Freeman,  b.  June  14,  1777,  d.  Aug.  22,  1841. 

"  A  letter  addressed  to  "  a  number  of  friends  In  Dennis  "  by  Hon.  Daniel 
Webster,  is  pub.  in  Vol.  vi.  of  his  writings,  and  is  there  entitled  by  the  editor 
"  A  letter  to  his  Cape  Cod  friends."  The  general  subject  of  the  letter  is  of 
interest  to  all ;  but  more  especially  in  this  place  because  of  its  particular 
reference  to  the  Cape. 

"Washington,  July  14,  1851. 

"  Gentlemen, 

"  I  have  received  your  friendly  letter  of  the  4th  of  this  month 


ANNALS    OF   DENNIS.  715 

In  1855,  Mr.  Thomas  Crowell  died  Sept.  6,  ae.  95,  and  Mr. 
JuDAH  Paddock,  Sept.  21.     We  find  little  to  record  in  these 


and  am  highly  gratified  with  the  patriotic  sentiments  expressed  therein.  In- 
deed, I  should  have  expected  nothing  else,  because  such  sentiments  are 
worthy  of  those  Pilgrim  Fathers  from  whom  you  are  descended,  as  well  as  of 
the  general  character  of  your  community.  It  will  give  much  satisfaction,  if 
circumstances  should  allow,  to  accept  of  your  invitation  to  pass  a  day  among 
you.  In  the  mean  time,  I  shall  be  most  happy  to  send  to  each  of  you  such 
production  of  mine  as  may  fully  explain  mj'  sentiments  in  respect  to  the 
great  questions  of  the  present  time.  With  some  of  you  I  have  the  pleasure 
of  being  personally  acquainted,  as  I  have  often  been  in  your  good  town  of 
Dennis,  as  well  as  in  all  the  other  towns  on  the  Cape.  I  see  also  attached 
to  your  letter  many  names  not  personally  known  to  me,  but  belonging  to 
families  with  which  I  have  had  acquaintance  in  former  times.  I  have 
always  found  the  air  of  your  county  delightful  in  summer,  and  there  are 
many  sea- views  remarkably  fine ;  and,  I  suppose  I  ought  to  confess  also  that 
in  these  my  pleasant  visits  I  did  not  entirely  neglect  the  streams  so  highly 
estimated  by  anglers  who  have  thrown  the  fly  in  them. 

"  Gentlemen,  the  nature  of  your  population  is  somewhat  peculiar.  I  have 
often  been  struck  by  the  very  great  number  of  sea-captains,  as  well  as  other 
mariners,  which  the  county  of  Barnstable  and  the  neighboring  Islands  fur- 
nish. On  the  Cape,  and  on  the  Islands,  I  have  frequently  conversed  with 
persons  who  seemed  as  well  acquainted  with  the  Gallipagos  Islands,  the 
Sandwich  Islands,  and  some  parts  of  New  Holland,  as  with  our  counties  of 
Hampshire  and  Berkshire.  I  was  once  engaged  in  the  trial  of  a  cause  in 
your  district  in  which  h  question  arose  respecting  the  entrance  into  the  har- 
bor of  Owhyee,  between  the  reefs  of  coral  rock  guarding  It  on  either  side. 
The  counsel  for  the  opposite  party  proposed  to  call  witnesses  to  give  infor- 
mation to  the  jury  concerning  this  entrance.  I  at  once  saw  a  smile  which 
I  thought  I  understood ;  and  suggested  to  the  judge'  that  very  probably 
some  of  the  jurors  had  seen  the  entrance  themselves  ;  upon  which  seven  out 
of  the  twelve  rose  and  said  they  were  quite  familiarly  acquainted  with  it, 
having  seen  it  often.  The  occurrence,  J  dare  say.  Is  remembered  by  that 
most  worthy  man  and  eminent  judge,  now  living  as  I  am  happy  to  know, 
and  (enjoying  in  advanced  life  the  affectio;!  of  friends  and  the  respect  of  all 
who  know  him :  I  mean  Judge  Putman.  This  incident  shows  the  nature  of 
the  employments  pursued  by  your  neighbors  and  yourselves.  With  the 
more  elderly  gentlemen  of  your  county  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  frequent 
conversations  concerning  early  Revolutionary  times,  and  especially  respect- 
ing that  extraordinary  man,  James  Otis.  I  have  been  where  he  lived,  and 
examined  such  of  his  papers  as  I  could  find  ;  but  in  the  latter  part  of  life 
he  destroyed  most  of  his  correspondence.  Mr.  Tudor  has  written  a  very 
good  history  of  his  life ;  and  you  all  know  the  emphatic  eulogy  pronounced 
on  him  by  the  elder  Adams,  namely,  that  It  was  James  Otis  who  set  the  ball 
of  Revolution  In  motion.  Warm,  eloquent,  and  highly  impassioned  in  the 
cause  of  Liberty,  his  brilliant  life  was  terminated  by  a  stroke  of  lightning. 
None  were  earlier  to  begin,  none  more  cordially  embraced,  or  more  zeal- 
ously struggled  to  maintain  the  cause  of  the  Revolution  than  the  people  of 
Cape  Cod.  All  the  region  about  the  birth-place  of  James  Otis  and  the 
Thomas's  and  the  other  true-hearted  patriots  of  those  times,  is  to  me  a  sort 
of  classic  ground.  Remote  from  large  cities,  scattered  along  an  extensive 
coast,  there  was  yet,  I  think.  In  no  part  of  our  country,  a  more  fervent  devo- 
tion to  the  patriotic  cause  than  was  manifested  by  your  ancestors. 

"  Gentlemen,  I  am  sure  you  ascribe  quite  too  much  merit  to  my  efforts  in 
behalf  of  the  Union  and  the  Constitution.     I  can  only  say,  I  have  done 


716  fflSTORY    OF  BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

later  yeai's,  that  is  of  interest,  beyond  mortuary  notices  and  in- 
dications of  the  growth  of  the  town. 

In  1856,  May  23,  Mr.  Benjamin  Ceowell  died ;  Mr.  Elea- 

what  I  could,  and  all  that  I  could  ;  and  that  I  shall  not  slacken  my  hand.  Per- 
haps it  is  natural  that  you  should  be  attached  to  free  and  regular  constitu- 
tions of  government,  since  all  know  that  the  first  written  constitution  in  the 
country  was  composed  and  signed  on  board  the  Mayflower  while  she  was  rid- 
ing at  anchor  in  one  of  the  harbors  of  the  Cape.  Your  own  pix)sperity,  Gent.  ; 
the  success  of  all  your  pursuits ;  the  prosperity  of  your  county  and  of  the 
whole  State  of  Massachusetts,  are  at  this  moment  living  monuments  of  the 
benefits  conferred  by  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  the  admin- 
istration of  government  under  it. 

"  Your  soil  has  always  been  a  free  soil ;  as  such,  you  and  your  ancestors 
have  cultivated  it  for  centuries  ;  it  needs  no  new  christening.  But  what 
the  people  of  Massachusetts  wanted,  and  your  county  among  the  rest,  be- 
fore the  adoption  of  the  present  Constitution,  was  free  seas, —  free  seas 
on  which  their  industry  could  be  displayed  and  their  national  rights  protect- 
ed. By  the  blessing  of  Providence,  they  have  enjoyed  this  freedom  and 
this  protection  for  a  long  course  of  years,  and  have  flourished  and  prosper- 
ed under  them  beyond  all  former  example.  What  if  your  soil  be  not  of 
the  richest  quality  ?  What  if  it  be  not  fertile  like  Western  New  York  and 
the  Westei-n  States  ?  I  still  haixlly  know  a  part  of  the  country  in  which  the 
people  enjoy  more  substantial  comfort.  I  have  traversed  the  whole,  from  '  the 
outside'  in  Provincetown  to  the  line  of  Plymouth  without  seeing  an  instance  of 
ragged  poverty  or  absolute  want.  Your  labors  are  on  the  sea.  In  a  more 
emphatic  sense  than  can  be  said  of  any  other  people,  your  home  is  on  the 
deep.  Nevertheless,  the  home  of  your  families,  the  home  of  your  affections, 
the  home  to  which  you  return  with  so  much  gladness  of  heart,  is,  in  the 
various  towns  on  the  Cape  '  where  all  your  treasure  be.' 

"  I  trust  that  there  is  not  a  man  among  you  who  does  not  feel  and  see  that 
the  prosperity  of  his  labor  is  mainly  connected  with  the  administration  of 
the  government  of  the  United  States :  and,  therefore,  I  trust  that  the  politi- 
cal air  of  the  Cape  will  always  remain  as  healthy  as  its  natural  atmosphere, 
and  that  it  will  be  as  free  from  faction  and  fanaticism  as  it  Is  free  from  fogs 
and  vapors.  If  your  hardy  and  enterprising  young  men  go  eastward  pursu- 
ing their  employment  to  the  Bay  of  Chaleur,  the  Straits,  or  the  Grand 
Bank,  do  they  not  receive  a  positive  protection  and  encouragement  from  the 
laws  of  the  U.  States  ?  If  they  take  a  wider  range,  and,  In  pursuit  of 
larger  objects,  coast  along  Brazil,  double  the  Cape,  and  thence  steer  west,  or 
south,  or  north,  in  the  vast  Pacific,  do  they  not  feel  that  they  are  safely 
covered  by  the  shelter  of  their  flag,  which  no  power  on  earth  ventures  to 
treat  with  disrespect  ?  My  friends  of  West  Dennis,  discourage  fanciful 
ideas,  abstract  notions,  and  all  inconsiderate  attempts  to  reach  ends  which, 
however  desirable  in  themselves,  are  not  placed  within  the  compass  of  your 
abilities  or  duties.  Hold  on,  my  friends,  to  the  Constitution  of  your  Coun- 
try, and  the  government  established  under  it.  Leave  evils  whlth  exist  in 
some  parts  of  the  country,  but  which  are  beyond  your  control,  to  the  all- 
wise  direction  of  an  over-ruling  Providence.  Perform  those  duties  which 
are  present,  plain,  and  positive.  Respect  the  Laws  of  your  Country ;  up- 
hold our  American  institutions,  as  far  as  you  are  able.  Consult  the  chart 
and  the  compass ;  keep  an  eye  on  the  sun  by  day  and  the  constellations  both 
of  the  South  and  North  by  night;  and,  always  feeling  and  acting  as  If  our 
united  constitutional  American  liberty  were  In  some  degree  committed  to 
your  charge,  keep  her,  so  far  as  depends  on  you,  clear  of  the  breakers. 
Whatever  latitudes  you  travel,  on  whatever  distant  billows  you  are  tossed,  let 


ANNALS    OF   DENNIS.  717 

ZAE  NiCKERSON",  Sept.  23  ;  and  Mr,  Richard  Kelley,  Nov.  5, 
se.  87.2  Mr.  David  Gorham  d.  Jan.  81,  1857;  Mr.  Sam'l  Stud- 
ley,  Mar.  20 ;  Mi\  Christopher  Hall,  May  15,  se.  48  ;^  Mr.  Ro- 
land Sears,  May  24 ;  and  Mr.  Oliver  Crowbll,  Oct.  1,  se.  72. 

In  1858,  Feb.  4,  Mr.  Elkanah  Howes  died  ;  Mr.  Nehemiah 
Kelley  d.  July  1 ;  Mr,  Uriel  Howes,  Sept.  27 ;  Capt.  Edward 
Crowell,  Dec.  7,  se.  69.    Mr.  John  Baker  d.  Aug.  24,  1859. 

In  1860,  an  unsuccessful  attempt  was  made  to  divide  the  town. 
Mr.  Heman  Baker  d.  Jan.  9;  Mr.  Joseph  Crowell,  Mar.  16; 
Mr.  Benj.  Thacher,  Ap.  9 ;  and  Mr.  Lotiirop  Howes,  Ap.  22. 

In  1861,  Mr.  Asa  Shiverick  died  Ap.  12;*  Mr.  Peter  Hall, 
July  20,  se.  62 ;  Mr.  Reuben  Hall,  July  31 ;  and  Mr.  Samuel 
Rogers,  Dec.  23. 

In  1862,  Mar.  21,  Mr.  Jonathan  ISTickerson  died,  se.  88;^ 
Mr.  Miller  Whelden  d.  Ap.  21 ;  Mr.  Frederic  Nickerson, 
May  20,  se.  66 ;  Mr.  Benjamin  Farris,  May  26,  se.  39 ;  Capt. 
Elisha  Hall,  June  7,  se.  48 ;  Capt.  Hiram  Baker,  June  21, 
se.  61 ;  Capt.  Freeman  Crowell,  Aug.  5,  se.  88 ;  Capt.  Obed 
Baxter,  Sept.  17,  as.  65 ;  Mr.  Philip  Vincent,  Nov.  26,  se.  70  ; 
Mr.  Nehemiah  Wixon,  Nov.  24;  Mr.  David  Sturgis,  Dec.  13, 
ae.  72  ;  and  Mr.  Isaiah  Nickerson,  Dec.  27. 


your  Country  retain  her  hold  on  your  affections.     Keep  her  in  your  hearts, 
and  let  your  carol  to  her  ever  be — 

'  Lash'd  to  the  helm,  should  seas  o'erwhelm, 
I'll  think  on  thee. ' 

"  I  am,  my  friends,  with  sincere  regard, 

Your  fellow  citizen  and  obedient  servant, 

Daniel  Webster." 

^  Mr.  Eleazar  Nigkerson,  was  father  of  the  present  Miller  W.  Nicker- 
son  Esq.,  b.  Aug.  19,  1802. 

^Mr.  Rd.  Kelley,  b.  1769,  was  s.  of  Jeremiah  and  Zilpha. 

^Mr.  C.  Hall  was  s.  of  Thos.  and  Priscilla. 

*  All  of  the  name  on  the  Cape,  originated  from  Rev.  Mr.  Shiverick, 
the  first  minister  at  Falmouth.  We  regret  that  we  have  not  obtained  in 
season  a  more  full  genealogy  of  this  highly  respectable  family.  See  p.  433. 
Rev.  Samuel  Shiverick  appears  to  have  had  issue,  as  follows :  Samuel, 
bap.  at  Be.  1697,  as  per  church  records ;  Damaris  1698  ;^  Margaret ;  Thomas ; 
Bethia ;  and  perhaps  others.  Thomas  represented  the  town  of  F.  in  Gen. 
Ct.  1746,  and  was  selectman  16  yrs.  By  Mary,  his  wife,  he  had  Nath'l; 
Hannah  Oct.  18,  1723;  and  per.  others.  Nathaniel  was  rep.  of  F.  1776 
several  years.,  and  selectman  1775,  23  yrs.  Samuel  was  selectman  of  F. 
1769,  several  yrs. ;  and,  again,  Samuel  was  selectman  1799,  four  years. 
Nathaniel,  of  F.  who  was  rep.  1836-7,  and  d.  Ap.  22,  1839,  as.  56,  had 
issue :  Andrew,  Geo.,  Chas.,  Ann  who  m.  Mitchell  of  Nantucket,  May  who 
m.  Gibbs  of  Wareham,  and  Salome  who  m.  Gibbs.  As  noted  ship-builders, 
the  Shivericks  of  this  town,  originating  from  F.,  have  been  distinguished. 

*Mr.  JoNA.  Nickerson,  b.  1774,  s.  of  Israel  and  Betsy,  was  many  years 
selectman. 


718 


HISTORY   OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 


"We  conclude  the  Annals  of  Dennis,  a  town  noted 
for  its  prosperity,  with  increased  sense  of  the  impor- 
tance of  our  maritime  towns.  Though  we  may  boast 
of  few  richly  productive  farms  here  surrounding  the 
numerous  pleasant  dwellings,  their  owners  generally 
farming  the  broader  and  more  fertile  Atlantic  and 
other  oceans ;  and  though  we  concede  that 

"  In  ancient  times  the  sacred  plough  employ'd 
The  kings  and  awful  fathers  of  mankind ; 
And  some,  with  whom  compar'd,  your  insect  tribes 
Are  but  the  beings  of  a  summer's  day," 

we  find  no  reason  to  lament  that  this  is  not  more 
largely  an  agricultural  town.  Agriculturalists  there 
were  here  at  its  early  settlement ;  and  these,  men  of 
note,  —  their  principal  inducements  the  fertihty  of 
Quivet  and  Sursuit ;  but  other  pursuits  have  pre- 
vailed, not  less  favorable  to  manly  development. 


REPRESENTATIVES 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1794 

Micajah  Sears, 

3. 

1833.  Thacher  Clark, 

2. 

1842 

Alex'r  Howes, 

2. 

1800 

Joseph  Sears, 

1. 

"     Joshua  Wixon  Jr 

,    2. 

1844 

Neh'h  Baker, 

1. 

1802 

Judah  Paddock, 

9. 

18.35.  Seth  Crowell, 

4. 

1845 

Joseph  K.  Baker, 

2. 

1812 

Zeiias  Howes, 

1. 

"     Jno.  Nickerson, 

1. 

1847 

Wm.  Howes, 

2. 

1813. 

Sam'l  Chase, 

3. 

1836.  Stephen  Homer, 

1. 

1849 

Obed  Baker  2d, 

2. 

1814 

Jno.  Paddock, 

1. 

"     Jona.  Nickerson, 

2. 

1851. 

Thos.  Hall. 

2. 

1816. 

Dan'l  Howes, 

2. 

1837.  Dan'l  Hedije, 

1. 

l.'-53 

M.  S.  Underwood, 

2. 

1821. 

Orin  Howes, 

11. 

"     Wm.  Hinckley, 

1. 

1855. 

Joshua  C.  Howes, 

2. 

1829. 

Zohith  Howes, 

1. 

1838.  Seth  T.  Whelden, 

2. 

1857. 

Luther  Studlcy, 

1. 

1832. 

John  Baker, 

1. 
Yrs. 

1840.  Sam'l  Rogers, 

SELECTMEN. 

2. 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1794. 

Jerem'h  Howes, 

11. 

1819.  Thacher  Clark, 

12. 

1846. 

Benj.  Thacher, 

3. 

" 

Joseph  Sears, 

11. 

1821.  Oren  Howes, 

14. 

1848. 

Stephen  Homer, 

1. 

" 

Jona.  Bangs, 

14. 

1834.  Eleazar  Nickerson 

1. 

1849. 

Obed  Baker  2d, 

9. 

1805. 

Enoch  Hall, 

12. 

1835.  Abijah  Howes, 

3.. 

" 

Joshua  Wixon  Jr. 

5, 

" 

Daniel  Howes, 

10. 

1836.  Obed  Baxter, 

2. 

1851. 

David  Howes, 

1. 

1806. 

Dan'l  Eldridge, 

1. 

"     Seth  Crowell, 

i. 

1852. 

Atherton  H.  Baker 

,   3. 

1808. 

Sam'l  Chase, 

8. 

1838.  Neh'h  Crowell, 

8. 

1855. 

Jos.  K.  Baker, 

3. 

1809. 

Nathan  Crowell, 

~. 

"     Alexander  Howes 

3. 

" 

James  S.  Howes, 

5. 

1816. 

Perez  Howes, 

2. 

1839.  Edra.  Sears, 

5. 

1858. 

Shub.  B.  Howes, 

3. 

" 

Lothrop  Howes, 

2. 

1841.  Uriah  Howes, 

3. 

1860. 

Joshua  C.  Howes, 

4. 

(( 

Jona.  Nickerson, 

19. 

1844.  Charles  Howes, 

1. 

1861. 

Elijah  Baxter, 

3. 

1818. 

Prince  Howes, 

3. 

1845.  Thos.  Hall, 

10. 

" 

Alvah  Small, 

3. 

" 

David  Crowell, 

1. 

TOWN  : 

CREASURERS   AND 

CLERKS. 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1794. 

Elisha  Bassett, 

4. 

1836.  Isaac  Howes, 

1. 

1855. 

Mar.  S.  Underwood 

,  3. 

1798. 

Nathan  Stone  Jr., 

33. 

1837.  Alvah  Nickerson, 

6. 

1858. 

Isa'h  Nickerson  Jr 

,  6. 

1831. 

Nehemiah  Baker, 

6. 

1843.  Watson  Baker, 

12. 

THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OF 


ORLEAN  S. 


"  A  TKNACI0U3  ADHEBENCE  TO  THE  EIGHTS  AND  LIEEETIES  TEANTSMITTED  FEOM  A  WIS« 
AMD  VIETUOUS  ANCESTRY  ;  PUBLIC  SPIKIT  ;  AND  A  LOVE  OP  ONE'S  COUNTET,  ABE  THE  SUP- 
POETS  AND  OENAMENTS  OF  QOTEENMENT."  —  Addison, 


(719) 


^nntxi^ixan. 


TO    MR.    BARNABAS    DAVIS, 

JVLerchant,   of  ^oston. 

Excellence  of  character,  wlien  proverbial,  commands  respect;  and  when  illus- 
trated by  courteous  acts,  uniform  cordiality,  and  cheering  good-will,  touches  the 
heart.  To  him,  therefore,  whom  we  are  proud  to  recognize  as  a  son  of  Cape  Cod, 
these  Annals  of  one  of  its  towns,  we  take  the  liberty  to 

INSCRIBE, 

With  assurances  of  the  high  regards  of 

THE    AUTHOR. 


(720) 


ANNALS   OF   ORLEANS. 


Orleans  was  incorporated  as  an  independent  town- 
ship, Mar.  3,  1797 ;  until  which  time  it  was  a  constit- 
uent part  of  Eastham,  and  long  known  as  the  South 
Precinct.  The  Indian  names  were  NamsJmJcet,  Tonset, 
Pochet,  Namequoit,  and  Potaniimaquut. 

Situation,  Boundaries,  etc.  —  Orleans  is  bounded  by  the 
Atlantic  Ocean  on  the  E. ;  by  Chatham  and  Pleasant  Bay  on  the 
S. ;  by  Harwich,  Brewster,  and  Barnstable  Bay  on  the  W. ;  and 
by  Easthara  on  the  IST.  In  length,  from  Chatham  to  Eastham, 
the  township  is  about  5  m. ;  and  in  breadth,  from  ocean  to  bay, 
three  or  four  m.  It  is  S.  E.  from  Boston  about  90  m.  by  land, 
and  E.  N.  E.  from  Barnstable  court-house,  about  24  m. 

Natural  Divisions,  Soil,  etc.  —  The  face  of  the  township 
is  somewhat  uneven,  but  there  are  no  high  hills.  The  county 
road,  which  runs  through  a  corner  of  the  township,  is  indicative 
of  a  sandy  and  barren  soil ;  and  the  road  which  extends  from 
Chatham  and  East  Harwich  down  the  Cape,  is  of  the  same  char- 
acter. But,  as  we  have  before  remarked,  the  impressions  received 
by  the  traveller  in  passing  over  thoroughfares,  are  not  to  be  re- 
garded by  him  in  all  cases  as  a  sure  indice  of  the  country,^  any 


^  Kendal's  travels,  1807,  tell  of  the  peninsula  which,  after  stretching  E. 
from  Buzzard's  Bay,  here  turns  towaixl  the  N.,  "  The  landscape  is  far  from 
unpleasing,  being  diversified  with  hills,  woods,  small  bodies  of  water,  and 
fi'equent  inlets  of  the  sea.  Here  begin  extensive  plains,  —  in  part  covered 
with  wood,  and  in  part  employed  as  pastures.  Black-pine  and  oak  prevail, 
generally  intermingled,  but  often  in  separate  tracts.  In  the  lower  towns, 
where  oak  predominates,  there  is  underbrush  ;  but  where  pine  only  is  found, 
the  ground  beneath  is  nearly  bare,  sustaining  only  dwarfish  plants  —  such 
as  the  partridge-berry  —  sometimes  called  Indian  tea-plant,  and  other  diminu- 

VOL.  II.  91  (721) 


722  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTf. 

more  than  is  the  aspect  of  the  Cape  to  one  sailing  around  it. 
The  township  is  .quite  irregular  in  form,  the  lines  which  separate 
it  from  the  three  adjoining  towns  being  quite  irregular ;  and  the 
shores  indented  by  coves  or  creeks.  The  necks  of  land  embrace 
the  most  fertile  and  productive  parts  of  the  town,  and  these  are 
out  of  the  usually  direct  route  of  the  casual  observer. 

Town  Cove,  lying  on  the  central  north  bound,  has  been  de- 
scribed in  the  view  we  have  taken  of  Eastham.  On  the  S.  E.  side 
of  it,  is  the  neck  called  Tonset.  A  creek,  connecting  with  Pleas- 
ant Bay  in  the  southerly  part  of  the  town,  in  which  bay  are  sev- 
eral islands,  has  at  its  head  Zeb's  Cove.  The  creek,  or  "  river," 
as  it  is  sometimes  called,  is,  at  its  head,  narrow  ;  but  at  its  mouth 
is  ^  m.  wide,  and  vessels  of  moderate  draught  may  come  up 
nearly  two  miles.  The  land  east  of  this  creek  is  Barley  Neck. 
On  both  these  necks  the  land  is  productive,- the  latter  having 
precedence.  On  the  east  side  of  Barley  Neck  are  coves  commu- 
nicating with  Pleasant  Bay,  and  which  separate  the  Neck  from 
Nauset  Beach,  The-  land  situated  between  Barley  Neck  and 
Tonset  Neck,  and  which  terminates  in  Wood's  Neck,  has  also  a 
fair  soil,  and  is  called  ^Pochet.  Nearer  the  ocean,  northeast  of 
Pochet,  is  Weeset  Neck,  —  separated  from  Tonset  by  a  cove. 
These  several  necks  make  unitedly  a  peninsula  to  which  as  a 
whole  the  name  of  Pochet  is  usually  applied.  A  narrow  beach, 
being  a  barrier  to  the  waters  that  wash  the  N.  E.  shore  of  the 
township,  joins  the  main-land  in  Eastham  at  Nauset  Harbor.  A 
continuous  beach,  the  ridge  of  which  is  in  some  parts  elevated  40 
ft.,  and  is  chiefly  covered  with  beach-grass,  —  sometimes  called 
Potanumaquut  Beach,  sometimes  Chatham  Beach,  but  laid  down 
in  the  maps  as  Nauset  Beach,  terminating  opposite  Chatham,  — 
extends  south  the  whole  remaining  eastern  part  of  the  town. 
This  beach,  on  the  inner  side,  is  skirted  for  the  most  part  with 


tlve  creepers ;  but  this  applies  cliiedy  to  Eastham  whicli  has  been  able  to 
export  1500  bu.  of  maize  in  a  season.  Occasional  monuments  of  ship- 
wrecks appear  on  the  back  side  of  the  peninsula." 

A  remarkable  illustration  of  the  changes  to  which  the  Cape  coast  is  sub- 
ject has  recently,  1863,  been  furnished  by  the  exhumation  of  a  wreck  sup- 
posed to  be  that  of  the  London  ship  stranded  in  1626,  See  Vol.  I.  111-113. 
Relics  of  this  vessel,  upon  its  reappearance,  were  quickly  seized  and  trans- 
ported to  various  parts  of  the  country ;  but  the  wreck  soon  disappeared 
again,  perhaps  to  re-appear  to  some  future  generations><c  It  is  remarkable 
that  the  original  scene  of  the  disaster  was  in  Potanumaquut  Harbor,  and 
that,  from  being  inside  the  beach  which  forms  that  harbor,  the  wreck  ap- 

E eared  after  the  lapse  of  237  years  outside  that  beach.     There  can  scarcely 
e  any  dpubt  of  the  identity  of  the  wreck. 


ANNALS    OF    ORLEANS.  723 

salt-marsh.  The  haven  within  is  variegated  with  isLnnrls  thnt 
give  interest  to  the  scenery  and  entitle  it  to  its  name,  —  Pleasant 
Bay.  One  of  the  largest  of  these  is  Pochet  Island,  east  of  Bar- 
ley Creek,  and  very  fertile ;  on  the  N,  E.  of  which  is  a  body  of 
marsh.  Southwest  of  the  latter  island,  is  Sampson's  Island  con- 
taining about  30  acres  of  good  land  with  a  larger  body  of  marsh 
on  the  E.  South  of  the  latter  island  is  Hog  Island  ;  and  south- 
erly of  this  is  Sepson's  Island.^ 

Leaving  the  peninsula  of  Pochet,  and  moving  ai'ound  Orleans 
Creek,  or  river  as  sometimes  called,  is  ISTaumquoit  Neck,^  having 
Higgin's  River  on  the  IST.  and  ISTaumquoit  Creek  on  the  S.  The 
south  part  of  the  township  is  Potanumaquut,  which  was  inhabit- 
ed by  the  ISTauset  tribe  long  after  the  settlement  of  Eastham  by 
English  people.  The  place  of  the  Indian  burying-ground  is  still 
marked,  and  within  a  century  their  meeting-house  here  was  still 
standing.  The  land  here  is  light,  and  mostly  cleared,  with  little 
wood  or  brush  remaining. 

In  the  northwest  part  of  the  town,  boi'dering  on  Barnstable 
Bay,  is  Namskaket  Creek, — forming  in  part  the  dividing-line 
between  this  town  and  Brewster.  This  creek  is  f  m.  in  length, 
narrow,  used  as  a  haven ;  and  the  land  near  it  is  called  Skaket. 
Little  Skaket  creek  lies  N.  of  Namskaket.^  North  of  Skaket  is 
Rock  Harbor  Creek,  also  affording  a  convenient  haven.  On  all 
these  creeks  are  salt  marshes. 

In  the  township  are  not  less  than  16  fresh-water  ponds :  but 
no  rivers  or  brooks  that  are  not  affected  by  tides.  Light  as  the 
soil  is,  the  parts  that  are  cultivated  yield,  compen satin gly,  corn, 
rye,  and  vegetables,  and  some  hundred  tons  of  English  hay.* 


^  Nearly  opposite  to  Sepson's  Island,  it  has  been  supposed  that  the  tides 
of  the  Massachusetts  and  Narraganset  Bays  meet ;  the  flow  in  the  ocean 
above  this  point  being  to  the  north,  and  below  to  the  south. 

^  Often  written  Nemacoik  ;  sometimes  Namequoit,  or  Naumkoyick. 

^  Skaket  is  doubtless  a  contraction  of  Namskaket,  for  the  latter  is  often 
called  Great  Skaket  to  distinguish  it  from  Little  Skaket. 

*  Within  the  last  hundred  years,  with  much  less  attention  to  recuperating 
the  soil  than  at  present,  4  or  500  bu.  of  Indian  corn  were  sent  from  here  to 
the  Boston  market  annually,  and  one-third  the  tillage  land  was  in  grain. 
The  grain  produced  here  was  -noted  for  being  peculiarly  solid  and  heavy. 
Vegetables  also,  more  than  sufficient  for  home  comsumption,  were  produced. 
Butter  was  made  in  quantities  quite  sufficient  for  home  use  :  and  cattle  were 
fattened  for  home-market,  and  even  for  the  supply  of  neighboring  towns. 
Fish  —  especially  the  king-crab  or  horse-foot  • —  Avere  much  used  for  manur- 
ing the  land  ;  but  the  conclusion  to  which  farmers  arrived  was  that,  although, 
for  the  time  being  the  crop  was  aided,  the  land  was  gradually  impoverish- 
ed.    Seaweed,  then,  became  the  general  improver.     There  is  now  much 


724  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Little  wood  remains  in  the  township,  compared  with  the  growth 
of  former  years.  ^ 

The  shores  and  coves  are  far  more  productive  than  the  soil. 
The  clam,  the  small  kind,  is  alone  a  source  of  large  revenue,  the 
great  value  of  which  has  been  estimated  by  us  elsewhere.  Be- 
sides this  shell-fish,  the  round  clam  or  "  quohoag  "  are  found,  as 
also  the  large  sea-clam.^  Bass,  tautog,  and  other  fish  may  be  ob- 
tained here  in  abundance  by  those  who  desire  them.  Eels,  ob- 
tained in  these  waters  in  immense  quantities,  are,  in  winter,  sent 
to  distant  markets,  and  always  command  good  prices.  Sea-fowl, 
once  superabundant,  are  still  found  here,  but  in  diminished  num- 
bers. 

The  larger  numbers  of  the  male  inhabitants  still  pursue  their 
avocations  upon  the  seas.^ 

When  the  census  of  1855  was  taken,  the  number  of  inhabitants- 
was  1754.* 

The  principal  villages  are  known  respectively  by  the  name  of 
Orleans,  South  Orleans^  and  Rock  Harbor  ;  the  former  oo 


good  husbandry  here.  Although  in  1750,  not  more  than  10  ton&of  English 
nay  was  cut,  in  1800  the  quantity  had  increased  to  200  tons,  whilst  the 
quantity  of  provender  cut  from  the  salt-meadows  was  800  tons ;  at  present, 
rarming  exhibits  better  statistics. 

^  Peat  long  since  came  into  extensive  use,  and  the  supply  was  abundant. 
It  is  said  that  its  use  as  fuel  was  not  understood  in  this  country  until  Rev. 
Mr.  Osborn  was  settled  here ;  he,  a  native  of  Ireland,  recommending  it 
as  aliment  for  fires. 

"  Indians  formerly  used  the  shell  of  this  fish  as  a  substitute  for  hoes,  in 
cultivating  corn.  Being  unacquainted  with  salt,  they  also  used  the  varieties 
of  the  clam  in  seasoning  their  food. 

^  Travellers  have  remarked  that  even  the  vanes  upon  barns  here,  as  in 
some  other  Cape  towns,  —  "a  fish,  or  prettily-carved  ship,  show  the  nautical 
predilection  of  the  tenants  of  many  a  neatly-painted  dwelling." 

^ In  1800,  the  number  of  inhabitants  was  1095,  these  constituting  1 74 
families,  occupying  142  dwellings,  5  only  of  which  were  more  than  one  story 
in  height.  These  houses  were  represented  by  travellers  as  always  neat  and 
convenient.  One  says,  "  From  nearly  all  these  dwellings,  some  members 
are  absent  upon  the  sea,  thd'  peradventure  here  and  there  may  be  retired 
sea-captains  who,  after  a  successful  career  of  enterprise,  have  returned  to 
pass  the  balance  of  their  days  in  more  uninterrupted  domestic  enjoyment." 
The  place  has  not  deteriorated  since,  but  much  improved  ;  for  another,  in 
1850,  remarked  of  this  and  other  towns,  lower  on  the  Cape,  "  Bold  and 
dreary  as  is  the  landscape,  nothing  can  exceed  the  neatness  of  the  dwellings, 
and  the  comfortable  look  of  their  Inhabitants."  At  the  former  23eriod  of 
which  we  speak,  1800,  there  were  three  school-houses  and  one  meeting- 
house. In  1830,  there  were  about  300  ftimilles,  200  dwellings,  an  academy, 
and  an  increased  number  of  schools.  A  fact  somewhat  remarkable  has  been 
stated  in  connection  with  statistics  of  this  town,  that  "from  183G  to  1844, 
the  sum  appropriated  annually  for  common  schools  was  $900 ;  the  number 
of  schools  9  ;  pupUf,  10G9,  of  whom  608  were  between  4  and  16  years  ages." 


ANNALS    OF    ORLEANS.  725 

cupying  a  central  position  ;  the  latter  being  in  the  northwest  ex- 
tremity of  the  township.  In  the  former  are  Congregationalist, 
Baptist,  Methodist,  and  Universalist  places  for  public  worship. 

Progress  of  the  Town,  etc.  —  By  the  act  of  incorpo- 
ration, Mar.  3,  1797,  Isaac  Sparrow  Esq.  was  authorized 
to  issue  his  warrant  to  some  principal  inhabitant  of  the 
town,  requiring  him  to  call  the  first  meeting,  for  the 
choice  of  officers  and  the  transaction  of  business.^  Mr. 
Sparrow  directed  the  warrant  to  Mr.  Hezekiah  Higgins  ; 
and  the  freeholders  and  others  qualified  to  vote  in  town 
affairs  assembled,  Mar.  16.  Mr.  Higgins  ^  was  chosen 
moderator ;  and  the  people  assembled  proceeded  to 
choose  the  usual  town  officers.  The  attention  of  the 
town,  after  its  organization,  was  immediately  directed, 


^  That  portion  of  the  original  township  now  constituting  the  new  town,  is 
thus  described  :  "  All  the  S.  part  of  the  town  of  Eastham  on  the  southerly  side 
of  the  following  lines,  namely  :  Beginning  at  the  mouth  of  the  Rock-Harbor 
River ;  from  thence  southeasterly  by  the  road  that  leads  by  Nathan  Smith's 
dwelling-house  until  it  comes  to  the  parsonage  land ;  thence  northerly  on 
the  westerly  boundary  of  said  parsonage  land  until  it  comes  to  Joshua  and 
Isaac  Smith's  land;  thence  running  easterly  in  the  range  between  said 
Joshua  and  Isaac  and  Josiah  and  Elisha  Smith's  land  vuitil  it  comes  to  Boat- 
Meadow  ;  thence  a  due  east  course  into  the  middle  of  Boat-Meadow  River ; 
thence  running  up  the  middle  of  said  river  to  its  head ;  thence  running 
southerly  through  the  centre  of  the  meadow  and  swamp  and  along  Jere- 
miah's-Gutter  so  called,  into  the  middle  of  Town  Cove ;  thence  running 
down  the  centre  of  the  cove  to  Stone  Island  ;  thence  running  an  east  south- 
east course  into  the  Atlantic."  By  the  dividing  enactment,  each  town  was 
to  bear  its  due  proportion  of  all  prior  taxes  and  expenses,  and  to  share 
equitably  in  the  public  property  held  by  the  original  town  before  the  divi- 
sion ;  all  fishery-privileges  were  to  be  mutually  enjoyed  as  formerly ;  and 
the  parsonage  lands  pertaining  to  the  South  Parish  were  to  remain  to 
Orleans. 

^  Our  genealogical  notices  of  families  in  the  parent  town  and  other  locali- 
ties leave  us  but  little  to  say  in  these  present  annals.  Mr.  Hezekiah  Hig- 
gins m.  Anne  Sears  of  C,  Nov.  10,  1774.  Isaac,  b.  1672,  s.  of  Benj.  had, 
by  w.  Lydia,  issue:  Mercy  Mar.  20,  1697;  Sarah  1699;  Benj.  Ap.  19, 
1 701  ;  Elkanah  Nov.  10, 1 703  ;  Rebecca  1 705  ;  Isaac  July  3,  1 708  ;  Hannah 
1712;  and  Lydia  1718.  Jonathan  b.  1637  at  Plymouth,  s.  of  Richard, 
m.  EHsa.  Rogers,  dr.  Joseph,  Jan.  9,  1660-1.  Issue:  Beriah  Sept.  27,  16G1 ; 
Jona.  1664,  d.  inf;  Jona.  Feb.  14,  1666;  Joseph  Feb.  14,  1667;  Elisa. 
1680;  Mary  1683;  Rebecca  1686  ;  James  July  22.  1688;  Sarah  Oct.  18, 
1690.  Beriah,  of  Provincetown  had,  by  w.  Desii-e,  issue  :  Deborah  Oct. 
26,  1  725  ;  Beriah  Ap.  1,  1727  ;  and  Phebe  1736.  Paul,  of  II.,  b.  1  708,  s. 
of  Benj.,  had,  by  w.  Rebecca,  Abigail  1738  ;  Sam'l  Feb.  28, 1740  ;  Thankful 
1743;  Reliance"  1 745  ;  Eunice  1747;  Paul  Sept.  5,  1751;  and  Rebecca 
1754>     Samuel  Sd.  m.  Elisa.  Bassett  of  C.  Mar.  1,  1759. 


726  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

as  always  upon  the  Cape,  to  suitable  provision  for  the 
education  of  its  youth,  and  to  the  suitable  support  of 
institutions  of  religion  ;  nor  was  it  unmindful  of  the 
importance  of  securing  protection  for  the  fisheries.  The 
town  ordered  that  three  school-houses  be  built  —  one 
in  each  district ;  an  addition  was  made  to  the  minister's 
salary ;  the  Gen.  Court  was  requested  to  enact  regula- 
tions respecting  the  taking  of  eels  in  Orleans  —  pro- 
hibiting trespasses  on  this  now  imj)ortant  department 
of  home  revenue  ;  a  com.  was  app.  to  prosecute  inter- 
lopers from  other  towns  who  were  disposed  to  abstract 
too  freely  from  the  clam-banks ;  and  the  bounds  between 
this  town  and  Chatham  were  established.  ^ 

In  1798,  the  usual  appropriations  were  made  for 
schools,  and  the  minister  and  selectmen  were  ajDpointed 
a  com.  to  examine  teachers  in  regard  to  qualifications 
and  to  direct  and  superintend  their  labors. 

In  1799,  four  families,  belonging  to  Eastham,  were, 
with  their  estates,  annexed  to  this  town. 

In  1800,  the  decease  of  George  Washington  was  re- 
garded by  the  inhabitants  in  an  appropriate  manner. 
An  oration  was  pronounced  by  Rev.  Mr.  Bascom,  and 
requested  for  publication.  The  meeting-house  was 
enlarged,  repaired,  and  painted  ;  the  old  porch  in  front 
removed,  and  its  place  supplied  by  another  with  gallery 
and  stairs ;  the  doors  at  the  two  ends  were  closed,  and 
four  additional  pews  erected  on  the  room  thus  gained, 
which  paid  for  all  improvements  made  —  the  cost  being 


In  1802,  the  bounds  between  this  town  and  Brewster  were 
adjusted. 

^ "  Beginning  at  the  southeasterly  corner  of  the  town  of  Harwich,  in 
Pleasant  Bay ;  from  thence  running  easterly  to  the  northward  of  Strong 
Island  to  a  stake  set  in  the  ground  on  Pochet  Beach,  which  stake  bears  S. 
75°  E.  from  a  black  rock  situated  in  the  edge  of  the  waters  of  said  bay  ;  and 
from  said  stake  a  due  east  course  into  the  sea." 


ANNALS    OF    ORLEANS.  727 

In  1803,  the  Gen.  Court,  having  granted  to  the  county  a  half- 
township  of  land  in  the  District  of  Maine,  to  endow  a  jDublic 
Academy  to  be  located  in  the  most  advantageous  position,  Timothy 
Bascom  Esq.  was  appointed  to  meet  committees  from  other  towns 
and  also  the  legislative  com.,  July  26,  to  determine  in  what  town 
the  institution  should  be  established.  Sandwich  was  the  locality 
designated. 

In  1807,  the  erection  of  a  house,  for  keeping  the  town's  military 
stores,  was  ordered. 

The  Rev.  Jonathan  Bascom  died  this  year,  Mar.  8,  se. 
67,  after  a  ministry  of  35  yrs.,  greatly  lamented ;  and 
measures  were  taken  to  obtain  the  services  of  another 
pastor.-^ 

In  1808,  Rev.  Daniel  Johnson  was  unanimously  call- 
ed to  the  vacant  charge,  with  a  salary  of  $600  ;  and 
was  ord.  Mar.  11.^ 

In  1809,  the  town,  for  the  first  time,  made  distinct  assessments 
for  the  support  of  the  ministry,  and  for  other  town  expenses. 

In  1810,  the  boiinds  between  this  town  and  Eastham,  also 
between  this  town  and  Chatham,  were  ordered  to  be  better  defin- 
ed. New  school-houses  were  erected  ;  additional  pews  were  made 
in  the  meeting-house,  and  a  bass-viol  was  purchased  for  the  use 
of  the  choir,  —  the  first  instrument  of  music  introduced  here  in 
public  worship.^ 

^  Rev.  Mr.  Bascom,  b.  1740  at  Lebanon,  Ct.,  grad.  YaJe  Col.  1764,  and 
was  settled  here  1772.  During  his  pastorate,  he  bap.  996  persons  ;  received 
to  chui'ch  membership  245  ;  and  united  in  marriage  317  couples.  He  m. 
2d,  Betsy  Freeman,  dr.  Gideon,  of  O,  s.  of  Jno.,  Oct.  1 794.  He  is  represented 
as  an  able  minister,  devoted  to  his  work  with  pious  heart,  of  a  happy  disposi- 
tion, somewhat  facetious,  always  kind.  A  contemporary  has  summed  up 
his  traits  and  ministry  thus  :  •'  Richly  endowed  with  ministerial  graces, 
fervent  in  prayer.  In  doctrine  evangelical,  in  warning  faithful,  in  administer- 
ing consjjJatlon  aiFectlonate,  Instant  In  season,  and  In  success  abundant." 

^  Rev.  M^r.  Johnson  was  from  W.  Bridgewater,  and  grad.  Brown  Univ. 
1804. 

^  The  advantage  of  instrumental  music  is  now  generally  conceded  ;  though 
the  P.uritans  of  New  England  brought  over  with  them  strong  prejudices  to 
its  use.  The  difficulties  originating  in  first  attempts  to  introduce  it  into  some 
congregations  were  great.  Objections  were  made,  and  conscientious  scruples 
urged.  Calvin  had  showed  his  hostility  to  it,  and  for  more  than  a  century 
after  the  Reformation,  not  a  musical  Instrument  was  tolerated  within  the 
walls  of  the  churches  of  Geneva.  Luther  pursued  a  diflFerent  course, 
as  did  also  Zuingle.  In  England,  the  appropriate  music  of  the 
church  was   also   retained  in  its  most  solemn  and  effective   form.     But 


728         HISTORY  OF  BAENSTABLE  COUNTY. 

In  1812,  the  inhabitants  were  greatly  inconvenienced 
by  being  turned  aside  from  their  accustomed  employ- 
ments. This  being  so  largely  a  maritime  town,  and 
extensively  engaged  in  the  fisheries,  the  war  with  Great 
Britain  occasioned  much  distress ;  but  the  people  were 
none  the  less  patriotic.  They  instantly  and  earnestly 
engaged  in  their  country's  defence,  both  upon  the  sea 
and  land.  The  militia  were  equipped,  exercised,  and 
held  in  readiness  to  obey  all  calls  whether  for  the  de- 
fence of  their  own  town,  or  other  localities.  Eminently 
and  zealously  supporters  of  the  national  government 
in  its  measures,  notwithstanding  the  enemy's  ships 
made  their  rendezvous  in  Provincetown  Harbor  and  by 
their  tenders  or  barges  were  constantly  cruising  the  bay. 
A  committee  of  safety  was  appointed,  and  sentinels 
were  posted  on  the  shores.  When  danger  became  im- 
minent, the  town  being  threatened  with  destruction, 
the  exempts  proposed  to  unite  in  organizing,  for  more 
complete  defence,  an  artillery  company  ;  but,  on  send- 
ing an  agent  to  Boston  to  procure  from  the  State  gov- 
ernment the  requisite  munitions,  the  project  was 
frowned  upon  by  the  powers  that  were,  and  the  ex- 
posed situation  of  this  town  and  the  patriotic  devotion 
of  the  people  were  treated  with  little  regard.  During 
the  progress  of  the  war,  money  was  demanded  by  the 
enemy  with  the  offer  of  guarantee  of  safety  and  pro- 
tection for  both  person  and  property  on  condition  of 

Cromwell  coining  into  power  strange  thirds  were  enacted.  Organs  in 
churches  and  chapels  were  ordered  removed  ;  and  it  has  been  truly  remark- 
ed, "  The  fury  of  the  populace  was  not  less  conspicuous  in  the  demolition 
of  these  instruments  than  in  the  impious  zeal  with  which  they  disfigured 
whatever  else  had  been  used  in  the  service  of  God."  It  is  amusing  now 
to  mark  the  beginnings  and  progress  of  the  change  which  at  last  began  to 
come  over  our  Puritan  ancestry.  The  bass-viol  was  first  assayed,  with  much 
trouble;  then  came  the  flute,  the  clarionet,  the  violin,  the  bassoon,  the 
hautboy;  and,  now  finally,  comes  a  return  to  the  organ  —  the  instrument, 
above  all  others,  most  valuable  and  appropriate.  Similar  changes  are  of 
dciily  occurrence  in  other  methods  of  conducting  public  worship. 


ANNALS    OF   ORLEANS.  729 

compliance  ;  and  the  demand  and  proffer  were  prompt- 
ly and  indignantly  rejected.  Attempts  were  made  by 
the  enemy  to  land ;  and  as  often  were  they  driven  back. 

When  the  year  1815  brought  again  the  blessings  of 
peace,  this  town  shared  in  the  general  joy,  and  com- 
menced anew  a  career  of  prosperity.  • 

In  1816,  the  same  desolating  sickness  prevailed  here 
which  we  have  mentioned  as  taking  off  many  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Eastham.  Physicians  from  neighboring 
towns  were  in  requisition,  and  rendered  important  ser- 
vice.    The  cause  of  the  epidemic  remains  unsolved. 

In  1818,  the  town  being  largely  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  salt,  a  large  and  highly  efficient  com. 
was  chosen  to  represent  to  Congress  the  importance  of 
continuing  the  duty  on  importations  of  the  article. 
Another  com.  was  chosen  to  petition  the  Gen.  Court, 
in  conjunction  with  inhabitants  of  Harwich  and 
Brewster,  for  leave  to  sell  all  the  remaining  Indian 
lands,  —  these  lying  partly  in  Orleans.  These  lands, 
which  had  belonged  to  the  Potanumaquut  tribe,  were 
sold  for  $300.  This  town  also  united  with  Chatham 
to  construct  a  channel  through  the  beach,  below  Strong 
Island,  for  the  benefit  of  the  salt-meadows ;  the  chan- 
nel was  cut,  but  the  closing  of  it  by  sands  made  the 
enterprise  ineffectual. 

In  1819,  efforts  were  made  by  ministers  of  the  de- 
nomination calling  themselves  Reformed  Methodists  to 
establish  here  a  church  of  their  order ;  which  attempt 
culminated  the  next  year  in  organization.  Rev.  Mr. 
Britt  being  the  pastor.  As  we  have  no  call  to  follow 
the  vicissitudes  of  this  association  in  future  years,  we 
may  here  remark  that  at  the  close  of  one  short  decade 
their  place  of  worship  was  closed  and  the  order  be- 
came defunct. 

VOL.  II.  92 


730         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

In  1823,  Oct.  22,  Mr.  Edmund  Freeman  died^ge.  43.^ 

In  1824,  the  disposition  of  many  citizens  was  to  en- 
courage the  estabUshment  of  a  Universalist  Society 
here.  Some  one  has  charitably  said,  "  The  one  aim  of 
the  many  sects  which  profess  the  Christian  name,  is 
the  same ;  "  and  has  likened  them  to  the  rainbow  of 
which  the  various  but  blended  tints  form  one  celestial 
arch  of  beauty.  Another  has  likened  them  to  a  well- 
ordered  band  of  music,  which  though  playing  different 
parts  unite  in  one  harmonious  whole.  If  we  take  this 
view,  it  must  be  confessed  that  old  puritanic  Cape  Cod 
has,  during  the  last  half-century,  attained  to  great 
perfection  in  these  respects. 

In  1826,  measures  were  adopted  to  suppress  the  sale 
of  intoxicating  liquors.  The  town  ordered  that  no 
person  be  approbated  by  the  selectmen,  for  license. 
A  Baptist  Church,  consisting  of  eight  persons  was  or- 
ganized this  year,  the  original  members  receiving  for 
the  purpose  dismission  from  the  Baptist  Church  in 
Brewster,  the  Rev.  Otis  Wing  engaging  to  officiate  in 
this  town  one-third  part  of  his  time. 

In  1828,  a  Baptist  meeting-house  was  erected  ;  and 
Rev.  Daniel  Johnson,  after  a  pastorate  of  20  yrs.  retired 
from  the  charge  of  the  Congregational  Church.^ 

In  1829,  the  Congregational  Society  erected  a  new 
meeting-house  which  was  dedicated  July  15.  Rev. 
John  Turner  was  their  minister,  who  continued  only 
about  one  year.  The  Baptist  Society  had  the  services 
of  Rev.  Winthrop  Morse  whose  continuance  was  also 
brief 

In  1831,  the  town  caused  a  poor-house  to  be  built, 


^  Capt.  Freeman,  b.  1780,  was  s.  of  Abner,  gr.  s.  of  Jona.,  and  gt.  gr.  s. 
of  Edmund,  and  m.  Bethia  Rogers  1808. 

'Rev.  Mr.  Johnson  settled  in  Western  New  York. 


ANNALS    OF    ORLEANS.  7oi 

there  being  22  persons  depending  on  the  town's  aid, 
sustained  now  on  an  average  of  62  cents  per  week. 

In  1832,  Rev.  Enoch  E.  Chase  became  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  Church. 

In  1833,  a  UniversaHst  Society  was  organized  by 
persons  seceding  from  the  Congregational,  and  a  meet- 
ing-house for  their  use  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $1750. 
The  town  was  this  year  divided  into  9  school  districts. 
The  town's  portion  of  the  surplus  revenue  was  $3,000. 
A  company  was  formed  for  the  improvement  of  Rock 
Harbor,  and  $2,000  was  expended  in  building  a  dam 
across  the  creek  and  in  deepening  the  channel.  Mr. 
JosiAH  Freeman  died  Feb.  9,  se.  72 ;  also,  this  year, 
Mr.  Abner  Freeman. 

In  1834,  Rev.  Ezekiel-Vose  became  the  minister  of 
the  Universalist  Society,  which  this  year  received  in- 
corporation. 

In  1835,  after  having  been  partially  supplied  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Scovel  and  others  for  several  years,  the  Cong. 
Society  invited  Rev.  Stillman  Pratt  to  be  their  minister, 
and  he  was  ord.  Ap.  22.^  A  parsonage  was  built,  and 
the  Hersey  fund,  $540,  was  expended  in  the  work. 

In  1836,  a  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  organized 
here,  enjoying  henceforward  a  succession  of  ministra- 
tions. For  reasons  before  mentioned,  regarding  its 
polity,  it  will  be  inconvenient  to  note  all  the  frequent- 
ly recurring  changes  of  ministers  by  this  respectable 
denomination  ;  but  the  earliest  are  understood  to  have 
been  Rev.  Messrs.  T.  G.  Brown,  P.  Crandall,  J.  Litch, 
H.  Perry,  J.  Bicknell,  T.  G.  Blake,  E.  B.  Hinckley, 
and  others.  Rev.  Mr.  Chase,  minister  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  retired  this  year,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 
Silas  Ripley. 

^Kev.  IVIi-.  Pkatt  grad.  Amlierst  Col.  1831. 


732  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

In  1837,  a  new  meeting-house  was  erected  for  the 
use  of  the  Methodists.  Rev.  Mr.  Ripley,  minister  of 
the  Baptists  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Jesse  Pease. 

In  1838,  Rev.  Mr.  Pease  retired  from  the  charge  of 
the  Baptist  Church,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Davis 

LOTHROP. 

In  1839,  Rev.  Stillman  Pratt  ceased  his  ministry  in 
the  Cong.  Church,  Ap.  23.^ 

In  1840,  Rev.  Hazael  Lucas  became  minister  of  the 
Cong.  Church.  Rev.  Mr.  Vose  reUnquished  his  Charge 
of  the  Universalist  Society,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 
James  G.  Burt. 

In  1841,  Rev.  Mr.  Lucas  was  succeeded  in  the  ministry 
of  the  Cong.  Church,  by  Rev.  Jacob  White.^ 

In  1843,  Rev.  Mr.  Burt  resigned  his  charge  of  the 
Universalist  Society,  and  Rev.  Stillman  Barden  was 
settled.     Capt.  John  Kenrick  died  May  24, 1849,  se.  68.^ 

'Mr.  Pratt  was  b.  Ap.  24,  1804,  in  Reaciing,  and  d.  Sept  1,  1862  in 
Middleboro. 

^  Rev.  Mr.  White  grad.  Brown  University  1841. 

^  A  family  tradition  is  that  Mr.  Edward  Kendrick,  or  Kenrick  (some 
portion  of  bis  descendants  write  their  names  with,  and  others  without  therf) 
settled  early  at  or  near  Potannmaquut,  a  trader ;  and  that  he  had  sons 
Thomas  who  settled  in  H.,  Solomon,  and  Jonathan.  Solomon  bad  sons 
John  and  Sol.,  the  former  commanding  a  privateer  during  the  Rev.  War,  and 
afterwards  the  ship  Columbia,  a  private  armed  vessel  having  for  a  tender 
the  sloop  Lady  Washington,  and  "  was  the  first  American  commander  who 
circumnavigated  the  Globe."  It  is  claimed  for  him  that  "  he  discovered  the 
Columbia  River  and  named  it  for  his  ship  ;  sailed  intoNootka  Sound,  rigged 
his  tender  into  a  brig,  gave  the  ship  in  charge  of  his  1st  It.,  Robt.  Gray, 
ordered  him  to  enter  the  Columbia,  and  himself  in  his  little  brig  returned 
via.  the  E.  Indies  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope."  His  father,  Sol.,  with  his 
family,  it  is  said,  removed  to  N.  Scotia.  Jonathan,  the  youngest  son  of 
Edw.,  was  a  physician,  and  had  sons  Samuel,  W^arren  Anson  who  removed 
to  N.  S.,  and  Jona.  Samuel  was  a  physician,  and  had  3  sons,  the  eldest 
of  whom  was  Jonathan  the  father  of  the  present  Capt.  Alfred  Kenrick  of 
this  town.  Jonathan,  s.  of  Doct.  Jona.,  m.  Hannah  Cole,  and  had  sons 
Arvin,  John,  Calvin  who  d.  y.,  Carlton  who  d.  y.,  and  Alex,  who  d.  leav- 
ing a  dr.,  and  drs.  Lucy  who  m.  Nathan  Kcndrick  of  II.,  and  Hannah  who 
d.  y.  Arvin  m.  Tabitha  Sparrow,  dr.  Dea.  Rd.,  and  had  Arvin,  Phebe, 
Caleb,  Julia,  Alex,  now  of  this  town,  and  Tabitha.  John  who  d.  1843,  s. 
of  Jona.,  m.  Rebecca  Sparrow,  dr.  Dea.  Rd.,  Da'^.  4,  1804,  and  had  Sophia 
0-t.  20,  180.5  who  m.  Elisha  Cobb  of  E.  Nov.  13,  1828;  John  Aug.  9,  1819 
who  m.  Thankfid  Crosby  July  30,  1843,  the  present  Jno.  I^^q.  of  this  town; 
and  Rebecca  S.  July  15,   1822  who  m.  Mitchcl  F.  Anderson  of  Cotton. 


ANNALS    OF    ORLEANS.  -  733 

In  1862,  May  14,  Mr.  Josiah  Snow  Sr.  died,  se.  88  ;  ^ 
Mr.  Seth  Sparrow,  June  8,  98.  60 ;  ^  Dea.  Judah  Rogers, 
Oct.  23,  3Q.  92  ;'^  and  Capt.  Joshua  Doane,*  Dec.  27,  se. 


Thus  much  for  the  account  obtained  by  the  courtesy  of  one  of  the  family. 
Our  own  notes  from  pub.  records  state  that  Edward,  of  H.,  m.  Deborah 
Tucker  Ap.  30,  1713,  and  had  Susanna  Jan.  21,  1713  who  m.  Jos.  Wing 
Feb.  17,  1736-7;  and  Jon.  Nov.  U,  1715.  SoLOMOX,  of  C,  had,  bv  w. 
EUsa.,  Elisa.  Aus^.  24,  1736.  Jonathan,  of  H.,  m.  Mary  Basset  of  C. 
Ap.  28,  1765.  Thomas,  of  H.,  m.  Phebe  Smith  of  C.  Nov.  6,  1766. 
Stephen,  of  C,  m.  Sarah  Nickerson  Jan.  18,  1776. 

^We  have  elsewhere  mentioned  this  family  name  to  some  extent ;  but 
may  add,  William  Snow,  of  Bridgewater,  had  AVm.  who  m.  Naomi 
Whitman  1686.;  James  who  d.  in  the  Canada  expd.  1690;  Joseph;  Benj. 
who  m.  Elisa.  Alden  1693  ;  also  drs.  Mary,  Lydia,  Hannah,  and  Rebecca. 
It  is  not  known  what  connection  there  was  with  Nicholas  and  Anthony. 
Joseph  Jr.,  whod.  Jan.  21, 1705-6,  m.  Sarah  Smith  Dec.  15, 1690.  Samuel 
m.  Sarah  Atkins  of  C,  Jan.  29,  1761. 

^JoHN  Sparrow,  s.  of  Jona.,  b.  1656,  had,  by  w.  Apphia,  Rebecca  Dec. 
23,  1684;  John  Aug.  24,  1687  ;  Elisa.  Jan.  9,  1689  ;  and  Stephen  Sept.  6, 
1694.    Isaac  m.  Mary  Hopkins,  dr.  of  Ebenr.    She  was  b.  Mar.  20,  1732-3. 

^  John  Rogers,  of  Be.,  m.  Elisa.  Williams  June  24,  1696.  James,  of 
E.,  s.  of  Lt.  Jas.,  m.  Susanna  Treasy  Feb.  17,  1697-8,  and  d.  Sept.  8,  1751. 
Issue  :  Mary  1698  ;  Isaac  Dec.  8, 1701 ;  Susanna  1704  ;  James  May  2, 1706  ; 
Abigail  1708 ;  and  Thos.  Oct.  21,  1710.  Moses,  of  H.,  m.  Elisa.  Smith  of  - 
C.  ^STov.  10,  1748.  John  Jr.,  b.  1672,  s.  of  John,  andgr.  s.  of  Joseph,  m. 
Priscilla  Hamblen  1696,  and  d.  Jan.  10,  1738-9.  Issue:  Eben.  Feb.  17,/ 
1697-8;  Thankful  1699;  John  Aug.  18,  1701;  Jona.  Mar.  20,  1703  who 
m.  Elisa.  Cook  1727;  Benj.  Nov."  19,  1704;  Sarah  1706,  by  w.  Mary; 
Joseph  Sept.  20,  1 708  ;  and  Judah.  Judah,  b.  1677,  s.  of  Jno.,  had,  by  w. 
Patience,  issue:  Judah  Dec.  29,  1704;  and  drs.  Maiy  and  Patience. 
Eleazae,  b.  1685,  s.  of  Jno.,  had,  by  w.  Martha,  Henry  Aug.  19,  1713  ; 
Elisa.  1715;  Mercy  1718;  Moses  Mar.  13, 1720-1  ;  Martha  1723;  Eleazar 
Nov.  15, 1726  ;  Ensign  July9, 1 729  ;  and  Daniel  Mar.  16, 1732.  Nathan- 
iel, b.  1693,  s.  of  Jno.,  m.  EHza  Crosby  1716.  Ebenezer  of  H.,  b.  1698, 
s.  of  John  Jr.,  had,  by  w.  Hannah,  Zaccheus  Dec.  30,  1720  ;  Josh.  Oct.  30, 
1722  ;  Eben'r.  Sept.  20,  1724;  Thankful  July  16,  1726,  who  m.  Jona. 
Freeman  1752  ;  Rich.  May  17,  1728;  Sam.  Ap.  9.  1730;  Caleb  Ap.  19, 
1732;  Lemuel  July  10,  1734;  Benj.  Aug.  1,  1736;  Hannah  1739;  and 
Patience  1741.  Joseph,  of  H..m.  Fear  Bassett  of  Be.,  1738.  Judah,  of 
E.,  m.  Rebecca  Lothrop  of  C,  Oct.  3,  1778.  Danietl,  of  H.,  m.  Deborah 
Ryder  of  C.  Ap.  27,  1758.  Crisp,  of  H.,  m.  Bethia  Smith  of  C.  Oct.  28, 
1756. 

*The  Doane's  have  been  numerous ;  we  will  not  undertake  to  designate 
the  order  of  descent  from  Dea.  John,  b.  1590,  d.  1686.  Daniel,  in  E., 
1658,  m.  Hepz.  Cole  and  had  Constant  Mar.  7,  1669-70.  Ephraim,  of  E., 
m.  Mary  Knowles  Feb.  5.  1667-8,  and  had  Patience  1669.  d.  inf  ;  Apphia 
1670;  Hczekiahl672;  Thos.  Sept.  4,  1674;  Eben.  1676;  Neh.  1680, d.  y.; 
Pat.  1682  ;  and  Ruhamah  1685.  Samuel,  probably  s.  of  Jno.  jr.  who  d. 
1708,  m.  Martha  Hamblen  of  Be.  Dec.  30,  1696,  and  d.  Auo-.  19,  i756;  had 
Sam.  1697;  Sarah  1699;  Dinah  1700;  Dorcas  1703;  Sol.  1705;  and 
Simeon  1708.  John  Jr.  m.  Mehit.  Scudder  June  30,  1686,  and  had  a  s. 
John  ;  perhaps  the  same  who  by  w.  Hannah  had  Sol.  May  1 2,  1698.  Heze- 
KiAH,  of  E.,  pel',  b.  1672  s.  of  Eph.,  had,  by  w.  Hannah,  Neh.  1692  ;  Mary 
,1694  ;  and  Eph.  1696  in  Prov.     Ephraim,  of  Prov.,  m.Mary  Atkins  of  T. 


734  ■      HISTORY    OF    B.iRNSTABLE     COUNTY. 

78.     Mr.  Heman  Doane  died  in  1863.^     We  have  noth- 
ing more  of  importance  to  record. 

Our  Annals  of  Orleans  are  brief;  for  its  career  as  a 


1717,  and  had  Eph.  1717;  Neh.  1720;  Betsy  1724;  Joshua  1727;  Mary 
1729  ;  and  Ehsha  1732.  Thomas,  prob.  s.  of  Eph.,  b.  1674,  m.  Pat.  Mul- 
ford  Feb.  28,  1700,  and  d.  May  3,  1756.  Issne :  Thos.  1702,  who,  as  per 
C  rec,  had,  by  w.  Sarah,  Neh.  1 730,  who  was  soldier  in  the  Rev.  War :; — see 
Stateresolve  June  24, 1779;  EHsa.  1704;  Reuben  1706;  Abigl.  1708;  and 
Benj.  1710.  SoLOMoi^,  per.  s.  of  Sam.,  m.  AUce  Higgins  1727,  and  had 
Sol.  1730  ;  Noah  1732;  Sarah  1733  ;  Dorcas  1735  ;  Neh.  1737  ;  Joseph  1739 
Isaac  1 741  ;  Betty  1 742  ;  and  Josh.  1 744.  Simeon,  per.  s.  of  Sam.,  b.  1 708,  m. 
Apphia  Higgins  1 730,  and  had  Isaiah  1 731  ;  Ruth  1 733  ;  Abigl.  1 735  ;  Benj. ; 
John;  and  Eph.  Nehemiah,  of  C,  m.  Hope  Sears,  dr.  Paul,  1749,  and 
and  had  Sam.  1751;  and  Reuben  1752.  She  m.  2d  Job  Chase.  David, 
of  E.,  m.  Dorathy  Horton  1 701,  and  had  Jona.  1 702  ;  Hannah  1 704  ;  Kezia 
1706;  John  1708;  and  Nathan  1710.  Jonathan  Esq.,b.  1 702,  m.  Martha 
Higgins  1723,,  and  had  Elisha  1724;  Hannah  1726;  Jas.  1727;  Dorathy 
1728;  Elisa.  1733  ;  Jesse  1735  ;  Seth  1739  ;  Sylv'sl740  ;  and  Nathan  1 742, 
Elisha,  prob.  b.  1724,  had,  by  w.  Hope,  Thankful  1745  ;  Elisha  1747; 
Hannah  1749  ;  Isaiah  1753;  and  Hope  1756.  Isaiah  m.  Rebecca  Smith 
1768,  and  had  Freeman,  Myrick,  Rebecca,  and  Heman.  Freeman  m. 
Lydia  Doane,  and  had  Polly,  Zillah,  Anne,  Isaac,  and  Freeman.  Myrick 
m.  Alice  Freeman,  and  2d,  Temp.  Knowles,  and  had  Bethia,  Russell,  Alice^ 
Clement,  Wm.,  and  Maria.  Heman  m.  Mehit.  Butler,  and  had  Sarah, 
Heman,  Isaiah,  and  John.  John,  per.  also  s.  of  Simeon,  m.  Betty  Snow, 
and  had  Tim.  May  13,  1762,  father  of  the  present  John  Esq.  ;  Heman  Mar. 
15,  1764;  Sarah  1767;  Betty  1769;  Abigl.  177]  ;  John  1777;  and  Simeon 
1780. 

'  We  here  resume  the  Doane  genealogy.  Dea.  Heman,  said  to  be  s. 
of  Jno.,  and,  if  so,  b.  1764,  m.  Rebecca  Young,  and  had  Barnabas,  sometime 
sel.  man  ;  Hemanwhod.  1863  ;  Abijah;  Abner  ;  Abigl.;  Betsy;  Rebecca; 
and  Sophronia.  Samuel,  of  C,  m.  Mary  Eldi-idge  1771,  and  had  Betty 
1773  ;  Reuben  1776  ;  Anne  1780  ;  and  Marv  1783.  .  Hezekiah,  of  E.,  m. 
Eiisa.  Crowell  of  C.  1750.  Israel,  of  E.,  m.  Ruth  Freeman  1730.- 
Thomas,  of  C,  m.  Lettis  Eldridge  1759.  Elisha  Esq.,  of  Y.,  is  said  to 
have  been  s.  of  Dea.  Hezekiah  of  W.  Samuel  3d,  of  E.,  m.  Dorcas  Cole 
1744,  and   had  Mary   1749;  Ruth  1752;    Joel   17.54;  and  Martha  1756. 

"^Joseph,  of  E.,  m.  Mary  Godfrey  1690,  and  2d,  Desire  Beny  1728,  and  had 
Mary  1691,  who  prob.  m.  Prince  Freeman  1711  ;  Joseph  1693;  Rebecca 
1698;  Hannah  1700;  Daniel  1703;  Phebe  1704;  Elisha  1706;  Joshua 
1709;  Lydia  1715;  Elisa.1717;  Sarahl719;  and  Desire  Dec.  9,  1728,  who 
m.  Solomon  Freeman  Esq.  of  E.,  Oct.  22,  1761.  Joseph  Jr.  m.  Deborah 
Paddock  of  C.  1725.  Joshua,  of  E.,  m.  Mary  Freeman,  and  had  Tamzen 
1738;  Josh.  1740;  Kezia  1742;  Heman  1744;  Eunice  1746;  Seth  1748; 

f-  Joseph  1750;  Mary  1752;  and  Azariah  1 754.  Joseph,  first  of  E., then  of 
C,  had,  by  w.  Dorcas,  Dorcas  1741;  Joseph  1744;  Hannah  1745;  Ruth 
1 748  ;  Mary  1 750  in  C. ;  Elisha  1 755  ;  Rachel  1 75  7  ;  Eph.  1 759  ;  and  Sarah 
1  762.  Joseph  Jr.,  of  C,  m.  Mary  iElyder  Jr.  1763,  and  per.  the  same  m. 
Abigail  Gould  1766.  Issue:  Mercy  1767;  Joseph  1769;  Dorcas  1771; 
John  1773;  Elisha  1776;  Abigl.  1778;  Isaiah  1779;  Joseph  1780;  Thos. 
G.  1784  ;  Hezekiah  1786  ;  and  Neh.  1789.  JosEipn  Jr.,  of  C,  had,  by  w. 
Mary,  Mary  1745,  d.  inf.  ;  Hezekiah  1747  ;  and  Mary  1750.  Hezekiah, 
of  C.,  m.  Mercy  Arey  1770,  and  had  Sarah  177i.  Elisha,  of  C,  m. 
Tamzin  Kent  1775.     Ephraim,  of  C,  m.  Experience  Hopkins  1780, 


ANNALS    OF    ORLEANS.  735 

distinct  town  has  been  recent.  The  history  of  East- 
ham  is,  however,  substantially  a  part  of  the  history  of 
this  township.  A  large  portion  of  the  prominent  in- 
habitants of  the  Naiiset  settlement  were  here ;  and 
what 

"  tot  volvere  casus 
Insignes  pletate  viros,  tot  adire  labores, 
Impulerit," 

is  applicable  to  the  early  ancestry  of  both  towns.  It 
has  generally  been  received  as  an  axiom  that  "  the 
occupations  and  manners  of  domestic  society  are  usu- 
ally influenced  by  men's  fortunes ;  "  it  may  be  said  of 
this,  as  of  other  Cape  towns,  the  occupations  of  the 
people  have  from  the  first  been  influenced  chiefly  by 
their  locations.  So  long  as  the  soil  permitted,  agricultu- 
ral pursuits  prevailed.  When  circumstances  indicated 
superior  advantages  to  be  derived  from  navigating  the 
seas,  the  town  became  of  necessity,  as  well  as  by  its 
location,  maritime.  Good  men  and  true  were  they 
who  first  located  here  :  the  exodus  of  the  earliest  from 
Plymouth  was  lamented  by  the  Pilgrim  Church ;  and 
those  who  from  other  parts  soon  augmented  their 
numbers  were  an  equally  valuable  accession.  Hence, 
the  original  township  had  large  influence  in  the  colo- 
nial government.  Descendants  of  those  men  of  stern 
principle,  unbending  integrity,  and  patriotic  impulses, 
perpetuate  the  original  patronymics,  and  constitute 
the  majority.  It  is  not  for  us  to  say  they  inherit  and 
perpetuate  the  virtues  of  generations  gone :  but  they 
certainly  have,  in  the  examples  of  the  departed,  incen- 
tives that  may  well  be  operative ;  nor  have  we  reason 
to  question  the  natural  result.  Of  one  thing  we  are 
certain,  —  the  republican  simplicity  of  olden  times  pre- 
vails in  good  degree.  The  sesame  to  respectability  is 
not  furnished  by  Mammon's   vagaries,  nor  is  there  in 


736 


HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 


tbis  and  contiguous  towns  an  aristocracy  other  than  of 
God's  endowing.  Should  the  ostentation  that  is  some- 
times assumed  by  a  new  master  of  wealth  be  exhibited 
in  these  towns,  no  base  servility  would  follow  the 
want  of  harmony  between  his  opulence  and  his  arro- 
gance. The  scrutiny  of  plain  common-sense  detecting 
the  deficiency,  would  pronounce  the  consequence  arro- 
gated the  mere  opinion  of  a  man  void  of  cultivated 
intellect ;  and  that  meritorious  qualities  are  the  indig- 
enous growth  of  manly  culture. 


REPRESENTATIVES. 

Yrs. 

1 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1798 

Simeon  Kingman 

5. 

1833.  Thacher  Snow, 

4. 

1840. 

Joshua  Doane, 

2. 

1800 

Richard  Sparrow, 

6. 

18.34.  Eiislia  Hopkins, 

1. 

1842. 

Seth  Higgins, 

2. 

1808 

Jona.  Bascom, 

4. 

1835.  Eben  Rogers, 

2. 

1814. 

AlexT.  Kenrick, 

2. 

1817 

D.^n'l  Cummings, 

7. 

IS'iO.  Thos.  Blayo, 

1. 

1849. 

Thaclier  Snow, 

1. 

1825. 

Jolm  Doane, 

4. 

1837.  Edward  Barber, 

2. 

1850. 

Leander  Crosby, 

3. 

1830. 

Jno.  Kenriclc, 

2. 

"     Rd.  Sparrow, 

1. 

1854. 

John  Kenrick, 

2. 

1831. 

Sparrow  Horton, 

1. 

1838.  Luther  Snow, 

2. 

1855. 

Josiah  Freeman, 

2. 

1833. 

Elisha  Cole, 

5. 

Yrs. 

1839.  Nath'l  Freeman, 

SELECTMEN. 

1. 

Yrs. 

1857. 

Chapman  Seabury 

,     1. 

Yrs. 

1797. 

Hez'li  Higgins, 

4. 

1818.  Jno.  Kenrick, 

18. 

1S40. 

Ziba  Eldredge, 

2. 

" 

Heman  Liunel, 

1. 

1820.  Asa  Rogers, 

4. 

1850. 

Alfred  Kenrick, 

3. 

" 

Judah  Rogers, 

16. 

1824.  Jona.  Freeman, 

1. 

1851. 

Tlios.  S.  Snow, 

3. 

1798. 

Jona.  Hopkins, 

1. 

1827.  Jos.  L.  Rogers, 

6. 

" 

Wm.  P.  Myrick, 

3. 

" 

Tiios.  Arey, 

1. 

1828.  EUsha  Cole, 

7. 

1852. 

Ens.  B.  Rogers, 

2. 

1799. 

Ricliard  Sparrow, 

13. 

1829.  Zoeth  Taylor, 

1. 

1853. 

Harvey  Sparrow, 

2. 

1801. 

Barn's  Twining, 

3. 

"     Wm.  Smith, 

1. 

1854. 

Jona.  Higgins, 

3. 

1804. 

Natli'l  Knowles,* 

7. 

18.32.  Sparrow  Horton, 

2. 

" 

Edw.  Barber, 

1. 

1811. 

Gideon  Snow, 

2. 

1833.  Matthew  Kingman 

)    2. 

1855. 

Jesse  0.  Snow, 

7. 

1812. 

Jno.  Myrick, 

11. 

1834.  JosIuiaDoane, 

8. 

1857. 

Jos.  W.  Rogers, 

1. 

1813. 

Stephen  Snow, 

1. 

1835.  Edward  Barber, 

3. 

1858. 

Calvin  Snow, 

3. 

1814. 

Dan'i  Cummings, 

14. 

"     Asa  Hopkins, 

10. 

1859. 

Jos.  Cummings, 

3. 

" 

Jabez  Sparrow, 

3. 

1842.  Jos.  G.  Sloan, 

5. 

1861. 

Geo.  AV.  Cummings,  1. 

1817. 

Thos.  Higgins, 

6. 

1844.  Josiah  Freeman, 

7. 

1862. 

Edm.  Crosby, 

2. 

TOWN  ' 

TREASURERS  AND 

CLERKS. 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

Yrs. 

1797. 

Benj.  Taylor, 

4. 

18.34.  Barnabas  Snow, 

7. 

1855. 

Thos.  A.  Hopkins, 

5. 

1800. 

Timo.  Bascom, 

14. 

1840.  Wm.  P.  Myrick,  t 

11. 

1801. 

Thos.  Higgins, 

3. 

1814. 

Gideon  Snow, 

20. 

1850.  Jona.  Higgins, 

5. 

*  To  the  genealogy  of  the  Knowles'S,  we  may  add  :  Eichakd,  of  C,  b.  1088,  s.  of 
.Sam.,  had  by  w.  Martha,  Martha  1714  ;  Rich.  1715  ;  Mercy  1717  ;  James  1719  ;  Cornelius 
1722;  and  Rebecca  1724.    Hatsel,  of  E.  m.  Maria  Freeman,  dr.  Thos.,  17G5.    Joiix,  of 

E.  m.  Thankful  Hall  of  S.  Mar.  15,  1774.    Isaac  m.  Deliver.  Hall,  and  had  Isaac  1776  ; 
and  John  1778.    Jajies,  of  C,  m.  Hannah  Doane  1778.    Silas,  by  w.  Phcbe,  had  Mary 

F.  1791  ;  and  Silas  1704. 

t  We  may  add  to  what  we  have  already  given  of  the  genealogy  of  the  Mekrick 
family,  that  JosiAri,  of  O.,  went  to  I'fewcastle,  Me.  early  ;  ni.  Mary  Clark,  dr.  of 
Kimbal  of  Br.,  and  was  father  of  Doct.  Lot  who  recently  d.  in  Augusta,  Me.  Benjajiin 
of  H.,  had,  bv  w.  Rebecca,  Nath.  1715  ;  and  Benj.  '719.  Joshua  had,  by  w.  Lydia,  Thos. 
171H  ;  Seth  1720  ;  Joseph  1722  ;  Abigl.  1724 ;  Lucia  1726 ;  Barn. ;  Hannah  ;  Mary  ;  and  Beza- 
leel  1730.  jVathanill  had,  by  w.  Alice,  Benj.  1718  ;  and  Sarah  1720.  John  had,  by  w. 
Frances,  John  17.31;  Desire  173;;  Rebecca  17.35;  Phebe  1730  ;  David  1738  :  and  Isaac 
1740.  William  m.  Elisa.  Osborne  of  Vj  ,  17.33.  Benjamin  2d.  m.  Elisa.  Davis  17.38, 
Benj.  3d.  had,  by  w.  Hannah,  Gotten  1739. 


THE 


ANNALS    OF    THE    TOWN 


OF 


BREWSTER. 


"We  cherish  every  memorial  op  these  worthy  ancestors;  we  celebrate  tbeib 
patience  and  fortitude  ;  we  admire  theik  darino  enterprise  j  we  teach  our  chil- 
dren to  venerate  their  piety  ;  and  we  abe  justly  proud  of  being  descended  fbom 
men  who  have  set  the  world  an  example  of  founding  civil  institutions  on  the 
great   and   united   principles   op  human  freedom   and   human  knowledge."— /jonfej 


VOL  II,  93  (737) 


gn^txx^ixon. 


TO    ALEXANDER    R  A  N  S  OM,  A.  M., 

j^rtist,  of  ^oston. 

On  completing  the  history,  which,  he  is  aware,  has  long  occupied  our  time  and 
thoughts,  we  claim  the  pleasure  of 

I    N    S    C    R    I    B    I    N    Q 

to  HIM  these  Annals  of  the  thirteenth  and  last  of  the  Cape  towns  that  received 
incorporation, — by  no  means  expecting  that  anything  related  therein  can  be  to 
him  of  interest  comparable  with  the  slightest  reminiscences  of  his  own  Green- 
Mountain  State;  nor  because  the  task  we  assumed  has  been  accomplished  without 
defects,  —  for  if  it  be  true  that  "A  cobbler  could  find  some  little  fault  in  the 
latchet  of  a  shoe  that  an  Apelles  had  painted,  when  the  whole  figure  ivas  such 
as  none  but  an  Apelles  could  paint,"  we  are  sure  that  artistic  perfection  cannot 
be  claimed  for  these  pages;  nor  because  he  needs  be  certified  of  our  respect  and 
affection:  But  we  use  this  freedom,  without  his  consent  or  knowledge,  that  we 
may  gratify  our  own  sense  of  the  many  instances  of  his  kindly  sympathy  in  our 
labors,  —  a  sympathy  always  delicately  evinced, —  and,  he  is  assured,  never  lightly 

esteemed  by 

THE    AUTHOE 


(738) 


ANNALS   OF   BREWSTER. 


This  town  was  incorporated  Feb.  19,1803,  —  the 
name  being  chosen  in  deference  to  the  memory  of 
WilUam  Brewster,  prominent  among  the  Pilgrims  who 
came  over  in  the  Mayflower  in  1620.  Until  1803,  the 
present  township  constituted  a  part  of  Harwich. 

SiTUATioisr,  Boundaries,  etc.  —  Brewster  is  situated  69  m. 
S.  E.  and  by  S.  from  Boston.  It  is  distant,  by  water,  about  66 
m. ;  and  by  land  about  80  m.  From  the  county  sliire,  it  is  dis- 
tant about  13  m.  E.;  from  Provincetown,  it  is  by  land  about  36 
m.  S. ;  from  Falmouth,  about  the  same  distance  IST.  E.  by  E. ; 
and  25  m.  from  Sandwich,  E. 

It  is  bounded  E.  by  Orleans;  S.  by  Harwich;  W.  by  Dennis; 
and  N.  by  Barnstable  Bay.  It  covers  an  area  of  about  8  m.  by  4 
m.,  its  extreme  length  being  from  E.  to  W. 

Natural  Divisions,  etc.  —  The  chief  divisions  are  Brews- 
ter proper,  lying  nearly  in  the  centre  of  the  northerly  part  of 
the  township  ;  East  Brewster,  lying  E.  N.  E.  of  the  former ; 
and  West  Brewster,  the  ancient  SetucJcet,  often  designated 
Factory  Village  —  once  familiarly  known  as  Winslow's  Mills,  — 
lying  W.  by  S.  of  Brewster  proper. 

The  face  ofthe  township  is  somewhat  diversified  by  hills  and 
dales ;  and  from  some  of  its  greater  elevations  the  waters  of  the 
sea  on  either  side  of  the  Cape  may  be  seen;  whilst,  in  a  northerly' 
direction,  buildings  in  Eastham  —  8  or  10  m.  distant  by  land,  and 
6  by  water,  —  are  visible  ;  as  also  the  reflection  of  the  sun's  rays 
by  windows  in  Wellfleet,  Truro,  and  Provincetown. 

In  the  northern  part  of  the  township  is  fertile  tillage-land,  of 
a  clayey  or  heavy  soil,  which,  with  proper  culture,  yields  good 

(739) 


740  HISTORY    OF   BAENSTABLE    COUNTY. 

crops.  The  meadow-lands  furnish  good  cuttings  of  English  hay. 
The  cereals  are  produced  in  good  degree  ;  and  the  usual  varieties 
of  vegetables  in  moderate  abundance.  The  salt-marshes  furnish 
an  ample  supply  of  their  kind  of  provender  for  cattle.  Still,  this 
is  not  conspicuous  as  an  agricultural  town  ;  although  it  may  be 
considered  as  ranking  in  this  respect  before  most  other  towns  on 
the  lower  part  of  the  Cape.  Gardening  is  richly  compensated  ; 
and  fruit  is  yielded  by  orchards  receiving  proper  attention.^  The 
cranberry  culture  is  becoming  considerably  in  vogue,  and  is  high- 
ly remunerative. 

South  of  the  preceding  narrow  strip  of  arable  land  are  hills 
ranging  from  Dennis  to  Orleans,  chiefly  valuable  as  wood-lands.- 

In  the  southwesterly  part  of  the  township,  the  land  is  lighter. 
A  chain  of  ponds  covering  several  hundred  acres  is  a  distinguished 
feature.  From  these  ponds,  known  by  the  general  name  of  Mill 
Pond,  issues  a  stream  that  aflfords  motive  power  for  manufactur- 
ing purposes,  as  also  a  channel  for  that  valuable  fish  called 
herrings,  but  properly  alewives. 

In  the  southerly  part  of  the  township  is  also  a  series  of  ponds, 
near  the  line  that  divides  this  town  from  Harwich,  the  most  not- 
ed of  which  are  Long  Pond  and  Sheep  Pond.  Yet  another  col- 
lection of  ponds  is  a  cluster  nearer  Orleans,  the  largest  of  which 
is  Cliff  Pond.  We  may  not  enumerate  all  the  ponds  in  this 
townshi}) ;  but  Cobb's,  Pine,  Slough,  Wing's,  White's,  Foster's, 
Baker's,  Myrick's,  etc.,  are  among  the  number.  Several  of  these 
afford  piscatory  privileges,  —  perch  and  pickerel  being  found  in 
them. 

Flats  extend  from  the  seashore  about  a  mile  into  the  Bay. 
The  harbor  is  artificial ;  a  convenient  breakwater,  for  the  accom- 
modation of  packets  and  other  small  vessels,  affords  security  for 
the  navigation  necessarily  seeking  a  harbor  here. 

The  population  of  this  town  was,  in  1855,  when  the  State  cen- 


^  The  saline  properties  of  the  atmosphere  on  the  lower  parts  of  the  Cape 
are  not  favoi-able  to  orcharding ;  and  in  several  of  the  towns  below,  where 
the  winds  have  full  sweep,  the  attempts  to  cultivate  fruit-trees  develop 
curious  phenomena :  the  few  apple-trees  that  exist  are  not  only  small,  but 
the  branches  are  all  horizontal,  growing  from  near  the  roots,  and  cowering 
so  closely  to  the  ground  that  a  sheep  could  scarcely  pass  under  them.  In 
fact,  in  some  places  in  the  towns  below  Brewster,  neither  tree  nor  shrub  of 
any  kind  is  to  be  found,  —  the  outward  appearance  of  dwellings  being  in 
this  respect  cheerless.     Their  location  is  a  mere  bridge  of  wind. 

^  The  reliance  for  fuel  is  not  altogether  on  these  woods ;  peat,  a  home- 
production,  is  considerably  used ;  but  coal  has,  of  late  years,  come  into  very 
general  requisition. 


ANNALS   OF   BREWSTER.  741 

sus  was  taken,  1525.^  The  commercial  or  maritime  interests  of 
the  town  are  not  to  be  estimated  by  the  number  of  vessels  that 
resort  to  its  harbor.  Extensive  ownership  is  had  of  lai'ger  craft 
that  sail  from  Boston  and  other  ports.  It  has  generally  been  es- 
timated that  about  three-fourths  of  the  male  inhabitants,  of  suit- 
able age,  are  most  of  the  time  upon  the  seas.^  The  mariners  of 
this  town  ^  have  always  been  distinguished  for  nautical  ability 
and  enterprise,  as  have  the  inhabitants  generally  for  their  intelli- 
gence and  hospitable,  social,  and  moral  qualities.  The  ship-mas- 
ters, of  which  this  town  furnishes  a  large  number,  are  generally 
part  owners  of  the  vessels  they  navigate  ;  and  their  large  intei*- 
course  with  the  world  abroad  gives  them  a  character  that  con- 
tributes to  the  high  social  position  which  the  town  occupies. 

Brewster  is,  in  fact,  one  of  the  most  agreeable  towns  on  the 
Cape.  The  neat  and  thrifty  aspect  of  the  dwellings  has  long 
been  proverbial.  These  are  chiefly  on  or  near  the  county  road 
and  are  thickly  studded  along  to  considerable  extent ;  but,  aside 
from  this  route,  on  that  parallel  with  it,  and  nearer  the  shore,  as 
also  on  streets  crossing  from  the  one  to  the  other,  are  many  pleas- 
ant situations,  as  also  on  roads  in  the  easterly  part  of  the  town 
diverging  to  the  shore.  The  town  contains  four  meeting-houses  ;  * 
a  town-hall ;  a  large  hall  for  lectures,  lyceum,  and  other  purposes ; 
Odd-fellows  lodge ;  almshouse ;  and  six  school-houses.    The  re- 


^  The  number  of  inhabitants  previous  to  the  incorporation  of  Brewster, 
was,  in  the  original  township,  2857;  and  of  these,  1353  were  in  this,  the 
North,  Parish ;  leaving  1504  in  the  South  Parish  which  remained  to  the 
parent  town. 

^In  1803,  there  were  more  masters  and  mates  of  vessels,  hailing  from  this 
town,  than  from  any  other  in  proportion  to  population. 

^  The  fisheries  were  never  a  prominent  business  here.  They  are  carried 
on  here  to  some  extent,  —  less  now  than  formerly.  The  chief  employments 
of  the  men,  and  the  chief  use  of  the  navigation  owned  here,  arc  in  the 
coasting-trade  and  in  foreign  voyages,  —  especially  the  latter.  The  amount 
Invested  herein  vessels  of  all  kinds — principally  large  freighting  ships — was, 
according  to  the  valuation  made  by  the  assessors,  May,  1857,  about  $228,- 
400.  The  extensive  salt-works  which  once  formed  no  unimportant  feature 
of  the  northerly  portion  of  the  town,  have,  of  Ic^te  years,  been  fast  disap- 
pearing. Some  remain ;  but  their  numbers  and  importance  are  greatly 
diminished.  There  is  in  town  some  manufacturing  of  yarns,  threads,  or 
fabrics ;  but  the  place  cannot  be  considered  with  propriety  as,  in  any  im- 
portant degree,  a  manufacturing  town.  Once,  the  site  of  the  Winslow 
Mills  was  the  scene  of  manufacturing  Industry,  and  the  centre  to  which 
every  good  housewife,  for  many  miles  around,  sent  the  jjroduce  of  her  loom, 
for  completion. 

*  We  include  the  edifice  In  the  N.  W.  part  of  the  town,  known  as  the  Red 
Meeting-house ;  but  are  informed  that  It  has  almost  ceased  to  be  used. 


742     •  HISTOEY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

ligious  denominations  occupying  the    several  places  for  public 
worship  are  Congregational,  Baptist,  Universalist,  and  Methodist. 

Progress  of  the  Town,  etc.  —  Before  entering  upon 
what  are  properly  the  doings  of  the  town  of  Brewster 
—  which  must  date  from  its  incorporation,  —  we  may, 
for  reasons  that  will  be  obvious,  advert  a  moment  to 
times  anterior. 

Gov.  Bradford,  holding  the  Plymouth  patent  by 
title  "  To  William  Bradford,  his  heirs,  associates,  and 
assigns,"  had,  when  desired  to  surrender  that  charter 
into  the  hands  of  the  General  Court,  reserved,  by 
agreement,  his  and  associates'  proportion.  On  that 
portion  of  the  reservation  located  here,  settlements 
began  early.  No  later  than  1670,  Mr.  John  Dilling- 
ham and  Mr.  John  Wino;  from  Sandwich  were  here 
first  as  purchasers  and  settlers ;  nor  are  we  sure  that 
these  were  first  in  occupancy.-^ 

Harwich,  we  have  seen,  was  inc.  Sept.  14, 1694  ;  and 
a  church  was  gathered  Oct.  16, 1700.  Here  the  inhab- 
itants resided,  at  least  in  greatest  numbers ;  and  here 
was  erected  the  ancient  house  of  their  solemnities. 
In  1747,  the  settlements  had  so  extended  that  a  meet- 
ing-house was  built  in  the  south  part  of  the  town, 
another  parish  organized,  and,  in  connection  with  it, 
another  church.  The  two  parishes  and  churches  now 
existing  were  distinctively  known  as  the  First  and 
Second,  or  North  and  South.  The  original  church  be- 
ing thus  associated,  from  its  incipiency  to  the  year 
1747,  with  the  North  Precinct,  which,  by  the  dividing 
enactment,  waa  constituted  the  new  town,  Brewster  had 
precedence  in  ecclesiastical  history.     Rev.  Nathaniel 


^  "  At  a  meetinjr  of  proprietors  of  land  between  Bound  Brook  and  Stoney 
Brook,  held  Ap.  io,  1703,  John  Dillingham  Sr.,Kenelm  Winslow  Sr.,  Paul 
Sears,  Ananias  Wing,  Andrew  Clark,  John  Dillingham  Jr.,  Joba  Wing, 
and  Kenelm  Winslow  Jr."  are  mentioned  as  present. 


ANNALS   OF    BREWSTER.  743 

Stone,  residing  here,  and  for  47  yrs.  minister  of  the 
parent  town  and  its  only  church,  continued,  after  the 
withdrawal  of  those  constituting  the  South  Precinct 
and  the  gathering  of  a  new  church  within  the  bounds 
of  the  latter  precinct,  the  minister  of  the  North  Pre- 
cinct alone,  and  of  the  original  church  from  which 
those  composing  the  South  Church  had  withdrawn/ 

In  1748,  seven  years  before  his  decease,  he  received 
as  colleague  Rev.  Isaiah  Dunster,  who  was  ordained 
Nov.  2,^  and  continued  in  the  ministry  here  until  his 
decease,  Jan.  18,  1791,  at  the  age  of  72.  Mr.  Dunster 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  John  Simpkins,  who  was  ordained 
Oct.  19,  1791.3 

There  is  little  of  interest  furnished  by  early  church 
records,  beyond  the  entries  of  births,  baptisms,  admis- 
sions, dismissions,  marriages,  and  deaths,  —  if  we  ex- 
cept cases  of  discipline.^ 

^  See  pp.  494,  513,  and  517  ;  also,  Vol.  I.  390. 

^  See  p.  516.  In  a  record  kept  by  Eev.  Mr.  Stone  is  this  entry:  "  Nov. 
2,  1748,  was  ord.  pastor  of  the  church,  Mr.  Isaiah  Dunster — Mr.  Stone 
being  senior  pastor.  Assisting  were  the  senior  pastor  and  Rev.  Mr.  Russell 
of  Barnstable  who  gave  the  charge  " 

^  See  p.  522.  It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  the  pastorates  of  Eev.  Messrs. 
Stone,  Dunster,  and  Simpkins  filled  a  period  of  131  years.  Mr.  Stone  "  was 
an  able  divine,  a  man  of  fervent  piety,  and  of  great  firmness  of  character.  " 
Mr.  Dunster's  ministry  of  53  years  was  also  able  and  useful.  Mr. 
Stone,  we  have  said,  p.  391,  m.  Reliance  dr.  of  Gov.  Hinckley;  she  is  said 
to  have  been  "  baptized  on  the  day  of  the  memorable  swamp-fight  with  the 
Narragansets, — receiving  her  name  in  token  of  firm  reliance, on  Divine 
Providence,  her  father  being  among  the  soldiers  who  were  in  that  battle." 

*  Cases  of  discipline,  as  reported,  evince  a  desire  on  the  pai't  of  both  pas- 
tor and  church  to  be  duly,  perhaps  rigidly,  faithful.  There  are  instances, 
not  a  few,  of  discipline  for  alleged  "  fornication  "  —  the  offence,  in  every 
case,  committed  previous  to  marriage  by  those  who,  at  the  time  of  the  disci- 

Elinary  process,  were  husband  and  wife  ;  the  only  evidence  against  them 
eing  furnished  by  the  early  appearance  of  the  first-born.  The  bethrothal 
seems  to  have  been  regarded  by  some  as  equivalent  to  the  matrimonial 
bond  ;  but  not  so  by  the  church.  Mr.  Stone  appears  to  have  been  greatly 
pained  and  scandalized  by  these  occurrences  ;  and,  in  1730,  17  years  before 
the  division  of  the  town  into  parishes,  made  this  entry  on  the  record  :  "  There 
is  a  sad  failing  in  family  government,  —  a  wicked  practice  of  young  people 
in  their  courtships,  which  I  have  borne  my  public  testimony  against ;  and 
fi-om  the  countenance  that  has  been  given" by  many  ministers  and  churches 
to  the  openly  scandalous  vice  of  uncleanness  in  a  neighboring  pastor,  namely, 
Mr.  Osborn."    In  1763,  a  singular  case  of  protracted  and  vexatious  disci- 


744  fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

A  few  years  after  the  settlement  of  Rev.  Mr.  Simp- 
kins,  it  was  found  necessary  to  enlarge  the  meeting- 
house.    This  was  effected  in  1796. 

In  1803,  Mar.  8,  "  by  virtue  of  authority  derived  by 
an  act  of  the  Legislature  passed  Feb.  19,  1803,  enti- 
tled '  An  Act  to  divide  the  town  of  Harwich,  and  to 
incorporate  the  northerly  part  thereof  into  a  separate 
town  by  the  name  of  Brewster/  ^  the  first  town-meet- 
ing was  held,  Hon.  Solomon  Freeman  being  chosen  mod- 
erator ;  Sylvanus  Stone  Esq.,  town-clerk  and  treasurer  ; 
Col.  Jonathan  Snow,  Capt.  Anthony  Gray  and  Mr.  Ke- 
nelm  Winslow,  selectmen  and  assessors;"^  and,  at  a 
meeting.  May  12,  Capt.  Isaac  Clark  was  unanimously 
chosen  to  represent  the  town  in  General  Court.^ 

At  its  setting  out  on  its  municipal  career,  this  newly- 
established  town  exhibited  in  good  degree  the  effect  of 
the  impetus  given  to  public  spirit  and  enterprise.  The 
first  important  move  was,  at  a  town  meeting,  Oct.  17, 

pline  is  recorded  by  Mr.  Dunsster :  "  The  church  met  to  hear  a  charge 
examined  against  a  sister,  brought  by  another  sister  in  the  church,  the  push- 
ing her  out  of  a  pew,  and  hunching  another  in  time  of  divine  service  in  the 
meeting-house."  Among  the  baptisms  recorded,  is  this :  "  Caesar,  Negro's 
son,  bap.  June  21,  1747."  Another  entry  is,  "  Mar.  25,  1716,  at  Dea.  Free- 
man's decease  was  £  7  overplus  of  contributions  at  the  sacrament,  one-half 
was  given  to  the  family." 

^  To  the  anomalous  provisions  of  this  act,  we  have  referred,  p.  523.  The 
dividing  line  is  thus  defined  :  "  Beginning  on  the  west  on  the  line  of  the  town 
of  Dennis  and  at  a  point  one  mile  south  of  a  large  oak-tree  standing  in  or 
near  said  li?ie  of  Dennis,  which  tree  is  on  the  S.  W.  side  of  Pine  Pond  so 
called  ;  thence  on  a  strait  line  to  the  N.  W.  corner  of  Hinckley's  Pond  so 
called ;  thence  N.  N.  E.  to  Bangs'  Pond  so  called,  and  to  the  middle  there- 
of; thence  through  the  middle  of  said  Bangs'  Pond,  crossing  a  narrow 
beach,  into  Long  Pond ;  thence  through  the  middle  of  said  Long  Pond, 
crossing  several  narrow  beaches  or  chains  of  ponds,  through  the  middle  and 
to  the  easterly  end  of  the  same ;  thence  on  a  strait  line  to  a  rock  in  Pleasant 
Bay  so  called,  which  rock  is  in  the  line  between  Harwich  and  Orleans ; 
thence  on  the  line  of  Orleans  to  Barnstable  Bay ;  thence  with  said  Bay  to 
the  line  of  Dennis ;  thence  in  the  line  of  Dennis  to  the  bounds  first  mention- 
ed." 

^The  following  appears  on  the  old  records  of  the  1st  church:  "  Mar.  13, 
being  the  1st  Sunday  after  the  town  was  organized,  baptized  Thos.  Mayo's 
twins,  being  the  first  baptisms  in  Brewster,  by  the  names  of  Brewster  and 
Caleb  S/ronr/."  In  another  place  is  this:  From  Oct.  1792  to  Oct.  1829, 
admitted  to  church  membership,  231  :  baptized  33  adults  and  644  children." 

^  Mr.  Clark  was  elected,  with  great  unanimity,  several  successive  years. 


ANNALS   OF   BREWSTER.  745 

a  vote  "  to  raise  $1000  toward  the  support  of  an  acad- 
emy, if  one  may  be  established  here ;  "  ^  the  next,  a 
provision  "for  readjusting  the  number  and  limits  of 
the  school-districts ; "  and  next,  the  raising  of  money 
"  for  the  support  of  common  schools  in  each  district." 

In  1804,  April  2,  a  com.  was  app.  "  to  examine  the  shore  and 
fix  on  the  most  eligible  spot  for  a  harboi',  and  report." 

In  1805,  Jan.  17,  it  was  thought  necessary  to  petition  the  Gen. 
Court  for  "  an  additional  Act  of  Incorporation  explanatory  of  the 
former,  and  vesting  in  this  town  ail  the  powers,  privileges,  and 
immunities  heretofore  enjoyed  by  the  North  Precinct  of  the  old 
town  of  Harwich  before  the  setting  off  this  town  ;  and  to  dissolve 
said  parish  as  such,"  etc.  The  fact  is,  the  division  of  the  town  of 
Harwich  had  been  most  strenuously  opposed  not  only  by  the  in- 
habitants residing  in  the  South  Precinct,  but  by  numbers  of 
highly  influential  and  respectable  persons  in  the  North  Precinct ; 
and  the  Act  of  IncoriDoration,  obtained  as  the  result  of  a  hard- 
fought  contest,  was,  as  we  have  before  said,  anomalous  and  incon- 
venient. Shaped  by  adverse  circumstances,  it  foreboded,  by  its 
singular  provisions,  constant  trouble.  It  is  not  our  province  to 
enter  further  upon  this  matter.  The  sober  second-thought  of 
the  sagacious  foresaw  that  difficulties  connected  with  taxation, 
pauperism,  representation,  improvements  of  highways,  schools, 
etc.,  would,  without  further  legislation,  be  henceforward  rife,  and 
were  wisely  solicitous  therefore  to  prevent  these  evils 

"  And  save  th'  expense  of  long  litigions  laws, 
Where  suits  are  travers'd,  and  so  little  ■won 
That  he  who  ccnquers  is  but  last  undone." 

In  1806,  Sept.  9,  the  report  of  the  com.  for  determining  the 
best  site  for  a  harbor  having  been  duly  considered,  it  was  re- 
solved "  to  build  a  dam  across  Setucket  Creek  where  the  old  tide 
mill  formerly  stood."  The  dam,  we  are  informed,  was  not  con- 
structed. 

In  1807,  as  in  previous  years,  $200  was  appropriated  to  com- 
mon schools  ;  nor  was  an  additional  appropriation  withheld  "  for 
teaching  sacred  music."  We  would  not  be  derelict  by  omitting 
to  mention  the  desire  here,  as  in  other  towns,  to  suppress  those 

^This  academy,  designed  to  be  a  county  institution,  was  finally  located  in 
Sandwich,  and  its  later  history  is  an  illustration  of  the  perversions  to  which 
funds  for  the  support  of  such  institutions  are  liable. 
VOL.  n.  94 


746  HISTORY   OP  BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

great  annoyers  of  the  farmer's  cornfields  ;  and,  therefore,  we  re- 
cord the  feet  that  now,  as  generally,  the  bounty  for  blackbirds  was 
one  cent  per  head,  and  for  their  eggs  3  cents  per  dozen.  Hon. 
SoLOMOK  Fbebmen  died  Mar.  8,  1808,  se.  75. 

As  we  approach  the  times  so  disastrous  to  the  in- 
terests of  the  mercantile  communities,  and  especially 
to  the  towns  on  the  Cape  the  bulk  of  whose  business  is 
involved  in  unrestrained  and  entirely  free  access  to 
the  seas,  it  will  not  surprise  the  reader  to  find  the 
town  voting,  Mar.  8,  1808,  to  memorialize  Congress, 
"  setting  forth  the  grievances  "  caused  by  the  embargo.^ 

In  1809,  Jan.  23,  the  inconveniences  suffered  by  the 
people  had  so  nearly  approached  a  distressing  crisis, 
that  unwonted  solemnity  attached  to  the  town-meeting 
called  for  that  day ;  after  choosing  Maj.  Elijah  Cobb 
moderator,  it  was  "  voted  that,  as  this  meeting  is  called 
upon  an  extraordinary  occasion,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Simpkins 
be  invited  to  open  the  meeting  with  prayer."  Waited 
on  by  a  com.,  that  reverend  and  estimable  divine 
attended,  and  the  throne  of  Divine  Grace  was  addressed 
with  a  fervency  suited  to  the  circumstances.  It  was 
then,  after  deliberation,  -^ —  there  being  only  seven  dis- 
senting voices,  — 

'■^  Hesolved,  1.  That  we  mojt  sincerely  and  deeply  deplore  the 
very  urgent  occasion  that  now  calls  us  to  exerc'se  the  Constitu- 
tional right,  vested  in  the  people,  to  assemble  in  a  peaceable  and 
orderly  manner  to  consult  the  common  good  and  to  request  of 
the  Legislative  body,  by  addresses,  petition,  or  memorial,  a  redress 
of  wrongs  done,  or  of  grievances  suffered. 

"  2.  That  we  have  endeavored  to  manifest  a  cheerful  submission 


^  The  restiveness  of  an  active  and  business  people,  under  the  privations 
imposed,  maybe  inferred  by  a  circumstance  related  to  us  :  'A  vessel  belong- 
ing here  had  been  fitted  out  at  Plym.,  in  1808,  to  run  the  embargo,  but  was 
captured  oif  the  Cape  by  a  sloop  of  war,  and  sent  in  to  Provincetown  Har- 
bor. The  captain  of  the  craft  at  once  communicated  with  the  owners  here ; 
a  packet  was  immediately  manned,  boarded  the  prize,  retook  her.  and  she 
sailed  for  Surinam.  The  U.  S.  marshal  came  to  investigate  the  affair,  but 
was  not  very  cordially  received,  nor  was  his  visit  effectual. ' 


ANNALS    OF   BREWSTER.  747 

to  the  constituted  authorities  of  our  Country ;  yet  there  is  a  point 
beyond  which  endurance  is  criminal  and  submission  becomes 
slavery. 

"  3.  That  imperious  necessity  calls  loudly  upon  us  to  remon- 
strate, with  that  frankness  which  becomes  citizens,  but  with  the 
respect  due  to  lawful  authority,  against  the  embargo  system  and 
the  several  laws  enacted  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States 
to  enforce  the  same  ;  and  we  do  hereby  remonstrate  against  them, 
as  unjust  in  their  nature,  unequal  in  their  operation,  a  cruel  in- 
fringement of  our  most  precious  rights,  and  subversive  of  the  main 
design  of  Government,  which  is  instituted  for  the  protection  and 
not  for  the  destruction  of  its  citizens. 

"  4.  That  we  view  with  high  approbation  the  patriotic  labors 
of  those  who  have  clearly  pointed  out  the  inefficiency  of  the 
embargo,  as  coercive  upon  Foreign  Nations,  and  justly  described 
its  ruinous  effects  on  ourselves. 

"  5.  That,  as  their  exertions  have  been  unavailing  and  our  peti- 
tions have  been  fruitless,  we  feel  ourselves  bound  to  embrace  every 
legal  measure  yet  in  our  power  to  avert  impending  ruin.  There- 
fore, 

"  6.  That  we  will  represent  to  the  Honorable  Legislature  of  this 
Commonwealth,  in  a  respectful  memorial,  our  truly  deplorable 
situation,  and  implore  their  aid  by  all  lawful  means  to  obtain  for 
ourselves  and  fellow-citizens  a  redress  of  grievances." 

After  passing  these  resolutions,  Maj.  Elijah  Cobb  and 
Elijah  Clark  Esq.  were  chosen  "  a  com.  to  memorialize 
the  Gen,  Court,"  and  Messrs.  Elijah  Cobb,  Freeman 
Foster  Jr.,  Joseph  Sampson,  Isaiah  Clark,  Abram  Wins- 
low,  and  David  Nickerson  were  app.  "  a  Com.  of  Safety 
and  correspondence  to  inform  our  fellow-citizens  in  the 
vicinity  and  elsewhere  of  the  doings  of  this  meeting, 
and  to  consult  and  cooperate  with  them  in  any  Constitu- 
tional methods  of  obtaining  relief  under  our  present 
unhappy  circumstances ;  and  to  inform  the  inhabitants 
of  this  town  of  any  unlawful  encroachment  upon  their 
rights,  and  to  call  to  account  any  person  or  persons 
patrolling  about  our  town  in  a  riotous,  hostile,  or  suspi- 
cious manner  —  by  taking  them  before  the  civil  author- 
ity to  be  dealt  with  according  to  law." 


748  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

The  memorial  adopted  and  presented  to  the  legislature,  was  as 
follows :  "  To  the  Hon.  the  Senate  and  House  of  Reps,  of  the 
Commonwealth  of  Mass.  in  Gen.  Ct.  assembled :  —  The  inhabitants 
of  the  town  of  Br.  respectfully  represent  that  their  local  situation 
and  the  general  sterility  of  the  soil  lead  them  to  the  ocean  for 
subsistence.  They  have  long  resorted  to  this  as  a  field  which 
God  and  nature  has  prescribed  for  their  enterprise  and  industry, 
and  have  been  accustomed  to  consider  the  improvement  of  it  as 
their  birthright.  The  restrictions  upon  this  privilege  by  the  seve- 
ral embargo  laws  enacted  by  the  Govt,  of  the  U.  States,  excite  sur- 
prise too  great  for  description,  and  feelings  too  great  for  utterance. 
We  had  flattered  ourselves  that  the  Govt,  of  our  Country  would 
not  unintentionally  become  our  greatest  foe.  We  had  indulged 
the  hope  that  they  would  not  interdict  the  commerce  that  was 
yet  spared  to  us  even  by  strangei's  and  compel  us  to  relinquish 
the  only  means  of  support  that  remained.  Your  memorialists 
are  ready  with  their  lives  and  fortunes  to  encounter  the  hazards 
and  expenses  of  warfare  when  duty  requires.  They  are  ready  to 
bear,  in  common  with  their  fellow-citizens,  any  justifiable  measures 
which  may  be  adopted  to  prevent  an  appeal  to  arms ;  but  the 
restrictions  now  put  upon  commerce  are  conceived  to  be  beyond 
all  proportion  burdensome  to  your  memorialists  and  almost  single 
them  out  as  victims  for  destruction.  The  abandonment  of  the 
ocean  is  to  them  as  oppressive  and  distressing  as  it  would  be  to  the 
farmer  to  be  prohibited  the  use  of  his  lands.  Whilst  nature  is 
lavish  in  her  bounty  in  the  rich  soil  which  many  of  our  country- 
men have  the  happiness  to  cultivate,  her  parsimony  in  the  territory 
we  inhabit  compels  many  to  resort  to  the  ocean  for  that  subsist- 
ence which  the  land  refuses.  Deprived  of  their  maritime  pursuits, 
numbers  who  have  a  rising  family  to  support  are  thrown  out  of 
employ  and  behold  their  cheering  prospects  blasted,  and  the 
energies  of  our  enterprising  youth  are  nipped  in  the  bud.  Against 
a  measure  so  very  unequal  in  its  operation,  and  so  peculiarly  dis- 
tressing to  your  memorialists,  as  a  long  continuance  of  the 
embargo,  we  feel  ourselves  in  duty  bound  most  strongly  to  remon- 
strate. Having  in  vain  attempted  by  evei-y  peaceful  method  to 
arrest  the  blow ;  having  in  vain  petitioned  for  exemption  from 
destruction  ;  we  now  turn  our  eyes  and  lift  up  our  supplicating 
voice  to  the  more  immediate  guardians  of  the  Commonwealth. 
Self-defence,  the  first  law  of  nature,  and  compassion  for  our  fami- 
lies, dictated  by  humanity  and  natural  affection,  forbid  us  to  be 
silent  respecting  the  continuance  of  an  act  which  is  emphatically 


ANNALS    OF   BREWSTER.  749 

pregnant  with  mischief  both  to  the  property  and  the  morals  of 
the  inhabitants ;  an  act  which,  while  it  threatens  destruction  to 
the  hard  earnings  of  industry,  unnerves  the  arm  of  diligence  and 
cuts  off  future  supplies.  Whilst  the  mouth  of  labor  is  forbidden 
to  eat,  the  language  of  complaint  is  natural.  When  our  children 
cry  for  bread  and  we  have  none  to  give,  the  feelings  of  nature 
will  not  be  controlled.  If  peace  cannot,  consistently  with  duty 
and  honor,  be  preserved  with  other  nations,  let  us  meet  the  foe 
with  arms  in  our  hands  ;  for  we  esteem  any  mode  of  resistance 
or  defence  infinitely  preferable  to  a  system  of  starvation.  With 
ruin  at  our  doors,  and  poverty  staring  us  in  the  face,  we  beseech, 
conjure,  and  implore  your  honorable  body  to  interpose  your  influ- 
ence by  all  constitutional  and  suitable  means  to  obtain  a  redress 
of  the  oppressive  grievances  which  we  suffer.  And  as  in  duty 
bound,  will  ever  pray."  ^ 

A  communication  from  the  towns  of  Chatham,  Orleans,  East- 
ham,  and  Wellfleet  being  presented.  May  9,  requesting  this  town 
to  app.  an  agent  or  agents  to  meet,  in  Orleans  on  the  3d  Tues.  of 
May  inst.,  agents  from  the  several  towns  below,  to  consult  on 
measures  to  obtain  a  separate  District  of  Collection  and  Inspec- 
tion to  be  composed  of  the  following  towns,  namely,  Brewster, 
Harwich,  Chatham,  Orleans,  Eastham,  Truro,  and  Provincetown, 
Isaac  Clark  Esq.  was  chosen  by  this  town  for  said  purpose.  It 
was  also  "  voted  to  build  a  house  for  the  deposit  of  the  ordnance 
of  the  Artillery  Company  of  this  town,  to  be  located  in  the  N. 
W.  corner  of  Asa  Mayo's  land." 

In  1810,  it  was  "  voted  to  remonstrate  against  the  appointment 
of  Edward  O'Brien  as  postmaster  in  this  town,  he  being  a  for- 
eigner and,  in  the  opinion  of  the  inhabitants,  an  alien." 

In  1811,  and  for  some  years  after,  the  same  appropriation  as  in 
all  the  years  before  was  made  for  common  schools.  Mr.  Sylva- 
Nus  Stone  .died  this  year,  se.  65.^ 

^  That  the  embargo  was  in  its  influence  disastrous  to  the  maritime  towns, 
none  can  doubt  ;  but  the  justice  and  propriety  of  national  measures  depend 
on  the  circumstances  that  accompany  and  induce  them.  We  feel  justified 
in  making  this  remark  only. 

"  Sylvanus  Stone  Esq.,  b.  1 746,  was  many  years  postmaster,  magistrate, 
etc.,  and  was  son  of  Nathaniel  Stone  Esq.,  b.  Nov.  30,  1714,  a  magis- 
trate, high  sheriff,  etc.  under  the  crown,  son  of  Rev.  Nathaniel,  the  first 
minister  of  Harwich.  See  Vol.  I.  390-1.  Sherifi"  Stone,  who  d.  Jan.  1, 
1777,  ae.  63,  m.  Mary  Bourne,  dr.  Hon.  Sylvs.  of  Be.  1740.  Issue  :  Mary* 
June  7,  1742  who  d.  1829,  se.  88  ;  Sylvanus  July  17,  1743,  d.  inf.  ;  Hannah 
Aug.  4,  1744  who  m.  Joseph  Parker  Esq.  of  F.  and  d.  1824,  se.  80; 
Sylvanus*  Ap.  4,  1746;  Abigail  Dec.  29,  1748  who  m.  Edw.  Howes  of 


750  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In   1812,  liberty  was  granted  to  a  company  "to   cut,   without 
expense  to  the  town,  a  canal  from  Quivet  Creek  to  Mill  River."  ^ 

A  letter  from  the  selectmen  of  Boston  to  the  select- 
men of  this  town,  respecting  "  the  distressing  situation 
of  our  country,"  was  read  in  town-meeting,  July  2, 
and  "  approved."  It  was  also  "  voted  to  approve  of 
the  Boston  Resolutions  disapproving  of  the  war  with 
Great  Britain  -,  "  also  that  Doct.  Joseph  Sampson,  Isaac 
Clark  Esq.,  Capt.  Thos.  Seabury,  Capt.  Isaac  Foster 
Jr.,  and  Capt.  Joseph  Snow,  be  a  com.  "  to  take  into 
consideration  the  alarming  state  of  our  public  affairs, 
and  memorialize,  or  otherwise,  as  they  may  think 
proper,  the  Governor  and  Council."  Resolutions  were 
adopted,  July  20,  and  a  memorial  sent  to  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  signed  by  the  selectmen  and  cer- 
tified by  the  town-clerk.  Delegates  were  also  chosen 
to  attend  a  Convention  at  Yarmouth  July  21,  namely, 
Isaac  Clark,  Esq.,  Capt.  Kimbal  Clark,  Capt.  Isaac  Fos- 
ter, Capt.  Freeman  Foster,  Capt.  Elkanah  Freeman, 
Capt.  David  Nickerson,  Capt.  David  Snow,  Capt.  Thos. 
Seabury,  Maj.  Benj.  Foster,  and  Capt.  Jeremiah  Mayo.^ 
Mr.  Seth  Lincoln  Sr.  died  this  year,  Sept.  9.^ 

Barre;  Wm.  Jan.  31,  1750,  who  d.  1780  ;  Lucy  Feb.  22,  1751  who  d-  1775; 
Eunice  1755  who  m.  Capt.  Moses  Allen  of  S.  and  d.  1780  ;  Nathan  May  13, 
1757  who  d.  1781  ;  Mercy*  Mar.  6,  1758  who  d.  1839  as.  72;  Sarah  Mar. 
4,  1761  who  m.  Joseph  Ripley  of  Barre  and  d.  1805;  Olive  Oct.  23,  1763 
who  m.  Rev.  John  Slmpkins  and  d.  Ap.  4,  1844  as.  80  ;  and  Fanny  1 766  who 
m.  Nathan  Sparrowhawk  of  Rox.  and  d.  1790,  ae.  24.  The  mother  d.  Nov. 
14,  1813,  33.  94.  Neither  of  the  sons  married,  and  this  branch  of  the  Stone 
family  became  extinct  on  the  Cape.  It  is  remarkable  that  those  marked  * 
became  lunatic.  Dea.  Heman,  b.  Sept.  4,  1705,  bro.  of  the  preceding, 
m.  Temperance  Sturgis  of  Y.  June  21,  1727  who  d.  1742,  ae.  34,  and  2d, 
Lydia  who  d.  1763,  as.  42.  Hed.  Ap.  26,  1779,  as.  75.  Issue  :  Edw.  May 
6,  1728,  d.  inf  ;  Mehit.  June  23,  1729,  d.  inf  ;  Mehit.  Jan.  17,  1730-1; 
Edw.  1732,  d.  inf;  Temper.  Feb.  15,  1734;  Kezia  Sept.  25,  1736;  Edw. 
Aug.  25,  1738;  and  Reliance  1740  who  m.  Freeman. 

'  This  canal  was  a  small  affair,  perhaps  hardly  worthy  of  mention. 

-  Some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  great  proportion  of  sea-captains  in  this 
town,  by  the  constitution  of  this  and  other  committees.  There  is  said  to 
be  a  greater  proportion  of  commanders  of  vessels  here  than  in  any  other 
town  of  its  population. 

^  Whether  the  Lincolns  of  this  town  are  of  the  same   lineage  with  the 


ANNALS    OF   BREWSTER.  751 

In  1814,  Feb.  7,  resolutions  were  adopted  in  relation 
to  "  the  perilous  times  and  the  late  embargo  law  • " 
and  a  com.  consisting  of  Maj.  Elisha  Cobb,  Capt.  Thos. 
Seabury,  and  Doct.  Jos.  Sampson,  was  chosen  to  draft 
a  memorial  to  the  legislature.  "A  com.  of  safety, 
seven  in  number,"  was  app.,  July  29,  "for  the  purpose 
of  expediting  any  communication  that  may  be  found 
necessary,  to  the  different  parts  of  the  town  and  else- 
where, under  the  alarming  crisis  of  our  public  affairs." 
It  was  also  "  voted  to  petition  the  Postmaster  General, 
praying  him  to  fix  the  day  of  the  week  and  the 
hour  of  the  day  in  which  the  post-rider  shall  arrive  at 
the  town  of  Brewster  on  his  way  down  the  Cape,  and 
also  on  his  return ;  and  that  the  com.  of  safety  attend 
to  this  matter." 

"At  a  town-meeting  held,  Sept.  18,  on  Sunday,  at 
10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  in  the  meeting-house,  on  the  very 
sudden  and  urgent  occasion  that  had  arisen,  —  for  the 
purpose  of  deliberating  and  consulting  what  measures 
are  best  to  be  taken  in  reference  to  the  demand  of 
$4,000  made  upon  this  town  by  Commodore  Ragget, 
commander  of  the  British  ship  Spencer,  now  in  the 
Bay ;  Elijah  Cobb  Esq.  was  chosen  moderator,  and 
Rev.  Mr.  Simpkins  was  called  upon  to  invoke  the  Di- 
vine blessing  and  direction  in  prayer.  The  com.  of 
safety  then  related  the  conversation  they  had  on  board 


family  early  in  Barnstable,  we  are  unable  to  say.  Mr.  Thomas  Lincoln, 
b.  Dec.  26,  1652,  s.  of  Thos.  who  d.  in  Hing.  Aug.  16,  1692,  says  Mr. 
Savage,  m.  Sarah  Snow,  Jan.  6,  1680,  (Mr.  Savage  says,  m.  Sarah  Lewis 
dr.  of  James  of  Be.,?)  and  had  Sarah  Oct.  21,  1685  ;  Susanna  Sept.  19, 
1688;  Thos.  Aug.  30,  1692,  d.  inf.;  Ebenezer  Ap.  9,  1694:  and  Mary. 
Jonathan,  of  Harwich,  m.  Hannah  Clark  Ap.  26,  1711.  Issue:  John 
Mar.  6,  1711-12;  Benj.  Jan.  23,  1713-14;  Clark  Feb.  7,  1715-16  ;  Hannah 
1718  who  m.  Berry ;  and  Sarah  1 720  who  m.  Foster.  Thomas  had,  by  wire 
Eachei,  Marg't.  1712;  Thankful  1716;  and  Elisa.  1719.  Nathaniel  m. 
Hannah  Asten  Oct.  16,  1729,  and  had  Hannah  1730  who  m.  John  Chapman 
1747;  Mary  1731  ;  Phebe  1733;  Thos.  Nov.  10,  1735;  and  Sarah  1737. 
Thomas  m.  Phebe  Godfrey  of  C.  Nov.  23,  1758. 


752  ■  HISTORY    OF   BAENSTABLE    COUNTY. 

His  Majesty's  Ship  Spencer  with  the  commander  of 
said  ship :   Wliereiipon,  it  was  voted, 

"  1.  To  communicate  the  subject  of  the  letter  from  Cora.  Rag- 
get  addressed  to  this  town,  to  our  neighboring  towns  and  report. 

"2.  That  the  com.  for  this  purpose  consist  of  five,  namely,  Eli- 
jah Cobb  Esq.  to  go  to  Eastham  and  Orleans ;  Solomon  Freeman 
Esq  to  Chatham;  Capt.  Benj.  Berry,  to  Harwich;  Capt.  Thos. 
Seabury,  to  Dennis ;  and  Mr,  Kenelm  Winslow  and  Capt.  Free- 
man Foster,  to  Yarmouth  and  Barnstable. 

"  3.  That  the  committees  from  other  towns,  if  chosen,  assemble 
in  the  meeting-house  in  Brewster,  at  6  o'clock  this  evening. 

"4.  That  the  commander  of  Artillery  in  Brewster  engage 
horses  to  be  in  readiness  for  the  ordnance  ;  and  that  a  committee, 
one  from  each  school-district,  ascertain  promptly  how  many  over 
45  years  of  age  and  under  60,  including  others  exempts,  may  be 
found  who  will  join  the  artillei'y,  as  there  is  a  deficiency  in  said 
company. 

"  The  meeting  was  then  adjourned  to  5  o'clock,  p.  m. 

"  The  committees  returned  and  reported  '  that  the  town  of 
Brewster  can  make  no  dependence  on  any  of  our  neighbors  for 
assistance  in  our  alarming  and  distressed  situation." 

"  After  much  consultation  and  dehberation,  it  was 
voted  that  the  com.  of  safety  who  went  on  board  his 
B.  M.  Ship  Spencer,  go  again  this  night  and  make  the 
best  terms  possible  with  Com.  Ragget  as  respects  the 
$4,000  demanded ;  and  that  said  committee  be,  and 
are,  clothed  with  suf&cient  power  from  this  town,  to 
make  such  terms." 

This  last  vote  was  unsatisfactory  to  many;  and, 
after  much  anxious  debate,  was  reconsidered.  It  was 
then  "  voted  to  choose  a  com.  of  disinterested  persons 
from  out  of  town,  to  say  what  kind  of  property  shall 
be  taxed  for  the  contribution-money,  if  any  must  be 
paid  ;  said  com.  not  to  be  owners  of  salt-works,  and  to 
be  chosen  at  some  future  day."  Also  "  voted  that  the 
same  com.  that  went  on  board  the  ship  Spencer,  with 
the  addition  of  Capt.  Elkanah  Freeman,  go  on  board 


A2SfNALS    OF    BEEWSTER.  753 

as  soon  as  may  be,  and  make  the  best  terms  they  pos- 
sibly can."  The  meeting  then  adjourned  to  4  o'clock 
the  next  day. 

The  inhabitants  assembled  at  4  o'clock,  p.  m.,  Sept. 
19,  agreeably  to  adjournment,  Isaac  Clark  Esq.  mode- 
rator. The  com.  app.  to  go  on  board  the  Br.  ship,  hav- 
ing returned,  reported  "  that  after  they  arrived  on 
board  the  said  ship,  they  used  their  best  endeavors  to 
obtain  a  relinquishment  of  a  part  of  the  sum  demand- 
ed, but  could  not  obtain  the  abatement  of  a  dollar ; 
they  were,  therefore,  obliged  to  give  their  security  for 
the  sum  of  $4,000  in  specie,  to  be  paid  on  the  1st  day 
of  October  next."  Whereupon,  it  was  "  voted  that  the 
report  be  accepted,"  in  which  the  voices  were  nearly 
unanimous.  It  was  further  "  voted,  that  those  in  op- 
position be  noted,"  but  "  two  appearing  in  opposition, 
namely,  Capt.  Joseph  Snow  and  Mr.  Theodore  Berry." 
It  was  then  "  voted  that  a  com.  of  five  be  chosen  from 
among  our  own  townsmen  to  report  what  property 
shall  be  taxed  to  raise  the  $4,000 ;  and  Maj.  Elijah 
Cobb,  Mr.  David  Foster,  Solomon  Freeman  Esq.,  Mr. 
Joseph  Crocker,  and  Capt.  Freeman  Foster  were  ap- 
pointed ;  which  com.  reported  that  '^  the  contribution- 
money  shall  be  taxed  upon  the  salt-works,  buildings  of 
every  description,  and  vessels  owned  in  this  town  of 
every  description  frequenting,  or  lying  on,  the  shores ; " 
and  their  report  was  accepted.  It  was  then  "  voted  to 
hire  the  money,  until  it  can  be  assessed  and  collected  ; " 
"voted  that  the  thanks  of  the  town  be  given  to  the 
committee  for  their  perseverance  and  attention  in 
bringing  about  an  accommodation  with  the  Br.  Com- 
modore for  the  safety  and  protection  of  the  town  and 
property  in  it ;"  and  "  voted  that  should  any  persons 

VOL.   II.  95 


754  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

belonging  to  Harwich  and  owning  here/  pay  their  part 
of  the  contribution-money,  and  should  a  like  demand 
be  made  on  the  town  of  Harwich  and  paid,  their  money 
shall  be  returned." 

The  day  before  the  term  of  grace  expired,  the 
$4,000  was  paid,  and  the  following  acknowledgment 
returned:  — 

"  These  are  to  certify  all  whom  it  may  concern : 

"  That  the  Inhabitants  and  Proprietors  of  the  Salt  Works  at 
Brewster  have  come  forward  with  a  contribution  to  prevent  the 
destruction  of  their  salt-works  and  town  ;  And  I  do  hereby  ac- 
knowledge to  have  received  the  same  as  a  contribution ;  And  I 
do  also  guarantee  the  safety  of  the  said  salt-works  and  town  at 
Brewster  during  the  present  war: — Provided^  the  ground  on 
which  the  said  salt-works  and  town  are  erected  shall  continue 
private  property  and  not  be  occupied  by  the  Government  of  the 
Country  as  a  public  work ;  the  said  contribution  being  $4000. 

"  Given  under  my  hand  on  board  His  Britannic  Majesty's  Shij) 
Spencer,  Cape  Cod  Bay,  this  30th  day  of  September,  1814. 
[Seal.]  Signed,         Richard  Raggett,  Captain. 

Isaac  Clark  Esq.,  Capt.  Elkanah  Freeman,  and  Thos. 
Seabury  Esq.,  were  app.  a  com.,  Sept.  20,  to  represent 
the  town  in  county  convention. 

It  having  become  necessary,  on  account  of  the  ille- 
gality of  proceedings  at  the  several  meetings  held,  con- 
sequent upon  the  demands  made  by  the  Br.  ship  of 
war,  said  meetings  having  been  convened  without  due 
notice,  to  apply  to  the  Gen.  Court  for  an  Act  making 
the  proceedings  valid,  a  petition  to  this  effect  was  pre- 
sented Oct.  7,  and  "  a  resolve  confirmatory  "  of  the  do- 

^  We  see  here  one  instance  of  the  peculiar  embarrassments  attending 
municipal  transactions,  by  reason  of  that  singular  feature  in  the  Act  of 
incorporation.  There  were  residing  here  in  the  very  heart  of  the  town, 
owners  of  houses,  salt-works,  and  vessels,  the  safety  of  whose  property  was 
secured  by  the  contribution-money  paid,  who  with  their  estates  belonged  in 
Harwich  and  might  not  be  taxed  in  Brewster,  or  in  any  wise  made  responsi- 
ble by  the  town's  doings,  however  much  they  inured  to  the  individual 
benefit  of  singularly-circumstanced  fragments  of  the  former  town  scattered 
among  the  territory  of  the  latter.  No  part  of  the  contribution-money  was 
paid  by  Harwich  men. 


ANNALS    OF   BREWSTER.  755 

ings  of  the  inhabitants  was  passed  Oct.  26,  and  the 
following  day  was  approved  by  the  governor;  and 
Oct.  26,  it  was  thought  proper,  on  account  of  "  the  pe- 
culiar position  of  the  town,  the  destruction  of  its  busi- 
ness, and  its  being  left  unprotected  by  government,  to 
petition  for  exemption  from  direct  taxes."  The  neces- 
sity which  had  been  imposed  upon  the  inhabitants,  of 
capitulating  for  their  safety,  was  strenuously  urged, 

Mr.  Benjamin  Bangs  died  this  year,  March  9,  se.  56  ;  ^ 
and  Mr.  David  H.  Crosby  d.  June  21. 

In  1815,  May  8,  it  was  "  voted  to  petition  the  legislature  to  re- 
fund to  the  town  $4,000  paid  to  Rd.  Ragget  Esq.  as  a  contribu- 
tion."    It  is  understood  that  no  relief  was  obtained. 

Doct.  William  Fessenpen  died,  June  17.^ 

In  1816,  Feb.  5,  the  project  of  building,  in  conjunction  with 
neighboring  towns,  accommodations  for  the  poor,  was  agitated. 
A  com.  was  app.  "  to  confer  with  all  the  towns  from  Yarmouth 
to  Provincetown  respecting  a  county  poor-house."  The  usual 
sum  of  1200  was  appropriated  for  schools  ;  and  a  subscription  was 
ordered  "  for  the  objects  of  the  Massachusetts  Gen.  Hospital  So- 
ciety, agreeably  to  a  communication  made  by  said  society."  The 
alewife  fishery  received  its  annual  share  of  attention,  an  agent 
being  app.  "  to  take  care  of  the  town's  right  to  it."  ^ 

In  1817,  the  town  jDctitioned  the  Postmaster  General  for  a 
semi-weekly  mail. 

In  1818,  the  town  "resolved,  since  the  project  of  a  county 
poor-house  has  failed,  to  build  in  union  with  Harwich." 

In  consequence  of  the  provision  of  Sec.  ii.  of  the  Act  of  Inc., 


^  Mr.  Benj.  Bangs,  b.  July  24,  1758,  was  father  of  Benj.,  an  eminent 
merchant  who  d.  in  Boston,  1860. 

^Doct.  Fessenden  m.  Pede  Freeman,  dr.  Seth,  1797,  who  d.  Dee.  9, 
1812.  They  had  Geo.  Nov.  1,  1798  who  was  lost  at  sea  Jan.  26,  1820; 
Betsy  1800  ;  Evelina  1802  who  m.  Watson  Freeman  Esq. ;  Lucy  1804  ;  and 
Hannah  1808.  The  father  of  Doct.  F.,  was  of  the  same  name,  b.  Sept.  5, 
1732,  s.  of  Benj.  of  S.  See  Vol.  I.  651-3.  Doct.  Fessenden  Sr.  m. 
Mehit.  Freeman,  dr.  Benj.  of  H.,  Feb.  24,  1756  who  d.  1808.  He  d.  Nov. 
5,  1802.  Issue  :  Wm.,  Thos.,  Benj.,  Isaac,  Mehit.,  Nabby,  Lucy,  Betsy,  and 
Hannah. 

^  This  fishery,  in  Stoney  Brook,  is  less  productive  than  formerl}^  Fish 
weirs  constructed  on  the  flats  making  from  the  shore  of  this  and  neighbor- 
ing towns  nov/  afford  large  quantities  of  alewives,  blue-fish,  and,  in  fact, 
most  of  the  varieties  found  in  the  Bay. 


756  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE   COUNTY. 

difficulties  often  occurred ;  and  a  statement  was  mutually  agreed 
upon  by  commissioners  of  the  two  towns  of  Harwich  and  Brews- 
tei',  and  was  referred  to  the  honorable  the  Justices  of  the  Circuit 
Court  of  Cora.  Pleas.  A  decision  was  made,  Sept.  3,  by  Judges 
Adams  and  Mitchell ;  but  as  it  related  only  to  the  particular  case 
submitted,  the  result  was  of  little  value,  —  the  act  providing  that 
certain  remonstrants  have  liberty  to-  remain  associated  with  the 
town  of  Harwich,  although  residing  within  the  bounds  of  Brews- 
ter, vexed  questions,  with  varying  circumstances,  were  constantly 
arising. 

Mr.  John  Winslow  Sr.  died  this  year,  Jan.  19.  Mr.  Isaac 
Claek  Sr.  d.  Feb.  11,  1819 ;  ^  and  Mr.  David  Nickeeson  Sr.,  at 
sea,  Feb.  27.^ 

In  1820,  we  find  a  com.  app.  by  the  town  "to  keep  the  meet- 
ing-house clear  of  dogs,  and  to  kill  them  if  their  owners  will  not 

^  We  have  in  preceding  pp.. made  a  note  of  the  earliest  families  of  this 
name,  and  may  further  remark  that  Mr.  Edmund  Clark  was  in  Sandwich 
liable  to  bear  arms  1643.  Lt.  Thomas,  of  H.  now  W.  Brewster,  b.  about 
1671,  constable  1699,  selectman  1707-10,  representative  1713  many  years, 
d.  Nov.  18,  1759.  By  his  w.  Sarah  he  had  Thos. ;  Sarah;  Roland  IIM;  j }o^ 
Susanna;  Thankful;  Seth  May  9,  1709;  Isaac  Aug.  18,  1710;  and  Con- 
tent 1712.  He  m.  2d,  Patience  Hall  Dec.  14,  1743.  Thomas  Jr.  m. 
PriscIUa  Paddock  Feb.  22,  1 721-2,  and  had  Eben.  Dec.  7,  1 725  ;  Sarah  1 728 ; 
Thankful  1730;  Ehsa.  1732;  Thos.  Ap.  10,  1735;  Content  1737;  and 
Josiah  Feb.  10,  1738-9.  Eoland,  b.  1703,  m.  Lydia  Dillingham  Nov.  15, 
1724,  and  had  Elisa.  1725;  Edw.  1728;  Lydia  1730;  Susanna  1732; 
Roland  1734;  Phebel736;  Rebecca  1738;  Isaac  Ap.  27, 1741  ;  Dilhngham 
July  26,  1743  ;  and  Jona.  Oct.  15,  1746.  SETH,b.  1709,  ni.  Hiildah  Doane 
of  E.,  and  had  Reliance  June  14,  1728;  Hannahl730;  Isaac  Oct.  12,  1732  ; 
Kimbal  July  20,  1734,  who  d.  Nov.  20,  1801,  33.  86  ;  Seth  Sejit.  13,  1736 ; 
and  Huldah  1738.  Isaac  m.  Kezia  Freeman  Oct.  24,  17C4,  and  had  sous 
Dillingham  and  Isaac,  and  drs.  Scotto  had  by  Mary,  his  wife,  Andrew 
Dec.  1, 1707;  Scotto  Nov.  8,  1709;  Mary  Ap.  7,  1712,  who  m.  Edm.  Free- 
man Jr.  Oct.  7,  1731;  Joseph  Jan.  8,  1714-15;  Ben].,  twin  to  Joseph,  who 
m.  Mehlt.  Crosby  Feb.  22,  1738-9;  Lydia  1717;  Nath'l.  June  19,  1719; 
Sarah  1721  who  m.  Jona.  Cobb  1 738  ;  Eben.  June  2,  1723  ;  and  Seth  June 
19,  1726.  Andrew,  b.  1707,  m.  Bethia'  Hall  Aug.  20,  1729,  and  had 
Content  1730;  David  1732;  Eben.  1734;  and  Bethia  1739.  Scotto  Jr. 
m.  Thankful  Crosby  Mar.  22,  1 732-3, and  had  Elisha  May  14,  1 734  ;  Reuben 
Aug.  1,  1735;  TuUy  Nov.  30,  1736;  Mark  May  3,  1738;  Wm.  Jan.  14, 
1740;  Mercyl741;  Barns.  Mar.  9, 1 743  ;  and  Scotto^Sept.  1745.  Nathan- 
iel m.  Mary  North  of  Be.,  Oct.  26,  1739.  Reuben,  b.  1735,  m.  Jerusha  -^ 
Freeman,  dr.  Hatsuld,  May  6,  1764,  and  had  Abigail  1769  who  m.  Sol. 
Freeman  Esq.  about  1793.  Nathaniel  m.  Abigail  Hedge  of  Y.  Ap.  27, 
1720,  who  d.  Oct.  17,  1732.  He  perhaps  m.  2d.  Had  Barn.  Feb.  10, 
1722-3;  Elisha  Ap.  24,  1724,  d.  inf  ;  Eh'sha  May  22,  1725;  Abigl.  1726, 
m.  Joseph  Sears ;  and  Isaac  May  15,  1731.  Nathaniel  m.  Lydia  Free- 
man Sept.  22,  1743;  and  had  Elisa.,  Winifred,  Lydia,  Soh,  Enoch,  Thacher, 
and  Mary. 

"  Mr.  David  Nickerson  was  father  of  Joseph,  now  of  Boston. 


ANNALS    OF   BREWSTER.  757 

keep  them  out;"  also  a  com.  "to  take  care  of  boys  and  keep 
them  still  in  time  of  meetings ; "  and,  for  the  performance  of 
each  duty,  a  compensation  of  |3  was  voted. 

The  question  of  a  Convention  for  revising  the  State  Constitu- 
tion, came  before  the  town,  Aug.  20,  and  14  votes  were  recorded 
for  the  measure,  and  3  against  it.  Gen.  Elijah  Cobb  was  chosen 
delegate  to  that  convention,  Oct.  16. 

Hon.  SoLOMO]sr  Freeman  died  Nov.  9,  ae.  50.^ 

In  1821,  for  the  first  time,  the  amount  of  school-money  was  in- 
creased ;  the  sum  appropriated  was  $231,68,  and  continued  the 
same  for  several  years. 

Mr.  Stlvanus  Lincoln  died  this  year,  Aug.  17 ;  ^  Mr.  Asa 
Mayo  Sr.  d.  Dec.  24,  1823,  se.  68.^    Mr.  Goeham  L.  Freeman, 


^  The  branch  from  which  the  lineage  of  this  family  runs  is  that  of  Maj- 
John  Freeman,  son  of  Edmtind  1st.  of  S.,  through  William,  b.  1663  who 
m.  Lydia  and  d.  1687,  ae.  24.  He  had  William  1686,  who  m.  Mercy 
Pepper  Oct.  16,  1711,  and  d.  Mar.  13,  1772  se.  86.  Issue:  Mercy  Mar.  6, 
1712-13,  d.  inf  ;  Apphia,  d.  inf.;  Wm.  May  12,  1715;  DanierDe'c.  30, 
1717;  Mercy  Feb.  19,  1719-20,  who  ra.  Job  Crocker  who  was  father  of  Mrs. 
(Judge)  John  Davis  of  Be.  and  d.  1803 ;  Apphia  Mar.  12,  1721-2,  who  m. 
Eben.  Mayo  Jan.  20,  1742  and  d.  1773  ;  Isaac  Dec.  22,  1724,  whose  w.  was 
Ruth;  Jonathan  1728;  Lydia  Feb.  7,  1730-1,  d.  inf. ;  Solomon  Jan.  30, 
1732-3  ;  and  Simeon  Sept.  28,  1735.  Hon.  Solomon,  b.  1733,  m.  Mercy 
Foster,  dr.  Dea.  Chillingsworth,  Dec.  30,  1756,  who  d.  May  4,  1760,  and  2d, 
Desire  Doane,  dr.  Joseph,  Oct.  22, 1 761,  who  d.  Nov.  20, 1807,  te.  79.  He  d. 
Mar.  8,  1808,  aj.  75,  a  noted  citizen,  selectman,  representative,  senator  20 
yrs.,  and  judge  Ct.  Com.  Pleas.  Is.sue :  Isaac  1 762.  d.  y. ;  Sol.,  d.  Inf. ;  Mercy 
Aug.  15,  1765,  who  m.  Wm.  Crosby  and  d.  Mar.  5,  1824,  £8.59;  William* 
Jan.  10,  1768,  who  m.  Ellsa.  Sparrow  Jan.  5,  1789,  and  removed  to  Sandis- 
fiekl;  Solomon  May  22,  1770;  and  Desii-e  June  5,  1774,  whom.  Benj. 
Foster.  Hon.  Solomon,  b.  1770,  m.  Abltrail  Clark,  dr.  Reuben,  who  d. 
Mar.  3,  1851,  33.  82.  He  d.  Nov.  9,  1820.  Issue:  William  Nov.  13,  1794; 
Jona.  Aug.  20,  1796,  who  m.  Mary  "WInslovv,  and  2d,  Julia  Kendrick,  and 
d.  1832,  greatly  esteemed.  Thankful  Mar.  21,  1798,  who  m.  Thos.  Dalton 
1822,  and  d.  In  St.  Domingo  1840  ;  Solomon  Feb.  17,  1800  who  m.  Huldah  ' 
Crosby,  dr.  Seth,  1824  ;  Abigail  Dec.  24,  1803,  who  m.  Eliiah  KnoAvles  Dec. 
28,  18^25;  Hannah  June  15,''l806,  who  m.  Isaac  Doane  of  O.  May  7,  1829, 
and  d.  June  14,1835;  Jerusha  Aug.  19,  1808,  who  m.  J.  G.  Ward  of 
Provlncetown  and  d.  1849  ;  Varnum  Feb.  5.  1812,  who  d.  at  sea,  1842,  a 
shipmaster  of  N.  York  ;  and  Henry  Nov.  30, 1817,  who  m,  Mary  Bangs  and 
set.  In  Middletown,  N.  Y., principal  of  WallklU  Academy.  The  father  was 
an  estimable  citizen,  filled  many  Important  stations,  and  was  senator  at  the 
time  of  his  decease. 

^  Mr.  Sylvanus  Lincoln  was  father  of  the  present  Mr.  Warren  Lin- 
coln. 

^  See  Annals  of  Eastham.  Mr.  John  Mayo,  b.  1652,  resided  in  Hlng. 
1681-1704,  and  then  came  here,  and  was  many  yrs.  representative.  He 
m.  Hannah  Freeman,  dr.  Maj.  Jno.  of  E.,  Ap.  14,  1681  who  d.  1726,  and 
had  Hannah  Jan.  8,  1682,  who  m.  Judah  Hopkins  Sr.  May  12,  1720  ;  John 
1683;  Sam.  July  16,  1684;  Mercy  Ap.  23,  1688  who  m.  Nath.  Hopkins 
May  26,  1707;  Rebecca  1690,  whom.  Eben.  Paine  Aug.  12,  1714;  Mary 


758  HISTORY    OF    B.VENSTABLE    COUNTY. 

formerly  of  this  town,  died  the  following  year  in  Nice,  Italy,  a\ 
33.1 

111  1824,  a  Universalist  Society  was  gathered  here. 

Ill  1825,  Dec.  23,  a  Baptist  Society  was  organized, 
and  Rev.  Otis  Wing  was  its  first  minister.  The  suc- 
cessions have  been  numerous. 

Thomas  Mato  Sr.  Esq.  died  Aug.  1,  ve.  72 ;  Mr.  Lot  Gray  Sr. 
d.  Mar.  7  ;  -  and  Mr.  Seth  FeeemajST  Sr.,  June  12.^ 


Oct.  26,  1694,  who  m.  Joseph  Hopkins  Ap.  17,  1712;  and  Elisa.  July  16, 
1706,  who  ui.  Ebeu.  Nickerson  Oct.  18,  1726.  Dea.  Joseph,  b.  1696,  and 
d.  17  72,  m.  Abigl.  Merrick  Feb.  20,  1717-18,  and  had  sons  Joseph  1718;, 
Moses  1721 ;  Tbos.  1725  ;  Isaiah  1733  ;  andNath.  1736.  Joseph,  b.  1718, 
m.  Sarah  Cobb  1 741.  Moses,  b.  1 721,  m.  Phebe  Freeman  1  742.  Thojias 
b.  1725,  m.  Elisa.  Wing  1752,  and  had  Thos.  1753  whom.  Hannah  Atwood-, 
1785  and  d.  Ang.  1,  1825;  Asa  1755  ;  Ebeu.  1757,  who  m.  Sarah  Burgess 
1779  ;  Isaiah  1758,  who  m.  Hannah  Cahoon  1781;  and  Elnathan  1762,  who 
m.  Pqjience  Lincoln  1 786.  He  was  some  time  a  prisoner  on  board  the 
noted  snip  Jersey  at  N.  Y.,  was  discharged  sick,  and  d.  on  his  way  liome,  at 
Newport.  17  76.  AsA,  b.  1755,  m.  Sally  Seabury  1778,  and  had  John  17  79, 
who  m.  Lvdia  Laha  1804;  Jeremiah  1786,  the  present  Gen.  Mayo  of  Br., 
who  m.  Sarah  Crosby  1809,  and  2d.  Mary  P.  Clark  1824  ;  Benj.  i79l,  who 
m.  Hannah  Gray;  Josiah  1795,  who  m.  Desire  Harding;  and  David  1700, 
who  m.  Hannah  Snow,  and  2d,  Eliza  Harding.  It  would  require  more 
space  than  we  can  spare  to  mention  all  the  branches  of  the  numerous  family 
of  Mayo's;  but  we  may  say  further,  that  William,  b.  1654,  s.  of  John  who 
d.  1706,  died  1691  leaving  drs.  Thankful  and  Mercy.  James,  b.  1656,  and 
d.  1708,  m.  twice  and  had  6  s.  and  1  dr.  Samuel,  b.  1658,  d.  about  1732, 
and  had,  by  w.  Sai-ah,  4  drs.  Daniel,  b.  1664,  d.  about  1715.  and  left  2  s. 
and  5  drs.  Nathakiel,  b.  1667,  and  d.  1716,  had  a  large  family.  Thomas, 
b.  1672,  leti:  a  family.  John,  b.  1683,  s.  of  John  by  w.  Hannah  Freeman, 
m.  Susanna  Freeman  1712,  and  had  Rebecca  Oct.  10,  1713  who  m.  Josh. 
Sears  1732  ;  Susanna  1715  ;  Sam.  1717  ;  John  1719  ;  Mercy  1722;  Prince 
1 723  ;  Ben].  1 725  ;  Hannah  1727;  and  Mary  1 730.  Samuel,  b.  1684,  had, 
by  w.  Abigl.,  Rebecca  1714  ;  Sam.  1716  ;  Thos.  1718  ;  Phebe  1721 ;  Abigl. 
1723 ;  Behance  1725,  whom.  Lem.  Eldridge  of  Y.  1745  ;  Sarah  1727  ;  and 
Lois  1731,  who  m.  Barn.  Howes  of  Y.  1749. 

^Mr.  Gorham  L.  Freeman,  b.  Aug.  9.  1791,  s.  of  Prince  who  m. 
Abigail  Lovell,  was  of  the  firm  of  Freeman,  Cobb,  &  Co.  of  Boston.  His 
elder  bro.  Prince,  b.  July  7,  1799,  m.  Phebe  Crosby,  dr.  Seth,  and  was  the 
father  of  Henry  Prince  1807,  now  of  N.  York. 

^Mr.  Lot  Gray,  of  II.,  m.  Zervia  Harding  of  C,  May  29,  1777.  Lot 
m.  Bethia  Paddock  Oct.  1718.  who  d.  Oct  16";  1728,  and' 2d,  Jane  Oris  of 
Be.  1720,  and  had  John  July  27,  1719;  Lydia  1721;  Mary  1725;  Mehit. 
1727  ;  and  Nath.  Oct.  5,  1733.  William  m.  Deborah  Sears  Oct.  8,  1719, 
and  had  Wm.  Feb.  13, 1730-1 ;  Rebecca  1733,  who  m.  Jabez  Berry  1744  ; 
Thankful  1725;  Sarah  1726;  Thos.  Nov.  19,  1728;  Anna  1730;  Mary 
1732;  and  Deborah  1734.  Edward  m.  Hannah  Godfrey  July  3,  1727. 
Thomas  m.  Rachel  Freeman  Oct.  2,  1729,  and  had  Susanna  1732  ;  Betty 
1734  ;  Joshua  Sept.  18,  1738;  Hannah  1739;  Sarah  1741  ;  Rachel  1744'; 
Mehit.  1747;  and  jMary   1749, 

'■"AL-.  Nathaniel  Freeman,  b.  Mar.  17,  1683,  s.  of  John  who  m.  Sarah 


» 


ANNALS    OF   BREWSTER.  '  759 

In  1826,  the  appropriation  for  common  schools  was  $300. 

In  1828,  the  Universalists  erected  a  meeting-house. 
The  society  has,  from  its  organization,  had  a  succession 
of  suppHes  too  numerous  to  mention. 

Maj.  Nathaniel  Freeman  died  this  year,  Jan.  23,  ae.  88 ;  ^  also 
Col.  Jonathan  Snow,  Mar.  3.^ 


Merrick,  and  gr.  s.  of  Dea.  Jno.,  m.  Mary  Watson,  dr.  Elkanah  of  Ply., 
Oct.  24,  1706,  and  had  a  dr.  July  7,  1711,  d.  inf ;  Prince  July  22,  1712; 
Mary  1714,  who  m.  Benj.  Doane  Feb.  17,  1739-40;  Lemuel  Ap.  18,  1717; 
and  Nath.  Oct.  14,  1719,  d.  inf  Lemuel  m.  Desire  Sears,  and  had  sons 
Lemuel  Sept.  22,  1746,  whom.  Polly  Doane,  andd.  Feb.  2,  1825  ;  Seth  Jr.  ; 
Serenius  who  m.  Thankful  Plopkins  May  -30,  1781;  and  Isaac  Aug.  28, 
17.59,  who  m.  Jane  Clark,  dr.  Edw.,  Nov.  28,  1779,  and  d.  Jan.  12,  1823. 
Seth  m.  Temp.  Bangs  Oct.  14,  177.3,  and  had  Temp.  Nov.  8,  177.5,  who  m. 
Pteuben  Clark  1797,  and  2d.  Henry  Hall;  Pede  Mar.  5,  1777,  whom.-Doct. 
Wm.Fessenden  1797  ;  Jerusha  Jan.  20,  1779,  who  m.  Sol.  Davis  .July  29, 
1804,  and  2d.  John  Baker;  Seth  Jr.  Mar.  24,  1781,  who  m.  Thankful 
Foster  May  6,  1804,  who  d.  Dec.  20,  1816,  2d.  Sophia  Wing  of  Pvoch.  Oct. 
1,  1818,  who  d.  May  26,  1842,  and  .3d.  Dolly  P.  Handy  of  Roch. ;  Solomon 
Feb.  22,  1783  ;  Benj.  Feb.  14,  1787;  and  Barnard  .Jan.  2,  179.5,  who  m. 
Mehnda  Doane  of  6.,  Ap.  10,  1823.  ^ 

^Maj.  Freeman,  b.  Jan.  1,  1738,  s.  of  Prince,  of  the  lineage  of  Jno.,  s. 
of  Maj.  Jno.,  m.  Reliance  Stone,  rb.  Nath.,  who  d.  May  15,  1833,  se.  92, 
and  was  father  of  Nath.  of  New  York  and  of  Rowland,  who  d.  Ap.  3,  1821. 
Maj.  F.  was  a  noted  citizen. 

^The  descendants  of  Mr.  Nicholas  Snow  1st  are  like  snow-flakes  for 
multitude,  and  found  in  most  of  the  Cape  towns,  as  also  scattered  abroad. 
Nicholas,  b.  16G3,  s.  of  Mark,  and  gr.  s.  of  Nicholas  1st.  was  proprietors' 
clerk  of  Harwich,  and  m.  Lvdia  Snow  Ap.  4,  1689.  Issue:  Jon.  Jan.  30,  ' 
1691-2  ;  Mark  Ap.  3,  1695;  NatL„Oct.  16,  16BJ;.Josh.  Aug.  18,  1700; 
Thankful  1702  ;  Sarah  1704  ;  Phebe"l705  ;  and  Prince  Dec.  26, 1707.  Lt. 
PpaNCE,  b.  1674,  s.  of  Mark,  was  12  yrs.  selectman  of  H.,  and  d.  July  7, 
1742.  By  his  w.  Hannah,  he  had  Jabez  Nov.  16,  1699  ;  Hannah  1701; 
Sam.  Dec.  16,1 703,  who  d.  1 730  ;  Mercy  Novjii,  1 705,  w-ho  m.  Dan.  Sears  ; 
Prince  Oct.  26,  1707  ;  .Jona.  Dec.  22, 1709-f  David,  twin  toJona. ;  andMarj^^ 
•1712.  Jabez,  b.  1699,  s.  of  Prince,  was  selectman  28  yrs.  He  had,  by  ' 
his  w.  EHsa.,  sons  Jabez,  who  m.  Lois  Freeman  Nov.  10,  1748;  Mark  Oct. 
13,1727;  and  Sam.  Jan.  31,  1735-6;  also  drs.  Jabez,  s.  of  Jabez,  m. 
Lois  Freeman  Nov.  10,  1748,  and  had  Sarah  and  Edmund.  Prince  2d.,  b., 
1707,  had  by  w.  .Jane,  Prince  3d.  1738,  and  d.  1740.  Jonathan,  prob.  b. 
1692,  s.  of  Nicholas,  s.  of  Mark,  m.  Thankful  Freeman,  dr.  Edm.,  Oct.  16, 
1718,  and  had  Isaac  Feb.  14,  1719-20.  The  families  are  so  numerous  that 
we  will  not  undertake  to  define  the  exact  Hneal  descent  of  all ;  but  furnish 
some  additional  data  which  may  aid  inquiry:  Edward,  of  E.,  who  d.  Oct. 
17,  1707,  m.  Sarah  Freeman,  dr.  Jno.,  and  had  Thos.,  Jabez,  Rebecca,  and 
Martha,  and  was  selectman  of  H.  1713-14.  Samuel  m.  Elisa.  Freeman 
Oct.  12,  1734,  and  had  a  large  family,  of  whom  were  sons  Sam.,  Treat, 
Joseph,  and  Sparrow.  John,  selectman  1743,  7  yrs,  and  d.  Feb.  15,  1766, 
m.  Hannah  Myrick  Oct.  13, 1721,  had  sons  Enos  1727  ;  Jona.  1730  ;  Gideon 
1736;  Wm.  1738;  EU  1740;  and  David  1742;  also  drs.  Jonathan  m. 
Sarah  Bangs  Feb.  24,  1736-7,  and  had  David  Mar.  10,  1739-40;  Mary 
1742;  Mehit.  1744;  Jona.  May  4,  1747  who  was  a  selectman  3  yrs ;  and 


/bU  mSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1829,  Jan,  3,  Mr.  James  Crosby  Sr.  died  ;  Mr.  Nathaistiel 
LiKCOLis- Sr.,  Jan.  9  ;  also  Mi\  Isaac  LiNCOLisr  Sr.,  May  4.  Mr. 
Solomon  Claek  Sr.  d.  in  1830,  Jan.  11. 

In  1831,  the  ajDpropriation  for  town  schools  was  |400.  The 
Univeralist  Church  was  organized  this  year. 

Rev.  John  Simpkins,  who  had  been  minister  of  the 
Congregational  Society,  from  October  19,  1791,  was, 
at  his  especial  request,  induced  by  feeble  health,  dis- 
missed from  his  pastoral  relation.-^ 

In  1832,  Rev.  Samuel  Williams  was  ord.  Ap.  25,  as 
successor  of  Mr.  S.  in  the  pastorate.^ 

Lemuel.  Aaron  m.  Hannah  Gage  May  11,  1732,  and  had  Sarah  1733  ; 
Eben.  Jan.  5,  1734-5;  and  Phebe  1736.  Joseph  m.  Mary  Sears  Nov.  30, 
1738,  and  had  sons  Joseph,  Se^ot.  27,  1740  who  was  selectman  1779,  7  yrs., 
and  town-clerk  1785,  6  yrs.,  and  d.  Ap.  19,  1793;  Isaac  Dec.  21,  1741; 
Nathan  Nov.  11,  1743  ;  and  drs.  Jabez  Jr.,  who  was  selectman  of  E.,  2 
yrs.,  m.  Thankful  Baker  of  Y.,  and  had  Joseph  Oct.  6,  1732.  Nathaniel 
m.  Thankful  Gage,  and  had  sons  Edw.  1733;  Thos.  1735;  Nath.  1739; 
Seth  ;  and  ^jeuben  1748  who  was  selectman  and  town-clerk.  Seth,  s.  of 
Nath.  of  O.,  set.  m  N.  Bridgewater  1783.  Ebenezer  who  was  selectman 
1790-1,  m.  Anne  Crowell  of  C.  Feb.  13,  1772.  Dea.  Anthony^  of  Truro, 
b.  Feb.  13,  1745,  and  was  town-clerk  and  treasurer  1799  to  1816,  ni.  Tam- 
son  Hardin s,  dr.  Lot,  and  had  sons  Anthony  Dec.  15,  1772;  Isaac  May 
14,  1775  ;  Jesse  Mar.  12,  1780  ;  and  Michael  Aug.  6,  1791 ;  and  daughters. 
Michael,  of  Truro,  m.  Jane  Lombard,  dr.  Lewis,  and  had  Michael  of  N. 
York. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Simpkins,  b.  1768,  son  of  Dea.  John  of  Boston,  grad.  H.  C. 
1786,  continued  his  ministry  here  40  yrs.  After  resigning  the  pastoral 
office,  he  made  this  his  home,  but  d.  in  Boston,  Feb.  28,  1843,  ae.  75.  His 
wife  was  Olive  Stone,  dr.  of  Nath.  Esq.  of  this  town,  who  was  some  time 
high  sheriff  by  appointment  fi-om  the  Crown,  and  gr.  dr.  of  Rev.  Nath.  the 
first  minister  of  H.  Mr.  Simpkins  had  children  :  Caroline  ;  Nath.  S.  who 
m.  Eliza  Thacher,  dr.  of  Henry  Esq.  of  Y. ;  John,  who  m..Abby  Harris,  dr. 
of  Isaac  of  Boston ;  Samuel ;  and  Elizabeth  who  m.  Geo.  P.  Bangs  of 
Boston.  Rev.  Mr.  Simpkins  was  greatly  respected  and  beloved.  On  occa- 
sion of  his  decease,  his  former  parishioners  assembled,  and  united  in  resolu- 
tions expressive  of  their  great  regard  for  their  "  departed  friend  who  for  40 
yrs.  labored  as  their  pastor  with  learning,  zeal,  and  fidelity,  and  who  ever 
afterward  evinced  a  fatherly  solicitude  for  the  welfare  and  interests  of  the 
parish. "  An  exemplar  of  purity  and  benevolence  ;  his  manners  exhibiting 
the  dignity  of  a  former  age  ;  his  preaching,  a  peculiar  chastity,  and  even 
elegance  of  style ;  the  impression  on  all  who  knew  him  was  not  to  be  easily 
effaced.  His  high  position  as  a  scholar  and  theologian  is  inferable  from  the 
fact  that  young  men  preparing  for  the  ministry  resorted  to  him  for  instruc- 
tion. We  find  on  the  church-records  the  following  :  "  Sept.  1808,  admitted 
to  full  communion,  after  baptizing  him,  PhineasFish;  also,  Seth  F.  Swift, 
both  of  Sandwich,  but  students  in  divinity  here. '  Again,  in  1811,  "  Dis- 
missed Mr.  Phineas  Fish  to  the  church  in  Marshpee  over  which  he  expects  to 
be  ordained  pastor." 

^Rev.  Mr.  Williams  was  from  Boston,  and  grad.  H.  C.  1824.     By  m. 


ANNALS    OF    BREWSTER.  761 

Mr.  Jonathan  Freeman  died,  July  25.  Mr.  William  Cros- 
by Sr.  died  in  1833,  also  Mr.  Kenelm  Winslow  Sr. ;  and,  in  1834, 
Mr.  "William  Ckosbt,  Jan.  2,  se.  68  ;  Mr.  Elk  an  ah  Freeman 
Sr.,  Oct.  2  ;  ^  and  Mr.  Hatch  Freeman,  formerly  of  this  town,  d. 
in  Barre,  Dec.  7.^ 

In  1835,  it  was  voted  to  build  a  Town-Hall,  for  town  meetings 
and  other  municipal  purposes. 

In  1836,  May  8,  Mr.  Nathan  Winslow  died  May  8,  je.  99. 
Mr.  Thomas  Seaburt  Sr.  d.  June  10,  1837. 

In  1838,  the  amount  raised  for  common  free  schools,  was  $450. 
Mr.  Nathan  Crosby  Sr.  died,  Jan.  28,  se.  70.^ 

with   Temperance  Mayo,  of  this  town,   he  had  Alice,  Temperance,  and 
Samuel. 

^Mr.,ELKANAH  Freeman,  b.  Mar.  31,  1727,  s.  of  Watson,  b.  1704,  the 
gr.  s.  of  Edmund  b.  1680,  the  gt.  gr.  s.  of  Thos.  b.  1653,  the  gt.  gt.  gr.  s. 
of  Maj.  John,  and  the  gt.  gt.  gt.  gr.  s.  of  Edmund  of  S.,  m.  Abigail  Mayo 
Oct.  11,  1750,  and  had  Christian,  d.  y. ;  Wm.,  d.  y. ;  Elkanah,  bap.  Mar. 
16,  1760  with  the  preceding  ;  Barnabas,  bap.  Nov.  22,  1764  ;  Abigail^  bap. 
July  31,  1 768  ;  and  Edmund.  He  d.  about  1777.  Elkanah,  s.  ofElkanah,. 
m.  Mary  Myrick  Oct.  25, 1785,  who  d.  a  widow  May  25,  1844,  se.  78.  Mr.* 
F.,  or  we  might  say  Capt.  F.,  commanded  a  privateer  in  the  war  of  1812, 
was  taken  prisoner  and  confined  in  Dartmoor  prison.  His  children  were  : 
Sarah  M.  July  28,  1788,  who  m.  Scotto  Clark  1808 ;  William  Dee.  2,  1789, 
who  was  bap.  in  1790  and  is  entered  on  the  church-records  as  "Billy  ;  " 
Abigail  Nov.  24,  1791,  ("bap."  say  the  church-records  "  Ap.  20,  1792,, 
Friday  morning,  in  private  at  the  request  of  her  parents,  by  reason  of 
apprehended  approaching  dissolution  ;"  and  yet  she  survived,  and)  m.  Edm, 
Mayo  Jr.  of  Brookfield  1819  ;  Pollv  Jan.  4, 1  794  ;  Elkanah  Mar.  23,  1795  ; 
Barna.  Dec.  27,  1796,  d.  Oct.  15,  1815;  Harriet  Jan.  2,  1799,  whom.  Edw/ 
D.  Winslow  1824  ;  Caroline  Feb.  3,  1801,  whom.  Blair  of  Warren  ;  Sophia, 
twin  to  Caroline;  Frederick  Dec.  10,  1803,  who  m.  A.  P.  Cobb,  dr.  Hon. 
Elijah  ;  and  Edmund  May  20.  1806,  who  m.  Mehtta  Morse,'  dr.  Calvin,  of 
Ware,  May  20,  1829.  William,  b.  1789,  m.  Elisa.  Shepherd  of  Walpole ; 
issue:  William  F.,  Mary  E.,  Geo.  A.,  Sarah  M.,  and  Bradford. 

^Mr.HATCHFREEMAN,  b.  1793,  s.  of  Haskell  b.  1761, s.  of  Dea.  Edmund, 
m.  Matilda  (Locke)  Nash  Dec.  7,  1823,  and  had  Geo.  E.  now  of  Boston, 
who  m.  Bethia  Kendrick  of  Long  Island  ;  Wm.  H.  ;  Mary  J.  ;  and  Caroline 
R. 

'''  The  impression  we  find  existing  that  the  ancestor  of  this  family  was  Tully 
and  that  he  came  from  England,  is,  we  think,  incorrect.  We  have  noticed, 
pp.  213  and  365,  the  ancestor,  namely,  Rev.  Thomas  Crosby,  s.  of  Simok 
of  Cambridge,  as  also  Joseph,  3d  son,  and  Eben'r,  7th  son  of  Rev.  Thos^ 
His  eldest  son,  Thomas,  b.  1663  in  E.,  has  been  supposed  to  be  Dea.  Thos., 
who  d.  1781.  The" 5d"s.  Simon,  b.  16G5,whod.  Jan.  19,  1718,  in  E.,  m.  Mary 
Nickerson  Aug.  27,  1691,  and  had  Sam'l.  July  11,  1692;  Elisa.  1693  who 
m.  Nathan 'I.Rogers  ;  Thos. ;  Nath'l.  ;  John,  bap.  1701  ;  Hannah,  bap.  1703  ; 
Dan.  1705;  Eben'r.;  Increase;  Sarah;  Mary;  Anne;  Mercy,  1717;  and 
Moses.  John,  b.  1672,  and  d.  May  25,  1714,  £e.  43,  in  H.,  had,  by  w. 
Hannah,  Thos.  3d,  Ap.  17,  1704;  Jona.  Nov.  2,1705;  John  Aug.  14,1707; 
David  Ap.  13,  1709  ;  Joshua  Aug.  4,  1712  ;  and  Abila  (son)  Dec.  3,  1714. 
William,  b.  1673,  m.  wid.  Mercy  Hinckley  Ap.  26,  1711,  and  had  Thank- 
ful 1714;  Tully  Jan.  11,  1715-16  ;  Mehit.  1718;  William  Jan.  13,  1719-20  . 
VOL.  II.  96 


l7A*h 


762  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1839,  the  appi'opriation  for  common  schools  was  increased 
to  $800.     Mr.  Joshua  Feeeman  Sr.  died  June  24. 

In  1842,  Benjamijst  Berry  Esq.  died,  Sept.  15 ;  Mr.  Joseph 
Smith  died,  Nov.  10  ;  ^  and  Mr.  Elkanah  Bangs,  Dec.  26.^ 


NathanMar.  20, 1722-3;  Seth  Jan.  15,  1724-5  ;  and  Huldah  1726.  Elea- 
zar,  b.  1680,  youngest  s.  of  Rev.  Thos.,  m.  Patience  Freeman,  dn  Jno»  of 
E^Oct.  24,  l"706,,.and  had  Zezia  1708;  Rebecca  1709.  who  m.  Eben. 
Hopkins;  Eleazar  July  5, 1711  ;  Sylv's.  Nov.  1  ""j  1712  ;  Pfie  be  1 7 1 4  ;  Sarah 
1716;  Isaac  Oct.  18,  1719;  Mary  1722;  Sarah  1726;  Pat.  1728;  and 
Eunice  1730.  Samuel,  b.  1692,  s.  of  Simon  of  E.,  had,  by  w.  Ruth, 
Susanna  1719;  Simeon  1722;  Ruth  1724;. ^Levi  1729;  Increase  1732; 
Thankful  1734;  and  Rebecca  1738.  Thomas',  b.  17XL4^,s.  of  Jno.,  m.  Elisa. 
Hopkins  Aug.  9,  1733,  and  had  BethiaT7347Thebe  1736  ;  Hannah  1739  ; 
Elisa.  1741  ;"Benj.  Aug.  9,  1744;  Jeremiah  Feb.  11,  1746;  Enoch  Dec. 
25,  1749;  and  Thos.  Feb.  3,  1752.  Joshua,  b.  1712,  s.  of  Jno.,  m.  Lydia 
Hopkins  Aug.  2,  1733,  and  had  Nathan  1734;  Reuben  1736;  Josh.  1737; 
Theoda  1739;  and  Elijahl742.  John,  b.  1707,  s.  of  John,  had,  by  w.  Mary, 
John  1735  ;  Hatsuld  1738  ;  and  Mary  1741.  David,  b.  1709,  s."  of  Jno.  m. 
Reliance  Hopkins  June  19,  1735,  and  had  David  1737;  Susanna  1740; 
Reliance  1742;  and  Abner  1744.  Jonathan,  prob.  b.  1705,  s.  of  Jno., 
had,  by  w.  Hannah,  Benj.  1734;  Jona.  1735,  d.  inf  ;  and  Jona.  1738.  Dan- 
iel, prob.  s.  of  Simon,  m.  Ruth  Cole  of  E.,  Aug.  28;  1731.  James,  lineage 
unknown,  of  H.,  m.  when  aged,  Mary  Freeman  who  was  b.  1738.  A 
Thomas  m.  Mary  Crosby  of  H.  Oct.  6,  1725.  An  Eleazar  m.  Hester 
Ryder  of  C.  1733.  Eleazar  Jr.,  b.  1711,  s.  of  Eleazar,  m.  Lydia  Crosby 
Oct.  20,  1735,  and  had  Eleazar  1736  ;  Keziah  1739  ;  Watson  1741  ;  Rebecca 
and  Isaac,  gem.,  1744:  Reuben  1747;  Lydia  1749;  and  Richard  1752. 
Thomas,  prob.  s.  of  Simon,  had,  by  w.  Experience,  Simon  1 724  ;  Elisa.  1 725 ; 
Mary  1727;  Hope  1730  ;  Peter  1733;  "Bm.  1736  ;  Ezra  1738.  Nathaniel, 
prob.  s.  of  Simon,  m.  Elisa.  Sears  17^7and  2d,  Esther  Young  1732,  and 
had  Moses  1727;  Nath.  1733;  Elisa.  1734;  Desire  1737;  Asenathl738; 
Isaiah  1744  ;  and  Philip  1747.  Tully,  b.  1716,  s.  of  Wm'.  and  Mercy,  m. 
Hannah  Hall  Feb.  22,  1738-9,  and  had  William.  William,  prob.b.  1720, 
s.  of  Wm.,  was  father  of  Josiah  b.  Mar.  5,  1 744  ;  and  Heman  1 747.  Josiah 
b.  1744,  m.  Betsy  Hopkins,  dr.  Steph.,  and  had  Wm.  1766,  and  Nathan  Oct. 
5,  1768.  William,  b.  1766,  m.  Mercy  Freeman,  dr.  of  Sol  Esq.,  and  d. 
Jan.  2,  1834.  They  had  Betsy  1792;  Jona.  F.  1794;  Ruth  F.  1798;  and 
Henry  1801.  Nathan,  b.  1768,  m.  Anna  Pinkham,  dr.  of  Theojshilus,  and 
had  Josiah  1792,  who  d.  1835  ;  Nathan  1793,  who  m.  Cath.  Nickerson,  dr.  of 
Ensign  of  C  ;  Elijah  C.  1796,  whod.  1819  ;  Rowland  F.  1799,  who  m.  Sally 
Nickerson;  Abigl.  1801,  whom.  Geo.  W.  Higgins;  Albert  1804;  Theoph. 
1806,  who  d.  at  Chicago;  and  Isaac  1809,  who  m.  Eunice  Nickerson,  and 
had  Matilda  who  m.  Sam.  M.  Nic^rson  of  Chicago  ;  and  Isaac  Francis  of 
Chicago.  Capt.  Jonathan  F.'^^^1794,  m.  Lucinda  Hopkins,  dr.  of  Row- 
land.  Issue  :  Wm.  and  Rowland. 

^  Mr.  Smith  came  to  this  town  from  Barre ;  and  was  the  schoolmaster 
here  many  years,  much  noted.  Plis  few  surviving  pupils  do  him  the  justice 
to  say  that  he  was  successful  in  making  the  dullest  learn,  and  they  remem- 
ber too  that 

"  Ferula  disciplinae  sceptrum  erat. " 

^We  suppose  the  above  was  he  who  m.  Sally  Crosby  1791,  and  was  s.  of 
Elkanah  b.  Mar.  31,  1732,  a  soldier  of  the  Revolution,  who  m.  Susanna 
Dillingham.  Issue:  Dillingham  Oct.  19,  1796;  Elkanah  Jan.  24,  1798; 
AbrahamDec.  19,1800;  OHve  1803;  EHsha  0(^t.  7,  1805;  Susanna  1807; 
Freeman  Nov.  1,  1809  ;  and  Henry  Dec.  4,  1811. 


ANNALS    OF   BREWSTER.  763 

In  1844,  Rev.  Samuel  Williams  resigned  his  position 
as  pastor  of  the  Cong.  Society.  Joseph  Sampson,  M.  D., 
a  physician  of  prominence,  died  this  year,  Nov.  4,  se. 
60.^ 

In  1845,  Rev.  James  L.  Stone  was  ordained  pastor  in 
place  of  Mr.  Williams ;  and,  in  1847,  Nov.  13,  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Rev.  F.  R.  Newell.^ 

In  1848,  the  appropriation  for  schools  continued  to  be  $800,  as 
also  the  succeeding  year.  Mr.  Benjamin  Foster  died  Mar.  10, 
je.  76;  and  Gen.  Elijah  Cobb,  Nov.  21,  se.  81.^ 

^Doct.  Sampson  m.  Deborah,  dr.  of  Gen.  Elijah  Cobb. 

"Rev.  Mr.  Newell  continued  here  five  yeai-s,  and  then  removed  to 
Littleton.     He  m.  M.ary  D.  Berry,  dr.  Capt.  Benj.  F.,  of  this  town. 

''Gen.  Elijah  Cobb,  b.  July  4,  1768,  was  in  direct  descent  fi-om  elder 
Henry  who  came  to  Plym.  1629,  and  d.  1679  ;  and  who,  by  his  2d  m.  i.  e.  with 
Sarah  Hinckley,  dr.  Sam.  1649,  had  Samuel,  5th  son,  b.  Oct.  12,  1654. 
He  m.  Elisa.  Taylor  Dec.  20, 1680,  and  d.  in  Be.  Dec.  7,  1 727,  fe.  73.  Issue  : 
Sarah  Aug.  20,  1681,  who  m.  Benj.  Bearse  Feb.  4,  1701-2;  Thos.  June  1, 
1683;  Elisa.  1685,  who  m.  Eben!  Bearse  ;  Henry  Feb.  17,1687;  Sam'l. 
Sept.  10,  1691  who  m.  Hannah  Cole  1725  ;  Mehit.,  twin  to  Sam.,  who  m. 
Nathan  Taylor  1715;  Experience  June  8,  1692,  who  m.  Joshua  Taylor; 
Jona.  Dec.  25,  1694  ;  Eleazar  Jan.  14,  1696,  who  m.  Reliance  Paine  Oct. 
18,  1724;  and  Lydia  Dec.  8,  1699  who  m.  Eben.  Scudder.  Jonathan,  b. 
1694,  set.  in  H.,  and  m.  Sarah  Hopkins,  dr.  Stephen  Jr.  who  was  son  of 
Steph.  the  s.  of  Giles  the  s.  of  Steph.  the  piglrim,  Oct.  20,  1715.  Issue: 
Jona.  1718;  Benj.  1726,  who  m.  Bethia  Homer ;  Sam.  1728;  Elkanah  1731; 
Eleazar  1 734,  who  m.  Kezia  Crosby ;  and  Elisa.  1 738,  who  m.  Cjx)sbj.  Jona- 
than, b.  1718,  s.  of  Jona.  m.  a  dr.  of  Scotto  Clark,  1738,  and  d.  1773. 
Issue:  Elijah  1739,  lost  at  sea;  Scotto  1741  ;  Isaac  1745,  who  m.  Hannah 
Freeman,  dr.  Prince;  John  1748  ;  Seth  1751  ;  Mary  1753,  who  m.  Jona. 
Gray;  Sally  1755,  whom.  Seth  Foster;  Elkanah  1757,  who  m.  Tempe. 
Foster ;  Hannah  who  m.  Wm.  Peaks  of  E. ;  and  Betsy  whr>  m.  Azariah 
Smith.  Scotto,  b.  1741,  s.  of  Jona.,m.  Mercy  Freeman  only  dr.  of  Barns, 
of  E.  and  whose  mother  was  Mary  Stone,  and  d.  1774.  Issue:  Huldah 
1763,  whom.  Col.  Jona.  Snow;  Benna  1766  whom.  Elisa.  Snow;  Elijah 
July  4,  1768  ;  Reliance  1771,  who  m.  Philip  Burrell ;  Judith  1773,  who  m. 
Benj.  Crosby;  and  Sully  1774,  who  d.  1784.  Gen.  Elijah,  the  subject  of 
this  note,  b.  1768,  m.  Mary  Pinkham,  dr.  of  Theophilus  who  m.  Abigail  dr. 
of  Prince  Freeman  who  m.  Abigl.  DiUingham  gr.  dr.  of  the  elder  John. 
Issue :  Deborah  R.  Jan.  28,  1 794,  who  m.  Doct.  Jos.  Sampson  Mar.  30,  1815, 
and  2d.  Josiah  Sampson  Esq.;  Elijah  June  27,  1799  ;  Freeman  June  18, 
1805  ;  Mary  P.  July  19,  1807,  who  m.  Rev.  Theo.  K.  Taylor;  Ann  P.July 
8, 1809,  who  m.  Fred.  Freeman  ;  and  Albert  Jan.  23,  1814,  who  d.  at  Selma, 
Ala.,  1832.  Elijah  Esq.,  b.  1799,  andd  Sept.  2,  1861,  m.  Caroline  Snow 
dr.  Sylvs.  Issue  :  Caroline  Olivia  1826  ;  Elijah  W.  1827,  whom.  Mercy  R. 
Jackson,  dr.  of  Dan.  of  Plv- ;  Helen  1829,  who  m.  Jas.  A.  Dugan  of  Boston  ; 
Mercy  L.  1833;  Annette  Therese  1835;  Alfred  S.  1836;  and  Emily  C. 
1840.  Fkeeman,  b.  1805,  m.  Hannah  S.  Crosby,  and  had  Freeman  who 
m.  Annette  Theresa  Cobb,  dr.  Elijah  Esq.,  whose  business  is  in  Boston  and 
whose  summer  residence  is  in  Br.,  and  to  whose  courtesv  we  are  indebted 


764  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1 849,  Mr.  jtSTATHANiEL  Winslow  died,  Dec.  27,  se.  77.^ 

In  1850,  the  appropriation  for  schools  was  increased  to  $2000. 

In  1852,  Rev.  Nathaniel  0.  Chaffe  was  engaged  as 
a  supply  for  the  Cong.  Society  ;  but  remained  only  a 
brief  period.  The  brevity  of  the  parochial  tenure 
having  become  here,  as  elsewhere,  a  matter  of  expec- 
tation, we  shall  omit  any  further  mention  of  ecclesias- 


for  the  likeness  of  his  gr.  father  Gen.  Elijah  Cobb,  which  appears  on  the 
opposite  page.  Gen.  a,nd  Hon.  Elijah  Cobb  was  a  prominent  citizen.  He 
commenced  his  career  at  sea  at  the  early  age  of  1 2  yrs.,  and  was  soon  in 
command  of  a  ship  which  was  captured  and  carried  to  France  during  the 
Fr.  Revolution.  He  remained  some  time  in  Paris  seeking  payment  for  the 
cargo  which  had  been  appropriated  by  the  Fr.  government.  This  he  obtained 
by  a  personal  interview  with  the  notorious  Robespierre.  He  resided  some 
time  in  Hamburgh;  was  in  command  of  a  ship  in  the  war  of  1812;  was 
captured  and  some  time  a  prisoner.  He  was  long  known  as  a  military  man ; 
became  member  of  the  Mass.  Senate,  and  held  many  civil  offices.  He  d. 
ffi.  81,  highly  venerated  and  esteemed. 

^  See  Vol.  I.  302.  Mr.  Kenelm  Wikslow  b.  May  3,  1599  and  bap.  the 
same  day,  s.  of  Edw.  and  Magdalen  of  Droitwich,  Worcestershire,  England, 
came  over  with  his  bro.  Josiah  1G29,  and  d.  at  Salem  whilst  on  a  visit  there 
Sept.  12,  1672.  He  resided  at  Marshfield.  By  m.  with  Eleanor  Adams, 
wid.  of  Jno.  of  Ply.  1634,  who  d.  Dec.  5,  1681,  se.  83,  he  had  Kenelm  1635; 
Elleanor  1637,  who  m.  Sam.  Baker  Dee.  29,  1G56  ;  Nath'l.  1639  ;  and  Job 
1641  who  went  to  Swansey.  Kenelm,  b,  1635,  "removed  to  Cape  Cod, 
and  set.  in  Harwich.  "  He  is  mentioned  in  the  Y.  records  1668,  Harwich 
then  being  within  the  constablerick  of  Y.  He  d.  Nov.  4,  1715.  He  m.  Ist^ 
his  cousin^Merey  Worden  whod.  Sept.  22,  1688,  se.  48,  and  2d,  Bethia  Hall 
Jan.  5,  1689-90'.  He  had  sons,  Kenelm,  bap.  Aug.  9,  1668,;  Josiah  July  3, 
1670  ;  Thos.  Mar.  3,  16  72-3  ;  Sam'l.  who  went  to  Roch. ;  Edward  Jan.  30, 
1680;  and  prob.  Seth.  Kenelm  who  m.  Zervia  Rider  Sept.  14,  1722^ and 
had  Zervia  Sept.  11,  1723  who  m.  Eben.  Crocker  Jr.  of  Be.  ;  John  Ap.  6, 
1727,  d.  inf  ;  John  June  16,  1728  ;  Isaac  Sept.  14, 1729,  d.  inf  ;  Isaac  Feb. 
6,  1 730-1,  d.  inf  ;  Isaac  Mar.  18,  1 731-2,  d.  inf  ;  Bethia  May  23,  1 738,  who 
m.  Thos.  Snow  3d  ;  Phebe  July  28,  1735,  who  prob.  m.  Dan'l.  Crocker; 
Nathan  Mar.  14,  1736-7;  Sarah  May  25,  1738,  who  m.  Marston  ;  Mary, 
twin  to  Sarah,  m.  Eben.  Clapp ;  and  Joshua  Nov.  22,  1740.  Kenelm,  tn 
1725,  who  m.  Mary  (Hopkins)  Sparrow,  wid.  of  Isaac  of  0„  b.  Mar.  20, 
1732-3,  had  Kenelm,  Avho  m.  twice,  no  issue,  and  d.  1833  ;  Isaac,  father  of 
"Kenelm,  Wm.,  and  Reuben  ;  Abraham  d.  Inf  ;  Abraham,  father  of  Elisha 
D.,  Roland  C,  and  of  Mrs.  Jos.  Nickerson ;  Nath'l.  who  d.  Dec.  27,  1849, 
se.  77,  father  of  Nat'l. ;  and  drs.  Rebecca,  Mary,  and  Zervia.  Kenelm  m. 
Betsy  Freeman,  dr.  Jno.,  Jan.  11,  1787.  Thomas  m.  Meliit.  Winslow  of 
Roch.  1 722,  and  had  Thomas  Feb.  29,  1 723-4  ;  Edw.  Mar.  4,  1 725-6  ;  Bethia 
1729,  d.  inf  ;  Bethia  1731,  d.  Inf  ;  Isaac  1733,  d.  inf  ;  Sarah  1736,  d.  inf ; 
Sarah  1737,  d.  Inf;  Isaac  1738,  d.  inf;  Zenas  1740,  d.  inf;  Josiah  1744, 
d.  inf  ;  Joshua  1738,  d.  inf  ;  and  Zenas  Oct.  30,  1741.  Seth  m.  Thankful 
Sears  Jan.  15,  1735-6,  whod.  1736,  and  2d,  Priscilla  Freeman  1737.  Issue: 
Nath'l.  June  29,  1736,  d.  inf  ;  Natli'l.  Feb.  16,  1738-9  ;  Thankful  1741,  d. 
inf;  Thankful  1743,  d.  inf;  Thankful  May  12,  1745;  and  Mary  Aug.  8, 
1747. 


'''"%. 


^'^., 


''"^^o. 


I[LOJ^K]  ©  ©IB  ©  a 


! 


1^^ 


ANNALS    OF    BREWSTER-  765 

tical  changes  in  this  society.     The  Universalists  erected 
a  new  meeting-house  this  year. 

Mr.  JoHK  Freeman  died  Feb.  10,  1853,  ee.  85.^ 
In  1855,  Jan.  4,  Mr.  Isaac  Foster  died,  se.  85.^ 


'Mr.  Benjamin  Freeman,  of  H.,  b.  1685,  s.  of  Jobn,  who  m.  Sarah 
Merrick  1672,  and  gr.  s.  of  Maj.  John,  m.  Temperance  Dimmick  of  Be. 
1709,  and  had  Desire  Ap.  20,'  1711,  whom.  Sam.  Parker  of  Be.  1732 
Rebecca  Mar.  27,  1713,  whom.  Joseph  Parker  of  F.  1734  ;  Temper.  Oct, 
1715,  who  m.  Dea.  Ehsha  Foster  of  Seit.  1739;  Benj.  Jan.  10,  1717-18 
Sarah  Mar.  11,  1719-20,  who  m.  Christian  Eemick  of  'E.  1752  ;  Fear  Mar. 
23,  1721-2,  who  m.  Daniel  Sears  of  C.  1745  ;  Isaac  1727,  d.  y. ;  John  July 
29, 1 729 ;  and  Mehit.  Nov.  4,  1 731,  who  m.  Doct.  Wm.  Fessenden.  Benja- 
min, b.  1718,  m.  Sai'ah  Dillingham,  dr.  Jno.,  Mar.  15,  1737-8,  and  was  father 
.  of  Thankful,  1741,  who  m.Watson  Freeman  1762.  John,  b.  1729,  2d.  son 
^  of  Benj.,  m.  Thankful  Foster  Oct.  23,  1755,  2d:  Sarah  Freeman,  dr.  of 
Hatsel  of  H.,  Nov.  15,  1758,  and  3d.  Tamzen  Freeman,  dr.  of  Jno.  of  O., 
and  d.  1813.  He  had  Hatsuld,  John  1 768,  Thankful,  Betsey  who  m.  Kenehxi, 
Winslow  1 787,  and  Sarah.  John,  b.  1 768,  and  d.  1853,  s.  of  Jno.,  m.  Bethiah 
Crowell  Dec.  26,  1793,  and  had  Hatsuld  Nov.  10,  1794,  lost  at  sea  Jan.  23, 
1813;  Nathan  Ap.  9,  1796,  who  d.  1812:  Betsey  Feb.  12,  1798,  who  m. 
Lewis  Crowell  of  Y.  1817,  whod.  Ap.  9, 1848,  and  2d.  David  K.  Aiken  1849; 
■-..John  Mar.  25,  1800,  who  m.  Pv,uth  Sears  1825  ;  Tamzen  Mar.  9,  1802,  who 
^,,.,m.  1st.  Jona.  Sears  and  2d.  Prince  Gifford;  Deborah  Ap.  15,  1804,  who  m. 
Elisha  Foster  1823  ;  Joshua  Dec.  12,  1806,  whom.  Hannah  B.  Snow  ;  Benj. 
Dec.  24,  1808,  whom.  Betsey  S.  Winslow  1833;  Lurana  Nov.  14,  1811, 
who  m.  Nathan  Winslow ;  Bethia  Feb.  20,  1814,  who  d.  1851 ;  and  Sarah 
Aug.  12,  1818,  who  m.  Albert  P.  Clark  1849. 

^Mr.  Isaac  Foster,  b.  1770,  was  of  the  Chilllngsworth  lineage.  Dea. 
John,  who  set.  in  Marshfield,  and  d.  June  13,  1732,  £e.  90,  prob.  s.  of  Thos. 
of  Weymouth,  and  b.  Oct.  7,  1642,  m.  Mary  Chillingsworth,  dr.  of  Thos. 
and  Joanna,  whod.  Sept.  25,  1702,  and  2d.  Sarah  Tliomas  who  d.  1731,  se. 
85.  Issue:  Elisa.  Sept.  24, 1664,  who  m.  Wm.  Carver  1683  ;  John  1666,  who 
set.  in  Ply.  ;  Josiah  1669,  who  set.  in  Pembroke ;  Mary  167],  who  m.  John 
Hatch  of  M. ;  Joseph  1674,  who  went  to  Sandwich  ;  Sarah  16  77  ;  Chillings- 
worth June  11,  1680,  who  set.  in  Harwich  about  1699  ;  James  1683,  d.  inf  ; 
Thos.  1686,  who  was  town  clerk  of  M.,  also  deacon;  and  Deborah  1691. 
Chillingsworth,  b.  1680,  and  d.  1764,  as.  85,  was  some  time  rep.  of  H. 
He  m.  Mercy  Freeman,  dr.  of  Jno.  of  E.,  who  d.  July  7,  1720,  2d.  widow 
Susanna  Sears  Aug.  10, 1721,  who  d.  Dec.  7,  1730,  and  also  had  a  3d.  wife 
without  issue.  Issue,  by  1st.  and  2d.  m.,  James  Jan.  21,  1705,  who  set.  in 
Dart.  ;  Chillingsworth  Dec.  25,  1707  ;  Mary  1709,  who  m.  David  Paddock 
of  Y.  1727;  Thos.  Mar.  15,  1711-12;  Nathan  June  10,  1715,  who  m.  Sarah 
Lincoln  June  14,  i739;  Isaac  June  17,  1718  ;  Mercy  Mar.  30,  1720,  d.  inf. ; 
Mercy  July  29,  1722;  Nath'l.  Ap.  17,  1725;  and  Jerusha  Dec.  9,  1727. 
Chillingsworth  Jr.,  some  time  rep.,  m.  Mercy  Winslow,  dr.  Edward  of 
/Roch.,  Oct.  10,  1730,  and  2d.  Ruth  Sears  Dec.  7,  1731.  Issue:  Thankful 
June  14, 1733  who  m.  Jno.  Freeman  Oct.  23,  1755  ;  Mercy  May  2,  1735  ; 
Chillingsworth  July  17,  1737,  who  m.  Sarah  Freeman  1757  ;'  Mehit.  Ap.  18, 
1746  ;"and  Sarah  Nov.  25,  1747.  Thomas,  b.  1712,  m.  Mary  Hopkins 
June  11,  1734,  and  had.  Joseph  Mar.  27, 1735  ;  Thos.  June  22, 1736  ;  James 
Feb.  18,  1737-8;  and  Mary  July  18,  1740.  Isaac,  b.  1718,  m.  Hannah 
Sears  Nov.  2,  1738,  and  had  Isaac  May  29,  1739;  Sam.  May  31,  1741; 
David  Mar.  24,  1743;  Lemuel  Feb.  24,  1744;  Seth  1747;  Hannah  1749, 


766  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

In  1860,  Feb.  2,  Rev.  Enoch  Pratt  died,  ae.  78 ;  ^  and  Mr. 
Benjamin  Bangs,  formerly  of  this  town,  d.  in  Boston,  June  18, 
«.  76.2 

In  1861,  Sept.  2,  Mr.  Elijah  Cobb  died,  aB.  62  ;  ^  and,  Nov.  15, 
Capt.  Seth  Feeeman,  formerly  of  this  town,  se.  81. 

Eev.  Joseph  Barbour  was  this  year  received  as  minis- 
ter of  the  Baptist  Society. 

In  1862,  May  27,  Mr.  Albert  Mayo  died,  ae.  57;  and  Mr. 
Freeman  Smallet,  Dec.  10,  ae.  69.  Capt.  Elkanah  Bangs  d. 
Aug.  23,  1863,  ge.  80.* 

wlio  m.  Zohetli  Snow ;  Nath'l.  Ap.  8, 1751  ;  Thos. ;  and  Nath'l.  Isaac,  b. 
1739,  m.  Eunice  Freeman  June  10,  1762,  and  had  Lemuel  Aug.  15,  1765; 
Hannah  1767,  who  m.  Zoheth  Snow;  Eunice  1769  ;  Isaac  Oct.  23,  1770; 
Benj.  Sept.  27,  1772;  Sam.  Feb.  26,  1775,  who  m.  Eunice  Clark;  and 
Sarah  May  26,  1777,  who  m.  Theophilus  Burge.  David,  b.  1 743,  m.  Phebe 
Freeman  Nov.  2,  1768.  Benjamin,  b.  1772,  m.  Desire  Freeman,  dr.  Sol. 
Esq.,  and  d.  Mar.  18,  1848.  Issue:  Desire  May  14,  1800,  who  m.  Israel 
.Jyincoln  and  2d.  Jona.  Thacher.  Isaac,,  b.  1770,  and  d.  Jan.  4,  1855,  m. 
Sarah  Thacher,  dr.  Sam.,  and  had  Isaac  1798,  d.  y. ;  Sam.  1800,  d.  y. ; 
Sarah  T.  1802;  Isaac  1806,  who  d.  in  N.  Orleans  1834;  Lucy  1814; 
JuUa  1817  ;  Thacher  1819;  and  Geo.  F.  1821. 

^Rev.  Mr.  Pratt,  27  yrs.  pastor  at  W.  Barnstable,  ord.  1807,  and  retir- 
ing in  1735,  m.  2d.  and  3d.  in  this  town  and  long  resided  here,  supplying, 
temporarily,  destitute  churches  until  near  the  close  of  a  useful  life,  and  per- 
forming agencies  for  the  American  Bible  Society.  He  also  wrote  a  history 
of  Eastham,  WeMeet,  and  Orleans,  pub.  1844.  Of  an  amiable,  cheerful, 
and  affectionate  disposition,  and  of  respectable  talents  —  faithful  in  his 
ministry,  he  was  much  esteemed.  During  the  27  years  of  his  pastorate  at 
Barnstable,  he  received  to  church  communion  380  persons,  and  bap.  292. 

-Mr.  Benj.  Bangs,  b.  Dec.  10,  1783,  s.  of  Benj.  of  this  town,  gr.  s.  of 
Benj.  Esq.  and  gt.  gr.  s.  of  Edward,  was  a  noted  merchant,  highly   es- 
teemed. 
,        ^Elijah  Cobb  Esq.,  b.  1799,  removed  to  Boston  young,  engaged  in 
mercantile  pursuits,  and  was  much  esteemed  for  his  many  estimable  quali- 
ties.    He  returned  to  his  farm  in  this  town  in  1855,  and  died  much  lament- 
ed.    We  here  resume  the  Cobb  genealogy  embracing  other  branches  of  the 
family.     Benjamin,  b.  1726,  s.  of  Jona.  by   Sarah  Hopkins,  m.  Bethia 
Homer  and  had  Benj. ;  Sam.  a  physician,  who  m.  Inches  of  Boston ;  and 
Sarah  who  m.  Witherel.     Eleazae,  b.  1 734,  s.  of  Jona.,  m.  Kezia  Crosby,  j^ 
and  had  Sam.  who  d.  in  N.  Carolina;  Mercy  who  m.  Elkanah  Crosby;  ;^ 
Lydia  who  m.  ^am.  Linnell  of  O. ;  Eleazar  June  4, 1786,  who  m.  Margaret 
Wyer,  aurl  d.  1812  ;i;Tvezia,  whom.  Sylv's.  Lincoln|./Ivebecca,  who  m.  Capt.  < 
'T-Nath'l.  Lincoln ;  Abigail ;  and  Eunice,  who  m.  Allen  Vincent.     Elkanah, 
b.  1757,  s.  of  Joha.,  "m.  Tempe.  Foster  and  set.  in  E.     Issue :  Scotto  Oct. 
2,  1 784,,who  m.  Phebe  Knowles,  dr.  Elijah  of  E. ;  Nathan,  who  removed  to 
Virginia  ;  Reliance,  who  m.  Timo.  Rogers ;  Phebe ;  and  Betsy,  who  m.  Capt. 
Hi"gins  ofA.E. 

'Capt.  Elkanah  Bangs,  b.  July  29,  1783,  s.  of  Capt.  Dean,  s.  of 
Elkanah,  had  been  many  years  a  prominent  merchant,  at  the  head  of  the 
firm  of  E.  Bangs  &  Son,  in  Boston,  He  m.  Reliance  F.  Berry,  dr.  Benj., 
and  was  bro.  of  Dean  Esq.  who  m.  Rebecca  Winslow,  and  of  Edward  who 
d.  1832. 


ANNALS    OF   BKEWSTER.  767 

As  we  conclude  these  Annals  of  a  town  whose  career 
dates  back  but  three-score  years,  in  nearly  all  which 
time  we  have  been  familiar  with  its  progress,  we  cannot 
but  again  recur  to  the  fact  that  its  history  really 
reaches  back  nearly  two  centuries,  and  that  during  the 
much  larger  portion  of  the  period  the  history  of  this 
and  the  parent  town  was  one.  We  recur  to  the  long 
past  with  pleasant  impressions  and  with  reverence  for 
the  primitive  days  and  the  early  settlers  of  Cape  Cod 
generally.  The  age  in  which  we  live  is  too  far  advanced 
in  population  and  arts,  to  expect,  if  we  might  desire, 
the  simplicity  of  early  times  to  survive  in  all  its 
purity.  We  have  never  claimed  for  the  denizens  of 
the  Cape  towns  that  they  were  entirely  free  from  the 
infirmities  of  human  nature,  for  they  were  men  ;  but, 
after  all  that  the  most  rigid  criticism  may  allege,  we 
may  safely  challenge  that  no  countries  or  peoples  ever 
exhibited  a  scene  of  happiness,  innocence,  peace,  thrift, 
and  patriotism,  more  to  be  admired  than  was  witnessed 
here  during  the  first  century  and  a  half  of  their  social 
existence.  If  the  manners  of  the  age  were  simple, 
they  were  not  rough  ;  nor  was  the  rusticity  of  the  less 
influential  devoid  of  that  polish  which  the  few  who 
gave  tone  to  society,  unassuming  and  unenvied,  diffused 
among  the  masses.  Good  feeling  was  not  checked  by 
avarice  and  pride ;  friendships  were  not  broken  by  ambi- 
tion and  intrigue ;  virtue  was  reverenced;  its  promoters 
and  public  benefactors  were  venerated.  If  aught  re- 
mains of  ancient  principles  and  habits,  our  gratitude 
may  well  be  shown  by  preserving  the  memory  of  our 
ancestry  as  a  subject  of  pride  to  their  descendants  and 
of  admiration  to  succeeding  generations. 

In  reference  to  national  affairs,  if  we  cannot  re- 
cord what  it  were  indeed  a  privilege  to  announce,  — 
that  rebellion  is  subdued, — we  gladly  recognize  the  fact 


768 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


that  good  progress  in  this  direction  has  been  made. 
Even  foreign  powers,  whose  attitude  has  been  selfishly 
hostile,  give  signs  of  returning  justice;  and  the  inevi- 
table issue  of  the  conflict  is,  we  trust,  to  demonstrate 
to  the  world,  —  what  the  Cape-Cod-Harbor  compact 
foreshowed,  —  that  an  enlightened  and  virtuous  De- 
mocracy is  the  sure  foundation  of  Government,  and 
that  education  and  freedom  are  the  true  sources  of  the 
greatness  and  happiness  of  a  people. 


EEPRE  SENTATIVES. 


1803.  Isaac  Clark, 
1809.  Elijah  Cobb, 
1821.  Isaac  Foster, 
1827.  Benj.  Berry, 
1830.  Jeremiah  Mayo, 


Yrs. 
11. 
8. 
2. 
4. 
2. 


1834.  Albert  P.  Clark, 

1835.  Nath'l  Crosby, 

1837.  Solo-l^reeman, 

1838.  .Tosiah  Foster, 
1840.  Freeman  Foster, 


Yrg. 
5. 
2. 
2. 
2. 
2. 


Yrs. 
1841.  Benj.  Paine,  4. 

1844.  Elijah  Cobb,  1. 

1848.  Wins'w  L.  Knowles,  1. 

1849.  Josiah  Scabury,  4. 
1856.  Tully  Crosby,  1. 


SELECTMEN. 


1803. 


1805, 
1806, 
1807, 
1809, 


1812. 
1813, 


1816, 
1819. 


Jona.  Snow, 
Anthony  Gray, 
Kenelm  Winslow, 
Jona.  Berry, 
Joseph  Sears, 
Joseph  Snow, 
David  Foster, 
Elijah  Cobb, 
Abr'm  Winslow, 
Isaac  Clark, 
Solo.  Freeman, 
Thos.  Seabury, 
Wm.  Crosby, 
David  Nickerson, 
Benj.  Berry, 
Joseph  Smith, 


Yrs. 

6. 

2. 

3. 

2. 

3. 

2. 

2. 

2. 

3. 

8. 

4. 

1. 
14. 

3. 
15. 

9. 


1825. 
1827. 

1828. 

1829. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
18^4. 
1835. 
1839. 

1810. 
1844. 


Yrs. 


Joseph  Crocker, 
Dean  Bang-s, 
Isaac  Foster, 
Lewis  Ilowes, 
Jona.  Freeman, 
Franklin  Hopkins 
Kenelm  Witjslow, 
Eich'd  Harding, 
Samuel  Myrick,  8 

Nathan  Sears,  4 

Eben.  Higgins,  8 

Anthony  Smalley,  10 
Theodore  Berry,  1 
Jeremiah  Mayo,  11 
Joshua  Clark,  7 


1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1854. 
1855. 
1857. 
1858. 

1859. 

1860. 
1861. 
1862. 


Yrs. 
2. 
2. 
5. 
6. 


Dean  Bangs, 
David  Mayo, 
Nathan  Winslow, 
Solo.  Freeman, 
Jno.  l<'rceman, 
Elisha  Crocker, 
Bangs  Pepper, 
Constant  Sears, 
Benj.  Paine, 
Benj.  Freeman, 
Tully  Crosby, 
Kodolphus  McLoud,  2 
Zoheth  Snow,  1, 

Wm.  Winslow,  2 

Charles  S.  Foster,     2, 


TREASURERS. 


1803.  Sylvanus  Stone, 
1805.  Joseph  Smith. 
1818.  Benj.  Foster, 
1824.  Elijah  Cobb, 


Yrs. 

2. 
13 

6. 
10. 


Yra. 
1828.  Jeremiah  Mayo,         4. 

1831.  Benj.  Mayo,  1. 

1832.  Freeman  Mayo,  2. 
1840.  David  Mayo,  8 


Yra. 
1848.  Dean  Bangs,  2. 

1850.  Sam'l  H.  Gould,*      11. 
1801.  Charles  S.  Foster,     3. 


CLERKS. 


1803.  Sylvanus  Stone, 
1805.  Joseph  Smith, 
1818.  Benj.  Fo.ster, 
1824.  Elijah  Cobb, 

*  Sam'l  H.  Gould, 
Gould. 


1828.  Jeremiah  Mayo, 
1831.  Benj.  Mayo, 
18.32.  Freeman  Mayo, 
1810.  David  Mayo, 


Yrs. 
4. 
1. 
1. 


1848.  Dean  Bangs, 
1850.  Sam'l  H.  Gould, 
18Q1.  Charles  S.  Foster, 


Yrs. 

2. 
11. 

3. 


M.  D.,  set.  here  1844,  from  Ipswich,  of  the  Topsham  family  of 


-^^ 


"'»,, 


„,,J.' 


Boston  Public  Library. 


A  D  D  E  I^  D  A 


Mr.  Ebenezer  Nickerson,  b.  Aug.  17,  1768,  s.  of  8eth, 
and  long  resident  in  Provincetown,  died  in  Waltham, 
Oct.  21,  1855,  se.  87.' 

^In  the  Annals  of  Provincetown,  p.  647,  misled  by  tlie  statement  of 
another,  we  have  said  that  his  decease  occurred  in  1858.  Mr.  Ebenezer 
NiCKERSON  was  emphatically  a  representative  man, —  one  who,  with  hmited 
advantages  of  early  education,  achieved  not  only  a  jjrominence  among  busi- 
ness men  and  a  large  estate,  but,  what  is  better,  established  a  reputation  for 
probity  and  moral  worth  that  is  justly  the  pride  of  his  numerous  family. 
The  likeness,  which  we  present  on  tlie  opposite  page,  has  been  furnished  at 
our  request,  by  his  family,  through  the  courtesy  of  his  son,  Sereno  D.  We 
have  noticed  the  lineage  of  Mr.  N.  in  preceding  pages,  from  William  1st., 
Nicholas,  William  2d.  who  m.  Mary  Snow  1691,  and  Ebenezer  of  H. 
who  m.  Elizabeth  Mayo  of  C.  and  had'Seth  Oct.  21,  1737.  The  last  two, 
father  and  son,  removed  from  Chatham  to  Provincetown  in  1751  when  the 
son  was  about  14  years  old,  and  tradition  says  "the  fourth  house  then  stand- 
ing in  the  latter  place,  was  erected  by  the  father."  Seth  m.  Mary  Smith 
of  C.  March  19,  1761,  and  their  second  son,  Ebenezer,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  wasb.  Aug.  17,  1768.  Hem.  1st.  Salome  Collins,  dr.  of  Cyrenius 
of  C,  and  2d.  Eudoxa  White  of  Phillipston,  and  had  a  large  family  the 
eldest  of  whom  was  Eunice  b.  Aug.  30,  1794.  Habits  of  self-reliance, 
industry,  and  economy  were  early  fixed,  — -  as  is  suggested  by  his  own  remark, 
in  old  age,  that  he  had  "  from  childhood  paid  his  own  way  ; "  and,  with  the 
.capital  he  had  acquired  in  P.,  he  established  himself  in  mercantile  business 
in  Boston  in  the  year  1800.  The  war  of  ]  812  was  disastrous  to  his  fortune  ; 
so  that,  stripped  of  his  hard-earned  wealth,  and,  at  middle  age,  surrounded 
by  a  young  family,  —  without  capital,  but  with  a  clear  conscience  and  stout 
heart,  he  "  resolved  to  start  anew  in  the  world."  It  is  not  strange  that,  having 
shared  in  the  trials  of  the  Revolutionaiy  period  in  early  youth,  and  been 
despoiled  of  his  property  by  subsequent  hostilities  of  England,  he  should 
have  retained  through  life  intense  dislike  of  "  the  British,"'  believing,  their 
national  trait  to  be  summed  up  in  the  apothegm, 

"  Aliform  is  formless,  order  orderless, 
Save  what  is  apposite  to  England's  love." 

Forty  years  he  again  engaged  actively  and  prosperously  in  business,  —  most 
of  the  time  on  Long  Wharf;  and  was  one  of  the  marked  characters  of  the 
VOL.  n.   97  (769) 


770  fflSTORY    OF    B.IRNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Capt.  Hezekiah  Freeman,  formerly  of  Harwich,  b. 
Sept.  3,  17-40,  s.  of  Samuel,  died  at  Norwich,  Ct.,  Oct. 
13,  1816,  ve.  7Q}  He,  with  very  many  others  from  the 
Cape,  was  of  those  successiveh'"  emigrating,  not  as 
refugees,  but  most  of  them  prior  to  the  Revolution, 
attracted  by  the  advantageous  openings  in  Nova  Scotia. 
Among  them  were  those  of  the  names  of  Annis,  Atkins, 
Bea,  Brown,  Cobb,  Cahoon,  Cole,  Collins,  Covel,  Dennis, 
Dexter,  Foster,  Godfrey,  Gorhara,  Harlow,  Hopkins, 
Knowles,  Lombard,  Loveland,  Nickerson,  Parker,  Pope, 
Rogers,  Shaw,  Smith,  Snow,  Stewart,  Taylor,  Tupper, 
Wright,  and  Young.  Other  Cape  names  might  increase 
the  list ;  but,  with  the  preceding  families  the  Freemans 

city.  His  reminiscences  of  early  days  engaged  attentive  listeners  ;  his  old- 
fashioned  style  of  dress  attracted  notice  ;  and  his  almost  fostidious  candor, 
truthfulness,  and  honesty  commanded  the  confidence  and  respect  of  all  who 
knew  him.  Perhaps  few  private  citizens  were  more  generally  known,  or, 
indeed,  more  proverbially  esteemed  as  an  upright,  honest  man,  throughout 
New  England.  His  declining  j-ears  were  passed  in  Waltham  where,  at  more 
than  four-score  and  seven  days,  he  "fell  asleep"  —  having  scarcely  known 
sickness  during  that  long  period.     "  The  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed." 

^  Mr.  Thomas  Freeman,  b.  in  Eastham,  Oct.  12, 16 7G,  s.  of  Dea.  Thomas 
b.  1653,  s.  of  Maj.  John,  and  gr.  s.  of  Edmund  of  S.,  m.  Ist.  Bathsheba 
Mayo,  dr.  Xath.,  and  2d.  Mary  Smith  Oct.  17,  1707.  He  d.  Mar.  22, 
1716-17.  Issue:  Thos.  Sept..  is',  1708;  Jas.  Oct.  9,1710;  Bathsheba  Mar. 
22,  1713  ;  and  Samuel  Aug.  8,  1715.  Samuel,  b.  1715,  m.  1st,  Margaret, 
2d,  Mary,  and  had  issue :  Sam.  Ap.  9, 1 736,  who  m.  Mary  Snow  1 756  ;  Bath- 
sheba 1738  ;  Hezekiah  Sept.  3,  1740,  mentioned  above,  whose  wid.  Martha 
d.  in  Norwich  Auo-.  ll,  1831,  £B.  90  ;  Smith  June  3,  1743  ;  Joseph  Nov.  5, 
1 745  ;  Josiah  Feb.  20,  1 754  ;  Seth  Jan.  8, 1 756,  by  2d.  m. ;  Doane  Aug.  14, 
1757,  after  which  the  father  with  all  his  family  except  the  eldest  son  went 
to  Liverpool,  N.  S. ;  Margaret  May  19,  1761  ;  Sarah  Mar.  30,  1763  ;  Lydia 
Nov.  20,  1764  ;  and  Jas.  Sept.  24,  176  7.  Samuel,  b.  1736,  m.  Mary  Snow, 
Dec.  16,  1756.  and  resided  in  Harwich.  Issue:  Joseph  Feb.  4,  1759; 
Mercy  1 762 ;  Thankful  1 763,  and  then  removedto  the  Penobscot.  Hezekiah, 
b.  1740.  and  d.  1816,  was  sometime  of  Liverpool ;  afterwards  of  Norwich. 
The  town  of  Liverpool  began  its  existejice  soon  after  the  migration  first 
indicated,  as  per  records,  the  first  entry  being :  ''  Liverpool,  Feb.  20, 1 761-2. 
Births,  deaths,  and  marriages,  hereafter  to  be  registered  by  me,  Elisha  Free- 
man, proprietor's  clerk.  "  We  may  not  here  note  the  numerous  descendants 
of  the  above,  further  than  to  state  that  from  Joseph,  b.  1745,  who  m. 
Rebecca  Nickei'son,  dr.  Jeremiah  and  Rebecca,  and  was  deputy  provost 
marshal  and  afterwards,  sheriff  of  Queen's  Co.,  was  Col.  Joseph,  b.  1765, 
who  was  first  a  mariner,  then  mercht.  and  represented  the  township  of  L.  and 
Queen's  Co.  in  Provincial  Parliament  25  years,  and  was  father  of  the  pres- 
ent Snow  Parker  Freeman,  b.  1805,  barrister,  judge,  U.  S.  consular  agent 
many  years,  and  many  years  member  of  the  Provincial  Parliament  to  whom 
we  are  indeVjted  for  much  courtesy. 


^. 


''^o    ' 

'^'^^. 


V^O' 


Boston  rubUc  Library. 


ADDENDA.  771 

of  Nova  Scotia  have,  in  course  of  time,  intermarried. 
Some  branches  of  the  same  name,  originating  from  the 
Cape,  are  now  accounted  distinct  races,  though  their 
common  origin  is  demonstrable  from  Cape  records.-^ 

In  addition  to  our  notice  of  the  Clarks,  p.  756  and 
elsewhere,  we  subjoin  a  note  embracing  a  genealogical 
notice  of  the  descendants  of  Mr.  Kimbal  Clark  of 
Harwich,  now  Brewster,  who  died  Nov.  24,  1801,  se. 
67.' 

We  have,  in  preceding  pages,  noticed  the  Collins 
family,  and  may  add  in  a  note  some  additional  genea- 
logical statistics.^ 


^  Another  Liverpool  family  is  descended  from  Mr.  William  Freeman, 
b.  1715,  s.  of  Wm.  and  Mercy  of  Eastham.  He  m.  Hannah  Atw^ood,  June 
5,  1736,  and  d.  1741,  and,  like  his  gr.  father  Wm.,  had  two  children  only, 
whose  names  were  Wm.  and  Lydia.  This  last  Lydia  m.  Benj.  Haskell  of 
Falmouth,  Me.  William,  b.  Mar.  22,  1740-41,  went  to  N.  S.  and  m.  Mary 
Cobb  Nov.  21,  1 763.  He  d.  1816,  and  was  father  of  Col.  William  of  Liver- 
pool, a  highly  respectable  magistrate  and  also  mem.  Provincial  Parliament 
who  d.  1814;  Col.  Sylvanus  whod.  1795  ;  John  who  was  lost  by  the  found- 
ering of  the  privateer  RoUie  1814  ;  Jas.  who  d.  at  St.  Kitts  1811  ;  and  Robt. 
who  d.  at  St.  Lucia  1821  ;  each  leaving  families,  and  having  now  numerous 
descendants. 

Still  another  Liverpool  branch  is  from  Elisha  Freeman,  b.  1701,  prob. 
s.  of  Samuel  of  Eastham,  and  went  to  N.  S.  1760-1.  He  removed  first  to 
Rochester,  Mass.  with  his  w.  Lydia,  1726,  and  had  issue  :  sons  Simeon,  Bar- 
nabas, Nath.,  EHsha,  Zoeth,  and  Lothrop ;  and  drs.  Patience,  Lydia,  and 
Hope.  The  eldest  son,  Simeon,  m.  about  1757;  the  2d.,  about  1759;  the 
3d.,  Elisha,  had  Elkanah  b.  1763  from  whom  is  Jno.  H.  Freeman  Esq., 
master  of  excise  in  Liv.,  b.  1801,  and  to  whom  we  are  under  obligations  for 
much  courtesy.     This  branch  is  also  very  numerous. 

^  Mr.  Kimbal  Clark,  b.  July  20,  1 734,  s.  of  Seth  and  gr.  s.  of  Lt. 
Thomas,  m.  Mary  Paddock,  and  had  Isaac  1761  ;  Lot  1763,  d.  y. ;  Mary 
1765,  who  m.  Doct.  Josiah  Myrick ;  Phebe  1771,  whom.  Luke  Baker; 
Kimbal  1777,  who  m.  Mercy  Snow  ;  Isaiah  1779,  who  m.  Deborah  Sears ;  and 
Charlotte  1781,  who  m.  Rev.  Simeon  Crowell.  Mr.  Clark  was  9  yrs.  rep. 
of  the  town  of  H.,  a  prominent  and  influential  citizen.  Isaac  Esq.,  b.  1761, 
s.  of  Kimbal,  was  also  prominent,  and  8  yrs.  selectman.  He  m.  Temperance 
,Sears,  dr.  Edmund,  and  d.  1819,  ss.  58.  Issue  :  Mary  P.  1791,  who  m.  Gen. 
Mayo;  Hannah  1792,  who  m.  Winslow  Hall;  Lot  1796,  who  m.  Mary  B. 
Eaton;  Strabo  1801,  who  m.  Adaline  Dunbar;  Temperance  1802  whom. 
Benj.  Baker ;  Edmund  S.  1804  ;  Albert  P.  1806,  who  m.  Sarah  Freeman  ; 
and  Eliza  1809,  who  m.  Nath'l.  Winslow.  For  the  engraved  likeness  of 
Mr.  Isaac  Clark,  on  the  opposite  page,  our  acknowledgments  are  due  to  his 
son,  Mr.  Albert  P.  Clark  of  Boston" 

^Mi\  Cyeenius  Collins,  b.  in  C.  June  26,  1735,  s.  of  Solomon,  m. 
Rebecca  Eldridge  July  13,  1756.  Issue:  Solo.  Sept.  15,  1762;  Mary, 
1761;  Desire  1767;  Salome  .1769,  who  m.  Ebenezer  Nickerson ;  Reuben 


772  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

We  have  in  previous  pages  given  some  imperfect 
genealogy  of  the  Butler  family;  but,  on  p.  485,  we  are 
surprised  by  some  unaccountable  mistake  in  the  record 
of  the  decease  of  a  prominent  citizen  of  Falmouth. 
Instead  of  Moses,  it  should  be  Mr.  Knowles  Butler  who 
d.  June  23,  1860,  2d.  67.  He  represented  the  town  in 
the  State  Legislature  several  years,  and.  was  15  years 
selectman  ;  in  these,  and  various  offices  of  public  trust, 
performing  his  duties  with  honor,  fidelity,  and  to  gen- 
eral acceptance,  and  dying  much  lamented.  He  was 
father  of  Messrs.  Edward  K.  and  Daniel  W.  Butler, 
merchants,  Boston. 

Mr.  Amasa  Nickerson,  see  p.  530,  who  was  a  substan- 
tial citizen  of  Harwich,  died  Sept.  29,  1863,  se.  84.^ 

Mr.  Jaazaniah  Gross  of  Truro,  died  Mar.  30,  1816, 
ge.  46.2 

1773;  Rebecca  1775;  Eunice  1777;  and  Enocti  Ap.  &,  1679.  ^Solomon 
Jr.,  of  C,  b.  Mar.  23,  1737-8,  m.  Mary  Taylor  Nov.  16,  1758.  Reuben, 
b.  1773,  set.  in  S.,  and,  by  his  w.  Elisa.,  had  David  1805;  and  Reuben 
1810.  David,  of  C,  had  by  his  w.  Desire,  David  Sept.  12,  1747.  Rich- 
ard m.  Sarah  Lombard  Jan.  15,  1733.  JBenjamin  Jr.  m.  Rachel  Lom- 
bard Jan.,  28,  1772. 

^  The  grandfather  of  Mr.  N.  is  understood  to  have  been  William  who 
was  father  of  Bassett  whose  w.  was  Ruth.  Mr.  Amasa  Nickerson,  b. 
Dec.  22,  1779,  m.  Mary  Paine  1803,  dr.  of  John  and  EHzabeth  the  dr.  of 
Rev.  Joseph  Lord  of  Chatham.  Issue:  Abigail  P.  Auo-.  27,  1805;  Joseph 
P.  Aug.  9,  1808 ;  Amasa  Mar.  11,  1813  ;  Pliny  Mar.  12,  1816  ;  Obed  Feb. 
21,  18"l9;  and  Asa  W.,  May  30,  1822.  Mr.  Nickerson  commenced  his 
business  life  upon  the  seas,  when  aged  about  15  years,  and  continued 
fishing  in  summer  and  coasting  in  winter  about  20  years.  He  then  relin- 
quished his  toils  as  a  mariner  and  devoted  the  rest  of  life  to  farming  and 
attending  to  his  large  fishing  interests.  He  was  selectman  several  years, 
from  1835,  and  was  a  prominent  citizen.  For  the  engraved  likeness  of 
him,  on  the  opposite  page,  Ave  are  indebted  to  the  courtesy  of  his  son,  Mr. 
Pliny  Nickerson,  merchant,  of  Boston. 

^  See  genealogy  of  the  Gross  family,  jip.  682-3.  Micah,  of  Truro,  had, 
by  w.  Lydia,  Simon  May  2,  1709,  who  m.  Phebe  ColHns  Feb.  14,  1749  ; 
and  Israel  Ap.  28,  1718.  Israel,  b.  1718,  m.  1st.  Elisa.,  2d.  Lydia 
Paine  Dec.  23,  1762,  and  had  Israel  Nov.  10,  1741,  d.  y. ;  Sam'l.  Nov.  10, 
1 743,  who  m.  1st.  Apphia  Freeman  1 768,  and  2d.  Mary  Lewis  June  20,  1  776 ; 
Jaazaniah  Mar.  17,  1744-5  ;  Elisa.  Mar.  30,  1748,  whom.  Isaiah  Atkins  Jr. 
Oct.  11,  1764;  Mary  Feb.  8,  1749-50,  who  m.  Barzillai  Smith  Oct.  5,1769; 
Joseph  Dec.  10,  1751,  who  m.  Deliv.  Dyer  July  25,  1773;  Dllla  Mar.  12, 
1 755,  who  m.  Jno.  Collins  Sept.  19,  1774;  Micah  Mar.  21,1764;  Lydia 
Mar.  19,  1769  ;  and  Israel  Mar.  22,  1772.  Jaazaniah,  b.  1745,m.  widow 
Sarah  Snow  July  16,  1764,  and  had  Elisa.  Sept.  29,  1764  ;   Sarah  Mar.  29, 


Boston  Public  Library. 


fea/gr      s^Vc^^^f,-^. 


Boston  Public  Library, 


ADDENDA.  773 

Mr.  Levi  Stevens  of  Truro  died  Mar.  16,  1829,  oe.  81. 
Mr.  John  Stevens  was  lost  at  sea,  in  1830,  se.  38 ;  Mr. 
Levi  Stevens  died  Oct.  1,  1852,  ^.  63  j  Mr.  Henry 
Stevens  died  July  10,  1853,  se.  71 ;  and  Mr.  Jonah 
Stevens,  Nov.  17,  1859,  se.  84.^ 

Benjamin  Burgess  Esq.,  of  Sandv^ich,  died  Jan.  29, 
1864,86.  86.2 

Mr.  Isaiah  Crowell,  of  Yarmouth,  died  Jan.  2,  1864, 

£8.  85.^ 


1767,  who  m.  Elisha  Snow  Jr.  July  23,  1789  ;  and  Jaazanlah  June  8,  1770. 
Jaazaniah,  b.  1770,  and  d.  1816,  m.  Anna  Lombard  Dec.  29,  1792,  and 
had  EHsa.  1794  ;  Jaazaniah  1796,  d.  1819  ;  Anne  1799  ;  Isaac  S.  1802,  d. 
inf. ;  Isaac  S.  1803,  who  m.  Betsy  Davis  1823  ;  Sarah  1805  ;  and  Elisa.  S. 
1808. 

^  See  genealogy  of  the  Stevens  family,  p.  683.  Eichaed,  of  Truro, 
had,  by  w.  Abigail,  Levi  Sept.  27,  1709;  Richard  Sept.  4,  1711;  Joanna 
Aug.  11,  17i;^;  Abigail  Mar.  14,  1715;  and  Jerusha  Mar.  17,  1716. 
KiCHAED,  b.  1 711,  m^  1st.  Mary  Gross  June  11, 1 741,  and  2d.  Mary  Nicker- 
son  of  P.  Nov.  10,  1768.  Issue  :  Jonah  May  8,  1742,  Avho  m.  Eachel  Rich 
Oct.  17,  1765;  Micah  Ap.  14,  1744;  Levi  May  5,  1748;  Richard  Ap.  22, 
1751,  who,  by  w.  Mercy,  had  Richard  July  21,  1771,  in  P. ;  Mary  Oct.  30, 
1754,  who  m.  three  times;  Abigail  June  16,  1756;  and  Henry  Sept.  13, 
1759.  Levi.  b.  1748,  and  d.  1829,  m.  Anna  Snow  Oct.  14,  1772,  and  had 
Abigl.  Jan.  5,  1774  who  m.  1792  ;  Jonah  Dec.  1,  1775,  who  m.  1st.  1799, 
and  d.  1859  ;  Ridiard  Feb.  13,  1778  ;  Mary  June  27,  1780,  who  m.  1799  ; 
Henry  Sept.  1,  1782,  whom.  1808,  and  d.  1853;  Sarah  Sept.  3,  1784; 
Anna  June  20,  1787,  whom.  1807  ;  Levi  Sept.  4,  1789,  who  m.  1812,  and 
d.  1852  ;  and  John  Jan.  14,  1792,  who  m.  1817,  and  d.  1830. 

-  For  the  engraved  likeness  of  this  eminently  successful  merchant,  we  are 
indebted  to  the  courtesy  of  his  son.  The  family  and  lineage  of  Mr.  B.  we 
have  noticed  pp.  91,  92,  he  being  then  yet  living.  Mr.  Buegess,  b.  in  S., 
Aug.  26,  1778,  s.  of  Elisha,  achieved  by  industry,  enterprise,  business  sagac- 
ity, and  unquestioned  integrity,  a  distinguished  position  in  the  mercantile 
community,  first  engaging  in  trade  in  his  native  place  which  he  represented 
many  years  in  the  legislature,  and  subsequently  transferring  his  business  to 
Boston  where  he  established  the  house  of  B.  Burgess  &  Sons.  After  en- 
gaging many  years  in  a  large  and  lucrative  trade  with  Cuba,  he  retired 
from  the  more  active  business  of  the  firm,  and  again  resumed  his  position 
in  his  native  town,  enjoying  annually,  during  the  season  of  vegetation,  the 
estate  which  he  had  loved  to  cherish  as  a  home,  and  which  had  been  associ- 
ated with  the  family  name  more  than  two  centuries.  Naturally  quiet, 
urbane,  and  unobtrusive,  his  character  was  at  the  same  time  marked  by 
great  firmness.  If  not  dating  back  to  the  period  of  that  class  of  men  which 
he  himself  would  have  denominated  "the  old  school  of  gentlemen,"  he  was, 
nevertheless,  a  worthy  link,  connecting  that  age  with  the  present. 

^We  have  noticed  the  ancestry,  p.  192,  as  also  elsewhere  other  branches 
of  the  family.  The  progenitor,  it  will  be  seen,  was  Mr.  John  Ceowell 
(usually  written  in  the  records  Crowe),  who  came  over  to  Charlestown  1635, 
was  a  leading  proprietor  of  Yarmouth,  and  d.  1673,  whose  w.  was  Elishua. 
His  son  John,  b.  1638,  and  d.  1689,  resided  at  Nobscusset,  and  m.  Mehit. 


114,  HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

Maj.  Gen.  Walley.  —  Under  the  engraved  likeness 
that  has  affixed  the  facsimile  autograph  of  this  emi- 
nent man.  Vol.  I.  p.  324,  is  stated  erroneously  the 
date  of  his  hirth.     Instead  of  1654,  it  should  be  1643, 

1 

Miller,  dr.  of  Eev.  John.  Their  s.  John,  b.  1662,  m.  Bethia  Sears,  dr.  o?J 
Paul,  1684.  Theirs.  Christopher,  b.  1698,  sold  out  at  Nobscusset  and 
located  at  "  Secuit  Neck,"  m.  Sarah  Matthews  Sept.  23,  1724,  and  had  is- 
sue: Hannah  Sept.  9,  1725,  who  m.  Sears;  Elisa.  July  3,  1728;  Sarah 
July  14,  1729,  who  m.  Seled  Landers  1746,  and  removed  to  N.  Scotia; 
Mary  Mar.  19,  1731;  Temperance  Ap.  19,  1733;  WiUiam  Mar.  25,  1734, 
who  m.  Hannah  Sears;  Christopher  Ap.  7,  1737;  Enoch  May  25,  1739; 
Bethiah  Aug.  28,  1741;  and  John  Feb.  2,  1744,  who  d.  Ap.  6,  1825. 
Christopher,  b.  1737,  m.  Deborah  Sears,  and  had  issue:  Sarah  Nov.  22, 
1762  ;  Levi  May  16,  1764  ;  Nathan  May  29,  1766  ;  Heman  July  19,  1768  ; 
Deborah  August  26,  1770;  Bethiah  Oct.  18,  1772;  Elisa.  Nov.  10,  1774; 
Joshua  Feb.  7,  1777;  Isaiah  Mar.  10,  1779;  Priscilla  Mar.  20,  1781; 
Christopher  Sept.  21,  1783  ;  David,  Jan.  11,  1786  ;  and  Barzillai  Aug.  14, 
1789.  Isaiah,  the  subject  of  this  notice,  b.  1779,  in  Dennis,  m.  Hannah 
Howes,  and  2d,  Abigail  KeUey.  Issue:  by  1st  m.,  Isaiah  Nov.  29,  1804, 
who  d.  Feb.  13,  1838  ;  by  2d  m.,  Hannah  H.  Feb.  23,  1809,  who  d.  Nov. 
26,  1835;  Barzillai  Ap.  18,  1811,  who  d.  inf.  ;  Abby  K.  Ap.  5,  1814  ;  Na- 
than July  7,  1816,  d.  inf.  ;  Nathan  Nov.  9, 1818  ;  Henry  G.  Sept.  10, 1821 ; 
Phebe  K.  July  22,  1824;  and  Seth  K.  Jan.  19,  1827.  Mr.  Crowell  com- 
menced his  business  life  upon  the  seas  at  an  early  age,  and  by  activity  and 
perseverance  soon  became  roaster  of  his  profession,  and  was  owner  in  part 
of  nearly  all  the  vessels  he  commanded.  In  the  prosecution  of  one  of  his 
voyages,  he  was  in  the  port  of  Marseilles,  Fr.,  when  the  British  Orders  in 
Council  were  about  to  take  effect,  under  which  all  neutral  vessels  from 
French  ports  were  declared  lawful  prizes  if  captured  by  Br.  cruisers.  Capt. 
C.  left  the  port,  ran  the  gauntlet  of  cruisers  through  the  Straits  of  Gibral- 
tar, and  reached  the  United  States  in  safety.  In  April,  1812,  it  being  ex- 
pected that  an  embargo  act  would  be  passed  by  Congress,  he  was  loading 
in  Boston  for  Lisbon ;  but,  with  his  chai'acteristic  energy,  put  forth  every 
effort  to  complete  his  cargo  and  clear  for  a  foreign  port.  He  cleared  coast- 
wise for  Eastport  where  he  arrived  in  advance  of  the  mail  bringing  intelli- 
gence of  the  embargo,  and  there  cleared  for  Lisbon,  removing  his  vessel  to 
Campo  Bello  in  British  waters,  whence,  the  cargo  being  completed,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  Lisbon.  On  his  return,  war  with  England  having  been  declared, 
it  was  his  misfoi-tune  to  be  captured  by  a  British  cruiser,  and  sent  to  St. 
John's,  N.  F.,  where  his  vessel  was  condemned,  and  he  was  being  returned 
to  the  United  States  in  the  British  sloop-of-war  Alert,  —  the  same  that  was 
captured  by  the  Essex,  Capt.  Poi'ter,  who,  at  sea,  converted  his  prize  into  a 
cartel,  and  sent  her  English  officers  and  crew  into  St.  Jcbn's,  in  exchange 
for  American  prisoners  detained  there.  The  preceding  last  voyage  made 
by  Capt.  C.  was  the  only  one  which  did  not  result  successi'ully.  Capt.  C. 
accumulated  in  early  life  a  large  property.  At  the  establishment  of  the 
Barnstable  Bank  he  was  chosen  a  director,  and  continued  in  office  37  suc- 
cessive years,  and  18  years  was  president,  —  always  kind  and  courteous,  — 
and  under  his  administration  the  institution  was  eminently  successful.  He 
represented  the  town  of  Y.  in  the  legislature  several  years.  Upright,  and 
commanding  a  large  share  of  public  confidence,  he  was  one  of  Cape  Cod's 
most  estimable  citizens.  We  are  indebted  to  that  intelligent  and  courteous 
gentleman,  Seth   Crowell  Esq.,  for  the  incidents  of  the  life  of  Mr.  Isaiah 


^-i^.Si/rroPos  i/T^-  BfSra/f. 


Bostoii  Public  Library, 


ADDENDA.  775 

as  correctly  given  by  us  in  the  genealogical,  notice, 
Vol.  I.  p.  291.^ 

We  are  to  make  amende  also,  for  an  error  on  p.  140, 
Vol.  II.,  in  the  last  note  ;  and  are  thus  reminded  of  the 
last  words  of  Dr.  Cotton  Mather  at  the  close  of  his 
Magnalia  :  "  Reader,  Carthagena  was  of  the  mind,  that 
unto  those  three  things  which  the  ancients  held  to  be 
impossible,  there  should  be  added  this  fourth,  —  to  find 
a  book  printed  without  errata.  It  seems,  the  hands 
of  Briareus,  and  the  eyes  of  Argus,  will  not  prevent 
them."  2 

Crowell,  and  to  the  sons  of  the  subject  of  this  brief  biographical  notice,  now 
eminent  merchants  in  Boston,  for  the  excellent  likeness  on  the  opposite 
page. 

^  We  have,  in  connection  with  this  date,  a  duty  to  perform  touching  the 
lithograph  itself  It  was  thought  by  the  highly -respected  descendant  who 
generously  furnished  it,  to  be  the  veritable  likeness  of  his  military  ancestor, 
Maj.  Gen.  John  Wallet.  The  facsimile  o?  the  GenQv&V^  autograph  we 
obtained  from  documents  filed  by  him  in  the  State  archives ;  but,  now  ap- 
prehensive that  the  signature  is  all  in  the  engraving  that  pertains  immediately 
to  him,  —  another,  a  distinguished  descendant  by  maternal  lineage,  having  a 
quite  different  understanding  of  the  treasured  family  relic,  —  we  feel  bound, 
by  a  regard  for  historical  accuracj',  to  forestall  any  misapprehension  that 
might  otherwise  be  occasioned  by  our  act.  We  do  not,  thereby,  pretend  to 
determine  the  question  ;  and,  pei-haps,  cannot  better  acquit  ourself  of 
responsibility  in  this  matter  than  by  reference  to  our  correspondent's  note : 
"  Boston,  June  5,  1862.  Dear  Sir,  The  receipt  of  the  last  number  of  your 
History,  which  I  have  read  with  much  interest,  reminds  me  of  what  I  have 
long  wished  to  say  to  you.  Did  I  ever  tell  you  that  I  never  heard  that  the 
jDicture  you  give  us  at  324th page.  Vol.  1st,,  was  the  likeness  of  Gen.  Walley  ? 
I  always  heard  it  was  the  likeness  of  his  son  John  Walley,  born  Sept.  11, 
1691,  died  Mar.  6,  1745.  But  if  I  am  wrong,  which  I  doubt,  Maj.  Gen. 
Walley  was  b.  not  in  1654,  but  in  1643  as  you  correctly  state  on  page.  Now 
cannot  some  Erratum,  foisted  in  somewhere  (perhaps  you've  done  it  already), 
hinder  this  error  going  down  with  your  authority  ?  —  Yours,  Wendell 
Phillips.  " 

^  We  were  led,  by  intelligence  communicated  in  good  faith  by  one  whose 
relations  to  the  person  gave  to  his  announcement  the  assurance  of  authority, 
to  state  that  a  venerable  and  most  estimable  lady  was  deceased.  We  were 
most  happy  to  be  informed,  by  an  inundation  of  letters  from  among  her 
many  distinguished  friends,  though  too  late  to  recall  the  mistake,  that  she 
was  "  yet  hving  at  Lexington,  aged,  but  with  a  mind  undimmed,  a  memory 
unimpaired,  a  bodily  strength  but  little  diminished."  Our  courteous  prompt- 
er, commanding  at  the  time  a  distinguished  position  in  Harvard  College, 
further  says :  "  She  writes  as  fair  and  handsome  a  hand  as  any  young  man 
or  woman  in  the  State,  and  since  she  passed  her  80th  year  has  transcribed 
the  early  church-records  of  L.  "  Mortified  by  the  error,  we  are  grateful 
that  it  is  an  error.  Long  may  that  excellent  woman  survive,  the  admira- 
tion of  her  friends.     We  have  remembered  her  with  respect  ever  since  the 


776  fflSTORY   OF   BAENSTABLE   COUNTY. 

We  might  have  greatly  extended  our  genealogical 
notes  ;  but  this  department  of  our  work  —  not  origi- 
nally promised  —  has  been  a  most  serious  tax  upon  both 
our  time  and  pecuniary  resources.  We  sincerely  hope 
that  no  occasion  will  arise,  or  temptation  be  presented 
to  us,  hereafter  to  attempt  a  supplement.  It  would 
have  been  an  interesting  employment  to  have  traced 
also  the  ancient  settlers  of  Cape  Cod  to  their  original 
homes.^  But  we  must  now  withhold,  and  be  content 
with  only  a  few  concluding  words. 

day  she  loaned  to  us,  then  a  little  boy,  a  beautifully  illustrated  Natural 
History,  kindly  proffered  with  commendations  and  other  encouraging  words ; 
and  had  we  the  skill  of  a  limner,  we  could  now  portray  those  features 
marked  with  intellectuality  and  benevolence  when,  with  attaching  manners, 
she  made  her  little  friend  so  happy. 

^  In  the  single  annals  of  the  one  town  of  Barnstaple,  Eng.,  we  have 
found,  running  back  to  the  year  1265,  the  GiiFard's;  to  1327,  the  Burgesses  ; 
to  1337,  the  Gray's;  to  the  early  reign  of  king  Rd.  11.,  the  Crespin's, 
Loringe's,  and  Hugonis' (Higgins;)  to  1537,  the  Baker's;  to  1553,  the 
Hardin's;  to  1558,  the  Bassett's  —  of  whom,  in  1600,  was  "  Sir  Robert "  ; 
we  find  that "  Mr.  E,d.  Smyth,  the  hired  preacher  of  the  town,  and  Jo.  Smyth, 
preacher  at  Pylton,  were  inhibited  to  preach,  by  reason  they  would  not 
wear  the  surplice  ;  "  and  at  various  early  periods,  the  names  of  Dyer,  Wright, 
Ferris,  Cotton,  Palmer,  Stevens,  Dennis,  Russel,  Ayers,  Downe,  Stone, 
Snow,  Clarke,  Cooke,  Bisse,  Smale,  Swete,  Matthews,  Hammond,  Harper, 
Robinson,  John  Jenkins,  Newcombe,  White,  Avery,  Roach,  Nichols,  Berry, 
Tucker,  Atkins,  Garrett,  etc.,  appear. 


CONCLUSION 


Having  taken,  as  originally  contemplated,  a  general 
survey  of  the  progress  of  events  in  Barnstable  County, 
from  the  time  of  the  earliest  discovery  of  any  portion 
of  this  peninsula  by  Europeans,  so  far  as  is  known ; 
and  of  the  several  distinct  Towns,  seriatim,  from  their 
settlement  to  the  present  moment,  we  now  conclude 
our  labors  with  a  few  remarks  and  acknowledgments. 

We  claim  no  merit  for  the  work,  other  than  that  in 
the  execution  we  have  carefully  recorded  whatever 
might  fairly  elucidate  the  subject  in  hand.  For  the 
omission  of  trivial  matters,  of  no  possible  public  impor- 
tance, and  from  the  relation  of  which  neither  valuable 
information  nor  suggestions  could  be  derived,  nor  any 
benefit  ensue,  and,  especially,  of  trifling  incidents 
that,  if  not  in  themselves  revolting,  partake  only  of 

"  Th'  common  chat  of  gossips  when  they  meet," 

we  need  make  no  apology ;  for  to  have  done  otherwise 
would  have  been  to  offer  insult  to  the  intellio;ent 
reader.  The  field  before  us,  it  may  well  be  supposed, 
has,  in  general,  been  no  exception  to  all  other  commu- 
nities, peoples,  and  periods  -,  so  that,  could  we  forego 
self-respect,  and  were  the  pen  thus  inclined,  we  might 
have  discoursed   of  both  celebrities  and    diminutives 

VOL.  II.  98  (777) 


778  HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 

with  a  minuteness  adapted  to  perverted  tastes,  —  al- 
leging of  this  one, 

"  Some  modern  anecdotes  aver 
,  He  nodded  in  his  elbow-chair ;  " 

of  another, 

"  He  decently,  in  form,  paid  Heav'n  its  due. 
And  made  a  civil  visit  to  his  pew." 

Or  we  might  have  descended  to  the  grosser  person- 
alities, if 

"  Scandal-picking  were  our  trade," 

and  have  reported 

"  Seldom  at  church,  'twas  such  a  busy  life ; 
But  duly  sent  his  family  and  wife." 

Of  another,  perhaps  we  might  have  said,  "His  face 
was  thought  longer  than  exact  symmetricians  would 
allow."  But,  having  no  vocation  in  such  direction,  we 
have  never  pandered  to  vulgar  minds,  nor  lost  sight, 
for  one  moment,  of  the  duty  the  profession  of  history 
imposes,  nor  in  any  sense  been  faithless  to  the  monition 
which  good  sense,  sound  morality,  and  true  honor  will 
ever  approve, 

"  It  lies  on  you  to  speak 
Not  by  your  own  instruction,  nor  by  any  matter 
Which  your  own  heart  prompts  you  to." 

Aiming  to  be  faithful  and  true,  impartial  and  just,  char- 
itable and  courteous,  urbane  and  reverent,  patriotic 
and  Christian,  it  is  for  an  intelhgent  public  to  deter- 
mine how  far  our  aim  has  been  successful. 

We  cannot,  after  all  our  care,  presume  that  there 
are  no  defects  in  the  work ;  nor  will  we  deprecate 
criticism.  We  may  not,  either,  enter  upon  a  detail  of 
the  difficulties  found  in  the  way  of  the  execution  of 


CONCLUSION.  779 

our  task  to  our  own  entire  satisfaction  ;  for  they  who 
have  experienced  the  trials  of  similar  publications, 
know  that  such  difficulties  are  neither  few,  nor  easily 
surmounted. 

To  our  Subscribers  who,  with  cheering  words  and 
honorable  fulfilment  of  their  engagements,  have  waited 
the  issue,  a  hearty  salvediction. 

To  those  generous  Friends  whose  unsolicited  coope- 
ration we  have  received  in  extra- contributions  in  aid 
of  the  unforeseen  expense  of  the  work,  we  know  not 
how  to  express  adequately  our  feeling.     In  truth, 

"  We  can  no  other  answer  make  but  thanks  ; 
And  thanks,  and  ever  thanks  :  tho'  oft  good  turns 
Are  shuffl'd  off  with  such  uncurrent  pay." 

This,  however,  we  most  sincerely  assure  them :  they 
have  conferred  a  benefit,  without  making  an  ingrate. 
We  make  the  acknowedgment  without  the  vanity  of 
imagining  that  their  action  was  intended  in  any  sense 
as  an  expression  of  favor  to  us  personally ;  we  regard 
it,  as  no  doubt  prompted,  the  expression  of  a  desire  to 
see  the  history  complete  and  issued  without  pecuni- 
ary loss  to  the  author.  It  is,  nevertheless,  being  the 
act  of  gentlemen  of  position  and  intellectual  culture, 
and  delicately  proffered  after  our  work  was  in  part  be- 
fore the  public,  complimentary  to  our  aim,  and,  as 
such,  constitutes  a  flattering  reward.  We  are  peremp- 
torily dissuaded  the  honor  of  recording  either  names 
or  gratuities ;  and  their  dissuasives  are  in  keeping  with 
unostentatious  liberality.  Should  there,  however,  be 
thought,  perchance,  discoverable  in  succeeding  pages 
aught  that  may  be  construed  a  typographical  intima- 
tion of  the  sources  from  whence  generous  sympathy 
has  flowed,  we  trust  it  will  be  pardoned ;  for  we  must 
be  allowed  at  least  this  compromise. 


780         HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 

The  fidelity,  ability,  and  courtesy  with  which,  first 
the  Boston  Stereotype  Foundry,  and,  succeeding  them, 
the  house  of  Messrs.  Geo.  C.  Rand  &  Avery,  have  per- 
formed their  engagements  in  the  work  of  stereotyping ; 
and  the  latter  also  by  the  neatness  of  execution  in  the 
entire  printing,  we  are  proud  to  acknowledge.  They 
need  no  eulogium  from  us ;  their  works  praise  them. 

These  duties  performed,  we  offer  devout  acknowl- 
edgments especially,  and  above  all,  to  that  Almighty 
Power  by  which  we  have  been  preserved,  and  by 
whose  great  goodness  we  have  been  enabled  to  prose- 
cute this  present  work  to  its  close.  And  now,  retiring 
from  a  position  of  protracted  toil  and  of  some  anxiety, 
we  can  but  humbly  cherish  the  hope  that  our  labor 
has  not  been  in  vain  whether  as  respects  the  claims  of 
past  generations,  the  reasonable  expectations  of  the 
present,  or  the  benefits  to  posterity. 


SUBSCRIBERS. 


MASSACHUSETTS. 

Barnstable. 
Ains worth,  James. 
Bacon,  Ebenezer. 
Bassett,  Zenas  D.,  Hon. 
*Baxter,  Sylvester,  Hon. 
Bearse,  Orrin  B. 
Bearse,  Owen. 
Bursley,  Joseph. 
Chase,  Luke  B. 
Coombs,  Edwin.    ■ 
*Crocker,  Fred.  W. 
Crockei",  Samuel  S. 
Crosby,  Samuel. 
Day,  Joseph  M.,  Hon. 
Eldridge,  Waterman. 
Goss,  F.  B. 
Hallett,  Warren. 
Hinckley,  Josiah. 
Lewis,  Elijah  2d. 
Marston,  George,  Hon. 
Otis,  James. 
Phinnet,  Stlvanus  B. 

Beverly. 
Baker,  John  I.,  Hon. 

Burley,  Mrs.  Edward. 

Boston. 
Atkins,  Ebenezek. 
Atkins,  Elisha. 
Atkins,  Isaiah. 
Atkins,  Isaiah  M. 
Atwood,  E.  L. 
Atwood,  H. 


Ayres,  John. 
Bacon,  Eben.  Jr. 
Bacon,  Francis. 
Bacon,  F.  E. 
Bacon,  George. 
*Bacon  Robert. 
Bacon,  Thomas  C. 
Bacon,  William. 
Bacon,  Wm.  B. 
Baker,  Benjamin. 
Baker,  Ezra  H. 
Baker,  Freeman. 
Baker,  Judah. 
Baker,  Richard. 
Baker,  Richard  Jr. 
Balch,  Joseph  W. 
*Bangs,  Benjamin. 
Bassett,  Elisha. 
Bassett,  Francis,  Hon. 
Baxter,  John  A. 
Beal,  Alexander. 
Bearse,  Lincoln  B. 
Bourne,  Ezra  A. 
Bridge,  Nathan  W. 
Brooks,  Henrt  C,  Col. 
Burgess,  B.  F. 
Butler,  Daniel  W. 
Butler,  Edw.  K. 
Chase,  Geo.  B.   , 
Clark,  Albert  P. 
Clark,  Thacher  Jr. 
*Cobb,  Matthew. 
Crocker,  Henrt,  Hon. 
Crocker,  Uriel. 
Crowell,  Bro.  &  Co. 


Ceowell,  Nathan. 
Crowell,  Nathan  Jr. 
Davis,  Adolphus. 
Davis,  Barnabas. 
Davis,  Ebenezer. 
Davis,  Fred.  C. 
*Davis,  James. 
Davis,  James  Jr. 
Davis,  Joseph. 
Davis,  S.  G. 
Deane,  Charles. 
Deane,  John  W. 
Dexter,  Henry  M.,  Rev. 
Dillingham,  Ezra  C. 
Dimmock,  Wm.  R. 
Doane,  Thomas, 
»Eldridge,  E.  H. 
*Eldridge,  Ellery. 
Eldridge,  Samuel. 
Eldridge  Smith. 
Everett,    Edward,  Hon., 

LL.D. 
Fairbanks,  David. 
Fessenden,  S.  H. 
Freeman, 'Benj.  S. 
Freeman,  George  A. 
Freeman,  George  E. 
Freeman,  K.  W. 
Freeman,  Watson  Jr. 
Freeman,  William. 
Freeman,  Wm.  F. 
GiBBS,  Nathan  B. 
Gross,  Isaac  S. 
Hall,  James. 
*Hallett,  Benj.  F.,  Hon. 
781 


782 


HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Hallett,  Henry  L. 
Hardy,  Alpheus,  Hon. 
Harris,  Horatio. 
*Hawes,  Charles  H. 
Higgins,  Joseph  S. 
Higgins,  R.  R. 
Hinckley,  Freeman. 
*Hinckley,  H.  H. 
Hinckley,  William. 
Holbrook,  Jesse. 
Hooper,  Samuel,  Hon. 
Howes,  Osborne. 
Howes,  Richard  A. 
Howland,  George. 
Jarves,  Deming. 
KJrogman,  Samuel  B. 
Lewis,  Simeon  H. 
Lewis,  Winslow,  M.  D. 
Lincoln,  Henry. 
Lincoln,  William. 
Lombard,  Benj. 
Lombard,  Benj.  Jr. 
Lombard,  D.  B. 
*LoMBARD  Israel. 
Lombard,  Israel  Jr. 
Lothrop,  Samuel  K.  Rev., 

D.D. 
Lovejoy,  Loyal. 
Lowell,  Geo.  G. 
Matthews,  Nathan. 
Mayo,  H. 
Mayo,  Joshua  C. 
Minot,  William  Jr. 
Montgomeiy,  Hugh. 
Morey,  George,  Hon. 
Myrick,  George. 
Mckerson,  Eben.  &  Co. 
Nickerson,  Edw.  G. 
Nickerson,  Frederic. 
Nickerson,  Joseph. 
Nickerson,  Pliny. 
Nickerson,  Sereno  D. 
Paine,  John  A. 
*Perry,  M.  S.,  M.  D. 
Phillips,  Wendell. 
Ransom,  Alexander. 
Reed,  John. 
Rich,  Isaac. 
Riley,  Patrick. 
Ritchie,  Harrison. 


Ryder,  George  G. 
Sargent,  L.  M.,  Hon. 
Sawyer,  F.  W. 
*Scudder,  Alexander. 
*Scudder,  Charles. 
Scudder,  Charles  W. 
Scudder,  Henry  A. 
Scudder,  Hervet. 
Scudder,  Mrs.  L.  S. 
Scudder,  Marshall  S. 
Scudder,  P.  W. 
Sears,  David,  Hon. 
Sears,  Nathan  F. 
Sears,  Paul. 
Sears,  Philip  H.,  Hon. 
Sears,  Prince. 
Sears,  Richard  W. 
Sever,  Mrs.  Abigail. 
*Shaw,  Lemuel,  Hon., 

LL.D. 
Shurtleff,  N.  B.,  M.D. 
Simpkins,  S.  G. 
Smith,  Albert,  Hon. 
Smith,  George  L. 
Smith,  Stephen. 
Smith,  W.  B. 
Snow,  B.  S. 
Snow,  David, 
Sowle,  John. 
Spurr,  Henry  P. 
State  Library. 
Stearns,  Wm.  H. 
*Sturgis,  Wm.,  Hon. 
Swett,  Samuel,  Col. 
Thacher,  Barnabas. 
Thacher,  Isaac. 
Thacher,  Peter. 
*Thacher,  Thomas,  Jr. 
Thacher,  Wm.  S. 
Thornton,  J.  Wingate. 
Tobey,  E.  S.,  Hon. 
Tobey,  Seth. 
Townsend,  Solo.D.,M.D. 
Trask,  Wm.  B. 
Tuck,  Mrs.  Dr. 
*Tudor,  Frederick. 
Waterman,  Foster. 
Waterman,  Thomas. 
Whitmore,  W.  H. 
Wiggin,  John  K. 


Wilder,  J.  S. 
Winslow,  Elisha  D. 
Winslow,  Roland  D. 
Winthrop,  Rt.  C,  Hon., 

LL.D. 
Wolcott,  J.  Huntington. 
Young,  Calvin. 

Brewster. 

Bangs,  Elisha. 
*Bangs,  Elkanah. 
Bangs,  F.  H. 
Berry,  Benjamin  F. 
»Cobb,  Elijah. 
Cobb,  Freeman,  Hon. 
Crosby,  Elisha. 
*Crosby,  Freeman. 
Crosby,  Nathan. 
Crosby,  Rowland  F. 
Crosby,  Tully. 
Dunbar,  Albert. 
Foster,  Elisha. 
*Foster,  Nathan. 
Freeman,  Barnard. 
Freeman,  Benjamin. 
Freeman,  John. 
Freeman,  Solomon. 
Gould,  Samuel,  M.D. 
Higgins,  George  W. 
Knowles,  W.  W. 
Lincoln,  David. 
Lincoln,  Warren. 
Mayo,  Jeremiah,  Gen. 
Pepper,  Bangs. 
*Pratt,  Enoch,  Rev. 
Sears,  Joseph  H. 

Bridgewater. 
Latham,  Williams. 

Brighton. 
Collins,  David. 

Cambridge. 
Harv.  Col.  Library. 
Palfrey,  John  G.,  Hon., 

LL.D. 
Peabody,  And.  P.,  Rev., 

D.D. 
Sibley,  John  L.,  Rev. 


SUBSCRIBERS. 


783 


Charlestoton. 
Lambert,  Thos.  R.,  Rev., 
D.  D. 

Chatham. 
Atwood,  Joseph. 
Atwood,  Levi. 
Bea,  Isaac. 

Carpenter,  Elij.  W.,M.D. 
Crowell,  Benajah  Jr. 
Emery,  John. 
Godfrey,  George, 
Hammond,  Charles. 
Harding,  Prince. 
Hardy,  Josiah. 
Higgins,  Samuel. 
*Howes,  Mulford. 
Lewis,  Isaiah. 
Lewis,  Horatio. 
Loveland,  Isaac  H. 
Nickerson,  Caleb. 
Nickerson,  Franklin. 
Mckerson,  Joshua. 
Ryder,  Thacher. 
Smith,  Jacob. 
Smith,  Stephen. 
Stetson,  Philip. 
Taylor,  Richard. 
Taylor,  Samuel. 

Dedham. 
Btjegess,  Eben.,  Rev., 
D.D. 

Dennis. 
Baker,  Obed  2d. 
Baker,  Watson. 
Chapman,  Howes. 
Crowell,  Prince  S. 
Crowell,  Seth,  Hon. 
Hall,  Barnabas. 
Homer,  Stephen. 
Howes,  Cyrus. 
Howes,  Eben. 
Howes,  Moses  Jr. 
Howes,  Thomas  P. 
Howes,  Wm.  F. 
Lord,  Wm.  E.,  M.D. 
Nickerson,  Eleazar. 
Nickerson,  Miller  W. 
Rogers,  George  C. 


Shiverick,  Asa. 
Stone,  Nathan. 
Underwood,  Marshall  S. 

Dorchester. 

Adams, ,  Dea. 

Dorchester  Library. 

Duxhury. 
GifFord,  S.  N. 

Eastham. 
Heman,  Doane. 

Fairhaven. 

Allen,  Edmund. 
Fish,  Roland. 
Gibbs,  Wm.  L.  B. 
Hawes,  John  A. 
Nye,  Reuben. 
Robinson,  James. 
Sawin,  Ezekiel. 
Tripp,  Job  C. 
Tripp,  Lemuel  C. 
Wilcox,  A.  Palmer. 

Falmouth. 

Bourne,  Barnabas  E. 
Bourne,  Warren  N. 
Childs,  Peter  E. 
Clarke,  George  E. 
Dillingham,  Stephen. 
Dimmick,  Wm.  F. 
Gifford,  Melatiah. 
Gould,  Erasmus. 
Hatch,  John. 
Hewins,  William. 
Jenkins,  Mrs.  John. 
Jenkins,  Prince. 
Lawrance,  Thomas  H. 
Nye,  Albert. 
Nye,  Samuel. 
Robinson,  John  H. 
Robinson,  John  R. 
Swift,  Benj.  P. 
Swift,  Mrs.  Elijah. 
Swift,  Elijah. 
Swift,  Oliver  C. 
Tobey,  Henry. 


Foxhoro'. 
Baker,  Miss  Clara  P. 

Greenfield. 
Davis,  George  T.,  Hon. 
Davis,  Wendell  T. 
Leonard,  Theodore. 

Harwich. 
Baker,  Jos.  K. 
Brooks,  Obed. 
Brooks,  Sidney. 
Chase,  Isaiah. 
Chase,  Jonathan. 
Doane,  Nathaniel  Jr. 
Doane,  Valentine  Jr. 
Eldi-idge,  Benj.  D. 
Emery,  J.  W. 
Hebard,  Frederick,  Rev. 
KeUy,  Anthony. 
Kelly,  N.  D. 
Lothrop,  Davis,  Rev. 
Nickerson,  Elkanah. 
Nickerson,  Henry. 
Weekes,  Cyrus,  Hon. 
Woodard,  Joseph. 
Young,  John  M. 

Hingham. 
Hersey,  Henry. 
Lincoln,  Solomon,  Hon, 

Lanesville. 
Burgess,  Ebenezer,  Rev. 

Nantucket. 
Adams,  Orin  F. 
Fearing,  Elisha  P.,  M.D. 

New  Bedford. 
Bourne,  Jonathan  Jr. 
Clifford,  John  H,,  Hon., 

LL.D. 
Cornish,  Aaron,  M.  D. 
Crocker,  Oliver  &  Geo. 
Delano,  J.  C. 
Eliot,  Thos.  D.,  Hon. 
Ellis,  Nathan  S. 
Fessenden,  C.  B.  H. 


784 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Freeman,  E.  P. 
Gifford,  William. 
Grinnell,  Joseph,  Hon. 
Howlancl,  Edw.  W. 
Howland,  Matthew. 
Howland,  Wm.  P. 
Hussey,  George. 
Ingraham,  E..  C. 
Munroe,  James. 
Nye,  Willard. 
Parker,  Ward  M. 
Rodman,  Benjamin. 
Russell,  Henry,  M.  D. 
Russell,  William  T. 
Sears,  Willard. 
*Spooner,  Paul,  M.D. 
Taber,  Henry. 
*Taber,  Isaac  C. 
Taylor,  WilHam  H. 
Wing,  Joseph  R. 
Wood,  Henry  T. 
Wood,  James  B. 

Newhuryport. 
Newburyport  Pub.  Lib'ry. 

Orleans. 
Cummings,  Joseph. 
Higgins,  Jonathan. 

Plymouth. 
Rich,  Isaac  B. 

Provincetown. 
Atwood,  John  Jr. 
Baker,  A. 
Bowley,  Joshua  E. 
Camman,  C.  H. 
Carson,  G.  W. 
Dudley,  A.  S. 
r>yer,  Elisha. 
riuker,  F.  F. 
Freeman,  Nathan. 
Gifford,  James. 
Gifford,  S.  S. 
Hopkins,  Joshua  F. 
IIo]jkins,  Nathaniel. 
Howes,  Samuel, 
Lothrop,  John  L.,  M.  D. 
Lothrop,  Thomas. 


Mayo,  Edwin  C. 
Nickerson,  Atkins. 
Nickersou,  Enos. 
Nickerson,  Jonathan. 
Nickerson,  R.  E. 
Nickerson,  Seth. 
Nickerson,  Stephen. 
Odd  Fellows  Library. 
Paine,  Joshua. 
Paine,  S.  A. 
Small,  Arnold. 
Small,  Jesse. 
Smith,  Eben.  S. 
Stone,  Jeremiah,  M.  D. 
Tuck,  F.  B. 

Bx)xbury. 
Eldridge,  OUyer. 
Wing,  Benj.  F.,  M.  D. 

Sandwich. 

*Bourne,  Melatiah. 
*Boyden,  Jesse. 
Boyden,  WiUiam. 
*Burgess,  Benjamin. 
*Chipman,  Jonathan. 
Dillingham,  Chas.,  Hon. 
Ellis,  Mrs.  Jane. 
Ewer,  Edward  W. 
Fessenden,  William. 
Foster,  Josiah. 
Freeman,  Edmund  B. 
Freeman,  Otis. 
Freeman,  WatsoNjHou. 
Hamblen,  Edward  C. 
*Jarves,  John. 
Jones,  Charles  B. 
Leonard,  Jonathan,  M.  D. 
Moran,  William,  Rev. 
Perry,  William. 
Swift,  Seth. 
Waterman,  C.  C.  P. 
Whittemore,  E.  S. 
Wing,  Paul. 

Somerville. 

Hughes,  Albert  E. 
Hughes,  John  A. 
Stevens,  Levi  F. 


Truro. 
Paine,  Daniel. 

Wareham. 

Burgess,  Stephen  C 
Kinney,  John  M.,  Hon. 
Tisdale,  Samuel  T. 

Wayland. 
Sears,  Edmund  H.,  Rev. 

Wellfleet. 
Smith,  Elisha  W. 
Wyer,  George  T. 

Yarmouth. 
Baxter,  Alexander. 
HaUet,  Eben.  A. 
Sears,  Charles. 
Sears,  J.  K. 
Swift,  Charles  F.,  Hon. 

NEW   HAMPSHIKE. 

Dover. 
Freeman,  Asa,  Hon. 
Freeman,  Edmund. 
Freeman,  Frank. 
Thornton,  J.  B.  Jr.,  Rev 

Fessenden  Mills. 
Fessenden,  Stephen. 

Hanover. 
Freeman,  Miss  Hannah. 

Milford. 
Eldridge,  H.,  M.  D. 

Portsmouth. 
Hoyt,  Albert  H. 
Thacher,  Henry  S. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Westminster, 
Gilbert,  J.  C. 

West  Winstead. 
Patterson,  Daniel  W. 


SUBSCRIBERS. 


785 


VERMONT. 

Middlehury. 
Battel,  Philip. 

MAINE. 

Augusta. 
Snell,  Issachar. 
Williams,  Mrs.  Eeuel. 

Brunswich. 
Maine  Historical  Society. 

Fairfield. 
Burgess,  Wm.  E. 

Norridgewock. 
Freeman,  Abraham  W. 

Portland. 
Freeman,  James. 
Hinckley,  H.  K. 
WiUis,  William,  Hon. 

Scarboro'. 
Thornton,  J.  B. 

Thomaston. 
Burgess,  Wm.  Carey. 


RHODE   ISLAND. 

Newport. 
Landers,  Mrs.  Edward. 

Providence. 

Allen,  Crawford. 
Baker,  C.  C. 
Baker,  E.  C. 
Bodfish,  William. 
Burgess,  Alexander. 
Burgess,  Alpheus. 
Burgess,  Frederic. 
Chase,  Z.  &  Co. 
Crocker,  Nathan  B.,  Rev. 

D.D. 
Fessenden,  Benjamin. 
Hallet,  George  W. 
Harding,  Joshua. 
VOL.  II.  99 


new   YORK. 

Albion. 
Paine,  Samuel  C,  M.D. 

Brooldyn. 
Burgess,  Phineas. 

Buffalo. 
Hawley,  E.  S. 

Greenport. 
Kendrick,  -Nathan. 

Ira. 
Morgan,  Mrs.  Harriet. 

Kinderlioolc. 
Tobey,  WilUam  H. 

New  York. 
Akin,  Abiel. 
Alstrum,  Benjamin. 
Atkins,  J.  Jr. 
Bacon,  D.  G. 
Bacon,  Elisha. 
Bacon,  Freeman. 
Bailey,  J.  W. 
Baker,  E. 
Bancroft,  George,   Hon., 

LL.  D. 
Bassett,  Zenas  D.  Jr. 
Bearse,  G. 

Bodfish,  R.  Crocker. 
Boyle,  James,  M.  D. 
Bryan,  Oliver. 
Bunker,  Wm.  J. 
Bursley,  Ira. 
Cleverly,  James,  Hon. 
Cobb,  Daniel. 
Cobb,  Matthew. 
CoUins,  N.  B. 
Conger,  Mrs.  E. 
Crocker,  Eben.  B. 
Crocker,  F.  A. 
Crocker,  Stephen. 
Crosby,  Seth. 
Crowell,  Elisha. 
Crowcll,  Stephen. 
Dalton,  George  T. 
Darling,  Martha  Mrs. 


Davenport,  John. 
Davis,  Timothy. 
Dinsmore,  W.  B. 
Draper,  Simeon. 
Fish,  Hamilton,  Hon. 
Freeman,  Charles  M. 
Freeman,  George  A. 
Freeman,  Henry  P. 
Freeman,  John  G. 
Freeman,  Nathaniel. 
Freeman,  Pliny. 
*Freeman,  Solomon. 
Freeman,  Samuel  T. 
Goodspeed,  Arthur. 
Goodspeed,  Charles. 
Hawkes,  Frs.  L.,  D.  D., 

LL.  D. 
Historical  Society. 
Holbrook,  Isaac  S. 
Holmes,  James  M. 
Howes,  Amos. 
Howes,  R.  W. 
Howland,  B.  J. 
Howland,    Rt.   S.,  Rev., 

D.D. 
Kelley,  J.  N. 
Leonard,  William  H. 
Leverich,  Charles  P. 
Lewis,  Ezra. 
Lewis,  J.  B. 
Lewis,  S.  W. 
Libby,  Demorin. 
Lovell,  Alexander. 
Lovell,  Frank  H. 
Matthews,  Edward. 
Mayo,  S. 

Mercantile  Library. 
Newcomb,  C. 
Newcomb,  C.  G. 
Nye,  Ezra. 

Nye,  James  W.,  Gov. 
Otis,  J.  W. 
*Otis,  Isaac. 
Otis,  Horatio  N. 
Patten,  Joseph  H. 
Prentiss,   Geo.  L.,  Rev., 

D.D. 
Ray,  C.  B.,  Rev. 
Reeves,  Henry  G. 
Simpkins,  John. 


7 00                       HISTORY    or   BARNSTABLE   C 

OUNTT. 

Small,  B.  P. 

NEW   JERSEY. 

LOUISIANA. 

Smith,  James  A, 

Newark. 

New  Orleans. 

Snow,  Michael. 

Stetson,  Charles  A, 

Preeman,  H.  W. 

Woodbury,  George. 

Stetson,  Thomas  P. 

OHIO. 

Port  Hudson. 

Swift,  Henry. 

Constitution, 

Preeman,  H.  W.,  Lt. 

Swift,  James  M. 

Taylor,  Theodore  A. 

Burgess,  Dyer,  Rev. 

KANSAS. 

Thorp,  Andrew. 
Tobey,  G.  R. 

Yellow  Springs. 

Burlingame. 

Tufts,  Walter  Jr. 

Leonard,  Prs.  D. 

Harpur,  John,  M.  D. 

Tapper,  Charles  H. 

Tupper,  George. 

ILLINOIS. 

TEXAS. 

Tupper,  Homes. 

Alton. 

San  Antonio. 

Underwood,  H. 

Lewis,  Nathaniel. 

Warren,  Edward  J. 

Topping,  M.  H. 

Warren,  George. 

Bnmjield. 

CALIFORNIA. 

Warren,  Richard. 
Watts,  William. 

*Preeman,  Charles  H. 

San  Francisco. 
Stevens,  Levi. 

White,  John. 

Chicago. 

Wing,  W.  G. 

Matthews,  Watson. 

San  Jose. 

Woodard,  R.  T. 

Underwood,  P.  S. 

Kingsbury,  Benj.  B. 

Young,  John  S. 

Underwood,  Sidney  S. 

GEORGIA. 

Rushville, 

Griggsville. 

Washington. 

Bassett,  Wm.  E. 

Ayres,  Marshall. 

Tupper,    Homes    A., 

Tarrytown, 

(fffmn/y 

Rev.,  D.  D. 

Webb,  Jas.  Watson,  Hon. 

xyCLLt/U/Un 

Preeman,  Seth. 

SOUTH   CAROLINA. 

Troy. 

Wing,  Clifton  L. 

Charleston. 

Ereeman,  J.  W. 

Black,  Alexander  W. 

Meneely,  Mrs.  Andrew. 

WISCONSIN. 

Tupper,  James. 

PENNSTLVA2JIA. 

Sparta. 

Tupper,  Samuel  Y. 
Tupper,  Tristram  &  Sons. 

Philadelphia. 

Burgess,  Daniel  W. 

Brooks,  S.  S.,  M.D. 

NOVA    SCOTIA. 

Wagner,  Tobias. 

MINNESOTA. 

Aylesford. 

St.  Paul. 

Tupper,  Charles,  D.  D. 

MARYLAND. 

Mayo,  Charles  E. 

Tupper,  Nathan. 

Baltimore. 

Edwards,  Richard  Jr. 

ENGLAND. 

Keith,  Edward. 

NOETH    CAROLINA. 

London. 

Miller,  Mrs.  W.  J. 

Raleigh. 

Waddington,  Jnc,  Rev., 

Pratt,  Enoch. 

Preeman,  Edmund  B. 

D.D. 

INDEX   OF    SUBJECTS. 


Acadians,  p.  108. 
Acknowledgments,    779, 

780. 
Addenda,  769'. 
Agricultural  prod.,  35i. 

Soc.  Hall,  337. 
Alewives  distinct  from  her- 
rings, 30. 
Ammunition,  50. 
Ancestry,  of,  13. 
Annexation  to  E.,  390. 

to  S.,  13. 
Anniversary  at  Be.,  334. 

at  Y.,  2.32. 
As.sistants  chosen,  42. 


Baptism,  197,  261,  262. 
Baptists,  300,  303,  304,  324, 

394,  529,  etc. 
Barnstable,  241,  243,  252. 
grant,  243. 

settlers  deliberate,  245. 
thanksgiving,  246. 
fasts,  247,  25'.),  200,  262. 
first  act  of  pub.  wor.,  248. 
first  deputies,  247. 
situation,  etc.,  249. 
progress,  254. 
lands  laid  out,  255,  250. 
lands  purchased,  258,  266, 

267,  273,  274. 
meeting-house,    248,    258, 

274. 
burials,  250,  272. 
ministry,  247,  262,  268, 274, 

285,  287,  290,  300,  .302, 

.321,  326,  328,  .329,  333, 
'  334,  335,  340. 
Anabaptists,  262,  263,  300, 

303,  304. 
church  troubles,  262,  267, 

285,  290. 
bounds  settled,  264. 
church  schism,  268.    ' 
freemen,  208. 
lands    appropriated,    271, 

279. 
highways,  277. 
mills,  277,  279,  295. 
commons,  280,  282. 
division  project,  285,  286. 


Barnstable,  schools, 286,  292, 

295,  .303, 314,  322,  .325. 
divided  into  precincts,  287. 
East  Parish,  288,  290,  294, 

302,  303,  321,  325,  326, 

328,  329,  334. 
West  Parish,  288,  290,  .300, 

326,  333,  .335,  336,  340. 
controversy  about  music, 

290,  292. 
a  wharf  at  Hyannis,  295, 

316. 
political  movements,  305. 
Revolutionary  conflict, 304, 

309. 
political  dissensions,  310. 
South     Parish,    .325,    .328, 

331,  334,  3.35. 
remarks  on    its   present, 

334. 
Baptist  Soc  at  Hyannis 

324. 
Methodists,  465. 
Bell,  for  court-house,  108. 
Billingsgate,  379,  384,  395. 
Bradford's  reservation,  198. 
Breakwater,  331. 
Bkewstee,    523,    737,    7.39, 

742. 
incorporated,  739,  744,745, 

756. 
situation,  etc.,  7-39. 
anterior  liistory,  742,  767. 
ministry,  742,  744,  75S,  7()0. 

763,  764. 
meetir^g-house,  742,  744. 
proprietors,  742. 
schools,  745,  757,  759,  760, 

76!,  702,  763,  7G4. 
harbor  745. 

political  action,  750,  751. 
tribute  demanded  of,  751. 
capitulation,  754. 
Universalist  Soc,  758,  759, 

7C>0,  765. 
Baptist  Soc,  758,  763. 
the  first  settlers,  707. 
Building,  regulated,  187. 


C. 

Calvinist  Soc.  of  S.,  144. 
Canal,  22,  20, 1-38,  146. 
Cape  Cod  Association,  233, 
334,  336. 


Casualty,  65,  274,  465,  629. 
Censoriousness,  190,  266. 
Centreville,  254,  335. 
Charter,  18,  19,  279,  371. 
Chatham,  577,  579,  581,586. 

purchase,  579. 

inc.,  581,  594. 

situation,  etc.,  581. 

highways,  582. 

schools,  586. 

meeting-house,    587,    588, 
598,  603. 

ministry,  588,  589,  591, 595, 
699,  005,  606. 

protection,  594. 

Quakers,  597. 

Separatists,  601. 

Baptists,  601. 

patriotic,  602. 

Universalists,  607. 
Church  discipline,  256,  261, 

391.  743. 
Cider,  277. 

City  and  country,  13-3. 
Clams,  402. 
Clay  pounds,  538. 
Cohasset,  27. 
Cold  winter,  460. 
Collegiate  honors,  599. 
Commissioners,  royal,  65. 
Confederation,  223,  313,  672. 
Constitution,  318,  400,  672. 
Conclusion,  777. 
Contents  of  Vol.,  787. 
Corrections,  774,  775. 
Cotuit,  254,  335,  337. 

Port,  254. 
Council  of  war,  71. 
County  formed,  77. 

division  asked,  390. 
Courts,  i-emoval  asked,  294, 
390. 

reduction  asked,  516. 
Cranberries,  177. 
Criminal  offences,  46,  71, 184, 
189,  190,301,302,370. 


ID. 

Dangerfleld,  535. 

Dark  day,  62. 

Deer,  32. 

Defences,  50. 

Delap's  adventures,  291. 

787 


788 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Dennis,  212,  214,  228,  687, 
GS9,  coo,  007,  700. 

situation,  etc.,  (ISO. 

Port,  002. 

ministry,  097,  039,  704,  706, 
708,  710,  711,  712,  713. 

meeting-  house,    097,    702, 
.  704. 

bound,  701. 

Bchools,  701,  703. 

North  Parish,  702,  708. 

South  Tarisli,  702,  703,  708. 

Baptists,  702,  703. 

Quakers,  702. 

removals,  705. 
Deputies,  42,   ICS,  239,  343, 

413,  4S7. 
Difficulties    with    England, 

108. 
Discourr.gements,  6,  8. 
Disfranchisement,  02. 
Disputes  about  whales,  04. 
Divorcej  04,  07. 
Domestic  manufactures,  108. 
Dike  at  Sous  set,  91. 


East  Breivxter,  739. 
JEast  Deniri-;,  (iOl. 
East  Falmouth,  421. 

church  orsanizntion,  405. 
Eastiiam,  345.  352. 
settled,  347,  350. 
grant,  347,  310. 
preferred    to    Plymouth, 

348. 
purchase,  318. 
situation,  etc.,  350. 
settlers,  cluiracter  of,  .350. 
large  territory,  351. 
territory  diiuinislied,  351. 
incorporated    as    Nauset, 

350. 
places    for   worship,    350, 

.308,  377,  3S2,  384,  .380, 

390,  302,  400,  4i0. 
ministry,  357,  358,  304,  -305, 

300,  380.  381,  .383,  3S5, 

.380,  .380,  .301,  392,  397, 

403,  400,  411. 
deputies,  357. 
vote  by  proxy,  300. 
freemen,  301.  -".74. 
lands,  how  cold,  370. 
BCliools,  377,  404. 
mill,  3r,>. 

ministc'i-i,;l  Iraids,  370. 
Indian  reservadon,  380. 
divided  into  precincts,  383, 

3-4. 
burial-place,  383,  3.^5. 
South  Parish,  .383, 301,. 300, 

403. 
Korth  Parish,  385. 380.  387, 

.388,  3-0,  39-',  302,  394. 
division  of,  3on,  303. 
Central   Parish,  392,  393, 

403. 
patriotic,  397,  411. 
resolves,  .309. 
traveller  in,  405. 
privai  ions,  407. 
Metliodists,  400. 
camp-iiiceting'),  410. 
East  Jlnrhnr,  5  '.5." 
Eaat  Itdrinrk,  49.3. 
East  Sandii)i:li,  25. 
Eel-lviver  bridge,  370. 


Election  sermon,  270. 

Embargo,  400,  400,  041,  680, 
700,  746. 

Emigration,  705. 
to  Long  Island,  51, 
to  jVova  Scotia,  108,  770. 
first,  IS. 

Employ,  tliankless,  6. 

Equivalent  for  Indiaalaads, 
269. 

Expresses,  53. 


Factory  in  S.,  143. 
FAr.jiouTH,  415,  419,  422. 

incorporated,  417,  428. 

situation,  etc.,  417.  418. 

grant  of,  422. 

ministry,  425,  428,  4-33, 43", 
442,  444,  45 .',  400,  402, 
469,  471,  473,  474,  477, 
479,  484,  48;5. 

meeting-house,    435,    440, 
'    447,  450,  403. 

ordinary,  425. 

Quakers,  428,  4.38. 

highways,  420. 

lands  laid  out,  4.30. 

records,  431. 

schools,  433,  448. 

ferry,  444. 

training  field,  447. 

mills,  441,448,  462. 

patriotic,  449,  480. 

bombarded,  453.  450. 

attempt  to  divide,  404. 

wh;;rf,  405. 

second  oiiurch,  469. 

F.!ii;k,  409. 
FarmersviUe,  30. 
Firing  woods,  104. 
Fires  in  woods,  112. 
Forests,  cleared,  .355. 
Fort  Sumter,  237. 
Franchise,  20,  360. 
Fresh-brook,  653. 


Gr. 

Gallantr} ,  43. 
(jarrison,  68. 

Genealogical      notices      re- 
stricted, 11. 
Genealogii:s: 

Adams,  505. 

Aldea,  222,  231. 

Allen,  40,  103,  327. 

Allyn,  274. 

Annab'e,  272. 

Arey,  103. 

Arnold,  187. 

Atkins,  101,  .350.  044. 

Atwood,  373,  035. 

Avery,  558. 

Bacon,  204,  293,  205,   200, 
302,  0.32. 

Bangs,  5!2,  762,  760. 

Bakrr,   203,   277,  290,  702, 
707,708,  700,  711,  714. 

Barlow,  73. 

Bascom,  727. 

Bassett,  142,  140,  209,  217, 
22S.  332,  407,  004,  709. 

Bafchelor,  179. 

Bearse,  207,  200,  .300,  691. 

Berry,  198,207,210. 

Besse,  74. 


Genealogies,  Blackford,  298. 

Blackwell,  164. 

Bliss,  270,  292,  298. 

Blossom,  200. 

Bodflsh,  142,  .300,  329,  471. 

Bourne,  128,  156,  162,  276, 
301,  317,  .331,  469. 

Bowerman,  151,  484. 

Briggs,  OS,  008. 

Brown,  37 U 

Burgess,  91,  150,  228,  773. 

Bursley,  20;i,  200,  293,  296. 

Butler,  08,  485,  772.  ^ 

Casley,  208,  280. 

Chapman,  220,  711. 

Cliase,  188,  109. 

Clieever,  403. 

Child,  188,  208,  303,  319. 

Chipmnn,  164,  289,  303. 

("hrystie,  144. 

Cluircii,  357. 

Clark,  524,  756,  771. 

Cobb,  274,  2S1,  291,  340, 
763,  766. 

Coggin,  200. 

Cole,  373,  .387. 

Colemrai,  280. 

Collins,  374,  .598,  771. 

Cook,  300,  389,  6.34,  642, 
643. 

Cooper,  276. 

Cotton,  124,  208,  545. 

Covel.  597. 

Crocker,  212,  281,  284,  288, 
280,  200,  20  >,  204,  295, 
200,  208,  .301,  303,  304, 
320,  323,  320,  327,  329, 
.3-32,  34!,  .307,  4r,0,  472. 

Crosby,  2!3,  305,  710,  761. 

Crowell,  102,  109,  210,  217, 
507,  70S,  710,  712,  714, 
773. 

Cashing,  028. 

Davis,  2S0,  204,  302,  .321, 
325,  320,  .331,  332,  335, 
475,  480. 

Denne,  620. 

Delap,  201 

Dennis,  700. 

Dexter,  78,  446. 

Dillingham,  60,  163,  476. 

Dimmick,  408,  477. 

Doane,  232,  370,  379,  733, 
734. 

Donaldson,  467. 

Drody,  145. 

Dunster,  522. 

Dver,  .551.  - 

Fidrid-e,  508,  001,  710. 

Ellis,  72,  1.33,  104. 

Emerv,  005. 

Ewer,"  151,  164. 

Eu-ell,  257. 

I''aunee,  153. 

Fessenden,  154. 

Fish,  5!,  101,  104,  .3.37,  478. 

Foster,  111,  705. 

Freemr.n,  44,  75,  148,  151, 
152,  15'),  103,  370,  .380, 
.3S1,  :!S',  :iSl,  385,  405, 
555,  5:VJ,  5'iO,  629,  633, 
7.30,  :.'')7,  7.")8,  759,  761, 
»05,  770,  771. 

Fuller,  151,  4S5. 

Gibbs,  147,  130,  158,  164. 

Gitlbrd,  161,426. 

Gotlfrey,  375.  009,  010. 

(ioodspced,  179. 

Gorliam,  273. 

Gray,  227,  375,  525,  758. 


INDEX   OF   SUBJECTS. 


x> 


789 


l^> 


Genealogies,  Green,  219, 220, 

290,  302,  332. 
Greenlcaf,  214. 
Greenougli,  G74. 
Griffith,  524. 
Gross,  0S2,  083,  772.  r 
Hall,  137,  202,209,214,507, 

5S9,  707,  709,  717. 
Hallett,  199,  232,  340. 
Hamblen,  Kil,  340. 
Hamilton,  G03. 
Hammond,  72. 

l.^l^A/rHardi^iig,°306,  599. 
Harper,  OS. 
NHatch,  438,  473,  474. 
Hawes,  202. 
Hicks,  357. 

Hig-gins,  371,388,  725. 
Hinckley,  574. 
Holbrook,  078. 
Holway,  IGl. 
Homer,  713. 
Hopkins,  384,  508. 
Howes,  ISO,  194,  203,  214, 

690,  702,  708,  709,  710, 

711,  712. 
Hoxie,  103,  164. 
Hug-hes,  570. 
Hurd,  375. 

Jenkins,  294,  484,  486. 
Jennings,  87. 
Jones,  208,  476. 
Kelley,  709,  717. 
Kendrick,  732. 
Kilborn,  648. 
Knowles,  393,  736. 
Latimer,  590. 
Lawrence,  164,  475,  483. 
Lewis,   285,   404,  465,  471, 

480,481,507,681,070. 
Lincoln,  750,  757. 
Lombard,  330,  567. 
Lord,  5'J:J. 
Lothrop,  262. 
Marshall,  444. 
Marston,  324. 
Mattliews,  180,    182,   214, 

216,  225. 
Mayo,  358,  362,  378,   379, 

381,  389,  757. 
Merrick,  365,  391,  507,  730. 
Metcalf,  442. 
Miller,  182,  186,  210,  214, 
Mulford,  375. 
Newcomb,  08,  375,  634. 
Newell,  7(i3. 
Newland,  69. 
Nickerson,    207,  606,   Oil, 

638,  707,  7S9,  710,  717, 

756,  769,  772. 
Norris.  Si. 
Nye,  143,  151,  155, 158,  468, 

481. 
Oakes,  386. 
Osboru,  89. 
Otis,  8.S,  99,  327. 
Paddock,  2 14,  700. 
Paine,  378,  ,553,  570,  573. 
Palmer,  449.  465. 
Parker,  4:!8,  466,  472,  642. 
Pepper,  366. 
Percival,  155,339, 
Perry,  153. 
Phinney,  333. 
Pope,  r52. 
Prince,  363. 
Kawson,  218,  219. 
Keed.  234, 
Kemick,  375. 


Genealogies,  Rich,  375. 
Kobinson,  4.38,  482. 
Rogers,  92,  361,  369,  7-33. 
Rotch,  630. 
Ruggles,  99. 
Russell,  285,  300. 
Ryder,  630. 
Sampson,  763, 
Sargeant,  263. 
Savage,  332. 

Scudder,  3.36,  337,  338,  .340. 
Sears,   194,   205,   209,    216, 

234,  591,  596,  601,  607, 

609,  702,  706,  707,  709, 

711,  712,  713,  714. 
Shaw,  327,  339,    403,  410, 

596. 
Shiverick,  475,  717. 
Simpkins,  760. 
SklfT,  86. 
Smalley,  359. 
■^  Smith,  80,  83,  217,  372,  551, 

606,  762. 
Snow,  .365,  371,  .373,*  386, 

7.33>f59. 
Soper,  647. 
Sparrow,  361,  733. 
Spear,  628. 
Starr,  187. 
Stevens,  683,  773. 
Stewart,  93,  597. 
Stone,  220,  704,  713,  749. 
Strout,  630. 
Sturgis,  203,  216,  299. 
Sunderland,  377. 
Swift,   150,   152,   154,   478, 

480,  483. 
Taber,  ISO, 
Taylor,  207. 
Thacher,  194,  206,  214,  219, 

220,  229,  230,  232. 
Thornton,  200. 
Tobev,    147,  156,   162,  218, 

709,  711. 
Treat,  .381. 
Tucker,  507. 

Tupper,  71,  103,  104,  112. 
Twining,  359. 
Upham,  569, 
Vickery,  590. 
Walker,  366. 
Walley,  274,  774. 
Waterman,  328. 
Webb,  .393. 
Weeks,  512,  527, 
West,  229. 
White,  227. 
Whitman,  680. 
Williams,  ,359>  760. 
Willis,  55, 
Wing-,  100,  159,    161,  164, 

200,  205, 
Winslow,  764, 
Wixam,  370, 
Wood,  465, 
Wooster,  98. 
AVright,  44. 
Young,  .371,  378. 

0="  Other  genealogical 
tables  may  be  found  in  Vol. 

Geological  changes,  353, 583, 

722. 
Goats,  33. 

Great  Marshes,  251. 
Great  Neck,  352. 
Greenville,  28. 


H. 

Half-way  covenant,  197. 
Half-way  Ponds,  352. 
Harvard  College,  support  of, 

.365. 
HARWICH,  489,  492. 

incorporated,  491,  494. 

situation,  etc.,  491, 

ministry,  494,  498, 514,  516, 
516,  517,  522,  528,  5.30, 
570,  742,  743, 

bounds,  497,  510. 

schools,  498,  505. 

meeting -Iiouse,  499,  500, 
503,515, 

burial-place,  499. 

training-place,  499, 

mills,  509. 

Separatists,  511,  515. 

Quakers,  512. 

Anabaptists,  512. 

South  Precinct,  513,  516, 
518,  742. 

North  Precinct,  515,  517, 
522,  742. 

Baptists,  517,  522,  527,  528, 
529. 

patriotic,  518,  530,  574. 

independence  voted,  519. 

divided,  522. 
Harioicli-Pa.'t,  493,  530. 
Hatchville,  420,  469. 
Head-of-the-Bay,  27. 
Head  of  Pamet,  536. 
Highways,  63. 
Hinckley,  Gov.,  dies,  28.3. 
History,  its  demands,  4-9. 
Hospitality,  70,  27.3. 
Houses  searched,  266. 
Hunting  laws,  108,  217,  555. 
Hyannis,  252, 
Hyannis-Port,  253, 


Ignorance  abroad,  310. 
Illustrations,  list  of,  788. 
Importance  of  the  country, 

9. 
Impounds,  204. 
Incorporation,  order  of,  8. 
Independence,  121,  223,  309, 

565. 
Indian  constables,  369. 
meetings,  OS. 
reservations,  380,  729. 
schools,  377. 
teachers,  370. 
town,  176,  221, 
war,  366. 
Indians,  decay  of,  390,  679, 
729. 
purchases  of,  209. 
restricted,  83. 
sickness  of,  294,  295. 
sold,  72. 

statistics  of,  110,  369,  .372, 
396. 
Inscriptions,     14,    171,    242, 
316,  416,  490,  534,  578, 
616,  652,  688,  720,  738. 
Instrumental  music,  727. 
Intolerance  checked,  65. 
Intoxicating     drinks,     147, 
362,  662,  730. 

K. 

King's  arms  set  up,  270. 


790 


HISTORY  OF  BARNSTABLE  COUNTY. 


Land-holders,    fitness    for, 

45. 
Lawyers,  149,  233,  338. 
Letter  to  Governors,  226. 

of  Hugh  Peters,  257. 

to  Gov.  Hinckley,  275. 

of  Jno.  Freeman,  360. 

on  attack  on   Falmouth, 
457. 

Mr.  Webster's,  714. 
Liberty-pole,  118. 

discipline,  305. 
Lighthouse,    331,    640,   642, 

685. 
List  of  subscribers,  781. 
Longevity,  476,  657. 


Magee  storm,  317. 
Manomet,  17. 

purchase,  53. 
Map,  Smith's,  18. 
Marshal  appointed,  60. 
Marston^s  Mills,  25Z. 
Mayflower,  arrival  of,  347. 
Military  draft,  68. 

organization,  182,  282,  360. 
Ministry,    tenure    of,    609, 

6&4,  729,  764. 
MonomoyicJc  taxed   in   E., 
3(58. 

incorporated,  581,  587. 
Monument,  27. 
Moraines,  537. 
Music,  innovations  in,  290, 

292. 
Mutiny  Act,  221. 


13". 

Narraganset  battle,  193. 

grantees,  293,  -389. 

tovraships,  193. 
Nation  founded,  43. 
Nauset  incorporated,  356. 
Naval  service,  317,  328,  408. 
Negative  committee,  376. 
Noucouformists,  199. 
North  Chatham,  586. 
North  Dennis,  690. 
North  Eastham,  352. 
North  Falmouth,  418,  429. 
North  Harwich,  493. 
North  Sandwich,  26. 
No)-th  Truro,  538. 
North  Wellfleet,  653. 
Nullification,  235. 


O. 

Oath  of  fidelity,  61. 
Obliquities  of  the  age,  41. 
Offices  declined,  205, 206,  210, 

217,515. 
Oil,  of  fishes,  50. 
Order  of  incorporation,  8. 
Ordinary  licensed,  63. 
Orleans,  403,  719,  721,  724, 
7::5. 

situation,  &c.,  721. 

incorporated,  725. 

ministry,  720,  727,  731, 732. 

echoohs,  726. 

meeting-house,  726. 


Orleans,  bounds,  725,  726. 

patriotic,  728. 

Methodists,  729. 

Universahsts,  730,  731, 732. 

Bapti.'Bts,  730,  731,  732. 

its  history  involved  with 
E.,  7.35. 
Osborne,  Kev.  Samuel,  cen- 
sured, 391. 
Osterville,  253. 


Pamet,  incorporated,  377. 
settled,  376,  535,  542. 
river,  573. 
Pastoral  fidelity,  190. 

duty,  247. 
Pawtucket  fight,  272. 
Peace,  131,  401,  568,  675,  729. 
Permission  to  attend  Qua- 
ker meetings,  265. 
Persecution  defeats  its  end, 

61. 
Perversions  of  history,  305, 

.306,  331. 
Physicians,  155,  233,  .324. 
Piracy,  602. 
Pirate,  Whidah,384. 
Poaching,  103. 
Pocasset,  28,  112. 
Political  action,  111-121,  222, 

223,  304. 
Political  discourses,  186. 
Political    dissensions,     185, 

221,  .309. 
Pond  Village,  535. 
Preface,  3. 
Preference    for    Plymouth 

Colony,  18. 
Presidential  course,  236. 
Prices   regulated,   126,  225, 

314_,  400. 
Prince,  his  discouragements. 

Privateer  captured,  407. 
Programme  of  the  work,  3. 
Progress,  age  of,  166. 
Peovincetown,  615,  617. 

harbor,  618. 

Ministry,  028,  630,  633, 634, 
640,  643. 

meeting-house,    632,   634, 
638. 

neutrality,  63o. 

Methodists,  630,  643. 

patriotic,  641,  648. 

Universahsts,  642,  643. 

schools,  644. 

bridge,  644. 

dike,  645. 

custom-house,  646. 

defences,  618. 

landing-place  of  the  Pil- 
grims, 646. 
Psalmody,  325,  .394,  518. 
Public  worship,  198. 
Purchases    of  Indians,  87, 
269. 


Q. 

Quakers,  rise  of,  57,  65. 
their  first  arrival,  57. 
name,  265. 

Eetition,  111. 
adly  treated,  60,  62,  03, 
264,  265. 


Quakers,  taxes  remitted,  83, 

93,204,  211,4.38. 
support  of  poor,  112. 


R. 

Eebellion,  165,  341,  531,  612, 

049,  767. 
Eeeords,  destroyed,  179. 
Kefugees,  453. 

ask  to  return,  130, 1.36. 
Religious  dissensions,  48,  d^, 
57,  70,  93,  95,  185,  20L', 
270,  294,  510. 
institutions,  45,  47. 
liberty,  20,  S2. 
Remarkable     preservation, 

213. 
Representatives,  168  2.39,575, 
343,  413,  488,  532,  613, 

050,  085,  718,  736,  768. 
Instructed,    116,    306,   321, 

394,  399,  575,  071. 
Revolutionary  incident,  .308. 
Rock-Harbor,  724. 
Ruling-Elders,  270,  294. 


S. 

Sachem  of  Manomet,  67. 
Saconesset,  associated  with 
Be.,  425. 

lands  sought,  266. 
Sacrifice  rocks,  34. 
Sagamore  hill,  23. 
Sandwich,  13,  15,  77. 

character  of  settlers,  18, 
40. 

incorporated,  2J,  39,  42. 

bounds,  21. 

Indian  name,  23. 

preliminaries  of  settle- 
ment, 38. 

deed  of,  48,  78. 

Quaker  protest,  73. 

schools,  73,  S3,  87,  89,  111. 

singular  project,  90. 

burial-place,  64,  90. 

burial-place  of  Friends,  83. 

bounds,  84,  85,  86. 

church  difficulties,  96, 
100-2. 

church  difficulties  abated, 
103. 

mills,  53,  54,  64,  06,  71,  S3, 
100,  130. 

Ministry,  69,  80,  81,  83,  92, 
98,  101,  102,  1.33,  135, 
144,  145,  146,  149,  150, 
151,  152,  153,  154,  155, 
158,  161. 

Ministry,  voluntary  sup- 
port of,  108. 

meeting-house,  45,  83,  85, 
86,  90,  104. 

meeting-house,  arrange- 
ments of,  104-7. 

division  of  church,  96. 

Friends,  161. 

Pocasset  Church,  112. 

Methodists,  144,  147,  161. 

Monument  Church,  146, 
151,  101 

Roman  Catholics,  102. 

Universalists,  154, 101. 

Baptists  in  Pocasset,  161. 

Puritan  Church,  154,  161. 

Episcopal,  100. 


INDEX    OF   SUBJECTS. 


791 


Sandwich,   political    move- 
ments, 111-121. 
political  grievances,  113. 
tory-oppasition,  115. 
tory-opposition    subdued, 

124. 
resolve  to  stop  the  royal 

courts,  118. 
patriotism  ascendant,  119. 
sustains  the    Congresses, 

120. 
pledge  for  Independence, 

121. 
approves  a  Confederation, 

122. 
approves  the  Constitution, 

122. 
division  of  town  attempt- 
ed, 137. 
Academy,     138-142,     520, 
727. 
Salt    worlvs,    404,    421,    540, 

580,  095,  729,  741. 
Scauton,  20,  57. 
Scraggy  Neck,  134. 
Seating  congregations,  202, 

211. 
Secession,  2^5,  413. 
Seekers,  1S5. 
Select  Courts,  197. 
Separatists,  511,  515,  001. 
Servants,  53. 
Sicknesses,  408,  039,  729. 
Silver- Spring ,  352. 
Sheep,  provided  for,  98,  590, 

078. 
Shipwreck,  80,  213,  384,  400, 

405,  409,  047,  714. 
Shumet,  421. 
Skalcet,  352. 
Slavery  of  Indians,  72. 

opposed,  115. 
Small-pox,  122,  298,  390, 039. 
Snow,  great,  149. 

none,  152. 
Sons  of  Cape  Cod,  338. 
South- Dennis,  091. 
South-  Hartoich,  493. 
South- Orleans,  724. 
South- San  choich,  30. 
South-  Truro,  538. 
South-  Wellfleet,  053. 
Spring-Hill,  25. 
Stamp- Act,  109,  221. 
Storm,  remarkable,  145,  410, 

672,  714. 
Suicide,  198. 
Subscribers,  781. 

T. 

Tar,  manufactured,  IfiO,  198, 
369, 


Teas,   prohibited,   112,  223, 

501,562,  004. 
Teaching-elder,  247. 
Thacher,   Dr.   James,    sur- 
geon U.  S.  A.,  335. 
Thornton,  Rev.  T.,  dies,  205. 
Titles,  189. 

Town-officers,  168,  239,  343, 
414,  488,  532,  575,  014, 
050,  080,  718,  730,  70S. 
Trainings,  63. 
Treat,  Kev.  Mr.,  dies,  .381. 

anecdote  of,  382. 
Tkueo,  533,  535,  538. 
situation  &c.,  535. 
settlement  of,  541. 
meeting-house,    536,    549, 

552,  500. 
schools,  541,550,  550,  500, 

572,  573. 
Ministry,  513  545,547,556, 

558,  607,  509,  571. 
lands  purchased,  543. 
proprietors,  516. 
burial-place,  550,  561. 
highways,  550. 
patriotic,  501,  507. 
ruse,  504. 
votes   for   Independence, 

505. 
votes  for  Union,  506. 
relieved  by  Peace,  508. 
inhabitants  set  ofl',  571. 
calamitv,  572. 
North  Precinct,  573. 
break-water,  573. 


XJ. 

Union  with  Massachusetts, 
200,  279. 
its  policy,  280. 


Vicissitudes   of  sects,    144, 

101. 
Virginia-laws,  234. 


"Walley's    election   sermon, 
270. 
portrait,  remarks  on,  774. 
Waquoit,  221,  479. 
War  of  1812,  406. 

incident,  408. 
Warnings  from  town,   188, 
189. 


Wellfleet,  395,  651,  653, 
657. 
incorporated,  653,  657, 600, 

608. 
situation,  &c.,  653. 
meeting-house,    057,   678, 

083. 
Ministry,  060, 672, 673, 675, 

070,  6S0,  6»4. 
schools,  060,  662,  663,  669, 

679,  084,  085. 
North  Precinct,  059. 
South  Precinct,  659. 
roads,  061,  602. 
patriotic,  004,  006,  676, 681. 
revolutionary  trials,  009. 
for  Independence,  671. 
disloyal  men,  009. 
Methodists,  077,  679,  682, 
685. 
West  Barnstable,  251. 
West  Breiuster,  739. 
West  Chatham,  580. 
West  Dennis,  091. 
West  Falmouth, -ilS. 
West  Harwich,  493. 
West  Sandioich,  22. 
Whale-fishery,  51,  02,  64,  73, 
82,   208,  355,  302,  394, 
539,  030,  040,  055. 
Whaling-song,  89. 
Wolves,   130,   148,  324,  .359, 
370,  441,  403,  499,  535. 
fenced-ont,  90. 
Woods-Hole,  419, 


Yarmouth,  171, 173. 
incorporated,  180. 
Ministry,  181, 182, 186, 183, 

199,  200,  207,  208,  2l3, 

214,  217,  218,  219,  220, 

228,  231,  2.35. 
lands,  83. 

bounds,  187,  204,  209. 
book  of  grants,  191. 
soldiers,  193. 
rates,  194. 
meeting-house,    198,    202, 

210. 
schools,  201. 
mill,  204,  206,  216. 
stocks,  211. 
East   Precinct,    212,    214, 

219,  220,  228. 
Baptists,  218. 
resolutions,  224, 
instructions,  220. 
South  Precinct,  228,  232. 
political  sentiments,  228. 


INDEX    OF    NAMES. 


A.. 

Adams,  Rev.  Hu^h,  593, 595. 

Rev.  Wm.  H.,  C84. 

Samuel,  15?,  d.,  502. 
Adolpli,  Peter,  SO. 
Alden,  Uev.  Timothy,  Sr., 
?.2l,22},  231,  d. 

Rev.    Timothy,    Jr.,    173, 
170,  219. 
Allen,  Alden,  103,  d. 

Bei  jamin,  03. 

Rev.  Benjamin,  591. 

Caleb,  OS. 

Daniel,  SO,  111. 

Francis,  14,  59,  08. 

George,  10,  37,  45,  46. 

Georo-e,  .Jr.,  44,  59,  OS,  111. 
,    Holmes,  .327,  d. 

Jedediaii,  59,  OS. 

John,  75, 85. 

John  Jr.,  82,  85,  111. 

Joshua,  195. 

Matthew,  44. 

Moses,  135. 

Ralph,  37,  40,  59,  08. 

Richard,  83,  85. 

Sanuiel,  41. 

WiUiam,  40,  59,  08,  85. 

Zachariah,  72. 
Allyn,  James,  295,  d. 

John,  244. 

Nathan,  340,  d. 

Samuel,  271,  277,  2S4,  d. 

Samuel  290,  d. 

Thomas,  255,  271,  274,  d. 

Thomas,  2S1,  d. 
Almy,  A7illiam,  15. 
Andre\YS,  John,  277. 
Angier,  Rev.  S.,  557. 
Annable,  Anthony,  243,  255, 
271,  272.  d.,  422,  424. 

Samuel,  274,  d.,295,  d. 

Thomas,  313. 
Annis,  Cliarles,  500. 
Arey,  .Joshua,  103,  d. 
Armitaire,  Thomas,  10. 
Arnold,  Sami:ol,  187. 
Asten,  iJobert,  .50>,  d, 
Atkins,  Asa,  155,  d. 

Benj-imhi,  5''>2. 

Ebenezer,  043. 

Freeman,  271. 

George,  104,  d. 

Henry,  359,  374,  554. 

Isaac,  507. 

Isaiah,  551,500,  562. 

John,  043. 

Jo.seph,  374,  500,  037,  042, 
(;58. 

.Joshua,  554,  550,  559,  502, 
508,  030. 

Nathaniel,   374,    544,  550, 
553. 

Samuel,  .507. 

Silas,  554,  037,  014,  d. 

Tliom  13,  500. 

William,  101. 


Atwood,  Ebenezer,  660,  072. 

Eldad,  374. 

Eleazar,  058. 

Daniel,  374. 

Freeman,  081, 

Henry,  637. 

James,  058,  062. 

John,  029. 

Joseph,  003. 

Joshua,  038. 

Machiel,  545,  551,  552,  554. 

Richard,  058. 

Samuel,  034, 036. 

Sears,  008,  d. 

Stephen,  359,  373,  d.,  374, 
635,  037. 
Avery,  Job,  563. 

Rev.  John,  547,  554,  556, 
657,  d. 

B. 

Babcock,  Rev.  D.  H.,  410. 
Bacon,  Eben.,  327,  d. 
Edward,  302,  .304,  314,  318, 

319,  .320,  .321,  322,  d. 
Rev.  Elisha,  335. 
Isaac,  329,  d.,  030. 
Jeremiah,  277,  234,  d. 
John,  293,  d.,  290,  d. 
Nathaniel,  255,  261,  271, 

272,  d.,  422. 
Nathaniel,  Jr.,  272,  279, 

d.,  292,  295,  d. 
Samuel,    204,    268,    290, 

292,  d.,  302,  d. 
Thomas,  029. 
Bailey,  Uev.  S.,  571,  684. 
Baker,  Binney,  313. 
Daniel,  195. 
Francis,   ISO,  195,  203,  d., 

513. 
Heman,  717,  d. 
Hiram,  717,  d. 
Isaiah,  099,  714,  d. 
James,  223. 
Jeremiah,  713,  d. 
Jonathan,  290. 
.John,  195,  700,  d.,  717,  d. 
Josiah,  702,  d. 
Judah,  707,  d.,  70S,  d.,  711. 

d. 
T^evi,  234. 
Moses,  222,  223. 
Nathaniel,  714,  d. 
Neliemiah,  195,  295,  d. 
Paul,  711.  d. 
Reuben,  702,  d.,  711,  d. 
'    Samuel, 277, 0i7, 099, 714,  d. 
Sctli,  711,  d. 
Rev.  Silas,  571. 
Sylvanus,  714,  d. 
Thomas,  473,  d. 
Watson,  707,  d. 
William,  500,  d. 
Bangs,  Allen,  714,  d. 
Benjamin,  518,  d.,  524,  755, 
d.,  7G0,  d. 


Bangs,  Eben.,  525. 
Edward,  348,  350,  359,  369, 
d.,393,  d.,  494, 498, 504, 
500,  517,  d.,  554. 
Elkanah.,  702,  d.,  70T3,  d. 
Jonathan.  307, 3'>8, 374,  .389, 
d.,  496, 499,  500, 507,  d., 
512,  d.,  700,  714.  d. 
Jonathan  Jr.,  391,d.,  542, 

554. 
John,  367,  374. 
John  D.,  524. 
Joshua,  307,  374,  379,  d., 

520. 
Samuel,  504,  503,  510,  d. 
Seymour,  524. 
Thomas,  525. 
Barbour,  Rev.  J.,  766. 
Barker,  Samuel.  444,  446. 
Barlow,  Benjamin,  74. 
George,  00,  02,  03,  72,  169, 

266. 
Jesse,  121. 
,John,  73,  74,  83,  85. 
/  Moses,  74. 

Nathan,  82,  85,  101,  d. 
Stephen,  74. 
Thomas,  111.  ^ 
Barnaby,  Rev.  J.,  527. 
Barnos,  Jonathan,  189. 
Joshua,  ISl. 
Peter,  .380. 
Bascom,  Rev.  Jonathan,  397, 
727,  d. 
Timothy,  727. 
Bassett,  Barachiah,  450,  467, 
d. 
Elisha,  222,  223,  228„  d., 

700. 
Francis,  688. 
Rev.  Isaac  A.,  684. 
Jonathan,  108,  111. 
Joseph,  217,  d.,  .333,  d. 
Nathan,  313, 
Nathaniel,  135,  195,  209, 

d.,  001. 
Samuel,  709,  d. 
Steplien,  1.38,  146,  d. 
Thomas,  142,  d- 
William,  45,'  59,  06,   67, 
73,  74,  85,  92,  d.,  434, 
433. 
Batchelor,  Rev.  S.,  179,  189, 

200. 
Bat.-s,  Rev.  William,  484,  d. 
Batter,  Tliomas,  202,  210,  d. 
Battersly,  .Tames,  84,  80. 
Baxter,  Obed,  714<|d.,  718, d. 

Shubael,  2 Hi. 
Bearse,  Austin,  255,  271, 297, 
d. 
Benjamin,  296,  d.,  001,  d. 
Ebenezer,  299,  d. 
James,  299,  d. 
.John,  .300,  d. 
Samuel,  217,  d. 
Bea,  Mr.,  597. 
Beauchampe,  Mr.,  37. 

792 


INDEX    OF   NAMES. 


Bell,  John,  44. 
Benjamin,  Joseph,  195,  20S. 
Benuet,  Mr.,  20:3. 
Bent,  Uev.  J.,  4?.3,4~4. 
Berry,  Anthony,  182, 

Be'n.iamin,  520,  762,  d. 

Edmund,  44. 

Isaac,  222. 

Jabez,  513. 

John,  21G,  d.,  .317,  d.,  507. 

Judah,  506,  524. 

Richard,  194,  257. 

Samuel.  207,  d.,  507,  524. 

iScotto,  525. 

Theodore,  753. 

Theophilus,  517. 
Besse,  Anthony,  16,  44,  45. 

Nehemiah,  59,  68,  74,  85. 
BiTikford,  Jeremiah,  553,  554. 
Bills,  Thomas,  202,  .374. 

William,  255. 
Bisbe,  Thomas,  245. 
Bishop,  Richard,  359. 
Blachford,  William,  298,  d., 

329,  d. 
Black,  Miles,  44. 
Blackwell,  Benjamin,  164,  d. 

John,  68,  85,  92. 

Joshua,  73,  85. 

Micah,  118. 

Michael,  50,  59,  67,  68,  85. 

Samuel,  104,  d. 
Blakemore,  John,  16,  42,  44. 
Bliss,    Abraham,    255,    271, 
276,  d. 

George,  16,  54. 

John,  313. 

Josepli,   277,  292,  d.,  301, 
314. 
Blossom,  Joseph,  .300. 

Samuel,  162,  d. 

Thomas,  257,  2G0. 

Peter,  271,  422,  424. 
Blower,  .Jonatlian,  257. 
Boardman,  Thomas,  16,  44, 

191,  201,  d. 
Bodfish,  Benjamin,  300,  d. 

Isaac,  3o3,  d. 

Jonathan,  329,  d. 

John,  59,  68,  86. 

Joseph,  295,  d. 

Jonah,  336,  d. 

Robinson  C.,  416. 

Robert,  16,  44,  49. 

Sylv's,  ?y:>r,,  d. 

William,  123,  138,  141,  142, 
d. 

William  .Jr.,  471,  d. 
Bonhsim,  Nicholas,  268. 
Boreman,  Samuel,  272,  d. 
Bosworth,  Hezckiah,  i)29. 
Bourne,  Benjamin,  156. 

Charles,  163. 

Elisha,  72,  74,  83,  85,  87,d., 
136. 

Ezra,  86,  92,  108,  d.,  439. 

Henry,   162,   d.,    243,   255, 
271,  276,  d. 

Job,  68. 

Jonathan,  156,  d. 

John,  155,  d.,  446,  449. 

Joseph,  439,  447. 

Joshua,  439,  d. 

Mcletiah,  92,  101,  d.,  138, 
d.,  317,  d.,  437,  670. 

Nathan,  83,  85. 

Richard,  10,  38,  42,  44,  47, 
68,  09,  264,  331,  d.,  422. 

Shearj.,  73,    85,    316,  319, 
321,  .324,  070. 


Bourne,  Sylv's,  301,  d.,  445 

Timothy,  83,  85,   128,   d., 
469,  d. 

Thomas,  112. 

Zuriel,  479,  d. 
Bowen,  Rev.  W.,529. 
Bowerman,  Abner,  164,  d. 

Daniel,  484,  d. 

Jeremiah,  151,  d. 

Samuel.  445. 

Stephen,  446. 

Thomas,  182,  195,  257,  423, 
429,  4.30,  432,  435,  445. 
Boyter,  Rev.  Charles,  572. 
Bradford,  Cornelius,  525. 
Bray,  Edmund,  222. 

Thomas,  216,  d. 
Braybrook,  William,  16. 
Briggs,  Rev.  Ephraim,  606. 

Rev.  Isaac,  608. 

Jonathan,  16. 

Samuel,  59,  68,  74. 
Brookfield,  Thomas,  54. 
Brooks,  Beriah,  507,  513, 522, 
d.,  694. 

Eben.,  5!3,  522,  d.,  529,  d., 
530,  d. 

Henry  C,  490. 

John,  513. 

Obed,  5  iO,  d. 
Brown,  EHsha,  681. 

George,  374. 

James,  666. 

Samuel,  .371,  d.,  .374. 

William,  374. 
Bryant,  Blotto,  144,  d. 
Buck,  .John,  507. 
Buit,  Georo-e,  16,  44,  59,  68. 
Bumpas,  Thomas,  281. 
Burgess,  Benja.,  439,  773,  d. 

Elisha,  150,  d. 

Ezeklcl,  513. 

Jacob,  45,  59,  68,  85,  91,  d. 

Jedediah,  711,  d. 

John,  53,  195,  196,  6,36. 

Joseph,  59,  098. 

Joshua,  6S. 

Moses,  704,  d. 

Nathaniel,  158,  d. 

Perez,  159,  d. 

Richard,  44. 

Samuel,  513. 

Thaddeus,  228,  d. 

Thomas,  16,  36,  44,  48,  59, 
77,  d.,  161,  d. 

Thomas,  44,  126,  205,  513. 

Zacoheus,  113. 
Burfell,  James,  182,  195. 
Bursley,  Jabez,  293,  d. 

Jonathan,  255,  i'58,  263,  d., 
271,  290,  d.,  296,  d.. 
Burr,   Rev.  Jonathan,    134, 
137, 1.39,  140,  145,  153,  d. 
Bush,  William,  638. 
Butler,   Daniel,    59,    72,  85, 
446,  44!^. 

Judah,  439. 

Knowles,  485,  d.,  772. 

Patrick,  512. 

Thomas,  16,  44,  53,  59,  68. 

Rev.  Zebulon,  450,  452. 


Gaboon,  James,  513. 

.John,  525. 

William,  513,  625,  587. 
Callicut,  Mr.,  243. 
Carlton,  Rev.  II.  330. 


Carman,  .John,  15. 
Carpenter,  Dr.  G.  W.,  578. 
Caruthers,  Rev.  W.,  161. 
Caslev,  Pvdvvard,  243. 
Jolin,  208,  d.,  255,  280. 
Thomas,  317,  d. 
A¥illiam,  243,  265,  250,  271. 
Chadwell,   Richard,    15,  44, 

£5,  59,  64,  68,  74,  d. 
Chadwick,  .James,  73. 
ChalFee,  Rev.  N.  O.,  764. 
Chandler,  Joseph,  63. 
Chapman,  David,  711,  d. 
Isaac,  220,  712,  d. 
John     223,   270,    271,    699, 

7ij9,  d. 
Micah,  222. 
Chase,  Anthony,  232,  d. 
Ebeuezer,  513. 
Rev.  Enoch,  522,  731. 
Isaiah,  517. 
Jeremiah,  512. 
John,  195. 
Lot,  714,  d. 

Ricliard,   218,  517,  601. 
Samuel,  714,  d. 
William,   181,   187,    188, 

d.,  607,512. 
William   Jr.,    182,    195, 
199,  d. 
Cheever,  Rev.  E.,  402. 
Child,  Ebenezer,  295,  298,  d. 
James,  319,  d. 
Richard,  IBS,  285,  290,  326, 

d. 
Samuel,  272,  d. 
Thomas,  303,  d. 
Chillingsworth,  Thomas,  16, 

44. 
Chipman,  Barnabas,  297,  d. 
Jonathan,  liU,  d. 
John,   73,   82,   85,    105,  d., 

265,  266,  284,  d.,  424. 
Joseph,  .33",  332,  d. 
Samuel,  280,  d.,  290. 
Timothy,  301,  303,  d. 
William,  666,  672. 
Chrystie,  James,  144,  d. 
Claghorn,  Jabez,  330,  d. 
James,  19),  271. 
Robert,  2S6,  d.,  206,  d. 
Shubael,  292,  d. 
Clap,  Elisha,  140,  141. 
Clarke,  Andrew,  506,  513. 
Benjamin,  .526. 
Edmund,  16,  44. 
Elijah,  747. 
Gideon,  5^5. 
Isaac,   744,   749,    750,    753, 

'. -,  756,  d.,  771. 
Isaiah,  747. 
John,  205,  208,  d. 
Kimbal,  75  <,  771. 
Nathaniel,  505. 
Rowland,  505,  509. 
Scotto,  505. 
Seth,  512,  601. 
Solomon,  700,  d. 
Sylvs.,  424. 

Thomas,  494,  49S,  504,  505, 
50r,  507,518,  d.  ■&  --  -,' 
Clifford,  Daniel  P.,  012,  d. 
Cobb,  Rev.  A.,  150,  153. 
David,  199,  d. 
Eleazer,  272,  293,  d. 
Elijah,  746,   747,' 751,   753, 

757,  763,  d.,  766,  d. 
Elisha,   629,  664,  COS,  671, 

672. 
Freeman,  763. 


VOL.  II. 


100 


T94 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


<'x)bb,    Gershom,     293,     d., 
299,  d. 
Henry,  244,  247,  255,  201, 

■^70,271,274,  d.,422. 
James,  2t)8,  271,    281,   d., 

424. 
Jesse,  315,  d. 
Jonathan,  506. 
John,  298,  d. 
Joseph,  500,  d. 
Matthew,  310,  d. 
Nathaniel,  301,  d. 
Samuel,  291,  d. 
Thomas,  55f>,  5(50. 
Coite,  John,  181. 
Cosrgin,  Henry,  255. 
Coggeswell,   Kev.    N.,    230, 

235. 
Cole,  Daniel,  182, 350, 373,  d., 
374,  658. 
George,  16. 
Henry,  44. 
Isaac,  542. 
Israel,   367,  .374,   443,  542, 

543. 
Job,  182,  359, 
John,  374,  387,  d. 
Joseph,  ,398. 
Josiah  630. 
Samuel,  374,  502,  d. 
Stephen,  506. 
Timothy,  374. 
Thomas,  374. 
Coleman,  Edward,  268,  271, 
281,  286,  d. 
James,  .321,  d. 
Collins,     Benjamin,    553, 

557,  580. 
Cyreneus,  771. 
Gamaliel,  561,  643,  d. 
John,  574,  d.,  598,  600. 
Joseph,  374. 
Richard,  557,  561. 
Samuel,  603. 
Conaat,  Charles,  313. 

John,  554,  629,  634,  636. 
Cook,  Edward,  634,  636,  638. 
Elijah  N.,  636. 
Elisha,  638. 

Jonathan,  638,  042,  643,  d. 
John,  262,  265,  634,  638. 
Josiah,  .348,  356,  359,  366, 

d.,  374,  389,  d.,  551. 
Lemuel,  642,  d. 
Pardon  C,  638. 
Richnrd,  648,  d. 
Samuel,  634,  638. 
Solomon,  634,  636, 638, 644, 

d. 
Stephen,  647,  d. 
Coombs,  Rev.  Mr.,  528. 
Cooper,  John,  244,  247,  255, 

271,275,  d.,422. 
Covel,    Ebenezer,    155,  190, 
610,  d. 
Ephraim,    507,    513,     660, 

606,  672. 
James,  603. 
John,  597. 
Nathaniel,  580. 
William,  288. 
Cotton,  Rev.  John,  199,  200, 
20 !,  207,  20'i,  A. 
Josiali,  207. 

Roland,  81,  82,  85,90,92, 
d.,  .591. 
Roland,  10.5.  110,435. 
Rev.  Theophilus,  545. 
Cowet,  Edward,  554. 
Coxwell,  Henry,  255. 


Crafts,  Rev.  E.  P.,  152. 
Creppan,  Thomas,  428. 
Crisp,  George,  .359, 
Crocker,  Asa,  330,  d, 
Benjamin,  298,  d.,  647. 
Rev.  Benjamin,  5)6. 
Benoni,  313. 
Boston,  317,  d. 
Cornelius,  32^,  .323,  d. 
Daniel,  .327,  d. 
Ebenezer,  2S9,  d.,  .325,  329, 

d. 
Eleazar,  279,  d. 
Francis,  257. 
Frederick  W.,  341,  d. 
Henry,  534. 
Jabez,  282,  d. 
Job.  271,  277,  288,  d. 
Jonathan,  290,  296,  d.,  304, 

.325,  d. 
John,  255,  268,  270,  d.,  271, 

284,  d.,  304,  d.,. 313,  478, 

d. 
Joseph,  278, 289,  d.,  472,  d., 

753. 
Rev.  Joseph,  391,  .395,  d. 
Josiah,   212,   d.,   271,   277, 

281,  d.,  289,  d.,  .320,  d. 
Rev.  Josiah,  2i9. 
Loring,  335,  d. 
Naler,  332,  d. 
Natlianiel,  295,  d. 
Robinson,  459,  d. 
Samuel,  274,  d.,  314,  318, 

322. 
Seth,  302,  d. 
Timothy,  294,  d.,  450. 
Thomas,  2S8,    d.,  292,  d., 

316,  320,  439. 
William,  244,  255,  266,  270, 

271,   280,    d.,    295,   d., 

310,  329,  d. 
Crosby,  Barnabas,  710,  d. 
David  H.,  755,  d. 
Eleazar,  506. 
Frteman,  338. 
James,  760,  d. 
Joseph,  213,  d. 
Nathan,  761,  d. 
Nathaniel,  506,  d. 
Samuel,  506. 
Simon,  494,  502,  d. 
Rev.  Tliomas,  358,  365. 
Thomas,  374,  389,  d.,  494, 

.  50'i,  507,  d. 
William,  5"6,  701,  d. 
Crowell,  Aaron,  712,  d. 
Abner,  2,!2,  223. 
Benjamin,  710,  d. 
Christopher,  699,  d. 
David,  448,  710,  d. 
Edw.,  195,   709,  d.,  717,  d. 
Enoch,  ()'.)9,  d. 
Elisha,  712,  d. 
-.  Ephraim,  512. 
Freeman,  717,  d. 
Isaac,  713,  d. 
Isaiah,  7J4,  d.,  773,  d. 
James,  232,  d. 
Jeremiah,  217,  d.,  709,  d. 
John,  18  1,  182,  192,  d.,  194, 

195,  199,  d.,  210,  d  ,148, 

4S0,  d.,  n'^7,  710,  d. 
Joseph,  2.'2,  440,  447,  004, 

717,  d. 
Joshua,  448,  465,  d.,  703. 
Judah,  235.  d.,  715,  d. 
Levi,  712,  d. 
Nathan,  708,  d.,  712,  d. 
Oliver,  717,  d. 


Crowell,  Paul,  597. 

Samuel,  194,  d. 

.Solomon,  222. 

Stephen,  448. 

Sylvs.,  230,  d. 

Thomas,  199,  d.,  215,  ^.. 

Yelverton,  182,  194. 
Cudworth,  James,  244,  245, 

255,  265. 
Cusbiug,  Ezekiel,  629. 

Rev.  J.,  628. 


r>. 

Dally,  Thomas,  69.- 
Damon,  Rev.  Jude,  138,  569, 

571,  d. 

Davis,  Abner,  .334,  d.,  449. 

475,  d. 

Barnabas,  720. 

Benjamin,  448. 

Daniel,  304,  .308,  314,  320, 

322,  324,  .325,  d. 
Dolor,    255,    271,   272,   d., 

2S1,  d. 
Frederick,  485,  d. 
Gershom,  302,  325,  d. 
Jabez,  448. 
Jacob,  517. 

James,  308,  313,  -3.39,  d. 
Job  C,  .332,  d. 

Jonathan,  335,  d.  ij,r 

John,  141,  257,  271,  294,  d.,        ?  T 

.331,  d.,  438. 
Joseph,  292,  d.,  295,  d.,  301, 

d.,  309,  d.,449. 
Lothrop,  338,  d. 
Nathaniel,  446.  ^ 
Nicholas,  257,  265,  266, 289, 

271. 
Noah,  448,  449 
Robert,  295,  .302,  d,  629. 
Solomon,     325,     d.,     447, 

480,  d. 
Stephen,  .331,  d.,  482,  d. 
Sylvs.,  464 

Rev.  Timothy,  474, 680, 682. 
Wendell,  138,  141,  149; 
Deane,  Tiiomas,  671,  ^ 
Delano,  Thomas,'G^/<^ 
Delap,  James,  290. 
Dennis,    Rev.     John,     517, 
518. 
Rev.  Josiah,  213,  215,  219, 

d.,  697,  698,  699,  d. 
Robert,  182,  184. 
Dcrbv,  John,  182,187. 
Devilie,  Walter,  181. 
Dexter,  .John,  73. 
Josepli,  447. 
Philip,  434,  439,  440,  441, 

446,  d. 
Samuel,  212. 
Thomas,  15,  45,  53,  59,  67, 

(i8,  73,  78,  d.,  271. 
William,  271. 
Didicut,  .John,  42. 
Dillingham,  Branch,  145,  d. 
Edw.,    15,   44,    66,    82,  85, 

99,  d..  111. 
Ezra,  103,  d. 
Henry,  44,  59,  68,  85. 
Isaac,  525. 

John,  73,  74,  85,  188,  195, 
495,   501,   d.,  504,  505, 
513,  d.,  525,  742. 
Joseph,  476,  d. 
Simeon,  113,  d. 


INDEX    OF   NAMES. 


795 


Dimmick,    Braddock,     451, 
476,  d. 

Ebenezer,  447. 

John,  43',>,  444. 

•Foseph,  451,  452,  455,  464, 
469,  d. 

Lot,  455,  4G8,  d. 

Shubael,  271. 

Thomas,     243,    244,    255, 
265,  d. 
Doane,  Daniel,  367,  374,  513. 

Ellsha,  141,232,d.,38'J,513, 
629,  657,  658,  660,  6G3, 
670. 

Ephraim,  374,  542,629. 

Heman,  734,  d. 

Hezekiah,  545,  629, 658, 664, 
672. 

Isaac,  374. 

Isaiah,  670. 

Israel,  371.     ' 

Jolm,  348,  359,  362,  367, 
.309,  370,  d.,  374,  379,  d. 

John  B.,  232,  d. 

Joseph,  374,  383,  385,  500, 
514. 

Joshua,  497,  733,  d. 

Moses,  513. 

Nathaniel,  513,  515. 

Samuel,  394,  d. 

Thomas,  598. 

William,  673,  d. 
Dods,  Rev.  J.  B.,  643. 
Donaldson,  Hugh  G.,  467,  d. 
Dorr,  James,  89. 
Downs,  Barnabas,  317. 

James,  710,  d. 

Nathaniel,  519. 
Drody,  William,  145,  d. 
Duncan,  Dr.,  632. 
Dunliam,  Jonathan,  429. 

John,  281,  d.,422. 
Dunster,  Rev.  I.,  515, 522,  d., 

743. 
Dver,  Ambrose,  554,  566. 

"Elisha,  569,  d.,  617. 

Henr}',  554. 

Jonathan,  551. 

•Tuclah,  554. 

Samuel,  534. 

Seth,  567. 

Solomo'n,  560. 

William,  551. 


Eastabrook,  Lot,  340,  d. 
Ecles,  Rev.  N.,  543. 
Edge,  William,  182. 
Edwards,  James,  275. 
Eldred,  Jehoshaphat,  446. 

Jos.,  588. 

Nicholas,  587. 

Robert,  19ii,  580. 

William,  195,  447,  587,  588. 
Eldridge,  Barnabas,  222,  C03. 

Daniel,  711,  d. 

Ebenezer,  598. 

Eli,  710,  d. 

Elisha,  387. 

Elnathan,  525. 

Enoch,  Rev.,  304,  324. 

Enos,  610,  d. 

Isaac,  513. 

James,  594,  601,  d. 

John,  230,  d,,598. 

Jo?3ph,  612,  d. 

Reuben,  512,  513. 


Eldridge,   Samuel,  223,525, 
553,  554,  699. 

William,     195,     5J2,     513, 
605,  d. 
Ellis,  Abner,  164,  d. 

Benjamin,  513. 

Cornelius,  506,  513. 

Ebenezer;  108,  d. 

Ephraim,  116,  133,  d. 

Freeman,  73,  74. 

Gershom,  164,  d. 

Jacob,  505. 

James,  517. 

John,  44,  59,  66,  68,  72,  d., 
513,  594. 

Joseph,  513. 

Josiah,  147,  d. 

.Joshua,  513. 

Malachi,  124,  144,  d. 

Manoah,  74. 

Matthias,  74,  85,  102,  d. 

Mordecai,  72,  74,  82,  85, 90, 
d.,  105,  113. 

Samuel,  135,  d.,  513. 
Else,  Roger,  182. 
Emery,  John,  604. 

Rev.  Stephen,  600,  605,  d. 
Ewell,  Henry,  244,  257. 
Ewer,  Henry,  16,  41. 

John,  126,  .300. 

Lazarus,  151,  d. 

Lemuel,  164,  d. 

Thomas,  53,  66,  268,  424, 
427. 

F. 

Falland,  Thomas,   1S2,  195, 
202,  206,  580. 

William,  194. 
Farris,  Benjamin,  717,  d. 
Faunce,  James,  135,  d. 

William,  153,  d. 
Feake,  Henry,  16,  44,  51. 
Fessenden,  Benjamin,  Rev., 
69,  92,  100,  101,  d. 

Benjamin,  111,  125,  133,  d. 

Samuel,  1.35,  163,  d. 

Thomas,  156,  d. 

William,  138,  154,  d. 

William,     Dr.,     522.     d., 
755,  d. 
Finney,  John,  195,  423. 
Fish,  Ambrose,  68,  74. 

Ansel,  164. 

Jonathan,  16,  44,  51. 

John,  16,  44,  74,  85. 

Joshua,  105. 

Lemuel,  161,  d. 

Nathan,  439. 

Nathaniel,  16,  44,  53,  69, 
68,  113,  120. 

Phineas,  Rev.,  159,  d.,335, 
337. 

Samuel,  449. 

Simeon,  113. 

Theodore,  161. 

Thomas,  478,  d. 
Fitzrandal,  Edward,  244, 255. 

Nathaniel,  271. 
Flawne,  Thomas,  182. 
Fletcher,  John,  506. 
Foster,       Benjamin,       750, 
763,  d. 

Charles,  504. 

Chillingsworth,   500,    501, 
502,  506. 

David,  753. 

Edward,  245. 

Freeman,  747,  750,  753. 


Foster,  Isaac,  750,  765,  d. 

Solomon,  lOS,  110,  111. 
Foxwell,  Jonathan,  257. 

Richard,  255. 

Robert,  296,  d. 
Freeman,  Abner,  731,  d. 

Alice,  42. 

Barnabas,  398,  400,  401,  d., 
637,  663. 

Benjamin,  147,  d.,  504, 506, 
5 '.9,  520. 

Constant,  .374,543,550,552, 
554,  555,  d.,  559,  d., 
571,  d. 

David,  633. 

Edmund,  15,  36,  44,  49,  57, 
59,  67,  68,  75,  d.,  85, 
163,  d.,  367, 374,  .382,  d., 
504,  5J6,  522,  d.,  730,  d. 

Elkanah,  750,  754,  761,  d. 

George  W.,  Rt.  Rev.,  14. 

Gorham  L.,  757,  d. 

Hatch,  761,  d. 

Hatsuld,  505. 

Hezekiah,  770. 

James,  135,  138,  146,  d. 

Jonathan,  501,  d.,  761,  d. 

John,  44,  59,  123,  192,  359, 
364^  367,  371,  374,  384, 
d.,  385,  d.,  494, 501, 502, 
504,  506,  520,  580,  657, 

765,  d. 
Joseph,  503,  506,  513. 
Josiah,  731,  d. 

Joshua,  557,  562,  566,  569, 

d.,  762,  d. 
Lemuel,  151,  d. 
Nathan,  643. 
Nathaniel,  113,    115,    116, 

120,  129,   137,   d.,   139, 

145,  374,  385,  38S,  504, 

506,  509,  d.,  670,  750,  d. 
Prince,  505. 
Rufus,  465,  d. 
Russell,  147,  153,  d. 
Samuel,  135,  363,  367,  .368, 

374,  380,   d.,  383,  385, 

.392,  d.,  409,  d. 
Scotto,  524,  527,  d. 
Seth,  113,  122,  126,  144,  d., 

147,   d.,    525,   758,    d., 

766,  d. 
Shadrach,  159,  d. 
Solomon,  .346, 519, 520, 744, 

753,  757,  d. 
Stephen,  374. 

Thomas,  501,  d.,  502,  d., 
367,  374,  494,  518,   d., 
629. 
Watson,  22,  506. 
William,  145,  d.,  369,  d,, 

374,  504,  506. 
William  J.,  152,  d. 
Friend,  John,  16. 
Fry,  Anthony,  191,  195. 
Fuller,  Eleazar,  485,  d. 
John,  271,  279,  d.,  324, 
Joseph,  154,  d. 
Matthew,  265,  271,  272,324, 

422. 
Nathaniel,  152,  d. 
Olive,  476,  d. 

Samuel,  244,  268,  271,  422, 
424. 

G-. 

Gage,  James,  513,  517. 
Lot,  513. 
Matthew,  507,  513,  517. 


796 


HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Gage,  Thomas,  18!i,  195,  613. 
Garrett,  Jesse,  317,  d. 
Gaunt,  Israel,  74,  82. 

Peter,  IC,  .'ilj,  41,  44,  50,  OS. 
Gibbs,  Benjamin,  So,  155,  d. 

Caleb,  155,  d. 

Charles,  147,  d. 

Elislia,  154,  d. 

Freeman,  15S,  d. 

John,  59,  08,  73,  S5. 

Nathan  B.,  150,  d. 

Pelham,  159,  d. 

Samuel,  74,  1-5,  9?!,  d. 

Thomas,  44,  59,  OJ,  72,  73, 
74,  iJ5,  104,  d. 
Gibson,  Michael,  551. 
GifTord,  Cliristoplier,  82, 431. 

Elisha,  479,  d. 

Gideon,  4  i4. 

Jesse,  472,  d. 

John,  72,  74, 84, 85, 431, 439. 

Josiah,  111. 

Justus,  445. 

Melatiah,  480,  d. 

Paul,  135. 

Prince,  480,  d. 

lleuben,  448. 

Kobinson,  475,  d. 

Samuel,  S2,  85,  111. 

Seth,  445. 

Silas,  104,  d. 

Williun,    48,  59,  OS,   42G, 
427,  431,445.  , 
Godfrey,     Benjamin,      004,^ 
0!2,  d. 

David,  too.  d.,  010,  d.-- 

George,  537-  HiS. 

Jonathan,  590. 

.John,  2O!,203.v 

Moses,  5SS.-_     '■" 

Richard,  500,  500.    . 
Goodhue,  Rev.  II.  A. ,'340. 
Goodspeed,  Benjamin,  231, 
293. 

Charles,  155,  d. 

Ebenezer,  2S1. 

Harrison,  479,  d. 

John,  2?1,  277,  281. 

Nathaniel,  271. 

Roffer,  255,  271. 

Walley,  15!,  d. 
Goodwin,  Rev.  E.  S.,   145, 

150,  d. 
Gore,  Rev.  Jolm,  430. 
Gorham,  Benjamin,  315. 

David,  319,  320,  717,  d. 

Jabez,  195. 

James,  277. 

John,  ISO,  193.  d.,  195,  271, 
273,  d.,  295. 

Lot,  700,  d. 

Shubael,  203. 

Sturgis,  300,  319,  324. 
Gosnokl,  B.irt.,  072. 
Gould,  John,  524. 

Joseph,  5 -'4. 

Nathaniel,  500. 
Granr.e,  William,  182. 
Grannis,  John,  449,  452. 
Gray,  Anthony,  74 1. 

John,    182,    491,   490,  49', 
500,  50  U  030. 

Joshua,  221,  225,  227,  d., 
509,  d  ,  525. 

Lot,  50.5,  513,  758,  d. 

Richard,  551. 

William,   195,  501,  507,  d., 
5i:i. 
Green,  Isaac,  4H. 

Isaiah  L.  332,  d. 


Green,  Jonathan,  478,  d. 

John,  44. 

Joseph,  Sr.,  Rev.,  290,291, 
3'  2,  d.,  033. 

Joseph,    Jr.,     Rev.,    219, 
221.  d. 

Lemuel,  478,  d. 

William,  440,  440,  4.55. 
Greenliill,  Thomas,  OS. 
Greenlield,  Thomas,  44,  59. 
Greenleaf,  Daniel,  Rcv.,20S, 

210,  2i2,  214,  504,  007. 
GreenouLfli,  David  S.,  070. 

John,    <i02,   ():i5,   000,   COS, 
(i70,  072,  073,  074,  d. 
Greenwood,  A.    Rev.,   333, 

335. 
Griffin,  A^^illiam,  195. 
Griliitli,  Barnabas,  524. 

Joseph,  2i3. 

Steplien,  500,  524. 
Gross,  Hincks,  082,  d. 

Israel,  7;2. 

Jnazaniah,  571,  772. 

Micah,  552,  037,  772. 

Thomas,  083. 

William,  587. 


Hadaway,  Jonathan,  195. 

Thomas,  293. 
Hall,  Atlierton,  700. 
Barnabas,  709,  d.,  714,  d. 
Benjamin,  704,  7i2,  d. 
Christopher,  717,  d. 
Daniel,  710,  d.,  220, 221,  d., 

317,  d.,  099. 
David,  3:^,  d. 
Ebenezer,  21(i,  d. 
Edw.,    50 J,    507,  d.,    513, 

5 10,  522,  d. 
Elisha,  207,  717. 
Enoch,  711,  d. 
Ger^hom,  l94,  190,500,503, 

507,  d.,  5i3,   587,   589, 

595 . 
Henry,  704,  714,  d. 
Isaia'a,  701,  70S,  d. 
James,  229,  d. 
Jonathan,  50;i,  513. 
John,  192,  195,  203,  d.,  209, 

d.,  255. 
JosepJi,  195,   193,  215,    d., 

0J8,  090,  704. 
Joshua,  137. 
Josiah,  704,  707,  d. 
Judih,  508,  704. 
Kathan,  704. 
Nathaniel,  191,  195. 
Peter,  717,  d. 
Reuben,  717,  d. 
Samuel,  192,  195,  190,  202, 

d.,  504,  503,  507,  d. 
Seth,  125. 
Stephen,  704,  d. 
Tliomaa,  70S. 
Thomas  L.,  190. 
Hallct,  Androw,  10,  ISl,  182. 

lOJ,  11)5,  109,  d.,  217,  d. 
Benjamin,  33'i,  d. 
Benjamin  F.,  339,  d. 
Charles,  230,  d.,  232,  d. 
Ebenezer,  207. 
Edward,  22.^,  d. 
Phioch,  22i,  227,  d. 
Fredei'ick,  2-35,  d. 
George,  2.32,  d. 
Isaac,  222,  221. 


Hallet,  Jonathan,   201,  207, 
208, 211,  d.,  230,  d.,  313. 

John,  201,  208,  .593. 

Joseph,  271,  305,  316,  323, 
327,  d. 

Joshua,  235,  d. 

Josiah,  180. 

Lot,  090. 

Moses,  230,  d. 

Sara-el,  182,  184,  d.,  260. 

Stephen,  222. 
Hamblen,  Bart.,  271. 

Benjamin,  238,  d. 

Ebenezer,  302. 

James,  255,  208,  271,  275, 
277,  279,  d.,  424. 

John,  ■■)-iO,  d. 

Svlvanus,  479,  d.  / 

Thomas,  1(51,  d.  y^ 

Hamilton,  Daniel,  589. 

Martha,  470,  d-— - 

Thomas,  G03»-— i«. 
Hammond,  Benjamin,  68, 72, 
182. 

John,  448. 

Samuel,  74. 
Hampton,  Tliomas,  16. 
Hanbary,  Peter,  44. 
Handy,  Jonathan,  120,  126. 

Nymplias,  1(53,  d. 

llicliard,  74,  85. 

William,  123,  i57,  d. 
Harding,  Epin-aim,  502,  505.  • 

Hezelciah,  502,  505. 

Joseph,  .35S,  337,  374,  587..^ 

Josi;ili,  374. 

Mezia!i,  :!r4,  590. 

Nathaniel,  532. 
Hardy,  Isaac,  010,  d. 

Rev.  S.,  4'0. 
Harlow,  William,  16. 

Uev.  William,  331,  332. 
Harper,  Robert,  53,  59,  68, 
423. 

Stephen,  434,  445. 
Harpur,  Dr.  John,  141. 
Hatch,   Beniamin,  431,  438, 
439,  4S;),  d.,  503. 

Ebenezer,  447. 

Foster,  4?:!,  d. 

Ichabod,  438,  d. 

Jonatiuin,    423,   427,    430, 
431,434. 

Jeremiah,  ('129. 

Joseph,  42:,  420,  434,  436, 
418,474,  d.,479,  d. 

Moses,  431.  432,   437,  453, 
475,  d.,  478,  d.,  482,  d. 

Major,  477,  d. 

Noah,  480,  d. 

Paul,  447. 

Samuel,  032. 

Shubael,  474,  d. 

Silas,  447. 

Solomon,  447. 

Svlvanus,  43^448. 

Thacher  L.,483,  d. 

Tiiomas,  l.S;,  2.55. 
llawes,   E-lmund,   191,.  19.3, 
191,    195,   193,   202,   d., 
313,  5  JO. 

John,  195,  193,  200,  d.,  003. 

Josepli,  2i7,  d. 

Prince,  217,  d.,  310. 
Hawley,   Gideon,  Rev.,  09, 
121,  I'.O,  d. 

Gideon,  144,  '50,  d. 
Haven,  Jos.,  Ilev.,  707,  710. 
Hayes,  A.,  llcv.,  335. 
Hay  ward,  O.,  Rev.,  328,329. 


INDEX    OF   NAMES. 


797 


Headlv,  P.  C,  Rev.,  15S,  161. 
Hebard,  F.,  Rev.,  5:i0. 
Hedtie,  Abraluim,  189,  195. 

Elisha,  19],  195. 

James,  2'J3,  d. 

Tristram,  100,  3S0. 

William,  Ifl,  ISO. 
Hersev,  Abner,  .'505,  .324,  d. 

Henry,  Kev.,  .3.30,  333. 
Hickes,  Samuel,  208,  357. 
Higgins,  Benjamin,  -307,  371. 
d.,  .374. 

Beriab,  Osl. 

Elisha,  030. 

Icliabod,  374,  388,  d. 

Jonathan,  307,  374,  066. 

John,  3;4. 

Joseph,  374,  604,  668,  672, 
685,  d. 

Reuben,  610. 

Richard,  348,  357,  359. 

Thomas,  .307,  081. 
Hilliard,  Jonathan,  058. 

Stephen,  644,  d. 

Timothy,  Rev.,  303,  321. 
Hinckley,  Allen,  574,  d. 

David,  .34",  d. 

Ebeuezer,  2S9,  d. 

George,  277. 

Isaac,  318,  .320. 

James,  400,  d. 

John,  271,  284,  d.,  296,  .302, 
'     d. 

Samuel,  241,  255,  271,  281, 
d.,  314,  318,  321,  322, 
422. 

Sylvanus,  .327,  d. 

Thomas,  255,  261,  271,  279, 
283,  d.,422,  513,  580. 
Hincks,  Samuel,  501. 
Hoar,  Richard,  182. 
Hobai't,    NeUemiah,    Rev., 

.380. 
Holbrook,  Elisha,  058,  602.  %' 

Ezekiel,  004,  077,  d. 

Joseph,  6S1. 

Naaman,  OM,  071. 

Thomas,  078,  d. 
.  Holland,  Thomas,  181. 
Holmes,  C,  Rev.,  700,  707,  d. 
Hohvay,  B:irnabas,  161,  d. 

Gideon,  153,  d. 

John,  154,  d. 

Joseph,  16,  44,  59,  67,  68, 
.83,  85,  155,  d. 

Stephen,  150,  d. 
Homer,  Stephen,  713,  d. 
Hooker,  H.  B,  Rev.,  474. 
Hopkins,  Benjamin,  500. 

Caleb,  542,  554. 

Constant,  501. 

Elkanah,  Sl-i. 

Giles,  359. 

Joseph,  504,  505,  524,  072. 

Joshua,  .307,  374,  500. 

Judah,  504,  500. 

Natiian,  .52;). 

Nathaniel,  506. 

Samuel,  5o:;. 

Stephen,  179,  317,  374,  384, 
d.,  491,  .500,  502,  d., 
504,  500,  508,  d. 

Zoeth,  .524. 
Horton,  Zebina,  708,  d. 
Howes,  Abram,  708,  d. 

Alexander,  714,  d. 

Anthony,  700. 

Barnabas,  317. 

Collins,  704. 

Daniel,  59S,  704,  707. 


Howes,  David,  712,  d.,  714,d. 

Elisha,  704. 

Elkanah,  709,  d.,  717,  d. 

Isaiah,  712,  d. 

James,  222,  710,  d. 

Jeremiah,  191, 193, 195, 190, 
d.,20S,  d.,700,  704,  709, 
d.,  714,  d. 

Jonathan,  1-8,  222,  712,  d. 

John,  215,  d. 

Joseph,  192,  194,  195,  190, 
203,  d.,e9S,  7O0,  706,  d. 

Joshua,  210,  d.,  710,  d. 

Josiah,  707,  d. 

Levi,  709,  d. 

Lothrop,  717,  d. 

Mulford,  611,  099,  d. 

Nathaniel,  216,  d.,  697,  709, 
d. 

Obed,  712,  d^ 

Oren,  712,  d. 

Prince,  711,  d. 

Samuel,  195,  196,  213,  d., 
611,  d.,  702,  709,  d. 

Stephen,  711,  d. 

Thomas,  180,  182,  189,  d., 
191,  194,  215,  d.,  589, 
610,  d. 

Uriel,  717,  d. 

William,  707,  d. 
Howland,  Jason,  .341,  d. 

Job,  213. 

John,  208, 271, 277, 293, 422. 

Nathaniel,  313. 
Hoxie,  Barnabas,  111. 

Edward,  59. 

Gideon,  83,  85,  HI. 

Hezekiah,  103. 

Lodowiek,  59,  72,  85. 

Joseph,  82,  103,  104. 
Huckins,  John,  271,  274,  d. 

Thomas,  255,  261,  200,  271, 

274,  d. 
Hull,  John,  2.55. 

Joseph,  Rev.,  189,  243,246, 
250,  427,  428. 

Tristram,  182,  269. 
Hunn,  D.  L.,  Rev.,  140,  149. 
Hurd,  Ebeuezer,  551. 

John,  SO'i. 
Hurst,  William,  16. 


Isum,  John,  281. 


Jackson,  Samuel,  255. 
Jaquesh,  Mr.,  210. 
Jefli-ie,  Hannah,  551. 
Jenkins,  Charles,  .338,  d. 

Charles  W.,  424, 431, 486,  d. 

Ebeuezer,  305,  3  «,  314. 

John,  54,  .59, 6;-,  271 ,  294,  d., 
4-I2,  424,  426,  427,  430, 
4i9,  484,  d. 

Weston,  407. 

Zachariah,  80. 

Zeth.,  82. 
Jennings,  John,  85. 

Samuel,  87,  108,  d.,  439. 
Jewett,  P.,  Rev.,  473. 
Johnson,  Daniel,  Rev.,  727, 
730. 

Jonathan,  4.34. 

John,  44. 

Thomas,  4-1, 51,  59, 427, 429. 

William,  434,  438. 


Jones,  Francis,  159,  d. 

Jed.,  >21. 

Jeremiah,  195,  208,  d. 

John,  1.58,  d. 

Ralph,  63,  271. 

Samuel,  195 

Silas,  476,  d. 

Sylvanus,  124. 

Teage,  182,  194. 

Thomns,  138,  4.53,  468,  d. 
Joyce,  Hosen,  195,  20i. 
■Jeremiah,  210. 

John,  10,  44,  182,  190  d. 


Kelley,  Allen,  702. 

Cyrenius,  713,  d. 

David,  338,  d.,  709,  d. 

Elihu,  714,  d. 

Elisha,  714,  d. 

John,  517,  712,  d. 

Joseph,  711,  d. 

Nehemiah,  717,  d. 

Pachard,  340,  d.,  717,  d. 

Seth,5l7,  034. 
Kemp,  Robert,  GSl. 
Kenrick,  Daniel,  Rev.,  713. 

Edward,  5iJ0. 

John,  732,  d. 
Kent,  William,  602,  d. 
Kerby,  Richard,   17,  38,  41, 

"44,  53. 
Kilburn,  David,  038. 

Jonathan,  648,  d. 

John,  634. 

Thomas,  634,  036. 
Kimbal,  J.  P.,  Rev.,  4^5. 
King,  John,  175,494,5  5,  GO'. 

Roa'er,  506. 
Kinney,  Jesse,  524. 

John,  63"',  037. 
linott,  George,  15,  44,  40,  59. 

Samuel,  08,  85. 
Knowles,  Amos,  400. 

Edward,  .388. 

Harding,  409,  d. 

Tsaiah,  405. 

John,  383,  390. 

Joshua,  500. 

Richard,  359,  .383,  5'.)'^. 

Samuel,  283,  374,   393,  d., 
497. 

Silas,  638. 

Simeon,  -30n. 
Krogman,  Francis,  411,,  d. 


Lacy,  Benjamin,  048,  d. 
Lake,  Rich.ard,  195,  407,  d. 
Landers,  Amos,  445. 

John,8:i,  99,  d.,415. 

Richard,  82,  434,  439,  415.    ■ 

Selcd,  lOS. 

Thomas,  17,44,59,03. 
Latimer,  .John,  liev.,  590. 
Lawrence,  David,  322,  d. 

John,  404,  400,  d. 

Joseph,  120. 

Pele^-,  -(H,  d. 

Samuel.  - ■•"). 

Shubael,  402,  475,  d. 

Solomon,  4s3,  d. 

Thom.^s.  483,  d. 
Legg,  Da>iiel,  440,  597. 
Leonard,  Jonathan,  Dr.,  139 
141,  155,  d. 


798 


HISTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Leverich,  William,  Ttev.,  17, 
3S,  44,  45,  47,  51,  52,55, 
69,  185. 
Lewis,  Benjamin.  434,  408, 
560. 

David,  481,  d. 

Ebenezer,  4r8,  d. 

Edward,  -OS,  271,281. 

George,  244,   255,   269,  d., 
271,  274,  284,  d.,  305. 

Isaiah,  Rev.,  389,  392,  558, 
661,  671,  672,  673,  674, 
6:5,  676,  d. 
•'  .Jabez,  506,  507,  d. 

James,  2^,  428,  434. 

James  D.,  Kev.,  475,  477, 
480,  d. 

John,-2G8,  271,  272,  d.,  274, 
28  i,  290,  554. 

Lothrop,  471,  d. 

Nathan,  446. 

Nathaniel,  321,  480,  d. 

Samuel,  4'i7,  433,  481,  d. 

Thomas,  271,  281J  426,  427, 
431,432,  594. 
.'Winslow,  404,  d.,  664,  672. 
Lii;cohi,   Henry,    Kev.,  138, 
4!!-.',  471,483,  d. 

Isaac,  760,  d. 

Jonathan,  506. 

iVathaniel,  760,  d. 

iSeth,  75' ,  d. 

Svlvamis,  757,  d. 
Lhinel,  David,  257,  261,  271. 

Jonathan,  374,  387,  d. 

John,  281. 

Uobert,  244,  255. 

Samuel,  272,  d. 

Tiiomas,  524. 
Litclifield,  I^awrence,  255. 
I^ouibarJ,  Barnard,  255,  271. 

Beuiamiu,  271,  3i8. 

Caleb,  26S,  271. 

Elisha,  295. 

Israel,  570,  574,  d. 

Jabez,  2<;8,  271. 

Jed.,  271,  548,  554. 

Joshua,  261,  271,  281,  290, 
d. 

Parker,  336. 

Kichard,  244. 

Solomon,  567,  630,  633. 

Tiiomas,  254,  261,  268,  d., 
271. 
Lo'ia;.  Edmund,  524. 

'.Villiam,  5J6,  513,  524. 
Lord,  Joseph,  Rev.,  595, 598, 

599,  d. 
Loring,  William,  161,  d. 
Lothrop,  Barnabas,  271,  274, 
277,  280. 

Benjamin,  257. 

Davis,  Kev.,  529,  608. 

Ebenezer,  313. 

Hoi)e,  435. 

James,  257. 

Jam-s  L.,  .340,  d. 

Joniithan,  3i7,  d. 

John,  Rev.,  243,  247,  255, 
202,  d.,  271,  272. 

John,  291,  d. 

Joseph,  262,  -71,281,  324. 

Melatiah,  271,  278,  285,  d. 

Samuel,  257. 

Sei,h,  313. 

Thomas,  255,  271,424. 
Ivoveil,  Andrew,  281,  332,  d. 

Cornelius,  313. 

D.i'iiel,  324,  d.,  333,  d. 

Ueor{.'<>,  338,  d. 


Lovell,  James,  281,  293. 

John,  2S1. 

Lazarus.  300. 

William,  281,  297,  d. 
Lucas,  H.,  Rev.,  332. 
Lumpkin,  William,  181,  182, 
190. 


2N£. 

MoLane,  A.,  Rev.,  640. 
Macy,  Thomas,  279,  281. 
Maker,  Benjamin,  51j6,  513. 

James,  195,  .389,  d. 

John,  500. 

Joseph,  201,  513. 
Mann,  Rev.  J.,  460  462,  d. 
Marchant,  Abisha,  195. 

John,  195. 
Marshall,  Kev.  Josiah,  443, 

444. 
Marston,  Benjamin,  297. 

Nymphas,    3u4,    309,    314, 
318,321,  .322,-324,  d. 
Matthews,    Benjamin,    202, 
216,  d. 

Edward,  652. 

Isaac,  222,  223. 

James,  182,  194,195,233,  d. 

Jonathan,  235,  d. 

John   195,  216,  225,  d. 

Marmaduke,  Rev.,  ISO,  182. 

Nathan,  242. 

Prince,  2i8,  d.,  230,  d. 

Samuel,  194,  216,  232,  d. 

Thomas,  714,  d. 

William,  215,  d. 
Mayo,  Albert,  766,  d. 

Asa,  749,  757,  d. 

Daniel,  374,  602. 

James,  374. 

Jeremiah.  65S,  750. 

John,  Rev.,   194,  d.,  105, 
245,  247,  255,  357,  358, 
359. 
.John,  374,  378,  d.,  499,  504, 
5u6,  517,  d. 

Joseph,  506. 

Joshua  A.,  637. 

Nathaniel,    257,    359,  362, 
d.,  374,  379,  d. 

Richard,  599,  d. 

Thomas,  374,  389,  d., 758,  d. 
Meigs,  Josiah,  156,  d. 
Mellen,  Rev.  John,  321,  323. 
Merrick,  Benjamin,  495. 

Isaac,  5;:4.  >' 

Rev.  J.  M.,  150,  152. 

John,  552. 

Joseph,  .374,  391,  d. 

Joshua,  505. 

Nathaniel,  502,  503,  510,  d. 

Stephen,  374,  506,  507,  d. 

Thomas,  .374. 

AVilliam,  359,  365,  d.,  367, 
■i70,  d.,  494,  498,  507,  d. 
Merrill,  Kev.  Joseph,  684. 
Merrihew,  John,  195. 
Metcalfe,  Kev.  Joseph,  436, 

438,  440,  442  d. 
Michal,  Richard,  195. 
Miller,   Rev.  John,  17,  184, 
180,  215,  d. 

John,  187,  190,  191, 193, 194, 
19i!,  2l0,  d. 

.Josiah,  215.  d. 

William,  6.37. 
Mills,   Rev.  Jonathan,  518, 
d.,  633. 


Mills,  Steven,  571. 
Moran,  Rev.  William,  161. 
Merrill,  Rev.  William,  19,49. 
Morse,  Theodore,  448.    ,— .^ 
Mulford,  John,  375.        f 

Thomas,  375,  544,  548,  553.  '^■Z' 
Munroe,  Rev.  Calvin,  607. 
.'  John,  .332. 


:isr. 

Nelson,  William,  425. 
Newcomb,  Andrew,  534. 

David,  634. 

Elisha,  602. 

Lemuel,  681. 

Silas,  634. 

Thomas,  702,  d. 

William,  98,  d. 
Newell,  Rev.  F.  R.,  763. 
Newland,  John,  36,  44,  59, 
69. 

William,  17,  36,  44,  59,  62, 
67. 
Nichols,  Thomas,  44. 
Nickerson,  Allen,  638. 

Amasa,  510,  772. 

Barnabas,  513. 

Benjamin,  513. 

Caleb,  601,  d.,  606,  d.,  609, 
d. 

David,  598,  747,  750,  756,  d. 

Ebenezer,  505, 525, 601, 637, 
647,  d.,  769,  d. 

Edmund,  6-38. 

Edward,  513,525. 

Eleazar,  716,  d. 

Elijah,  6-36,  638. 

Elisha,  513. 

Elizur,  634,  699. 

Enos,  638. 

Ensig-n,  609,  d. 

T^reclerick,  717,  d. 

George,  638. 

Isaac,  513. 

Isaiah,  7i8,  d. 

James,  709,  d.,  6.38. 

Jonathan,  716,  d.,  6-33. 

John,  216,  d.,  513,  5^0,  898, 
707,  d.,  709,  d. 

Joseph,  500,  600,  580,  587, 
638. 

Joshua,  513,  d. 

-Josiah,  506,  638,  640,  d., 
i         710,  d. 
•*■    Nathan,  63S. 

Nathaniel,  447,  642,  d. 

Nehemiah,  634. 

Nicholas,  195,580. 

Phineas,  634,  6:-;6. 

Robert,  501,530. 

Salathiel,  611,  d. 

Samuel,  506,  513,  580. 

Seth,  6;4,  636,  638. 

Stephen,  0 ',8. 

Sylvanus,  712,  d. 

Thomas,  589, 602,  d.,  644,  d. 

Uriel,  524. 

William,  182,  187,  189,  190, 
207,   d.,  506,  679,   580, 
537,  5S8,  60!,d.,  638. 
Noble,  Rev.  E.,  573. 
Norman,  Hugh,  182. 
Norris,  Oliver,  82,  85. 
Northcoat,  William,  182. 
Nve,  Barnabas,  158,  d. 

Benjamin,   17,  4i,  59,  69, 
85,  434,  478,  d. 

Caleb,  74,  85. 


INDEX    OF   NAMES. 


799 


Nye,  DavW,  4(19,  d. 
Ebenezer,  74,  430,  434,  440, 

480  d. 
Elisha,  451. 
Ifilnathan,  440,  416. 
Jonathan,  74,  85. 
John,  85,  139,  d.,  430,  439, 

449,  453. 
Joseph,   113,    120,   154,  d., 

103,  d.,  519. 
Levi,  151,  d. 
Lot,  115,  120,  126,  322. 
Moses,  1G4,  d. 
Nathan,  74,  !^5,  102,  d.,  135. 
Peleg,  126. 
Prince,  155.  d. 
Samuel,  408,  d. 
Seth  F.,  147, 163,  d. 
Shubaei,  448. 
Solomon,  447,  4fi9,  d. 
Stephen,  110,  113,  120,  143, 

d. 
Sturgis,  139,  d. 
Sylvanus,  120. 
Timothy,  480,  d.,  6(16. 
Thomas,  120,  135,  156,  d. 
William,    23. 
Zenas,  137. 
Nutting,  Samuel,  66b. 


O. 

Oakes,  Rev.  J.,  3S6. 
O'Brian,  749. 
O'Kelia,  David,  194. 
Orcutt,  Reuben,  638. 
Osborn,  Rev.  S.,  89,  .383,  -391, 

500,  743. 
Otis,  Rev.  E.,  465. 

James,  302,  304,  317,  d. 

James  Jr.,  252. 

John,  271,  439. 

Joseph,  305,  308,  313,  320, 
.321,  322,  .327,  d. 

Nathaniel,  88,  99,  d. 

Solomon,  317,  d. 


^ackard,  Rev.  A.,  676. 
Paddock,  Ebenezer,  714,  d. 
John,  212,  d.,  698. 
Judah,  212,  d.,    097,    704, 

710,  d.,  715,  d. 
Samuel,  709,  d. 
Zachariah,    195,    196,  201, 

211,  d.,214. 
Paddy,  William,  37,  42,  257. 
Paine,    Barnabas,    550,  557, 

559,  d..  573,  d. 
Ebenezer,  505,  513,  573,  d. 
Elisha,  278,  37.",  516, 
Elkanah,  554. 
Henry,  044. 
Isaac,  570,  d. 
James,  519. 
Jedediah,  567. 
Jonathan,  552,    553,    554, 

559,  d. 
John,   307,    375,   3S0,    385, 

389,  d. 
Joseph,  375,   .380,  d.,  494, 

4i)8,  499,  d.,  505. 
Joshua,  552. 
Moses,  554,  560,  d. 
Nicholas,  375. 
Phineas,  t)48,  d. 
Samuel,  375,  380,  d. 


Thomas,  ISO,  18*2,  188,  277, 
359,  ,307,  375,  378,    d., 
398,  406,   d.,  542,  551, 
552,   553,    d.,    570,    d„ 
OOl,  d. 
--William,  390. 
Palfrey,  J.  G.,  241. 
Palmer,  Joseph,  449,  405,  d. 

Samuel,  Rev.,  444,  449,  d. 

Thomas,  452,  d. 

William,  51,  181,  182. 
Parker,  Benjamin,  416,  447. 

Daniel,  292,  d. 

Ephraim,  447,  d. 

Frederick,  472,  d. 

Freeman,  31-3. 

Job,  450,  453,  466,  d. 

Joseph,  431,  434,  4!7,  444, 
415,  d.,447,  d.,451. 

Robert,  271,  274,  d. 

Samuel,  Rev.,  633,037,012, 
d. 

Seth,  440,  408,  d. 

Sylvanus,  448. 

Thomas,  43J,  438,  439,  448. 

William,  244. 
Parse,  Joseph,  602. 

Joshua,  (i.34. 
Parslow,  William,  495. 
Patten,  Robert,  17. 
Pearse,  William,  257. 
Pease,  Rev.  G.,  154. 
Pell,  Rev.  E.,  514,  516,  d. 
Peney,  John,  513. 

William,  182,  506,  513. 
Pepper,  Isaac,  307,  385. 

Joseph,  403. 

Solomon,  397,  400. 
Percival,  James,  428. 

John,J14,  155,  d.,  339. 
Perrv,  lienjamin,  86. 
■    Edward,  50,  (>7,  09,  85. 

Elisha,  153.  d. 

Ezra,  43,  72,  74,  85. 

John,  74,  So,  120. 

Moses,  lOS, 

Richard,  034,  038. 

Samuel,  82,  83,  86. 

Solomon,  159,  d. 

Sylvanus,  154,  d. 

Thomas,  159,  d. 

William,  154,  d. 
Phillips,  Benjamin,  506,  587. 

Joseph,  513. 

Micah,  513. 

Oakes,  513. 
Phinney,  Eli,  .305,  308. 

Gershom,  506. 

John,  271,    277,  281,   292, 
298,  d. 

Philip,  473,  d. 

Samuel,  480,  d. 

Timothy,  325,  333,  d. 
Pierce,  Abm.,  422. 
Pierpont,  Rev.  Mr.,  181. 
Pike,  George,  551,  554. 
Pitts,  Josppli,  440. 
Pope,  Elisha,  114,  135,  142, 
d.,  147,  104,  d. 

John,  86,  135. 

Joseph  H.,  104,  d. 

Lemuel,  135. 

Seth,  101,  d. 

Thomas,  152,  d. 

William,  154,  d. 
Pratt,  Rev.  E.,  327,  333,  410, 
700,  d. 

Rev.  S.,  410,  731. 
Prence,  Gov.,  246,  348,  350, 
359,  363. 


Presbury,  John,  44. 
Price,  Solomon,  4i8. 
Prince,  Samuel,  75,  77,  86. 

Thomas,  Rev.,  1,  8,  G9,  87, 
195,  2(ie. 
Pritchard,  Richard,  182. 
Pugsley,  John,  195. 
Purington,    Hezekiah,   545, 
540. 

Humphrey,  554. 


Ransom,  Alexander,  738. 

Robert,  53. 
Rawson,  Kev.  G.,  218,  219. 
Raymond,  llev.  S.,  607. 
Reed,  John,  235. 
Remick,  Abm.,  375. 
Rich,  Ebenezer,  505^ 

Hezekiah,  081. 

John,  390,  557,  561. 

Joseph,  .375. 

Obadiali,  570. 

Reuben,  058,  660. 

Richard,  554,  566. 

Thatcher,  602. 

Zaccheus,  571. 
Ridley,  Mark,  271. 

Thomas,  555. 
Riggs,  Kev.  T.,  3.35. 
Robbius,  Eleazar,  513. 
Roberts,  Thomas,  .359. 
Robey,  Rev.  J.,  102. 
Robinson,  Albert,  472,  d. 

Isaac,  244,   255,    265,    203, 
272,  283,  422,  423,  425. 

John,  427,  434, 437, 404, 482. 

Joseph,  438,  447,  449. 

Rowland,  448. 

Timothy,  438,  441,  443. 

Walley,  471,  d. 
Robv,  Rev.  Thomas,  605. 
Rockwell,  Rev.  C,  608. 
Ro^-ers,  Daniel,  524. 

Ebenezer,  500. 

Eleazar,  500. 

Enos,  524. 

James,  309,  d.,  375,  303,  d. 

John,  92,  103,  367,  500,  S09, 
d.,  5S0. 

Joseph,  359,  .301,  d  ,  369,  d. 

Judah,  506,  733,  d. 

Moses,  486,  d. 

Reuben,  524. 

Samuel,  717,  d. 

Thomas,  3(i7. 

William  E.  P.,  330. 
Rose,  Gideon,  1.33. 
Rotch,  Benjamin,  630. 
Rowley,  Aaron,  438. 

Henry,  244,  255. 

Moses,  27!,  41.7,  428,  431. 

Nathan,  434,  430, 
Ruggles,  Timothy,  99. 
Russell.  Rev.  Jonathan,  275, 
284,  d.,  435. 

Rev.    Jonathan    Jr.,    2JS4, 
287,300,  d.,  591. 

John,  257,  300,  d.,  313,  317, 
d.,  324. 

Lothro]),  296,  d. 

Moody,  295,  .301,  d. 
Ryder,   Benjamin,  544,  6.30, 
634. 

Daniel,  513. 

DaviW,  638. 

Ebenezer,  C.34. 

James,  602,  d. 


800 


HISTORY    OF    BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Kyder,  John,  195,  196. 
Joseph,  19-1,  196,  217,  d. 
Lot,  034. 
Itichard,  C38. 
Samuel,  181,  182,  186,  194, 

030,  038. 
Tliatcher,  012,  d. 
Thomas,  034,  037. 
Zachariah,  194, 196. 


S. 

Sampson,  Micah,  475,  d. 

Joseph.  747,  750,  703,  d. 
Sanders,  Henry,  53. 
Sanderson,  Henry,  44,59,09. 

Samuel,  80. 
Sanford,  Ijcnjamin,  464,473, 
d. 

Charles,  409,  d. 

Eer.  John,  708,  712. 
Sargent,  John,  208. 

Hannah,  441. 

Eev.  AVilliam,  262, 263,  271, 
580,  030. 
Savage,  James,  171. 

John,  .542. 

Samuel,  .324,  332,  d. 
Scudder,  Charles,  338,  d. 

David,  138. 

Ebenezer,  294,  d.,  329,  d. 

Eieazar,  320. 

Fredericlc,  340,  d. 

Henry  A.,  336. 

John,  255,  271. 

Josmh,  335,  d. 

Zeno,  337,  d. 
Seabury,  David,  704,  d. 

Thomas,  750,  751,  754,  761, 
d. 
Sears,  Christopher,  707,  d. 

Daniel,  591.001,  d. 

David,  599,d.,  007,  d. 

Ebenezer,  212,  d. 

Edmund,  702,  d.,  704,  711, 
d. 

Edv/ard,  706,  d. 

Elkauali,  704,  712,  d. 

Henry,  713,  d. 

Jacob,  714.  d. 

Jonathan,  505. 

John,  210,  d.,  223,  095,  70S, 
d. 

Joseph,  505, 700, 704,  712,  d. 

Joshua,  234,  d.,  505,  704. 

Judiih,  r,ij9,  714,  d. 

Miraiali,  709,  d. 

Nathaniel,  5:i2,  d.,  712,  d. 

Paul  195,  i'J',,  r.is,  209,  d., 
210,  d.,  003,001,714,  d. 

Prince,  711,  d. 

Kichard,  138,  182,  194,  d., 
69),  596,  d.,  599,  d., 
001,  008,  d.,  009,  d. 

Eowland,  717,  d. 

Samuel,  494, 505. 

Silas,  l'J5,  19.i,  205,  d. 

Stephen,  714,  d. 

Zachary,  090. 
Selew,  John,  604. 

Philip,  501,6  0. 
Sephoii,  Henry,  44. 
Severance,  Joseph,  195. 
Sewel,  Uev.  E.  O.,  .329,  330. 
Shave,  Thomas,  255,  271. 
Shaw,  George,  VM'i,  d. 

Lemuel,  .339,  d. 


Shaw,  Oakes,  Eev.,  138,  300, 
32(>,  d. 

Pbilr.iKior,  Eev.,  403,  405, 
4.0,  d. 
Shellev,  Itobert,  244, 255, 270, 

d.,271. 
Sherman,  Ichabod,  232,  cl. 
Shillin^sworlh,  Thomas,  44. 
Shiverick,  Asa,  717,  d. 

Nathaiiel,  449,  451,  452, 
463,  475,  d. 

Samuel,  Kev.,  433,435,4.37. 

Samuel,  447,  463,  d.,  714,  d. 

Thomas,  447. 
Shores,  Eev.  S.,  409,  473. 
Short,  Eev.  Matthow,  591. 
Simpldns,   Eev.   John,   1.38, 
522,  743,  740,  751,  700. 

Nicholas,  181,  182,257. 
Sldff,  James,  17,  30,  41,  44, 
53,  59,  02,  09. 

Nathaniel,  427. 

Stephen,  60,  OS,  73,  81,  86, 
92. 
Slawson,  George,  17,  41. 
Slocumb,  John,  450. 
Small,  Benjamin,    513,  524, 
513. 

Edward,  587,  6S8. 

Francis,  544,  554. 

James,  525. 

Jonatlunn,  504,  500,  513. 

Samuel,  551. 

Thomas,  525,  038. 

Zr;c!iarv,  500. 

Zachariah,  513. 

Zebedec,  .524. 
SmallcA',  Freeman,  766,  d. 

Isaac,  ('SO. 

John,  348,  359. 

Taylor,  638. 
Smith,  Ambrose,  564. 

Earzillai,  o';4. 

Beniami-ii,  73,  74,  80,  313. 

Beriah,551. 

Daniel,  000. 

David,  305,  313,  56i. 

Ebenezer,  551. 

Elisha  W.,  (;?5,  d. 

Gamaliel,  50',  563. 

Jeremiah,  375,  3.'-9,  d. 

John,  Eev.,  54,  55,  59,  09, 
80,86,  187,247,203,267. 

John,   74,   80,   99,  d.,  123, 
506,  5s9. 
■   Joseph,  671,  702,  d. 

Ealph,  339,  375. 

Eiclir.rd,  59,  00. 

Samuel,  142,  d.,  3C7, 372,  d., 
.375,  376,  d.,  512,  5.-.7, 
057,  GCO. 

Seth,60.3,  006,  038. 

Shubael,  73,  74,  86,  110. 

Stephen,  608,  d. 

Thomas,  75,  83,  d.,  102,  d., 
r.'l,  K:5,  ■:{■>?,  375,  512, 
552,  554,  ('5¥. 

Tliom;is,  Eev.,  215,  217, 
255. 

William,  50 -.,001. 

Zocth,  CSS,  060,  064. 
Snow,  Ambrose,  567. 

Anthony,  5'iO. 

Benjamin,  375. 

David,  566,  75'\ 

Edward,  491,  500,  524. 

Eli,  222. 

Elislui,  51.3. 

Jabez,371,  375,500. 

Jed.,  624. 


Jonathan,  744,  559,  d. 

John,  375,  .396,  d.,  500,  618, 
d.,  545,  550,  552. 

Joseph,  375,  386,  d.,  .375, 
498,  d.,5'8,  d.,  753. 

.Josiah,  733,  d. 

Joshua,  554. 

Mark,  359,  369,  373,  d.,  .375. 

Micaiah,  375. 

Nicholas,  348,  356,  359, 365, 
d.,  :^6(,375,490,  500. 

Prince,  504,  510,  d. 

Eeuben,  522,  d. 

Samuel,  .389,  d. 

Seth,  526. 

Stephen,  307,  375,  542.      , 

Thomas,  494,  5S5,  524. 
Soper,  Eobert,  038. 

Samuel,  047,  d. 
Sparrow,  Jonathan,  359, 363, 
'  309,  370,  375. 

John,  .367,  375. 

Eichard,  301,  d.,  .375. 

Seth,  733,  d. 
Spear,    Eev.    Samuel,   651, 

028,  633. 
Starr,  Thomas,  181,  182,  187. 
Stearns,  Eev.  D.,  710.  712. 
Steele,  Eev.  Joel,  073. 

John,  540. 
Stevens,  Josiah,  571. 

Le\  i,  773. 

Eichard,  548,  554,  557,  501, 
773. 
Stewai-t,  D.aniel,  268. 

Hugh,  195,  .587. 

James,  93,  d. 

Samuel,  596,  597. 

William,  5S8. 
Stono,  Job  C,  713,  d. 

James  L.,  Eev.,  703. 

Nathan,    Eev.,    1.38,    220, 
099. 

Nathan,  713,  d. 

Nathaniel,  Eev.,  430,  494, 
510,  d.,  042,  643,  742. 

Nathaniel,  519,  d. 

Sylvanus,  74-1,  749,  d. 
Storrs,  Samuel.  271. 
Streigh,  .John,  506. 
Strout,  Christopher,  630. 

Georfje,  030. 
Stndley,  Samuel,  717,  d. 

Sylvanus,  7i4,  d. 
Sturrris,  David,  718,  d. 

Edward,  182,  195,  100,  203, 
d.,  216,  (]. 

John,  299,  d. 

Samuel,  207,  .301,  d. 

Thomas,  189,  21;;,  d. 

■William,  337. 
Stuteley,  Mr.,  41. 
Sunderland,   Mr.,   195,   375, 

.377,  d. 
Swett,  Benjamin,  072. 

John,  000. 
Swift,  Abm.,  488,  d. 

Alvin,  1.59,  d. 

Benjamin,  445. 

D.avid,  464. 

Elijah,  480,  d. 

Eli'ilia,  419. 

Ellis,  161,  d. 

EplH-aim,  74,  80,  448,  456. 

Jireh,  83,  80,  90. 

John,  475,  d. 

Josiah,  506  513. 

Levi,  15S,  d. 

Man:isseth,  453. 

Micah,  II.,  473,  d. 


INDEX    OF   NAMES. 


801 


Swift,  Moses,  100, 113, 154,  d., 

449, 453. 
Nathaniel,  479,  d. 
Reuben,  475,  d. 
Samuel,  74,  8G. 
Silas,  152,  d. 
Solomon,  447. 
Thomas,  120, 150,  d.,  483,  d. 
Ward,  123. 
WUliam,  44,  54,  60,  67,  69, 

74,  86. 


T. 

Taber,  Philip,  180. 
Tappan,  Eev.  D.  B.,473. 
Taylor,  Abner,  226. 

Ansel,  232,  d. 

Barnabas,  Rev.,  213,  698. 

Daniel,  213,  223. 

Ebenezer,  213,  300,  d. 

Edward,  271,  283,  d. 

Henry,  271. 

Howes,  231,  d. 

Jacob,  217,  d. 

James,  216. 

Jeremiah,  196. 

John,  194,  202,  506,  513. 

Reuben.  222. 

Richard,  193,  d.,  194, 207,  d. 

Samuel,  232,  d. 

Simeon,  709,  d. 

Shubael,  210,  d. 
Teage,  194. 

Templar,  Richard,  182. 
Thacher,  Anthony,  ISO,  181, 
182,   187,  189,   190,   d., 
580. 

Benjamin,  717,  d. 

David,  222,  224,  229,  d. 

George,  230,  d. 

Henry,  232,  d. 

James,  335. 

John,  191,  195,  196,  210,  d., 
220,  d.,  228,  d. 

Joseph,  216,  219,  d. 

Josiah,  208,  d.,229,  d. 

Judah,   194,   195,    196,    d., 
216. 

Peter,  Rev.,  274. 

Peter,  196,  207,  215,  d. 

Thomas,  217,  d.,  229,  d. 

William,  224. 
Thayer,  Rev.  T.,  712,  713. 
Thomas,  Nathaniel,  422. 

Orsemus,  642,  d. 

Theophilus,  638. 

William,  424. 
Th.ompson,  John,  271. 
Thornton,  J.  W.,17.3. 

Thomas,    Rev.,    188,    190, 
195,  196,  199,  200,  204, 
205,  d. 
Tilley,  Hugh,  182. 

Samuel,  427. 

William,  257. 
Tobey,  Benjamin,  135. 

Cornelius,  135. 

Eliakim,  113,  120. 

Ephraim,  74. 

Ezra,  150,  d. 

Gershom,  86. 

Heman,  135. 

James,  161,  d. 

Jonathan,  82,  86. 

John,   74,   86,  99,  d.,  135, 
479,  d. 

Joshua,  113,  152,  d. 

Melatiah,  135,  156,  d. 

VOL.   II. 


Tobey,  Natlian,  74,83. 

Knowles,  706,  d. 

Samuel,  47,  86,  99,  d. 

Seth,222,  699,  703,  d.,  711, 
d. 

Stephen,  709,  d. 

Thomas,  45,  47,  60,  69,  86, 
89,  d.,  218,  d.,  228,  d. 

Thomas  H.,  147,  d. 

Timothy,  162,  d. 

William,  74. 

Zimri,  472,  d. 
Tomlon,  Nathaniel,  588. 
Treat,  Rev.  Samuel,  335, 375, 
.379,  380,  381,   d.,  .382, 
495. 

Samuel,  545. 
Tripp,  Joseph  G.,  235,  d. 
Troop,  William,  271. 
Tucker,  John,  505,  507,  d. 
Tupper,  Eldad,  86,  95, 103,  d. 

Eliakim,  92,  96. 

Elisha,  110,  135,  d. 

Enoch,  111. 

Israel,  82,  86. 

Medad,  101. 

Prince,  111,  152,  d. 

Roland,  104,  d. 

Samuel,  112,  d. 

Silas,  103,  121. 

Thomas,  15,  36,  44,  48,  60, 
69,  74,  75,  86,  87,  d. 

William  E.,  649,  d. 
Turner,  Charles,  Rev.,  556, 
559. 

Isaac,  69. 

John,  Rev.,  7.30. 

Michael,  17,  44,  60,  69,  71. 
Twining,  William,  182,  359, 
375. 


XJ. 

Underwood,  Joseph,  529,  d. 
Rev.    Nathan,    522,     528, 

529,  d. 
Upham,  Rev.  Caleb,  556, 658, 

564j  566,  569,  d. 
Upsal,  Nicholas,  58. 


Vickery,  David,  553. 

Hudson,  662. 

Jonathan,  Rev.,  190,   5 
589. 

Jonathan,  552,  553. 
Vincent,  Henry,  195,  196. 

Isaac,  704,  708,  d. 

John,  17,  42,  44. 

Philip,  718,  d. 

Thomas,  50. 
Vinton,  Rev.  J.  A.,  608. 
Vose,  Rev.  Ezekiel,  731. 


Wade,  Richard,  17. 
Wadibone,  Nicholas,  182. 
Walley,  Rev.  Thomas,  268, 
270,  271,  273,  274,  d. 

Thomas,  Jr.,  269,  280. 
Walker,  Benjamin,  525. 

Jabez,  .375. 

William,  367,  .375. 
Ward,  Joseph,  671,  672. 
Watkins,  Thomas,  638. 

101 


Waterman,  Eleazer,  672. 

Jotham,  Rev.,  .326,  328. 

Samuel,  666,  672. 
Webb,  Rev.  Benjamin,  385, 

393,  d. 
Webster,  John,  483,  d. 
Weekes,  Ammiel,  513, 526,  d. 

Ebenezer,  527,  d. 

George,  500,  512,  d. 
Weeks,  Barzillai,  161,  d. 

Ebenezer,  448. 

John,  427,  4i8,  431. 

Shubael,  447. 

William,  427,  431. 
Welles,  Rev.  E.,  155,  158,  d. 
Wells,  Isaac,  244,  255,  271. 
West,  Rev.  Samuel,  229, 448. 
Whelden,  Gabriel,  179. 

Henry,  182,  194,  202,  d. 

John,  195,  210,  d. 

Miller,  717.  d. 
White,  Crannet,  181. 

Emanuel,  182,  184. 

James,  2.33,  d.         "'" 

Joseph,  230,  d. 

Peregrine,  181. 
Whitman,   Bathsheba,    140, 
775.- 

Jonas,  324. 

Levi,  Rev.,  138,  676. 
Whorf,  John,  638,  642. 
Wiley,  Rev.  E.,  409. 

Moses,  671. 

Nathaniel,  681. 
Willard,  Joseph,  202. 
Williams,  Rev.  A.,  102,  113, 
133,  d. 

Georg-e,  .387. 

Samuel,  182,  760,  763. 

Thomas,  359,  .375. 
Willis,  Jonathan,  55. 

Lawrence,  44,  258. 

Nathaniel,  44,  48, 

Thomas,  17. 
Winchester,  Titus,  1.34. 
Wing,    Ananias,    195,    198, 
502,  d. 

Daniel,  44,  53,  60,  63,  69, 
82,  86,  158,  d. 

Ebenezer,  83,  86,  101. 

Edward,  111. 

Elnathan,  505. 

Jashub,  83,  155,  d. 

John,  17,  44,  74,  86,  187, 
195,  196,  200,  205,  d., 
504,  742. 

Joseph,  69,  195,  517. 

Joshua,  111,  164,  d. 

Otis,  Rev.,  730,  7-38. 

Samuel,  74,  100,  111,  143, 
159,  d. 

Simeon,  119. 

Shearj.,  86. 

Stephen,  44,  60,  69,  86. 

Sylvanus,  47S,  d. 

Thomas,  67,  09. 

Zaccheus,  111. 
Winslow,  Abm.,  027,  747. 

John,  756,  d. 

Kenelm,  195,  190,  198,  498, 
501,  d.,  504,  505,  518, 
744,  7(U,  d. 

Nathan,  761,  d. 

Nathaniel,  764. 
Winsor,  John,  17. 

Joseph,  44,  53,  55.  00,  69. 
Winter,  Samuel,  030,  031. 

Thomas,  553. 
Wiswall,  Rev.  Mr.,  09,  70. 
Witherell,  Eleazar,  681. 


802 


fflSTORY    OF   BARNSTABLE    COUNTY. 


Wixam,  Barnabas,  375. 

John,  714,  d. 

Nehemiah,  718,  d. 

Robert,  359,  370,  d.,  875. 

Titus,  375. 
WollastOD,  Edward,  17. 
Wood,  David,  405,  d. 

Ebenezer,  300. 

William,  15,  19,  31,  32,  44, 
169. 
Woodbury,  Rev.  B.,  471, 473. 
Woodward,  Rev,  G.  W.,333, 
334. 


Wooster,  Rev.  Francis,  98, 

102. 
Worden,  Peter,  182, 190, 195. 

Samuel,  195. 
Wright,  Anthony,  17,  44. 

Nicholas,  17,  44. 

Peter,  17,  44. 
Wyatt,  William,  430.  431. 

Y. 

Teat,  John,  606. 
Tesson,  Mr.,  195. 


Younjr,  Benoni,  82. 
David,  038. 
Henry,  378. 
Jonathan,  671. 
John,  359,  366,  371,  d.,  375, 

506. 
Joseph,  375,  544,  545,  554, 

611,  d. 
Nathaniel,  375. 
Prince,  513. 
Robert,  375. 
Samuel,  551,554. 
Thomas,  662. 


INDIANS. 


JL. 

Ackepesco,  86. 
Akemoiet,  273. 
Antiko,  07. 
Anthony,  642. 
Aspinet,  348,364. 


C. 

Canootus,  72. 
Ceapish,  439. 
Charles,  205. 
Commuck,  67. 
Connelow,  73. 
Cosens,  John,  373. 
Coshannay,  Thomas,  373. 


33. 

Daniel,  279. 
David,  Peter,  550. 


Francis,  270, 364. 


GJ-. 


George,  348. 


nope,  67. 
Humphrey,  Paul,  284. 


J. 

James,  275. 
Jediah,  545. 
.Jediah-John,  550. 
Jephry,  111. 
Jeremy,  542. 
Jeremy- Anthony,  550. 


Joel,  72. 
Joshua,  542. 


Keenccomset,  263, 273,  275. 


Lieutenant- Anthony,  542. 
Little-Robin,  690, 


m:. 

Manasseth,  373. 
Mashantampaigne,  183,  187, 

192. 
Mattaquason,  348,  579. 
Moash,  2ii4. 
Mopes,  07. 
Monoho,  273. 
Munsha,  Samuel,  373. 


IT. 

Nauhaught,  Joseph,  176. 
Ned,  83,  273. 
Nepoyetum,  258. 
Noantico,  Job,  427. 
Noantico,  Thomas,  427. 
Nummuck,  67. 


O. 


Old  John,  ■< 


Paul,  Humphrey,  284. 
Paupmunnuck,  259,  204. 
Peter,  David,  544. 
Peter,  Joseph,  284. 


Pognet,  Caleb,  86. 
-Popnit,  Caleb,  86. 


Q. 

Quason,  John,  270,  500, 679. 

Richard,  James,  284. 
Richard,  Matthew,  96. 

S. 

Sabbatubket,  690. 
Sachemus,  270,  690. 
Sam,  Daniel,  548. 
Sampson,  090. 
Sassamon,  07. 
Saxuant,  203. 
Seagumuck,  259. 
Seekunk,  272. 
Serunk,  258. 
Si  as,  Zach.,  87. 
Simon,  72. 
Simon,  Isaac,  93. 
Suukation,  86. 

T. 

Tonumatuck,  Jed.,  544. 

Jolm,  550. 

Joe,  514. 
Tawsomet,  579. 

Wahwoonetshunke,  690. 
Waumpiim,  204. 

Isaac,  284. 
Wetiacowit,  07, 
Will,  2Q9. 

Y. 

Yanno,  187, 208,  274. 


INDIAN    NAMES    OF   PLACES. 


803 


INDIAN   PLACES. 


Acapesket,  417. 
Aquidnet,  fi?. 
Ashimuit,  85,  417. 


Cataumet,  417. 
Catochesit,  248,  253,  264. 
Chakwaquet,  248,  254,  335. 
Chapoquoit,  417,  431. 
Chequesset,  6G3. 
Chumaquid,  248,  249. 
Coatuite,  248,  254,  264. 
Comassekumkanet,  21. 
Coonemessit,  430. 
Cowesit,  27. 

Gesquoquesset,  .549. 


Hockanom,  213,  694. 
Hiyannos,  248. 


JS.. 

Katomuck,  67. 
Kitteaumut,  21,  28. 


Manomet,  21,  27. 
Matchapoxet,579,  585, 


Mayhaganset,  430. 
Mattachiest,    179,    181,   182, 

243,  248,  252. 
Meeshawn,  373. 
Mistick,  248,  253. 
Monamoyick,  187,  348,  579. 
Moonpoon,  545. 


isr. 

Nauset,  184,  260,   347,   348, 

396. 
Namskaket,  347,  348,  721. 
Nanomesset,  67. 
Nashanovv,  07. 
Naumquoit,  721. 
Nauticon,  177. 
Not)sque,  417,  427,  457. 
Nobscusset,  201,  689, 


Pamet,  376,  535. 
Pashchetonesit,  67. 
Peskahamesit,  67. 
Pesque,  457. 
Pochet,  .348,  379,  721. 
Pokesit,  21,  28. 
Pononakanet,  373,  653. 
Potanumaquut,  348,  721. 
Poughkeeste,  28. 


Q. 

Quanaumut,  273,  429. 
Quisset,  417,  431. 
Quivet,  689. 


S. 

Saconesset,  67,  259,  417. 
Saquatucket,  270. 
Satuite,  254. 
Satucket,  199,  201. 
Sapokonish,  349. 
Seipigan,  245. 
Scauton,  21,  67,  248. 
S cargo,  351. 
Scusset,  21,  22. 
Shawme,  21,  23. 
Sipperwisset,  417. 
Skunkenuck,  248. 
Sugkones,  417. 
Sursuit,  194,  689. 


T. 

Tamahepaseakon,  248. 
Tashmuit,  543,  547. 
Tateket,  417,  430. 
Tonset,  319,  721. 
Tuttamnest,  349. 


XJ. 
Uckatincet,  67. 


"Waquoit,  417. 
Wayquonscot,  70. 
Weekapoli,  83. 
Wenaumet,  28. 


^^ 


i 


EERATA. 

Vol.  I.,  page  299,  second  line  from  bottom,  for  Howes  read  Hawes. 

"  "     324,  portrait,  see  remarks  Vol.  II.,  pages  774-5. 

"         "     335,  fourth  line  of  note,  for  Patrick  read  Patience. 

"  "     461,  third  line  from  top,  an  should  be  a. 

"  "     521,  third  line,  paragraph  should  date  1779. 

Vol.  II ,  page  29,  third  line  of  Webster's  letter,  for  man  read  men. 

"         "     91,  fourth  line  from  bottom,  for  Hivah  read  Hiram. 

"  "      142,  last  note,  see  cori-ection  page,  775. 

"         "      172,  sixth  line,  for  _/irsi  read  third. 

"         "     273,  note,  second  line  from  bottom,  for  1633-4  read  1683-4. 

"         "     301,  thu-teenth  line  from  bottom,  for  1734  read  1724. 

"  "     337,  third  note,  first  line,  for  1707  read  1S07. 

"         "     340,  first  note,  add.  Engraving  furnished  by  his  son,  H.  L.  Hallett,  Esq. 

"         "     471,  seventh  line,  for  ee.  54  read  SB.  35. 

"         "     485,  second  line  from  top,  for  ilibses  read  Knowles;  and  see  page  772.   ■ 

"         "     610,  the  engraving  mentioned,  was  vrithdrawn — the  portrait  being 
"^  imperfect. 
647,  fourth  line,  for  1858  read  1853;  and  see  page  769. 


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